Thank you so much for everyone who prayed for our trip to Salem!! It was legitimately one of the best experiences in my life and the name of Jesus was lifted high!
We left Saturday morning and 26 of us loaded into 5 cars for the 7 hour trek to Salem, Massachusetts. We self-named our van the Daughters of Jerusalem...with father Bo driving. So quick thank you to Bo for allowing 6 girls to ride with you!
We arrived around 6:30p and went straight to the House of Prayer at East Gate Christian Fellowship, which right now is located next door to the Halloween Festival...prime location! We worshiped and interceded for the city until about 10p before heading to different pastor's houses to stay the night. Sunday was a pretty full day packed with church, much more worship and prayer, prayer walking and getting a sense for what we were stepping into, and soaking in the presence of God before we hit the streets from 6-10 that night (which is when most people are out at the festival).
Salem is a quaint little town and so on the verge of breakthrough. There is a heaviness in the air and a spirit of witchcraft that looms over the area. Witches and warlocks roamed the streets, stores glorifying darkness were everywhere, psychics and tarot card readers were kept busy with people looking for answers, and tourists packed the festival not knowing what they were opening themselves up to. Salem actually means peace; so we prayed that Salem would become the City of Peace; and as the eastern most city, it would become the Eastern Gate to usher in the Gospel of Christ. I pray blessings on those God-fearing believers who are living in Salem and are continually crying out for their city and I pray that God would completely wipe out the darkness in the area and every knee in Salem would bow at the name of Jesus.
Anticipation filled as the hours of intercession went on and I was overflowing with excitement and nervousness and love for God and I was just ready to go see what God was going to do. We split into 4 teams for the first 3 hours and then came together for the last hour and literally took over the streets with heaven! We held up signs that said "Free Spiritual Healing" and "Free Spiritual Readings" (aka prophecies). Other psychics and tarot card readers had the same signs...so why not!? Initially it's a bit nerve-wracking to try and get people to come talk to you especially when they look at you like you're crazy...but I kept wanting to say 'I mean, you're at a witch festival....so how is this weird?'...but I refrained and then we just went for it only with boldness that came from God. My group was praying for healing and so we started shouting for anyone who had pain or sickness in their bodies. It was a slow start but then the Lord started bringing people in.
Overall we saw over 100 healings and shared the Gospel with around 200 people Sunday night!! God is so great and so much bigger than we give Him credit for. Firsthand I saw 3 people get healed of asthma (one being a fellow YWAMer!), multiple people get healed of back pain, 1 person with diabetes was healed. 1 guy had a cast on and told us he had a tendon that was cut in his hand. We prayed for him and he started moving his finger and said he couldn't move it before!! We saw arches grow in flat feet (which is something we've been seeing happen over the last month around PA!), pain in legs, shoulders, and ankles were immediately gone, among a plethora of others things...all in the name of Jesus!! We told them that Jesus healed them and then got to share the gospel with them. A lot of people knew about Jesus but couldn't believe that He could and would heal them!
Some of my teammates have some radical stories of healings and prophesies. Major walls came down in people's lives and one of my friends had multiple girls crying on her shoulder as she called out what the Lord wanted for their lives and ended in hugs and I love you's from the strangers on the street!! Some even giving their lives to Christ that night! One guy had gotten healed from pain and was talking to a guy on my team. He asked if God would love him even though he had a 666 and a pentagram tattooed on him...my friend answered "Well, think about this. You already had those tattooes and God just healed you...so yes He still loves you!" And the guy was like wwhhooooaaaa!!! Even some professed atheists and wiccans came up for prayer!! Haha...God is so good!!
I have so many stories I could tell you, but I don't want to take all of your time! I met so many precious sons and daughters on the street. All lost and seeking love and comfort in something. I watched shock and awe on their faces when God healed them. I watched many tear up when prophesied over and told about God's love and how He desires to know them and has a plan for them. Excitement rang through our section of the street as God did what only He can do! A bit of heaven opened over Salem that night and God encountered so many people Sunday...and I have full faith that He will continue to pursue those we came in contact with.
Side note: If you have some time, I recommend downloading the link that says Halloween from the link below. My young adult pastor from Nashville, AJ Jones, spoke on the origins of Halloween and I think everyone should know about where this holiday started and make an informed decision to celebrate it or not :) ... So click here -> Origins of Halloween.
THANK YOU again for praying!!! I am so encouraged and in awe by God's love and power and His willingness to use broken vessels to share His Kingdom with others. It was an experience of a lifetime and I look forward to maybe being a part of it again in the future. My comfort levels were stretched and my faith was expanded! Can't wait to keep sharing God's love and I encourage you to do the same. Walk up to someone on crutches and ask if you can pray for them or get a word for someone and share it. Just telling someone God sees them and has a plan for them can make a world of difference. It's just your job to be the messenger and God will do the rest! So be encouraged today and many blessings on you all!!!
J
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Prayer Request!!
Hey friends!
So I'm asking that you cover me even more in prayer this week. I will be leaving here on Saturday with a crew and going to Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween Weekend. We'll be doing some worship and intercession and then going into the streets and spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus, praying for healings and prophesying...and whatever the Lord leads us to do! Pretty much doing what Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to do in Matthew 10. In verses 7-8 Jesus says, "Proclaim as you go, saying 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
So we may not run across too many lepers :) BUT we are headed into witchcraft city. There are around 100,000 people that go to Salem every year for this weekend. Pray for my team and me as we prepare to go, against all Spiritual warfare (the enemy has already started attacking some of us), for safety in travel and once we're there, and for the Kingdom of God to come down and spread all over that city. Pray eyes would be opened to TRUTH and that miracles would happen for the glory of God!!! So many people there are into "spiritual" things and especially during Halloween weekend, but we know it's witchcraft and totally opposes the name of Jesus. Last year they saw 40 people get healed and 12 come to know Jesus as their Savior on the spot. We have an even bigger team going this year, so what a force we can be! I can't wait to share with you what all the Lord does and how His name is going to be glorified!
