Out of the Overflow

Guide Me With Your Eye

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:36:00 +0000

How can we hear God's voice when there is so much noise around us: noisy kids, thoughts of what we should be doing, demands and expectations of the world ring in our heads, and the emotions that cloud our thoughts and keep us from peace. Bring me a filter so that Your words can break through, Lord! Competing messages cloud my minds; distracting influences interrupt my time with God.

I know I have an enemy in the spiritual realm. We seldom hear people talk about him and while he doesn't deserve my fascination, I am aware of his presence lurking around me like a lion waiting to strike. He is the competing voice in my ears saying, "You and God are fine. Didn't you pray today before dinner? You read your Bible for 15 minutes this morning. You are awesome!"

That doesn't sound like a competing message, but when we're a people in danger of becoming prideful at the least bit of encouragement, we are in danger. Why? Because God didn't ask for 15 minutes once a day. God didn't ask for us to just pray before dinner. God didn't ask us to pay a little attention to him so that all will be well with us. The requirement is that we love God with all of our heart - 24 hours worth, and all of our soul - our very being, and with our all-day mind, so that we are one with His thoughts and desires. He wants me to know and revere Him so thoroughly that He can guide me with one glance of His eye.

Psalm 32:7-9

You are my hiding place;

You shall preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will guide you with My eye.

9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,

Which have no understanding,

Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,

Else they will not come near you.

Father,

Let my mind be attentive to the Holy Spirit today. May He be my primary companion and the one I seek in conversation. What do you want to do through me today? Let me feel your love, for I know it's great. Let my mind be tuned in to what you long for and let your peace go with me and overflow onto others. Keep me from pride and keep me desperate for the guidance of your eye upon me.

Thanks for your hand on me and for the comfort of your presence every morning.
Amen

The Full Armor of God - Object Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:25:00 +0000

While studying Ephesians 6 at the breakfast table with the kids this morning, God gave me a great visualization. We began with a verse by verse lesson as follows.(Scripture references are from the NIV.)

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

My paraphrase - I need to know I'm in the Lord, just as Christ was "in the Lord". He communicated regularly and was led by the Holy Spirit. Be strong in His mighty power doesn't mean his mighty power is separate from us, we are to be strong in that power ourselves.

Put the kids in a situation so they can enter the scripture in their minds. Picture yourself in a field. A band of wild natives, or an army (or whatever enemy the children may relate to from their studies), is running toward you, shrieking and waving their spears. There faces scream determination and their brows are set on destruction. What is you initial reaction? (Pause while they think about this.) Run or Charge? When we wear the full armor of God, we charge, we DON'T run, because we don't have to. We're in more danger when we run. This enemy could be sickness, financial challenges, trouble with writing or math, the temptation to hit your brother, or a sibling who's struggling with sin. We all will have places we need to stand firm and it requires not just a knowledge that God does miraculous things, but faith to activate them in your life.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

The devil, who is real, is scheming about your life. He has been doing that since the day you were born. What have his victories been? Has he captured any of your thoughts, or used your sin as a stronghold against you. He sometimes misleads us into believing our experience is true and more accurate than the words of Christ himself. The devil schemes, as in a chess game. Every move is significant because it forms your experience. Your experience shapes your faith and your faith determines what God will do in your midst. Even Jesus could do no great work in Nazareth because of their lack of faith. It doesn't say Jesus wouldn't, it says couldn't.(Mark 6:4-6) Jesus is our model. If Jesus couldn't perform miracles in an environment where faith was lacking, then consequently faith must be a key to the greater things. We need to be armed citizens of heaven.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of

evil in the heavenly realm."

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. If our struggle isn't against flesh and blood, then why are the primary weapons we rely on largely worldly? (Ask: What weapons do we use to fight bad things?) God said that if we defeat the power source, we've defeated the problem. It's important to know who we are in Christ to fight with confidence. What is the source of our struggle according to the verse above? (They should re-read the above verse if necessary.)

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground."

We are not to run! We must stand in faith when the attack comes, engage in the battle and protect the territory God gave us. Stand your ground.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,"

A belt protects us from so many things. If we are missing our belt, we can be caught with our pants down, can't we! It's hard to fight with our pants down. Not only are we embarrassed and ill equipped to fight, but we lose one hand because we have to hold them up! (A belt can also represent protection for our vital organs.) We need to know the truth. Who is our God and who are we in Him. We are in Christ. If we don't know God's word, and don't remain in it, we can't call upon it's truth to set us free. It has to live and breath in our being so we "have our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace". We walk into the battle in rest and confidence that we re-present God wherever we go.

"May they be also in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one,

I in them and You in Me." John 17:21-23

Demonstration follows here:

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can

extinguish all of the flaming arrows on the evil one."

What Jesus Did
If we think of the enemy sending flaming arrows at us, we can visualize this with fire. All kids like fire. I put a candle in the middle of the table and said, "Watch." I licked my finger and charged at the candle with my two wet fingers with no hesitation. I pinched the flame out without burning myself. I just armed my fingers with the water (the shield of faith) and I knew the truth, and faith in the truth empowered me to put the flame out. (Don't let them get sidetracked into science here. It won't help the discussion.)

What We Might Do
Jack, age 6, got to try it first. He was a little unsure of himself and, while he'd seen it happen right before his eyes, he was a bit hesitant that it would work the same way for him. He approached the flame more slowly and pinched it. "Ouch!" he said as he clasped his hand in the other one. It was out, but it had left a little mark on his little finger. If we hang around the flame to long, we get burned. If we hesitate, or doubt, we don't receive in the same way. (James 1:5-7) This can be explained in so many ways. When we linger around the enemy's work we can get drawn in. It's better to discern and act, rather than empathize and strategize with what the enemy is doing. For example, we can counsel a a person with a demon, can't we, but counseling and reason won't set them free. Sometimes we are so used to the effects of the enemy in a person, that we fail to rise up in faith against the root of the problem. We choose to be comfortable with it. The waves rock around us and we hang on to the boat instead of standing up in the middle of it and rebuking the storm. It's important that we know who Jesus was and how he did things. He was to be our model of life in the new covenant. We are not under the old covenant anymore, we are the empowered church full of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I go to the Father." (John 14:12) Sometimes we rewrite the gospel to fit our modern experience assume God's will by our experience. What if our faith is lacking? Do we have the faith that Jesus did in what the Father would do? I have to measure my faith according to the word. There is no room for pride if I am to gain more faith?

What We Will Do, If We Have Faith
Jon, age 11, was next to stand against the flame. I warned Jon that the flame could burn him and taunted him with a few thoughts about why he could get hurt. Perhaps the flame doesn't always do the same thing? What if you don't do it right? What if it works for some people but not for you? What if you don't believe enough? What if it only works for girls? Those are the word of doubt I tried to plant in him. He smiled at me licked his fingers and charged at the flame. The flame quickly went out.

The Power of Testimony
"Why did you do it? Didn't you hear of all those doubts I was trying to assault you with?" I questioned.
"I saw you do it, so I knew it worked." He confidently smiled.

This is the power of witness and testimony. Even though I tried to plant doubt, he knew what could be done. He had seen, and he believed. He charged against the enemy and showed no fear or weakness. He had the belt of truth firmly in place, so I couldn't shake him, even with my loving concerns for his safety. God is faithful. He said we would do greater things. He said that in His name we would drive out demons, heal the sick, cleanse lepers and raise the dead. Jesus said these signs would follow those who believe. They follow because we walk in faith and confidence and because we are in Christ. I pray just as Paul requested, for the saints, who include our children, that they always run into the battle with full armor and their hands out to pinch off the enemies flame before they even feel it's heat. When the fire looks more like a bonfire, we have a mighty hand who comes at our request to suffocate it. I love to live life dancing around the smoking remnant of the enemies attempts to bring defeat into my life and I want to teach my kids to do the same. May my life and yours be a living testimony of this demonstration.

Who will we follow today?

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

It's a new day. Small feet have already thumped through the hall and a little body has already made it's way into the warm place Dad left vacant in the bed. Yes, it's a new day. Boys wake up, shower and wait expectantly for their morning food. Yes, one day they will get up and be drawn to God first, but for now - it's food. I love the expectation morning brings that God is there in the new day to lead me. Without it, I'd be in the pit of self doubt, soaking in my inadequacies and wondering if I was doing all that was necessary to meet the world's competitive standards of what education should look like. God knows what it looks like for my kids and while I may not do everything "right" in the eyes of man, my greatest prayer is that my children will be "right" and blessed in the eyes of God. Ultimately, He will be their inspiration and their leader. God gave me MY kids for a reason. He gave them to ME to nurture. Does it mean I have to become something I'm not? It just can't be so. Today I will challenge them, love them and show them grace. There will be things we have to do and things we want to do. Let it all be filtered through the Holy Spirit's guidance. Today, I'll encourage them to love people like God loves them, to show mercy and to do their best. When it's not their best, they'll know - and, yes, I may confirm that - and when it is, I will remark at the wonderful outcome.

