Back to the Basics

I'm finding that one of the most important things to remember in the Christian life is the basis of Christianity; Christ died so I could live. Every time I seem to have troubles it seems that there is something in my thinking/believing that has not fully grasped the truth of either who God is or who I am. It's been helpful to go back to Christianity 101 and remind myself all of the things CHRIST accomplished FOR ME to walk in. It's the TRUTh that sets us free... God's Word and just talking with God always brings me to truth and helps me get the focus off of myself. It's back to the basics for me!

Walking Dead

Today a friend of mine and myself went to the mall to go heal people (yes HEAL them). While we were there I noticed so many people were filled with fear and just low self-esteem. Some wore painted faces of happiness, success, popularity, fortune, and various other things... but when you looked into their eyes they were empty.

Lately I've been asking the Lord to show me how He sees people and how He feels about those who don't know Him yet. Every time I see someone empty or in need my heart breaks with LOVE and compassion. It really doesn't matter what the outside of the person looks like... it's the deep inner parts of the soul that God is after... the very place where the deepest of the deep is; who that person was made to be.

My heart aches to see lives changes and people knowing the true love of Christ Jesus. I really feel like so many have pushed Jesus away without truly knowing His heart of love and kindness for them. A Father's heart of JOY over them, not anger or disappointment. I want the world to know God for who He really is... Love.

I believe that the world is more ripe than ever right now to know God, but they do not want or need anymore dead religion. Religion is what has killed so much of the truth of the nature of God. It is what has confused much of God's people into thinking that God's voice is condemning, angry, perfectionistic, legalistic, and manipulative. I know that the world would absolutely fall in love with God if they knew His peace, His joy, His love, His kindness, His grace, His mercy, and His life. That's what I want the world to know and see in my life; truth. Nothing bugs me more than knowing that someone is living in a lie... it's unjust and is cutting short the fullness of their life that God intended for them.

TODAY is the day of salvation... there is a ministry every day with the people we encounter on a daily basis. The mail lady may have a sprained knee that needs healing... the bagger at the grocery store may be discouraged and could use encouragement... the man at the dealership may be worried about his brother in the hospital... every day we can encourage people and heal them too. No one has to wait for the perfect time or place... TODAY is the day... NOW... it the time!

Why not?

Inspiration

Today was, lets just say one of the rougher days lately. Most often I go to a park or a place with a lot of nature to process through whatever I'm dealing with.

My adventure today was on a wooden swing in a random park where I live. FIghting through the confusion, anger, sadness, and mostly fear I couldn't help but look up. The sky was beautiful blue and the clouds were so puffy and white as they moved pretty quickly across the vivid sky. As my eyes searched over such beauty I saw two birds (hawks I think) soaring so high that they eventually got lost in the clouds. The Lord told me that I was meant to fly; not just flutter around on the earth, but SOAR. God encouraged me that the I am limitless and can indeed soar with the clouds. It was so crazy because air planes were right up there with these birds... how awesome would it be to FLY so FREE so HIGH... no limits.

If God would give a bunch of birds such an awesome capacity for freedom, how much more does He have for us who are made in His image and have His very Spirit swelling inside of us? ? ? ? ?

In the midst of crazy times... God is there to lift us up and fill us up!!

All We Need Is Love...

I just wanted to post this testimony. It really touched my heart and showed me that people are really hungry for a living, tangible relationship with God. WOW!

Amazing Provision

This blog is a testimony of how the Lord has taken care of my every need, even small ones.

So at my time here at Morning Star I have not been working on a regular basis for several reasons. This month I've come down to the nitty gritty. At first I was stricken with fear because I have always been "in control" of my financial situation doing all that I could to make sure everything is paid for (in advance even). I really felt like the Lord wanted me to wait on Him for provision rather than doing things by my own strength. I have to admit there were times of freak out and fruitless job interviews, which normally I have never had a problem getting a job... God's always blessed me with favor. Anyways...

This week and last week I have had several opportunities to receive free meals, free food, and even free Starbucks!! Oh how the Lord knows us all too well :) I even got a chance to go to a Ravi Shankar concert for free with some pretty amazing musicians... AND I got to meet Ravi and his daughter Anoushka.

I'm saying all this not to brag, but to testify that the Lord knows every need we have and He will ALWAYS come through for us. He even throws in special things to let us know that He knows us and loves to bless us.

One thing I learned before this awesome stuff happened, was that during this time God was the only One I could lean on. I had to trust Him, I CHOSE to trust Him. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real... it's just a LIE from the enemy to keep us from believing God. Fear steals our FAITH, and with out faith it's impossible to please God. If God blessed us because we were freaking out He would be endorsing fear. FAITH... a faith that works by love is undeniable, always accessible, able, and dependable. Faith and love changed the way I viewed God and myself. My prayers changed and the way in which I live has changed. If God can do that for me, He is most certainly able to do it for you!!!

What do you need? Ask... God is a good, good Father! :)