Thank you for you prayers! Seriously, I receive every prayer said for me and I would not be here without you. Prayer is so huge and I am so appreciative for you all!!! You have no idea!
Will give a lengthier update next week about all that's been happening and what's about to!
Many Blessings,
J
"Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down." -Isaiah 64:1
So I'm asking that you cover me even more in prayer this week. I will be leaving here on Saturday with a crew and going to Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween Weekend. We'll be doing some worship and intercession and then going into the streets and spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus, praying for healings and prophesying...and whatever the Lord leads us to do! Pretty much doing what Jesus sent the 12 disciples out to do in Matthew 10. In verses 7-8 Jesus says, "Proclaim as you go, saying 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
So we may not run across too many lepers :) BUT we are headed into witchcraft city. There are around 100,000 people that go to Salem every year for this weekend. Pray for my team and me as we prepare to go, against all Spiritual warfare (the enemy has already started attacking some of us), for safety in travel and once we're there, and for the Kingdom of God to come down and spread all over that city. Pray eyes would be opened to TRUTH and that miracles would happen for the glory of God!!! So many people there are into "spiritual" things and especially during Halloween weekend, but we know it's witchcraft and totally opposes the name of Jesus. Last year they saw 40 people get healed and 12 come to know Jesus as their Savior on the spot. We have an even bigger team going this year, so what a force we can be! I can't wait to share with you what all the Lord does and how His name is going to be glorified!
Thank you for you prayers! Seriously, I receive every prayer said for me and I would not be here without you. Prayer is so huge and I am so appreciative for you all!!! You have no idea!
Will give a lengthier update next week about all that's been happening and what's about to!
Many Blessings,
J
"Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down." -Isaiah 64:1
Monday, October 4, 2010
Radically Changing
Greeting friends and family :)
I don't really even know where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying that the Lord is doing some radical stuff already. I haven't even been here 3 weeks but I feel like God has already done so much in me and taught me so much that it seems like I've been here 3 months.
I'm absolutely loving my time here in PA. I know that the Lord called me to YWAM at this time and in this season. So far I've been under the teaching of Andy Byrd & Sean Feucht (the founders of Fire & Fragrance -- OH and check out their new book that came out "Fire & Fragrance" -- it will give you the history and heart of this ministry!!), Joseph Garlington, Che Ahn, Charles Stock, Larry Randolph, & Bill Johnson. If you haven't heard of some or all of these fathers of the faith then I suggest that you check them out! They'll rock you.
So...when I say that the Lord has done so much already...I mean I don't even know how to express to what degree of change the Lord has started in me. Before I was even here a week, I had the most outrageously awesome encounter with the Lord...more than any other time in my life. Andy Byrd was teaching on the love of God and how we've lived in the vicious cycle of always doing things to get love from the Father, when in all reality we don't have to do anything to get God's love because He just loves us. Period. And how everything we do should come FROM love not FOR love. The magnitude of which He loves is so insane and I was starting to "get it". And wow...He rocked my world. I felt like control and perfectionism were being purged from deep within and God was showing me how He wants me to just rest in His arms because I'm His daughter. My heart is expanding for the Word as well...I'm truly starting to love to read it, more than ever before. It's really coming to life and taking root deep in my heart!
And He just keeps teaching me new things every day. I wish I had enough time to tell you everything in detail, but I'll try and keep this as short as I can :) Just know, that all of you who are supporting me and praying for me and encouraging me are the reason that my life is being transformed. I'll never be able to thank you enough...but please know that everything you're doing is changing my life in the best of ways.
Also, I found out where I'll be spending my last 3 months for my outreach phase! ::Drum roll please:: For one month I'll be with my entire team at Ivy League schools praying for revival and worshiping and interceeding and evangelizing and ministering and anything else the Lord leads us to do! The last 2 months I will be going with 8 other people to AMSTERDAM! They gave us the 4 locations last Monday and by Tuesday we had to tell the staff our top 2 choices of where we felt the Lord leading. I didn't even know Amsterdam would be an option, but once it was said I just couldn't get it out of my head. I kept praying and asking the Lord to lead. Once we gave them our choices the staff took the rest of the week praying as well and putting teams together, and yes...the Lord is definitely leading me to Amsterdam. This may sound random to some of you...I understand, it seemed semi-random to me too :) But really, in the past couple of years I've noticed how much I hate social injustices...like child soldiers and sex trafficking. I just think they're modern day holocausts and I know the Lord wants to see an end to these horrific acts. So once I started thinking about that...I knew this was exactly where I need to be going...to one of the darkest places to pray for revival and reformation. We will be working with an established YWAM base there and pretty close to the heart of the red light district. There is a House of Prayer right in the middle of all the brothels...so we'll be doing a ton of worship and intercession to see those brothels shut down and lives radically changed!!! So please be in prayer for the preparation beforehand and everything the Lord leads us in once we get there...and for all the finances to come in as well! This is going to be so radical and I seriously cannot wait to pray heaven down in that place!
