Disciples

You know John the Baptist had disciples. When Jesus walked by he directed them to Him...Behold the Son of God. Two of John's disciples left and followed Jesus. This pleased John. I understand this feeling. For one of my "spiritual children" to be at a place to follow someone more advanced would be GREAT!

Who hit you?

When Jesus was being beaten they taunted him saying..."f you are the son of God...who hit you?" Oh, the taunts to the prophetic that still ring today. We are all guilty of it. "If you are so prophetic how come you didn't know?" "Well, you are prophetic...pray about it". And the list goes on. What spirit is really behind such questions and expectations. I believe this could be something to really think about.

Children

I guess you finally realize you are a mature mother when you see something is going to cause your children pain so you prepare them the best you can, brace yourself, and pray. Physical pain is so much easier to deal with than emotional or spiritual pain. My first year out of college I experienced a deep slaughter to my emotion and spirit. My prayer has been since that my children would never have to deal with a blow similar to the one I dealt with. My heart reaches out right now to one of my children. I understand tough love if you don't just focus on the tough and leave out the love. If not handled correctly the opportunity for slaughter is on the horizon. Lord, please let maturity and love take the lead in discipline. Life altering choices at a young age. Choices that can only be influenced by prayer.

Fasting

How interesting is it that we struggle so much with fasting and then act surprised when we struggle with disciplining our flesh in other ways. Fasting one day...is it really a big deal...most of us can't do it. Knowing we will eat tomorrow. We still have to fight ourselves all day not to eat. Funny thing is ...I don't even like eating...but yet when it is time to fast...all of a sudden I really want to eat. If I can not even get through one day without fighting myself how do I expect to overcome with discipline things I need to overcome? Fasting is to help us get rid of unbelief. Do you think maybe the unbelief is not only in faith for God to help us but for the unbelief in ourselves. I can't do it...I can't resist...um, fast a few times successfully and whoa all of sudden you say...I CAN DO IT! I can discipline myself and be successful.

City

All I wanted to do this weekend was hang out with God. We had some great times. He talked to me about a city in Brazil. Oh, the excitement of recieving more pieces to the puzzle of your destiny. I know Brasilia will be in my future. The more I research this city the more I know it was meant for me. Did you know Brasilia was founded on a Prophecy. A prophecy from an Italian Priest named Don Bosco in 1883. The city wasn't even built until 1956. COOL HUH! Wait, there is more. Don Bosco had a heart for teenagers. In the late 1800's he was referred to as an Apostle of Teenagers....AWESOME! Who wants to go? I have a plan...

Worship

When my son was sick a few years back the only song I could sing to him was Your Love is Extravagant.

Your love is extravagant. Your friendship, it is intimateI feel like moving to the rhythm of Your grace Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin No greater love have I ever known You considered me a friend Capture my heart again
Spread wide in the arms of Christ is the love that covers sin No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart againYour love is extravagant Your friendship, it is intimate

This week when he was coming out from surgery the only song I could sing was More Precious Than Silver.

Lord ,you are more precious than silver...Lord, you are more costly than gold...Lord, you are more beautiful than diamonds and nothing I desire compares with you.

These aren't songs I choose...these are the songs God draws out of me for my son. Interesting isn't it? Why those songs? Why at those times? I guess that is one of those things my mind will contemplate for a little bit. If you have any insight...feel free to share it.

Branch

Reading a book by Jim Goll...he quoted some guy named Andrew Murphy...I think..who knows...didn't read the fine print cause my mind took off with what they said. Basically they said this. The fruit on the branches is not for the tree. It is for the people who walk up and pick the fruit. Not for the branch but for the people who carry the fruit away. Think about that! Wow.

Snow Day

Snow days are so nice to relax, watch tv, and play cards with the kids. Took a long nap yesterday so we stayed up late talking with friends. A true friend will run to Krispie Kreme at 9:30 at night on icy, snowy day at the request of a newly tonsiless seven year old girl, and deliver them right to your front door. How blessed am I with good friends? VERY BLESSED. I think even better than the donuts (can I say that?) was to spontaneous laughter. Some people are just naturally funny. A good belly laugh with lost breathe is a tremendous gift isn't it. May you experience a deep laugh today....or at least help someone else achieve one.

