Marked

Just do it. Go ahead and do it, God. Do what you have to do to me and in me that I would be more like you. It's a daily dying. It's a momentary killing off of my fleshy desires, my impure motives and all the junk that makes us do what we do. It's a surrender to your way which is high above my way. It's the pushing through into the next level when all you want to do is shrink back and argue with God about how He's called the wrong person to do the very thing you're wrestling with. (I so feel ya, Moses.) It's the releasing of fears as you hang suspended over them all with God's vantage point. It's the perfecting of love through deep revelation that will impart great courage while driving out the shadows that plague and torment. It's the free-falling of grace that takes your breath away all while you brace yourself for a hard landing. It's all these things and more to be marked with the things of heaven.

I must decrease, He must increase. I must become like Him. He must be my very life source or I am not fully alive in Christ. It's divine, I realize. It also tears my heart out, on occasion. Lord, how can I bear your markings? How could I ever love like you love? How could I ever pour out my life like water, even unto death? I can not. And so this is where I give to you my inabilities and I say, "Do what you will with me." Do whatever it takes to make me like you. Brand my heart with fire! I give you permission. I surrender to you my free will offering and declare that I am not my own; I belong to you. You have purchased me with your blood. I have taken your name. Now...give me your heart!

the eternal father

God is doing something very beautiful in my children. It's something eternal and it's absolutely of the Father in heaven.

The past couple of days we've been praying, by name, for a specific little girl who needs an adoptive family. In the midst of those prayers I've seen my children's hearts become more and more alive with compassion, hope and excitement. Their hearts have been made ready over a course of seasons, to one day take in children for the sake of loving them, healing them through the power of that love, and enjoying them as brothers and sisters. It's been amazing to watch the transformation in their hearts as we talk about such things. They indeed have a heart for the orphan, and that was not something I put there. That was something only God could instill.

Tessa, my oldest (age 12), came home from her youth group last night and shared something so precious with me. She is of the age where she doesn't 'have' to share her heart with me but she chose to and afterwards, I was so glad that she did. She said that while worshipping last night the Lord put this little girl on her heart so strongly, and then, in her words, "I began to feel the Lord's heart over her; how He longs to be her Father, to hold her, to swing her, to love her." She said she began to weep with this revelation of the Father's love. May we all weep with this revelation and may we all come into this revelation, with fullness.

God, thank you for the deep work you do. For the things that are done in the depths of the soil; the things you accomplish through dry and rigid seasons. When they spring forth, they are the newness of life to us. They are the manifestation of the unseen hands of the cultivator of life. I praise you today for the eternal gift of knowing you, the Father, and would you increase it in our hearts and home. And would you give this little girl her heart's desire, which is to be perfected in love. That is also this girl's heart desire Lord, as perfected love drives out all fear.

costly honesty for a costly offering

Luke 18:9-14

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Even if I'm seemingly agreeing with the low opinions of others (Pharisee spirit), it's GOOD to be honest w/God about our sin. I can not be justified before man if I want to be justified before God. What God thinks of me is all that matters at the end of the day, for he knows my heart like no other. It is good to get real with God, unto repentance, mercy, and justification. No more cheap grace, God. I don't want that. I don't want something that makes me feel comfortable in my weakness but rather something that is powerful enough to move me from that place to victory! It's good to say, "This is my fear, God. Remove it from me!." It is good to declare war on this flesh of mine, especially if it means the crucifixion of it. He is faithful to do that very thing. He is so faithful and trustworthy. Did he not bare the cross for me? That's the most extravagant offering anybody has ever given me. I think I can trust his heart for me, as he poured it out with blood. I can trust Jesus to have mercy on me in the place of my guilty confession. I can trust Jesus to justify me with his blood in the lowly place of the cross. Give me greater grace, Lord, to call it what it is - sin - that I would be restored to you. You said you give greater grace to the humble. The foot of the cross is the lowest place I could ever go.


I need greater grace to seek you first, above all things.
I need greater grace to love you more, as you love me.
I need greater grace to fear you, and not man.
I need greater grace to forsake all others for the sake of knowing you.
I need greater grace to love, no matter the price.
I need greater grace to be who you've called me to be.

