Consider your field:
Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
What does it actually mean to consider? The Web Dictionary says it this way: to think deliberately or carefully; reflect, to view carefully or thoughtfully.
However the Hebrew word for consider is Zamam: meaning to have a thought, devise, plan, purpose, imagine. This is quite different from the word today. It has more of a risk and driven intent.
Hebrew word for buy laqach
Pronounced lä·kakh' meaning to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept.
This word is more than purchasing it means to commit to marry, to be bound to the land she is taking hold of.
So Proverbs 31:16 could be read this way
She imagines a plan and devises a purpose to lay hold and commits to a field.
When researching the ways to begin a vineyard I actually found a 6 step program on the World Wide Web. Listen for the spiritual connection to begin a vision…
* And bold font indicate the actually web advice
6 Things to consider before you become a vinedresser
The grape. This is the first major decision you MUST make. What are you planting?
The region. Keep in mind, Vineyards need a lot of heat.*Wine grapes usually require hot days and cool nights, and relatively dry climates that do not present a great deal of water per acre. Are you ready for the heat? Are your water supplies full?
The investment. What is this going to cost you? *Don’t kid yourself: Even for the independently wealthy, winemaking is not a business that carries low start-up costs and yields an immediate profit. This is truly a business venture for someone who is financially well-to-do and can afford to wait a good deal of time before realizing a return on investment. The experts aren’t kidding when they say that this is a business that will be profitable for your grandchildren.
The licensing/covering. Who will validate and endorse you. *Of course, starting a winery comes with some red tape. You’ll need a license from the state government and one from the federal government before you can start to produce or distribute wines.
The Marketing. Who is your audience, your niche, the people you are trying to reach? *This is a bit of a dry subject, but it’s essential for success. Before you get properly started, you must decide what market you plan to serve.
The support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help *One thing to remember about the business of winemaking is that you’re not alone in the venture; in fact, it’s accepted practice to look inside the industry for support. “I look at winemaking like I did being a driver,” says Andretti. “I don't know the inner workings of the engine, but you know that when it is right on song you are onto a winner.”
We have a field that God has placed under our care, our watch, our responsibility. Many times it is our family, our house holds, our aging parents, our unsaved husbands. In other cases it’s our ministries, jobs or volunteering. The important thing is to remember to focus on our one field and do it well!
Deuteronomy 22:9 Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.
The actually Hebrew meaning of defiled is to be separated to be set apart or in this case separated from the fruit you are working so hard to produce. You will labor in vain. We can prevent frustration by focusing on what is in our hands NOW. More fields will come with time, wisdom and maturity.
Master the field you are in before you start another one. Good example: Marriage or parenting is our first priority but many times it becomes our second field. God, family, ministry/field
Sometims, we mothers can get so occupied with our work or ministry that we drag our children around or begin to blend ministry and parenting. A good parenting ministry is birthed because of Good Parenting. We are called to be a light to our families, co-workers or husbands but sometimes we do not view them as a mission field or our field but view tham as hindering us from our ministry. This is when we do one, of two things.
1. We may dismiss them and consider another field that may be more interesting. Or
2. We try to juggle two fields and each one only gets 50% of our strength. And thus seeing our fruit separated from us.
Don’t get discouraged because you feel like you have been waiting a lifetime for your field. Remember the 100 year old vine.
Their will be plenty of times you will feel frustrated or on hold while you wait for your field. It maybe a timing issue or training issue. You may be ready, but your field is not. Or maybe your field is waiting for you to be equipped and trained. Either way we must be in constant communication with the Father as to what we need to be doing in the field we are in RIGHT NOW! No matter how small or insignificant it may seem or feel at times.
Zec 4:10 “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel
Many Times God is testing our faithfulness.
Luke 16:10-13 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” NLT
Stay the course
Our promise when we are faithful in our giving and our first fruits.
Malachi 3:11-12
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts
The Hebrew meaning for the Ground could also be read as Territory.
