I can't believe I have one more short week at camp. I have learned so much in so many different ways. My journal is just about full ha :) Im sure I can finish it this week!
On my last day off to explore random places in Mississippi, I decided to go to bonita lakes mall in Meridian. I soon found out why it was called that. There is a beautiful lake behind the mall with a park around it. I had no idea that it was there all long! After I got some shopping done, I got a chance to go for a walk around the lake and just enjoy the atmosphere. The sun was starting to go down and the scenery was very captivating. It was kind of humorous to me that i was by myself in another state walking in a random park and felt like a local just like everybody else. It was cool to feel the Lords presence right there in an unfamiliar place. He has taught me over and over again, that no matter where I am, He truly is always there. It sounds elementary because we hear it so much, but to actually feel Him in an unfamiliar place, make the revelation so much greater. In the good times and bad, He is omnipresent. I haven't traveled that much in my life so it was neat to experience what it feels like to have Him constantly by me in different areas. Even when i have been places alone this summer, I have not felt alone. It reminds me of a day last week when i asked one of the little girls what she was learning during their Bible study, she said "That Jesus is our light and we are never alone. We do not have to be afraid, because He is always there with us." Im thankful for pure hungry hearts! Simple revelations when you need them go a LONG ways! Leaning on Him and relying on Him for strength this summer has made me trust Him so much more. It is like building that history with God and getting to watch how reliable He is. In my head, I know He is strong but when I am so weak, seeing Him make me strong, changes my whole view of His strength. I appreciate it so much more.
He is showing me that in EVERY season, I can have joy and peace. No matter whats going on inside of me, He always has what I need in His hands. All I have to do is reach out and receive. "You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." -Psalm 145:16 I love that He is constantly a giver. There is always enough with Jesus. He has a never ending cup of love that He lets me drink from whenever I am lonely, weary, and impatient. I am so incredibly greatful for his patience towards me this summer.
It reminds of the verse in 2 Timothy 4:2 -"Preach the word: Be instant in season, out of season."
The greek interpretation that the devotional, "Sparkling Gems", gives for this verse explains that it is saying, "Take a firm stand and revolve to stay at your post! Reguardless of whether times are good or bad, that is your post-your place of responsibility-so dig in, take a firm stand, and resolve that you are going to be faithful." No matter what season we may be in, God calls us to be faithful. I may not feel like staying at my post or taking my place of responsibility but He has called us to in the good times and bad. What you do while you wait, determines the outcome of the situation. He will be there in every season and be faithful til the end but it's our choice if we are going to remain consistent in every season of life.
Towards the end of my wallk, i noticed some people on another path along side the top of a hill. I couldnt see over the hill, i just saw them walking on top of it and i starting getting curious what was on the other side of them. So i decided to take a detour and follow. I found an amazing thing! This whole time i was thinking how beautiful the small lake was i was walking around, but I had no idea that just a few feet over the hill was a more beautiful river that was so much larger, more trees, less people, and no traffic around in site. I couldn't believe that just when i thought the scenery couldn't get better, it did! So i crossed over the road and spend the rest of the night on that side. It was like Jesus was saying, "Brooke, what you think is great, really is great, but I have so much more to show you. You haven't seen anything yet. I want you to cross over so i can take you to new places. You have to trust that Im always good and faithful and that I have plans to prosper you. Trust me with your hand and let me take you to higher places." Sometimes I think I can know better than Jesus and just want to stay in the place im in because It seems good. But He wants to take me deeper, to a place I can't even imagine. I feel like He is calling me to take risks with my dreams in order to get to places I can't get otherwise. He wants more for us than we want for ourselves. He was to do something big and do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think!! (Eph 3:20). But that means being faithful in EVERY SEASON. Im learning though the travel may be hard, He always wants to take us from glory to glory! He has a purpose for every season, whether we can see it or not. It was a great date with Jesus! Even when I have a hard time trusting Him in every season, Im thankful He is so patient with me. He is a gentle Husband who always guides and never pushes.
Our last group of campers come Wednesday through Saturday, then the staff dinner Saturday night and home Sunday! yay!! Im excited to see friends and family very soon :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
From Weak to Warrior
Today on my day off i was able to enjoy sleep and just quietness :) I found a nice coffee shop in downtown Laurel and it's been so fun to relax and get to read and write for a little bit. I've been asking the Lord what He wants to teach me today and it's been like a download of information. He is always speaking, it's just my choice to have open ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. He lead me to Luke 21:1-4 first. It says:
"Looking up, Jesus saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites. And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live."
God does not define us by our weakness or our lack, but our willingness to allow Him to become our strength. He keeps reminding me that He does not see as the world sees. He just wants our BEST. Our best may not be want the world considers the best to be. Papa gave His very best sacrifice for me-His Son. Now it's my chance to endure, finish well, and give my very best the rest of this summer. Even when it's hard and I feel like i have no energy left, He requires my best. When we give our best, Jesus always makes up the difference. I love that!! When we are willing, He is strong in our weakness. He loves weak and desperate people, because He has room to be their strength.
I starting thinking about all the people in the Bible who were weak to the world but were made strong by the power of the Lord and were able to do supernatural things. He turned the weak into warriors for His Glory!