Shadow

So the goundhog saw it's shadow and now we will experience 6 more weeks of winter. The church is only a shadow of what it should be...does this mean we will experience 6 more weeks of a cold and lifeless church? Shadows. I've been thinking of shadows. I refuse to accept that the church will experience winter any long. God controls the seasons...God controls the times. Lord we speak life into the church. We speak spring and new beginnings. It is easy to hide in the shadows. "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty". (Psalm 91) My thought is this...to abide and to hide are two different things. We should abide in the shadow of the almighty but we SHOULD NOT hide! When we hide in the shadows we blend, we become dark, insignificant, and vague. A shadow has no strength nor does it have substance. We can abide under the "wing" of the Lord but we should not hide in the shadows. We are called to be "lights" not "shadows".

Rain

It has not rained in Oklahoma. Why? Is it possible God is bringing a new rain (spritual). Noah had no idea what rain looked like. It had never rained from the heavens. Water seeped from the earth...but not from the heavens. Having no idea what rain was like he still built an arc with a roof that was exactly what God wanted. I think God is bringing a new rain of his spirit like nothing we have ever seen or heard of before. Now is the time to prepare the arc..build it the way God wants. It isn't time to shut the door yet...but soon it will be. Noah shut the door and THEN it rained. FROM THE HEAVENS! Lord, we know the rain is coming. A new rain from the heavens. Let us hear clearly how to build the arc, complete it, and close the door so it it can rain. Then let it rain and flood this earth with your revival.

Committment vs commission

Commitment: 1 a : an act of committing to a charge or trust: 2 a : an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date b : something pledged c : the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled

Commission: Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin commission-, commissio act of bringing together, from committere1 a : a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties b : a certificate conferring military rank and authority; also : the rank and authority so conferred2 : an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts : CHARGE3 a : authority to act for, in behalf of, or in place of another b : a task or matter entrusted to one as an agent for another4 a : a group of persons directed to perform some duty b : a government agency having administrative, legislative, or judicial powers c : a city council having legislative and executive functions5 : an act of committing something: an act of entrusting or giving authority.


The Great Commission
Matthew: 2816
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Lord I agree to be a Christian, be "saved" and serve you. COMMITTMENT. Lord I will ACT like a Christian, and ACT like I am "saved". I will go! COMMISSION. Matthew 28 is not a gentle request nor is a request for committment...it is a commission....a command. We are not given a choice. "Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." The first step in teaching "them" to obey is to be obedient ourselves. GO YE THEREFORE! Go where? Go to the nations...what is a nation? A community of people composed of one or more nationalities (birth, race, nation). To teach: 1 a : to cause to know something b : to cause to know how c : to accustom to some action or attitude. Basically a change will take place if a genuine teaching takes place. If we are obedient to the commission given in Matthew 28 then somebody will be affected by us. To teach we have to have knowledge. Knowledge of the God, but just as important is a relationship with Him. Knowledge is a committment, an agreement or pledge. A commission is an act. How can we act with the authority of someone we don't know? We have to know God in order to fulfill his commission. Not only do we have to know God we have to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit as well. The trinity can not be seperated. "Baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Commission is much more costly than committment. Committment is requested...Commission is demanded. GO YE!

Etiquette

Galations 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

Well, I am wondering if most christians actually walk in the fruit of the spririt or if it is just a matter of etiquette. We are raised and trained in how to act properly by our parents. Chew with you mouth shut. Say thank you. And on and on the list goes. Are we raised and trained in how to act via the fruit of the Spirit by our churches? I may not love you but I can "act" like I do. I may not have joy or peace but by my etiquette you may never know it. "How are you...fine thank you." Etiquette says don't say the truth and etiquette replied I won't pry. Do you know anyone who is a real nice person. I mean a "real" nice person. "Real" fruit of the spirit means you can't help but BE love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. When you are a child your parents teach you church etiquette. How are you...fine, thank you. I know you don't like that person but be nice anyway. If you come late to church and leave early maybe they won't ask you to volunteer for anything. Hey...hurry up and be first in line for the potluck...otherwise they might run out of food. I am going to talk to that pastor... I'm sure he doesn't know what is really happening...and on and on it goes. Etiquette NOT fruit. Fruit wouldn't behave the way we do. As an adult has God been allowed to bring about fruit in your life or are we relying on our training?

