Making A List and Checking It Twice

Posted by Christy

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1John 4:7-8)

As much as I try or even want to love on my own strength, I cannot love well and completely unless I am connected to God. Believe me, I’ve done that, and it ain’t pretty.

When we first know Who God is and experience His love, grace, and forgiveness in our own lives, we are then filled up with a supernatural love that overflows to others…..even those who are hard to love.

It’s this same supernatural love that God pursues us with. His tender passion is not found in this world, oh, no. This world is full of fragile loves–love that abandons, love that fades, love that divorces, love that is self-seeking, self-pleasing, and plain out selfish….me, me, me, it’s all about me, and right now. This isn’t love….these are “feelings”. God is not that kind of love. Real love is like God who is holy, just, giving, kind, patient, seeking others needs first, never gives up, never looses faith, always hopeful, and endures forever.

He’s personal and intimate with us in our hearts, in our prayers, and in our lives. His love is everlasting.

Who Christ is and what He’s done should cause us to act. His generous love and compassion is not to stop with us. We should find ways to show compassion to those who are suffering (even if it is at their own hands) because Christ is compassionate towards us. (Believe me when I tell you that there are days when that alone keeps me going. I could start another blog on that alone….these aren’t empty words here). His love for me is my fuel and lights me up…keeps me fired me up and overflows to others.

“You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving….great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves and in spite of ourselves.” -Victor Hugo

Here’s your list….check it twice 😉:

Love for God can be seen only in love for other people. (4:11-13,16-21,5:2)

Love and fear are opposites. (v18)

Love is a gift, not a possession. (v10,13,19)

Confession of Christ and love of others cannot be separated (vv19-21)

God’s love is certain. Christ showed that on the cross. (4:10,14; 5:6)

Because He first loved us….

It Isn’t A Christmas Season For Me

Posted by Christy

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will rise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:12-13)

The believer’s hope comes through the Scriptures, which were written and inspired “by the power of the Holy Spirit”

God alone is our source for eternal hope, life, and salvation. True joy and peace come from God. We often try to find joy and peace through worldly things that fade away.

Our joy is directly proportional to the grace we have received–at least the perception of grace that we have received

Receive a small gift, and your joy might be minimal. Receive a large gift, and your joyous reaction is greater.

I just gave one of my daughters a cute note pad, and she had a big smile on her face and squeeled, “Thank you mommy!”. I gave my other daughter a car (very used) and she squealed, jumped up and down, cried and thanked me a million times. Receive a small gift, and your joy might be minimal. Receive a large gift, and your joyous reaction is greater. When I think on the grace, mercy, love, hope, joy, life, gifts and salvation God has given me I jump up and down too! My rejoicing is great and I start Jesus-jigging!

When Christ followers don’t have much joy in their lives, something is wrong. Spend time thinking on the things God has given you–rescued you from–brought you to–brought you through. We’ve all been through some “stuff” and God has brought us through them.

Just as when the disciples gathered up the remnants from the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 into the storm, take those blessings from your past into your right now and into your future.

True Christmas joy comes from rejoicing over the great big~bigger than life~gifts of grace.

Christmas isn’t a time or season, it’s a year round state of mind….a condition of the heart.

A Branch for Christmas: the richest gift of all

Posted by Christy

“The days are coming”, declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. “In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line”; he will do what is just and right in the land.

God’s grace-filled promise is paid in full in Jesus Christ- the Righteous Branch. He came with a journey of love to carry out and He did it, and did it well….righting wrongs, and bringing justice for all who receive Him.

Grace: giving us what we don’t deserve. I don’t know about you, but I certainly have done nothing to deserve this kind of love and sacrifice.

God’s promise is true for my salvation and also just as true for my daily life. In all things (all means all) God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8).

“In those days and at that time”….God knows what’s going on with you and me. Believe that God will swoop right in at the right time and work for your good. I ask again, do you really think God would love us enough to send His Son to die for us, and not care for us in our daily life? What would be the point? What about that would make us eager to serve Him? No, He’s all about the details of our lives. We just over look Him and aren’t listening for His voice.

There’s a power of God that you and I can’t even imagine, and that power is at work in us, for us and through us

This Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Savior…..a King born to die….let’s remember that His love for us is consuming, overwhelming, never ending, awesome, and huge. He brought salvation to us, and He also brought an invitation….a front row seat to allow Him to work in us, for us and through us in such powerful ways.

What a mighty and loving God we serve!

Thank You, Lord for our Christmas Branch….a Branch for Christmas is the richest gift of all!

Walk in loving power, and at the edge of your seats with the King.

What’s In A Name?

Posted by Christy

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God. (John 1:9-12)

Jesus, the only true light….the only path to eternity….came. Though offered to everyone, not everyone recognizes Him for who He is as Savior. Those who do become children of God.

Through every situation, Jesus is offered as my hope daily…..minute by minute….and no matter the situation. Do I recognize Him? Do I recognize His work on my behalf?

He’s my Savior! Do I really think He’s going to love me enough to die for me, and then leave me to stumble through? No, He’s not a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy! He said He’d never leave me and I believe Him.

He’s my hope and my salvation and there’s power in that name

Call out to Him. Try it. There’s power in that name.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Lord, thank You for the hope and salvation we have in you! I sit at the edge of my seat watching for You in my life. May it ever be so! Thank You that You came and that You keep coming every day in every thing.

The Guiding Light, As The World Turns: Before The Beginning Began

Posted by Christy

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

Before the beginning began the Word….Jesus…was with God.

Jesus wasn’t created; He has always existed. The Word was with God and is the second Person of the Trinity, the Divine Revelation, the expression of God, God with skin on, the visible manifestation of God.

The Word was with God, yet willingly gave that up to become like man, born to die, humbly obedient even to the point of death on the cross for you and me. Therein lies hope.

He is God’s Word to us and in Him there is life, salvation and deliverance.

His life is the light of men; guiding and directing our paths, removing darkness and keeping us from stumbling around in it. Without Him we would be lost.