-Abraham and Sarah were barren and unable to have children yet was turned into the father of many nations.
-Moses said "I am slow to speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue", but God made him His mouth piece. In Deut. 34:7 it says "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor His strength gone".
-David was the youngest, smallest, just tended sheep, not even allowed to fight. As we know, the Lord gave Him strength to fight Goliath and made him a king.
-Esther was a Jewish orphan who saved her people from being killed by risking her own life. Her background did not let that stop her from being a strong warrior.
-Gideon was another example. In Judges 6:15-16 it says "Gideon said to Him, 'Oh Lord, how can i deliver Isreal? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the LEAST in my fathers house.' The Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.'" He hid from from the midianites and asked for two signs from the Lord because he was afraid. He was so afraid of the people that when God told him to tear down the altar of Baal, He did it at night so no one would see. God still affirmed him and was patient with his weakness. He saw the willingness of Gideons heart.
Our ability or circumstance does not have to determine our destiny!
In 1 Corinthians 9:22 it says "To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
He loves being strong in our weakness and making up the difference. He is saying, "If you just say 'yes' where you are now, i will take you where you want to be". I get frustrated with my struggles, my conpromises, and my inabilities, but the Lord is not calling me to be perfect, just willing. I love that He takes us where we are and transforms us into something we could never achieve alone. He loves giving beauty instead of ashes. If we will trade our insecurities and trust Him, He will do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). I am praying for a transformed mind to not question His strength when He asked me to do something, but just rest in the confidence to know that my weakness is not weakness to Him, just an opportunity for Him to be strong. My ability does not determine my destiny. We serve a God who delights in doing the impossible. He loves transforming weak people into warriors!!
*Isaiah 40:29
*Joel 3:10
*Romans 8:26
*2 Cor. 12:10
*Hebrews 4:15
"Looking up, Jesus saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites. And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live."
God does not define us by our weakness or our lack, but our willingness to allow Him to become our strength. He keeps reminding me that He does not see as the world sees. He just wants our BEST. Our best may not be want the world considers the best to be. Papa gave His very best sacrifice for me-His Son. Now it's my chance to endure, finish well, and give my very best the rest of this summer. Even when it's hard and I feel like i have no energy left, He requires my best. When we give our best, Jesus always makes up the difference. I love that!! When we are willing, He is strong in our weakness. He loves weak and desperate people, because He has room to be their strength.
I starting thinking about all the people in the Bible who were weak to the world but were made strong by the power of the Lord and were able to do supernatural things. He turned the weak into warriors for His Glory!
-Abraham and Sarah were barren and unable to have children yet was turned into the father of many nations.
-Moses said "I am slow to speech and have a heavy and awkward tongue", but God made him His mouth piece. In Deut. 34:7 it says "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor His strength gone".
-David was the youngest, smallest, just tended sheep, not even allowed to fight. As we know, the Lord gave Him strength to fight Goliath and made him a king.
-Esther was a Jewish orphan who saved her people from being killed by risking her own life. Her background did not let that stop her from being a strong warrior.
-Gideon was another example. In Judges 6:15-16 it says "Gideon said to Him, 'Oh Lord, how can i deliver Isreal? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the LEAST in my fathers house.' The Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.'" He hid from from the midianites and asked for two signs from the Lord because he was afraid. He was so afraid of the people that when God told him to tear down the altar of Baal, He did it at night so no one would see. God still affirmed him and was patient with his weakness. He saw the willingness of Gideons heart.
Our ability or circumstance does not have to determine our destiny!
In 1 Corinthians 9:22 it says "To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
He loves being strong in our weakness and making up the difference. He is saying, "If you just say 'yes' where you are now, i will take you where you want to be". I get frustrated with my struggles, my conpromises, and my inabilities, but the Lord is not calling me to be perfect, just willing. I love that He takes us where we are and transforms us into something we could never achieve alone. He loves giving beauty instead of ashes. If we will trade our insecurities and trust Him, He will do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). I am praying for a transformed mind to not question His strength when He asked me to do something, but just rest in the confidence to know that my weakness is not weakness to Him, just an opportunity for Him to be strong. My ability does not determine my destiny. We serve a God who delights in doing the impossible. He loves transforming weak people into warriors!!
*Isaiah 40:29
*Joel 3:10
*Romans 8:26
*2 Cor. 12:10
*Hebrews 4:15
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Identity
The Lord has been teaching me a lot about identity lately and it's something that i need to keep at the forefront of my mind. It is so important to truly know the way the Lord sees us and shut out the opinion of man. I have been praying for a new pair of glasses to see what Jesus sees. If I don't let the Lord define me each day, the world automatically will. He is showing me that it's my choice to decide what I want to believe about myself. Satan wants us to live in condemnation and fear of other people because he is so afraid of who we might become. He knows that if we really knew who we were in Christ, then we would stop listening to his lies and embrace Truth. He wants to delute the Truth as much as he can. It's so easy to listen to get caught up in comparing ourselves or constantly looking for approval, but God has not called us to live that kind of life. He wants a bride who know who she is because she knows who her God is. He wants to set our generation free of false identity. We don't have to look to the people around, the media, or anyone else to define us any more. The fastest way Satan can attack and tear someone apart is through their thoughts. Damon Thompson says "The warefare of your life is happening in your mind." What we think about is going to determine how we behave.
