Religion or relationship?
Little did I know what God had in store for me this past weekend.
You know how we all like to have a schedule, a plan, ...structure in our lives? And with jobs, families, and churches these things are necessary, but ultimately there comes a time when we must learn to fully surrender to God's will and God's plan-daily. And that's how many of us learned to pray, as Christ taught us to pray:
"Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
or by His Words in the garden at Gethsemane, "...yet, not my will but thine be done."
And daily, to seek first His will, His kingdom, and His righteousness (Matt 6:33) with the promise and hope, that all "these things (our needs) will be added unto us."
But, I didn't hear from the Lord this weekend about whether to go to the homeless outreach or see some friends from out of town. ( Jas 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.)
A friend from high school was in town and wanted to get together with some other friends. I hesitated, but ended up at the game with friends from high school. So, whether it's at a Lacrosse game, Mardi Gras, or an Airport, I'm gonna serve the Lord! But, I didn't stand at the gate handing out tracks and; I didn't preach the gospel. I didn't lay hands on the sick, but I did rebuke Jack for listening to AC/DC!! (And I am disgusted that he's interested in and talking about beer when he's in Middle School!) (And most of us were once this way!!!!)
I went hoping and praying for one lost person to come to know Jesus--a friend who is headed for Iraq, again. And this was and is my prayer:
Since we don't know the day or the hour when Christ will return for us, and since we are not promised tomorrow, I pray that we will ALL be ready for Him, that we KNOW we are saved, and then walk it out daily.
After three days of prayer and reflection, ( walking and talking with Jesus) I've found that I truly do not want the things of this world. Christ fills my heart to overflow and meets all my needs. What was promised has been fulfilled: I do not want. (Just as promised in Psalm 23:1 the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.) I surrender! His love is so good! How can I resist?! This is the revelation that the Lord has given me today:
I am a friend of God.
Rom 5:11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
It's not about sitting in a pew every Sunday. It's not about standing on a street corner and preaching. It's not about visiting nursing homes or hospitals or even feeding the poor. These things are good and necessary, but without love it's just going through the motions. Christ is love and that love fills our hearts, daily, if we let Him. I pray that we let nothing take the place of that intimacy with Him. I pray that you seek Him and His Truth, and find the fullness that fills your heart to overflow, the joy and peace that passes understanding. I pray you really KNOW HIM and His great love for you! Praise God for a wonderful love relationship with Him that's more awesome than we can comprehend.
Thank God for dying for us--while we were yet sinners.
Just praise God and say thank you.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
STILL...
After two weeks of raging storms (spiritual), the Lord has brought wonders of wonderful glories.
A couple living in domestic violence seek God and Christian fellowship:
Gideon and Dennis and I went to York, PA last week and ministered to a back-slidden lady and her live-in who claims to have been Muslim. He knows he needs the peace that he had when he was practicing his faith. We were able to share the One True peace with him and his girlfriend, Christ: the peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). We also ministered to his son, who wants to run away. Gideon and Dennis went back this week and Kareem is ready to come to the Lord and to church. They also ministered to the son and father encouraging them toward a healthier, God-centered relationship.
Dennis reports: "Man, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully! It was awesome!"
The day before we were at Allison Hill, Harrisburg, PA. A lady full 0f faith confessed that God will continue to deliver her and heal her. As we prayed for her knees to be replaced, all pain went away and she started dancing in the streets!
Also, that day, we met a fellow, I'll call him Ole'. He had been raised in a crack house since he was 12 years old and just wasn't ready to meet Christ, but knew that God put us in His path, so he listened; we talked, discussed faith and the hope in Christ. Eventually, he allowed us to pray for the Lord to heal his hurts and change his heart and mind. Folks, this neglected young man had been a crack dealer, but that day, God turned his life around and he committed to attend Bible study and prayer. He asked God to change him, and you can be sure that He will.
Joh 11:22 But I know that even now, whatever You will ask of God, God will give You.
(This passage is to Martha, Christ encouraging her in the loss of her brother, Lazarus, who will be raised from the dead).