Hebrew meaning for vine could also be read prosperity
Hebrew for fail to bear fruit is miscarry, bareness or to be bereaved
Hebrew word for Blessed, Happy, lead, advanced, forward.
So hear it this way.
I will rebuke the devourer for your sake that he will not be aloud to cause your territory to be barren, you will not miscarry what your land is called to conceive. Your vine will be prosperous, full of life and fruitful for the territory you are called to occupy. All the nations will see that you are happy and advanced and look to you to lead them forward.
Things to consider.
What type of field am I cultivating? -Who am I trying to reach?
The un-reached, the saved, the broken, the forgotten, hungry, the prisoners, the orphans…
What is the condition of the field? - Why do I need to reach them? What do I need to be prepared for? Have I educated myself on the people, the area or the region? Have I researched the history, the strongholds, the strengths, the weaknesses? What must be done to win heart, heal heart, and reach hearts?
This weeks Homework: Who is my field? And how can I reach them?
Research the need of the areas: The tools you may need to acquire to reach them. Do you need to learn a foreign language? Do you need to take a class? Do you need to get connected with somebody who is in the field you are called to reach? Do you need to help another vinedresser while you are waiting for the fruit in your field?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Go Lesson 1 Write the Vision Down
Own your vine/own your vision
A vinedresser considers many things.
She knows the seed she wants to plant.
She understands the importance of grafting. It is for the salvation of her vine.
She knows the land she wants to plant it in. She has considered a field.
She knows the elements of the air that will bring it flavor. The fragrance of the atmosphere
She has water rights.
She has a great irrigation system.
She understand the importance of a support system for her growing vines
She knows the enemy/enemies to her grapes. Bird of prey, little foxes, pestilence.
She knows when to harvest and when to wait. She even lets fruit fall to the ground. She will even thin the cluster for the health of the grapes.
She knows the importance of being able to reach her fruit. Hand on
She has a store house while she waits for the fruit to mature.
She has prepared for the long haul of being a vinedresser.
Psalm 80 Mentions Joseph and the Israelites.
Genesis 49:22 22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall
Is 5: The song of the Vineyard is the process of a vinedresser planting a vineyard and is compared to planting or the cultivating of people.
The Bible is clear about the reference of a vineyard compared to growing the kingdom of God. Is compares us to being cultivated, wild, grafted, planted, pressed, being shade, new wine, old wine. Wine being an offering, and the cost of growing a vineyard… The Kingdom of heaven is like…
Matthew 20:1-2 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. (Eleventh hour Christian)
Matthew 21:33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. (The reference of the Pharisees killing Jesus and the promise given to of salvation given to anybody )43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”
We must understand the cost of planting a vineyard. To many times people have caused themselves unnecessary pain and heartache because of their zeal outweighed wisdom. Half cocked and many times ill prepared. There is a cost
Luke 14 the Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Luke 9
57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
My first lesson on pursuing God and leaving my parents was when we moved to Renton from Oregon. My Dad has always been sick, so I was always afraid something was going to happen to him while I was away. The Holy Spirit used this verse to help me understand the importance of “leaving” to follow Him
The most important part about considering our vision before we plant it is:
Have we considered these costs?
Do you know the price of ministry?
Do you know the sacrifice of leadership?
Have you paid for ill planning of a vineyard/vision?
Are you prepared for self denial?
Farmers have no vacation…
That being said.
Do you know these rewards?
Do you know the joys of seeing a vision come to pass?
Do you know the thrill of seeing fruit from you sacrifice?
Do you know the pleasure of passing a baton?
Do you know freedom of selflessness?
Do you know what true rest feel like because you ran hard?
Its time to write our vision down. Habakkuk 2:1-3
I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. The Just Live by Faith2 Then the LORD answered me and said:
“ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. NKJV
1 What's God going to say to my questions? I'm braced for the worst. I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he'll answer my complaint. 2-3And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time The Message
We all have our own vine our own vision, our own ministry to care for
Micah 4:4 Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the LORD Almighty has spoken
The dangerous of looking at somebody else’s vineyard and wanting it is a spirit of Jezebel will come forth,
1 King 21 [ Naboth’s Vineyard ] Now there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria…
A vinedresser considers many things.