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Lord, let me live by your principles. Your ways are sure, while man's great revelations come and go. There are so many choices and so many ways, but it is all clutter in regard to your perfect, individual direction for each one of us. Lead us today. Show us your way. Call us to praise you and fill us with grace for one another. Let love overshadow all we do and keep what we don't need from pulling us away from the plans you have for us. Thank you and Amen.

The Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:45:00 +0000

We were created and all was perfect.

"God saw that it was good."

They talked with Him.

They walked with Him.

Then...
One bad choice
Shame. Separation. Death. Sickness.

Fellowship broken.

Time passed.

God who?

No one cared.

Other things, not of God, captivated the people.

A holy God saw
A self-centered world.

Lonely for His creation,
He grieved.

There was one man; one who regarded God.

One out of how many?

Chosen, warned.

120 years would be allowed.

Finally,
torrents of tears.
Grief from heaven.

The floodgates of earth open.

Incubating in a ship,
tossed on the waves,

God's one friend and his family float.

The remnant of mankind.

Hearing the scoffers screams,

Scoffers who mocked Noah
died with what they loved;

Noah lived for what he loved.

Painted across the sky.

An ongoing reminder
Our God is a jealous God,
A passionate, loving God.

Love and longing,

Deep, like the floodgates of the earth.
A loving God,
not content with separation.

"I will put in them a heart of flesh."
It required sacrifice.
A magnificent sacrifice.
A final sacrifice.

One man,
the Word made flesh came,

Fully submitted to the Father.

Before all, He existed.

He lived praying,
reliant on the Father,
Hungry to be where His Father was.
A model for us.

He knew the Father's ways
and the Father's heart.

"Not my will, but Your's be done,"

he cried and sweat blood in prayer.

Loved, empowered, given a charge.

Pierced, humiliated, scourged, killed.
If only Satan knew what would come,

But he didn't.

And he killed Jesus.

And the earth shook.

And the curtain tore.

And Satan fell into the trap.

The curse was broken.

A new covenant, cut in blood.

The curtain tore.
Fellowship resumed.

The Word made flesh rose,
Victorious.
Authority belongs to the lamb.
All things under His feet.

A new Way is born.
He breathed on them - the Spirit.

Elijah's power

Unquenched and released.

The fire behind the Church.

Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give," Jesus instructed.

Freely, abundantly, they were to share
The blessing of freedom.

That was the direction He left.
The will of the Father made clear.

Ask according to my nature.
All you ask will be granted.

It's up to you now.
Demonstrate who I AM.

******************************************

Restoration. Friendship with God. It all became possible. Jesus said, "Remain in me and I will remain in you." In that connected place we find the oneness with the Father that Jesus had, per Jesus own words, "

John 17:20-21 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

What Little We Have Will Be Taken Away

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

²⁸ “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (by Jesus in Matthew 25)

The master took the money from the one talent man and gave it to the man who had the most, because the one with the least wasn't worthy to be trusted with what he'd been given. The one talent man was left behind as the master used those who were willing and able to multiply his assets. Pray for us Christians, that we won't be happy to live contented self-satisfied lives in our new church buildings or our old church buildings, doing a little good here and there, but that we will hunger for all that God wants to do through us and around us. Pray that His presence fills us and travels with us everywhere, that we may multiply the kingdom using the gifts he has placed in our trust.

We cannot bury our gifts in the sand. If we do, we can expect them to be taken and given to one who is available and hungry to steward them. (Matthew 25:29-30) Sometimes we Christians are too like the religious community in Capernum, satisfied with a form of godliness, blessed with knowledge about God, encouraged by our good works, and happy to think we have come a long way from our former selves, even though the unbelievers see little of God's power and love in our lives, while we show little of the grace we've been given. But, Paul said WOE to Capernum because they didn't repent from their ways when they saw the great miracles Jesus did in their city, even saying Sodom had more hope than they did!

If we are to be the rich man with the ten talents, we must head the advice of Jesus, to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. We can be religious, self-righteous, church going do-gooders and still not love God. We may know who God is; we may look to him for help; we may tell others about him because we fear hell for them, but LOVING God is the command. How well are we doing that? HOW are we doing that? When you love someone, you feel it, don't you? It brings you joy on the inside that makes you giddy to tell others about how wonderful the one you love is. Is that what your love for God looks like, or mine? If we all had love for God that looked like that, the roofs would crack open when we gathered and the mountains would shake. That's what happened when people who loved Jesus gathered in Acts 4.

We have to take time to stand in awe before the magnificence of God. We can't take His presence or his blessings for granted. We have to crave his presence and understanding of how to steward our gifts, not just our money, but those greater gifts we're supposed to eagerly desire. Those signs and wonders bring wonder among the people. That is what Jesus said would make people like those in Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom repent in sackcloth and ashes. These signs will follow those who believe. "Show me your glory!" Moses cried.He was called a friend of God. Give us that heart Moses had to see the face of God! Learn how to use those gifts. Take the risk of following the Spirit. It IS the gift. .... or - what we have the opportunity to attain will be given to another who is ready to receive it.

Created and Recreated

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:08:00 +0000

There is no time I would want to run from you, no hurt you cannot handle, no sin that you don't want to restore me from and no pain that you will not lift. You are the glory and the lifter of my head. Thanks for recreating me God. I needed it - and still need it.

Let me show grace to others every day so that others can see what it's like to know the I AM, the King of Kings, the jealous God who yearns for us all to turn our faces to him. We were created to love You. It hurts you when we don't.. I remember the rainbow. You cried tears of sorrow that we rejected you and it flooded the earth. You created for fellowship and no one said, "I love you."

I Don't Feel Forgiven - A Conversation With God

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Looking over my shoulder,

Remembering.

Clinging to things I want to be free of.

The enemy reminds me of my past and holds me in grief.

I struggle to free myself.

I cry out to God,

But what I believe about myself

Holds me in a grip of guilt.

Open my eyes, Lord!

This can't be how it is.

Never ending guilt and shame.

Unbearable, yet ever present.

Keeping me humble,

I beg for forgiveness.

Again.

Is it like this for everyone?

What Savior leaves me like this?

Forgiven? Really?

I don't feel it.

Come - help me know it!

How do you see me?

New?

But what I did,

it was so ugly.

You can?

You did?

Really?

Open my heart?

Why?

You have a new one for me?

Really?

Well, go ahead.

Take this broken one.

I won't miss it.

I'll try anything.

Letting go….

Surrendering…

Sitting in the silence.

With my tears.

Where are those tissues?

I must have sobbed a few pounds off,

I feel lighter.

No, wait.

Not just lighter...

I think something's happened to me.

Something's different.

Maybe this is joy.

Is that what this is?

Yes.

Did you say something?

I thought I heard something.

You love me.

You love me?

Really?

How?

Don't you remember what I'm like?

You don't?

Really?

You rejoice over me?

I'm what?

Whiter than snow?

Wow. I didn't know.

I've wasted all this time

Misunderstanding.

Jesus did it all.

Really? Done?

I guess I knew.

But I didn't believe.

I'm going to take your word for it.

I feel different.

What's changed?

My perception?

Yes.

You believe.

Where am I?

Where you've always been.

Seated with Christ next to me.

Up there? and here?

How is that.

Hard to explain.

Just believe it.

Live it.

Count on it.

Share it.

You are free.

You are loved.

I don't remember who you were.

I only know who you are.

Mine.

My child.

My bride.

Loved.

Wow.
Father - My Father.. Wow.
Thank you.

Thank you for listening.

For setting me straight.

I am loved.

I AM LOVED…

and free

of it all.

The Rewarder of Those Who Seek Him

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:43:00 +0000

God is the rewarder of those who seek Him. Still. Silence only exists where He is not adored. He cannot resist the cries of His people, His beloved. The Father loves and craves their attention. He is alive and holy in their midst, awakened by the passion of his people.

