We each have been on this journey for different lengths of time. Some of us came on 18 days ago with the “Journey to Elevation” prayer blog. Others have come to Fellowship in the last few months. And then, there are the visionaries of Brandon and Lee Anna, Chris and Lisa who have been with this from inception. As Sunday approaches, we will look to the One who has been with us for eternity. It is time for some “big ups”. No more virtual paper. No more thoughts to meditate on. No more challenging of your spirit. This is it. This is what we were made for. We were created to bow before His throne. And, I am unable to do it alone. We are a body.
Today, hit “reply all” on the e-mail, place a comment on the blog, call a friend, sing in your car, or kneel in your closet. Do whatever it takes to show our amazing God that you are thankful, you are in awe, you are a witness, you are humbled, and you are blessed.
The smile on your face today is because of Him. The song in your heart is from Him. The life that you live is for Him. He is.
There is nothing like our God. The whole earth resonates with the beauty of His glory. He is like a star whose bright light will never wane. His love is perfect and pure. To stand before Him is to be filled with the greatest joy and the most perfect peace. All praise, all glory, all honor are His and His alone. He is our Father, our Savior, and the great lover of our souls. He is beautiful, so beautiful that words cannot express. We praise you. We thank you. You are our God and we are your people. We belong because of you. We exist for you. We love you. You are.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Say His Name - Day 3
God always teaches me something from listening to the hearts of others. Today, I’m having lunch with a precious friend who has taught me much about who God is. When we have prayed together, I have been so blessed by her prayers. She prays beautiful, heartfelt prayers to our Father but, what strikes me the most is how she calls upon the name of Jesus. As I am praying, she simply repeats the name of Jesus over and over again. “Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus…..” Her reiterating of our Savior’s name is like ointment on a wound or fresh water to a thirsty soul. Through her statement of adoration, it is as if the heavens are opened and we are transported to the throne of our Lord. It is a truly beautiful experience.
The Bible tells us there is power in the name of Jesus. Raging storms are stilled. Tormented souls are freed. Illnesses are cured. Broken hearts are cleansed. We are told that the angels who live in His constant presence repeat in unison, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.” (Rev. 4:8) Might we learn from the angels or even from my friend?
On Sunday, what would happen if we as a body of believers came together and repeated the name of Jesus? While we are singing or meeting a guest or setting something up or checking sound or hugging a child or participating in worship, say His name. Allow it to fill in the holes of your soul. Ask Him to invade the building, the room, your being, and the guests. He will be there. He always shows up when we call out his name, Jesus.
Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:10 - this is our prayer today.
The Bible tells us there is power in the name of Jesus. Raging storms are stilled. Tormented souls are freed. Illnesses are cured. Broken hearts are cleansed. We are told that the angels who live in His constant presence repeat in unison, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come. Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.” (Rev. 4:8) Might we learn from the angels or even from my friend?
On Sunday, what would happen if we as a body of believers came together and repeated the name of Jesus? While we are singing or meeting a guest or setting something up or checking sound or hugging a child or participating in worship, say His name. Allow it to fill in the holes of your soul. Ask Him to invade the building, the room, your being, and the guests. He will be there. He always shows up when we call out his name, Jesus.
Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil. 2:10 - this is our prayer today.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Beware of Bumper Stickers
(Written by Lisa Archinal) There is a custom in this country of slathering your life story and beliefs on the back of your car in the form of bumper stickers. This visual pollution, as I see it, makes for a fascinating sociological study. Why do people feel the need to reveal their children’s names and sports to the general public? Do I care that your child is on the honor roll? Is it necessary for me to know you support George W. or that you long for World Peace? Excuse me if I am not compelled to share my life story with strangers on the freeway. There is a silver double T logo and a Baylor trailer hitch on the back of my car. Neither was put there by me. I am a passionate person but choose to express my convictions in other ways than on the back of my motor vehicle.
Bumper stickers are not only a visual nuisance, they can also get you into trouble. See if you can relate to this scenario. My friend had a prescription to fill on her way home from work. She pulls up to the drive-thru pharmacy to see a car in each of the two drive up windows. She patiently waits centered between the two lanes for the first available window. About ten minutes later a few cars pull in and fall in line. The car immediately behind my friend shortly starts honking for her to move up. My friend moves up a bit thinking perhaps someone in the back of the line is trying to get off the street and into the lot. However, the driver continues to honk impatiently. My friend inches up just enough for the driver to suddenly squeeze by her into one of the window lanes. As fate would have it that lane moved up and the rude driver was waited on before my friend who’d been there some time.
My friend, not suffering from a case of shyness, rolled down her window to politely explain to the woman why she had been straddling the two lanes and that now she would have to wait even longer. The woman driving the car was as brash to my friend as her horn had been and quickly closed her window as if hanging up on a telemarketer during dinner. It was at this time my friend couldn’t help but notice not one, not two, but THREE Christian bumper stickers on the back of the brash lady’s car. One for her church, one promoting prayer and of course the famous fish. My friend thought of several very clever quips she would like to share with the woman, but feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit, unlike the car next to her, kept the thoughts to herself.
