Saturday, June 27, 2009

God of Fire






































Our missions trip to the Philippines was beyond description. We helped trained new believers who live and work in the "smoky mountain" dump in Manila and others who live in the cemetery. Which just having a small taste of the ministry of the amazing woman, Jane Walker. We then flew to Davao, Mindanao for training of pastors, leaders, children's workers, multimedia of a wonderful church under the leadership of Pastor Herley. We met with old friends. Made new ones. We preached a "First Love" conference, Philippine style. Was able to witness the breath taking ministry of their youth "Harvest" event where over 900 received Christ. We worked morning, night and afternoon and enjoyed every moment of it. Finished the trip off with "island hopping" with a picnic that included a roasted pig, swam and even had a bit of scuba diving. But during it all, we were getting news from back from home. My was daughter going through a devastating season, our dog Jasper, only 6 years old became blind and diabetic almost overnight. There were many times this week, since we came home when we thought we were going to have to put him to sleep. Jasper, for those of you who love dogs, understands is part of the family. Its been such a struggle. My youngest son is going through very difficult leadership challenges and his wife's mother was diagnosed with Lupis. Those being the big things, but there were many, many smaller challenges that all combined to nearly overwhelm me, while we were gone and the week since we've been back. I've found myself shouting at God, angry, hurt and very discouraged. But in the midst of wonderful ministry, and through firey trials beyond any I have expereiced in recent years, the Lord spoke. I hope He speaks to you through this word.


Picture…I saw the Lord upon His throne. His eyes were like flames of fire and the words coming out of His mouth were like lightening bolts. In confusion and not a little fear, I inquired of the Lord, "When I have seen you seated upon your throne in the heavenly realm, you have always been majestic in your bearing, high and lifted up. There have been times when you have been the very personification of a loving Father, reaching out to embrace and comfort your children. Never before have you shown yourself to me as a terrible force, one that must be feared. I don't understand. I know that you are a righteous, holy and just God, and someday you will judge all who have ever walked upon this earth. But isn't this the day of your grace? This looks like judgment to me?


Hear…the Lord say, "You are not seeing my judgment. You could not bear to see that. What you are seeing is my love for you. Just as a parent is fierce in the protection of their children, I aggressively protect my own. You are watching my words as they go forth in power, destroying the attacks of the enemy. All that has happened or ever will happen to you has passed through my hands. I allow them because I know that I can use them to develop and strengthen you. They are not accidents. I have not fallen asleep while the enemy has been at work. I know what you need to prepare you for the things that you have yet to experience. I'm your Creator as well as Father. I am fully aware of what you can stand. I will not allow you to be destroyed. I come against all of the plots and strategies of the enemy that have the ability to truly damage or destroy you. My love for you is fierce. I will not let you be damaged. Strengthened, yes. Matured, yes. Harmed, absolutely not."


Consider: Once when we were in the Smokey Mountains a ranger explained to us that we should not approach baby cubs. Yes, they are cute and adorable; and they look like they couldn't do much damage. But where there is a baby bear, there IS a momma bear. She might leave you alone if you are just walking in the woods, but if it looks like you are messing with her baby, look out! I've never actually seen that happen, but I've read enough accounts to know that it is true. Not only is it true in the animal kingdom, it is also true in the human realm. You can say something hurtful to me and I'll work through it. You say or act in a hurtful manner to my children, there is going to be some words. I am not going to sit idly by while you hurt my children. Believe me. Do you think that our Heavenly Father is less of a parent than the ones found in the animal kingdom? Do you think that he is less than the ones made in his image? He is a loving, caring and protective Father. Sometimes when we are in the midst of problems and heartaches we tend to forget. All that comes through the Father's hand can be used to develop and strengthen us if we will allow it. We need to ask Him, "How do you want me to respond to this? How can this help me to be a more loving and authentic person?" We also need to thank Him for the times we are totally unaware of His fierce protection. When we take time each day to thank Him for the things we have seen Him do on our behalf, we also need to thank Him for protecting us from things that we never had to see. Remember, God loves you unreservedly, passionately, and aggressively.


Pray: "Father, thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for getting me up this morning, even though it was not exactly when I wanted to do it. Thank you for giving me breath to breathe. Thank you for all of the blessings you have given me. List the things that God has done for you. Name each one specifically, large and small.__________________________________ I want to also thank you for the things that I haven't seen. Thank you for fighting on my behalf. Thank you for the accident's that didn't happen, for the illnesses that did not ravish my body. Thank you for saving me from big mistakes through your guidance. Thank you for bringing key people into my life, and for keeping others away. Thank you for everything seen and not seen that you have done in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen."

posted by pastorc @ 6:52 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

"Let's Dance"

It's been an interesting month. But aren't they all? I went to my mom's in the Detroit area to help her with household things, where I had an altercation with a bagel knife. I lost. A trip to the emergency room, to the doctors and twice to a specialist and my finger is finally on the mend. Just still not up for a lot of typing. My daughter went to Uganda. I'm getting ready to lead a team to the Philippines. We had our annual leadership retreat. Lots and lots of work for that one, but oooh sooo worth it. I've preached at all three campuses. Okay...I'll stop. I know your list is as long as mine. But these word pictures really spoke to my heart in all the busyness. I pray it talks to your heart as well.