"Spare not your hearts," He says to me today, "but give of them joyfully. Let me saturate your mind with who I am and your soul with my love. Stand before me in adoration for I love you and adore you. We are meant to be together and to share every moment. Our hearts are united in one body, yours. Live and breathe the knowledge of My presence within you."

Groping for the Unknown God

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:20:00 +0000

…."in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:22-27 NKJV)

"Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the ear, and has determined their pre appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope the they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;"

Do we worship the known, or the unknown? Seek what cannot be seen rather than what is seen easily. Paul's spirit was provoked by what he saw in Athens. The city was given over to idols. The people of Athen's met among the circle of their gods to talk and share ideas, but sat in a circle of emptiness groping for understanding.Their hunger for truth was evident. Among the clouds of darkness and the stronghold of idol worship, Paul saw a glimpse of their hunger for truth, the statue set up just in case they had missed something important. There was a statue erected to "The Unknown God." Paul knew that the Unknown God was tangible in a different way than what they understood.

The people of Athens worshiped what they could see. They wanted to see and feel their gods. Paul appealed to them on that basis, but revealed that the way to God was to "grope for Him and find Him." It is like reaching for something in the dark and stretching out our hands out to find our way. If we don't do this, we ultimately trip over the things that are in the seen world. Groping in a realm we usually cannot see...this is the way to find the One, the Unknown God, to know Him. If we are not groping to find the God who is near, we will only find what we see in the visible world. It is in the invisible place that the finding occurs. We feel around, not with our hands, but with our spirit and our will, with the hunger that He puts in our hearts. We long to connect, but often try to fill that hunger with food that only brings satisfaction for a short time. What fills our need for connection and fulfillment.

What are the seen idols that distract us from groping for the unseen God: friends, family, shopping, a great cocktail, work? Greater rewards are available amidst all of those distractions. The wonder and joy of His Presence is the balm of the soul and the joy that never ceases. It enables us to see into the unseen when our circumstances look unfavorable, to view it from God's perspective. I love that God is the God who calls things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) The invisible God, the "Unknown God", the I AM is the rewarder of those who seek Him. Grope, reach, stretch, call out and find the God who heals, the God who provides, the God who's name is glory and power, beauty and light. "He is not far from each one of us," although we must hunger and grope to find him. He is near and waits for us to call upon His name.

Lord, Give Me Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:37:00 +0000

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Mark 11:22-24 The fig tree Jesus cursed was withered by the next day. Jesus had the substance of faith and told his disciples, "Have faith in God." With this treasure in our possession, nothing is impossible, no obstacle to great. If we have faith, we can ask, believe that we have received and we will have what we ask for.

Prayer for today -

Father, release faith into my heart. Let me live with the substance of it surging through my veins. Let it rule my thoughts and shape my view of the world. Overall, let it be the door, as Christ is the door. Let Your Name be glorified by my faith. Over every foe, we have victory in Christ by faith. Today, let the seeds of truth and faith be planted in my heart. Give me fig tree withering faith, mountain moving faith. Let it bring you glory wherever I go that Your name may be established as ruler over all things in the hearts of men.

Under the shadow of Your presence I can do mighty things for you just by speaking. Release your Spirit in power and bring new levels of healing to our community. Break free the captives and let the substance of faith be our great Physician. Glory and Honor and Power are your's Lord. Your Name brings light into the darkness. Let no cell of disease or be hidden from your eyes and your power. Fill me with knowledge that sets captives free and activates faith.

Holy God, to You alone be the glory and the power and the dominion forever. Amen.

Love God Like a Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:27:00 +0000

What does loving God look like? Here is a simple picture….

There is a little six year old boy, named Jack, who lives to go to work with Dad. Once or twice a year, his dad lets him go. To prepare for the big day, Jack gets up early and gets out his special “go to work with Dad” clothes. He puts on a clip-on tie and then comes in dad's room looking for one of those special pens. If Dad wears a pen in his pocket, Jack must have a pen like it.

Jack and Dad don’t have long together. They eat breakfast or lunch, then take a tour of the hospital and Jack may get to color a picture at Dad’s meeting table. Even though it’s not long, Jack comes home glowing and thrilled at how special their time was. Jack has no idea what his dad really does. He doesn’t know that his dad makes lots of important decisions each day, or that people often come to him for advice, or that hundreds of people read his blog. Jack just cares that he has been in the presence of his father. He knows his dad loves him and wants to be where he is. He wants to be about his father’s business. If you ask where he wants to work, he'll say, "Where Dad works."

Do we desire to be in the presence of our Father, God? Do we yearn like a child for a moment in his presence? Jesus told us the greatest command, not option by the way, was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Child like faith believes all, loves without condition, follows without knowing the destination, and jumps for joy in the presence of the Father.

God calls us his children, his sons and daughters. I pray for a greater love of the presence of our Father in heaven for me and for you. It is a wonder to sit in the presence of our God.

Matthew 18:2-4 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Welcome to our house. It's our 4th week back to school, but everybody's still here. We don't go to school, we learn at home. So what does our day look like? Here's what it looks like today. I am up at 6:30 - well, not really UP, but in bed praying. By 7:30 I'm usually downstairs in my big chair for mom time with God. Today I'm still in bed doing that. Staying connected with God is the only way to live peacefully and joyfully while I mentor my kids.

I have three boys using three different levels of work this year, ages 13, 10 and 6. There's no more combining them. Yikes. Two are using an all inclusive curriculum called Sonlight. The little one is doing Five in a Row. I teach a co-op class on this once a week to make sure the little one doesn't get forgotten. Sonlight has thirty-six weeks of reading, history, Bible, geography and discussion planned out for me, so I just have to monitor and add intelligent discussion about it all. It's hard to let go of discussion EVERY lesson, but they are growing up and I can't keep up on it all. We accomplish a lot through our morning Bible reading and read-aloud discussion. There is still much to add to that. I have to schedule and teach math, grammar, poetry, piano and writing. My super man husband is teaching the kids Robotics and manning the First Lego League team this year and a family from the robotics club returned the favor by offering their skills in another class, so we have a Christian philosophy professor from Bethel College tutoring my oldest in Logic this year with his son. I am so excited about that! Friendship and wisdom are a great combination. May they grow together in it this year.

Would it be easier if they were on the bus? I can't say it would. What would I lose by giving up every waking hour of the day to the demands of a school system? Both would have little time to be anything but students. I love the way we get to talk about life issues through the day, like what was the motivation of the Spaniards when they explored America and what was Jesus thinking when He talked about the plank in our eye needing removal. Teaching thinking skills in light of God's wisdom is something I wouldn't have time to do if I traded my life for the rat-race of the public school mania. My kids wouldn't spend their day in a Holy Spirit filled place where they are challenged to bring every thought into the obedience of Christ. I am challenged in the same way. This year is full of new challenge, but we are sailing along as the Spirit of grace is poured out on us through the day. His presence is all I seek, and through it, I see things in a more colorful way. Praise God for his generosity, kindness and miraculous intervention all things we give to Him.

It is a new day. I'd better get dressed.

God, Help Us to Live Out of This World Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:54:00 +0000

There is no hope outside of you, O Jesus. You are my light. As I end my day I think about the blessings you have shown me today. I praise you for the gifts you gave that others have used to bless me and for the truths you have shown me about how you created my children so that I can be a better parent. Oh Father, praise you once again. Let the day not end until you have been praised for it all.

Open the gates of heaven and bless your people with a love for you that is unquenched by the things of the world, a love that melts away cares that exist only in the natural. In your world, all is well. Have mercy on us, O God, for not trusting in your perfect will and for not exercising our rights as believers over the enemy.

In Jesus name, free your people Father! Turn their eyes upward and keep them from depression and darkness. Where your light shines there can be no darkness in our souls. You are our healer. Come, Jehovah Rapha, overcome the doubt and fear that plague us. We are not defeated; we are victorious in Christ, yet we cling to ways that are not your ways.

Lift our eyes, our hearts, our hands and as the loving Father that you are, reach back, embrace and just hold us until our doubt of what’s true disappears and hold us until our love of this world leaves - until every breath we breath longs for you to be in it.

Open the heavens and shower your people with restoring joy. Call them to worship and let our enemies be scattered as the demons run in terror of the invasion of the presence of the living God. Oh mighty healer teach us, humble us and use us. Let no sentiment be more important than our hunger to see your face. Oh Love of the Nations, spill out your Spirit upon your church, upon each person, that we may joyful, for where your presence lingers we are healed and know perfect peace.