She knows the seed she wants to plant.
She understands the importance of grafting. It is for the salvation of her vine.
She knows the land she wants to plant it in. She has considered a field.
She knows the elements of the air that will bring it flavor. The fragrance of the atmosphere
She has water rights.
She has a great irrigation system.
She understand the importance of a support system for her growing vines
She knows the enemy/enemies to her grapes. Bird of prey, little foxes, pestilence.
She knows when to harvest and when to wait. She even lets fruit fall to the ground. She will even thin the cluster for the health of the grapes.
She knows the importance of being able to reach her fruit. Hand on
She has a store house while she waits for the fruit to mature.
She has prepared for the long haul of being a vinedresser.
Psalm 80 Mentions Joseph and the Israelites.
Genesis 49:22 22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall
Is 5: The song of the Vineyard is the process of a vinedresser planting a vineyard and is compared to planting or the cultivating of people.
The Bible is clear about the reference of a vineyard compared to growing the kingdom of God. Is compares us to being cultivated, wild, grafted, planted, pressed, being shade, new wine, old wine. Wine being an offering, and the cost of growing a vineyard… The Kingdom of heaven is like…
Matthew 20:1-2 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. (Eleventh hour Christian)
Matthew 21:33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. (The reference of the Pharisees killing Jesus and the promise given to of salvation given to anybody )43 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44 Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”
We must understand the cost of planting a vineyard. To many times people have caused themselves unnecessary pain and heartache because of their zeal outweighed wisdom. Half cocked and many times ill prepared. There is a cost
Luke 14 the Cost of Being a Disciple
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Luke 9
57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”
59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”
But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”
61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
My first lesson on pursuing God and leaving my parents was when we moved to Renton from Oregon. My Dad has always been sick, so I was always afraid something was going to happen to him while I was away. The Holy Spirit used this verse to help me understand the importance of “leaving” to follow Him
The most important part about considering our vision before we plant it is:
Have we considered these costs?
Do you know the price of ministry?
Do you know the sacrifice of leadership?
Have you paid for ill planning of a vineyard/vision?
Are you prepared for self denial?
Farmers have no vacation…
That being said.
Do you know these rewards?
Do you know the joys of seeing a vision come to pass?
Do you know the thrill of seeing fruit from you sacrifice?
Do you know the pleasure of passing a baton?
Do you know freedom of selflessness?
Do you know what true rest feel like because you ran hard?
Its time to write our vision down. Habakkuk 2:1-3
I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected. The Just Live by Faith2 Then the LORD answered me and said:
“ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. NKJV
1 What's God going to say to my questions? I'm braced for the worst. I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he'll answer my complaint. 2-3And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time The Message
We all have our own vine our own vision, our own ministry to care for
Micah 4:4 Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the LORD Almighty has spoken
The dangerous of looking at somebody else’s vineyard and wanting it is a spirit of Jezebel will come forth,
1 King 21 [ Naboth’s Vineyard ] Now there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria…
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Step number one in Catching your breath: Waiting on the Lord,
Waiting on the Lord
Is 40:30-31 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
31But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
Does this passage mean we will not experience weariness because we wait? No what it means in the Hebrew, is when we wait or hope on the Lord, our running will not feel laborious or toilsome. Our call will not feel like work. Our purpose will not feel like a burden. Our ministry will not feel like a weight. It means when we run we will not grow fatigued.
When we wait, we draw near to God, we warm ourselves by His fire, we cuddle in under Papas arms, we sit at His feat, we drink from His cup, we lean up against Him and breath, we hear His heart beat, we rest in His lap… we wait. And as we wait we are like rechargeable batteries. We are made to run and then to rest and recharge. We are made to keep going for the time we are called so we can go back to God, our healer, our Savior, our resting station and recharge. When we wait, we have strength for the call or assignment, and we shall run and not grow weary, and we shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, to wait.
