It's a Process

God Evening Family!

Christmas 2010 is now behind us as we look toward the coming of 2011, however, I still am pondering a thought that came to me as I was preparing for Christmas day.

Jesus, the promised Savior of Israel came as an infant.

The King of kings came as a baby that needed to be nurtured and rocked, fed and burped, changed and dressed. How....natural.

Is it just me or am I the only one that looks for something huge and NOW when God makes a promise? When God speaks words like deliverance, blessing , or calling I have always presumed that something immediate and supernatural will occur.

God never thinks the way I do. God likes the words process, patience, and timing. I personally hate those words....admit it, so do you.

Perhaps you're not certain of where I'm going with this, so lets imagine for a moment a man that has lived in financial difficulty for most of his life. This person gets not just one Word from the Lord promising financial prosperity, but several over the course of some years and from different sources. He is convinced that God will bless him and is waiting for the financial windfall. A check in the mail, a winning lottery ticket, gold found hidden under the floor boards of his house.

Instead one day a door opens for him to start a business. Now this is no grand, fully developed company. It's just a little store, with little inventory,and he's going to have to invest some of his own money, lots of hard work, as well as endure disappointment to get it going.

At this point the man throws an angry fist at God for not keeping His Word to prosper him and like the servant with one talent walks away from an amazing chance to partner with God in His blessing.

God is in the growing business, He likes to start small, and it's His love and wisdom that makes us go through the process.

Jesus was the answer to God's promise to save mankind and restore man's intimate relationship with Himself. Yet, He wasn't born in a palace with servants attending to His every whim. He was born a regular guy whose parents couldn't even get a decent room for Him to be born in. Like everyone else He had to grow from baby to manhood and God was pleased with the process.

God can and does deliver people in an instant. About two weeks after I got saved I wanted to get rid of my two pack a day smoking habit so I gave my cigarettes to a friend and prayed for help. I woke up the next morning with no desire to smoke and except for the occasional fire in my kitchen I've been smoke free for over 15 years.

Ever since then God has chosen to drag out my promises and make me go through processes that normally take me years. As a single woman I asked for a godly husband but it took me about 10-12 years after the honeymoon to realize I really had actually married one and I needed to stop trying to create him in my image. I asked for the fruit of the Spirit and He took me through alot of misunderstanding, accusation, and what I considered unfair treatment for 3-5 years until I finally started exhibiting some of that fruit. I asked God to use me in some awesome ministry and He put me in the cleaning and children's ministry. It took me years for me to realize God was honoring me and not punishing me.

You know God is eternal and not bound by time. He is in absolutely no hurry. So when we ask for Him to fulfill His promise He gets to work. The problem is we are not like the three wise-men who beheld the baby Jesus and knew right away He was the Great King. We ask for great things and God sends our answer, yet we can't at all perceive how scrubbing a toilet or teaching kids is going to prosper us or make us great people....but, you know something, it does.

In the process of growing from babe to manhood Jesus was tempted just like we are, and became our compassionate High Priest who lives to make intercession for us.

In the process of just obeying God in whatever assignment or hardship He puts before us we too learn compassion and mercy. We also learn courage, fortitude, and patience. We learn to simply take God's will and go through the process....cheerfully.


After that, the Word of God came to me: "Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They'll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!" Zechariah 4:10 (The Message)

The Separation of Thanksgiving And God.

God Morning Family,

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving as a nation. However most of us do not truly give Thanks to God but rather celebrate the gathering of family and friends by the breaking of bread.

Our appreciation has nothing to do with gratitude to God for giving us a nation where we can worship, obey, and serve Him freely according to His express command.

We are not expressing gratitude for the forgiveness of our sins through the suffering and death of the Lamb of God. Instead we are grateful that we are free to be heathens and are convinced that we can do as we please with no penalty.

While the following passage is wordy I encourage you to take the time to read it and meditate on the intent of our founding fathers to worship God (of the Old and New Testament) and honor Him in our government, schools, businesses, churches, and homes.

Pray for the revival of the church and the salvation of unbelievers.

Thanks be to God for the sacrifice of His Son and the blood that cleanses us from sin.


On November 1, 1777, by order of Congress, the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation was proclaimed, and signed by Henry Laurens, President of Continental Congress.

The third Thursday of December, 1777 was thus officially set aside: "…for solemn thanksgiving and praise. That with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their Divine Benefactor;… and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them (their manifold sins) out of remembrance… That it may please Him… to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety under His nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth of 'righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost'…"

Then again, on January 1, 1795, our first United States President, George Washington, wrote his famed National Thanksgiving Proclamation, in which he says that it is… "…our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue is… our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced…" Thursday, the 19th day of February, 1795 was thus set aside by George Washington as a National Day of Thanksgiving.

Many years later, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed, by Act of Congress, an annual National Day of Thanksgiving "on the last Thursday of November, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." In this Thanksgiving proclamation, our 16th President says that it is… "…announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord… But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, by the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own… It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people…" So it is that on Thanksgiving Day each year, Americans give thanks to Almighty God for all His blessings and mercies toward us throughout the year.

Peter Moments

Hi Family...I wrote this in 2008 and I thought it was worth re-sharing :)

God Evening Family,

I haven't written in two weeks. Some are breathing a huge sigh of relief. Some weren't aware of that because they delete the email unopened. But perhaps there are one or two of you who actually were wondering why you haven't received Revival Prayer in two weeks.

I'll tell you why. I'm having a Peter Crisis. Let me explain. Peter was not the beloved desciple, that was John...you know, the one always leaning on Jesus' breast. No, Peter was the one with the big mouth. He was always saying the wrong thing, putting his foot in his mouth, or offending folks. Well I've been doing the same for two weeks now. No matter what I do it's wrong.

So as I sat down to write the first week and then the second week I found myself second guessing every word. A little fearful lest I offend, I deleted everything. Cowardly? Maybe...ok, yes, somewhat. But also a Godly fear has crept into my heart. You see I don't want to say just anything. I don't want to spout off my opinions anymore. I want to speak as the Spirit gives me utterance, as an oracle of God. James asked if both bitter water and sweet , salt water and fresh flowed from the same source? How terrible when the same mouth that just uttered Thus sayeth the Lord with such annointing and boldness then begins to complain about the price of eggs and the broken washing machine.

I want to be not just Spirit led but Holy Spirit possessed. I want to forsake the pleasures of this world and throw myself with abandon off the precipice of earthly wisdom. I want to own nothing but the Knowledge of who He is and what He says. I want to trust Him completely and cast off every weight that keeps me tied to the natural. I want to take God at His Word. I don't just want to operate in the supernatural...I want to be supernatural. But I am not.