Encouragement

I read this and felt encouraged...thought I would pass it along.


"You will soon sense a glorious future before you. I will open doors of blessing and opportunity. Discouragement will burn away like dew when the sun comes up. Where there was confusion and bewilderment, there will be clear sailing and calm seas (Mark 4:39). You will think it's a dream... but it's real. Satan will feel humiliated and shirk back knowing he can do nothing to stop the avalanche of My goodness coming your way (Psalm 31:19). An embarrassed devil (instead of just backing off) will flee from you fearful he will get overrun (Luke 10:19). The truth of who you are will sink in…a child of Mine (Psalm 5:2; 84: 1-5). You'll not only feel relieved but once again happy and strong. You will feel like flying (and your spirit will). You will arise and be strong, picking up (and dusting off) your weapons (Ephesians 6:10-17). You will know that I, your Lord, has not only restored your dignity, but given you the city. You can go forth now, never looking back (Luke 9:62) only upward.
Your vision will be clear, your steps firm and your soul will be on fire. That verse that previously seemed so hollow and distant will reverberate through your spirit: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13). It will seem like your faith has faith.
Child of Mine, you're back…and you're not alone." (Mark 16:20).

Outside

On the outside looking in. You see your body going through the routine motions but your heart and mind seem to be watching from the outside. I know everyone has experienced this feeling at one time or another. When you look at yourself and others around you like this do you ever wonder if you are making a difference in life or lives? I hope you come to the same conclusion as I have, that yes...we all make a difference in life and in lives. It is our choice whether that difference in good or bad. May it be good the majority of the time.

Fruit

I found myself sitting in the middle of a fruit basket last night. Does this make me fruit? I mean...I was in the middle of it right. I was talking with a lady at a church service out of town. Mid sentence she starts shaking and says...oh, pray with me...someone needs healing in their back. Oh, the pain is so much. Then she started right into prayer. Lord, bring them peace etc. Can I remind you I do not know this lady? Would this make anyone want to be saved? When is the last time we actually led someone to the Lord? When is the last time you knew someone who led someone to the Lord? What do we have as Christians that the "world" would want? We are strange, poor, uneducated, undecisive, defensive and arguementative. Needless to say the entire evening was one of interest. Please understand me...yes, someone may have had a hurt back and yes they could have been healed at that moment. But why the drama? Yes, great question for all of the Christian world....WHY THE DRAMA?

Youth 101

I know some of you may not be interested in this but I had a request to post it for quick reference.....

Youth Leadership 101

ARE YOU CALLED?:
A friend once told me that if you are called to ministry there is no way you can stay out of it. Meaning that all of a sudden you find yourself in charge of groups or activities that you never signed up for. If you find that you are driving for youth activities and you aren’t even a parent of a youth, if you find that you are called to pray for the youth in your church, if you find yourself as a counselor at camp, if you find yourself always sitting in the “youth section” at any church you visit…you might be called to youth ministry. IF YOU LIKE TEENAGERS…you might be called to youth ministry. I know, I know, it may be hard to believe but some people don’t enjoy hanging out with teenagers. Once you break “youth” code and can understand their humor you are home free. Please see current issues for more information on breaking the code. If you go to the fair, the mall or a concert and feel like crying when you see teenagers with out God, parents, or friends…you might be called to youth ministry. If you get chills when you see teenagers worship God….you might be called to youth ministry.

OLD MINDSET:
I will go ahead and say this now. If you feel like you are called to ministry and you feel like being a youth pastor would be a good place to start to receive training and experience before you step into a senior pastor position, PLEASE RECONSIDER. This is an old mindset. There is no Jr. Holy Spirit. So why would a youth group be considered a step down? Most people get saved before they are 18 years old. Teenagers are some of the most fertile soil to plant seeds in. Teenagers are figuring out the course they are going to follow in life. They are discovering where they are called to minister. Whether it is in politics, nursing, 5 fold ministry or as a stay at home parent. Please don’t belittle the ministry that takes place in youth. IT IS NOT A STEPPING STONE!

