One of the things that God has been teaching me and moving me to is the prophetic. For what ever reason I had very little interest in the prophetic. God has flowed through me several times in the prophetic realm and some people get excited when they are around me but I do not consider myself that special. What people call prophetic gifting I just call my normal relationship with God. This is the way my life has went since I accepted Jesus into my life as Lord and Savior.
This new season in my life God is taking me back to build a foundation under the gifting (mercy and grace has protected me and allowed me to operate in the gifting to this point there has been some understanding but not what I would call a deep biblical understanding. This is not meant to confuse people I just have never studied prophecy like reading Mike Bickle and Jack Deere until now and part of that was timing. I have always known my gifting is from God and that it can be perverted or even attacked. God is just taking me back now to understanding what it all means). There has been some things that I flat out won't do if I am ministering or preparing to minister that I could never understand. As I stated earlier this was just how things have been since I have invited Jesus into my heart.
One of those things is television. I will take away the television about 2 weeks before ministering. I do not need distractions. God has trusted me with ministry and I want to know the Father's heart for the people that He is sending me to. I have found that I had been putting law over myself regarding that and God has brought it back and healed my heart. I now step away from the television not because I feel like I have to but because I want to draw close to God and hear His voice speaking to me.
The other thing I do before ministering is my prayer life becomes a focal point of my study time. I get in there and just pray in the spirit (Jude 20) and intercede as God directs. Prayer has really been a difficult place for me. I, until now, would only use prayer when I was in a tight spot and needed direction. God has created a new heart in me and it has changed my life. I know that being in DP we sometimes can get so focused on setting our swivel chair correctly that our quiet time is more about checking the boxes instead of spending quality time with the Father.
So what is God showing me concerning this? He actually had me go back and read Dr. Jack Deere's The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy and here are some of the excerpts that hit home with me.
Interceding. Read Rev 4-5 and you get a powerful representation of the throne room of heaven. You have the four living creatures flying around a throne, hundreds of millions of angels and then you have the twenty-four thrones with the twenty-elders sitting on them. Pretty vivid and amazing picture no less but what is important is what Jesus is doing in the midst of all this awesomeness. He does not get distracted from His main task as the heavenly entourage is singing His adoration He is laboring in prayer for all those He is drawing to His Father(Heb 7:25). Pretty awesome.
Interceding is what happens once the word has been delivered. As Dr. Deere states; "If we truly want our prophetic word to draw our hearers to God, then we should pray for them after we deliver the message." If Jesus can do it in the midst of heaven then I have no excuse not to do it here on this earth with all of its distractions.
So what about the television being turned off (this is just for me as God treats each one of us differently and honestly I place way too much on my time with the television)
Well first some history. Back when I first was saved I felt that God was calling me to go speak with the Pastor concerning the state of his church. There was things that were revealed to me that needed to be spoken and God had chosen me. I had been saved for a little over a year so I was still wet behind the ears and I was really flying by the seat of my pants. I thought that everyone's relationship with God was like mine (even with Shelly speaking to the contrary)
So anyway I schedule the meeting and sit down and speak all that God had revealed to me. (I was very fortunate that there was a ton of tact and for whatever reason God had placed a heavy anointing on me before I walked into his office). John 14:10 states "The words that I say to you, I do not speak on my own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. That was my focus on this day.
After sharing what God had placed on me I walked away heart broken. I knew that the words had not been received. That hurt but what was the source of my pain?
Today God revealed to me the motives of my heart. They were indeed pure. My heart was broken because I knew what was going to happen in that church. I knew that people were going to get hurt and some were going to get left behind. That hurt me more than the pastor not listening to me. I am thankful that God showed that to me because I do not desire to do anything unless God is doing it. Bottom line. That has been my hearts cry when God uses me prophetically. I have personalized John 5:19 that I can do nothing of myself unless it is something that I see the Father doing; for whatever the Father is doing that is what I desire to do in like manner. That is my hearts cry.
One of the goals that I have adapted in my life is that Satan have no hold on me. John 14:30 states I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me; and 31 But so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. Get up, let us go from here. That is the pray of my heart, Father.