The other day I was cleaning the rooms that the campers stayed in after they left. I was cleaning the mirrors and I hear the Lord say, "What do you see?" and I stopped and thought about a few things going on in my heart for a minute. I can be hard on myself a lot of times trying to please people or live up to a standard that someone else has set. So i felt a little discouraged by my response to His question because Satan was reminding me of negative things. I asked the Lord what He saw and I felt Him say, "I see a jewel. I see a treasure." I was taken back by His words. It changes everything to know what He sees. It changed the whole attitude of my day. He is teaching me how important it is to stay in a place where His voice is the loudest thing in my ears. He wants to drown out all other lovers. He wants us to fling away every negative mindset, every lie, and every bit of condemnation. Knowing my identity in Him is the most freeing thing i can think of because lies just seem to fall off. When we feel not good enough, not pretty enough, not this or that, we have to know the source of those words are not from the Lord. When we know our Shepard, we recoginize His voice.
John 10:4- "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
I love this verse because it reminds me that Satan's lies should be so foreign to us that we immediately are able to distiguish lies from Truth. Jesus is never condeming. He is such a good Lover that longs for His bride to know exactly what He sees. He loves it when we get it and receive His affections.
Im so thankful for His Truth. We don't have to worry about comparing ourselves to anyone else because we are each His special treasure that He created. YOU ARE HIS PRIZED POSSESSION!
The Lord is teaching me that the weapon to fight false idenitity is the Word. Im learning the power in confessing the Word. When i think and speak truth about what He says about me, it changes my attitute and even how I see life.
Daily Identity Confessions!
The other day I was cleaning the rooms that the campers stayed in after they left. I was cleaning the mirrors and I hear the Lord say, "What do you see?" and I stopped and thought about a few things going on in my heart for a minute. I can be hard on myself a lot of times trying to please people or live up to a standard that someone else has set. So i felt a little discouraged by my response to His question because Satan was reminding me of negative things. I asked the Lord what He saw and I felt Him say, "I see a jewel. I see a treasure." I was taken back by His words. It changes everything to know what He sees. It changed the whole attitude of my day. He is teaching me how important it is to stay in a place where His voice is the loudest thing in my ears. He wants to drown out all other lovers. He wants us to fling away every negative mindset, every lie, and every bit of condemnation. Knowing my identity in Him is the most freeing thing i can think of because lies just seem to fall off. When we feel not good enough, not pretty enough, not this or that, we have to know the source of those words are not from the Lord. When we know our Shepard, we recoginize His voice.
John 10:4- "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
I love this verse because it reminds me that Satan's lies should be so foreign to us that we immediately are able to distiguish lies from Truth. Jesus is never condeming. He is such a good Lover that longs for His bride to know exactly what He sees. He loves it when we get it and receive His affections.
Im so thankful for His Truth. We don't have to worry about comparing ourselves to anyone else because we are each His special treasure that He created. YOU ARE HIS PRIZED POSSESSION!
The Lord is teaching me that the weapon to fight false idenitity is the Word. Im learning the power in confessing the Word. When i think and speak truth about what He says about me, it changes my attitute and even how I see life.
Daily Identity Confessions!
- I am loved 1John 3:3
- I am accepted Ephesians 1:6
- I am a child of God John 1:12
- I am Jesus' friend John 15:14
- I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him Romans 8:17
- I am united with God and one spirit with Him 1Corinthians 6:17
- I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life live in me 1 Corinthians 6:19
- I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
- I am a Saint Ephesians 1:1
- I am complete in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:10
- I am free from condemnation Romans 8:1
- I am a new creation because I am in Christ 2Corinthians 5:17
- I am God’s Workman ship Ephesians 2:10
- I have been bought with a price and belong to God. 1 cor. 6:19-20
- I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14
Monday, July 11, 2011
Extravagent Love
Today has been a great day!! I was able to get a day off from camp and just enjoy rest and some Brooke and Jesus time :) Things have been so busy with the biggest camps of the summer here that I enjoyed every minute of this day to rest.
I pulled out some of my old journals this morning and was just looking at how much the Lord has taught me in the last year. There is nothing better than having a personal history with God and see how He has been so faithful. He has been faithful to every single one of His promises. He has taught me so much about my identity and with that this year has come so many dreams. Even this summer, i feel like my dreams are expanding and He is putting new passions in my heart.