The Glory goes to God, who still lives, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and promises this:
Joh 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
Joh 14:13 You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
Joh 14:14 Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!
Joh 14:15 "If you love Me, obey My commandments.
And this is the last command before Christ left this earth to prepare a place for us in heaven:
Mar 16:15 And then He told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Mar 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
Mar 16:17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe...
BLESSED BELIEVERS:
Joh 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me."
And now, despite the storm, I am still because God is with us.
Psa 46:7 Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psa 46:8 Come, behold the works of Jehovah, who makes ruins on the earth;
Psa 46:9 who makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be praised in the earth.
Psa 46:11 Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Amen
Donna D--living it out, by the grace of God
who loved us:
Rom 5:8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
GETting REAL, cause reality is CHRIST, and CHRIST CRUCIFIED.
GREAT LOVE ALMIGHTY! (ravens!!) (to the tune of "great leaping batfire-bat-man! robin)
A couple living in domestic violence seek God and Christian fellowship:
Gideon and Dennis and I went to York, PA last week and ministered to a back-slidden lady and her live-in who claims to have been Muslim. He knows he needs the peace that he had when he was practicing his faith. We were able to share the One True peace with him and his girlfriend, Christ: the peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). We also ministered to his son, who wants to run away. Gideon and Dennis went back this week and Kareem is ready to come to the Lord and to church. They also ministered to the son and father encouraging them toward a healthier, God-centered relationship.
Dennis reports: "Man, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully! It was awesome!"
The day before we were at Allison Hill, Harrisburg, PA. A lady full 0f faith confessed that God will continue to deliver her and heal her. As we prayed for her knees to be replaced, all pain went away and she started dancing in the streets!
Also, that day, we met a fellow, I'll call him Ole'. He had been raised in a crack house since he was 12 years old and just wasn't ready to meet Christ, but knew that God put us in His path, so he listened; we talked, discussed faith and the hope in Christ. Eventually, he allowed us to pray for the Lord to heal his hurts and change his heart and mind. Folks, this neglected young man had been a crack dealer, but that day, God turned his life around and he committed to attend Bible study and prayer. He asked God to change him, and you can be sure that He will.
Joh 11:22 But I know that even now, whatever You will ask of God, God will give You.
(This passage is to Martha, Christ encouraging her in the loss of her brother, Lazarus, who will be raised from the dead).
The Glory goes to God, who still lives, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and promises this:
Joh 14:12 "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.
Joh 14:13 You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.
Joh 14:14 Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!
Joh 14:15 "If you love Me, obey My commandments.
And this is the last command before Christ left this earth to prepare a place for us in heaven:
Mar 16:15 And then He told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.
Mar 16:16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.
Mar 16:17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe...
BLESSED BELIEVERS:
Joh 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me."
And now, despite the storm, I am still because God is with us.
Psa 46:7 Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psa 46:8 Come, behold the works of Jehovah, who makes ruins on the earth;
Psa 46:9 who makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God! I will be praised among the nations, I will be praised in the earth.
Psa 46:11 Jehovah of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Amen
Donna D--living it out, by the grace of God
who loved us:
Rom 5:8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
GETting REAL, cause reality is CHRIST, and CHRIST CRUCIFIED.
GREAT LOVE ALMIGHTY! (ravens!!) (to the tune of "great leaping batfire-bat-man! robin)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Still Standing
Still sitting...
Still lying with my face on the floor, like a dead man.
PT said, "Stand on any street corner; sit in any church...any school...too ashamed to die."
So, I did. I stood there and prayed in front of the movie theater at Hunt Valley, loaded with kids. In the corner was a group of youth, one with a spiked mohawk, who entertained his friends by sticking a white rat in his mouth, as if to eat it. After awhile of praying, I found that he was standing next to me, so we chatted and I asked him about Jesus. But, he's a satanist who "doesn't worship satan." I explained that Christ died for him and that Jesus is the only way into heaven, but with out Christ we're damned to eternal hell and he walked away, actually, it seemed as if he flew.