Overall I must say it is so funny that God uses me prophetically. I am a perfectionist. Why is that funny you say? Because I have to discern Interpretation, Revelation, and Application, a lot of times I may just get the revelation and someone else has the interpretation and someone else has the application. See how that could mess me up? It is not (to my way of thinking) a complete work if I just get one piece I want to finish this thing and see freedom but God's way is not mine now is it?
God has a wonderful sense of humor because I also have a fear of failure, of being wrong but when flowing in the prophetic how do you judge right or wrong? Look at the fruit. Fruit not signs and wonders which the enemy can duplicate. Satan can not copy the fruits of the Spirit
So why prophesy? 1 Cor 14:3 But one who prophesies speaks to me for edification and exhortation and consolation.
Edification the act of building up, promoting another's growth in Christian wisdom. piety, happiness, holiness
Exhortation consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment, persuasive discourse, stirring address
Consolation any address whether made for the purpose of persuading,or of arousing and stimulating, or of calming and consoling, comfort
To this purpose I have been called Roman 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
I have a lot to learn and a ton of room to grow. God is faithful to complete the work that He has started. The nice thing is there is no longer a false sense of me achieving this on my own or positioning myself to operate in this precious gift. I can't earn it the gifts of God are irrevocable (unregretted meaning God does not regret placing that gifting on the inside of me even knowing the mistakes that I am going to make along the way HE DOES NOT REGRET IT!!! think about that). I just need to make a decision to follow Him and to love Him not pursuing for the gift or anointing but because He is my Father and I want to be around Him. That is where my heart is right now.
As for that meeting with the pastor? Difficult times were indeed ahead and God has given me an understanding that a baby prophet is generally not ideal to speak corporately over the Body. So why did God send me? A few reasons come to mind. It was a lesson I will never forget the pain I felt for the Body was tremendous. Do I have the courage to speak what God is saying to someone I had placed on a pedestal? It would be and it still is a place of growth for me. God has used that point several times including the need for tact when in a difficult position. He also used it (again I had no idea what I was doing this was mercy and grace) about the importance of prayer. In Dwelling Place before giving a word of correction we always pray and seek Godly council before attempting something like what God had me do. I did not know of DP at the time but those were the steps I took. I prayed and fasted as well as sought the advice of my spiritual parents. All in all it proved to be an experience that God could later build on. And He is.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Random Thoughts
Today as I was trying to stay awake after a great Relay for Life night and then heading into work I was thinking and asking God to help me during this time. (I usually am not too nice with less than 8 hours of sleep so after only three last night I was concerned about which way the ole swivel chair was going to focus today.) (Rom 8:6-7). Nobody ever said that it was easy. Far from it. The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force (Matt 11:12)
The thought that God showed me was from the military days. A popular military train of thought is that a soldier learns more when they are tired. That is why there is an emphasis on the Army's Ranger School as a premier leadership course because you do not sleep in that school for a few months (the ideas is to induce the stress of combat into a training session) and it seems to work pretty well. God was showing me that what I put into my body today would have an impact on my future and that I had a choice.
So with all that being said here are some random thoughts from the men's encounter last week at A Place for the Heart, some things that God is doing in my life, and just other thoughts that right now would not constitute enough info for an individual blog.
With the understanding of what the last 24 hours have been like let's begin with a personal gem that God gave me two years ago. I was struggling at the time with lust and I felt like a teenager with the issues and emotions that I was having. I was praying seeking God, repenting, putting scriptures in place of the lies - all to no avail. That is then when I heard God tell me that "Breakthrough happens when your destiny means more than your circumstances" that still ministers to me to this day because my desire is to become a man of integrity that walks upright with the Lord. (Pro 2:7)
A gem that I picked up from Jonathan Helser last weekend was one that he spoke Friday night. His wife Melissa was pregnant with Cadence at the time. Jonathan didn't know what to do except to sing over Melissa's belly. He did that for nine months. Finally Cadence arrived into the world and Jonathan was walking with him in the hospital around midnight and Jonathan just began to sing over him. He saw in Cadence eyes a brief look of recognition as if to say "Hey your the voice that has been singing over me my whole life". Jonathan went on to say that that is the way that heaven is going to be when we finally come face to face with God and then we are going to recognize that voice that has been singing over us our whole lives.