Ah...I have so much in me I want to share, but I can't even form my thoughts into words. I'm just learning that I want so much more...and I know it could cost me anything and everything, but I don't even care because I'm falling so in love with Jesus everyday that I can't even call this life my own anymore, because it's His and I'll go wherever He wants me to.
Again, I send my deepest appreciation to you guys. I love you and will update you again soon!
J
I don't really even know where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying that the Lord is doing some radical stuff already. I haven't even been here 3 weeks but I feel like God has already done so much in me and taught me so much that it seems like I've been here 3 months.
I'm absolutely loving my time here in PA. I know that the Lord called me to YWAM at this time and in this season. So far I've been under the teaching of Andy Byrd & Sean Feucht (the founders of Fire & Fragrance -- OH and check out their new book that came out "Fire & Fragrance" -- it will give you the history and heart of this ministry!!), Joseph Garlington, Che Ahn, Charles Stock, Larry Randolph, & Bill Johnson. If you haven't heard of some or all of these fathers of the faith then I suggest that you check them out! They'll rock you.
So...when I say that the Lord has done so much already...I mean I don't even know how to express to what degree of change the Lord has started in me. Before I was even here a week, I had the most outrageously awesome encounter with the Lord...more than any other time in my life. Andy Byrd was teaching on the love of God and how we've lived in the vicious cycle of always doing things to get love from the Father, when in all reality we don't have to do anything to get God's love because He just loves us. Period. And how everything we do should come FROM love not FOR love. The magnitude of which He loves is so insane and I was starting to "get it". And wow...He rocked my world. I felt like control and perfectionism were being purged from deep within and God was showing me how He wants me to just rest in His arms because I'm His daughter. My heart is expanding for the Word as well...I'm truly starting to love to read it, more than ever before. It's really coming to life and taking root deep in my heart!
And He just keeps teaching me new things every day. I wish I had enough time to tell you everything in detail, but I'll try and keep this as short as I can :) Just know, that all of you who are supporting me and praying for me and encouraging me are the reason that my life is being transformed. I'll never be able to thank you enough...but please know that everything you're doing is changing my life in the best of ways.
Also, I found out where I'll be spending my last 3 months for my outreach phase! ::Drum roll please:: For one month I'll be with my entire team at Ivy League schools praying for revival and worshiping and interceeding and evangelizing and ministering and anything else the Lord leads us to do! The last 2 months I will be going with 8 other people to AMSTERDAM! They gave us the 4 locations last Monday and by Tuesday we had to tell the staff our top 2 choices of where we felt the Lord leading. I didn't even know Amsterdam would be an option, but once it was said I just couldn't get it out of my head. I kept praying and asking the Lord to lead. Once we gave them our choices the staff took the rest of the week praying as well and putting teams together, and yes...the Lord is definitely leading me to Amsterdam. This may sound random to some of you...I understand, it seemed semi-random to me too :) But really, in the past couple of years I've noticed how much I hate social injustices...like child soldiers and sex trafficking. I just think they're modern day holocausts and I know the Lord wants to see an end to these horrific acts. So once I started thinking about that...I knew this was exactly where I need to be going...to one of the darkest places to pray for revival and reformation. We will be working with an established YWAM base there and pretty close to the heart of the red light district. There is a House of Prayer right in the middle of all the brothels...so we'll be doing a ton of worship and intercession to see those brothels shut down and lives radically changed!!! So please be in prayer for the preparation beforehand and everything the Lord leads us in once we get there...and for all the finances to come in as well! This is going to be so radical and I seriously cannot wait to pray heaven down in that place!
Ah...I have so much in me I want to share, but I can't even form my thoughts into words. I'm just learning that I want so much more...and I know it could cost me anything and everything, but I don't even care because I'm falling so in love with Jesus everyday that I can't even call this life my own anymore, because it's His and I'll go wherever He wants me to.
Again, I send my deepest appreciation to you guys. I love you and will update you again soon!
J
Friday, September 17, 2010
Whirlwind with a side of coffee.
That just about describes this last month of my life. I filled my last weeks in Nashville mostly by sitting in coffee shops (thank you Frothy Monkey for hosting me every single day....and for your iced coconut coffee with almond milk...mmm how i miss you!), spending time with friends, visiting family, and clearing out the room in the back corner of The Buford.
:::Side note: I didn't even like really like coffee unless it was overly sugarized and somehow flavored...but after drinking it like every day..i like it...without sugar...and like regular coffee....almost black even...this is bad. Why would I start that habit? I slightly blame Sarah Rhodes for this addiction. I found a coffee I like and it was because of her. End side note.:::
Well, I mentioned last time, skydiving was one of the big events for this month. Aaaanndd mission accomplished. It was probably one of the most ridiculous experiences ever. Josh and I wouldn't even talk about it beforehand and I visualized it just enough to know I would live...after all God had called me to YWAM, so I'd be fine, right? So we get there...and let me paint the picture:
We pull into this large field. To the left is the large wooden...room? It had a roof, and 1 wall with the other 3 walls having posts along it. The 3 people that were there were very nice, and so of course we signed our lives over. Our "20 minute instructional video" was a 3 minute talk on how we needed to sit in the plane and what to do when it was close to jump time. (I actually appreciated that because I may have backed out after 20 minutes). He asked us who wanted to go first and I quickly said "ME! If I wait I won't go." So...I get suited up and sit in the plane that is maybe 4 or 5 ft wide. The door shuts. I notice the duct tape holding parts of the plane together. "No worries, all the money went towards the engine", says skydiver Damien. "Ok", says me. I sit quitely for the next 20 minutes until the desired height of 12,000 ft is reached. Pilot and skydiver keep making jokes. I don't think they're funny. I'm about to jump out of a plane. 2 MINUTES. I have to now turn around. Sit on my knees. Get strapped to skydiver Damien. We're really close friends now. He opens the door. I say a few words. He puts one foot out on a tiny ledge. I put one foot out on a tiny ledge. He says jump. We fall. Tumble even. "Oh crap, I just fell out of a plane", I think. We're flying. My mouth is really dry. I can't stop smiling. Wow, this is neat. Parachute opens. Oomph. Parachute twirls. I laugh. I make awkward jokes because I just now realized I'm hooked to a stranger. More than that I jumped out of a plane with a stranger. Safe landing. Josh's turn.