SENIOR LEADERSHIP (Submission):
Youth pastors can often get the title of the black sheep in the church. Why is this? Is it because they are always pushing that subtle grey line? Or is it because they don’t submit to authority? Youth pastors should NEVER walk in rebellion. Everything should be submitted to the Senior Pastor of the church. Authority is very clear in the Bible. Youth Pastors…submit.

STARTING A YOUTH MINISTRY?:
SMALL CHURCH:
Let me guess, you are sitting in church when they announce that they need someone to volunteer to teach the youth. You look around expecting numerous hands to raise and see nothing. Not really understanding what the hold up is…you wait a couple weeks for someone more gifted to step in and realize nobody has stepped up. So, you go to the pastor and say you would be interested in volunteering. Then the fun begins.
Step one: Get a complete list of all the youth in your church between the ages of 12-18. A complete list includes youth that may not always live with the members of the church but will attend periodically. Call every teenager on the list and invite them to the first meeting. The first meeting should be a blast. Games, give aways, loud music and of course an upbeat prayer. Plan a parents meeting to follow soon after and share your short term goals, long term goals, personal testimony, and discipline policy.
LARGE CHURCH:
Praise God, you already have an established ministry to step into. First suggestion-Slow down. Don’t come in with guns blazing no matter what you have heard. Discover needs. You are a servant of the Lord. Not a dictator. Find out what the needs of the youth, the parents, and the church are, then build a battle plan. Who are your volunteers, what are the golden calves that can’t be touched, what is loved, what is hated? And of course, PRAY< PRAY< PRAY.
MERGING YOUTH GROUPS:
Fun, fun, my husband and I did this twice in 6 months. RELAX! The teenagers are confused and defensive enough, they do not need any more excitement. They are loyal to the side they came from. Never come against things that were done in the past. Do a new thing. Listen a lot. Play games. Break open the bible and chill out. After a few months name the “new “ youth group, develop T-shirts, and have a lock in.
AGE GROUPS:
JR HIGH:
6th-8th grade. Very enjoyable age group. Always willing to participate and go all out in games. Don’t want to talk about sex…ever. Stick with the fruits of the spirit. They are ready to learn about life from a Christian perspective. Be careful what you say to this age group. Everything you say will be considered law to them and anything not clear will be presented to their parents construed and out of whack.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Be prepared. High School youth will challenge you in every way possible. If you say the Bible says it, be ready to show them where. They will ask you sex questions with a boldness that will take away your breath. Don’t underestimate these kids. The days of innocence are gone, they may try to play dumb but they know what is going on. They don’t lie but they will manipulate conversation to find answers to tough questions they are dealing with at home and at school. They want to know you not only love them but that you like them. Therefore, they will try to explore boundaries and see where your weaknesses are. Warning: for this age group, avoid trying to be cool and hip with them all the time. You are a youth pastor not their best friend. Self check; if you find all your friends are under 18, you need to step back and find some mature friends your age that can help you maintain reality.

BIBLE:
Please bring the Bible into every service and every activity. The Bible is one of the only constant things these youth will have. Show them the map to life every chance you get. Please don’t make every event a huge stage for your fantastic speaking ability. A few scriptures and prayer will suffice.

EXPECTATIONS:
Always communicate expectations to the youth, parents, leadership, and volunteers. Set everyone up to be successful. People around you can not read your mind no matter how many years you have been around each other. Put your goals and expectations in writing and have yearly meetings to discuss these goals.

NOT JUST A YOUTH PASTOR:
Youth Pastors can sometimes become focused on the youth and only the youth. The youth pastor plays an important role of helping bridge the gap between generations in the church. The children should be excited to “graduate” to youth at the appropriate age and by then the youth pastor should know who is coming in and their ages. The youth pastor should have a relationship with the children’s pastor so communication is open about the student moving in. What are this child’s spiritual gifts, what kind of relationships do they have with their family, do they respect authority, are they saved? (See attachment A). Youth pastors also should have teenagers ready to step into servant roles in the adult congregation immediately upon graduation. Youth Pastors are not just youth pastors, please make yourself available to your senior pastor as a servant for the workings of the church. The church always needs help in the nursery, in the office, alter time etc.