He is the real Guiding Light as the world turns, and the only one I want to watch and imitate in my own life!

…..are each valuable and unique, and alive in Christ.

As children of the light…..

…..our lives, attitudes, and decisions reflect Christ to the world.

(Image by Soy Negrense)

When Division = Multiplication

Posted by Christy

“Bring them here to me,” (Matthew 14:18)

I love this story in Matthew 14:14-21. Jesus had spent hours teaching and ministering to the people. It was around 3:00 pm and well passed lunch time. The disciples were concerned that they were out in a remote place with nowhere for the people to go and get food. The Bible says 5,000 men. Traditional calculations say around 15,000 when you include women and children (How would you like that kind of crowd popping in unannounced this Thanksgiving?).

The people just couldn’t leave. They were surely hungry, but it was another kind of appetite they needed satisfied.

The disciples saw things as getting desperate and were worried about the outcome. Jesus said, “they don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

God wants to do the supernatural, and He wants us believe for it too

They were still thinking too small…..all we have are these five loaves of bread, and two measly fish.

We do that too!

Daddy says, I’m here….cast your cares on Me….I go before you…..I go behind you….no weapon formed against you will prosper….I have plans to prosper you…..I give you the Comforter….I give you my Son….you’re in the palm of my hand….I divide the seas…..I raise people from the dead….bring fire from heaven……create something out of nothing….and I’ve got this too

Sometimes things seem impossible. We’ve tried in our own strength and we’re still not seeing the big picture.

Daddy says, “Bring them to me.”

When a child has a broken toy, and tinkers away for a while trying to fix it, Daddy says, “Bring that to me.” What the child has put so much effort into attempting to do seems so effortless now as Daddy fixes it with ease.

Jesus says, “Bring them here to me”

“Them”

those issues
that mess…
your brokenness…
that marriage…
that potential man/woman…or lack thereof…
that job…or lack thereof…
your family…
that past…
that child that has stepped away from the church…
that situation you just can’t seem to forgive…
that situation you just can’t seem to get forgiveness for…
all…..them ALL
Bring them all to Him

And don’t hesitate at the multiple problems….”them” is plural….take it ALL

Jesus told them to sit down. Bring them to me and sit down—-I’ve got this…..sit down and rest while I do my thing.

Then…..and don’t miss this….Jesus broke the bread, and then it multiplied!

Did you catch it? Multiplication happens out of brokenness!

It’s when that thing breaks me–when I let it go–take it to Him–and sit it out–and let Him work–that His blessing multiplies

Whatever measly things we have….whatever seems hopeless, or too big…..take it to your Daddy first. He’s reaching for you and asking you to Bring them to Him. Obey. Take it to Him and sit down and watch Him do His thing.

Happy Thanksgiving from all the gang here! We love you all and pray abundant blessings for you, your family, your calling, your church, your work. This office will be closed through Monday. Give everyone great big hugs as you celebrate and enjoy Thanksgiving together.

Walk closely with the King!
Love,
Christy

Full Tank: He Holds No Good Thing

Posted by Christy

This is our “Thank Tank”

It’s a wonderful container that I got as a gift and turned into a thank tank years ago when my children, who are now 23 (next week) and 18, were very young. The card I placed in the top says,

“Thank Tank”
That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever (Psalm 30:12)

And this poem:
Consider what the Lord has done for you and those you love; then give Him thanks with hearts of praise for blessings from above

It’s been filled with lots and lots of notes. Personal ones that are only for God. These notes are written by my family and countless other people who have been in our home over the years. Small groups. Teenagers spending the weekend for a youth group function. Traveling choirs filled with strangers that come and fill my home to the brim. Grown ups as we talk and praise God for His goodness.

So many memories of year round teaching groups of girls, and guys and seeing them grab the empty pages and write their hearts on them

This tank is full of thanks to Him for blessings passed, and blessings coming. Hopes confirmed by seeing His hand, and hopes confirmed by the promise of His hand.

This year finds me in the same place. I look back over the years and see His victorious hand through many, many, MANY hard things. The joy in the many, many, MANY wonderful things. And just like in Matthew 14:20, when the disciples took the remnants of the blessed miracle of feeding the 5,000 men into their future, I take mine and give thanks for all He has done, is doing, and will do.

God is the same God that has done all He’s done. God is the same God that is doing all He is doing. God is the same God that will do all He’s going to do. His hands are capable. I trust His hands. No matter what, He knows me better than I know myself and His bountiful love will always fill my life full and over flowing into my future too. He loves us and holds no good thing from His children.

That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever (Psalm 30:12)

Forever

How Do You Live Out Your Love For God?

Posted by Christy

I read this story online somewhere(?) and wrote it down:

A tired father came home from work, grabbed his newspaper, and settled into his favorite chair with a sigh of relief. All he wanted was a little peace and quiet. All that his young son wanted was his daddy. The little boy raced into the room and asked, “Dad, can I get you something to drink?” The man lowered his newspaper, smiled and replied, “No, thanks. I’m not thirsty. I just want to read the paper.” He then raised his newspaper and resumed reading. The little boy thought for a moment and then said a little louder, “Dad, can I get you something to eat?” The slightly exasperated father lowered his paper and said, “No son, I just want to read the paper!” As the father resumed his reading, the little boy tried again. “Dad, can I get you……..” but before the little boy could finish his question, the now irritated father lowered his paper and demanded, “What is it that you want son?” The little boy sighed and gazed into his father’s eyes as he explained,

“I don’t want anything, Dad.”

“I just love you so much that I have to do something about it.”

How do you live out your love for God?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength (Deut 6:5)

Jesus: All Access Pass

Posted by Christy

In Matthew 6:5-15 Jesus is teaching us about prayer.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:9-13)

The Lord’s prayer is a model for our prayers. There’s no “formula” to it, no ritual or secret way to better channel the strongest waves of communication to or from God. We have all access to Him.