How many of us can relate to both characters in this story? One day we’re the righteous victim being treated so unfairly, the next day we’re the ones with the Christian labels telling the rest of the world what they can do with it!
Oh sure, we all believe Philippians 4:4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” As well as, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” Christians know to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”. Let’s not leave out, John 3:36, which says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Ouch!
Of course we say we believe these things and we do but it’s nearly impossible to live this all the time. It’s hard to always live what we believe. Here’s the other problem, aren’t we just walking bumper stickers? Aren’t us Christians, wearing His name? God took a chance leaving us here after we accepted Him as Lord. Why take the risk?
The bible says it’s because, of good ol’ Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. God prepared for us to do good works! That’s what we’re doing here, and Romans 1:6, “(For I am) confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” If you had been taken upon receiving Jesus, who would be here this Sunday to teach at the Treehouse or help in the parking lot or set up the stage for worship?
We’re all a work in progress. God planned to leave us here to be his ambassadors and to continually work on us. Our failures keep us on our knees in awe of his perfections. Our good works allow us to participate with him in the gospel. He’s got a good plan. We’re part of that plan in whatever stage of faith we may be.
My friend did the right thing that day, exercising her beliefs of being quick to listen (to the Spirit in this case) and slow to speak. Her sister in the Lord driving that car next to her didn’t exercise that day. I don’t know which role I’ll play later today when I get out in Houston traffic but I do know this, “I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
Drive on brothers and sisters in the strength of the Lord but please, don’t ask us to print any FOM bumper stickers any time soon!
Pray today that all our volunteers will be positive bumper stickers for His Name. Pray that his name and renown would be the desire of our hearts. Blessings to you!
Bumper stickers are not only a visual nuisance, they can also get you into trouble. See if you can relate to this scenario. My friend had a prescription to fill on her way home from work. She pulls up to the drive-thru pharmacy to see a car in each of the two drive up windows. She patiently waits centered between the two lanes for the first available window. About ten minutes later a few cars pull in and fall in line. The car immediately behind my friend shortly starts honking for her to move up. My friend moves up a bit thinking perhaps someone in the back of the line is trying to get off the street and into the lot. However, the driver continues to honk impatiently. My friend inches up just enough for the driver to suddenly squeeze by her into one of the window lanes. As fate would have it that lane moved up and the rude driver was waited on before my friend who’d been there some time.
My friend, not suffering from a case of shyness, rolled down her window to politely explain to the woman why she had been straddling the two lanes and that now she would have to wait even longer. The woman driving the car was as brash to my friend as her horn had been and quickly closed her window as if hanging up on a telemarketer during dinner. It was at this time my friend couldn’t help but notice not one, not two, but THREE Christian bumper stickers on the back of the brash lady’s car. One for her church, one promoting prayer and of course the famous fish. My friend thought of several very clever quips she would like to share with the woman, but feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit, unlike the car next to her, kept the thoughts to herself.
How many of us can relate to both characters in this story? One day we’re the righteous victim being treated so unfairly, the next day we’re the ones with the Christian labels telling the rest of the world what they can do with it!
Oh sure, we all believe Philippians 4:4-5, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” As well as, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” Christians know to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”. Let’s not leave out, John 3:36, which says, "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." Ouch!
Of course we say we believe these things and we do but it’s nearly impossible to live this all the time. It’s hard to always live what we believe. Here’s the other problem, aren’t we just walking bumper stickers? Aren’t us Christians, wearing His name? God took a chance leaving us here after we accepted Him as Lord. Why take the risk?
The bible says it’s because, of good ol’ Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”. God prepared for us to do good works! That’s what we’re doing here, and Romans 1:6, “(For I am) confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” If you had been taken upon receiving Jesus, who would be here this Sunday to teach at the Treehouse or help in the parking lot or set up the stage for worship?
We’re all a work in progress. God planned to leave us here to be his ambassadors and to continually work on us. Our failures keep us on our knees in awe of his perfections. Our good works allow us to participate with him in the gospel. He’s got a good plan. We’re part of that plan in whatever stage of faith we may be.
My friend did the right thing that day, exercising her beliefs of being quick to listen (to the Spirit in this case) and slow to speak. Her sister in the Lord driving that car next to her didn’t exercise that day. I don’t know which role I’ll play later today when I get out in Houston traffic but I do know this, “I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
Drive on brothers and sisters in the strength of the Lord but please, don’t ask us to print any FOM bumper stickers any time soon!
Pray today that all our volunteers will be positive bumper stickers for His Name. Pray that his name and renown would be the desire of our hearts. Blessings to you!
Bless You - Day 5
“Do you bless people?” This was the question God asked me yesterday. It’s a simple question, really. So, why has the examination of it pained me so much? God knows how full my calendar is. He knows that I have two kids and a husband to take care of. He knows how many friends I have. He knows I am a part of starting a church. Still the irritating question, “Do you bless people?” He even managed to hit me with it in scripture. Genesis 47:7-10: Then Joseph brought his father, Jacob, and presented him to Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. “How old are you?” Pharaoh asked him. Jacob replied, “I have lived for 130 hard years, but I am still not nearly as old as many of my ancestors.” Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh again before he left.