“Let’s Dance” – Three Pictures

Picture…while worshipping the Lord with my eyes closed I heard the Lord say, “Let’s Dance.” He then showed me a series of pictures involving people dancing. This first picture was of a young man on a crowded dance floor, who was obviously dancing alone. There was a four-foot buffer zone around him because everyone was giving him wide berth to keep from being hit in his “enthusiastic” dance style. His arms were flailing around with no particular rhythm or movement. He was spinning, stomping, kicking and jumping around like he had “ants in his pants,” like my mother used to say. Just watching him for a moment was exhausting.

Hear…the Lord say, “That is not what I had in mind. I want you to take my hand that is extending to you and allow ME to lead. I want to teach you the steps to the dance I choreographed just for you. But I also want to you to get accustomed to following my lead. I want you to partner with me in prayer and ministry. I don’t want you going off on your own and expending all your energy in such an ineffective manner. I never asked you to do it on your own. I want you to take my hand and follow my lead in a dance that will cause you to be effective in my kingdom and in life.”

***

Picture…the next picture was of elegantly clad couple dancing a waltz a candle lit ballroom. There were other dancers but I could not take my eyes off this pair. It wasn’t just the dashing tuxedo of the gentleman or shimmering gown and dazzling jewels of the lady that drew my attention. It was the look on their faces. There was such a look of rapture on their faces that I was almost embarrassed to watch. It felt like I was intruding on a very private moment, not that they would have noticed for they only had eyes for each other. Their love was radiating so strong and pure that it was almost a tangible thing.

Hear…the Lord say, “There are those who are aching and hurting today. Your pain is real, but my love will wipe the tears from your eyes and the dull pain throbbing in your chest. Step into my arms and allow me to hold you close. Allow me to embrace you and drive all thoughts of hopelessness from your mind. I love you. I ache with the love that I bear for you. Don’t stay huddled alone in your pain. Step into my arms and let me sweep you away to a place where I can show you my love without disruption. There is too much hurt all around. Step away with me. Dance with me. Let me love you.”

***

Picture…The last picture was of a couple swing dancing. It was just as full of energy as the first guy, but their movements were perfectly timed. Every movement was well executed from the woman jumping into the man’s arms to her slide on the floor between his legs. My first thought was, “Wow, these guys are in good shape.” I couldn’t imagine such sustained physical exertion. Then I thought, “Dancing is definitely not for sissies.” It was so cool.

Hear…the Lord say, “They didn’t just get on the floor yesterday. They have been practicing and practicing. They have practiced so hard and for so long that they have begun anticipating each other’s moves and can improvise. There are those who have been following my lead in the dance of life for a while now. They have been learning to follow my lead from a simple hand gesture to a complex move. They have no thoughts about what they want or what they are going to do. They know strictly to follow my lead. It has been a long and difficult journey. Learning the steps has been difficult. But it is time now for their reward. It is ‘SHOW TIME.’ Because of their faithfulness, because they have followed me every step, I am now going to release the miraculous into their lives. Doors previously shut will be opened. Weariness will dissipate. Prayers prayed for years will be answered. They have danced with me consistently and I trust them. Yes, I know that they trust me, but I also trust them. I know that they will obey me in all ways. Do you think that I was surprised by Abraham’s obedience in bringing his son to me for sacrifice? No, I knew that it was time. I knew that he would pass the test. He faltered some along the way, but he learned his lessons. So have you. Look forward to the dawn of a new season of fruitfulness and prosperity as you continue to follow my lead.”

Consider: The Lord has said it all, and said it quite clearly. There is nothing for me to explain or add. I would just encourage you to meditate on the word that applies to you.

Pray: “Oh sweet Lord, Lover of my soul. My heart is so full I can barely speak let alone pray. I love you so much, and I am beginning to understand your great love for me. You love me when I’ve ‘blown it’ and you love me when I am hurting. You love me when I’ve kept in step with you and you love me when I’ve missed my cue. I’ve been rather disturbed today about a number of things, but your love has made all those things seem so unimportant now. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for comforting me. Thank you for your promise of victory. You are my heart. You are my joy. You are my victory. I want to follow you so closely that I anticipate your direction and meet you there. I want to be obedient in every little thing. I want to please you above anything else in this world. Help me to do that. Help me to please you. Help me to follow your every lead. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

posted by pastorc @ 8:20 PM 0 comments