The Message version puts it this way:

The world is full of so called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best–as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. You’re in charge! Yes. Yes. Yes.

God loves us, and has done all He’s done for a relationship with us. Talk to Him. That’s the point, talk to Him. Communication draws us into more knowledge of, and closer to the people around us. If we want to know more about this mighty God, we need to get to know Him. To get to know Him is to talk with Him. To talk with Him is to get to know Him. A conversation. Just start talking.

God + Nothing = Everything

Posted by Christy

I love the feeling I get when I see a box of things from our past. I smile just walking in the direction of the box. Opening them and talking about what each thing represents. The laughter, and love that flow as we remember. Things my kids made, holiday decorations, funny and sweet notes my children wrote, things sweet friends gave me, mementos of my Dad and other loved ones no longer with us. We’re all transported back. It’s cozy there in the kisses from our Heavenly Father.

What a blessing it is to cuddle with each kiss! It’s like getting blessed all over again. Passing to the next generation the moments of joy we have in raising our children, growing and loving in marriage, the awe, fear, wonder, and victories in God. I was talking with a friend the other day who said we don’t remember days, we remember moments. I agree.

I give thanks for remembering. For the remembering brings joy. Joy in giving God the glory and thanks in a life lived well. I add quickly not a life lived perfectly, but with honest passion, desire, love and compassion authored by God Himself. A passionate desire to follow, glorify and honor God. This story of love is authored by Him. A life together made on our own would not have been so great. In our own weak attempts we fail. For we are nothing and have nothing without Him

For you see, God + nothing = everything

Mighty To Save: Unleashed

Posted by Christy

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17a)

My family had a Jack Russell named Eddy. He was such an interesting dog. He traveled with us leading worship and speaking so much that whenever he saw that big white trailer being loaded with instruments, he’d go ahead and jump in the truck ready to go on the road. He loved the youth groups. And they loved him so much that they would have me sign his name along with my name when giving autographs!

Before we could start taking him on the road with us, we had to get him trained to walk with a leash. Training went smoothly. One day we noticed that he had gotten so used to the lifestyle of walking with the leash on, that even when he didn’t have it on he would follow closely and never leave our side. It was hilarious how he would move along with every move we made when he didn’t need to.

Because he assumed he was leashed, he was acting as though he was caught and couldn’t move in the freedom he had

The enemy tries that with us. He gives the allusion that we’re caught with no way out. Like Eddy, we get used to the lies and the lifestyle and walk like leashed dogs…..following his movement.

Turn to him in all the authority the name Jesus stands on and declare NO MORE!

Jesus came and paid the price and broke those chains!

Victory and freedom are yours

He is with you

HE is mighty

HE is mighty to save

Photo Credit: Christy Rawls©

All-out Control Freak: There’s Treasure In Letting Go

Posted by Christy

This is a picture I found somewhere on the Internet at some point. I don’t remember where or I would give credit to the author. That isn’t a picture of me, but I have a lot of hair…maybe not as out of control as hers….and I can relate. It’s a big picture because I think ~~sometimes~~….~~a lot of the time~~….ok….all of the time, we need a BIG reminder about control.

My husband likes it when I wear my hair up. At any given day, it takes AT LEAST this many barrettes to keep it tucked in, up, down, and over or whatever:

Sometimes I even use more!

As leaders and decision makers of our home, and in our workplace, we have a lot to be in charge of as women and men. But sometimes our strength of being conscientious can morph into the weakness of being slight–or all out–control freaks!

I think this stems from that age old fear of the dark. The unknown lurking in the shadows. Outright fear.

We’ve been hurt before by things out of our control, so controlling what we can feels powerful.

Today I was reminded of a verse that I had marked very well in my Bible and had notes on.

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3)

“Wow! The truth of this verse rocks my world. Don’t miss it!”

“God has gone before us and buried a treasure in every problem and stored rich truths in every minute of darkness we will face. The only way we can discover that treasure is to embrace it as an opportunity to trust God and uncover a new seed of victory. Some things cannot be learned in the light–they are treasures of the darkness” –GiG

I challenge you today to let go and let God have His way with you, and that situation. There’s a treasure waiting for us there in the unknown.

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Posted by Christy

What’s love got to do with it? Ahhh….that huge hair and the growl of Tina’s voice singing in my head. Maybe it’s because of my own huge hair, or the growl my voice has this morning because of this sinus infection…..I don’t know but love is on my mind…..

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love does not demand it’s own way
Love always protects, always trusts
Love is patient, kind and humble
Love bears all, endures all, believes all
Love is forever and it does not fade
Love is a commitment, placing the needs of others above self
Love does not keep a record of wrongs

~BUT~

Infatuation is selfish and proud
Lust demands it’s own way
Infatuation is unkind, easily jealous and possessive
Infatuation is impatient
Infatuation and lust are feelings
Infatuation is temporary–it is weakened by time and separation.

Because God is love (1John 4:8) let’s replace the word love with God in the verses of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 at the beginning of this article

God is definitely committed and His character is stellar. God certainly is patient (SO glad because I sure need Him to be!) and kind to us. He isn’t resentful and wanting to take from us, He gives and gives and gives (Jeremiah 29:11). He always protects, and we certainly can trust Him. His love absolutely endures forever (Psalm 136) and does not fade away. He is totally committed (enough to die for us) and thinks always about us and our needs are definitely above His own (the suffering and death on that cross was horrendous). And hallelujah He does not keep a record of any wrongdoings we have asked forgiveness for (Hebrews 8:12, Psalm 103:12). He is our hope, and finds complete joy, and loves our victories.

Replace the word love with your name. As Christ to the world, we should be described as patient, kind, and humble, committed and standing strong without fading with time or when things don’t go our way. Placing the needs of others ahead of our own, not demanding our own way, and all those other things.

The Greek word for love of an adorable object, especially for love between man and woman is eros. Another Greek word phileo, refers to the love of friendship.