Being the summer of "first love", i think "pure love" is what follows. The Lord keeps bringing me back to the story of Mary at Bethany in Matthew 26. She poured out her whole future and life on Jesus. Her alabaster box is believed to be her dowry for her husband. The idea was that the dowry was split 3 ways. one-third was given to the bride's father and then two-thirds were given to the husband and his father. It was PURE nard, which meant that it was not mixed with other things and not contaminated with anything else. Mary was an extravagent lover because she understood the value of pouring her life on Jesus. When she poured her jar of precious ointment on Jesus feet and hair, she was saying "Jesus, YOU are now my future". Jesus loved her worship so much that he scolded those who thought it was a waste and said, "Why do you bother this woman? She has done a noble (praiseworthy and beautiful) thing to Me." (vs. 10)
The Lord is asking me for that pure love to be poured out. With these dreams of being a wife, mother, ministry, amoung other things, the Lord simply wants me to say "No matter what lies ahead, the only thing i know is that Your'e my future. You're my dreams. You have my heart." I want to say Yes to Him and offer Him pure love, not mixed with anything else. I cannot save anything for myself and try to plan things on my own. When I live a life poured out, He then can take control and lead me. Our lives should be a pure fragrance that is relased in the atmosphere that changes things. When we encountered the love the Lord has for us, it makes us fall deeper in love with Him. "We love, because He first loved us."
There is no greater joy than wasting our life on Jesus. He wants a people who will love Him extravagently!! That is my prayer and my desire is to give Him pure love.
Psalm 24:3-4 "Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully."
I pulled out some of my old journals this morning and was just looking at how much the Lord has taught me in the last year. There is nothing better than having a personal history with God and see how He has been so faithful. He has been faithful to every single one of His promises. He has taught me so much about my identity and with that this year has come so many dreams. Even this summer, i feel like my dreams are expanding and He is putting new passions in my heart.
Being the summer of "first love", i think "pure love" is what follows. The Lord keeps bringing me back to the story of Mary at Bethany in Matthew 26. She poured out her whole future and life on Jesus. Her alabaster box is believed to be her dowry for her husband. The idea was that the dowry was split 3 ways. one-third was given to the bride's father and then two-thirds were given to the husband and his father. It was PURE nard, which meant that it was not mixed with other things and not contaminated with anything else. Mary was an extravagent lover because she understood the value of pouring her life on Jesus. When she poured her jar of precious ointment on Jesus feet and hair, she was saying "Jesus, YOU are now my future". Jesus loved her worship so much that he scolded those who thought it was a waste and said, "Why do you bother this woman? She has done a noble (praiseworthy and beautiful) thing to Me." (vs. 10)
The Lord is asking me for that pure love to be poured out. With these dreams of being a wife, mother, ministry, amoung other things, the Lord simply wants me to say "No matter what lies ahead, the only thing i know is that Your'e my future. You're my dreams. You have my heart." I want to say Yes to Him and offer Him pure love, not mixed with anything else. I cannot save anything for myself and try to plan things on my own. When I live a life poured out, He then can take control and lead me. Our lives should be a pure fragrance that is relased in the atmosphere that changes things. When we encountered the love the Lord has for us, it makes us fall deeper in love with Him. "We love, because He first loved us."
There is no greater joy than wasting our life on Jesus. He wants a people who will love Him extravagently!! That is my prayer and my desire is to give Him pure love.
Psalm 24:3-4 "Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully."
Monday, July 4, 2011
Back from Panama!
I cannot even begin to tell all the wonderful things that happened on the mission trip to Panama. My heart is so full of excitement for what Jesus allowed us to do. It was only through the anointing that we were able to break the yoke of bondage. We went to schools (Elementary and High School), a women's prison, local churchs, public areas, and a indigenous tribe. We would do a different program at each place according to the age level. My favorite part of the service was working the altar calls and just getting to pray for the people. At every place, there were people that received salvation. It was beautiful to watch someone go from darkness into light. I got to pray with one lady in the public plaza that we went to and she said she has seen such darkness before and after she accepted Christ she felt so different. I truly experience the joy of salvation through her testimony! I don't ever want to loose the joy of salvation. It is such a supernatural thing to know that one moment a person is on a path that leads to hell and the next their names are written in the Lambs book of Life and on their way to eternity in heaven. My eyes have been so open to the realness and importance of this revelation. Experiencing the excitement of hundreds of souls coming to know Christ in just a week makes me want to see that every day. There is something about being apart of God's plan in the earth and being used by Him to accomplish things just makes me come alive. We even saw our bus driver and his friend come to know Christ at the end of the week. It was really incredible!! We saw healing come to the broken, the sick healed, salvation to hundreds, and the captive set free! I feel like i got to minister so much but at the end i feel so ministered to. Jesus is just so real and so fun! I can't wait to see what He has in store for Mobile next!
![]()
![]()
![]()
Here are some pictures of my favorite little girls that i met in Panama. I absolutely fell in love with the kids there and could have taken them home with me. Their freedom and love taught me so much!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Panama Here I come!
I got back last night from camp, packed today, and leave in the morning for Panama in Central America. I don't think there has been a boring moment yet this summer.. but i love it :)
We have been preparing and praying for this trip all year and I'm so excited that it is finally time to go. As I have been mentally preparing and praying for this trip these last couple of weeks, the Lord continuously been taking me to the book of Joel. I think it's interesting because it talks so much about war and fighting in a battle. I believe the Lord has called me to go and fight; Not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). I have felt this so strong lately. It occured to me one day this week while i was lifeguarding how important it is to be intently focused and take my job seriously. It can be easy to start thinking about something else while im on guard but as soon as i feel my mind wondering, i have to shift my thoughts and realize the importance and urgency of being on task as i watch the water. I am having to set my mind of the urgency of this hour in time to prepare mentally for this trip. It says in Joel 2:1- Blow the Trumpet in Zion; Sound an alarm on My holy Mount. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is close at hand." Something in me stirs when i read this and makes me take this trip so seriously like it's the last opportunity this people could hear about Jesus. Our minds should remain devoted and urgent at this hour.