That really struck a chord with me because there are times that I have to go back to Zep 3:17 which states;
The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
Lastly I wanted to speak of being a son/daughter of God. Anybody that has ever sat in on a Rick Sizemore teaching knows that God has really placed this message on his heart to minister to people. I really liked the idea and having sat under Rick for over three years now I "Know" all about being a son and the freedom it entails. Unfortunately it had not made that 18 inch journey (thanks Jonathan) from the mind to the heart. For some reason I feel God wanting me to share my journey in a few short paragraphs. Maybe this will help someone else who is struggling.
For a foundation lets go to Romans 8:14,15,16
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God
Sounds pretty good correct? I mean we are sons and daughters of the Creator of Heaven and Earth who is not a man that He should lie (Num 23:19)
My issue (and I believe that there are precious few that have no issues once so ever in understanding in their minds AND hearts what it means to be a child of God) was I had to earn it. My hang up was look at me God I am spending time praying (distorting 2 Timothy 2:15) and studying and wow look at how I treat other people pretty good, huh? (Is 29:13)
And here is what happened. Two Dwelling Place encounters ago God brought me to a brink and I had a choice to make. Spiritual and physical death was at my door because "mind set on the flesh is death" (Rom 8:6) but God warred for me. I had sown to the flesh and I was reaping corruption (Gal 6:8) but fortunately I saw God fight for me in a very real way. No emotions, no I think that He did nope the Father flat out fought for me when I was dead in my trespasses (I will write about the whole deal later on but holding onto bitterness (Heb 12:15, Eph 4:31) might seem like a good idea to you but let me tell you do not play with bitterness I almost physically died because of it.
Here is what I learned from the whole thing.
1. God does not give up on me. I can quit Him at my own peril but He will not stop loving me
2. when you ask your Father to remove anything that is hindering you from His presence get ready for your life to be flipped upside down (I did learn a little more about His ways are not mine)
3. I do not have to earn this Love. He watches over me to perform His word (Jer 1:12)
4. HE NEVER GIVES UP ON ME
In closing Jonathan Helser summed it up for me when he stated that God sees the mistakes your going to make and He still wrote your name in the palm of His hand.
Think of this Isaiah 49:16
Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me.
And the best part was His mercy and grace were enough for me and I did not have to do it on my own, could not do it on my own if I tried. How awesome is our God?
And lastly I just want to declare the lyrics of Our God on the Passion 2010 Awakening CD
There is no one like you
None Like you
Our God is stronger
Our God is greater
Our God is higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in Power
I would just encourage you to take a few moments and reflect on those times that God had to show Himself mighty on your behalf and maybe you have forgotten that time. Take a few moments and just let Him know, "ya know what God I just want to say thank you that you were with me during this time. I am thankful that you never leave me and you never forsake me. Thank you" ((Heb 13:5)
There is power released when you acknowledge God in all of our affairs. I know that I am forever thankful.
The thought that God showed me was from the military days. A popular military train of thought is that a soldier learns more when they are tired. That is why there is an emphasis on the Army's Ranger School as a premier leadership course because you do not sleep in that school for a few months (the ideas is to induce the stress of combat into a training session) and it seems to work pretty well. God was showing me that what I put into my body today would have an impact on my future and that I had a choice.
So with all that being said here are some random thoughts from the men's encounter last week at A Place for the Heart, some things that God is doing in my life, and just other thoughts that right now would not constitute enough info for an individual blog.
With the understanding of what the last 24 hours have been like let's begin with a personal gem that God gave me two years ago. I was struggling at the time with lust and I felt like a teenager with the issues and emotions that I was having. I was praying seeking God, repenting, putting scriptures in place of the lies - all to no avail. That is then when I heard God tell me that "Breakthrough happens when your destiny means more than your circumstances" that still ministers to me to this day because my desire is to become a man of integrity that walks upright with the Lord. (Pro 2:7)
A gem that I picked up from Jonathan Helser last weekend was one that he spoke Friday night. His wife Melissa was pregnant with Cadence at the time. Jonathan didn't know what to do except to sing over Melissa's belly. He did that for nine months. Finally Cadence arrived into the world and Jonathan was walking with him in the hospital around midnight and Jonathan just began to sing over him. He saw in Cadence eyes a brief look of recognition as if to say "Hey your the voice that has been singing over me my whole life". Jonathan went on to say that that is the way that heaven is going to be when we finally come face to face with God and then we are going to recognize that voice that has been singing over us our whole lives.