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly NIV
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! NKJV
Psalm 33:20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield
Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You
Is 40:30-31 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
31But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.
Does this passage mean we will not experience weariness because we wait? No what it means in the Hebrew, is when we wait or hope on the Lord, our running will not feel laborious or toilsome. Our call will not feel like work. Our purpose will not feel like a burden. Our ministry will not feel like a weight. It means when we run we will not grow fatigued.
When we wait, we draw near to God, we warm ourselves by His fire, we cuddle in under Papas arms, we sit at His feat, we drink from His cup, we lean up against Him and breath, we hear His heart beat, we rest in His lap… we wait. And as we wait we are like rechargeable batteries. We are made to run and then to rest and recharge. We are made to keep going for the time we are called so we can go back to God, our healer, our Savior, our resting station and recharge. When we wait, we have strength for the call or assignment, and we shall run and not grow weary, and we shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, to wait.
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly NIV
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! NKJV
Psalm 33:20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield
Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My Memorial Day
Memorial day for me is bitter sweet. I am so grateful to our service men and women who have and are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Three of these brave Heroes know me by name. One calls me aunt and two call me mom.
They serve with dedication, bravery and love for their country and their God! Our nation is blessed to have these three men of valor protecting, standing, advancing and fighting for us. I know the looming possibility of my boys fate but I know the sovereignty of God! He holds our minutes, our days and our breaths. He knows the hairs on our head. He knows when a sparrow falls. How much more...How much more is His love for us?
Although there are days I want to retreat and bury my head in the sand with the fear of the "what ifs" I have to remind myself (and others remind me,) God's Mighty hand is covering and protecting no matter where they are. Be it behind the wheel of a car or in a tank in a war zone.
This weekend is a reminder of those "what ifs" It is also a reminder of the "the ultimate sacrifice" paid by those who were loved deeply by a mother, a father, a grand parent, a spouse, a child. This day marks a moment in time when their life course changed and they live in a day we celebrate one weekend a year.
It is a Sunday service that plays a video, says a prayer and honors our veterans. It is a parade of honor, flags and music it is a sale at retail store. It is a weekend to camp, travel or visit loved ones. It is an extra day off work.
It is also that same weekend those who live in the reality of "memorial days" hold their loved ones tighter, their hearts beat faster, prayers are a bit more desperate, and a parents love for their country has a face of a child on. Their memorial day is spent with a picture, at a wall, a graveside. It is spent on what it was dedicated to, remembering.
Or memorial day could be spent like mine, not wanting to face a day of memories that could some day be mine.
(NKJV) John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
They serve with dedication, bravery and love for their country and their God! Our nation is blessed to have these three men of valor protecting, standing, advancing and fighting for us. I know the looming possibility of my boys fate but I know the sovereignty of God! He holds our minutes, our days and our breaths. He knows the hairs on our head. He knows when a sparrow falls. How much more...How much more is His love for us?
Although there are days I want to retreat and bury my head in the sand with the fear of the "what ifs" I have to remind myself (and others remind me,) God's Mighty hand is covering and protecting no matter where they are. Be it behind the wheel of a car or in a tank in a war zone.
This weekend is a reminder of those "what ifs" It is also a reminder of the "the ultimate sacrifice" paid by those who were loved deeply by a mother, a father, a grand parent, a spouse, a child. This day marks a moment in time when their life course changed and they live in a day we celebrate one weekend a year.
It is a Sunday service that plays a video, says a prayer and honors our veterans. It is a parade of honor, flags and music it is a sale at retail store. It is a weekend to camp, travel or visit loved ones. It is an extra day off work.
It is also that same weekend those who live in the reality of "memorial days" hold their loved ones tighter, their hearts beat faster, prayers are a bit more desperate, and a parents love for their country has a face of a child on. Their memorial day is spent with a picture, at a wall, a graveside. It is spent on what it was dedicated to, remembering.
Or memorial day could be spent like mine, not wanting to face a day of memories that could some day be mine.
(NKJV) John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The One Legged Man and His Double Portion
“Hey baby.”
“Hi daddy.”