Even now in frustration I want to delete this as well. To hang up writing for good. But yet He said... write.

There is someone who questions as I do. "Who am I to do anything for God when I'm such a mess? Who am I to speak to anyone of God?" The devil says quit and accuses you of every sin and weakness. He calls you that word that causes you to cringe..."Hypocrite!".

The Word says agree with your adversary quickly. Admit your failures...nod your head swiftly at the devils long list of accusations. But then turn your eyes to the cross. He is your Champion. He did not die because we were perfect but because we couldn't help ourselves. How much more will He help us now that we are His. Paul boasted in his weaknesses because it was only when he was weak that he could be truly strong in Christ.

So march onward soldier and do not faint but continue to abound in the work of the Lord. And when you have a Peter moment...smile, you're in good company!

Continue in Prayer...

Love,
Lauren







God Evening Family,

I haven't written in two weeks. Some are breathing a huge sigh of relief. Some weren't aware of that because they delete the email unopened. But perhaps there are one or two of you who actually were wondering why you haven't received Revival Prayer in two weeks.

I'll tell you why. I'm having a Peter Crisis. Let me explain. Peter was not the beloved desciple, that was John...you know, the one always leaning on Jesus' breast. No, Peter was the one with the big mouth. He was always saying the wrong thing, putting his foot in his mouth, or offending folks. Well I've been doing the same for two weeks now. No matter what I do it's wrong.

So as I sat down to write the first week and then the second week I found myself second guessing every word. A little fearful lest I offend, I deleted everything. Cowardly? Maybe...ok, yes, somewhat. But also a Godly fear has crept into my heart. You see I don't want to say just anything. I don't want to spout off my opinions anymore. I want to speak as the Spirit gives me utterance, as an oracle of God. James asked if both bitter water and sweet , salt water and fresh flowed from the same source? How terrible when the same mouth that just uttered Thus sayeth the Lord with such annointing and boldness then begins to complain about the price of eggs and the broken washing machine.

I want to be not just Spirit led but Holy Spirit possessed. I want to forsake the pleasures of this world and throw myself with abandon off the precipice of earthly wisdom. I want to own nothing but the Knowledge of who He is and what He says. I want to trust Him completely and cast off every weight that keeps me tied to the natural. I want to take God at His Word. I don't just want to operate in the supernatural...I want to be supernatural. But I am not.

Even now in frustration I want to delete this as well. To hang up writing for good. But yet He said... write.

There is someone who questions as I do. "Who am I to do anything for God when I'm such a mess? Who am I to speak to anyone of God?" The devil says quit and accuses you of every sin and weakness. He calls you that word that causes you to cringe..."Hypocrite!".

The Word says agree with your adversary quickly. Admit your failures...nod your head swiftly at the devils long list of accusations. But then turn your eyes to the cross. He is your Champion. He did not die because we were perfect but because we couldn't help ourselves. How much more will He help us now that we are His. Paul boasted in His weaknesses because it was only when He was weak that He could be truly strong.

So march onward soldier and do not faint but continue to abound in the work of the Lord. And when you have a Peter moment...smile, you're in good company!

Stay in prayer and in the Word,

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

That's Word

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Romans 12 (The Message)

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

A.R.K.S.

God Evening Family,

Yep, still stuck on ARKS only this time it's an acronym.

My favorite movie of all times is Evan Almighty. (Yes I suggest you see it.) Evan is a man elected to Congress. He appeals to God for help him make a difference, only it never occurred to him that God would take him at his word. God shows up and gently but firmly insists that Evan build an Ark.

I won't ruin the movie for you but I will say it was through this movie that God first spoke to me about Arks or in this case A.R.K

Acts of Random Kindness.

More and more I am convinced that I have a responsibility to help people not only come to Christ, but to stay saved.

This world is cruel, calculating, and indifferent to the pain people endure. There are times when a word or gesture of kindness is like a crust of bread to a starving man.

The problem lies in agendas. True kindness has no agenda. It just is. Jesus healed countless men and women he knew would later reject Him simply because He was moved by compassion.

Those with agendas do not waste their time on people they know will never be saved, never achieve their destiny...never be a "successful" Christian. They look for those with the right qualities and then they begin the work of conversion. Discipleship means reproducing themselves which is kind of strange since none of us is the standard...

Jesus is the standard.

Jesus was the Master A.R.K. builder. From raising a widow's son from the dead during the funeral procession to making sure his mother would be cared for by John, while hanging on the cross mind you, Jesus was always sensitive to suffering of others. He did what He could to ease that suffering.

The command from God to Noah was, "Make yourself an ark..."Gen 6:14

The command from Jesus for 2000 years has always been make yourself an A.R.K.

Love everyone. Be kind to everyone. And as much as it is up to you be at peace with all. Honor all men and suffer even the least to come to Him. Make yourself that compassionate person who does all you can to ease the suffering around you...with no agenda.

Whether people come to Christ or not, whether they do grand impressive things for God or not, whether they just can't seem to mature in Christ we are to show the kindness of God.

Why?

Because, for now, the Ark door is still open. Just as they can come in they can also walk out. God's will is all be saved and for those who walk out of His Ark there is no promise of tomorrow.

What if all it takes to keep a soul saved is a not so random, Holy Spirit inspired, act of kindness from me? What if that soul is my spouse, my child, my mom or dad, a pastor, or a new convert? What if I hold back that kindness and someone goes to hell due to my lack of compassion? My refusal to just be...

... kind?


"Make yourself an ark..."Gen 6:14

Stay in Prayer and the Word!

Love in our Lord,

Lauren

Ark Builders

God Afternoon Family,

There is something weighing on the heart of God that is beginning to weigh on mine.

God is looking for Ark builders.

The end of this world as we know it is coming. Two thousand years ago the apostles declared that Jesus was coming soon. Two thousand years later we stand at the brink of that Great Day.

In preparation for that coming the church has been commissioned to win as many souls to Christ as we can. Very few are doing that, but for those who are I believe there is an aspect of soul winning that can be overlooked, or at least not given priority in the mind of the soul winner.

Generally in winning souls, great mercy and kindness is shown to the lost. The message, preached truthfully and without compromise, is ornamented with patience and a great show of love. For the one that is drawn by the Father and receives Christ as Lord, this "love" is sweet refuge from the rejection and harshness of the world.

All too soon however, once it is relatively assured that the new convert really is saved and locked in to the local church, seasoned men and women seem to breath a sigh of relief as they remove their spiritual masks. Almost in unison it's as if they say,

"Okay, now we can be ourselves."