Jacob blessed Pharaoh not once but twice in the extremely short time of being in his presence. It was instinctive for Jacob to do this. This is why God has asked me this question. Instinct. Blessing people is not my first instinct. God needs to hit this home for me right now. Look at it from His perspective. If I am to be a part of God’s kingdom by starting this church, His desire is that my first instinct be that of blessing another.
How do we do this? In the book we all just read, The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, Richard Foster says by “[looking] into the eyes of that solitary individual. And perhaps, just perhaps, that look will keep us from betraying the Lord of glory. You see, service is not really charts and programs and elaborate strategies to serve humanity. No, it is looking into the fugitives eyes.”
We will serve by blessing people. It won’t be because we have slick ads or cool music or a new way of saying what is ancient to God. It will be because we will look them in the eye and bless them in the name of our mighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Do you bless people?” God, please let it be so.
Ask God to show Fellowship how to richly bless people. Pray a prayer of blessing for Katie as she undergoes a procedure today.
Jacob blessed Pharaoh not once but twice in the extremely short time of being in his presence. It was instinctive for Jacob to do this. This is why God has asked me this question. Instinct. Blessing people is not my first instinct. God needs to hit this home for me right now. Look at it from His perspective. If I am to be a part of God’s kingdom by starting this church, His desire is that my first instinct be that of blessing another.
How do we do this? In the book we all just read, The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, Richard Foster says by “[looking] into the eyes of that solitary individual. And perhaps, just perhaps, that look will keep us from betraying the Lord of glory. You see, service is not really charts and programs and elaborate strategies to serve humanity. No, it is looking into the fugitives eyes.”
We will serve by blessing people. It won’t be because we have slick ads or cool music or a new way of saying what is ancient to God. It will be because we will look them in the eye and bless them in the name of our mighty Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “Do you bless people?” God, please let it be so.
Ask God to show Fellowship how to richly bless people. Pray a prayer of blessing for Katie as she undergoes a procedure today.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Bearing Down in the Fast - Day 6
Return to me with all your heart, With fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God. - Joel 1:12-13
There are times in our lives where we need to “bear down” on a particular spiritual issue. There are times when we need a special time of intense focus, undistracted and undeterred, for appealing to God and seeking his purposes. There are times when we need to repent of our self-sufficiency, and remind ourselves that “we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This is one of those times.
This Sunday at 11:00 a.m. we will launch Elevation, the worship experience of Fellowship of Memorial. We have been praying and planning for the worship setting for many months. This environment is intended to help people take the next step in allowing God to change their lives through relationship with Christ. Authentic worship can be a powerfully transformational tool, but we have no power in ourselves to change lives. Only God can fulfill this vision, so we desperately need him to intervene. If you are willing and able, we are asking you today to fast and pray.
In the Old Testament, fasting was the way people humbled themselves before God (Psalm 35:13; 69:10). In the New Testament, Jesus fasted for forty days after his baptism, and directed his disciples to fast and pray in seeking God’s help and provision (Matthew 6:2; 5:16). The prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch fasted and prayed often as they launched the early church (Acts 13:1-2). Fasting brings urgency to our praying. It also humbles us. Andrew Murray said, "Fasting helps to express, to deepen, and to confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice everything, [even] ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God."
I’m not sure what you should fast from today. According to Richard Foster, “Fasting is the voluntary denial of an otherwise normal function for the sake of intense spiritual activity.” Maybe the “normal function” for you is food. Maybe it’s television. Maybe it’s that Starbucks Grande Caramel Macchiato. Whatever it is, will you sacrifice it as a means of demonstrating to God your surrendered heart, and to seek him for the fulfillment of his purposes at the FOM?
Pray today that:
- God's Spirit would draw many guests
- God's presence would be evident in the service
- Final planning for the service would go smoothly
- Additional people will sign-up for preschool help
- The weather would be cooperative
- Those involved in the first service would have peace and confidence in God (Baileys, Chris, Brandon, Ivy/Santry, Asher, Ricardo)
- The technical aspects would go smoothly
- Children in worship would not be distracting
- The Treehouse preschool environment will be safe and inviting
- Staff and volunteers would be unified, loving and humble servants
Friday, January 20, 2006
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered - Day 9
Today Lisa and her family will bury her grandmother, Irene Smith. In your prayers for Lisa and Clois, praise God for the lasting legacy of Irene's life. She has left a mark and it blesses even us. Lisa wrote this weeks ago but, this is GST (God Standard Time) for today:
"Personal documents. Identification. Passports. These are all forms of evidence that tell the world who we are. We need these types of important papers. It’s important that we be able to identify ourselves to others. To prove we are who we say we are. To enter another country or reenter your own you must show your citizenship. My passport has expired and I can’t find my birth certificate so I logged onto the government website for help. I now get to fill out mounds of paperwork to get my birth certificate so I can then fill out mounds of paperwork to get a passport. Proof of citizenship doesn’t come lightly.