“I got some news”
“What’s that?”
“This time next week I will be a one legged man.”
Silence.
“So the doctors can’t save it?”
“No.”
That conversation took place about two weeks ago. I just returned from visiting my parents and being with my dad during the tragic amputation of his right leg. I had offered up a fierce fight of faith, many people did, yet somehow God seemed it best to have his leg removed. Sometimes the only things that change during those times of warring-prayer are attitudes and faith.
If you have read any of my blogs you would know that my dad is my hero. I am not under any impression that he is perfect or a saint, and maybe that is why I admire him so much. He had lived a life not so pleasing to God during his teens, twenties and thirties, but when he was about to turn 40 he came to know Jesus as his personal Savior. I was almost 10 years old. Because of my dads life before Christ he has a heightened sense of the broken, the weary, the rejected, the down-and-out and the forgotten.
He would be the first to offer a drunk a ride home, a gambler a place to stay, a drug addict meal, a dead-beat a few dollars and the liar a second chance. I have watched my dad stand for those who could not stand for themselves my entire life. Both my parents have this incredible gift of mercy and compassion. It is straight from the throne room of Grace and can only be described as crazy love.
My dad has always stood in prayer for his family, his friends and his church. He is the model of the scripture of “having done all to stand, stand therefore.” He has a little drunk in his home town that loves him to pieces and my dad stands for him when everybody else says “give up”, including myself. When Eddie wobbles in his faith or falls off the wagon my dad stand beside him encouraging him and discipling him and yes many times correcting him like a father would and visiting him in jail.
My dad has warred for his family going toe-to-toe with the enemy. And the enemy has been cut off at the legs. But this time it looks like the enemy cut my dad off. But did he? You see our spiritual legs and fortitude have nothing to do with standing physically in the faith. Its unwavering faith, unmoving faith, and unchanging faith; A faith that digs its heels in the ground sets its face like flint and braces for whatever comes its way. With or without legs a person of this type of faith can stand against any demon, even the demon of infection and gangrene, the demon of diabetes and sickness, the demon of phantom pains and rehab.
The only leg the enemy was aloud to cut off was my dad’s physical one. And the bible says satan has to give back double what he has stolen. This means my dad has three legs in the spirit. A bit of a circus freak perhaps but when you think about it what we lose in the natural we gain in the supernatural. Our demotions in the physical are our promotions in the spiritual. One leg in the natural means three legs in the supernatural. The enemy has no concept of the spiritual truth or he would stop stealing from Gods people right away. But the enemy’s foolishness becomes our double portion. For example; the enemy’s plot to kill Christ resulted in Christ’s resurrection and our forgiveness of sin and portion into the kingdom of God! Jesus’ death resulted in double life. His and ours.
Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
My dad has stood for things many people would run from. He has stood for the ones many people give up on. He has stood for causes many people would compromise in. He has stood for what was right even if he was the only one standing. He lead by example, and has stood when it cost him everything. Now he leads with a limp in the natural. But he has always had a limp in the supernatural.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 3When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew25:34-40
“Hi daddy.”
“I got some news”
“What’s that?”
“This time next week I will be a one legged man.”
Silence.
“So the doctors can’t save it?”
“No.”
That conversation took place about two weeks ago. I just returned from visiting my parents and being with my dad during the tragic amputation of his right leg. I had offered up a fierce fight of faith, many people did, yet somehow God seemed it best to have his leg removed. Sometimes the only things that change during those times of warring-prayer are attitudes and faith.
If you have read any of my blogs you would know that my dad is my hero. I am not under any impression that he is perfect or a saint, and maybe that is why I admire him so much. He had lived a life not so pleasing to God during his teens, twenties and thirties, but when he was about to turn 40 he came to know Jesus as his personal Savior. I was almost 10 years old. Because of my dads life before Christ he has a heightened sense of the broken, the weary, the rejected, the down-and-out and the forgotten.