In verse one of this chapter, we see that this is referring to the Greek word, agape (pronounced as “ah-gop-ay”). Agape characterizes God (1John 4:8) and what He manifested in the gift of His Son (John 3:16). It is more than mutual affection; it expresses unselfish esteem of the object loved (me and you). Christ’s love for us is undeserved and without thought of return. The love that His followers show, Paul now says, should be the same.

….The love Christ’s followers show should be the same….

The questions on the floor are…..am I lavishing sloppy wet kisses of this kind of love on God Himself? Do I show Him that I’m madly in love with Him? Am I madly in love with Him? Is this just an infatuation?

And, as a Christ follower, am I treating others this way?

Lord, help us to love the way you love. Gracious, wonderful, loving Father, how I love you! I do adore you and I do lavish my sloppy wet kisses of love over you. I swim in your ocean of grace. Thank You for the everlasting love You pour out for us over and over and over again. If there is anything about my affection for you that speaks of a weak infatuation, I give it up. From this day forward, may the love I have for you, in my marriage, for the people of this world be true, strong AGAPE. Sold out is what I want. Sold out and undone with a new name. I am yours and have eyes for no other. In Jesus name, amen.

God’s Memory Loss: He says no more and He means it

Posted by Christy

For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins. Hebrews 8:12

The Message translation says it this way:

…..kindly forgiven, with the slate of their sins forever wiped clean

When God forgives you of your sins, and then the next day you bring it up……

He says, What are you talking about?

When He says He remembers no more, He means it….and that’s it

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

This YouTube video says it so beautifully. I just never get tired of it. Check it out here

If you are reading this, and you feel that pressure…..that dread that comes when you’re not sure if you died today, that you’d go to heaven, be sure right now. Go to this link: Settle It. Come back to this post and let us know about it. Nothing but love and support here.

I love you deeply. Walk freely forgiven with the King.

Continue reading →

All Means All and That’s It: Colossians 1:15-18

Posted by Christy

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels–everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. Colossians 1:15-18 (MSG)

We look at this Son and see all we need to see. He puts everything and everyone in its place, and holds it all together.

In today’s reading Paul is telling truth after truth, point after point, about Jesus

Who He is: as the full representation of God…..the visual image of the invisible God….God with skin on.

Where He is: in ranking supreme over ALL things created….seen and unseen….visible and invisible.

Christ has no equal and no rival!
This Christ we serve…..
He is Lord of ALL.
All means all and that’s it.

Here the matter of the worshiping of created things instead of the Creator is dealt with as people were listening to false teaching of worshipping angels.

At one time or another haven’t we all gotten caught up and before we know it, we place more value on “stuff” than we do Him? Or what about placing more value on people than we do Him?

~~note~~

~~rant~~

That includes you, single woman, placing a desire (and obsession) for a man in your life over the desire for THE Man that’s already there.

Let’s turn this thing around (otherwise known as repenting 1John1:9)

The Greek word Prototokos is used in these verses, one meaning of this word is the preeminent authority over the resurrection of the dead. All who trust Christ will also defeat death and rise again to live eternally with Him (Jesus jigging!! Whew glory!!)!

What He does: as our sustainer. Everything is held together by Him, protected and prevented from disintegrating into chaos. Daily we trust Him to protect us, care for us, and sustain us….strengthen us, support us, and uphold us.

Christ deserves first place in our hearts, all our thoughts, all our activities, the entire church. First place is His.

Lord, thank You for all You do….seen and unseen to care for me. Thank You that you reign supreme because that means all things are in the right hands. May I always keep first things first….and that’s You….upfront and in charge. In Jesus name, amen

I love you deeply. Walk in worship of the true King.

Aha!! I’m shouting it high and low!

Posted by Christy

No matter what you think, or how you feel God really does have a mighty, wonderful, victorious plan for you:

“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God is in our corner!

God is crazy head over heels about us. He is for us and wants a thriving, growing relationship with us.

God’s love reaches into every corner of our lives and experiences:

(that you) may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide, and long, and high, and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18-19 (emphasis mine)

His love is (verse 18):

Wide–It covers the breadth of our own experience, and reaches out to the whole world. It’s all inclusive. Wraps around us and our lives and covers as far as the east is from the west. He’s got you covered. Enveloped. Wrapped up in His everlasting arms. Every time we turn, there He is. Again. And again. And again. Hugs. Every time we need comfort, there He is.

Long–It continues the length of our lives. Never stops. Forever. His love never runs out or fails. Sometimes we can’t grasp how huge and lasting His love is. We think, “Boy, I’ve gone done it this time” and that we have really gone beyond His reach. Not so! Here He comes again in His power and strokes your beautiful face and says, no, I still love you and always will. And no matter how long a matter seems to go on, it won’t outlast Him. He’s got loooong arms darling

“In a world that’s full of fragile loves–love that abandons, love that fades, love that divorces, love that is self-seeking—–know that from God burns a love that will NOT be extinguished. It survives ANY situation and lives through ANY circumstance. Forever. Forever means forever. And that’s that.”

And, let me tell you that once saved always saved

High–It rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. He resides in our praises and joys. He brings them to us. Every good things comes from God.

He carries us to the place of praise

—blesses to the point of high praises…..gets me singing and shouting and doing the Jesus jig! He loves you t o-t h e-m o o n-a n d-b a c k! wrapped around for alllll eternity!

Deep–it reaches into the depths of discouragement, sorrow, despair, and even death. Down deep into the crevices of our lives. He carries our burdens.

He literally and physically reached down to our alienated position and adopted us into His family! Hallelujah! JESUS CAME DOWN!

His love is HUGE! It carries the width of everything. The length of everything. The height of everything. And into the depths of everything.

When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God’s love!

Verse 19 says:

and know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God

God’s love blows my mind! When I see where I was….and where I could be now….where I DESERVE to be…were it not for His love…..it blows my mind and flips me out!!!