Why is it so important to have documentation of citizenship? Because it proves we have a right to be here and we have a right to the privileges of this country. As Christians we have documentation that we are who God says we are. We must keep this Holy Passport with us at all times to prove to the enemy we have a right to be here, receiving what God has for us. Many times we use the mentality of, “I’m trying to be who God says I am”. There is no power in this. When we have that mindset we are not using all the resources our homeland provides. We don’t have to try to be children of God. It’s who we are.
In an old Richard Gere movie, Red Corner, he plays a business man in China being framed for murder. In one scene he is running from the police to the American Embassy. If he makes it there he will be completely safe even though he’s in a foreign land. Once he’s inside that embassy it’s like he’s on American soil. He’ll be entitled to all the privileges of American citizenship. But he must make it inside and be able to prove he is an American citizen.
Christians are strangers to this earth but not without power. This is not our home but we are here for a purpose God has ordained. Thanks to the Holy Spirit we are walking embassies. People can run to us to learn how to become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. But we must remember we are who God says we are.
This has been a problem for many who’ve sought to follow God. The Lord told Moses to deliver the Israelites and Moses responded, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Later he also said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Moses kept looking at who he was without God. We can relate to Moses. We all have things in our past (some not too distant past) that keep us from accepting our true citizenship status.
God, in his grace, knows our weakness. He said to his main man Joshua before entering the Promise Land, “be courageous” then God repeated himself and even added, “be very courageous”. Could it be that even the mighty Joshua was nervous about stepping into this new territory? God promised Moses and he promised Joshua and he promises us…”I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
So let’s remember our true citizenship. The devil will be standing at the border telling us we have no right to enter. We have no right to enter Joy, Peace, Unconditional Love and Forgiveness. He’ll try to say we have no right to start this ministry. But when we take this land it is not in our power nor for our glory but it is by the power of the King and for his glory. We are redeemed. We are children of the most High God. Oh yeah, and while citizenship in Him does require our acceptance, it doesn’t require filling out a bunch of paperwork."
Monday will be a day of fasting. Be in prayer as to what God would ask of you.
"Personal documents. Identification. Passports. These are all forms of evidence that tell the world who we are. We need these types of important papers. It’s important that we be able to identify ourselves to others. To prove we are who we say we are. To enter another country or reenter your own you must show your citizenship. My passport has expired and I can’t find my birth certificate so I logged onto the government website for help. I now get to fill out mounds of paperwork to get my birth certificate so I can then fill out mounds of paperwork to get a passport. Proof of citizenship doesn’t come lightly.
Why is it so important to have documentation of citizenship? Because it proves we have a right to be here and we have a right to the privileges of this country. As Christians we have documentation that we are who God says we are. We must keep this Holy Passport with us at all times to prove to the enemy we have a right to be here, receiving what God has for us. Many times we use the mentality of, “I’m trying to be who God says I am”. There is no power in this. When we have that mindset we are not using all the resources our homeland provides. We don’t have to try to be children of God. It’s who we are.
In an old Richard Gere movie, Red Corner, he plays a business man in China being framed for murder. In one scene he is running from the police to the American Embassy. If he makes it there he will be completely safe even though he’s in a foreign land. Once he’s inside that embassy it’s like he’s on American soil. He’ll be entitled to all the privileges of American citizenship. But he must make it inside and be able to prove he is an American citizen.
Christians are strangers to this earth but not without power. This is not our home but we are here for a purpose God has ordained. Thanks to the Holy Spirit we are walking embassies. People can run to us to learn how to become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. But we must remember we are who God says we are.
This has been a problem for many who’ve sought to follow God. The Lord told Moses to deliver the Israelites and Moses responded, “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Later he also said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Moses kept looking at who he was without God. We can relate to Moses. We all have things in our past (some not too distant past) that keep us from accepting our true citizenship status.
God, in his grace, knows our weakness. He said to his main man Joshua before entering the Promise Land, “be courageous” then God repeated himself and even added, “be very courageous”. Could it be that even the mighty Joshua was nervous about stepping into this new territory? God promised Moses and he promised Joshua and he promises us…”I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
So let’s remember our true citizenship. The devil will be standing at the border telling us we have no right to enter. We have no right to enter Joy, Peace, Unconditional Love and Forgiveness. He’ll try to say we have no right to start this ministry. But when we take this land it is not in our power nor for our glory but it is by the power of the King and for his glory. We are redeemed. We are children of the most High God. Oh yeah, and while citizenship in Him does require our acceptance, it doesn’t require filling out a bunch of paperwork."
Monday will be a day of fasting. Be in prayer as to what God would ask of you.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Oh, the Ignorance of Sheep - Day 10
Somewhere along the way, I lost sight of the fact that God cares about the details. You know, the minutia of life that is seemingly mundane and insignificant. Katy reminded me of it the other day when she was talking about how she had accidentally gotten on the HOV lane and she didn’t have any other passengers in her car. All of the construction on the freeway had inadvertently caused her to get in the wrong lane. She prayed that God would protect her from getting a $200 ticket. I thought, does God really have time to care?