Hope you enjoyed that thought process. So i was a little more nervous when Josh went up, and when we left I actually started freaking out. And for days after we would look at each other and go "oh my gosh, we jumped out of a plane. who does that? why did we do that?" But seriously what an amazing experience. Not sure if I can muster up the courage to ever do it again...but I really did feel safe and I was flying. So Bucket List: Fly ---- CHECK! Pictures and video to come soon!
We also went rapelling and white water rafting that weekend. What a fun time with our cousins and 2 of my roommates. I wasn't the best at rapelling (See below). But I mean whatever, I just jumped out of a plane, I don't need to be good at anything else. No harm done and I made people laugh.
Fast forwarding packing, some crying, leave nashville, more packing and now I'm in my 3rd day at YWAM! Woop woop. I won't lie, i kind of freaked out Day 1. The enemy was shooting lies at me all through our first worship service on Wednesday night. I just kept thinking "what am i doing here? i miss home, i miss my roommates, i liked life in nashville. is this really where i'm supposed to be?" But we broke that off in the name of Jesus! I know without a doubt I am supposed to be here. These first few days have been pretty chill...getting to know everyone, learning rules and expectations, sharing testimonies, and having some fun too. It's been great, but I'm so ready to just start full force and get in the routine of life here. We're gong to have amazing, like blow you out of the water, teachers come in, and I am stoked for that. God has already started some awesome stuff, as I had such a huge encounter with His love this morning! I'm ready for more!
One thing I have loved is really getting to hear the heart of our leaders. Why we're in harrisburg and how God has opened doors for us to be here, what's going to come in the next few weeks and months as we start stepping out in faith and sharing the love of God to those around us. I love that revival is going to come. Please join us and so many others in prayer as seriously, the 3rd Great Awakening is on the verge of happening. We want to take back to God was (and still is) His, what was founded on His name and His truth! If you want even more details on what's going on you can check out my leader's blog: http://www.bardwellblog.com/
So that's all the updates I can think of for now. Thanks so much to everyone supporting and praying for me! It is needed as the enemy already hates what God is going to do in and through us. How exciting is that...the enemy is scared of us because He knows God is going to bring major fire and breakthrough to the Northeast!
Oh and I have an address now...so i will gladly accept all letters and care packages one may want to send :)
:::Side note: I didn't even like really like coffee unless it was overly sugarized and somehow flavored...but after drinking it like every day..i like it...without sugar...and like regular coffee....almost black even...this is bad. Why would I start that habit? I slightly blame Sarah Rhodes for this addiction. I found a coffee I like and it was because of her. End side note.:::
Well, I mentioned last time, skydiving was one of the big events for this month. Aaaanndd mission accomplished. It was probably one of the most ridiculous experiences ever. Josh and I wouldn't even talk about it beforehand and I visualized it just enough to know I would live...after all God had called me to YWAM, so I'd be fine, right? So we get there...and let me paint the picture:
We pull into this large field. To the left is the large wooden...room? It had a roof, and 1 wall with the other 3 walls having posts along it. The 3 people that were there were very nice, and so of course we signed our lives over. Our "20 minute instructional video" was a 3 minute talk on how we needed to sit in the plane and what to do when it was close to jump time. (I actually appreciated that because I may have backed out after 20 minutes). He asked us who wanted to go first and I quickly said "ME! If I wait I won't go." So...I get suited up and sit in the plane that is maybe 4 or 5 ft wide. The door shuts. I notice the duct tape holding parts of the plane together. "No worries, all the money went towards the engine", says skydiver Damien. "Ok", says me. I sit quitely for the next 20 minutes until the desired height of 12,000 ft is reached. Pilot and skydiver keep making jokes. I don't think they're funny. I'm about to jump out of a plane. 2 MINUTES. I have to now turn around. Sit on my knees. Get strapped to skydiver Damien. We're really close friends now. He opens the door. I say a few words. He puts one foot out on a tiny ledge. I put one foot out on a tiny ledge. He says jump. We fall. Tumble even. "Oh crap, I just fell out of a plane", I think. We're flying. My mouth is really dry. I can't stop smiling. Wow, this is neat. Parachute opens. Oomph. Parachute twirls. I laugh. I make awkward jokes because I just now realized I'm hooked to a stranger. More than that I jumped out of a plane with a stranger. Safe landing. Josh's turn.
Hope you enjoyed that thought process. So i was a little more nervous when Josh went up, and when we left I actually started freaking out. And for days after we would look at each other and go "oh my gosh, we jumped out of a plane. who does that? why did we do that?" But seriously what an amazing experience. Not sure if I can muster up the courage to ever do it again...but I really did feel safe and I was flying. So Bucket List: Fly ---- CHECK! Pictures and video to come soon!
We also went rapelling and white water rafting that weekend. What a fun time with our cousins and 2 of my roommates. I wasn't the best at rapelling (See below). But I mean whatever, I just jumped out of a plane, I don't need to be good at anything else. No harm done and I made people laugh.