That really struck a chord with me because there are times that I have to go back to Zep 3:17 which states;
The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.
Lastly I wanted to speak of being a son/daughter of God. Anybody that has ever sat in on a Rick Sizemore teaching knows that God has really placed this message on his heart to minister to people. I really liked the idea and having sat under Rick for over three years now I "Know" all about being a son and the freedom it entails. Unfortunately it had not made that 18 inch journey (thanks Jonathan) from the mind to the heart. For some reason I feel God wanting me to share my journey in a few short paragraphs. Maybe this will help someone else who is struggling.
For a foundation lets go to Romans 8:14,15,16
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God
Sounds pretty good correct? I mean we are sons and daughters of the Creator of Heaven and Earth who is not a man that He should lie (Num 23:19)
My issue (and I believe that there are precious few that have no issues once so ever in understanding in their minds AND hearts what it means to be a child of God) was I had to earn it. My hang up was look at me God I am spending time praying (distorting 2 Timothy 2:15) and studying and wow look at how I treat other people pretty good, huh? (Is 29:13)
And here is what happened. Two Dwelling Place encounters ago God brought me to a brink and I had a choice to make. Spiritual and physical death was at my door because "mind set on the flesh is death" (Rom 8:6) but God warred for me. I had sown to the flesh and I was reaping corruption (Gal 6:8) but fortunately I saw God fight for me in a very real way. No emotions, no I think that He did nope the Father flat out fought for me when I was dead in my trespasses (I will write about the whole deal later on but holding onto bitterness (Heb 12:15, Eph 4:31) might seem like a good idea to you but let me tell you do not play with bitterness I almost physically died because of it.
Here is what I learned from the whole thing.
1. God does not give up on me. I can quit Him at my own peril but He will not stop loving me
2. when you ask your Father to remove anything that is hindering you from His presence get ready for your life to be flipped upside down (I did learn a little more about His ways are not mine)
3. I do not have to earn this Love. He watches over me to perform His word (Jer 1:12)
4. HE NEVER GIVES UP ON ME
In closing Jonathan Helser summed it up for me when he stated that God sees the mistakes your going to make and He still wrote your name in the palm of His hand.
Think of this Isaiah 49:16
Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me.
And the best part was His mercy and grace were enough for me and I did not have to do it on my own, could not do it on my own if I tried. How awesome is our God?
And lastly I just want to declare the lyrics of Our God on the Passion 2010 Awakening CD
There is no one like you
None Like you
Our God is stronger
Our God is greater
Our God is higher than any other
Our God is Healer
Awesome in Power
I would just encourage you to take a few moments and reflect on those times that God had to show Himself mighty on your behalf and maybe you have forgotten that time. Take a few moments and just let Him know, "ya know what God I just want to say thank you that you were with me during this time. I am thankful that you never leave me and you never forsake me. Thank you" ((Heb 13:5)
There is power released when you acknowledge God in all of our affairs. I know that I am forever thankful.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
20 May 2010 AM Post
Wasn't really sure where God wanted me to go this morning. Was thinking that maybe I should do the threads of my life post but not yet, maybe the Holy Spirit and what He means to my life but no, I feel this morning that God is wanting me to speak on worship.
For whatever reason I have been blessed with the gift of worship. As a new Christian just days into my walk with the Lord I could not understand what it was about songs from groups like Newsboys and Casting Crowns (I Can Only Imagine) would just leave me in a heap on the floor sobbing like a baby.
The very first lesson I ever learned about worship was the fact that God inhabits the praises of His people(Psalm 22:3 KJV) That was really all I ever needed. As I have moved forward what has been on my heart concerning worship is motives. Am I pursuing the presence of God just for some feeling of goodness or am I pursuing the presence of God because I want to be like Him?