This is how it happens. You see the news. The world is falling apart. People are being killed in places you’ve never heard of. Families are suffering with children who have leukemia. You are assaulted with an endless barrage of tragedy and heartache. God is very busy, or so you think, and you decide to help Him out. You just won’t bother Him about the details of your life. You have it under control anyway. You decide to only fill Him in when you’re problems are bigger or maybe even more worthy. Seriously, how can you possibly compete with everything else that God has to manage?
What do you think is the result of this type of thinking? Self sufficiency! Pride! Superiority! Could there be any better foothold for Satan to enter our lives than this? This is plain and simple, Sin! There is a reason we are compared to sheep in the Bible. My maiden name, Wooley, is a reminder of my close relationship with those picturesque but ignorant animals.
We are talking about the God who knows the number of hairs on our head. (Luke 12:7) The same God who meticulously formed us in our mother’s womb (Ps. 139:14). The very One who will be a voice behind us telling us to turn to the left or to the right. (Is. 30:21) This is our God! He cares about Katy getting a $200 ticket. He is all about the details.
So, today pray for the details. Pray for LeeAnna and the details of scheduling volunteers. Pray for Ivy and Andrea and the details of managing KidzPlanet. Pray for Lisa and the details of creating the Tree House. Pray for Brandon and Chris and the details of their secular jobs as well as the details of FOM. Our God cares about it all!
This is how it happens. You see the news. The world is falling apart. People are being killed in places you’ve never heard of. Families are suffering with children who have leukemia. You are assaulted with an endless barrage of tragedy and heartache. God is very busy, or so you think, and you decide to help Him out. You just won’t bother Him about the details of your life. You have it under control anyway. You decide to only fill Him in when you’re problems are bigger or maybe even more worthy. Seriously, how can you possibly compete with everything else that God has to manage?
What do you think is the result of this type of thinking? Self sufficiency! Pride! Superiority! Could there be any better foothold for Satan to enter our lives than this? This is plain and simple, Sin! There is a reason we are compared to sheep in the Bible. My maiden name, Wooley, is a reminder of my close relationship with those picturesque but ignorant animals.
We are talking about the God who knows the number of hairs on our head. (Luke 12:7) The same God who meticulously formed us in our mother’s womb (Ps. 139:14). The very One who will be a voice behind us telling us to turn to the left or to the right. (Is. 30:21) This is our God! He cares about Katy getting a $200 ticket. He is all about the details.
So, today pray for the details. Pray for LeeAnna and the details of scheduling volunteers. Pray for Ivy and Andrea and the details of managing KidzPlanet. Pray for Lisa and the details of creating the Tree House. Pray for Brandon and Chris and the details of their secular jobs as well as the details of FOM. Our God cares about it all!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Blobbing - Day 11
Yesterday, Kimberly asked me how my “blobbing” was going (she meant to say blogging). There really is something called blobbing. Have you ever been blobbed? The blob is this huge inflatable contraption that sits in a body of water, usually at camp. You jump off a platform onto the surface of the blob, crawl to the end, and then wait for the next person to jump onto the blob. Their weight decides how high your body will fly off the blob before you land back on the blob or in the body of water below you. It’s tons of fun because it involves excitement, anticipation, and fear all in one exhilarating moment. My very own husband is renowned for having been the reason blobbing rules were changed at the camp he attended, just ask Scott Torn.
Do you ever feel like you are being blobbed by God? Let me better express to you the sensation. When you are blobbed by God, you are in a holding pattern of sorts that you know will eventually come to an end, but the waiting is killing you. You aren’t really sure of where you will land or whether the trip will be one you’re even ready to take. You don’t get much of a warning of what it will look like or what will be required of you. And, you are quite certain that you won’t be very graceful along the way and that’s the point. God is in charge of this blob. Your waiting will end. You will be scared to death. You will scream with joy and fear combined. You will be blobbed. And, you will want to do it again. Because what’s the alternative? To never have the adventure? To never know the freedom of the unknown? To never experience the exhilaration of watching God move in your life? To never realize what it would be like to trust the Almighty?
To blob, or not to blob: that is the question. And yes, ‘tis nobler for the soul to be blobbed. Our souls and God require it.
Pray today that God will blob us some people that we need: a video person, preschool volunteers, and small group leaders. Are you ready to blob? God is!
Do you ever feel like you are being blobbed by God? Let me better express to you the sensation. When you are blobbed by God, you are in a holding pattern of sorts that you know will eventually come to an end, but the waiting is killing you. You aren’t really sure of where you will land or whether the trip will be one you’re even ready to take. You don’t get much of a warning of what it will look like or what will be required of you. And, you are quite certain that you won’t be very graceful along the way and that’s the point. God is in charge of this blob. Your waiting will end. You will be scared to death. You will scream with joy and fear combined. You will be blobbed. And, you will want to do it again. Because what’s the alternative? To never have the adventure? To never know the freedom of the unknown? To never experience the exhilaration of watching God move in your life? To never realize what it would be like to trust the Almighty?