Jesus, thank you for interceding for us,

Amen

The Transformed Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:55:00 +0000

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

By the power of the God, our minds are renewed and we are transformed into people who prove God’s will. Proving is active and thus requires action. Proving involves testing out what we are given. We are transformed into people of action who take what God gives us and put it into practice. Paul goes on further in his letter to the Romans directing us in the use of the gifts given to the body, given by grace. Each gift has the power to prove God’s will. There are many gifts. All who lived with transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit have specific gifts to administer to the world. The mere presence of the Spirit brings us into a place the world cannot operate. It is veiled to them. This is why God commands us to put into action the gifts we have received, to demonstrate God’s immense love and transforming power to a world that, in their dead minds, can’t see how anyone could operate this way.

God assigns each of us a measure of faith. Think of the parable of the talents. If we are people given one talent, we must take that one talent and use it to the fullest. If we can be trusted with one talent, God will increase our portion to two talents. If I put my two talents in the closet, I am not going to expect that I am deserving of any further measure of faith. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace of God let us use them.” (Romans 12:6). So if we are gifted to be teachers than we must teach with zeal in a way that proves God’s will. If God calls us to service, then our service, done with a transformed mind will prove God’s perfect will to those around us. (Acts 6:5) If we are to prophesy, God gives in proportion to our faith and we use that gift to prove God’s will to the world around us.

In John 16, Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. He speaks only at the Father’s authority and reveals mysteries in order to glorify Jesus - when we walk with a transformed mind.

John 16: 13-15: 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. (NKJ)

Life attentive to the Holy Spirit takes time in prayer and practice. Test and approve as you walk through your day. “God what is your will in this place, in this situation? Is there something you need me to say or do while I’m here? Is there anyone you want me to talk to? How can I serve you in this place?” In my experience God is either quick to answer or silent. We won't need to ask continually.

Sometimes the will of God is proven to others in my day through my obedience to act upon a pulling feeling or urging toward a person or group of people. When we walk seeing all things through a transformed mind, we take the will of God to the people he needs to reach. Sometimes we are to teach, sometimes to pray, sometimes to share an encouraging word. The Holy Spirit takes what is Jesus’ and declares it to us. In practice, we learn to walk in a way that we are attentive to the Spirit of God, practicing the presence, some call it. In the times that the presence of God rests upon strongly, we often feel very energized and bolder than we do in our own strength. This is the time to ask God, “Where do you want me to take this?” “Who needs to be reached?” “Or, what do you need me to declare?” These are the moments we have a talent to spend and the Holy Spirit gives us direction in how we spend it. It is our job to test and approve (NIV) or prove (NKJ) what the will of God is in that moment to those around us. In these times, the Holy Spirit speaks for God in our midst.

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 3:27

Have you memorized this verse? I can't remember a time I didn't "know" this. Jesus said this was the first and greatest commandment. And I knew the second part about loving your neighbor as yourself. I'd repeated it to my kids a hundred times. My church has passionately pursued and instilled the second part into my being. Lately, my thoughts have begun to dwell more on first part; "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

When I seek for God for what I lack, He is anxious to reply. He wants the veil of deceit fully lifted from my eyes. The question God has put on my heart is, "How do I love God?"

Like a parent loves a child? Do I love him like I do my little six-year-old? When I hear my little boy coming down the stairs in the morning my heart jumps a beat and I can't wait to see his beautiful little face, surrounded by blonde hair going every which way. I scoop him up every day and kiss him and hug him and we share some "morning love" on the kitchen chair. We both love this. He knows he's adored and I can't get enough of him. There is nothing I wouldn't do for this child, or any of my children. I certainly love this child with all of my heart, yet do I love God like that? Jesus said that is how we should love God.

How do I love God?

Like a bride loves her husband to be? Who remembers the weeks before their wedding? You may have gone to work, but your mind was on the one you adore. When could you be together? What would you do after work? How wonderful was the scent of his clothing? Did you ever keep a shirt dirty just so you could smell it and think of the one you love? We are the bride of Christ. How is my love for Jesus compared to this?

How do I love God?

Like a child loves a Father? If you had a great dad like I did, or if you have little ones, you know the excitement a child has when their dad comes home after work. Everybody yells, "Dad's home!" No matter how wonderful mom is, kids adore their dads. "What makes the time your dad comes home so exciting," I asked my son. "That he plays with me and he'll snuggle with me," he replied. How is my love for my Father like this... or is it? How much time to I let my Father in Heaven just love me while I do nothing else, just enjoying His presence?

How do I love God?

Like a best friend who knows you inside and out? A best friend knows all about you and still picks you to hang out with. They know when you're going to let them down, but they just note that and look at your good points. They know what your passions are and what causes you to ache with sorrow inside. When you don't see them for a while, you miss them and know that the connection is too valuable to let slide. You just have to make time for that person in your life or a part of you will not be satisfied. How much time could I spend with my best friend... an hour, a whole day, maybe a whole vacation? Do we dream of living right next door to our best friend so we can share life's every joy? Is my friendship with God like that?

Jesus said we should love the Lord our God with all of our heart. I'd always considered this verse in a theological way and set my values according to it, and I loved Jesus in the way of honor, respect and gratitude, but I was realizing there were treasures in the chest I hadn't even reached in for. Our relationship was too formal. This verse isn't meant to just show us how the commandments are ranked to help us establish our values system or our priorities in life. Jesus meant to sum up the most important, life-changing endeavor of life: pursuing God with all of our heart, soul and mind. It meant that all of the above ways of love are meant for the Lord God and I to share in our relationship! I reflected on this, "Yes, I had a relationship with God that I pursued regularly, yes I pray and study, but am I missing out on the depth of love and treasure the Lord has available to me? Do God and I have "daddy time" or "newlywed time" every day? Does he miss me when I love the world and the busyness of it more than I love time with my Father.

My earthly Father longs for time with me, but my heavenly father commands it of me. He knows that there are too many treasures to be had for us to miss this. Jesus needs to be adored like my first love because he is my first love. I must long for his company, must spend hours in his presence, must adore him and covet his attention like a newlywed anticipates seeing their new husband or wife. I had failed to realize that He has love like this for me, not in the past tense, but in the present tense. Jesus adores me, us, you, and is anticipating our face drawing near to him, waiting to come and show up himself. I had to set my face to seek God until God's presence arrived. (2 Chronicles 20)

We like the idea of being in a right relationship with God. We like having a marriage certificate saying we have officially united our lives together. But when I married I didn't just want the idea of marriage or the certificate, I wanted the relationship of intimacy and all that comes with it. As the bride of Christ, Jesus was expecting closeness with me AND of the body of Christ, the church. We are expected to live in that type of relationship with Jesus himself. Have I scratched the surface of loving Him and letting Him love me like these examples above? God and I needed marriage counseling, just like much of the church does....

Revelation 2:3-5 "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."

Father,

Thank you for showing me that you have more love to shower upon me. Thank you for giving me permission to abandon much of what I now do to spend more time with you. What can compare to feeling your love wash over me? Praise you for this simple verse you spoke through Jesus, restoring the relationship we had at the beginning, where you walked in the garden with us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, for not being passionate and zealous for your love for us. Forgive us for taking a love that wasn't fully realized to people in the name of Christ. He is greater than what we have led others to believe He is. Have mercy on us for our selfishness and restore your church to its first love. Let our prayer closets be busier than our kitchens, and our the sound of our worship shake the heavens.

As a daughter of the Lord of Hosts I am blessed beyond compare. What wouldn't you do for me? Nothing. My heart overflows with love for you and out of that I will live the second part of the commandment so my neighbor can know this love, this euphoria of being loved by the God Who Heals, The Lord of the Angel Armies, the author of love and the most creative, fun and imaginative being in and above the universe. No name is like yours. No presence felt more deeply, no peace is so thorough, no sacrifice too great. You are the love of my life. Thank you for letting me sit on your lap.

Amen.

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 18:40:00 +0000

God's Gifts Keep Giving

In my last post I shared about my yearly weekend quest for renewal with God. When I’ve gone in the past, I’ve known why, but this time I didn’t. I had my yearly plans for the school year done, so that wasn’t burdening my mind much so I was free to find out what God had for me next.

By the time I got home Sunday, I realized I’d gained something overwhelming and addicting. God and I were still celebrating something. I had a new freedom in my heart. I was a faithful person before, but I’d prayed for freedom and for a greater love to fill my heart. The biggest change came from my experiencing the love of God anew. The peace that now hovered around me and filled me was like the fragrance of flowers blowing in the fresh air of a spring day. My burdens were all left behind and a zeal for God consumed me. This was not a burdensome zeal, like when I’ve felt drawn to fast and pray for something, but a zealous joy and desire to evangelize.