Patience now begins to wear thin, compassion and concern is rarely evident, the fruit of the spirit has gone sour, and instead of being our brother's keeper the scripture of the day is, "work out your own salvation...". At the end of the day, the body lays down it's head down in peace because we've done our job and the poor heathen is saved.

People are not that stupid. As a sales woman I do my utmost to give sincere compliments and to be kind to my clients because they are people, not because I want their money. I do this because I hate being "sold". I know when people are being nice to me because they have an agenda.

People know when they are just another notch on the evangelistic belt.

There is a difference between loving people and loving bringing people to Christ. One continues to cultivate the relationship while the other dumps the heathen at the feet of Christ and walks off. Jesus is looking for those who will cultivate the relationship.

God had Noah build the Ark to preserve life until the danger passed. God expects us to do the same. Instead of wooden boats, arks are now the hearts of men where people can remain safe until Jesus comes for His church.

When we do not develop hearts filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control what comes out of us is everything prideful and wicked. Instead of patiently helping one another just stay saved we have become a source of stumbling.

When our brother backslides, offended, it is not simply because they had no relationship with God it's because they also had no relationship with the body. If a finger is dismembered the tissue in that finger will die because it it cut off from the nourishment that comes through the blood flow of the body. If a brother has not connected intimately within the body he will eventually die because he is cut off from the nourishment of Christ that flows through the church. Before one develops intimacy with God he connects with the one made in the image of God.

I understand all to well that there are those who will not connect no matter how well they are loved by their brethren. But when the body refuses to grow in the fruit of the Spirit we in effect
cut off our brother from the love and mercy of God. Then his blood is on our hands.

We build arks for souls. Therefore we do not just show love to the new convert, but our spouses, children, leaders, pastors, and peers. Everyone in the church is a soul in need of keeping

We build arks when we choose to be the peace maker, when we give, and when we labor in God's house instead of leaving the work to others. We build arks through sincere gestures of kindness to one another, forgiving one another (quickly), and looking out for the troubles of our brother as well as our own. We build arks when we prefer one another before ourselves.

We build arks not out of duty but a sincere desire to see everyone make it to the right hand of God.

We build arks because hell is real and we are our brother's keeper.

When everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the boat with all your family..." Gen 7:1

Stay in prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

Take up Your Cross

God Evening Family,

I'm not quite sure how to write this, but I know God wanted me to share what He showed me this morning.

Last Sunday I was fasting. As I was listening to the sermon that morning I heard God say pray for My body. So I continued the fast and each day focused my prayer on whatever the Holy Spirit led me to pray for His body. Among other things I prayed for the fear of the Lord, finances, missionaries, pastors, laborers for the harvest and workers to rise up.

One day I specifically prayed that God would heal His body. I felt such a certainty that the body of Christ was so sick and the sickness was like a cancer that was rapidly spreading.

Today was the last day of the fast and when I woke up, before I had even opened my eyes, I had a song on my heart about the Cross. As I opened my eyes I had a vision of Jesus. He was holding a cup in His hand and He said,

"The reason so many are falling away is because they refuse to embrace the Cross. The end is closer than ever before. For those who embrace the Cross the end is glorious."

He looked at me and held out the cup. "Will you drink from My cup?"

I hesitated because I knew it was the cup of suffering. I told Him I didn't want to drink from that cup and I needed His grace to help me to do so.

He said, "Embrace the cross, the end is glorious."

I took the cup and drank from it. It was so bitter and it made my stomach hurt. As I drank I saw so many things it was almost a blur and I couldn't see it all. I saw wars, strife, people suffering, others carrying or being nailed to their own crosses. Then all was silent and I was dressed as He was. My robe was so beautiful and everything was bright and white. Then I heard the worship of so many saints, all united in our praise of the Lamb. Finally My head was laid in His lap as He sat on His throne.

This vision could have lasted longer than a minute but for me the message was clear. In order for me to be with Jesus forever I must take up my cross, but in my flesh this is impossible. It is only through the strength of God that I can allow my flesh to suffer the agonizingly slow death of the cross.

When we think of suffering we often think of those who suffer unto blood shed. However in this country very few experience the pain of being martyred. At least for now. Our crosses tend more towards our dealings with people or circumstances. For instance when we encounter an offense the temptation is to respond in some carnal way, yet the Word of God says to forgive. To obey that Word I have to nail my fleshly desire for revenge firmly to the cross and graciously extend the hand of peace.

Crosses are not easy. No one wants to drink from the cup of suffering and humiliation. Yet Jesus gave the answer. In Luke 22:42-43 we find Jesus asking His Father to take away this same cup. Jesus was not spared but His Father sent an angel to strengthen Him.

The end truly is near folks and many are forsaking the Word of God to live their own version of Christianity where suffering and humiliation don't exist. Many are already deceived into thinking that they are still right with God despite the fact that they refuse to obey His Word.

Nothing in me wants to suffer. Yet God demands it because this flesh must die. So my part in the matter is to find my own Garden of Gethsemane and cry out to God for the grace to take up my cross, that I too may follow after Christ.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Heb 12:3

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

The House of Kindness

God Morning Family,
There is a story in the New Testament that has always weighed on my mind in that I've never fully been at peace with the way some interpret it..

The story is found in John 5:1-9 and tells how there was a pool called Bethesda where miracles happened. At certain seasons an angel would stir the waters and whoever got into the water first was healed of whatever sickness they had.

Jesus comes on the scene and taking note of a man who had been lying by that pool for 38 years, He asked him,

"Would you like to get well?"

The man responds by saying that he could not get well because every time the waters were stirred someone would get in the water before he could. He had no one who would help Him.

I've heard this invalid described as an excuse maker, an apathetic man who was wallowing in self pity. I heard it said that if this man really wanted to be healed he would have found a way to get in that pool, therefore if you and I are not healed, delivered, or still struggling in some emotional area it's because we just don't want the victory bad enough.

I do believe that we are responsible to do our part when it comes to receiving things from the Lord. But, I also know that sometimes people suffer from conditions (Physically, mentally, spiritually) that they can do absolutely nothing about. They are not making excuses they just do not see a way out of their suffering. It is in these cases that God expects us to help one another.

It is amusing that the pool was called Bethesda which in the Hebrew means house of kindness. Imagine this. The pool is packed with the sick and infirm waiting for the angel to stir the water. They are as close to the pool as they can get. Day after day passes and everyone is afraid to sleep or take their eyes off the water for even a second. Everyone is on edge and no one is thinking about their neighbor. All they want is to be the first one in the water so they can be free from misery. Finally the waters begin to stir and the people are anything but kind. The sick are trampling on one another. Fists flail as each one desperately attempts to be the first to step in.