Joel 2:30, 32 -"And I will show signs and wonders in the heavens, and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.. and whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered and saved.." I'm believing for signs and wonders to follow us as we bring the gospel just like it says in Mark 16:17-20 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; and they take up serpents; and they if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover...And they went out and preached, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accomplanied it." I believe Jesus' words here worked for the disciples and will work for us today. In Panama, Im praying the people will see the power of Jesus displayed and and through that, call on His name to be saved.
Back to Joel 3:9-14 it says "Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty men! Let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.. let the weak say I am strong (a warrior).. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.. multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decison."
I know this verse is for me on this trip. I keep thinking about the first part of the verse that says "prepare for war!" I don't really get into the war-like movies and all that kind of gory stuff that guys love haha but i have really been enthralled by this verse. He is preparing me for war and to take back what the enemy has stolen. I know we will always have victory knowing that Jesus is for us and on our side fighting. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.. He has called us all to be warriors in His army everyday. It's not even really a fight, if we stop and think about it, because we already know who will win. We are overcomers because of the blood of Jesus. I will stand in victory before i even get on the plane tomorrow knowing who is on my side. I must put on the armor and be prepared to stay focused, be rooted in His love, and not afraid to use my sword to fight. He loves making even the weakest ones fighters :) His love drives me to do whatever He is asking, whatever is on His heart for this hour.
Pray for supernatural faith overriding any fear and also victory at every place we go!
We will come back on June 30th and i'll have lots of updates :)
We have been preparing and praying for this trip all year and I'm so excited that it is finally time to go. As I have been mentally preparing and praying for this trip these last couple of weeks, the Lord continuously been taking me to the book of Joel. I think it's interesting because it talks so much about war and fighting in a battle. I believe the Lord has called me to go and fight; Not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). I have felt this so strong lately. It occured to me one day this week while i was lifeguarding how important it is to be intently focused and take my job seriously. It can be easy to start thinking about something else while im on guard but as soon as i feel my mind wondering, i have to shift my thoughts and realize the importance and urgency of being on task as i watch the water. I am having to set my mind of the urgency of this hour in time to prepare mentally for this trip. It says in Joel 2:1- Blow the Trumpet in Zion; Sound an alarm on My holy Mount. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming; it is close at hand." Something in me stirs when i read this and makes me take this trip so seriously like it's the last opportunity this people could hear about Jesus. Our minds should remain devoted and urgent at this hour.
Joel 2:30, 32 -"And I will show signs and wonders in the heavens, and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.. and whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered and saved.." I'm believing for signs and wonders to follow us as we bring the gospel just like it says in Mark 16:17-20 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; and they take up serpents; and they if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover...And they went out and preached, while the Lord kept working with them and confirming the message by the attesting signs and miracles that closely accomplanied it." I believe Jesus' words here worked for the disciples and will work for us today. In Panama, Im praying the people will see the power of Jesus displayed and and through that, call on His name to be saved.
Back to Joel 3:9-14 it says "Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty men! Let all the men of war draw near, let them come up.. let the weak say I am strong (a warrior).. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.. multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decison."
I know this verse is for me on this trip. I keep thinking about the first part of the verse that says "prepare for war!" I don't really get into the war-like movies and all that kind of gory stuff that guys love haha but i have really been enthralled by this verse. He is preparing me for war and to take back what the enemy has stolen. I know we will always have victory knowing that Jesus is for us and on our side fighting. Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.. He has called us all to be warriors in His army everyday. It's not even really a fight, if we stop and think about it, because we already know who will win. We are overcomers because of the blood of Jesus. I will stand in victory before i even get on the plane tomorrow knowing who is on my side. I must put on the armor and be prepared to stay focused, be rooted in His love, and not afraid to use my sword to fight. He loves making even the weakest ones fighters :) His love drives me to do whatever He is asking, whatever is on His heart for this hour.
Pray for supernatural faith overriding any fear and also victory at every place we go!
We will come back on June 30th and i'll have lots of updates :)
Friday, June 17, 2011
New Revelations :)
I was reading something from AW Tozer and he said something that really captivated my attention. He said,
"It's a strange and beautiful eccentricity of the free God that He has allowed His heart to be emotionally identified with men. Self-sufficient as He is, He wants our love and will not be satisified until He gets it. Free as He is, He has let His heart be bound to us forever."