The answer for me is: it really depends on the day. Some days I want to get into His presence because I have had a crap day. Sometimes I worship to get into His presence before I pray and seek His heart on matters that are important to myself and my family, and then sometimes I just worship because, well I know what He has brought me through and if I did not sing I would combust with the sheer joy of what my Father has done in my life and what he is doing in my life.
Here is my belief, call it a lie and allow the truth to be established but in the presence of God circumstances have to change. Psalm 68:8 states that the earth quaked; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel. The other interesting verse that talks of the presence of God is the throne room of heaven where Rev 4:8 states that: And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME"
Think about something exciting in your life, maybe it was that football game between Tech and Nebraska, maybe it was your wedding, regardless think of an event that impacted you and that you remember with fondness. Now ask yourself, how long did it take before that memory faded? The four living creates do not cease to declare that God is Holy(religious awe, reverence; to venerate, revere). Why would I not want to spend time in the presence of the this powerful being? There is just something about the Father and I believe that it is Him drawing me closer to Him.
But worship is much more intimate than that to me now. With an understanding that the veil is torn (Mat 27:51) and that I can now enter into a place that was once reserved only for Levites (Num 1:50-53) why should I waste an opportunity here on earth to do something that I will spend the rest of my life doing?
Worship is indeed the key. Rev 14:7 we are admonished to "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." Worship in this scripture was derived from the root word meaning literally to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand the Lexicon continues with the outline of Biblical Usage and defines it as to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence, my favorite is it was used among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
I like 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, "He is indeed is good for His loving kindness is everlasting" then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priest could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God
There is just something about worship. But there is one point of caution. Ecc 5:1-2 sounds a very clear warning Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil
Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and your are on the earth; therefore let your words be few
To me the most beautiful thing about worship is the fact that I just need to be me, there are no fancy words that I need to speak. I just acknowledge His presence and in that place circumstances change.
For whatever reason I have been blessed with the gift of worship. As a new Christian just days into my walk with the Lord I could not understand what it was about songs from groups like Newsboys and Casting Crowns (I Can Only Imagine) would just leave me in a heap on the floor sobbing like a baby.
The very first lesson I ever learned about worship was the fact that God inhabits the praises of His people(Psalm 22:3 KJV) That was really all I ever needed. As I have moved forward what has been on my heart concerning worship is motives. Am I pursuing the presence of God just for some feeling of goodness or am I pursuing the presence of God because I want to be like Him?
The answer for me is: it really depends on the day. Some days I want to get into His presence because I have had a crap day. Sometimes I worship to get into His presence before I pray and seek His heart on matters that are important to myself and my family, and then sometimes I just worship because, well I know what He has brought me through and if I did not sing I would combust with the sheer joy of what my Father has done in my life and what he is doing in my life.
Here is my belief, call it a lie and allow the truth to be established but in the presence of God circumstances have to change. Psalm 68:8 states that the earth quaked; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel. The other interesting verse that talks of the presence of God is the throne room of heaven where Rev 4:8 states that: And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME"
Think about something exciting in your life, maybe it was that football game between Tech and Nebraska, maybe it was your wedding, regardless think of an event that impacted you and that you remember with fondness. Now ask yourself, how long did it take before that memory faded? The four living creates do not cease to declare that God is Holy(religious awe, reverence; to venerate, revere). Why would I not want to spend time in the presence of the this powerful being? There is just something about the Father and I believe that it is Him drawing me closer to Him.
But worship is much more intimate than that to me now. With an understanding that the veil is torn (Mat 27:51) and that I can now enter into a place that was once reserved only for Levites (Num 1:50-53) why should I waste an opportunity here on earth to do something that I will spend the rest of my life doing?
Worship is indeed the key. Rev 14:7 we are admonished to "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters." Worship in this scripture was derived from the root word meaning literally to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand the Lexicon continues with the outline of Biblical Usage and defines it as to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence, my favorite is it was used among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
I like 2 Chronicles 5:13-14
in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, "He is indeed is good for His loving kindness is everlasting" then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priest could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God
There is just something about worship. But there is one point of caution. Ecc 5:1-2 sounds a very clear warning Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil
Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and your are on the earth; therefore let your words be few
To me the most beautiful thing about worship is the fact that I just need to be me, there are no fancy words that I need to speak. I just acknowledge His presence and in that place circumstances change.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
May 19th 2010
Today was a great day. I enjoy working at Tangent Outfitters because it gets me outside and sometimes (well most of the time) I end up in the river. And I get paid for it. Great right? I tend to think so.