To blob, or not to blob: that is the question. And yes, ‘tis nobler for the soul to be blobbed. Our souls and God require it.
Pray today that God will blob us some people that we need: a video person, preschool volunteers, and small group leaders. Are you ready to blob? God is!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Do You Believe God? - Day 12
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. – Isaiah 40:28-31
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10
Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19
I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars. And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places in order that you may know that it is I the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. – Isaiah 45:2-3
And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:11
“Oh the mighty, victorious strength of our God! The work is His because He is able. You have called us as witnesses to your kingdom. You alone will accomplish this work. You alone will be glorified. We praise you. We are in awe of you. We believe you.”
Make His promises of endurance and faith your prayer today for everyone at FOM.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
– Isaiah 41:10
Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19
I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars. And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places in order that you may know that it is I the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. – Isaiah 45:2-3
And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:11
“Oh the mighty, victorious strength of our God! The work is His because He is able. You have called us as witnesses to your kingdom. You alone will accomplish this work. You alone will be glorified. We praise you. We are in awe of you. We believe you.”
Make His promises of endurance and faith your prayer today for everyone at FOM.
Monday, January 16, 2006
To Ikea and Back - Day 13
If God wanted to stick me in hell, He would put me in Ikea for eternity. I hate Ikea. The idea of winding around in a maze and never being able to get out (or find anything) is something of a bad dream for me. Toby’s idea of hell is Katy Mills Mall on a rainy day. A football field-size mall of eternal shopping is certainly no man’s version of paradise. Everyone has some quirky version of this theme.
If hell is simply the absence of God, then there are plenty of ways that I am capable of creating hell for myself here on this earth. God doesn’t have to send me anywhere. I can get there all by myself. When my words and actions center on myself, this is hell. When I do not love my neighbor or myself, this is hell. When I compare the gifts God has given me with the gifts He has given someone else, this is hell. When I refuse to be thankful for even the smallest of blessings, this is hell. When I do not edify another, this is hell. The list is endless because the ways we are capable of separating ourselves from God are endless.
God wants us to be free. I know only one way to accept this freedom, Jesus Christ. When my words and actions center on His creation, this is Jesus. When I love everyone, this is Jesus. When I embrace and utilize my gifts, this is Jesus. When I am thankful for all I have been given, this is Jesus. When I speak words of encouragement to another, this is Jesus. He is our life. He is our truth. He is the Way to get us out of Ikea.
Today’s Prayer: Pray for everyone involved with Fellowship of Memorial. Pray that we would all allow Jesus to lead us.
If hell is simply the absence of God, then there are plenty of ways that I am capable of creating hell for myself here on this earth. God doesn’t have to send me anywhere. I can get there all by myself. When my words and actions center on myself, this is hell. When I do not love my neighbor or myself, this is hell. When I compare the gifts God has given me with the gifts He has given someone else, this is hell. When I refuse to be thankful for even the smallest of blessings, this is hell. When I do not edify another, this is hell. The list is endless because the ways we are capable of separating ourselves from God are endless.
God wants us to be free. I know only one way to accept this freedom, Jesus Christ. When my words and actions center on His creation, this is Jesus. When I love everyone, this is Jesus. When I embrace and utilize my gifts, this is Jesus. When I am thankful for all I have been given, this is Jesus. When I speak words of encouragement to another, this is Jesus. He is our life. He is our truth. He is the Way to get us out of Ikea.
Today’s Prayer: Pray for everyone involved with Fellowship of Memorial. Pray that we would all allow Jesus to lead us.
Friday, January 13, 2006
"What's Love Got to Do With It?" - Day 16
I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about love. We all use the word in our everyday vocabulary. Our society is obsessed with love. Our world revolves around seeking to be loved. Singers like Tina Turner rhetorically ask, "What's Love Got to Do With It?" We all know love has everything to do with it. As believers, we have the amazing passage in 1 Corinthians 13 that expounds on all of the virtues of love.
Still, I wonder about what God's love looks like. I mean I know that God's love looks like salvation, John 3:16. I am intimate with that concept. There is a big part of me that strives to be worthy of that saving love. This is, of course, impossible but I still try.
It's the other part of love from God that I really struggle with though. The part of God simply loving me for no good reason. The blessing part of love. What does it look like for God to love me? I forget and I need Him to remind me. He's teaching me that one day it might look like a sunset hanging over the Katy Freeway. Or maybe, it looks like a hug from a deaf man at Randalls. Possibly it looks like a tree on the bayou that is disfigured and yet majestic.
Henri Nouwen in his book Life of the Beloved beautifully expresses it from God in this way: “I have called you by name, from the very beginning. You are mine and I am yours. You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother’s womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you in infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, I go with you, and wherever you rest, I keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own as I know you as my own. You belong to me. I am your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, your lover, and your spouse…yes, even your child….wherever you are I will be. Nothing will ever separate us. We are one.”
Today's Prayer - Pray that we will embrace this beautiful, pure, and perfect blessing of God's love. Pray also for God to bring a preschool worker to Elevation that will be a blessing to our children.