Something was upgraded in my walk with God and it definitely felt different. I wondered what I would have to do with it.

A few weeks ago God had compelled me to read Acts in one sitting. My reading came back to me. In Acts, the apostles waited for the Holy Spirit to come upon them before they went out. They prayed each time for the Spirit before they did God’s work. Who would want to go out without the presence of God anyway, especially in those times? My new understanding was a “why” they went out after that. They couldn’t help it!

Reinhardt Bonnke, an evangelist, had said in a recent conference that we need to preach and pray, preach and pray, meaning we needed to pray, go out and tell someone, then repeat the process. Yes! I thought. If I don’t reach someone with this message, it will explode with it in me. It’s not something I can keep inside. There is no tract or script that could give the new peace, love and boldness I felt resting with me and driving me. It had to be poured out. I began to understand the equipping power of God in a new way and what the term baptism in the sprit in the life of the believer.

Monday morning I was up early and excited to talk with God some more. I had coffee, soaked in his presence and the kids came and went around me. I think they ate some cereal, I didn’t notice, but no one was complaining or starving. A new understanding had come to me about the verse “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” It wasn’t my joy in the Lord, it was the Lord’s joy that was my strength. He had poured joy into me and it was giving me a strength and boldness I had not had in a while. Each season of growth in my walk with God has brought something new, but this was different. I was high on God and ready for anything and anybody. I prayed for God to bring me whoever I was to reach today. He worked fast to catch the moment.

While basking in the joy the doorbell rang. I ran to the door. A beautiful young woman and her six-year-old daughter had come to encourage me to read my Bible. It was like a birthday gift. “Come in!” I welcomed them, trying not to laugh at this miracle and thus scare them away. “I could not be happier to see you today!” I welcomed them in to my living room and sat on a stool near the chair where they sat.

“We are just out today encouraging people to read their Bible,” she began.

“Wonderful,” I smiled. “You’ve come to the right place, “I’ve been reading since I got up and praying and I’d love to talk to you. Don’t you just love how God sometimes just shouts to you through the Word when he wants to get our attention.” It was hard not to just hug her, but the Holy Sprit and I just sat on the ottoman waiting for what He would do. I sat and smiled while she said a bit more.

After I talked to her little girl for a few minutes about how exciting it was to know that Jesus loves us more than we can imagine, I asked her how old she was.

“Six,” she beamed.

“Do you like to pray?” I asked the little girl. “Praying is when the Holy Spirit speaks to us and we agree with God for change on the earth. We get to talk to God himself! It is so fun.” See smiled more and seemed to agree, or at least want to.

In the past, I had kept information ready to share with Witnesses when they arrive, and had talked about the alterations in their Bible versus my Bible. I had no desire to do that now. What I did do is this, “You know, I just feel led to pray for you. Would you mind if I did that?”

“No, that would be great,” she answered, caught by surprise.

After chatting a few moments I put my hands on them and prayed. I can’t remember all that I prayed; there was no strategy. I just prayed the love of God onto them, things I can’t remember now, and for them to be free to follow God alone – always- rather than the voice of men. The meeting ended well. They asked if they could come back. “Of course!” I cried. The little girl said, “Maybe when I come back we could play and have some fun with toys or something?”

“I would love that,” I said.

Who knows what went on in their minds, but it was the simplest Jehovah Witness visit I’ve ever had. Jehovah’s Witnesses aren’t allowed to take any handouts or information from you when they come. They have a fear of “false teaching.” Only God knew what they needed that day, so I was happy He took over. It was so simple to overwhelm them with love then lay hands on them and pray while the Holy Spirit himself is in the room. When we rely on our own minds, fear cripples us. The Holy Spirit and I sat on that stool together like a little child sits at dinner with their invisible friend, telling their parents all about what he is doing, but no one else sees.

After they left and the door closed, my oldest son came downstairs. He knew I’d been up praying and reading all morning, but didn’t miss me, since he was free to enjoy his own plans. “Who was that?”

“A Jehovah’s Witness!” I beamed.

“O boy,” he laughed. “Of course it was! I can’t believe it.” It was a wonderful moment we shared, both knowing that the Holy Spirit was there in our home that morning and had brought that person to our door at just the right moment. There was a lot of joy floating in the air that day and my kids attitudes reflected it. No squabbles took over, was quick understanding with correction and general peace in the atmosphere. Why? I think they honored the presence of God in our house and their mom's authority over them. As parents, we pray to leave a legacy of faith to our children and witnessing God in action is worth so many words unspoken.

***************************************

The Lord invites the church to let him in too. None of us really like to think we are the church at Laodicea, but a good look in the mirror is necessary to keep ourselves in the true faith...Jesus tells John in Revelation....

“[To the Church in Laodicea] “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:14,20 NIV

Just as the early apostles waited for the Spirit to arrive with fire before they went out each time, we must do the same if we are to have the testimony God has planned. His testimony is more powerful than any we can invent with our own imagination. This takes knees and wills bent in prayer. It may take more than 5 minutes. It may take days! But, it’s worth it. This intimate fellowship with God is available through Jesus Christ. It is unexplainable, it is attainable, and it’s a free gift. The only cost is your whole life. He wants it all: your heart submitted, your mind open, and your soul open and your will ready to be bowed. Then, we find joy unspeakable and words Jesus spoke begin to sound doable:

(Matthew 10:8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

May His will be done in my life and in yours.

Amen!

You Will Seek Me and Find Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:05:00 +0000

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart." Jeremiah 29:13

In the past month, things at my home were not as they should be. We began to feel like those families who talk about difficult teenagers and felt some darkness creep into our relationship with our children. In my heart, I felt bitterness and selfishness creep in. I wanted to be appreciated, I wanted to be honored, but I wasn’t seeing that fruit in my children. Why? What did I need to do to teach my children obedience, initiative and thankfulness? I knew it was not God’s will for us to just bear up under the teenage years. I had so looked forward to the journey and I so enjoy who my children are.

I had no answers, but God sent the first piece of help to lift my burden. My husband took over where God called him too and grasped the ultimate accountability that needed to take place. Young men need to know firmness and stability and God showed that to Steve. He now carries the yoke I was trying to manage alone and that was too heavy for me. Consistency is not my gift. So, when the boys don’t finish something the first time I ask, I just write it down. In fact, they have a chore box and I don’t and shouldn’t need to ask, so what is not done, is left for dad at the end of the day to confront. He takes a few minutes to deal with it where it would have been a constant battle if it were my responsibility all day. In a day or two, the boys have changed their attitude. My heart was thankful, but I was still carrying wounds from the year of battle that had ensued. I knew I had to go where God could take me to a new place.

Yearly, God and I go on vacation together for a weekend. It is fun to go on a family vacation, but it is healing to go on a vacation with God. We spent time together at a state park inn, where I could see nature speak of His glory, find silence and walk with Him in the garden like Adam and Eve did. At the beginning of the weekend, there is a waiting and a transition process where I let go of the world to wait upon Him. It is in the waiting upon Him that the miracles occur.

As the school year ended last year, I knew that I was valuing too much of what man sees as important. I remembered the verse, “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom.” Fear of man, that was what I suffered from. I had dared to doubt that God’s children, my children, would succeed if I didn’t have everything planned just perfectly. The Lord reminded me of this verse and that I could find all the help I needed in Him. In my stubbornness, I had recently cried out, “I can’t do this!”

God started to bring my attention to youth around the country who were hungry for God. Over education, over math, I knew my kids have a destiny that the Lord has created them for. God has placed a passion in my heart raise ministers to the Lord. Not a specific job, but a heart destiny and a mission to bring the Spirit of the Lord to the places where darkness has a stronghold. Focus was returning and I knew I could no longer bear life without more of the closeness I desired with God. I had to wait for it before Him on my knees. I knew what needed to happen. God had placed a strong desire in my heart to be in His presence. This wasn’t a new desire; it has burdened me for years, but I hadn’t poured my whole heart into seeking it. I had often looked to my church to have the same vision, but now I knew that it was my responsibility alone to seek out God and cry, “Show me Your Glory!”