Let me explain my joy and why it is proof that God is moving in my life. It wasn't too long ago that I would be reluctant to go to work for the amount of money that I am getting paid now. Some of the things that I would have repented (turn away) for would have been complaining, you know like I ain't getting paid enough to do this crap; bitterness, can't believe I was making $40,000/year to come work for these peanuts; and of course the infamous I don't know what Shawn is doing but I know that I could do better. But behold old things are passed away and all things are now new in my life.(2 Cr 5:17)
God has been teaching me to give thanks for the things that are in my life. I know that I had a tendency to measure my circumstances and equate my joy from that situation. Now I give thanks in all things. Great trait to have.
As I prepare for work I like to spend time with God in prayer. Father thank you for the wisdom to do a good job, I hear the voice of the good Sheppard and a stranger I won't follow, my footsteps are ordered by the Lord, and then it is on to the Holy Spirt, please minister to my during the course of the day and help me to guard my heart and my mind. It works out for me. Today I had to come clean with God (funny to think maybe He didn't know this about me) but I was asking God for help because I have a hard time backing trailers up and especially backing trailers up in tight spots like a boat launch on the river.
As we jumped in to the day (at Tangent we don't really start our day we just jump into it and go) God was telling me that today I needed to step out and learn how to back the trailers up. Alright I hear the voice of a good Sheppard(John 10:4,5).
It is interesting how the enemy will attack you when God has just spoken. Things were a little rocky as I left with the wrong truck to the wrong site, Shawn calls and wants to know where I am because we are ready to go. The other thing is Shawn was guiding which means that he was going with us which meant I had to back a trailer up with the clients AND the owner (Shawn) watching. On the way back to the shop to get the right vehicle I was asking God for some help here and declaring that I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Notice how the circumstances of the situation were stacking up. 1)I had done the wrong thing first thing that morning 2) we were now behind schedule with clients waiting (a big no no in sports recreation area of tourism) 3) the boss was not happy 4) I was going to be "found out" about my driving skills. Those were pretty big circumstances right there for 7:30 in the morning.
So what did transpire? I get to the shop, the guides are driving the trucks to the sight, and we are driving them back to the take out spot down river. After getting the clients and the boss on the water we dropped the trucks and headed back to the shop to run another truck to a different section of the river. During this time I was able to practice for half an hour at one of the most difficult spots we take out. And did a good job I might add.
As we were driving to the put in spots to meet up with the guides and the clients my wife sent me this scripture and I would like to share it hear because it made my day and reminded me that I am a blessed man to be able to work on the river this summer.
Isaiah 43:1,2
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
And the lesson that I learned? Listen to the voice of the Creator and not the voice of circumstances.
Let me explain my joy and why it is proof that God is moving in my life. It wasn't too long ago that I would be reluctant to go to work for the amount of money that I am getting paid now. Some of the things that I would have repented (turn away) for would have been complaining, you know like I ain't getting paid enough to do this crap; bitterness, can't believe I was making $40,000/year to come work for these peanuts; and of course the infamous I don't know what Shawn is doing but I know that I could do better. But behold old things are passed away and all things are now new in my life.(2 Cr 5:17)
God has been teaching me to give thanks for the things that are in my life. I know that I had a tendency to measure my circumstances and equate my joy from that situation. Now I give thanks in all things. Great trait to have.
As I prepare for work I like to spend time with God in prayer. Father thank you for the wisdom to do a good job, I hear the voice of the good Sheppard and a stranger I won't follow, my footsteps are ordered by the Lord, and then it is on to the Holy Spirt, please minister to my during the course of the day and help me to guard my heart and my mind. It works out for me. Today I had to come clean with God (funny to think maybe He didn't know this about me) but I was asking God for help because I have a hard time backing trailers up and especially backing trailers up in tight spots like a boat launch on the river.