Still, I wonder about what God's love looks like. I mean I know that God's love looks like salvation, John 3:16. I am intimate with that concept. There is a big part of me that strives to be worthy of that saving love. This is, of course, impossible but I still try.
It's the other part of love from God that I really struggle with though. The part of God simply loving me for no good reason. The blessing part of love. What does it look like for God to love me? I forget and I need Him to remind me. He's teaching me that one day it might look like a sunset hanging over the Katy Freeway. Or maybe, it looks like a hug from a deaf man at Randalls. Possibly it looks like a tree on the bayou that is disfigured and yet majestic.
Henri Nouwen in his book Life of the Beloved beautifully expresses it from God in this way: “I have called you by name, from the very beginning. You are mine and I am yours. You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests. I have molded you in the depths of the earth and knitted you together in your mother’s womb. I have carved you in the palms of my hands and hidden you in the shadow of my embrace. I look at you in infinite tenderness and care for you with a care more intimate than that of a mother for her child. I have counted every hair on your head and guided you at every step. Wherever you go, I go with you, and wherever you rest, I keep watch. I will give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will not hide my face from you. You know me as your own as I know you as my own. You belong to me. I am your father, your mother, your brother, your sister, your lover, and your spouse…yes, even your child….wherever you are I will be. Nothing will ever separate us. We are one.”
Today's Prayer - Pray that we will embrace this beautiful, pure, and perfect blessing of God's love. Pray also for God to bring a preschool worker to Elevation that will be a blessing to our children.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Being "Skin" - Day 17
St. Thomas Aquinas once said, "To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them." If FOM is to be a place where lives are changed because of Christ, how will we as the "skin" of Christ guide the seeking? It starts with me, I know this. But doesn't God know that I am imperfect, broken and in need of Him. I am a sinner, a screw up. I have more questions than I have answers. How can I convert someone?
I can't, only God can. But, He can create in me a willing spirit so that I do see them. I do hear them. I do stand by them. I do love them. I do "take them by the hand and guide them." I am one of them.
"O, God, give to me a spirit of transparency and willingness. Allow me to have a part in guiding. Give me humility of speech and action so that I am not seen but you are felt. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.' Ps. 51:10 Prepare us for the fruition of your work in the heart of men. Take us by the hand and guide us."
Today's Prayer: Pray that those who do not know and have not seen the power of the living God will come to Elevation.
I can't, only God can. But, He can create in me a willing spirit so that I do see them. I do hear them. I do stand by them. I do love them. I do "take them by the hand and guide them." I am one of them.
"O, God, give to me a spirit of transparency and willingness. Allow me to have a part in guiding. Give me humility of speech and action so that I am not seen but you are felt. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.' Ps. 51:10 Prepare us for the fruition of your work in the heart of men. Take us by the hand and guide us."
Today's Prayer: Pray that those who do not know and have not seen the power of the living God will come to Elevation.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Starving for God - Day 18
"And He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord." Deut. 8:3
Forgive me, Father. I have not lived with your daily manna. I have not been fed by the words from your mouth. I do and do and do, all in my own power. But, I do not put you first in my life. I do not take what you have given me, the Bread of Life. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance." Is. 55:2 Create in me a hunger for you. Humble me and let me be hungry until I seek your abundance.
Today ask for God to release His Spirit among us in a powerful way. May we be starving for Him.
Forgive me, Father. I have not lived with your daily manna. I have not been fed by the words from your mouth. I do and do and do, all in my own power. But, I do not put you first in my life. I do not take what you have given me, the Bread of Life. "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance." Is. 55:2 Create in me a hunger for you. Humble me and let me be hungry until I seek your abundance.
Today ask for God to release His Spirit among us in a powerful way. May we be starving for Him.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Dr. God, Deliver Us - Day 19
Lisa wrote this a couple of weeks ago. It speaks to our vulnerability and the reality that this is where God wants us. This is why He will use us!
"The thought of a new year is a bit overwhelming…all the work, tasks, goals, exercise, errands, etc. Starting a church has been the most daunting task since at eight months pregnant I realized this baby had to come out eventually! I’ve been called to birth a church. Not much different from birthing a child. The dream of it is wonderful, euphoric even. Then once it’s conceived you get nauseous thinking of all that has to be done. Then you get into a groove and it seems to be moving right along. Then once again you find yourself overwhelmed but it’s too late now. You’re forty pounds of commitment heavier than you were six months ago and there’s no where to go but the delivery room.
This can be completely paralyzing. What happens to us? We begin to focus on the limits rather than the infinite possibilities. We stop at the reality of our inability to be the perfect parent instead of following that thought to the logical conclusion that where our abilities stop (early on) God’s abilities pick up.
We do so well for a while. We’re praying, seeking, listening, working. Then we slowly, so gradually begin to focus more on the working. We stop looking heavenward for a moment and realize what we’re doing is impossible. This is when we find ourselves in quicksand. What do we do? Why, we wrap our arms around ourselves and focus on the quicksand of course! “My this quicksand is terrible. It’s so ugly. Look at this quicksand. I’m really stuck in it now. I hate quicksand. It’s grainy and gooey. Look it’s up to my waist! Oh this is not good at all. I’ll call my friends and tell them about this terrible quicksand. Quicksand is dangerous. It’s such a bother.”