Jesus, release to me a greater revelation of the cross that I could overcome myself, that I might be empowered to know/love/serve you more.

a girl named mercy

Yesterday morning before our church service I was standing near this beautiful young woman. I assumed she was an International student at JBU, only seeing her once before and being so dark skinned. She was so unique in her features. She had rich, brown skin and a head-full of tiny braids, coiled and piled up on top of her head. I just wanted to take her in visually, stare at her, she had so many outwardly striking qualities. I just knew there was something special about her. I asked her what her name was. She replied, "Mercy." I had a moment, right there, in front of her. I said, "Mercy? Wow. You are so beautiful, Mercy." I thought I might frighten her because I was so deeply moved at the mention of her name. Mercy is the theme of my life and to meet, for the very first time, a woman named Mercy, in the midst of all that God has been speaking over me was just so overwhelmingly personal. She went on to share that she was born in Uganda and raised in Kenya. And now here she stood, in my little sphere of life, in front of the coffee pot, so randomly yet divinely placed. Mercy is indeed beautiful and she has come a long way to cross paths with me.

My heart

It's being packed. And it's going to Thailand. And yet at the very same time, my heart is being unpacked. I can't explain it any better than that.

The Orphan Spirit

I've asked God to shine a light in my heart concerning these things in the past season. If you've never heard of this, it's worth looking into. You'll probably find more of yourself in here than you want.

Here's a link with an AMAZING teaching on The Orphan Heart.

http://www.saltlight.org/europe/resources/latest

Click on The Orphan Heart MP3 and have a listen. Mark Stibbe is the speaker. I think it's a great resource, especially for those who are looking to care for orphans.

The Strategic Shift From an Orphan Spirit to the Spirit of Adoption
Andrew Gross

What is the Orphan Spirit?
A sneaking suspicion that you are rejected

How does this apply to you?
Many of us go through life with the mentality of an orphan, believing that:
By definition I am rejected and reject-able
I inevitably will be rejected by others
I deserve rejection

Am I influenced by the “orphan spirit?”
Do you ever feel . . .
A gnawing sense of insecurity about relationships?
It is only a matter of time before I am rejected?
A need to protect yourself when getting closer?
A basic instinct to flee from relationships?
The need to make “exit plans”?
The need to day-dream about “Plan B”?
The need to fight because others don’t have your best interest in mind?
The need to preemptively reject others?
An automatic suspicion of those in power?
The need to respond out of all proportion to unintentional snubs?
That disagreements, corrections, or constructive criticisms from others are really masks for disrespect, dismissal, or rejection?

Imagine a community in which people believe . . .
I don’t belong here
I’m not wanted here
My contribution is under-appreciated here
People wouldn’t miss me if I disappeared today
I don’t feel valued here
I don’t feel safe in relationships here
I can’t really be myself here
If others saw the real me, they would reject me
The old-timers don’t accept me
The new-comers don’t accept me or the good things that God did
here in the past

But what is the “Spirit of Adoption?”

A certainty that you are accepted
I belong
I am included
I am known
I am desired
I am wanted
I am cherished
I am treasured

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (adoption). And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Romans 8:15
God sent his Son . . . that we might receive the full rights (adoption) of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son.

Galatians 4:4-7
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in
accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:5

With the Spirit of Adoption comes the certainty of
God’s goodness as your Daddy
Your security as His child
A wide, broad mindset of confidence

We need to make this shift, but HOW?

The Problem: You don’t believe that God is good
The Solution: Fix your eyes on the character of God

Check the adoption papers
Rivet your thoughts and your imagination onto the Truth

"The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and
abounding in loving-kindness and truth, who keeps loving-kindness for
thousands, and forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin." Exodus 34:6-7

How much more does your heavenly Father know how to give good gifts.
Matthew 7:11-12

Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32

God, who gives to all men generously and without finding fault . . . James 1:5

An “oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God
wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs
of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul . . .” Hebrews 6:16-20

If repentance ='s revival, do you still want it?