Finally a shout of triumph! A young man with kidney stones had pushed down an elderly woman with cancer and stepped in the water first. Glorifying God he went home healed with out a second thought about those still sick. The crowd went back, each one to their place, some weeping, others grumbling, all dejected.

Then Jesus comes and His attention is immediately fixed on the one who had been their 38 years and his complaint was so genuine Jesus did not dispute it. There was no one who would help. So Jesus spoke and the man was healed.

I have several thoughts on the matter and even as I write I pray God convict me daily to put my needs on the back burner when I have an opportunity to show a kindness.

1) We are our brother's keeper. We have a responsibility to be the solution to an other's problem. I imagine Jesus angry at the selfishness of His people as they lay by that pool. He still gets angry. We get so wrapped up in ourselves, our trials, that we forget to have compassion for one another. When we get our breakthrough we praise God with our mouth but forget that our brother is still suffering.

I wonder what would have happened if someone had determined that the next time the pool stirred they would grab their brother and jump in together. Maybe God would have been so pleased that in His mercy they both would have been healed. Maybe a revival would have started and everyone who jumped in would have gotten healed.

Don't forget the four friends that tore up the roof of a house to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Jesus healed that man and said it was because of the faith of his friends. Mark 2:1-5

2) Jesus healed the man by the pool and it was the sabbath. Jesus knew by healing this man on the sabbath He was asking for persecution as it was considered unlawful to heal on the sabbath.
It will cost us to extend help to someone else. We will suffer the little...maybe giving up our eating out money to give another family groceries. We will suffer greatly...as do those who bring the Gospel of Salvation to countries where Christians are persecuted to the death. Yet those who are willing to lay down their life to bless someone else are called the friends of Jesus.

3) Finally, and my sincere apologies if this sounds cynical but, in the end we can really only depend on Jesus. For 38 years no one would help this man and I imagine he must have reached out for help. He must have begged for help only to have people turn a deaf ear. For 38 years people had an opportunity to show kindness in the house of kindness and no one did. The man waited because he had no choice, but finally God showed up.

The proper response to this is to keep your heart soft and do not get bitter. Selfishness is human nature even in the most spiritual man or woman of God. The best of us have to fight off self more than the devil...how much more those in the church who do not seek God and His ways.

Just remember while you wait for God, though you may have been forsaken do not forsake others. When God shows up pay it forward.

We can all do something to help one another. We can even help those who make foolish decisions. Do not flippantly shrug your shoulders when, because of their rebelliousness or stubbornness, people suffer. Prayer and compassion is always needful, especially for the fool.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Phil 2:3-4

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

My Brother's Keeper

God Evening Family,

Some months ago I realized that having a fruitless life was a sure way to reserve a place in hell.

Yesterday I heard someone say that Christians who do not bear the fruits of Jesus Christ were going to hell. He referenced John 15:2 which says,

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away...

I also found in Luke 3:8 & 9,

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance...And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

The scripture is in no way vague. Jesus says He is the vine and we are the branches. If we branches do not bear the obvious fruit that marks us as Christ's then we have no place in Him and thus, no place in heaven.

But what fruit is Jesus talking about. Well obviously we must have the fruit of the Spirit found in Gal 5:22 & 23,

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

But the scripture in both Luke 3 and John 15 is specific. In both of these Jesus demands that those who are His must love the very people made in His image. Look at John 15: 16 & 17

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

In Luke 3 after John warns the people that the fruitless will be cut down and cast into the fire the people ask him what must they do to avoid such punishment. He tells everyone to share with others, the tax collectors were commanded to not cheat the people out of their money, and the soldiers were told to not use their authority to take advantage of others.

The fruit of our relationship with God is the love of people. He said Himself if we say we love Him and do not love others we are liars. (1 Jon 4:20) How we treat the least of us is how we treat God. Cheat others you cheat God. Turn your face away from a brother in need and you've just turned your back on God.

This is no milk toast, sappy, "God bless brother, be warmed and filled" kind of love. How must we love? We must lay down our very lives for one another. Prefer one another before ourselves. Go out of our way and be inconvenienced for one another. (1 Jn 3:16-17)

Still not convinced? How's this? On that great day God will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep on His right hand who will enter heaven, generously and on purpose loved others by clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and visited the shut-in and imprisoned. The ones that went to hell lived selfish, self-centered lives and God declared that He took their lack of love towards others as an expression of their lack of love toward Himself. (Matt 25: 31-36)

God doesn't make it complicated. Love God. Love People. Not too hard...

...right?

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another 1 Jn 3:10-11

Stay in the Word and in Prayer!

Love in Our Lord,
Lauren

Prayer

God Morning Family,

I just love prayer and the Word of God!

Oh, there are times when I'd rather do something else. There are times when prayer or reading my Bible seems as interesting as taking out the trash. I have found, however, if I just wait on God or press in a little more, read a few more verses, He always makes His presence known somehow.

When I first gave my life to Christ in 1995 prayer was better than television. I loved singing to Jesus and telling Him how awesome He was.

Within about six months my hunger for prayer began to wane. My prayer life was erratic and I had lost the fire of just wanting to be with my God.

I had been saved 14 months when I realized connecting to God in prayer was the most important thing in the world.

Shawn and I had been married less than a year and fights were almost a daily occurrence. It was my first day home with our new baby Shannon. In pain from the recent c-section I had a very short temper. I had probably not prayed the whole time I was hospitalized.

I don't remember what started the fight but the argument took place in the bedroom with our 3 day old baby asleep on our bed. The fight escalated until I finally slapped my husband who pushed me down on the bed. As we struggled furiously I suddenly realized we were on top of our new daughter. I suddenly sobered and with voice shaking said, "Shawn, we're on the baby."
He quickly stood up and I took the baby in my arms who, fortunately, was not harmed.

It was that day that I vowed to never be prayerless again. (It was that resolve to pray, and Shawn's decision to be a man of prayer that saved our marriage.)

Without God I am capable of very ugly things. Without prayer we are all capable of very ugly things. It's remembering the story of how Israel was reduced to eating their own children during a famine that reminds me of the importance of prayer and keeping His Word.

It's in prayer that God convicts me of anger and impatience. Through prayer and His Word He slaps my behind and forces me out of my pity parties. He does it so gently, so lovingly, yet I'm reduced to tears because it is His goodness that drives me to repentance.

In prayer the real me is revealed. Yet God is not ashamed. He is not impatient but He is firm. Change is not an option yet God doesn't force it over night. He works with those who stay in His hand.

Just when I think I'm finally a spiritual woman He exposes yet another flaw and continues the good work He began in me. He began it and He will finish it. It is not our job family, to change ourselves. If we were capable of that we would have done it a long time ago. We would have no need of the Holy Spirit or the blood of Jesus.