PROTECT YOURSELF:
RELEASE FORMS:
I’m sorry to say it but, WATCH OUT, yes, those lovable little teenagers can get you into REAL trouble. Signed release forms must be signed for any type of church activity. Youth pastors are sued every day for physical and emotional damages. Please protect yourself. John 10:10 The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

PERSONAL SUGGESTIONS:
Never be alone with a teenager of the opposite sex. Confrontation should always be done with a reputable witness and documented for the students file. Be courteous of family beliefs. Our job is not to prepare the teenager with all the correct theological information to be better prepared to debate with their parents.

MISSIONS:
Matthew 26: Go ye therefore into all nations. Missions is so much fun with teenagers! When they realize that God is not American it is a truly significant moment. We recommend going on a missions trip every other year. The reason we recommend this is financially it is easier on the church. It gives the youth something to strive for. It gives the youth time to mature. And it gives you an opportunity to strongly encourage camp involvement every other year.

CAMP:
What a fantastic opportunity to relax and have some fun with your teenagers. Camp allows an expectation for hard lessons to be taught into the lives of the students. They will allow other spirit filled leaders to speak into their lives things that they don’t even want to touch at home. Fantastic. Encourage them to ask the hard questions. Encourage them to bring as many friends as possible. Camp is a great evangelistic opportunity.

DISCIPLINE:
Teenagers want clear guidelines on discipline. We have two rules in our youth group. Number 1- Don’t get us in trouble and number 2-you have to see one of the youth leaders at all times. This has been very effective for our youth groups. First of all they realize their actions will affect us. And second of all, if you can see what they are doing and they can see you they won’t be getting away with anything out of line. Of course we discuss the possible ways they could get us in trouble and always get a chuckle out of the creativity they portray. Side note, discipline concerning biblical morals should always be address on the spot. Indecent dress, public displays of affection, anger outburst, and disrespect should never be tolerated.

MONEY:
One of the easiest pitfalls to fall into is concerning money. It seems so easy to reach into your pocket for some loose change for one of the student to have a coke or to play a video game. Can you believe that such a simple reaction can cause intense feelings of rejection, favoritism, and sometimes a call from parents? That’s right. The only way to fix this problem is to give to every teenager in the youth group.

FUNDRAISERS:
If fundraisers are made available at least 4 times a year it will allow you the freedom to plan larger dollar events. It is always a good idea to vocalize that students will not get outside sponsorship of events unless they participate in fundraisers. Let me clarify this. When an offering is taken up or if God lays on someones heart to give specifically this is different. If a generous soul walks up to you and offers to give to a student if there is a need, I suggest only giving to those who have already put forth some effort and have worked. This is a great teaching time and also prepares them for the adult world.

CURRENT ISSUES:
If you are a youth pastor or a parent of a teenager it is vital to be up to date on current issues. Yes, it is ok to watch MTV. Not to the point where you enjoy it…however, if you don’t know what the teens are talking about then how can you tell them if it is right or wrong? They know when you are real and when you are fake. If you blanket all of MTV as wrong they will tune you out super fast. Yes, most of it is overboard…however, its amazing how you can break the code of humor, style, and “coolness” when you watch 10 minutes of MTV news. It gives you a heads up to what is really going on in their world. Internet and cell phones are a must in youth ministry. We can not tell you how many times a teenager has opened up online via chatting or IMs. They will talk very open about their lives when they aren’t face to face. It also allows some one on one time to talk to them in their comfort zone without any intimidation or judgement. Find out what web sites they visit, what games they play, and who they chat with. You now know 50% more than any other adult in their lives.

FAMILY GUIDELINES: DEALING WITH PARENTS:

The parents are the number one authority in the life of every teenager! Learn this now and it will save you pain later. No matter how solid your beliefs are, no matter how great a program you have planned, no matter what the teenager says, if the parents don’t support you, you have nothing.


This is just a little bit of my opinion regarding youth issues....I will share more later I am sure.