He would be the first to offer a drunk a ride home, a gambler a place to stay, a drug addict meal, a dead-beat a few dollars and the liar a second chance. I have watched my dad stand for those who could not stand for themselves my entire life. Both my parents have this incredible gift of mercy and compassion. It is straight from the throne room of Grace and can only be described as crazy love.
My dad has always stood in prayer for his family, his friends and his church. He is the model of the scripture of “having done all to stand, stand therefore.” He has a little drunk in his home town that loves him to pieces and my dad stands for him when everybody else says “give up”, including myself. When Eddie wobbles in his faith or falls off the wagon my dad stand beside him encouraging him and discipling him and yes many times correcting him like a father would and visiting him in jail.
My dad has warred for his family going toe-to-toe with the enemy. And the enemy has been cut off at the legs. But this time it looks like the enemy cut my dad off. But did he? You see our spiritual legs and fortitude have nothing to do with standing physically in the faith. Its unwavering faith, unmoving faith, and unchanging faith; A faith that digs its heels in the ground sets its face like flint and braces for whatever comes its way. With or without legs a person of this type of faith can stand against any demon, even the demon of infection and gangrene, the demon of diabetes and sickness, the demon of phantom pains and rehab.
The only leg the enemy was aloud to cut off was my dad’s physical one. And the bible says satan has to give back double what he has stolen. This means my dad has three legs in the spirit. A bit of a circus freak perhaps but when you think about it what we lose in the natural we gain in the supernatural. Our demotions in the physical are our promotions in the spiritual. One leg in the natural means three legs in the supernatural. The enemy has no concept of the spiritual truth or he would stop stealing from Gods people right away. But the enemy’s foolishness becomes our double portion. For example; the enemy’s plot to kill Christ resulted in Christ’s resurrection and our forgiveness of sin and portion into the kingdom of God! Jesus’ death resulted in double life. His and ours.
Isaiah 61:7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
My dad has stood for things many people would run from. He has stood for the ones many people give up on. He has stood for causes many people would compromise in. He has stood for what was right even if he was the only one standing. He lead by example, and has stood when it cost him everything. Now he leads with a limp in the natural. But he has always had a limp in the supernatural.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 3When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew25:34-40
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Being Still
I have been practicing the art of Being Still and knowing He is God.
As I researched the Hebrew meaning of Being Still, it felt as if I had just discovered a gold mine. It is pronounced Rapha, like Jehovah Rapha, and it means to relax, sink down, let your arms hang to their side, be quiet, rest, be feeble.
As you can see by now, the words Be still are more than just sitting still and more than being silent. It is an action of rest. An action of trust. Fearless to be weak and vulnerable. Let these words sink into your being. Be Still, sink down in the most comfortable chair, rest in silence, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt He Is God!
I believe Psalm 46:10 is the beginning of understanding God is in control of all we bring to Him. Have you ever wept before God because your heart was full of questions you didn’t even know how to ask? As I pray for my boys in the service, this scripture continues to resonate within me.
Intercession is the place when words cannot articulate your heart’s desires, request or burdens, but as your spirit makes supplication, your heart can relax in His presence. You rest in the knowledge that He is God. You can then “Be still”
I am willing myself not to get my hands in the way of the great concerns that lay heavy on my heart or the giant request I have laid before my King; I bring to the throne, My family and their protection, direction in ministry and writing, and the nations my husband and I are called to. These are my hearts cry that many times word fall short to convey. So Being Still on just knowing He IS God and He IS in control can fill a morning of wordless prayers.
I have been invited to Ethiopia and my old nature would be doing all I could to make it happen, but with the help of God and my amazing husband I am waiting. Waiting for a definite yes to resonate, waiting for direction with finances. Seeking, asking, knocking and then...waiting. For His perfect will in my life. His perfect plan for my life, the right people in my life. Its not easy that’s for sure.
I am a horrible cookie maker because of 2 reasons. 1. I get bored waiting and start a new project and forget about the cookies in the oven. And for those people thinking "but what about a timer?" Yeah, I usually forget to set it. Reason number 2. I will tend to OCD and bake way more than we need, eat way more than I should and at the end of the day vow never to make cookies again.