I went home very sad that most likely the church kids avoid this crowd, are too busy with their Bible studies, electronic games, and coffee houses--that many really don't care, are too afraid, or are taught to avoid them. And, I'm wondering where are the Meghans, Ceces, Maddies, and Destinys?
After much prayer, I'm encouraged that God will continue the good work He began, that His arm is not too short to reach all flesh, and that I must continue, faithfully and full of faith--expressing the love, the Gospel truth, and the way.
The next evening, I stood on a corner in Gettyburg (in front of a pub). It was cold so I started shadow boxing as I prayed. A guy came out of the bar and called me over to talk:
"He-sus!" (He called me, because the sweatshirt says "Jesus.")
He had a lot of questions. As a firefighter, he's seen a lot of tragedy and he's bitter, hurt, angry...so he drinks to self-medicate, and he knows it's wrong, but doesn't think that he will ever change, that that will ever change about him, or that Christ can heal him. I was able to pray with him about it, believing and knowing that God can change him and his heart.
I thank God for a heart of compassion. I thank God for the gift of mercy, to cry out for the lost. I thank God for the boldness to move ahead confident, in Him who died for us.
Last night, the Holy Spirit kept speaking into me: "I died for you."
I said, "I know."
And today, the reflection is this:
So, what does that mean to me?
And for you, believers, what does that mean to you?
During this season called "Passover," many church goers will give up something for lent. I've been thinking about "Lent." For years, I would practice this ritual of giving up something that I really enjoy, but for what purpose? Did I give to the poor? Did I help the needy? Did I share the good news? Or did I just go through the motions?
This season, let this song hold true for believers everywhere:
"I don't wanna go through the motions."
I don't wanna just go through the motions of saying I'm a Christian with out a heart of compassion and love for the lost, and with out doing something about it. How about you?
Blessings to you who do (this), Saints and believers.
ABOUT MARDI GRAS: the last night.
Our last night on the streets, we go out with the hopes of bringing in "just one more," (to the kingdom of God--for salvation--souls.) There were two significant people to whom I was blessed to have met. One, is a guy who is looking at doing time for life. He plans to go to jail soon and sees no way out--forever. Wow. I had just heard several testimonies of people who had not been punished to the full extent of the law, whose sentence had been cut short. One had actually been bailed out. Another, the court lost the paper work; I've met several people to whom this has happened.
Testimonies of such led me to the Lord before I knew Christ. So, I shared that hope with this guy.
The scary part: this guy confessed that he had a gun on his bike and a knife in his pocket and was ready to take some people with him if anyone messed with him that night. Of course, I asked him if that meant me too? I didn't feel threatened by him. Still, I kept looking for back-up help. One guy who had been reading his Bible on the corner, I thought he was my back up, but he was gone when I looked for him. I waved to a few others to help, but they turned away as if not to see me motioning to come over. So, I just had to trust God, that I'm covered and that no harm would come to me. I had a great peace about it.
Suddenly, a naked woman, painted with flowers, was next to me on that corner and a crowd surrounded us. The men were gawking at her chest. Cameras were flashing. There was an old guy who I'd tried to talk to every night. He always walked away, wouldn't listen. That night, there he was, captive--wide-eyed with camera in hand, grinning at the naked painted woman. I asked him if he knew that he was a pervert. Maybe, this time, the truth sunk in.
The awesome thing: I got to talk to the girl,
Naked and unashamed,
and tell her about the love of Jesus.
I don't remember her name.
But, I think she understands,
that she doesn't have to that anymore--be exploited like that--that she's precious to Him-a real treasure.
What a blessing-to talk to her
And I know that God will continue the good work He began.
Amen?
Amen.
Still lying with my face on the floor, like a dead man.
PT said, "Stand on any street corner; sit in any church...any school...too ashamed to die."