Fast forwarding packing, some crying, leave nashville, more packing and now I'm in my 3rd day at YWAM! Woop woop. I won't lie, i kind of freaked out Day 1. The enemy was shooting lies at me all through our first worship service on Wednesday night. I just kept thinking "what am i doing here? i miss home, i miss my roommates, i liked life in nashville. is this really where i'm supposed to be?" But we broke that off in the name of Jesus! I know without a doubt I am supposed to be here. These first few days have been pretty chill...getting to know everyone, learning rules and expectations, sharing testimonies, and having some fun too. It's been great, but I'm so ready to just start full force and get in the routine of life here. We're gong to have amazing, like blow you out of the water, teachers come in, and I am stoked for that. God has already started some awesome stuff, as I had such a huge encounter with His love this morning! I'm ready for more!
One thing I have loved is really getting to hear the heart of our leaders. Why we're in harrisburg and how God has opened doors for us to be here, what's going to come in the next few weeks and months as we start stepping out in faith and sharing the love of God to those around us. I love that revival is going to come. Please join us and so many others in prayer as seriously, the 3rd Great Awakening is on the verge of happening. We want to take back to God was (and still is) His, what was founded on His name and His truth! If you want even more details on what's going on you can check out my leader's blog: http://www.bardwellblog.com/
So that's all the updates I can think of for now. Thanks so much to everyone supporting and praying for me! It is needed as the enemy already hates what God is going to do in and through us. How exciting is that...the enemy is scared of us because He knows God is going to bring major fire and breakthrough to the Northeast!
Oh and I have an address now...so i will gladly accept all letters and care packages one may want to send :)
Fire and Fragrance
attn: Jessica Ramsay
PO Box 4826
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Love you all!
Love you all!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Let the Countdown Begin!
T minus 27 days and counting!
I cannot believe how fast time flies...I say that about everything, but really...it goes so fast! My last day of work was last Friday and now I'm in this wonderful month of rest and fun and preparation. It's a weird feeling really, this month of limbo. But what a sweet time the Lord is giving me with family and friends before I leave. Also planned for this month is a white water rafting trip and skydiving! So a little added adventure to make this month even better!
I have been so overwhelmed (in a good way) these past few weeks. Needless to say, raising support is not my favorite thing to do...in part because I have no control over what money is brought in and because it takes a certain humility to ask other people to help you, which does not come naturally to me. Even writing about it makes me a little uncomfortable. However, it gives me another opportunity to put all my trust in the Lord and be dependent on Him which truly has been such a fun process. He is a never failing God. I know without a doubt the Lord is leading me to be a part of this YWAM-DTS, so I have no doubt He will provide the funds for me to get there. The reason for feeling overwhelmed is because of how blessed I feel. To see the generosity of friends and family -and even some who don't know me all that well -join me financially and prayerfully in this mission is just awesome. I have a little ways to go, but I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you all who believe in this mission I'm about to take off on! (and please feel free to keep giving :) and definitely keep praying!)
I'll keep this post short(er than the others), so I want to end this with some verses I found super encouraging for the day. I woke up at 3:30am this morning and couldn't fall asleep for the next hour, so I read. I found my Bible (this one The Message version), and started reading in Matthew. I haven't read much of The Message translation, but loved the way this part was so beautifully written. It comes from Matthew 5:13-16:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Humbling passage for sure. My prayer is that I will do just that, be the salt and light, to bring out the "God-flavors" and "God-colors" of the world. So be encouraged today and go forth, you salties and lighties!
I cannot believe how fast time flies...I say that about everything, but really...it goes so fast! My last day of work was last Friday and now I'm in this wonderful month of rest and fun and preparation. It's a weird feeling really, this month of limbo. But what a sweet time the Lord is giving me with family and friends before I leave. Also planned for this month is a white water rafting trip and skydiving! So a little added adventure to make this month even better!
I have been so overwhelmed (in a good way) these past few weeks. Needless to say, raising support is not my favorite thing to do...in part because I have no control over what money is brought in and because it takes a certain humility to ask other people to help you, which does not come naturally to me. Even writing about it makes me a little uncomfortable. However, it gives me another opportunity to put all my trust in the Lord and be dependent on Him which truly has been such a fun process. He is a never failing God. I know without a doubt the Lord is leading me to be a part of this YWAM-DTS, so I have no doubt He will provide the funds for me to get there. The reason for feeling overwhelmed is because of how blessed I feel. To see the generosity of friends and family -and even some who don't know me all that well -join me financially and prayerfully in this mission is just awesome. I have a little ways to go, but I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you all who believe in this mission I'm about to take off on! (and please feel free to keep giving :) and definitely keep praying!)
I'll keep this post short(er than the others), so I want to end this with some verses I found super encouraging for the day. I woke up at 3:30am this morning and couldn't fall asleep for the next hour, so I read. I found my Bible (this one The Message version), and started reading in Matthew. I haven't read much of The Message translation, but loved the way this part was so beautifully written. It comes from Matthew 5:13-16:
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Humbling passage for sure. My prayer is that I will do just that, be the salt and light, to bring out the "God-flavors" and "God-colors" of the world. So be encouraged today and go forth, you salties and lighties!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
God = Dad
Writing with an abundantly grateful heart today.