What is our part then? Our part is to draw near in prayer and behold our Creator...and keep beholding. As we remain in the light of His glory it is impossible not to change. Our part is to discover the purpose and desire of God through His Word, to come in agreement with Him, and with a contrite heart appeal to Him that He never leave us to ourselves. This is how we work out our salvation day by day.

I love prayer because God is faithful whether I feel Him or not. As I cling to Him He reminds me how proud He is of me just because I am His. Yet I realize He is also Holy. I realize He is not my BFF (best friend forever) or my home-boy. He is GOD and He is to be reverenced. The same God that is proud of me today is capable of casting this soul into hell if I forsake my relationship with Him. He loves me. He still loves every soul that is in hell at this moment.

Yet I do not pray out of fear of hell but rather out of fear that I'll be separated from Him forever.

Imagine...an eternity of hell without even one glimpse of His precious face.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Stay in Prayer and the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

Stink Until You Get Good!

God Morning Family,
This past Saturday God blessed me! As I prayed He posed this question; "Are you willing to stink until I resurrect you?".

I had to laugh and rejoice. Indeed God does not think like we do at all!

God reminded me of Lazurus. I won't go into detail, but I encourage you to read John chapter 11 for yourself. The following is what God spoke to me.

Lazarus was a dear friend of Jesus and loved by Him, yet when Jesus heard Lazarus was deathly ill He purposely delayed going to his side. His reasoning? That God would get glory and He Himself would be glorified.

Lesson 1: Getting close to Jesus means sometimes He will purposely let something really bad happen to you. Or He will seemingly lift His hand off your life and let the real you be exposed for all to see. This is the honor of being His friend. Those who want intimacy with God ask that our lives will give Him glory and we think that means we go to church, share our faith, and don't live in sin anymore. Jesus glorified God through His suffering, humiliation, and death on the cross.

It wasn't until Lazarus was dead and beyond hope that Jesus responded to the request that He go to His friend.

Lesson 2: Just when you think things are bad God will let it get worse. And not just worse but beyond hope. God gets the glory when your situation is beyond human rescue. God gets the glory when your situation, or you, are so awful that even the most faith filled, Holy Ghost people you know will shake their heads with doubt. No flesh shall glory in Gods presence and when the big rescue comes no man will get the credit.

When Jesus got there Lazarus had already been put in a tomb.

Lesson 3: Tombs are places of isolation. Don't be surprised you feel alone when your life is falling apart. Don't be shocked when you're trying to do your best but people steer clear of you because you've stepped on their toes. Not because of righteousness but because you're just a mess. This is a good place. This is where, if you don't get offended, you learn to love people without pinning your hopes on them. This is where you learn that really, only God has an answer. This is where you learn God is a jealous God and as long as you trust in anything or anyone besides Him He will not be satisfied. God will allow the worst in you or your life in order to remove your dependence on flesh.

Lesson 4: People put Lazarus in a tomb not God. Don't be moved when people give up on you. People do not have the final say God does. I don't care if you have been in the same condition for 10, 20, or even 75 years.

When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda he'd had that infirmity for 38 years. The woman with the issue of blood had been sick 12 years. And there is no telling how long the wild man of the Gadarenes had been demon possessed when Jesus set him free.

Keep believing God for change in your life, keep believing in God's mercy. It's better to be found contending for His will then to throw in the towel. Just don't quit!

"Roll away the stone."
"Uh, Jesus, surely you're aware that the body stinks? "

Lesson 5: You would think that once one has stopped fighting God, has submitted to the crucifixion of their flesh, and died to self one life would be glorious . But it's not. There is a stench as the flesh corrupts.

When one surrenders to God and chooses to walk in the Spirit all is not lovely. While the stony heart may have been rolled away and replaced with a heart of flesh, this disciple has no idea how to walk with God...even if they have been saved for 20 years. They stink at it.

Don't be discouraged Lazarus. Right now you're probably doing all you can to be godly yet people always seem to be offended with you. You're doing all you can yet your circumstances are the same. It's not because you are the same person you used to be . That one died. It's because you are just a seedling who has yet to bear fruit. Remember, it's only when the seed falls to the ground and dies that it bears fruit.

But you want to bear fruit NOW. You look awful and you need that fruit to make you look good to all the people that think you're such a loser. Just let the Master water, tend, and prune you. Trust in Him. You may be broke, you may be rough around the edges, hasty, and have no idea how to communicate but you will bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Oh and by the way, all the poop that gets dumped on you instead of patience and understanding...it's called fertilizer and you need it to grow. Yes! It makes you stink all the more. Are you willing to stink until you get good? Can you deal with the humiliation of submitting to that until you bear godly fruit? Not to look good to people, but to His glory?

"Lazarus come forth!"

Lesson 6: Remember Jesus did not come to Lazarus when he was sick, but waited until he died and there seemed to be no hope. There is a set time for everything family. God has a schedule and He knows the day and the hour of your deliverance.

Hang in there, trust Jesus, stay humble, and be willing to stink until you get good.

Don't quit!!!! Resurrection time is coming!

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

What Price?

God Morning Family,

I'm still on one particular vein; walking with and knowing the Holy Spirit.

I believe their are many Christians who feel the pull to cast off all restraint and fling themselves wholeheartedly into the fire of God. I believe that if any of us are saved then the Spirit of God is within us. He will ever draw us nearer to the Father, glorifying Jesus who died to bring us into relationship with the One He loved to the death.

Yes, I believe that so many want more.

I also know many believers will never obtain that more. Let me explain.

Nothing gets done until one deals with self truthfully. Knowing the motives of the heart is so imperative in our walk with God, but we cannot know motives of our own hearts unless the Spirit and the Word reveals them.

So many Christians do not pray or spend time seeking God in His Word. May I clarify seeking God?

I am talking about prayer from the heart not empty religious gestures. Not the punching in of the Christian time clock.

Prayer ought to position the believer to hear truth because the believer hungers for truth. Petitioning God for our wants and problems is not the heart of prayer. Jesus lived to know and do the will of the Father. He was able to boldly say He knew and loved the Father because He lived to please Him alone. Jesus prayed.

In our Bible reading there ought to be more than skimming words on a page. Where is the careful study, memorization, meditation, and application (read obedience) of the Holy scriptures? Yet this is not enough without a hunger for truth.

In Jesus' day none prayed, fasted, or knew the Word of God better than the Pharisees. Yet when Jesus showed up they rejected their Messiah. How could this be? The Pharisees loved the adulation of men more than the quiet praise of God. (Jn 12:43)

Do you think the Pharisees knew this was in their hearts? Do you think they honestly confessed their sin? Of course not. They searched for an excuse that would appease their guilty conscience and fixated on it until they believed it was truth.