We are so focused on the problem we don’t see the Tree of Life right next to us. There’s the life saving branch right there! Grab hold! Stop focusing on the problem and focus on the solution. The solution is not more time, it’s not better ideas, it’s not more money, it’s not more staff. The solution is the Truth. God is saying, “I gave you two arms. Use them and grab hold of me!” When you were dead in your transgressions I used my two arms and rescued you, now child of mine, grab hold of me!” God never let go of us but we can find ourselves letting go of him. We too quickly and easily loose our grip on the Truth of who we are, who HE is and what he is able to do.
We need strength and a lot of it to birth a church. But where do we find our strength? In the Joy of the Lord. Enjoying his presence. Bathing in his word. Using those two arms he gave us to pick up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.
Let us therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have {its} perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
So I guess I don’t need to be overwhelmed at the thought of a new year and a new church. God is my ob/gyn! He’s giving me the care I need. He’s monitoring this baby’s growth. He’ll be there when it’s time to deliver what he promised."
Today's Prayer: Pray today for the planning of Elevation. Pray for Chris and for the words that God will have him to speak. Pray for Matthew and Lizi and the songs that God will have them to sing. Pray that the delivery will go as ordained by Him.
"The thought of a new year is a bit overwhelming…all the work, tasks, goals, exercise, errands, etc. Starting a church has been the most daunting task since at eight months pregnant I realized this baby had to come out eventually! I’ve been called to birth a church. Not much different from birthing a child. The dream of it is wonderful, euphoric even. Then once it’s conceived you get nauseous thinking of all that has to be done. Then you get into a groove and it seems to be moving right along. Then once again you find yourself overwhelmed but it’s too late now. You’re forty pounds of commitment heavier than you were six months ago and there’s no where to go but the delivery room.
This can be completely paralyzing. What happens to us? We begin to focus on the limits rather than the infinite possibilities. We stop at the reality of our inability to be the perfect parent instead of following that thought to the logical conclusion that where our abilities stop (early on) God’s abilities pick up.
We do so well for a while. We’re praying, seeking, listening, working. Then we slowly, so gradually begin to focus more on the working. We stop looking heavenward for a moment and realize what we’re doing is impossible. This is when we find ourselves in quicksand. What do we do? Why, we wrap our arms around ourselves and focus on the quicksand of course! “My this quicksand is terrible. It’s so ugly. Look at this quicksand. I’m really stuck in it now. I hate quicksand. It’s grainy and gooey. Look it’s up to my waist! Oh this is not good at all. I’ll call my friends and tell them about this terrible quicksand. Quicksand is dangerous. It’s such a bother.”
We are so focused on the problem we don’t see the Tree of Life right next to us. There’s the life saving branch right there! Grab hold! Stop focusing on the problem and focus on the solution. The solution is not more time, it’s not better ideas, it’s not more money, it’s not more staff. The solution is the Truth. God is saying, “I gave you two arms. Use them and grab hold of me!” When you were dead in your transgressions I used my two arms and rescued you, now child of mine, grab hold of me!” God never let go of us but we can find ourselves letting go of him. We too quickly and easily loose our grip on the Truth of who we are, who HE is and what he is able to do.
We need strength and a lot of it to birth a church. But where do we find our strength? In the Joy of the Lord. Enjoying his presence. Bathing in his word. Using those two arms he gave us to pick up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit.
Let us therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have {its} perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
So I guess I don’t need to be overwhelmed at the thought of a new year and a new church. God is my ob/gyn! He’s giving me the care I need. He’s monitoring this baby’s growth. He’ll be there when it’s time to deliver what he promised."
Today's Prayer: Pray today for the planning of Elevation. Pray for Chris and for the words that God will have him to speak. Pray for Matthew and Lizi and the songs that God will have them to sing. Pray that the delivery will go as ordained by Him.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Why You Turn Your Life Upside Down - Day 20
I woke up this morning with a hymn being sung in my head. Hymns have a way of putting things into perspective for me. We all need perspecitve as January 29 approaches, the day FOM launches worship. So, in your song of prayer today, praise Him through the words of this hymn. Honestly, this is what it is all about. This is why we wake up in the morning seeking Jesus. This is why you will turn your life upside down to start a church. This is why your soul wakes up singing a hymn.
O, Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power thro'out the universe displayed,
Chorus: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When thro' the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Chorus
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin;
Chorus
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!
Chorus
Today's Prayer: Specifically ask for favor with HCC in the signing of the lease for worship. May He be glorified. May we receive because we ask. Matthew 7:7
O, Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power thro'out the universe displayed,
Chorus: Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to thee,
How great thou art, how great thou art!
When thro' the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
Chorus
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin;
Chorus
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!
Chorus
Today's Prayer: Specifically ask for favor with HCC in the signing of the lease for worship. May He be glorified. May we receive because we ask. Matthew 7:7
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