A few weeks ago I was at a young adult gathering that I go to every week and during worship I couldn't seem to focus on anything. Overall, I don't tend to be a worrier, but it had been one of those weeks where I had been a little discouraged and worried about my immediate finances and about fundraising for YWAM. I decided to just sit down and pray for some kind of focus and against any distraction that was seriously a clanging gong in my head. The Lord immediately brought to my mind the trust I had in my (earthly) father growing up. He started reminding me that I never once worried about missing a meal, not having clothes to wear, or having a lack of toys/gadgets to play with. As a kid, I was totally oblivious to our finances. I know we had our high points, and I know we had our really low points, but through the ups and downs I never had an inkling of a doubt that my dad was going to provide for me...and he is a sinful, earthly, human man. But I had all the faith in the world that he would provide for my needs. The realization of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks and I started repenting for my lack of faith in my HEAVENLY FATHER...who is GOD, faultless, perfect, holy, and faithful (among a trillion other truths about Him). If I could trust in this man I have been blessed with as a guiding light on this earth, HOW MUCH MORE should I trust in the ALMIGHTY.
Throughout the next 2 weeks, He began showing Himself to me as Father like never before (probably because I was trying to actually seek Him and not acting as a bystander in my relationship with Him, which happens all too often in my life). The truth that "God is my dad" and "my dad is God" really began to sink in. While reading Forgotten God (Francis Chan), He reminded me that I have received the Spirit of adoption (we, as believers, are NOT orphans!) and how much does the Father wants to lavish His love on His kids! (Read Ephesians 1). I decided that with this simple truth, I would lay aside my worries and fears and just depend on my Heavenly dad.
Fast forward a week and I'm worrying again (why do I do this???). I was packing up some things to move to my parents house and getting a list of to do's done before I left for the booming metropolis of Jackson, TN. One of those things being, I HAD to get my oil changed. Knowing I would be surviving on the bare minimum for the rest of the week, it wasn't something I could bypass. While waiting on my oil change, I was informed that my 'serpentine belt' was majorly cracked and that if it broke, my car wouldn't run. They couldn't tell me for sure when it would break but wanted to let me know. It was something I just could not afford. I leave there and call my parents to get their advice. Since this was not the first time I had been prompted about said belt, I was advised to go ahead and change it...which completely overwhelmed me. But my parents, being the wonderful people they are, said they would pay for this one. Even knowing this, it's just something I didn't want to do. I didn't want to use their money, but I wouldn't even be able to drive to Jackson if I used mine. I went to the auto shop and left my car overnight. The next morning I was still complaining about something always being wrong with my car, but went to pick up my car knowing 'it will be ok.' I walk in, tell them which car was mine, and they say "No charge."....I'm sorry "what?" "Yep, no charge. I'll go get your car." My only thought was that my parents called the payment in so I didn't have to worry about it. I called my mom on the drive home and she informed me that they in fact did NOT pay for it. So...I went back, partly because we were all questioning if they'd done anything to it. I went in and asked them about it...and same answer "No ma'am, no charge." I was completely thrown off guard. They did in fact change the belt, and I don't know if someone paid for it or they just saw the desperation in my face, but all I can say is that God my Father took care of me, even in my lack of faith in Him! So Thank YOU, Dad. Even though I'm a pretty bad child and don't always trust You, You still provide.
Sometimes His provision isn't that tangible, and sometimes it isn't given to us in the ways we think it should be, but either way, He is Father and He is Good. He is even better than we think or give Him credit for. And so when I lose faith again, because my dumb human tendencies will undoubtedly lead me that way, I hope I can remember all of the things He has provided for me and all the promises He has given to me. The best one being I am an heir to the Kingdom of God.
Since this simple truth has made a profound impact on me, I have been even more convicted to sit down, get alone, and spend time with Him so that I can truly live in relationship. This could not be a harder task for me. One because I LOVE being around people and two because I have 5 roommates...But I know that without spending time with Him, I will not grow and I will not act out of the love of the Father.
So, I sit here thankful. Thankful for my earthly parents who have guided me in this life, provided for me, and been wonderful examples as followers of Christ. Thankful for a brother who is pastoring the next generation and who is a fantastic sibling that I look up to. Thankful for my beautiful, talented, hilarious, God-fearing roommates who I learn from everyday and are there for me whenever I need them. Thankful for these last 2 years in Nashville, that through my highs and lows have molded and shaped me to be who I am today and for all the people God has put in my life in this lovely city. Thankful for future adventures. And most important, thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me always, unconditionally, and without fault.
A few weeks ago I was at a young adult gathering that I go to every week and during worship I couldn't seem to focus on anything. Overall, I don't tend to be a worrier, but it had been one of those weeks where I had been a little discouraged and worried about my immediate finances and about fundraising for YWAM. I decided to just sit down and pray for some kind of focus and against any distraction that was seriously a clanging gong in my head. The Lord immediately brought to my mind the trust I had in my (earthly) father growing up. He started reminding me that I never once worried about missing a meal, not having clothes to wear, or having a lack of toys/gadgets to play with. As a kid, I was totally oblivious to our finances. I know we had our high points, and I know we had our really low points, but through the ups and downs I never had an inkling of a doubt that my dad was going to provide for me...and he is a sinful, earthly, human man. But I had all the faith in the world that he would provide for my needs. The realization of that truth hit me like a ton of bricks and I started repenting for my lack of faith in my HEAVENLY FATHER...who is GOD, faultless, perfect, holy, and faithful (among a trillion other truths about Him). If I could trust in this man I have been blessed with as a guiding light on this earth, HOW MUCH MORE should I trust in the ALMIGHTY.