So, I did. I stood there and prayed in front of the movie theater at Hunt Valley, loaded with kids. In the corner was a group of youth, one with a spiked mohawk, who entertained his friends by sticking a white rat in his mouth, as if to eat it. After awhile of praying, I found that he was standing next to me, so we chatted and I asked him about Jesus. But, he's a satanist who "doesn't worship satan." I explained that Christ died for him and that Jesus is the only way into heaven, but with out Christ we're damned to eternal hell and he walked away, actually, it seemed as if he flew.
I went home very sad that most likely the church kids avoid this crowd, are too busy with their Bible studies, electronic games, and coffee houses--that many really don't care, are too afraid, or are taught to avoid them. And, I'm wondering where are the Meghans, Ceces, Maddies, and Destinys?
After much prayer, I'm encouraged that God will continue the good work He began, that His arm is not too short to reach all flesh, and that I must continue, faithfully and full of faith--expressing the love, the Gospel truth, and the way.
The next evening, I stood on a corner in Gettyburg (in front of a pub). It was cold so I started shadow boxing as I prayed. A guy came out of the bar and called me over to talk:
"He-sus!" (He called me, because the sweatshirt says "Jesus.")
He had a lot of questions. As a firefighter, he's seen a lot of tragedy and he's bitter, hurt, angry...so he drinks to self-medicate, and he knows it's wrong, but doesn't think that he will ever change, that that will ever change about him, or that Christ can heal him. I was able to pray with him about it, believing and knowing that God can change him and his heart.
I thank God for a heart of compassion. I thank God for the gift of mercy, to cry out for the lost. I thank God for the boldness to move ahead confident, in Him who died for us.
Last night, the Holy Spirit kept speaking into me: "I died for you."
I said, "I know."
And today, the reflection is this:
So, what does that mean to me?
And for you, believers, what does that mean to you?
During this season called "Passover," many church goers will give up something for lent. I've been thinking about "Lent." For years, I would practice this ritual of giving up something that I really enjoy, but for what purpose? Did I give to the poor? Did I help the needy? Did I share the good news? Or did I just go through the motions?
This season, let this song hold true for believers everywhere:
"I don't wanna go through the motions."
I don't wanna just go through the motions of saying I'm a Christian with out a heart of compassion and love for the lost, and with out doing something about it. How about you?
Blessings to you who do (this), Saints and believers.
ABOUT MARDI GRAS: the last night.
Our last night on the streets, we go out with the hopes of bringing in "just one more," (to the kingdom of God--for salvation--souls.) There were two significant people to whom I was blessed to have met. One, is a guy who is looking at doing time for life. He plans to go to jail soon and sees no way out--forever. Wow. I had just heard several testimonies of people who had not been punished to the full extent of the law, whose sentence had been cut short. One had actually been bailed out. Another, the court lost the paper work; I've met several people to whom this has happened.
Testimonies of such led me to the Lord before I knew Christ. So, I shared that hope with this guy.
The scary part: this guy confessed that he had a gun on his bike and a knife in his pocket and was ready to take some people with him if anyone messed with him that night. Of course, I asked him if that meant me too? I didn't feel threatened by him. Still, I kept looking for back-up help. One guy who had been reading his Bible on the corner, I thought he was my back up, but he was gone when I looked for him. I waved to a few others to help, but they turned away as if not to see me motioning to come over. So, I just had to trust God, that I'm covered and that no harm would come to me. I had a great peace about it.
Suddenly, a naked woman, painted with flowers, was next to me on that corner and a crowd surrounded us. The men were gawking at her chest. Cameras were flashing. There was an old guy who I'd tried to talk to every night. He always walked away, wouldn't listen. That night, there he was, captive--wide-eyed with camera in hand, grinning at the naked painted woman. I asked him if he knew that he was a pervert. Maybe, this time, the truth sunk in.
The awesome thing: I got to talk to the girl,
Naked and unashamed,
and tell her about the love of Jesus.
I don't remember her name.
But, I think she understands,
that she doesn't have to that anymore--be exploited like that--that she's precious to Him-a real treasure.
What a blessing-to talk to her
And I know that God will continue the good work He began.
Amen?
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