We’re “filled to the measure”. Filled up to the tip-top exactly where we need to be…when we need it….and in whatever the situation (recipe) calls for….of the fullness of Him. No imitation here….only the real deal. Whatever the moment, we’ll always be measured just right…on time every time…with enough of Him–always full. When I need more, He’ll be there. When I’m ok, He’ll be there too—always full!

Here’s the question: Am I walking around confident of this knowledge? When I walk in fear, am I doubting His ability and power to do this?

Am I not taking Him at His word….and calling Him a liar? Or, do I just think He’s bragging and weaker than He says He is??? No matter what I say or think….what are my actions really telling Him? Do I believe Him? I’d better start acting like it.

He has all authority and has given me the authority. Am I walking in the power He’s already given me?

He’s huge-He’s got this! It’s not in my strength anyway—

if I try it in my strength EVERYTHING will be messed up….

….Ahhhh! Aha!! Therein lies the answer, eh?

I love you deeply and pray for you, your marriage, your family, your relationships, your friendships, your influences, and your ministry.

Walk in the power of the King.

I Can’t Handle God

Posted by Christy

Ever have that time with the Lord? You know, that time. When His presence is so thick and He is absolutely skin to skin? Beautiful. Breathtaking. Wonderful. Speechless. Grateful. Wow.

I crave that. I love it with all of my being. Nothing I like more. No thing.

I love it so much and I want to walk in it constantly. I can’t stand it when it fades. I say, “No! Stay a while longer!”

I began asking the Lord why we couldn’t stay like that

“Why do You come so close, and then fade?

Why can’t I stay cheek to cheek with You?”

I asked Him this everyday for a few days every time it happened. I am SUCH a Daddy’s girl (Daddy in the sense of my heavenly Daddy. My favorite name for Him). I love crawling into His lap and cuddling. I love watching Him work in His dynamite power. I love everything about Him. Every part. I am sold-out-head-over-heels for Him

One morning, not long after, I was in the shower and I was singing and worshipping my heart out when He came so close that my Spirit was so full and was crying sweet tears. Know what I mean? When your spirit is so close to the Lord and you weep without crying? I LOVE IT EVERY TIME!! I wasn’t even taking a shower anymore as I stopped and just wailed and worshipped the King of Kings and my Daddy. Sweet. Powerful. Lovely. Breathtaking. Nothing like it.

Then God said….see, daughter, this is why you can’t stay this close to me….you are a hot mess! Can you imagine how you could be useful in this world like this? You wouldn’t get a thing done and would be on your face all the time! You can’t handle it.

God says, I can’t handle Him…..
that close….
all the time….

I just lay everything down. Stop what I’m doing. My spirit can’t be that close to my maker without stopping and reveling in it….rolling around in it….bathing in it. Just can’t. He has to move just far enough away, and cover me with His hand because I just can’t stand it.

When I’m that near, I’m consumed and on my face.

Couldn’t you just picture seeing me at a restaurant? You walk by and see that poor waitress trying to understand me as I sit with my face down on the table, crying, and saying, “I’ll haaaaave an i i ice waaaterrrrr with leeemoooonnnnn.” Wouldn’t I look hilarious scooting around with my face on the ground?

However, He’s always close…..He never leaves me. I’m always in His presence. There is no escape from God’s presence. Isn’t that WONDERFUL?! That just sends me flying!

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

Ahhh, David sure knew how to adore God didn’t he? He’s a master Jesus-jigging dude! When we see in 2 Samuel how he danced and whirled with all his might before the Lord we can take note that he was indeed a Jesus jigging master and said he would “become even more undignified than this and lose all dignity even to the point of embarrassing himself for his Lord”!

I would not be embarrassed and would gladly become undignified for my Lord. He is right that I can’t handle being that close all the time. I would explode! But, thank God He never leaves me, and He forever speaks. He’ll always be enough–always blow my mind and flip me out–always bamboozle me and I LOVE IT!

I love you deeply. Walk in worship with the King.

Stop Wearing Those Christian T-Shirts!!

Posted by Christy

I was in a conversation the other day that got me thinking. I love it when that happens.

We were talking about our influence and purpose here on earth….you know just a little light hearted chit-chat.

The subject got on Christian apparel and the fact that we should stop wearing them

Not like this:

This one really cracks me up and reminds me of my Dad…pre-Jesus because he was an alcoholic and used to drink that brand of beer but kicked it and found the Lord (Praise You Lord!)

But like this:

The point was IF we are here to bind up the brokenhearted….release from darkness for the prisoners….comfort all who morn…provide for those who grieve….bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes….the oil of gladness instead of mourning….to rebuild the ruins and restore….instead of shame and disgrace, there will be rejoicing (Isaiah 61) and tell all of a God who heals and restores and forgives us of all our sins

Why would anyone approach us, or allow us to approach them with the message of their sin on our chest accusing them???

I’ve never had an abortion (but I’ve certainly sinned!!) , but I have worked a lot with a wonderful crisis pregnancy ministry and I know if I walked in wearing that t-shirt (not that I ever would) the clients would leave running!

What about wearing them to church…in the public?

If that christian wore a t-shirt that said something like:

alcoholic fathers are losers who hate their families

I know my dad would have NEVER went to that church or talked to that pastor and gotten saved, and restored.

Maybe you’ve never had an abortion, or never been an alcoholic, but what if someone invited you to a church and the pastor or elder had on a shirt listing your sins and how disgusting they were? Yeah, that’s right……..the one you just thought of.

The point was this: Would Jesus wear those kinds of shirts to our church or in our community? The kinds of shirts that speak loudly about what we hate er go a message that would translate our hate of that person.

Do they accomplish the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20? Would the woman at the well have listened to Him that day? Would Rahab have felt welcomed or loved there? Would Mary….an unwed mother? I know she wasn’t an abortion minded person, but what about a shirt screaming about waiting until marriage…or about pregnancy before marriage? What about loud mouthed and lying Peter? Or Paul, who indeed was a murderer?