I long to be in the presence of the people of God as they come with unbridled joy before the King of Glory, where He meets us and heals all of our diseases, and pours out his love on us in a very tangible way. Just as Moses cried out “Show me Your glory!” I cried out to God for healing of my heart over the weekend. “Show me what I need to repent of Lord.” Ughh. Yes, the Spirit was quick to bring to mind my harsh words, my impatience, my lack of Godly example and leadership. Man’s ways of child rearing didn’t work for me. I didn’t have a new kid by Friday, even though I read the book and did it. It was empty for me. I know now it was because God wanted their hearts and not just obedience. True honor was his standard. I could not teach that, I could only model it and the Holy Spirit would have to do the rest. “Teach me!” I cried out. After, mourning the damage I had done with my words, I thanked God for His mercy and prayed for my family to be healed and merciful to me. I had been pretty unlovable. “Show me what you want me to know!” I continued to plead. He drew me to listen to a young girl, a singer, who was in love with Jesus. Her song was one I’d heard before, but I had not received the words into my Spirit yet. “Oh How He Loves Us.” The healing began as I kneeled and cried out to God and sang. Tears of joy flowed as my holy God and I sat together in that room on my knees. I could not leave His presence until He let me go, but I knew the bricks were being laid for me to walk on so I waited. The Father sometimes only takes us a step at a time but when we reach the place He has prepared for us and the door opens, praise Him for he has much in store for us. What we receive depends on our eagerness and commitment to finding it.

Oh, how he loves us and created us for fellowship with HIM. If I did not give Him that time and honor, I was not doing what I was created to do and disharmony allowed the enemy to hook my attitude. Praise Him that in Christ, we too can shout, “Show me Your Glory.” Our Father is so anxious to respond to the cries and praises His people. We forget this because we are too busy letting man be our guide and busyness be our God, but we are only robbing ourselves when we don’t give Him a large part of our day.

Only in the grace of God and in the glory of His throne does all else come into perspective.

My weekend journey is like the end of the road of seeking, yet the beginning of a journey on a higher floor. I go expecting the Lord to give me whatever He needs me to have. Every moment I keep my eyes and heart open so I don’t miss it, yet I often don’t know what I’m looking for. In the past year, I hosted a women’s prayer group, praying for the power of God to infect the church with a heart for prayer and praise. Answers seemed to be coming so slowly, and I believe God is ready to show me what he’s done. While the waiting took patience, over the year I learned how much God does love his Church and that we, as the body, have a right to pray for God to remove what does not please Him and pray in what does. I have continued a journey into how I can bring healing to the people who are hurting through prayer. I knew what I was doing was good, but really not good enough, according to the large vision God had put into my heart. My vision was to be where the Spirit of God hovered and a large group of people cried out to God and praised him in worship completely led by the Spirit of God. I knew that if we set aside religion and the clock one night of the week, let go of our plans and schedules, and just came expecting the Lord to show up, heaven would meet earth, and God would bring conviction into the hearts of those who entered. We would then have a place where we could lead people, not to a message of the week, but to the real and tangible presence of the Lord. I am by nature always looking for an easier way and love the thought of giving the work to the Master and not continuing in our own striving.

Sunday morning, I began to pray again and worship alone in my room, not sure of my direction. I thought of going to church, since I was up, but I didn’t feel drawn to any of the local churches in the town where I was. The Lord brought to mind a church he had brought to my attention a year ago through a friend that I prayed with. It wasn’t near my house, but I was ready to go any distance to continue finding where He wanted to take me. I had time to get to the service, although it was about an hour away. I packed everything and left, loving that I was just free to go where the Lord led me.

I arrived 20 minutes late, but just in time. I walked into the service knowing that God was going to meet me there. I was not disappointed. The people were crying out for the Spirit of the Lord to come into the room in song. Then, “Oh How He Loves Us” was sung. God had prepared me for this service and all my messages were confirmed in it. Don’t fear man, God has a plan for you to reach people. He loves us. There was even a prophetic word speaking just those thoughts. I know God is preparing His people for more and pouring out His Spirit. The worship time was breathtaking. I opened my arms wide to receive the presence of the Lord and it fell on me like a weight that rested lightly over me and lingered. The music and praise continued, and continued, and as I held the Spirit on me, I knew the Lord was not done yet, and miraculously, the pastor knew it too. “Keep worshipping,” he urged., “We’ll just silently pass the offering basket but not disturb the flow of the worship. The Spirit of the Lord is not finished.” True peace flowing from that agreement of spirit flooded me. I had not felt such freedom in my life! Children were dancing in the back of the church celebrating, full of joy. What a gift I received, a retreat designed just for me, according to the cry of my heart. He is sufficient to meet all of our needs. The peace has not left me and the joy of the Lord is carrying me thought every moment. It is HIS joy over me that I learned. It is not depended upon MY joy. I visited God and He visited me and showed me healing that is available in His presence.

I came home and continued to crave more of the presence of God. I watched a great evangelist speak of God’s call to this generation. My children are doing their chores and have miraculous honor for their parents and for each other. The few spats have been times where I have only had to remind them of God’s will for their behavior. The joy of the Lord is contagious. God has continued to draw me to his presence, almost like a magnet to iron. Remember the Mary and Martha account in the Bible? Jesus corrected Martha for not taking time to do what was important, to sit at his feet, appreciate His presence and learn while He was there. Our ministries and activities are also very Martha like much of the time. We are often doing things that God has not even directed us to do. Jesus requested no meal, yet Martha was running all over making sure he had one. She missed the mark. When we go into ministry without sitting at the feet of Christ and letting his presence speak truth, we also miss the mark and commit to things that fall short of the simple ministry of the presence of the Lord Himself. Have mercy on us Father!

“Father, keep this message first in our minds. It is you we crave. It is YOU who bring healing. It is YOU who are all sufficient, the God who provides all of our needs. We can provide food and goods to the world, but if we have the Spirit of the Lord and we don’t pass on that most precious gift that keeps on giving, we are not showing true love, the love you died to give us. Jesus, pray to the Father to pour out your Spirit on our community. Call us to your presence so we don’t leave the living water behind in our efforts to help. Blessed are you Most High, Your name is higher than the mountains, it is the power behind the lightning, it is the glory of the heavens and the voice we crave to speak. Let the power of your Spirit bring to life the efforts of the church. Take away our veil and open our hands. Bend our knees and draw our tears of repentance for not ministering to you as you deserve. Holy, Holy, Holy God. I fall at your feet crying out for you to give us more of your presence, all that you have to give us and give us the joy to carry it in to your people. Heal the sick, feed the poor, cast out demons, and open the doors to heaven so we can see your glory Most High! I love you Lord! Let your people see!”

Amen

The Year Jack Prayed for Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:58:00 +0000

The Year My 5-Year-Old Prayed for Snow

It’s another snow day. The winter of 2011 will be remembered at our house as “the year Jack prayed for snow.” Jack is five now and he has been looking forward to winter since late summer. He is a persistent little fellow and a bit one-tracked. When he started praying for snow in September, we were still mourning the end of summer; when November came, we told him, “It will be a while yet, Jack.” But, Jack prayed, even when it seemed to early.

I am reminded of the woman Hannah’s prayers, recorded in the Bible. She continued to pray and weep to God for a son each year. With tears and pleading, she implored of the Lord to open her womb. She was willing even to give that child back to God to be set apart, and Samuel was born. Great things happen when we pray.

Perhaps we didn’t give Jack bigger things to pray about and we should have. Jesus said we should have faith like little children and I, motivational mom that I am, told him that if we have even a little faith, we can tell the mountains before us to move and they will. Jack wanted nothing more this year than to see mountains of snow. He’s still short, thankfully, so the mountains he has prayed for have not had to exceed his height, but he’s over three feet now. He began to pray at meal times. When fall began, each time we’d pray, Jack would interrupt and say “... and please let the snow be over my head.” Breakfast, lunch, dinnner, bedtime - Jack interrupted. On the bright side, through correction, Jack has now learned to wait for the pause in prayer before sharing his request, but each time, he added his on the end.

Winter came - early. We had plenty of snow in November and December this year, and in January we had 53” of snow, the second snowiest month on record. Not yet satisfied, but confident that God was hearing and doing, and with 24” on the ground, Jack persisted. “Lord, please let the snow get higher than this.” We had had about enough, but we endured his repetitive sentence - at least three times a day. Last night we had a blizzard. Heavy system snow has pelted one-third of the nation.