Throughout the next 2 weeks, He began showing Himself to me as Father like never before (probably because I was trying to actually seek Him and not acting as a bystander in my relationship with Him, which happens all too often in my life). The truth that "God is my dad" and "my dad is God" really began to sink in. While reading Forgotten God (Francis Chan), He reminded me that I have received the Spirit of adoption (we, as believers, are NOT orphans!) and how much does the Father wants to lavish His love on His kids! (Read Ephesians 1). I decided that with this simple truth, I would lay aside my worries and fears and just depend on my Heavenly dad.
Fast forward a week and I'm worrying again (why do I do this???). I was packing up some things to move to my parents house and getting a list of to do's done before I left for the booming metropolis of Jackson, TN. One of those things being, I HAD to get my oil changed. Knowing I would be surviving on the bare minimum for the rest of the week, it wasn't something I could bypass. While waiting on my oil change, I was informed that my 'serpentine belt' was majorly cracked and that if it broke, my car wouldn't run. They couldn't tell me for sure when it would break but wanted to let me know. It was something I just could not afford. I leave there and call my parents to get their advice. Since this was not the first time I had been prompted about said belt, I was advised to go ahead and change it...which completely overwhelmed me. But my parents, being the wonderful people they are, said they would pay for this one. Even knowing this, it's just something I didn't want to do. I didn't want to use their money, but I wouldn't even be able to drive to Jackson if I used mine. I went to the auto shop and left my car overnight. The next morning I was still complaining about something always being wrong with my car, but went to pick up my car knowing 'it will be ok.' I walk in, tell them which car was mine, and they say "No charge."....I'm sorry "what?" "Yep, no charge. I'll go get your car." My only thought was that my parents called the payment in so I didn't have to worry about it. I called my mom on the drive home and she informed me that they in fact did NOT pay for it. So...I went back, partly because we were all questioning if they'd done anything to it. I went in and asked them about it...and same answer "No ma'am, no charge." I was completely thrown off guard. They did in fact change the belt, and I don't know if someone paid for it or they just saw the desperation in my face, but all I can say is that God my Father took care of me, even in my lack of faith in Him! So Thank YOU, Dad. Even though I'm a pretty bad child and don't always trust You, You still provide.
Sometimes His provision isn't that tangible, and sometimes it isn't given to us in the ways we think it should be, but either way, He is Father and He is Good. He is even better than we think or give Him credit for. And so when I lose faith again, because my dumb human tendencies will undoubtedly lead me that way, I hope I can remember all of the things He has provided for me and all the promises He has given to me. The best one being I am an heir to the Kingdom of God.
Since this simple truth has made a profound impact on me, I have been even more convicted to sit down, get alone, and spend time with Him so that I can truly live in relationship. This could not be a harder task for me. One because I LOVE being around people and two because I have 5 roommates...But I know that without spending time with Him, I will not grow and I will not act out of the love of the Father.
So, I sit here thankful. Thankful for my earthly parents who have guided me in this life, provided for me, and been wonderful examples as followers of Christ. Thankful for a brother who is pastoring the next generation and who is a fantastic sibling that I look up to. Thankful for my beautiful, talented, hilarious, God-fearing roommates who I learn from everyday and are there for me whenever I need them. Thankful for these last 2 years in Nashville, that through my highs and lows have molded and shaped me to be who I am today and for all the people God has put in my life in this lovely city. Thankful for future adventures. And most important, thankful for a Heavenly Father who loves me always, unconditionally, and without fault.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Be Quiet and Listen
With this post I wish I could express just how amazing GOD is. However, that is nearly impossible because He is unexplainable, He is better than words, and more so He goes beyond all comprehension. So anything I have to say about Him pales in comparison to the greatness of all that our God is.
Knowing all of this, I wish I was better at LISTENING to Him. I get so caught up in myself a lot of days that I realize I've gone through the motions again, not paying attention to where the Lord wanted to take me, who He wanted me to talk to, or what He wanted to say to me.
If you're like me, you may sometimes doubt the faithfulness of God. I think in my heart I always know He'll come through, but my head has the hardest time wrapping itself around the idea...I guess that's why we're called to live by faith, eh?
I'm learning when I feel that little nudge in me to say something to someone or hold my tongue or whatever it is the Spirit may be prompting me to do...I just need to do it. Even if I'm wrong and I go out of my way to say something nice to someone, they'll still be blessed and the Lord still sees the willingness of my heart to serve Him through something so small. It seems unfathomable to me that I can see the faithfulness of God in my life...and the next day doubt that He'll show up again...even though HE SHOWS UP EVERY SINGLE TIME!
"The world is not moved by love or actions that are of human creation. And the church is not empowered to live differently from any other gathering of people without the Holy Spirit. But when believers live in the power of the Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. The church cannot help but be different, and the world cannot help but notice." (Francis Chan, Forgotten God)
I went to one of my favorite Nashville coffee spots tonight with two great friends of mine. We'd been enjoying ourselves talking and pretending that we were in Greece and playing dumb games when a guy walks over to our table. I scanned our area and noticed we had already taken our coffee cups back, so he didn't work there and wasn't coming to clear off our table. I figured this would be one of those typical 'random guy talks to random girl' moments...we'd all be a little weirded out and then laugh about it later. He introduced himself, complemented my headband and I made a comparison of our hippie looks for the evening (since he donned a bandanna across his forehead.) Well, for whatever reason my hippie comment led him into telling his life story to us. Usually by this point I've written the guy off wishing he'd hurry up and leave so we could get back to enjoying ourselves. Since he didn't give off the "creeper" vibe, I kept getting the feeling that we needed to hear him out (which I found out later we'd all had the same prompting). We became actively engaged in his story and I realized that this was one of those times that I needed to seek the Lord for wisdom in how to respond. He was wrapping up when my heart started beating faster and faster (a sign that usually shows me I'm about to talk and I'm super nervous to do so). I kept praying for the Lord to guide me and when he finished I told him I was a Christian and wasn't sure if he believed in God or not, but that God wanted him to know He had a plan for his life and that He's given our friend a great set of talents that are to be shared with others. He'd also mentioned that he had been really sick lately and he then let us pray for him, for healing and blessing and more revelation of God in his life. I can't even remember the words spoken, but the feeling of allowing God working through us was awweeessome.