I love this so much because we are emotional beings who long for relationships. Sometimes i think i was blessed with more emotions that others :) ha God designed us that way so that He could fill our every desire. It amazes me that He wants my love. He is so self-sufficient and never in need, yet He wants me. He chose me. I have to let this marinate in my heart to really believe what this means. If i really understood my Father's relentless heart then things would be so different. He is showing me this week of His constant pursuit after me. He is constantly drawing me and calling me and wooing me. So many times i don't even seem to realize it. But then other times, it is the smallest things that get my attention. The scenery is beautiful here at camp and as i looked outside today, it seemed like even the trees looked more beautiful than usual. It reminded me of what an intricate Daddy I have that made so many special things just for us. Jesus is on a mission to captivate His Bride before His return. My heart has to remain focused. I have to be in union with Him and be emotionally connected with my Beloved. I feel so much urgency today to reach out for more. I pray this summer i will be able to stay in a hungry place at all times so that complacency will not be anywhere in sight.
It's time to let go and pour ALL my love out, just like in the story of Mary at Bethany. She saved her perfume as a dowry for her husband which entitled her future and her dreams. She realized what it was all about. She poured her dreams, her future, and her life on the feet of Jesus. What a sweet frangrace! I am tired of holding back a jar of my love and my dreams. It is time to pour it all out of Jesus feet and allow Him to take me to a sweeter place of intimacy. I must let go of all I've been holding onto in order for me to go deeper with Him.
"It's a strange and beautiful eccentricity of the free God that He has allowed His heart to be emotionally identified with men. Self-sufficient as He is, He wants our love and will not be satisified until He gets it. Free as He is, He has let His heart be bound to us forever."
I love this so much because we are emotional beings who long for relationships. Sometimes i think i was blessed with more emotions that others :) ha God designed us that way so that He could fill our every desire. It amazes me that He wants my love. He is so self-sufficient and never in need, yet He wants me. He chose me. I have to let this marinate in my heart to really believe what this means. If i really understood my Father's relentless heart then things would be so different. He is showing me this week of His constant pursuit after me. He is constantly drawing me and calling me and wooing me. So many times i don't even seem to realize it. But then other times, it is the smallest things that get my attention. The scenery is beautiful here at camp and as i looked outside today, it seemed like even the trees looked more beautiful than usual. It reminded me of what an intricate Daddy I have that made so many special things just for us. Jesus is on a mission to captivate His Bride before His return. My heart has to remain focused. I have to be in union with Him and be emotionally connected with my Beloved. I feel so much urgency today to reach out for more. I pray this summer i will be able to stay in a hungry place at all times so that complacency will not be anywhere in sight.
It's time to let go and pour ALL my love out, just like in the story of Mary at Bethany. She saved her perfume as a dowry for her husband which entitled her future and her dreams. She realized what it was all about. She poured her dreams, her future, and her life on the feet of Jesus. What a sweet frangrace! I am tired of holding back a jar of my love and my dreams. It is time to pour it all out of Jesus feet and allow Him to take me to a sweeter place of intimacy. I must let go of all I've been holding onto in order for me to go deeper with Him.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Simplicity of a Child
It was been a great week at camp! We had a few days at the beginning of the week to do maintenance work and just be together as a staff. We have had a lot of fun getting to know eachother better. Then at the end of the week we had a group of 110 kids come in. It has been our biggest group yet but it was so great. I loved asking them what the Lord was teaching them and getting to hear their responses. Their faith is so great and so simple. It's amazing what children can teach you about trusting the Lord. I heard a story of one of children that he had been learning about praying for people. Him and his mom were in the gas station and met the cashier who had an illness of some sort and the child told his mom they had to stop and pray for him. Sure enough the mother went back inside and told the cashier and they prayed a simple prayer of healing for him. Days later the mother went into the gas station to find the cashier completely healed and so grateful for her son's faith filled prayer. The story encouraged me so much to let go of every skewed mindset of doubt and fear and see through the lenses of Jesus' power. I have been praying to have faith as a child, to just let go and let God use me. I think too much sometimes and that can leave room for doubt to set it.
As it says in Matthew 18:3, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I feel like Waukaway is such a unique place because it's so secluded from the world. It leaves no room for "society" to persuade my mindset. It's like a world in itself. It reminds of how a child is, they sometimes are in their own world not really realizing what's going on in the world so close around them. They can just believe and have faith to trust God in whatever He says. Their minds are so easy to mold. We tell them silly stories on the trails we make up about super squirrels and the old alligator. They actually believe me ha! I want to be open to whatever Holy Spirit says to do, to not question but just have faith and do it.
It really hit me hard when i got to go home yesterday for the weekend. I haven't been home in 4 weeks and it was almost like culture shock. I had been living in my own world and then coming home i realized all the things i need to do when i move home such as school, work, a job, etc. It was like a rush of busyness that I had forgotten. The simplicity being away has cleared my head more than i thought. I want to live in that place of simplicity and faith wherever i am. We have live in the world but not be of the world. My prayer for myself and for you is to get back to the basics of focusing on Jesus.. His name, His love, His blood. The simplicity of a first love comes to my mind. He is saying, "Beloved, just let go of all the confusion and all the busyness and let me have your attention. Let me be your first love. Simply receive my love like a child knows his father's arms and let me love you some more. Just let go of trying to handle and juggle it all. I want to the father and you to be the child. Simply let me have your heart. I've already done all the work for you, just receive!"
I leave to go back tomorrow and i feel like i'm leaving very restored and able to appreciate this summer even more. What a special season to spend alone Jesus and i dont want to take it for granted. So thankful for His grace to receive revelation.