This is human nature.

Our human nature is to be feared far and above all the works of the devil and his angels with him.

We are capable of such creativity, reasoning, brilliance, and courage. We are capable of the most heinous of crimes and cowardice. We can even lie to ourselves.

When one determines in his heart that he will give all to God, the Holy Spirit begins to deal with that heart. So few allow that dealing.

We are looking for the touch of God that pleases us. He is looking for holiness, purity of heart, and faith that please Him.

He is looking for the one that says,

I will stand naked and unashamed before You and mankind..I am willing that You to expose me, humiliate me, and make me the least of my brothers. I willing to be the servant of Your servants. I am willing to be overlooked, unappreciated, unjustly treated, and falsely accused. I am willing to look like a fool for Your sake or to cover those in authority over me and my peers. I am willing to endure the crucifixion moments of my life that this flesh will be destroyed and I can walk in the truth of Your ways.

He is the Spirit of Truth. He loves us and is so gentle. He will not break the spirit of the one who seeks him but He has no mercy on the flesh. His dealings cause pain. That pain is sometimes physical, but mostly it is a pain to our ego. A harsh blow to our pride. A destruction of the thing we love more than Christ which is most generally ourselves.

This is why I say many will never walk in the more or the fire of intimacy with the Holy Spirit on this earth. The cost is indeed high.

But if you desire Him...all of Him...and you are willing to pay the price, fear not. Though it be a rough and treacherous rode He will be your guide. Remember Lots wife and never look back. What lies ahead is glorious!

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27-33

Stay in Prayer and the Word!

Love in Our Lord,
Lauren

The Fear of Man

God Morning Family,

Let's just jump right in. If you long to walk with the Spirit of God the way I do you must put people, along with their opinions and expectations of you, in their proper place.

Being overly concerned (read obsessed) about what others think of you is a hindrance in cultivating intimacy with the Holy Ghost.

Even as a child I ran myself ragged trying to make everyone happy. As a young adult I was a chameleon. I did all I could to be like everyone in order to be liked.

I brought this into my walk with God. Wanting to be accepted I frantically tried to please everyone. If I at all sensed someone was displeased with me I lost sleep and did all I could to regain their approval.

Ridiculous! If Jesus Himself cannot please everyone then why would I think I can?

The greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This cannot be done when the fear of man moves us to please people instead of God.

Approval seekers cannot follow or obey God unless they feel everyone approves of them, their decisions, their words, or their actions. Therefore deliverance in this area is imperative.

In attempting to be delivered of approval seeking I have seen people go the opposite way. Instead of seeking to please others they live to please themselves alone. People like this love the scripture that says we ought to obey God rather than men Acts 5:29. They adopt the stance that no longer are they subject to the authority of others and cast off restraint. This is rebellion and foolishness. My Granny would have said they are throwing out the baby with the bath water.

God's word is clear concerning to our submission to spiritual and natural authority. A good disciple, wife, child, or servant certainly should seek to please the one in authority over them. In doing so they please God as all authority comes from Him.

Selfishness is also not deliverance. After loving God the second commandment is that we must love our brother as ourselves. In Philippians we are exhorted to not only look out for our own welfare but also for the welfare of others. Serving, loving, helping, and sharing with one another is not approval seeking. It is Christianity in the practical.

When I speak of deliverance from approval seeking, people pleasing, and the fear of man I am really talking about freedom from SELF. SELF is always self-analyzing, naval gazing, and preoccupied with appearance. Bookstores, even Christian ones are filled with self-help, self-actualizing, and self-fulfillment books.

SELF is the biggest idol there ever was. Destroy SELF and you destroy the power of the fear of man.

When my mind is on God and not SELF I can acknowledge my sins, faults, and frailties without falling apart. I can repent without walking in condemnation. I can take correction without rebellion rising up. I can be rebuked and still not be defeated. Why? Because my faults are my faults. They are not me. If I love God I want Him to correct my faults because I want to be like Him. If I love people I want my faults to be corrected because I don't want to hurt anyone.

When my mind is on God and not SELF I can be judged, disapproved of, criticized, and falsely accused because I know what He thinks of me...and that's all that really matters. He is the only one I'll have to stand before on that great day.

When my mind is on God and not SELF everyone in the world can hate me and I can still love them all. How do I know? Because Jesus did it first.

Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like. Jn 2:23-25 NLT

He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Is 53:3 NKJ

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. Is 53:7 NKJ

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Lk 23:34 NKJ

Stay in prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

Conversation

God Evening Family,
I had an awesome conversation with Pastor Chris (a missionary in Indonesia) via Face Book. He has a reputation for being a man of prayer so I asked what his thoughts were concerning having a Mary Heart in a Martha schedule.

The following is the exact conversation. I changed nothing. I hope somehow this blesses you as it blessed me and my husband.

Chris Chapman Sory it has taken so long for me to respond to ur ? About how to "keep the mary fire burning". It is a question that i ask myself often.
The thing i notice in my life is that i am tempted to feel guilty in the midst busyness, assuming i shud be "at jesus feet", which usually is interpreted as being alone wth god in my ..."devotional" time. But i think guilt hinders intimacy wth god. So during the day fellowship is hindered thru guilt, then when my time "at his feet does come, i spend alot of time trying to get past that burden of guilt. This is a lousy cycle!!!
But i think we wud be wise to note that being at jesus feet and serving his disciples food (including our own children) are both godly activities that god wants us to do. Martha wasnt rebuke cause of her activity, but because she was doing that activity at the wrong time! At another point god might rebuke us for praying when we shud act! I think of moses at the red sea when he told him to get up and stop crying out to him. Eccl chapter 3 says there is a time for everything. I think our busyness wont interfere with our fellowship and intimacy wth god if we do things wholheartedly and at the right time! We need to shake of the monastic idea that "sitting at his feet" is the only appropriate place for us at all time. Basically we need to renew our minds to see that "whatever we are doing in word, deed", or prayer is pleasing to god. I think that casts of the burden of guilt that drowns out our faith in his love and acceptance.
- as i said, im looking for the answer myself, so i dont know if this helps or even makes sense, but it is my widows mite.
Gbu
Chris

Lauren Johnston No it is just right. It reminds me of the book The Practice of the Presence of God...Bro Lawrence apparently spent 40 years learning how to make EVERY act a devotion to God. Whether it be doing dishes, running errands, serving the poor, or prayer He learned the art of making His whole life worship pleasing unto God. My impatient self just doesn't want to spend "40 years" learning... I want to do it now and so I seek the short cut. I guess if it's going to take time to learn I better get on the journey today. (She said ruefully but with resignation)

Thanks so much Pastor Chris for your time and greetings to Sis Esther and your beautiful kids!