I share this self portrait for a reason. Waiting for something I want can, either get me anxious or busy but rarely restful and still.
Can I encourage you today. Matthew 7:7 in the amplified reads Keep on asking and it will be given you; [b] keep on seeking and you will find; [c] keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.
Each step comes with the beauty of balance in perseverance and patience. Ask, keep on asking, then wait for the answer. Seek, keep on seeking then wait for what you are desiring. Knock and keep on knocking then wait reverently for the right doors to open. As we take these action we must also obey Psalm 46:10 and Be still, relax, know, understand and believe HE is God.
James 1:3 in the amplified sums up all I am thinking of today as I press towards the mark and act in faith, I also act in patience
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
As I researched the Hebrew meaning of Being Still, it felt as if I had just discovered a gold mine. It is pronounced Rapha, like Jehovah Rapha, and it means to relax, sink down, let your arms hang to their side, be quiet, rest, be feeble.
As you can see by now, the words Be still are more than just sitting still and more than being silent. It is an action of rest. An action of trust. Fearless to be weak and vulnerable. Let these words sink into your being. Be Still, sink down in the most comfortable chair, rest in silence, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt He Is God!
I believe Psalm 46:10 is the beginning of understanding God is in control of all we bring to Him. Have you ever wept before God because your heart was full of questions you didn’t even know how to ask? As I pray for my boys in the service, this scripture continues to resonate within me.
Intercession is the place when words cannot articulate your heart’s desires, request or burdens, but as your spirit makes supplication, your heart can relax in His presence. You rest in the knowledge that He is God. You can then “Be still”
I am willing myself not to get my hands in the way of the great concerns that lay heavy on my heart or the giant request I have laid before my King; I bring to the throne, My family and their protection, direction in ministry and writing, and the nations my husband and I are called to. These are my hearts cry that many times word fall short to convey. So Being Still on just knowing He IS God and He IS in control can fill a morning of wordless prayers.
I have been invited to Ethiopia and my old nature would be doing all I could to make it happen, but with the help of God and my amazing husband I am waiting. Waiting for a definite yes to resonate, waiting for direction with finances. Seeking, asking, knocking and then...waiting. For His perfect will in my life. His perfect plan for my life, the right people in my life. Its not easy that’s for sure.
I am a horrible cookie maker because of 2 reasons. 1. I get bored waiting and start a new project and forget about the cookies in the oven. And for those people thinking "but what about a timer?" Yeah, I usually forget to set it. Reason number 2. I will tend to OCD and bake way more than we need, eat way more than I should and at the end of the day vow never to make cookies again.
I share this self portrait for a reason. Waiting for something I want can, either get me anxious or busy but rarely restful and still.
Can I encourage you today. Matthew 7:7 in the amplified reads Keep on asking and it will be given you; [b] keep on seeking and you will find; [c] keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.
Each step comes with the beauty of balance in perseverance and patience. Ask, keep on asking, then wait for the answer. Seek, keep on seeking then wait for what you are desiring. Knock and keep on knocking then wait reverently for the right doors to open. As we take these action we must also obey Psalm 46:10 and Be still, relax, know, understand and believe HE is God.
James 1:3 in the amplified sums up all I am thinking of today as I press towards the mark and act in faith, I also act in patience
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
reflections on 2010
In two days it will be 2011. I can hardly believe we are entering into another year. So much has transpired this past year. As I reflect back I think of pivotal moments that stirred or changed things in my heart. The first starting with me practicing blogging and then the list of life events began: my grandmother passed way, our middle son graduated from boot camp, I started a new job, my second book was published, I went to Mexico with 3 of my 4 children, our oldest son enlisted in the army, my dads health began to fail, my youngest turned 16, my daughter changed colleges.
These memories are frozen in time inside of me. I can recall each day clearly and I can summon up the emotion that is attached to the event as if it were yesterday. The tears of loss, the goodbyes and fears along with the joys of success, victories and triumphs. I rejoice in prayers answered and new roads taken and I tremble with the unknown for my soldier boys in these uncertain times. There are periods it feels as if my heart will cave in with all the worries I carry for my children but then God will swoop in and lift the burden and give me a measure of peace that I will almost feel guilty.