As we jumped in to the day (at Tangent we don't really start our day we just jump into it and go) God was telling me that today I needed to step out and learn how to back the trailers up. Alright I hear the voice of a good Sheppard(John 10:4,5).
It is interesting how the enemy will attack you when God has just spoken. Things were a little rocky as I left with the wrong truck to the wrong site, Shawn calls and wants to know where I am because we are ready to go. The other thing is Shawn was guiding which means that he was going with us which meant I had to back a trailer up with the clients AND the owner (Shawn) watching. On the way back to the shop to get the right vehicle I was asking God for some help here and declaring that I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Notice how the circumstances of the situation were stacking up. 1)I had done the wrong thing first thing that morning 2) we were now behind schedule with clients waiting (a big no no in sports recreation area of tourism) 3) the boss was not happy 4) I was going to be "found out" about my driving skills. Those were pretty big circumstances right there for 7:30 in the morning.
So what did transpire? I get to the shop, the guides are driving the trucks to the sight, and we are driving them back to the take out spot down river. After getting the clients and the boss on the water we dropped the trucks and headed back to the shop to run another truck to a different section of the river. During this time I was able to practice for half an hour at one of the most difficult spots we take out. And did a good job I might add.
As we were driving to the put in spots to meet up with the guides and the clients my wife sent me this scripture and I would like to share it hear because it made my day and reminded me that I am a blessed man to be able to work on the river this summer.
Isaiah 43:1,2
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
And the lesson that I learned? Listen to the voice of the Creator and not the voice of circumstances.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Catching Up
It seems that everytime I go to the Helser's men's retreat my life is changed. Of course that is truth as anytime you are in the presence of your Father your life has to change. Circumstances have to change and hope has to be renewed.
As I was praying this morning God really impressed it upon my heart to take the time and begin to blog. Eventually there will be a biography and these blogs are going to help create a time-line.
First off lets catch up on the past year. Suicide, God intervention, job, no job, misery, marriage cracking at the foundation, frustration, meeting with Rick Sizemore, sent to another location, realized this was where God was sending me. And then this past weekend I was able to attend the Men's Encounter down in Sophia, NC at A Place for the Heart (www.aplacefortheheart.org).
A week or two before Easter of this year I was sitting with Rick and Mitch. Great guys. The thought was I was not going back to church anymore. I was tired of everything that I was feeling. I had no clue what was going on. None. Rick thought that maybe I needed to head to Dwelling Place Smith Mountain Lake http://dpsml.com/home and see what God was doing. Easter was our first Sunday back in almost two years. (Shelly and I knew that we were called to the area but I missed the timing the first go around and was very fortunate to have Sizemore in my life to help me from getting my goose cooked). It felt like home. I felt so released and free and it really felt like we were home.
As we were coming home Easter Sunday I surprised my wife by saying let's pray and seek Godly council on this matter. I also was adamant that we were not doing anything until we knew what God wanted for our lives AND we had spoken with Daniel at SML and Sizemore who has overall oversight of all three (currently) Dwelling Place Churches. She jokes that she should have known then that something was going on as I am a full speed ahead type of guy but I was wanting to be slow and cautious and definitely wanted to hear what God was saying.
As of today we have met with Daniel and are meeting with Rick tonight to see the timing of this. We have sought the Father's heart and listened for His direction and we feel strongly that we are to move on from Christiansburg Dwelling Place and move we feel that it is SML but we won't to be sure. I only do what I see the Father do.
As I was studying and praying and really seeking God's heart on this matter He took me to Numbers 14:39-45. Joshua and Caleb had went with the other spies and had saw the promised land. They saw that it flowed with milk and honey and there was fruit but the land was occupied. So the people decided to listen to the bad report instead of listening to the voice of reasoning from Caleb who said that hey God said this is ours let us overcome it. Sound advice but the people would not listen (Num 13:30).
See the promised land was on earth and there was obstacles to overcome but if God be for you who dare stand against you? Where is the faith. As the story progresses God informs Moses that for their unbelief this is what I am going to do. They are not going to see the promised land except for Joshua and Caleb. So the Israelites decide that hey we don't like that idea so we are going to go up there and take the land now that we have seen the choices and are no longer operating in faith.