Chris Chapman

Treebeard, the ent, in the movie lord of the ring- the two towers said " in old entish it takes a long time to say anything. And ents never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say" - i think god is the same way. It takes us a long time to learn the lessons he wants to teach us. But any lessons he teaches are worth taking a long time to learn!!! Haha!!
Gbu sis,
Chris
Ps esther says hi!

Lauren Johnston HAH! Perfect! When I read the book as a child I couldn't stand the Ents. Even as I read I was aggravated by their slowness. In highschool I preferred Karate and track over ballet. I can't stand golf and I can only tolerate pilates for about 20 minutes.

I love percussion...speed...loud thunder storms.

I love the hurricane, the earthquake, and the fiery volcano...but it takes self control to practice the discipline of quietness in order to hear His still small voice.

God is speaking to me P Chris. And not just me but my husband is in on this one as well...he passed it on to our landlord who woke up thinking of his need for a closer walk with God.

I would like to use this conversation in my blog if you don't mind. Just as it is. I often copy my bogs to facebook so you may be familiar with the subject matter.

http://laurenskeepinitreal.blogspot.com/

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You!

Chris Chapman

I dont mind if u use it. Pls feel free to make it clearer, change it or add to it in anyway u want. I dont hav any copyrights!! Haha

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
And the LORD listened and heard them;
So a book of remembrance was written before Him
For those who fear the LORD
And who meditate on His name. Malachi 3:16

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

Knowing His Voice

God Morning Family,

I so want to be one who walks with God, hears His voice, and responds quickly to what He is saying.

After 14 years of salvation I still am seeking to not only know about God but to know His heart and do those things that please Him. But how do I know I am hearing Him? That is still my question, and through my experience, inquiry, as well as the counsel of knowledgeable people I have a few answers that can help us all in our quest to be Spirit led.

1. You Can Know God's Voice Through His Word. God does not contradict His word and somethings are very basic. Sex out of marriage, adultery, back-biting, lying, unforgiveness, giving, tithes/offering, stealing, jealousy, addictions, idolatry, bitterness, preferring others before yourself, love, prayer, church, reading your Bible, etc... are all covered very eloquently in the Bible. There are many things that do not need prayer because God has already made Himself clear in His written Word. If we do have argument it's not because the Word is vague it's because we do not want to do what we read.

For instance, a brother has been offended and while on the outside he is polite, in his heart his has not forgiven the offender. This brother is in jeopardy of hell because the Word says;
But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mk 11:26 NKJV

2. You Can Know God's Voice Through God Ordained Authority. I know many church goers believe that submission to authority is an outdated form of control. Some believe that God speaks to them directly and they never need anyone to speak a word into their life or obey godly counsel. (Funny, some men that hold this false doctrine still believe that their wives and children need to obey them...can someone say hmmmmm?)

Refusing to allow yourself to be taught, led, and corrected is pride. I personally believe that because I listen to and obey my husband and pastors, and (more recently) listen to the voice of my parents and peers I hear God's voice all the more clearer.

God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Jas 4:6

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Heb13:17

By the way Eli was a very poor priest who allowed his sons to sin before the people and steal the best of God's offering. Yet Hannah through her submissive attitude induced this man to go to God on her behalf. God heard Eli and blessed this barren woman to give birth to Samuel. Later Samuel was given to Eli to be trained by him. Through Eli Samuel learned the voice of God. God never let this great Prophet's words fall to the ground.

3. You Can Know God's Voice by Letting Go Of You. The Holy Spirit often speaks about giving to, helping, or serving others. Even though we hear this still small voice we have trouble discerning it because of SELF. Picky, self-centered, touchy, crabby people ignore this voice. I am one who can be very controlling. I love making plans, knowing what's happening at every moment, and having my say. This attitude resists the voice of God because obeying the Holy Spirit will force you to give up what you want and prefer others before yourself. Finding the voice of God means letting go of YOU and becoming a meek and lowly spirit. Never become set in your ways.
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jn 15:12-13

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt 11:29

4. You Can Know The Voice Of God Through Communion. I love the word communion as it relates to intimacy with God.

Communion: 1. A sharing of; possession in common; participation. 2. ...sharing one's thoughts and emotions with another...intimate converse. 3. An intimate spiritual relationship. This word perfectly defines intimacy with God. It's not a ceremony but a face to face encounter that never ceases. Knowing God's voice in such a relationship is assumed. Seek His face. Cry out to know Him. He will not disappoint.

But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. John 10:2-5

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

The Master

God Afternoon Family,

This morning in prayer God reminded me how little I reverence Him. The knowledge of that shook me to the core. Weeping and repenting before God my heart was opened to God.

A few weeks ago God gave me a picture that went like this,

It was a warm morning. A little boy sat on the porch of a white bungalow. He was a native boy, slender and brown. He was wearing a white skull cap seated on the back of his head. He also had a white vest with no shirt underneath. His short. white pants were gathered at the knee and he was barefoot. He didn't seem disturbed, but seemed to be waiting eagerly for something.

Suddenly a very tall man came out of the door. He had on dark sun glasses and was dressed casually yet his clothes seemed pricey. He had on a light colored brimmed hat. His jacket and slacks were a light colored linen and his white, collared shirt was well ironed. He was a man not from this region yet he was comfortable, relaxed, and confident.

The man didn't acknowledge the boy but walked quickly across the porch and down the steps. The little boy jumped up and followed after the man who was headed towards the market place. The boy had to scramble to keep up with the man's long strides, yet he kept his eyes on the man's head the whole time.

"What time did you get here this morning?", said the man.

"5 am Sir.", the boy answered breathlessly.

The man smiled and flipped something over his shoulder. The red, glittering object sailed smoothly through the air. Without slowing the boy snatched the ruby from the air. He looked at it long enough to see it was as big as a large egg and then shoved it in His pocket. Eyes still intent on the Master, the boy didn't think twice about the large ruby. His whole focus was on going where ever the Master would lead him.

This is an awesome picture of how we ought to be with the Holy Spirit. The little boy is exactly who I want to be. This is why:

1. He was diligent and patient. He rose early to be at the Master's door by 5am. Then, judging by the time of day, he waited 3-4 hours until the he came out.

2. He was humble. He didn't get offended that the Master did not acknowledge him, but followed eagerly behind him. His own social status neither offended, nor embarrassed him. He was who he was before the Master and he was content with that.