That's how we're supposed to live, Christians. I have no idea if I'll ever see this guy again, I have no idea if he's healed physically, I have no idea if the impact I felt from our encounter felt the same way to him...but I do know that God showed me that's what we need to do and how we're supposed to live. It doesn't matter if we feel dumb, and the worst someone can do is tell us no we can't speak to them (and that's ok!). But who doesn't want to hear that there's hope? Because there is, THERE IS HOPE! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
So my challenge to you and to myself is get out of our boxes. Get to know someone new, buy a meal for someone, leave unexpected gifts for people, pray for a random person on the street, etc. ("Do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but whatever is given to you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" --Mark 13:11)
We need to WAKE UP! Wake up to what we're called to do and how we're supposed to live while we're in this world. Share the love of God to someone who may not know about His love, or to someone who needs to be reminded...which, yep, that about accounts for every person in this world.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Francis Chan (again taken from his book Forgotten God). He was talking about the disciples after they had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). He says, "The Spirit led the first Christians to do unexplainable things, to live lives that didn't make sense to the culture around them, and ultimately to spread the story of God's grace around the world."
I want to live like that. So who's with me?
Knowing all of this, I wish I was better at LISTENING to Him. I get so caught up in myself a lot of days that I realize I've gone through the motions again, not paying attention to where the Lord wanted to take me, who He wanted me to talk to, or what He wanted to say to me.
If you're like me, you may sometimes doubt the faithfulness of God. I think in my heart I always know He'll come through, but my head has the hardest time wrapping itself around the idea...I guess that's why we're called to live by faith, eh?
I'm learning when I feel that little nudge in me to say something to someone or hold my tongue or whatever it is the Spirit may be prompting me to do...I just need to do it. Even if I'm wrong and I go out of my way to say something nice to someone, they'll still be blessed and the Lord still sees the willingness of my heart to serve Him through something so small. It seems unfathomable to me that I can see the faithfulness of God in my life...and the next day doubt that He'll show up again...even though HE SHOWS UP EVERY SINGLE TIME!
"The world is not moved by love or actions that are of human creation. And the church is not empowered to live differently from any other gathering of people without the Holy Spirit. But when believers live in the power of the Spirit, the evidence in their lives is supernatural. The church cannot help but be different, and the world cannot help but notice." (Francis Chan, Forgotten God)
I went to one of my favorite Nashville coffee spots tonight with two great friends of mine. We'd been enjoying ourselves talking and pretending that we were in Greece and playing dumb games when a guy walks over to our table. I scanned our area and noticed we had already taken our coffee cups back, so he didn't work there and wasn't coming to clear off our table. I figured this would be one of those typical 'random guy talks to random girl' moments...we'd all be a little weirded out and then laugh about it later. He introduced himself, complemented my headband and I made a comparison of our hippie looks for the evening (since he donned a bandanna across his forehead.) Well, for whatever reason my hippie comment led him into telling his life story to us. Usually by this point I've written the guy off wishing he'd hurry up and leave so we could get back to enjoying ourselves. Since he didn't give off the "creeper" vibe, I kept getting the feeling that we needed to hear him out (which I found out later we'd all had the same prompting). We became actively engaged in his story and I realized that this was one of those times that I needed to seek the Lord for wisdom in how to respond. He was wrapping up when my heart started beating faster and faster (a sign that usually shows me I'm about to talk and I'm super nervous to do so). I kept praying for the Lord to guide me and when he finished I told him I was a Christian and wasn't sure if he believed in God or not, but that God wanted him to know He had a plan for his life and that He's given our friend a great set of talents that are to be shared with others. He'd also mentioned that he had been really sick lately and he then let us pray for him, for healing and blessing and more revelation of God in his life. I can't even remember the words spoken, but the feeling of allowing God working through us was awweeessome.
That's how we're supposed to live, Christians. I have no idea if I'll ever see this guy again, I have no idea if he's healed physically, I have no idea if the impact I felt from our encounter felt the same way to him...but I do know that God showed me that's what we need to do and how we're supposed to live. It doesn't matter if we feel dumb, and the worst someone can do is tell us no we can't speak to them (and that's ok!). But who doesn't want to hear that there's hope? Because there is, THERE IS HOPE! "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope" (Romans 15:13).
So my challenge to you and to myself is get out of our boxes. Get to know someone new, buy a meal for someone, leave unexpected gifts for people, pray for a random person on the street, etc. ("Do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but whatever is given to you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit" --Mark 13:11)
We need to WAKE UP! Wake up to what we're called to do and how we're supposed to live while we're in this world. Share the love of God to someone who may not know about His love, or to someone who needs to be reminded...which, yep, that about accounts for every person in this world.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Francis Chan (again taken from his book Forgotten God). He was talking about the disciples after they had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). He says, "The Spirit led the first Christians to do unexplainable things, to live lives that didn't make sense to the culture around them, and ultimately to spread the story of God's grace around the world."
I want to live like that. So who's with me?
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