The part that really stuck with me through this was the fact that the Israelites go and attempt to take the promised land while a) directly disobeying spiritual authority (Num 14:42 b) went to battle with out their spiritual authority (Num 14:44) and the most tragic of all was the fact that c) they went without God (Num 14:44). How did that work out for them?
Num 14:45: Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hornah.
That has served a valuable lesson for me and moving forward I will ensure that first off I am under authority, that I listen to said authority, and most importantly I will seek the heart of the Father first.
In closing another issue I would like to address the fact of bitterness, hatred, or rebellion. The fact of the matter is that should Rick decide that the time is still not correct (Rick will get mad at me for writing like that Rick did not make the decision Rick positioned me to hear from God concerning the timing but more on that later) I will continue to move on and do the things that God has placed on the inside of me. To be in authority you have to be under authority and to much is given much is required (Luke 12:48).
As I was praying this morning God really impressed it upon my heart to take the time and begin to blog. Eventually there will be a biography and these blogs are going to help create a time-line.
First off lets catch up on the past year. Suicide, God intervention, job, no job, misery, marriage cracking at the foundation, frustration, meeting with Rick Sizemore, sent to another location, realized this was where God was sending me. And then this past weekend I was able to attend the Men's Encounter down in Sophia, NC at A Place for the Heart (www.aplacefortheheart.org).
A week or two before Easter of this year I was sitting with Rick and Mitch. Great guys. The thought was I was not going back to church anymore. I was tired of everything that I was feeling. I had no clue what was going on. None. Rick thought that maybe I needed to head to Dwelling Place Smith Mountain Lake http://dpsml.com/home and see what God was doing. Easter was our first Sunday back in almost two years. (Shelly and I knew that we were called to the area but I missed the timing the first go around and was very fortunate to have Sizemore in my life to help me from getting my goose cooked). It felt like home. I felt so released and free and it really felt like we were home.
As we were coming home Easter Sunday I surprised my wife by saying let's pray and seek Godly council on this matter. I also was adamant that we were not doing anything until we knew what God wanted for our lives AND we had spoken with Daniel at SML and Sizemore who has overall oversight of all three (currently) Dwelling Place Churches. She jokes that she should have known then that something was going on as I am a full speed ahead type of guy but I was wanting to be slow and cautious and definitely wanted to hear what God was saying.
As of today we have met with Daniel and are meeting with Rick tonight to see the timing of this. We have sought the Father's heart and listened for His direction and we feel strongly that we are to move on from Christiansburg Dwelling Place and move we feel that it is SML but we won't to be sure. I only do what I see the Father do.
As I was studying and praying and really seeking God's heart on this matter He took me to Numbers 14:39-45. Joshua and Caleb had went with the other spies and had saw the promised land. They saw that it flowed with milk and honey and there was fruit but the land was occupied. So the people decided to listen to the bad report instead of listening to the voice of reasoning from Caleb who said that hey God said this is ours let us overcome it. Sound advice but the people would not listen (Num 13:30).
See the promised land was on earth and there was obstacles to overcome but if God be for you who dare stand against you? Where is the faith. As the story progresses God informs Moses that for their unbelief this is what I am going to do. They are not going to see the promised land except for Joshua and Caleb. So the Israelites decide that hey we don't like that idea so we are going to go up there and take the land now that we have seen the choices and are no longer operating in faith.
The part that really stuck with me through this was the fact that the Israelites go and attempt to take the promised land while a) directly disobeying spiritual authority (Num 14:42 b) went to battle with out their spiritual authority (Num 14:44) and the most tragic of all was the fact that c) they went without God (Num 14:44). How did that work out for them?
Num 14:45: Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hornah.
That has served a valuable lesson for me and moving forward I will ensure that first off I am under authority, that I listen to said authority, and most importantly I will seek the heart of the Father first.
In closing another issue I would like to address the fact of bitterness, hatred, or rebellion. The fact of the matter is that should Rick decide that the time is still not correct (Rick will get mad at me for writing like that Rick did not make the decision Rick positioned me to hear from God concerning the timing but more on that later) I will continue to move on and do the things that God has placed on the inside of me. To be in authority you have to be under authority and to much is given much is required (Luke 12:48).
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