As it says in Matthew 18:3, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
I feel like Waukaway is such a unique place because it's so secluded from the world. It leaves no room for "society" to persuade my mindset. It's like a world in itself. It reminds of how a child is, they sometimes are in their own world not really realizing what's going on in the world so close around them. They can just believe and have faith to trust God in whatever He says. Their minds are so easy to mold. We tell them silly stories on the trails we make up about super squirrels and the old alligator. They actually believe me ha! I want to be open to whatever Holy Spirit says to do, to not question but just have faith and do it.
It really hit me hard when i got to go home yesterday for the weekend. I haven't been home in 4 weeks and it was almost like culture shock. I had been living in my own world and then coming home i realized all the things i need to do when i move home such as school, work, a job, etc. It was like a rush of busyness that I had forgotten. The simplicity being away has cleared my head more than i thought. I want to live in that place of simplicity and faith wherever i am. We have live in the world but not be of the world. My prayer for myself and for you is to get back to the basics of focusing on Jesus.. His name, His love, His blood. The simplicity of a first love comes to my mind. He is saying, "Beloved, just let go of all the confusion and all the busyness and let me have your attention. Let me be your first love. Simply receive my love like a child knows his father's arms and let me love you some more. Just let go of trying to handle and juggle it all. I want to the father and you to be the child. Simply let me have your heart. I've already done all the work for you, just receive!"
I leave to go back tomorrow and i feel like i'm leaving very restored and able to appreciate this summer even more. What a special season to spend alone Jesus and i dont want to take it for granted. So thankful for His grace to receive revelation.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
New Names!!
Today was the first day the campers came! It was very exciting to be able to use all the hard work we have done in training the past two weeks. It seems like a lot of the work has played out greatly. They are a small group so we are getting to get to know them personally. I remembered them from last year so it's cool to see how they have grown. They all remembered my nickname.. Buzz. At Waukaway we have to use nicknames all summer so the camper will not know our real name. I got the name buzz from getting bit by so many horse flies last year. ha! They all decided to give themselves nicknames this year. The talk of the day was names and who was who. They all wanted to know each staff members nickname and how they got that name. They try really hard to guess our real names as well :) Sometimes, like today, one of the staff will slip up and say our real name ha. But I even got a new nickname today.. Mama Buzz haha! (Not sure where the Mama come from, i guess i just look like a mom ha!) I hope that's a good thing...
I started thinking about names and how we make such a big deal out of them sometimes. It seems like it's the first thing people ask when they come up to you. I was talking to the Lord and thinking about all the names He has. He is Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Nissi and Jehovah Shalom. They are beautiful names that define who He is. In the Old Testment, I love when it says.. "The Lord Almighty is His name". I love how He calls Himself the "I am". He is the name about all names. He uses names to define people. He even changed Abram to Abraham to declare He would be the father of many nations. Even when Abraham had no sons, God called things that were not, as though they were. Through his name, God was infusing faith into Abraham to see who he was in Jesus' eyes.
I found a verse about the new name He has given me. This verse has captivated me so much to know what the Lord says is my name. This is who He says I am... "You shall no longer be termed forsaken, nor shall your land be called desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her] and your land shall be called Beulah [Married], for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]." - Isaiah 62:4
I love that He sings new songs over us and gives us new names! We don't have to be labeled by our former ways. He changes our name and declares what He thinks about us. I am Hephzibah because He delights in me. As we declare these names, it becomes who we are! I love to know what He thinks.
Im looking forward to a packed week, ready to be in a dry and thirsty place, and desperate for more of Jesus as He calls me deeper.
I started thinking about names and how we make such a big deal out of them sometimes. It seems like it's the first thing people ask when they come up to you. I was talking to the Lord and thinking about all the names He has. He is Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Nissi and Jehovah Shalom. They are beautiful names that define who He is. In the Old Testment, I love when it says.. "The Lord Almighty is His name". I love how He calls Himself the "I am". He is the name about all names. He uses names to define people. He even changed Abram to Abraham to declare He would be the father of many nations. Even when Abraham had no sons, God called things that were not, as though they were. Through his name, God was infusing faith into Abraham to see who he was in Jesus' eyes.
I found a verse about the new name He has given me. This verse has captivated me so much to know what the Lord says is my name. This is who He says I am... "You shall no longer be termed forsaken, nor shall your land be called desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her] and your land shall be called Beulah [Married], for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]." - Isaiah 62:4
I love that He sings new songs over us and gives us new names! We don't have to be labeled by our former ways. He changes our name and declares what He thinks about us. I am Hephzibah because He delights in me. As we declare these names, it becomes who we are! I love to know what He thinks.
Im looking forward to a packed week, ready to be in a dry and thirsty place, and desperate for more of Jesus as He calls me deeper.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Two weeks down..
*The past two weeks of training have been at a fast pace but we finally got everything accomplished. I passed the CPR test and reviewed the lifeguarding material! I'm excited for the kids to start getting here on Tuesday of next week. We have an amazing staff this year who have really bonded and are all working towards the same goal. I feel like we are already a family. Each one has something to bring and give this summer which makes it unique the way God has put us all together. Im learning many things from the different people on staff and the way they love God. Since He is in all of us, it is really fun to learn more about Him in eachother's lives. We have been training on worship, skits, lifeguarding, trails, target sports, cleaning, cooking, and so much more. Our team is going to be ready for a great summer ahead. :)
Here are some pictures from CPR and lifeguard training, and the staff dinner night.