I was cleaning out old folders and cabinets the other day and found this gem. It's actually a brochure I've had for years, going back about 10 years,to be certain. I recently put it on my fridge, hoping to go through the list and to enter into a season of deep repentance. I am so hungry for revival. If God grants me the grace, I will be able to posture my heart that I would be able to receive the newness of His spirit and of His life!

It's a convicting read, so...just be ready! But running in the way of repentance is always better than digging up an argument. God spoke to me a few months ago and he told me that broken/repentant people have no more arguments. They just submit. Oh how I want this in my life.

Heart Searching for Prayer Preparation and Personal Revival

Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with Go and revival among God’s people. One of the problems we face as Christians is that many people do not look on sin as being very bad. Seeing it as high treason has revolutionized my thinking. Ezekiel 39:23 (NAS). In other words, when a Christian is Christ-controlled, Christ is on the throne of his life. Ego-self is dethroned. When the slightest sin is committed, a thought, word, deed or attitude, Christ is dethroned and ego-self is enthroned. That is treason! It is self usurping the throne from Christ. Because He is King of kings and Lord of lords, it is HIGH treason.

Perhaps this is one reason James could say, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10) It is not so much the sin that is bad, but the very nature of sin itself. It is high treason.

Prayerfully, consider the following questions. Go through these questions one by one. Answer truthfully each question. Every “yes” answer will mean sin in your life.

In reading these questions, as you are convicted of sin, confess it at once to God. Be willing to make it right…then you can claim cleansing and forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
Be sure to name your sins to God, as…”Lord, I have not put thee first in my plans.” Or “I have neglected Thy work in prayer.” Do not make the least excuse for sin of any kind in your life. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13).

No matter what others do, or not do. Christian, leave nothing undone on your part. God wants to work through you to bring about a great spiritual awakening. He can begin by your fulfilling every requirement shown by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and His Word. A revival from the presence of the Lord begins today, if you desire it. (read the scriptures first. Ask the questions. Give a truthful answer…”yes” or “no” Do not go to the next question until you have settled the one at hand. This is not just to be read but prayed through.

1.Matt. 6:12-14: Is there anyone against whom you hold a grudge? Anyone you have not forgiven? Anyone you hate? Anyone you do not love? Are there any misunderstandings that you are unwilling to forget? Is there any person against whom you are harboring bitterness, resentment, or jealousy? Anyone you dislike to hear praised or well spoken of? Do you allow anything to justify a wrong attitude toward another?

2.Matt. 6:33: Is there anything in which you have failed to put God first? Have your decisions been made after your own wisdom and desires, rather than by seeking and following God’s will? DO any of the following in any way interfere with your surrender and service to God; ambition, pleasures, loved ones, friendships, desire for recognition, money, your own plans?

3.Mark 16:15: Have you failed to seek the lost for Christ. Have you failed to witness consistently with your mouth for the Lord Jesus Christ? Has your life not shown to the lost the Lord Jesus?

4.John 13:35: Are you secretly pleased over the misfortunes of others? Are you secretly annoyed over the accomplishments or advancements of another? Are you guilty of any contention or strife? Do you quarrel, argue or engage in heated discussions? Are you a partaker in any division, or party spirit? Are there people whom you deliberately slight?

5.Acts 20:35: Have you robbed God by withholding His due of time, talents and money? Have you given less than a tenth of your income for god’s work? Have you failed to support mission work either in prayer or in offerings?

6.I Cor. 4:2: Are you undependable so that you cannot be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord’s work? Are you allowing your emotions to be stirred for the things of the Lord but doing nothing about it?

7.I Cor. 6:19-20: Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you in any way careless with your body? Do you fail to care for it as the temple of the Holy Spirit? Are you guilt of intemperance in eating or drinking? Do you have any habits which are defiling to the body?

8.I Cor. 10:31: Do you take the slightest credit for anything good about you, rather than give all the glory to God? Do you talk of what you have done rather than of what Christ has done? Are your statements mostly about “I?” Are you feelings easily hurt? Have you made a pretense of being something that you are not?