I don’t know if any other kids are praying in agreement with Jack around the world, but one thing has happened this year, Jack has gained confidence in prayer, something most adults lack. We’ve read in God’s Word that the angels of children are always before the Father and he has learned to take advantage of it. My oldest boys have been witnessing Jack’s persistence, as have mom and dad. An invaluable seed of faith has been planted in this cold winter. In a season when life struggles to endures amidst harsh conditions, we are watching answers to our own prayers for conviction and faith in our three boys. The world looks different when we pray and trust that God answers our prayers. It is a world where hope never dies and where what we see doesn’t confirm what is real.

When are we going to believe? Do we toss prayers to God hoping he’ll have pity on us or do we pray with confidence that prayer moves the mountain before us? Jesus wondered aloud several times at the doubt and lack of belief present around him, even in his disciples. I have been praying for God to heal my unbelief as I commit to prayer this year for those around me. In answer, God put it on my child’s heart to show me how to plead persistently to the Lord for the desires of our heart. Our master said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) We are humbled at the faith of a child. His eyes sparkle as the snow falls, knowing his God is faithful. Joy in found in answered prayer, in the encouragement of God Most High as he participates in our lives at our asking. No prayer is too complex for a faith this big, for a heart that hasn’t been hardened.

I Stand at the Door and Knock - A prayer of release

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:21:00 +0000

This prayer was written to help us see the gift of salvation in Christ. It will help you let go of your burdens, sins and cares. Submitting ourselves to God changes our lives and invites a powerful God to be present in us through the Holy Spirit. If you have struggled with life and are ready to face a Savior who loves you, who stands at the door waiting for you to open it to Him, read and pray with me. If you need to renew your faith or perhaps seek more of the Holy Spirit in your life, Jesus says, "Ask."

This is about trading what you cling to for something better. A life of freedom, love, healing, peace and joy. It's all there in what Christ has made available. It is a gospel of power and it's powerful in it's promise. May God reveal truth in your heart as you read. You may want to find a quiet place free from distraction where just You and God can hang out.

*************************************

Prayer:

Father, you sent the Word to us, Your very words, made Flesh. When you sent the Spirit down at HIs Baptism, a ministry of power began that showed the world your nature. When Jesus spoke, we heard wisdom. When he walked, people reached out to touch him. Upon Him was and in Him was your Spirit. LORD, when a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years heard he was nearby, she desperately sought him. She saw healing and hope. The way, the truth and the life was manifest in his body and the image of the invisible God spoke Your words to us.

Each day, Jesus our Lord stands at the door and knocks. He waits for me to answer his call. He wants to lift the things that burden me and bring the kingdom of heaven into the world around me.

You sent the Holy Spirit at Pentacost to reign fire down on the people who waited. A fire that doesn’t burn the head or the body, but the heart and soul - one that brings a filling of joy and miraculous power that the world can’t offer, a release from captivity of the mind, guilt and shame. Father, give me that same Spirit. Jesus left it for me and I trust Him. My life is in your hands. Equip me to be the light that shines in the darkness where the hurts of the world cut deep.

... Father show me any place I am hiding unforgiveness, fear and doubt. I extend my hand to you. (hold it out) In it I put each sin I have committed. (You may need a bag to put them all in. If so, you have one. Fill it!) I am so ready to get rid of them. You are the Way. Thank you for waiting for me. I know I'm stubborn but I want to be free!

Jesus said when he was here, “I have a peace that passes understanding. Not like the world gives.” I trust You Lord. (Put your hand out again. Hold that bag out before you.)

The disciples prayed for God to fill them with the Holy Spirit again and again so they could be assured of your presence and power as they did your work. They knew their faith would waver as ours does. They had to ask. We have to ask Him. He asks us to ask...

Jesus said in Matt 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

That door is before me. (Face the door in your mind.)

Father, I hear the knocking - the invitation from Jesus to receive peace, receive healing, receive forgiveness once and for all, to be connected to you through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit - Your Spirit. I am ready to live directed by your voice in my soul. The knocking is echoing in my head.

I have this bag before me. I've clung to it but I don't need to.

(Now, seeing the door, grab the handle.)

(Now, open the door and face your Savior. Be ready for the light to shine into the deepest recesses of your soul. Soak in His presence for a while before going on.)

Father, forgive me. I have trusted myself and others. I have trusted the way of the world. I want to learn Your way for me. Show me my sin and take it from me now.

(Listen for anything to come to mind that needs to be left at the door. This may be a habit, it may be hate, it may be unforgiveness, bitterness, an addiction or __(my sins)____. Add these last things to your bag and hold it out in front of you in the light of your Savior.)

Now, hand him your burden - your whole bag.

(If you’ve given it over, you may see that it disappears at his touch. This is because He says that he will separate our sin from us as far as the east is from the west. It is no more. He sees it not and you should not see it. We’re now ready for the peace that passes understanding, being reminded of the loving nature of the LORD our God.)

As I bathe in your presence LORD, let the spirit speak to me of your love for me, to affirm the truth of who You are. You created me and know me better than anyone.

(Enjoy your freedom and embrace your Savior. )

Father, In that place that you let the light shine, where the darkness was, and throughout my being, I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Equip me and show me your will, so that I may pray and stand in the gap between heaven and earth, for others, in prayer. Give me faith in your power and faith in your promise. I am now seated with Christ in heavenly places and I walk listening for your voice. Keep me faithful so my prayers will bring your will to earth. Draw me to your Word and to worship you in my every action, word and thought.

Thank You Father for my new life in Christ.

***************************************

This hymn was written by Francis Havergal, a woman who prayed for others, acted faithfully and who saw God move in answer to her prayer. Amazed at God's faithfulness, she wrote this poem of commitment to her Lord.

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
*Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

The Lost Doctrine - Paul Washer

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:30:00 +0000

This is the truth. It is a brave message but it changes lives and takes us from the lukewarm to the real gospel. I don't know about you, but that verse that says, "Many will call me Lord, Lord but will not enter the kingdom of heaven" concerns me. Jesus said that we should be hot or cold, not lukewarm. The lukewarm he will spit out of his mouth. Do we want to be like a lukewarm cup of coffee? They don't put that on the menu at Starbucks. Hot or cold. We must examine ourselves and see where we are? The cost is too great to ignore this message.

The truth will set you free. Are we going to cling to a powerless gospel or seek to be a new creation where God really pulls the weeds by the Holy Spirit's power. It's not by continual trying, it's by true conversion that we are recreated. Teach this to others. Challenge yourselves to share this. Yes, it's fire and brimstone, but isn't that how the Holy Spirit came? When the apostles received the Spirit they spoke boldly and many were convicted and repented and came to faith.

The truth will set you free. We don't need to feed it slowly like baby food. What if they die before the bowl is finished? Be bold, serve God, spread the word. The rewards will encourage you to keep going.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit.....

My Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:49:00 +0000

Lord - Heal my unbelief...
Search the deepest part of me for the unbelief that I am concealing, the doubt I don’t recognize, that which could keep the mountain from moving. There is no room for unbelief in the work you’ve given me. Take me where you need me to be. Draw me into the scenes you have painted and give me wisdom and discernment to know your will, that I may ask it of you. Go ahead of me. Prepare the way, so that when I arrive, the spirit flows through me to finish the job you have already desired to do. Great are your works oh Lord.

Lord - Let me see what is real... You are the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. Show me, that I may ask and bring it to be. As we travel together, open my eyes to see as you do, that I may pray those things that are not visible in the natural, but real and available in the spiritual - the real as you see it.

Lord, move me to compassion. As Jesus was moved by compassion, he prayed to You, Father. Move me as you moved Him. Shape my heart to be like His. Crumble the walls of distraction so that I may see what it is that moved Him and bring your light and love where people hunger for it.

Amen

Elijah in the Church

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:08:00 +0000

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17-18)

... Just like us...

Do we believe this? Even in the time of the early church, to say one was like Elijah was a tall claim. What set Elijah apart. Elijah knew who God was. He knew. He had complete confidence in God’s presence, just as there is day and there is night. Read as we see Elijah, one man, up against a king and 450 prophets of Baal. There has been a challenge, God vs. Baal. For those of you seeking truth and who want to see the power of God, there is no better way to tell it than to read it yourself.

1 Kings 18

25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire." 26 So they took the bull given them and prepared it.  Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. "O Baal, answer us!" they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.
27 At noon Elijah began to taunt them. "Shout louder!" he said. "Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened." 28 So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. 29 Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
30 Then Elijah said to all the people, "Come here to me." They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which was in ruins. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, "Your name shall be Israel." 32 With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs [a] of seed. 33 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, "Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood."
34 "Do it again," he said, and they did it again.   "Do it a third time," he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.
36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again."
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, "The LORD -he is God! The LORD -he is God!”