Believe me when I tell you I am a definite advocate of all things Jesus. He is my life and breath and my focus in ALL that I do. Ministry is what I do. Every day of my life is spent loving and caring for people. I do indeed deeply love each and every one.

But, his point is are we really doing a modern twist on this:

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At his, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:3-11

If our sins were written on a t-shirt, would we wear that one too? Even after we’ve gone and left our life of sin? I don’t think so. And, I don’t think we would have been open to anyone claiming to have a message of forgiveness and a Savior while wearing a shirt telling us they hate what we’ve done.

What do you think?

Rescued and Redeemed, walk in it: Colossians 1:13-14

Posted by Christy

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

We have been rescued! We needed rescuing from the domination of the enemy. His ways are meant for our destruction and harm. Let’s speak the truth….he’s after us.

Thanks to Jesus and His redeeming forgiveness of the cross, we reside under his dominion no more!!

The enemy no longer has any dominion over us. We are freeeeee!! Thank You Jesus! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Sweetest name I know!

Paul mentions we are rescued AND redeemed:

Rescued: to save someone from a dangerous or distressing situation; keep from being lost or abandoned; to set free from danger; a deliverance

Redeemed: Do something that compensates for poor past performances or behavior; to recover ownership by paying a specified sum

Isn’t that cool? Rescued and redeemed….that’s what we who accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior are! Saved and set free……paid for and under the power of a great and wonderful God!

Any bondage we are in is by our own doing.

My husband puts it like this:

Imagine being raised by a mean man….mean to the core. This man continually tells the child, “You can’t do this, you can’t do that.” or, “You must do this, you must do that.” One day this man dies, and that child is on his own. He comes to know that the old man was wrong about everything he said; that there is freedom in Christ that’s been there all along.

We need to start listening to the right Man! You see, we are co-heirs with Christ. This means everything Jesus has, we now have. Everything. We have put ourselves in bondage to things in this world that we are free of.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

(For more in relation to the former life read Ephesians 4:17-32)

But before we can have a former life, we have to gain a new life in Christ. I ask you now, if your life ended today, would you go to heaven? The Bible tells us all about how we can claim our salvation: read here and then come back and tell us about it, and let us celebrate with you.

Our sin debt is paid. We have been redeemed and and rescued. Our sins have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west to be held against us no more(Psalm 103:12). Let’s walk in it!

There’s an awesome song that speaks so well what we’ve talked about today. Go here and allow this song to speak to you in worship of our risen Savior.

I love you deeply. Walk freely with the King.

Don’t quit yet….He’s got cha pepper: Colossains 1:11-12

Posted by Christy

“being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12

Here, Paul is continuing his prayers for the Colossian believers.

I don’t know about you, but endurance is what I need. At times I loose my pepper, a term my old track coach used to use.

Starting off is never hard for me…it’s the ‘keeping on’ as I round another lap, and another, and another I wonder if I’m ever going to be able to finish with the pepper. As I run and am pelted with this spiritual attack, that spiritual attack….the utter beatings from the enemy as we serve others….the times as a woman you never ‘get’ return for all you ‘give’. When we still haven’t seen a breakthrough on that thing we’ve prayed about forever….Sound familiar?

My coach taught me to stop thinking about when the race would end. With each lap, he would say, “you can give me just one more” and I could. I could give one more. At the end of the next lap, he would say, “just one more Christy” and I would run again. Endurance is what he wanted. He was training me in endurance to be a great long distance runner. He didn’t want me thinking about the other runners, he wanted me to finish….one lap at a time. And I did. Every time, and greatly so.

In my own strength I get impatient, wanting to see the results quickly. I’ve run long, and now I want to see the results, I’m tired. He supplies the patience to wait….and the endurance to keep running.

Being impatient is what causes us to give up…we want our way, and right now. If not right now, then we quit.

God gives us all the strength, endurance and patience we need for this life…and has enabled us to share in the SAME inheritance with all the saints in His Kingdom of light. Ohhhh, how I joyfully thank Him…because I don’t know about you, but, I sure ain’t saintly!

I thank Him for giving me what I don’t deserve….an eternity with Him paid for me by His own Son!! Whew! That makes me do the Jesus jig!!

Talk about keeping the pepper! We WILL keep the pepper by His glorious and mighty power!

With the joy of our salvation we run. We run with His gloriously mighty power…and with the pepper….and we don’t stop….and we completely go…… and keep going until the glorious day we are with Him in the Kingdom of light. He is faithful to complete the work He began.

Lord, I thank You. I thank You for the joy of my salvation. I thank You that You created me, died for my salvation, and give me all the strength, power, and endurance I need for my life here on this earth. What an awesome God You are. I adore You. I am Yours. In Jesus name, amen.

Everyday (Not-so) Ordinary Gifts

Posted by Christy

To pause and give thanks for every gift God blesses is a good thing. It’s a great thing.

“This giving thanks–this is what we are made for: To give Him more glory. More thanks. This is more joy!”

Not only do I want to thank Him for all the huge ways He shows up in my life, but also the little ways….the “kisses from Daddy” as I like to call them. All blessings no matter the “size” are kisses from Daddy!

For that favorite bird that flies in my path, that favorite flower I see, that encouraging phone call or text from a dear friend, that Bible verse at just the right time, that hug from one of our sweet darlings, that pleasant greeting and smile, that…….

“God’s presence is always present. And He is the gift, the One I can’t stop giving thanks to.”

The world is full of reminders of how cruel things can be. I want to off set that every day by listing the gifts of grace He brings. Ann Voscamp has inspired me to do just that.

In her book she introduces a way of seeing that opens your eyes to the ordinary amazing grace, a way of living that is fully alive, and a way of becoming present to God that brings deep and lasting joy.

I plan everyday to tell about a gift in whatever form I’ve received it….A verse, a kind word, a gift, a smile, a show of kindness, whatever. Won’t you join me? Let’s hastag them #1000Gifts and spread the joy.