3. He wasn't lazy. It took effort to keep up with the Master's pace, but he did it without grumbling.

4. He was focused. He kept His eyes on His Master's head. Not his back, hands, or feet. He was listening for His voice. He was attentive in the event the Master would turn and look at him. His thoughts, his attitude, his body was all attuned to the Master.

5. He knew his Master's character, therefore he loved Him and trusted Him. The boy was not impressed with the large ruby. He acknowledged it and was grateful, but was not moved by the jewel. The Master was generous and rewarded excellence, there was more where that came from. No, his heart was loyal to the Master. The Master was his reward.

If I truly reverenced the gift of His Spirit I would do whatever it takes to be just this way...a diligent little servant girl with no ambitions except to follow the Master wherever He leads.

Won't you please pray this for me?

Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD...Prov 8:34-35

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren

The Outercourt

God Evening Family,

For the past two weeks the Outer Court has been weighing on my heart. I've tried blogging about other things I've experienced in prayer but I know that God is firmly telling me to write this particular one. I am no expert on the Temple and it's lay out. Nor am I an expert on the tabernacle erected by Moses. While I've read about it many times I don't fully understand all the sacrifices or ceremonies.Yet God has shown me some things about the Outer Court that pertain to the condition of the heart of believers.

In the Outer Court was the Altar of Sacrifice. It was placed some distance away from the tabernacle which housed the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. People came with their sacrifice, the officiating priest offered it up, and the one who brought the sacrifice went their way without going near the Holy of Holies where the presence of God was.

So many people are just that way. They are Outer Court worshipers who are continually repenting over their sin but never coming close to God. These people fear hell more then they fear God. They fear hell because they know they are closer to it than heaven. They are closer to hell than heaven because they don't fear God. They want to go to heaven but they really don't want to know the King of heaven. At least not on His terms, not if it means they have to change.

Some of these are the people that seem so faithful in God's kingdom because they do so much. Yet God sees the motive. They do not obey God so they try to make up for their disobedience with sacrificial offerings. Yet God says obedience is better than sacrifice. (1 Sam 15:22)

Surrounding the tabernacle was a wall. This wall was not made of stone or brick but linen. It wasn't sturdy but yet it was a wall just the same. It was the line that separated the spiritual from the secular.

At first Outer Court worshipers know not to cross certain boundaries. They know some things belong to God and ought to be reverenced. But it isn't long before their senses are too numb to discern between what is holy and what is flesh (1 Tim 4:2). Like bulls they plow through that seemingly flimsy boundary into the world. Then who they are at home is no longer who they are at church. The secular world holds an allure while the things of God pale in comparison. They begin to bring the world into their homes. More and more their conversation is laced with flesh and they delight to call the holy legalistic. Speaking those things that they ought not, they believe God is altogether like them. Walking in their pride they begin to touch the anointed things of God without fear. (1 Chron 16:22 & Jude 8-10) They become careless and familiar with the holy.

Another thing about the Outer Court is it was in the open air. No covering. Outer Court worshipers hate authority. This is the one that talks the Christian language, shows up at church, and may even faithfully hold ministry. They have a form of godliness, that is until someone tries to bring correction. It is at this point that the Outer Court worshiper has a tantrum. Some are like Korah and will blatantly oppose God's chosen leadership. Others will sweetly and quietly listen to the correction yet still insist on their way of doing things.

Sadly these people do not understand what the word covering means. It means to hide, to clothe, and to provide for. It also is a military term that means to protect from enemy action, as in "Cover me while I throw my grenade". It means to protect financially. It's a term that expresses the intimacy of a husband with His wife. It's also a term that is best expressed by our free will. God will not force anyone to stay under His covering. Whether it be a wife, a child, a disciple, or an employee, only those who love and trust Him will submit to the covering He has provided for them.

Between the altar and the Holy Place was the basin. Before the priests could enter the Holy Place they had to wash so they would be clean and not die before the Lord.

There are those who do seek the presence of God but have yet to learn to stay before Him. They are continually going in and out of the Holy Place. I personally think that a lot of Christians who really do want to love God fall in this category, but they have not made the necessary adjustments that will allow them to dwell in His presence continually. So they enter in and minister to God. But then out they go again, picking up the dirt of this world and their own flesh. They know they ought to fully belong to God and fully hate the world but it's the little foxes that spoil the vine...the love of entertainment and comfort. Their passion to surrender is choked out by the cares of this world.

As God's priests we are to be made clean by the washing of the water of the Word. Only those who keep guard over His Word continually in their hearts can continually be clean and abide in His presence (John 15:3 & 10) But so many do not. Their prayer and Bible reading is erratic at best. They are not studying the scripture that they may be workers approved by God. They are not meditating on it that they may obey it. They are not calling on His Spirit for help. Against their own convictions they do not discipline their bodies to seek His face. So in and out they go.

At first this does not seem too bad. After all they are trying more than some others. but Revelations 11:1-2, 13 says this,

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles....
...In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

There is no time to discuss the full meaning of this now. I'll leave it to your study of the Bible such as it is. Let's just keep it simple. God measured off the temple and those who worshiped inside. The outer court was not only given over to the haters of God's people but after the resurrection of the two prophets there was an earthquake that killed thousands...all found outside the presence of God.

I don't fully grasp Revelations at all. but even I can see it wouldn't be good to be found in the Outer Court if that's where God's judgment was going to fall, kind of like being outside the ark the day it started to rain.

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells a parable of 10 virgins. All were destined to meet the bridegroom. All had full lamps. But only 5, who were wise, had vessels with extra oil. The 5 who were foolish presumptuously thought that the oil in their lamps was sufficient. Why go through the trouble of finding more oil and then carrying an extra vessel around with them? As they waited for His coming they used up all they had in their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived they began to scramble to find more oil, but it was too late. They were locked out of the marriage simply because they wouldn't go the extra mile in making preparation for the coming of the bridegroom.

These are the ones who one moment are worshiping in the Holy Place and dancing in the Outer Court the next. These are the ones who tempt their own fate by their continual coming and going. One foot in and the other out. Straddling the fence. Double minded with divided hearts.

There are those who stay in His presence continually. They know He is coming but they don't know the day or the hour. All they know is that they do not want to miss it, so they draw nearer to Him and watch....and wait.

These do not fear Hell. They fear eternal separation from the object of their deepest desire. They fear never to be able to look upon His face, never to gaze deeply into His eyes, and never to hear His voice speaking their name.

Let us enter in with them. The veil is rent in two. He is waiting. He will not wait forever.

Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth...Luke 18:8

God is speaking. Pass this one on.

Stay in Prayer and in the Word!

Love in our Lord,
Lauren