Where we see a limitation on the movement of God in our churches, our homes and our lives, we can look to Elijah’s life and contrast it with ours. He knew God. He had complete confidence in God AND he obeyed.   He repaired the alter of the LORD knowing God was ready to move. He prepared the way and got out of the way.

Jesus said we MUST be born again. Our old self is full of doubt and sees God as a being apart from us. When we surrender our lives to God and are born again, we receive a new heart, not a repaired version of the old one. Two lives live in the same space. We now are a temple, a holy container for the spirit of the God that brought fire down on the water soaked alter.

Do we just believe Jesus died for our sins, or are we born again. Satan believes who Jesus is too, so that should not define our level of devotion. Jesus requires full submission. (Matt. 10:37-38) When we are born again, we receive a spirit of confidence, truth and power. No longer does one live in us, but two. Our old bodies are stirring on the inside with life, peace, joy and an overwhelming need to worship the Holy God who connects with our own soul.

Is this the case in your life? Pray for a hunger to know Him further.   We are a lazy bunch of so called Christians. In fact, Christian is not even a common word in the Bible. Jesus said to create disciples - those who were willing to follow no matter what the cost. That is beyond belief - it is a soul altering relationship coming from faith. We are moved by God’s love for us to love Him and seek Him.

Why do we lack confidence that God is the same faithful God that was glorified through Elijah? We cannot just believe and live our daily lives with no change. When we get married, we no longer make decisions without our partner. Nothing stays the same, does it? You give up some of your life--some of your control. God asks more, because He is worthy of more. It is for our benefit.  If we retain control, then God is not in control. The Holy Spirit is a partner in our lives. His occupation of our bodies leads us. It is a compulsion, the movement of God in us, moving us.

In the times where God seems distant - pray and seek Him all the more- with all you have. Make time. We all have the same number of hours in our day, but our priorities determine our closeness with the Holy Spirit of God and we feel distant. Perhaps He knows we're not available to His purposes. The Lord looks for someone to stand in the gap; to bring His will to earth. Are we available? Or do we live attached to earthly concerns that seep into our faith life.

There are times that God seems distant. Those are the times we must pursue him; we must draw near to Him. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Study the life of Elijah.   The apostles drew strength from his example.

What would God do in a church full of Elijahs? What could he do in a church with just one Elijah... you.

God Forgets Only Our Mistakes But Remembers All His Promises

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:22:00 +0000

What God is capable of is hard to fathom. He IS love. We in our selfish, resentful, pride-filled, grudge holding ways have a hard time envisioning a God who sees us as sweet children. How do you look at your children? Are you able to separate their sins as far as the east is from the west, or do you remind them of them frequently. Maybe your spouse has been a victim of this... or even you!

A god who says He IS love asks only for our complete submission to him. If we turn over our lives to him in that way, He promises to "remember our sins no more,"

Will you try to do this for others? Free them and yourself of your angry, bitter ways. Live each moment thinking about how you can show love to the people in the room with you. Maybe they'll learn something about God's nature by watching you forgive without a need for justice.

Love without expecting in return. Share just to see the joy on the face of the one who receives. You were worth that to God. He watched as the broken relationship was repaired, minute by minute, through the sacrifice of his Son. The one through whom the world was made, changed form in order to show us who he really was, a lover of all people, a restorer of love and the author of a new way of living.

Hebrews 8:11-13

"No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."[a]

By calling this covenant 'new,' he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear."

Love Like He Did

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 08:58:00 +0000

Meet the Jesus they didn’t introduce

He had friends, was a friend, ate with your friends
He knew the woman before she spoke
Her life was messy and He knew it
An odd time of day
She came for water
Despised by many
She hadn’t spoken
But He knew her
Told her to stop
Offered her life
A movement
Began

Find what’s inside of us all
Allow others into the places we hide
Reach in different directions
Out of the darkness sharing hope
Appreciate the variety
Embrace His creation
Share life in love
Care enough to
do the different
be the different
love different
cross
the lines

Discover the connection between us
Being something that we were afraid of
What makes us God’s work of art
Fear nothing but doing nothing
Connecting is essential
In Him is our potential
Unwrapping ourselves
Freeing our mind
Freeing our time
Sharing our lives
Being His hands
In His Image
Made

Allow Him to know us in our hiding place
Beyond our insecurities He waits
Hearts damaged by well-meant actions
Many leave who could have known
We are called to live in love
He loves us where we are
Never abandoned
Now they miss it
We have caused it
Repair the hurt
Love like He did
By His Name
Forgiven

God made everyone
For a purpose
On purpose
Made
to
Be

His Friend

Philosophy: Questions We Ask and the Truth We Seek

noreply@blogger.com (Anne) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I have been challenged lately. I've been thinking about people I know who don't follow this "God/Jesus path" in life and weighing why they just don't try it.

I've lived long enough to know that people develop a general philosophy about life, based upon their experiences and education. Once they get to be "seasoned" in life they get used to their own way of dealing with life and the world. Does it matter whether we are right or wrong? How does whatever "truth" is affect us? If you know how to get along with other people and generally do a lot of good for others should that not suffice? In our every day relationships those things sure don't hurt. But deep inside, beyond the philosophical talk, is there a place that longs to really know why you are here?

When I was younger I used to actually marvel at being inside my body, why my hands moved when I willed them to. Why was I ME and not my friend. What separated us and why do we exist at all? Can you remember a time you thought that way? Life is amazing. No scientific theory of random occurrences has yet explained how it could be that life as complex as ours (or any life for that matter) could form. In fact, take a caterpillar for example. Why doesn't it just stay a caterpillar? Why does it become a butterfly and why would it NEED to do that if it was just adapting. Why would the change be necessary and what would prompt it?

So as people, we don't change form like the butterfly, but we definitely become something we were not before and are not yet. Why? Why do we live so long, but not as long as Methuselah. Why did HE live so long? Is it biological change in DNA or the earth's atmosphere that allowed the lengthy life span? Or did a powerful being will it that way so he could testify to the creation of Man (he was alive when Adam was) and the construction of the ark of Noah. Genesis says he died in the year of the flood. That ark wasn't built in a day, so he could have known Noah and seen the ark.

If you have an opinion that frees you from knowing God is there anything within you that just isn't sure?

This week I've been reading about St. Augustine. He was born to a Christian mother and a non-Christian father. He sought wisdom and was a brilliant teacher of rhetoric in Milan. He lived to please himself yet had probing questions that his studies of other philosophies could not answer. He came to know a man named Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was another brilliant and highly respected man. What he said seemed to bring a new way of thinking to Augustine.

Later, in 386 A.D. while in a small villiage outside Milan, he heard a child singing "pick it up, pick it up and read it." So, he picked up the Bible and did that. Now, Augustine was living to please himself. He had no "holiness" to achieve because he had no beliefs that necessitated it. I say this because, unless he was bothered by this, the verse he says led him to see the light wouldn't be as significant. It was Romans 13:13-14 which says

"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness,

not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify

the desires of the sinful nature."

So the great thinker kept thinking. He was frustrated that the many philosophies he'd studied did not answer his deeper, probing questions. He seemed to be honest about that. Are you honest about that? The Bible has a lot of answers but still leaves room for our limited understanding to become confused. Unlike other philosophies, Jehovah/God gives us redemption, brings us back into a relationship with Him. Can you imagine having a "relationship" with the Creator of the Universe? It's beyond description, but part of daily life if you accept Jesus. He rose and sent the counselor at what was called the Feast of Pentecost. Thousands of people witnessed it that day as they spoke and heard languages they didn't know. He called this the Holy Spirit.

No other philosophy can explain it but this Spirit is God's internal guidance system for wisdom and understanding. The missing pieces of life fall together over time with the help of the "Counselor" - another name for the Holy Spirit. This does not make people instantly wise, but it allows a deeper connection in relationship with God and the ability to remove the "veil" between God and us. WE now can reflect God's glory instead of following it in the desert in a cloud as the Israelites did. All this is infinitely confusing to our simple minds and even to those who are philosophical by nature. So what can I become if I have an intimate relationship with God? It depends on whether I let myself be available to Him. If God is in charge of my life, that means I don't have all the answers. I am dependent on Him but have so much more potential to impact the world!

The brilliant mind, Augustine wrote this famous prayer:

You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

We can seek truth indefinitely, but true joy, peace and hope comes from finding it.