9.Eph. 3:20: Are you self-conscience rather than Christ-conscious? Do you allow feeling of inferiority to keep you from attempting things you should in service for God?

10.Eph. 4:28: Do you underpay? Do you do very little in your work? Have you been careless in the payment of your debts? Have you sought to evade payment of your debts? Do you waste time? Do you waste time for others?

11.Eph. 4:31: Do you complain? Do you find fault? Do you have a critical attitude towards any person or anything? Are you irritable or cranky? Do you ever carry hidden anger? Do you get angry? Do you become impatient with others? Are you ever harsh or unkind?

12.Eph. 5:15-16: Do you listen to unedifying radio or television programs? Do you read unworthy magazines? Do you participate in worldly amusements? Do you find it necessary to seek satisfaction from any questionable source? Are you doing certain things that show that you are not satisfied in the Lord Jesus Christ?

13.Eph 5:20: Have you neglected to thank Him for all things, the seemingly bad as well as the good? Have you virtually called God a liar by doubting His word? Do you worry? Is your spiritual temperature based on your feelings instead of on the facts of God’s word?

14.Phil 1:21: Are you taken up with the cares of this life? Is your conversation or hear joyful over things rather than the Lord and His word? Does anything mean more to you than living for and pleasing God?


15.Phil 2:14: Do you ever by word or deed seek to hurt someone? Do you gossip? Do you speak unkindly concerning people when they are not present?

16.Phil 4:4: Have you neglected to seek to be pleasing to Him in all things? Do you carry any bitterness towards God? Have you complained against Him in any way? Have you been dissatisfied with His provision for you? Is there in your heart any unwillingness to obey God fully? Do you have any reservations as to what you would or would not do concerning anything that might be His will? Have you disobeyed some direct leading from Him?

17.Col. 3:9: Do you engage in empty and unprofitable conversation? Do you ever lie? Do you ever exaggerate? Cheat? Steal? Carefully consider…do you overcharge?

18.II Tim 2:22: Do you have any personal habits that are not pure? Do you allow impure thoughts about the opposite sex to stay in your mind? Do you read that which is impure or suggest unholy things? Do you indulge in any unclean entertainment? Are you guilty of the lustful look?

19.Heb. 10:25: Do you stay away from the meetings of preaching the gospel? Do you whisper or think about others things while God’s word is being read or preached? Are you irregular in attendance at services? Do you neglect to attend or participate in meetings for prayer? Have you neglected or slighted daily or private prayer? Have you neglected God’s Word? Do you find the Bible and prayer uninteresting? Have you neglected thanksgiving at meals? Have you neglected daily family devotions?

20.Heb. 13:17 Do you hesitate to submit to leaders in the church or elsewhere? Are you lazy? Do you rebel at requests given to you to help in the work of the gospel? Do you in any way have a stubborn or unreachable spirit?

21.James 1:27: Have you allowed yourself to become “spotted’ by the world? Is your manner of dress pleasing to God? Do you spend beyond what is pleasing to God on anything? Do you neglect to pray about things you buy?

22.James 3:5: Do you feel that you are doing quite well as a Christian? That you are not so bad? That you are good enough? Are you stubborn? Do you insist on having your own way? Do you insist on your right?

23.James 4:11: Have you dishonored Him and hindered His work by criticizing His servants? Have you failed to pray regularly for your pastor or other spiritual leaders? Do you find it hard to corrected? Are you more concerned about what people will think than what will be pleasing to God?

If you have been honest and true in the matter of admitting your sings, then you are ready for God’s cleanings. Sins that are admitted are sins that are confessed. Remember these three things:

1.If the sin is against God, confess it to God, and make things right with God
2.If the sin is against another person, confess it to God, and make the sin right with the other one.
3.If the sin is against a group, confess it to God, and make it right with the group.
If there is full confession, there will be full cleansing. Then the joy of the Lord will follow. There can be testimony and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit. Revival will follow.

Psalm 19:12 – “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.”

This is an Hour of Invitation

Lord, would you give us the grace and strength to say yes to whatever it is you are asking us?

http://randybohlender.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/welcome-to-the-luke-18-school-of-politics/