Let’s sling open our arms, and throw back our heads and dance in praise to the Giver of the ultimate Gift and say……..Thank You! Thank You! Thank You and tell others of His great goodness!

To know God Better and Better: Colossians Study

Posted by Christy

“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God
Colossians 1:9-10

Today’s reading from Colossians speaks about a great desire I have and something I seek daily. I too pray continuously for spiritual wisdom and understanding.

To have great spiritual wisdom and understanding is worth far more than any earthly riches! Because with this comes full and complete knowledge of God’s will, and who doesn’t want to know God’s will?

Then, because we know HIS will and do it, the way we live will always honor and please the Lord, and our lives will produce every kind of good fruit. I deeply desire to bring a smile to Daddy’s face!

All the while we will be growing as we learn to know God better and better……oh, what sweet words!

“To know God better and better”

Doesn’t that sound just heavenly? To get closer and closer to HIM. To get cheek to cheek with HIM. Beautiful.

So, if we take our cue from Paul (and we definitely should) here’s what we need to pray for ourselves and each other:

We understand what God wants us to do. Then do it.

Gain spiritual wisdom

Honor and please God

Produce every kind of good fruit

learn to know God better and better

I’m praying this right now

Colossians 1:5-8

Posted by Christy

the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world – just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphrus, our dear fellow servant, who is a a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Colossians 1:5-8

Faith, hope and love is a familiar “Paul” formula that he speaks about often. The basis of the Colossian believer’s faith and love is their hope in heaven…their minds were on the next life….their focus is on the next life!

From the day they heard the gospel and truly understood God’s grace — that means grasping truly how they received something they did not deserve from God, which is forgiveness and the right to enter eternity with Him forever — it bore fruit and grew amongst the people. They couldn’t dare keep this blessed hope to themselves! Just try and stop them! You can’t!

Because of their focus on the next world, they are making a big difference this world

Ahhh….yes….we are introduced to the faithful “man of the hour” who planted this church and is reporting to Paul about them….Ephaprus. What a guy!

Ephaprus is ONE man who changed his world. One. It just takes one. You. Me. We are just one. We qualify.

Oh, that our minds would ever be on the next world, stirring a blazing fire in us to walk in faith, hope, and love to make a difference in our world! Our world….where we go day to day….just everywhere we are. This is where our work is…..wherever we are right now. Now. Right now.

This changes how I deal with the day-to-day and the people woven in. I realize it’s not about me. It’s not even about that thing that just happened that made me mad, sad, distracted, or irritated, or glad, or fed up, or worried or anything. We aren’t wrestling with the flesh and blood of life, but the powers of dark and the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy wants us to check out of our real blessed goal and focus on the big fat distraction he just plopped into it.

Nope! Not anymore! We are going to put our Ephesians 6:10-17 armor and make a difference in our world. Thank You God….and thank you Ephaprus…man with a funny name who became the change you wanted to see and inspired us to do the same!

Lord, thank You! Thank you for the blessed hope I have in heaven. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Help me be the change and make a difference in my world, where I am and right now. Set Your Holy fire ablaze in me that Your gospel spread like a wildfire of faith, hope and love in all that I am, everywhere that I am and to everyone I see. For Your glory forever and ever.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Beauty For Ashes

Posted by Christy

Then the Lord said to me, “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north”
Deuteronomy 2:2-3

So often in life we circle around our own personal hill country. We circle and circle, and circle, and circle. God says enough! We have circled our hill country long enough and it’s time we turn north!

We need to get our BUTS out if the way. Yes, we do need to get our buts out-of-the-way! “I know I need to let go, but…..” or “I know I need to forgive, but…..” and maybe, “I know I need to move on, but….” how about, “I know I need to make a change, but….”

God says to us in Isaiah 43:19 that He is doing a NEW THING

Christine Cain recently said, “Often, what stops us from stepping into the unknown is what we DO know. Don’t let what you know stop you from discovering what all you do not know!”

Lord, thank You that you make beauty from ashes! Thank You for Your direction. Thank You for doing a new thing in me. Give me the courage to step out of this pit and into Your plan of a future and hope for me that is GOOD. Thank You that You not only heal but You restore. Turn my mess into a message of hope and restoration for Your glory forever. I accept it, I receive it, and I do treasure it! In Jesus name, amen.

Colossians 1:1-4

Posted by Christy

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by God’s will, and Timothy our brother: To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers. Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints.
Colossians 1:1-4

As we start a study in the book of Colossians, we see in the greeting that this letter is written by Paul to the church in Colossae. Timothy is with him. Paul is Timothy’s father in the faith, meaning he led Timothy to Christ.

They have heard testimony from someone else about this church’s genuine faith in Christ and the love they have for one another. Paul is encouraging them and letting them know that they pray often for them, thanking God for them. Here we learn that faith in Christ and our love for fellow believers are the hallmarks of genuine Christianity.

Faith in Christ and love for one another = genuine Christianity. This is how we know.

Lord, we thank You that You are a faithful God, worthy of our trust and love. May we be found faithful to You, lifting up our thanks to You for each other. Help us to remember in our busyness to pause to encourage and show each other our genuine love for them. In doing this, we show love to you. In Jesus name, amen.

Knock knock

Posted by Christy

She was usually a very easy child that loved to nap. This day however, she had other plans.

I put her in her bed and she laid down as usual so I quietly left the room and shut the door.

Hard at work at my desk, I think I hear faint knocking. I got still and quiet and heard it again…that gentle knock, knock, knock….and then a faint, “Mamaaa.” I rushed to the bedroom door to find my funny girl standing there with her gorgeous big blue eyes dancing, shirt off and hanging around her neck, hair a mess…and she squeals, ” I FOUND YOU!!” and jumped in my arms. We washed each other in floods of hugs and kisses as if the 5 minutes that passed had been 5 years! It was delicious!

In the midst of our blissful reunion my heart was caught and I prayed, “Oh, Lord may she always look for you and find You in joy. May her heart be always searching for You in all that she sees and does. May she always open the doors You knock on and jump wholeheartedly into Your arms.”