*The Lord has really been bringing me to this verse in Hosea 10:12 lately. It says:
12Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.
I know that this summer Jesus is breaking up uncultivated ground in my heart and expanding my territory to prepare me for the future. Though the stretching may hurt at times, i know it will be worth it in the end. I have the choice to seek harder than i ever have before in this wilderness season or just get by. But Jesus says "IT IS TIME" to seek me NOW. What a blessing it is to have this time to be taught by Him and open myself wide with an undivided heart. We can have as much of His presence as we want, it just comes down to how much do we crave it. How much do we yearn to KNOW Him? Some days get so tiring and dry that I think i cannot go on if it isn't for Jesus. He is bringing me to the end of myself so i may thirst for Him more than anything else. It is a sweet place of desperation where i cannot make it without His presence. Psalm 63 has been on my heart all week. Verse one defines this past week. It says "O God, You are my God. Earnestly will I seek You. My inner self thirst for You. My flesh longs and is even faint for You, in a dry and weary place where no water is." When we seek the Lord when we are desperately thirsty, a satisfaction and strength comes that is unlike any earthly satisfaction. His steadfast LOVE is always near, always fills, and always sustains...
Here are some pictures from CPR and lifeguard training, and the staff dinner night.
12Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire for and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you.
I know that this summer Jesus is breaking up uncultivated ground in my heart and expanding my territory to prepare me for the future. Though the stretching may hurt at times, i know it will be worth it in the end. I have the choice to seek harder than i ever have before in this wilderness season or just get by. But Jesus says "IT IS TIME" to seek me NOW. What a blessing it is to have this time to be taught by Him and open myself wide with an undivided heart. We can have as much of His presence as we want, it just comes down to how much do we crave it. How much do we yearn to KNOW Him? Some days get so tiring and dry that I think i cannot go on if it isn't for Jesus. He is bringing me to the end of myself so i may thirst for Him more than anything else. It is a sweet place of desperation where i cannot make it without His presence. Psalm 63 has been on my heart all week. Verse one defines this past week. It says "O God, You are my God. Earnestly will I seek You. My inner self thirst for You. My flesh longs and is even faint for You, in a dry and weary place where no water is." When we seek the Lord when we are desperately thirsty, a satisfaction and strength comes that is unlike any earthly satisfaction. His steadfast LOVE is always near, always fills, and always sustains...
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Camp Bound
The day is finally here! I leave for Camp Waukaway in Vossburg, MS today. I'm excited to get the summer started but still recovering from exams last week. I'm looking forward to seeing friends from last summer and making new ones.
I've been asking the Lord what He has for this summer and what goals He wants me to focus on. Among the things He has shown me, my heart feels a need to be constantly focused on my first Love. As we know that should be our focus everyday, but I feel like He has sanctified this season for a deeper revelation of my identity as His Love. This song "First Love" by Alm:UK has not stopped wooing my spirit. It says:
"My highest call, my greatest cause
is loving you
Your perfect love has won my heart
now i am Yours
Your sacrifice demands my life
I will live to honor your holy Name
the price you paid, so i sing
You're my first love
You're my true love
You're my reason
You're are why I breathe
I will give you my devotion
All of me, All of me
You chose the cross
You chose me.."
The deep woods of MS is a great place to get away and spend with my first love. Though i know it will be busy at times, there is something about the still clear nights at Waukaway. I want a deeper revelation of how Jesus feels about me and who He sees me. This paradigm will change my focus and my motivations. When i know my idenitiy, everything seems to be at peace. He is an amazing Papa who loves to tell me who I am in Him. It changes everything!
Pray that I will rest in this revelation constantly this summer and have strength to abide in His love through the challenges! :)
Psalm 107:7-9
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
I've been asking the Lord what He has for this summer and what goals He wants me to focus on. Among the things He has shown me, my heart feels a need to be constantly focused on my first Love. As we know that should be our focus everyday, but I feel like He has sanctified this season for a deeper revelation of my identity as His Love. This song "First Love" by Alm:UK has not stopped wooing my spirit. It says:
"My highest call, my greatest cause
is loving you
Your perfect love has won my heart
now i am Yours
Your sacrifice demands my life
I will live to honor your holy Name
the price you paid, so i sing
You're my first love
You're my true love
You're my reason
You're are why I breathe
I will give you my devotion
All of me, All of me
You chose the cross
You chose me.."
The deep woods of MS is a great place to get away and spend with my first love. Though i know it will be busy at times, there is something about the still clear nights at Waukaway. I want a deeper revelation of how Jesus feels about me and who He sees me. This paradigm will change my focus and my motivations. When i know my idenitiy, everything seems to be at peace. He is an amazing Papa who loves to tell me who I am in Him. It changes everything!
Pray that I will rest in this revelation constantly this summer and have strength to abide in His love through the challenges! :)
Psalm 107:7-9
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)