One year has captured the color of change so perfectly. In the famous words of Walt Disney “If nothing changed there’d be no butterflies”, I think on all the changes and can see the butterflies that have come from cocoon like times. Dark, silent and way too long seasons of waiting but the beauty of the breaking-forth’s outweigh all the pain. And if it brings my Savior glory in the end, then I am willing to have my cocoon time.
I can only imagine what this next year will bring. I expect I will be spending a lot of time on my knees as my boys serve overseas. And I also predict God will cover them with His mighty hands and keep them in His perfect will.
As I inspire to finish my third book I try to concentrate on what God has for the year. I always start the year with a Daniel fast and partner with God for what He has in store for our family’s lives and ministry. This will be my fourth year of beginning this way and I have to say it has been incredible seeing the power of God increase with each year. A freshness falls like snow and a warmth of His presence is felt like the summer heat.
I look forward to writing the new things God brings in our lives. I anticipate pain along with joy for our coming year and if I may be so bold, I feel God has given me a word for 2011.
There will be a new construction to take place in peoples lives. He is going to build on what He has started as well as change and remodel a few things. Some will experience add-ons, some renovations, some new foundations and some brand new areas of growth. I see powerful acts of God happening in people’s lives that only can be explained “miraculous” I also expect to see reinstatements in peoples lives. I see fruition coming to those who have been in barren places that is so abundant it’s almost freighting. Due time is coming this year.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. I truly believe this is the year for the lifting up and the season of due time! Wait for it though it tarries wait for it.
May this year bring you all that you have wept for and prayed for. May it be filled with the presence of God and the Power of Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly all that we ask.
Happy New Year and resolve to make it great!
Holly
These memories are frozen in time inside of me. I can recall each day clearly and I can summon up the emotion that is attached to the event as if it were yesterday. The tears of loss, the goodbyes and fears along with the joys of success, victories and triumphs. I rejoice in prayers answered and new roads taken and I tremble with the unknown for my soldier boys in these uncertain times. There are periods it feels as if my heart will cave in with all the worries I carry for my children but then God will swoop in and lift the burden and give me a measure of peace that I will almost feel guilty.
One year has captured the color of change so perfectly. In the famous words of Walt Disney “If nothing changed there’d be no butterflies”, I think on all the changes and can see the butterflies that have come from cocoon like times. Dark, silent and way too long seasons of waiting but the beauty of the breaking-forth’s outweigh all the pain. And if it brings my Savior glory in the end, then I am willing to have my cocoon time.
I can only imagine what this next year will bring. I expect I will be spending a lot of time on my knees as my boys serve overseas. And I also predict God will cover them with His mighty hands and keep them in His perfect will.
As I inspire to finish my third book I try to concentrate on what God has for the year. I always start the year with a Daniel fast and partner with God for what He has in store for our family’s lives and ministry. This will be my fourth year of beginning this way and I have to say it has been incredible seeing the power of God increase with each year. A freshness falls like snow and a warmth of His presence is felt like the summer heat.
I look forward to writing the new things God brings in our lives. I anticipate pain along with joy for our coming year and if I may be so bold, I feel God has given me a word for 2011.
There will be a new construction to take place in peoples lives. He is going to build on what He has started as well as change and remodel a few things. Some will experience add-ons, some renovations, some new foundations and some brand new areas of growth. I see powerful acts of God happening in people’s lives that only can be explained “miraculous” I also expect to see reinstatements in peoples lives. I see fruition coming to those who have been in barren places that is so abundant it’s almost freighting. Due time is coming this year.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. I truly believe this is the year for the lifting up and the season of due time! Wait for it though it tarries wait for it.
May this year bring you all that you have wept for and prayed for. May it be filled with the presence of God and the Power of Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly all that we ask.
Happy New Year and resolve to make it great!
Holly
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