“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”

Wherever we are….there He is. Knocking. Open the door now and JUMP!

His mighty hand…

Posted by Christy

It’s such a different call…being the one here at home while my husband and daughter are away serving in Haiti. I have gained a whole new respect for all my loved ones that I left behind to go to South America. I am deeply consumed with intercessory prayer for them. My faith is strengthened. I am serving and working on things, but still in constant prayer for them.

Our family has always been tightly woven by the fingers of God. We have often heard the need to pray for one another while separated in service and work; sensing their need at that very moment, and having that confirmed afterwards as we would talk about it. It’s surreal really and has been a normal thing for us our whole marriage. God’s glory forever.

One day while they were in Haiti, and as I was working, a sudden urgent need caught me quickly in my spirit specifically over danger with my husband. It was so strong and heavy as I dropped what I was doing and immediately prayed long and hard…..LONG AND HARD….until I sensed the danger had passed. It was so huge and powerful. Two prayer warrior girlfriends of mine were also praying. I felt my daughter and her friend were safe but we all prayed heavily for them too. I asked God for a verse, and this is what He gave me:

The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; He will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes
Psalm 41:2

My husband called me a few hours later and I learned that on a path he was walking on, he was suddenly met with four men….glaring, snarling, sinister, men. He felt their intentions strongly and was praying as they were held in their spot. This was happening at the SAME TIME as when the Spirit snatched me up in prayer for him. The grateful tears washed like a river as I thanked God for His hand! My prayer warrior sister prayed Psalm 91 over them all. God’s glory forever. Wow! GOD ROCKS!

When God brings someone to your heart and mind….pray sisters and brothers. Pray because the prayer is powerful and effective (James 4:16b)

This has nothing to do with any person (I mean that with a full conviction and am so serious about that), and everything to do with our powerful GOD Who is at work in and around HIS children.

Don’t ever doubt that you’re on HIS mind and heart….HE loves you, HE cares about you and HE’S powerful….

Now to him who is able to do IMMENSELY MORE than all we ask or imagine according to HIS POWER that is at work within us
Ephesians 3:20 (emphasis mine)

HIS power and HIS glory forever and ever

2 Chances To Get It Right

Posted by Christy

In the book of Jonah, we see a God who is merciful contrasted with the prejudices of his people.

Nineveh had been a wicked thorn in Israel’s side, infecting terror and cruelty. Jonah didn’t want to go preach the message of judgement to them because he knew God would be merciful to them (4:2). God is quick to teach Jonah that His compassion and forgiveness extend far beyond what Jonah expects or desires.

It’s never a good idea to run from God. God is a God of second chances (3:1) and just as God heard when Jonah called from the stomach of the great big fish, and Ninevah when they heard Jonah’s message, He offers us second, third, and fourth chances to call on Him and be saved.

No one is beyond God’s forgiveness and love. God will deliver ALL who call out to Him….regardless of your background, way of life, ethnic group….ALL who call on the name of the Lord will be saved

“In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”

Haiti Update #4

Posted by Christy

Yesterday they went into homes and the communities to teach the Word, encourage the people, and do a prayer walk. They are the first EVER to do this. They took turns teaching and everyone did great. Js message touched the local spiritual leader in a special way.

God blessed J with his first cold water of the week and it did much to help him. Their water is slowly filtered and is hot by the time they can drink it. This was a huge thing for him. I am in deep gratitude to Daddy for blessing my man with it.

Today they will work HARD at the campus. They desire to get a lot accomplished in repairs and fixing things. They are the very first team there and they’d love to get the compound fixed up so the next team can spend most of their time outside with the people without concerning themselves with working on the compound. Among many other things, they will be repairing a fence with no tools…by hand….this means heavy strength for pulling, lifting, etc…..in that heat. Ahhh…the things we take for granted!

I know from experience that today and tomorrow is very deep internally for them. They’ve experienced so much and their time is drawing to a close. They will go through some culture shock as they come home tomorrow. They will be processing for days and perhaps weeks. As friends and loved ones, our role is one of love, encouragement, listener, and support, as they talk about it….and rest….and are energized all at the same time. It’s EXCITING!! SO EXCITING!!!

Specific Prayer Asked for:

>Water pump is fixed!! Yay Jesus!! Dance with me and praise Him!
>Supernatural strength and energy
>Supernatural rehydration
>Supernatural Health….no passing out!
>Supernatural time to accomplish much for future teams coming
>Any and every need God lays on your heart for them as you pray

Shhhh….look!!

Posted by Christy

God knows how to get my attention….especially when He uses my own devices against me. I love it!

When my children were really small, I decided on a new way to get their attention while we were in a crowd, both at home and when we were out and about. We were always in a crowd….still are. I didn’t want to be loudly calling their names over the noise. It always annoyed me when Moms would do that.

Have you ever noticed that no matter the situation or crowd, someone can say “shhhhh” and people pause and look at the person saying it? I decided to use that as my tool to get my children’s attention. No matter how large the crowd, I could say “shhhh” quietly and their eyes would immediately be on me. It was magical!

For several mornings now, that’s how God has been waking me up! He wakes me up every day very early in the morning. I love it with every fiber in my being! Every night I get excited thinking about our time together the next morning and thank Him ahead of time for it. Several mornings now, I hear myself saying “shhhh” and my eyes pop open! It makes me laugh! He just tickles me!

In Matthew 4:19-20 Jesus says, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” and we see in verse 20 that immediately they stopped what they were doing and followed Him. Also, John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow Me”

Has God been calling? Listen. Shhhhh…..He is speaking to you even now. Look at Him.

Christy Rawls :: Encouraging, Equipping, Empowering Others

Jesus Follower, Wife, Mom, E3 Ministries Director, Non-Profit Director, Teacher, Speaker, Encourager

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Knock knock

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Haiti Update #4

Shhhh….look!!

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