Stephen

Two years ago I found myself in a hosptal on Thanksgiving day holding my toddler son who was sick. We had been at the hospital for three days. My daughter was at home sick with the flu. My husband was home with her. It was around 2:00 in the afternoon on Thanksgiving and I couldn't eat. Not by choice...you see...I couldn't leave my son alone in the room to go get anything to eat and since he wasn't eating or drinking a tray was not delivered. As I held my son feeling completely helpless and alone I felt the spirit of the Lord come into the room. I had been stripped of everything and everybody. I was at one of the lowest points I had ever been...and completely alone. But God did not leave me. He came in assured me everything would be ok. Quickly afterwards my husband was able to bring some food to me and my son started a quick recovery. So quick we were able to check out later that night. The interesting thing is that of all the wonderful friends and family that we have we somehow managed to find ourselves completely alone. Something happened to my heart that day. I know my friends and family love me...they would never mean to hurt me. The thought of that day can still bring me to tears. But the difficulty of that time has not been matched....until lately.

Once again I have been stripped of everything. Standing helpless. But this time I am not alone. I have had so many wonderful friends and intercessors that have helped carry me through this time. I appreciate them so much. My heart has been hurt so very deep...but somehow it knows that the blows aren't fatal. I was thinking about Stephen. Right before he died he saw into heaven. So many things are so close to death in my life right now. Amazing how I feel like I am looking into heaven. God has let me glimpse areas of His glory that are fabulous. Still being stoned...yep, being dragged out of the city...yep...thankful for the glimpse of heaven...yep.

Sometimes when you feel like you are just keeping your head above water you better watch out who is struggling beside you....they may send you under simple cause you are to close to them. How many dunks will you take before you either go under completely or you move a little out of the way? Can you even move?




The Stoning of Stephen
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Shaking

Shaking. Over the last few weeks I feel like I am standing on Jello. Sinking a little...shaking alot. Purified by fire. I have learned so much over the last few weeks. Has it hurt yes. The pruning process is never easy. (Can I use enough christian jargan? Ha Ha) So where does this bring me? It brings me to a place of repentance, a place of desire, a place of evaluation, and a place of determination. I see the end. I know my destiny, I know my call. The variables that may try to come against this destiny will not change the ending. They can however help me grow and change to be mature and appreciative once I get there. Start at A and end at Z. Can I make it through everything else in between. I can. Happily? I realize I can walk in sadness...something I have never done before. Grieving for things lost yet hopeful for things yet to come. My capacity for compassion has expanded. Tears are easy. Laughter is available. Change is inevitable.

Reality

Reality...what an interesting thing. Reality is defined as something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily- in reality : in actual fact. Returning from Africa was difficult. The reality that faced me when I returned was not easy to grasp. What made it so hard? Is my life in the states so difficult. NO! So what is the deal. The deal is every once in a while you sit under an open window of pure love from God. This window can be randomly placed and often is in the most surprising of places. To experience this window for an extended amount of time is precious. The window God opened over us in Africa was wonderful to sit under. In Africa we saw instant response to prayer via the prophetic, via healing, via revelation. It was awesome. Can God do this here. Yes. Has he chosen to...yes...at the same extent...no. I'm sure our undivided attentionto God in Africa had something to do with it. Reality...can I give God undivided attention here? Is that really what is required?

Just For Me

One morning I was talking to God about how I don't really understand intimacy with him. Song of Soloman can really creep me out. God has started easing me into intimacy. This is what He spoke to me this morning. He was telling me how He created man for fellowship. He was lonely and wanted companionship. He created each and every one of us for fellowship. We all have a piece of God's lonely heart to complete. He created each of us just for him. Just for him. He needs us to complete His heart. He knew everything we would and will do in life and He created us anyway. He loves us.

JUST FOR ME:

He speaks to me and says your beautiful.
He speaks to me and says I adore you.
He speaks to me and say I love you.
He speaks to me and says I created you...just for me.

So, I watch you.
I want you.
I need you.
Time with you is never enough, I can't get enough of you.

I wanna dance with you
I wanna talk with you
I wanna laugh with you
But I really just want to tell you and whisper in your ear.

Your beautiful
I adore you
I love you
I created you...just for Me.
I created you...just for Me.