Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Hungry for God


..My soul longs for You Lord in a dry and weary land..
As Dad and I prepared dinner together last night we reflected on the state of our hearts and how they regularly seem to need a real, tangible encounter with the living God. Earlier in the evening we heard a Bible teacher remark on how his heart so easily slips into disillusionment and depression unless he has a vision or dream from the Lord at least every six months...

Wow!... think about it... is that true for your own heart? We often try to prop ourselves up with reading truth in the Word and reminding ourselves of the hope we have in the age to come with a resurrected body, living under the reign of Messiah... but without real-time touches from the very present God, the weak human heart easily slips into unbelief. Is He really real and present? Does He really love me? Does the Holy Spirit really dwell on the inside of me? We were made to tangibly experience the living God.

After we prayed a blessing over our meal, Mom, Dad and I asked that God would stir expectancy in our hearts... we asked for dreams and visions from Him. Lord, I want to intentionally pursue the knowledge of You... to encounter You TODAY!

It's good to be in California with Mom and Dad this Christmas and take much time to talk together about our journeys into the heart of God and to pray for deeper hunger for Him.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Voluntary Weakness :: What?!?!

Nita, pictured here with with me and my dear friends Kerry & Angie

"Prayer is the ONLY means to access grace... divine favor and power..."

- John Harrigan (teacher at IHOP-KC)

I've been blessed this past month to sit under the teaching of two of the most humble and anointed Bible teachers I have ever been privileged to know: Nita Steiner and John Harrigan. They've been teaching me about prayer and how to live my life today for the age to come.


Here's a little nugget that has been "messing with my mind" and beginning to change the way I order my life:
"The hearers of the Sermon on the Mount were people who understood all about a coming Messiah who would destroy wickedness and rule on David’s throne in Jerusalem, restoring the earthly paradise that was in the beginning. They saw in Jesus the signs of the Messiah and were following Him around because they wanted to be in that Messianic kingdom; knowing this, Jesus preaches this sermon, showing them the nature of His kingdom and of those who would be part of it; then He tells them what the lifestyle must be in order to persevere in this age and prepare for the age to come – it’s a lifestyle of watchful prayer and voluntary weakness in the areas of food, time, energy, money, and words. Through the activities of praying, giving, serving, blessing our enemies and fasting food (Matt. 6:1-18), we voluntarily embrace weakness and declare to God that we derive our life and strength from Him alone. Unless these are practiced with a heart motivated by love, they are vain and empty."

How contrary to everything we've grown to know and embrace in this life! We love strength, wealth, pleasure, receiving, free-time... and yet, if we are really honest with ourselves, none of that truly satisfies us in a lasting way, right? I know I was made to be satisfied in God now and for all eternity... God, I pray that You would give me grace to embrace voluntary weakness.


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6

Thursday, November 5, 2009

He's Always Been Faithful

Questioning God's faithfulness? I'm sure you can relate...
Recently I've been praying for my own heart; for grace to be given to me to wait on the Lord, for His voice in His time, for the unfolding of His plan in His way. As I've asked God for this grace to wait and trust, I've been asking myself questions: "Do I genuinely expect and believe that God will answer me by giving the grace I am asking for? Do I have faith to believe that He hears and will move? Do I REALLY believe?"

And so I dove into the Word, devouring Hebrews 11 ("The Great Chapter of Faith"); reflecting on the testimonies of the faith of those who have gone before us... and the words jumped off the page: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

And then God answered my request! I'm pretty sure something actually shifted within me as I read that verse and listened over and over again to this Sara Groves song "He's Always Been Faithful" (Listen by clicking this link)

I can't remember a trial or a pain He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret in serving God only and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I've heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me


Yes and amen! Lord, cause my belief in Your faithfulness to increase!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Positive Results of God's Shaking


Have you ever been bumped, tweaked, suffered loss, disappointment, uncertainty... and wondered... "God, what are You doing with my life? Don't You see? Don't You care?"...

A dear friend of mine is a full-time caregiver for her husband of 50 years as he suffers with Alzheimer's. This week, to encourage me in my own journey and time of personal "shaking" she wrote: "I am learning that God is more interested in my growth than my comfort." Oh, that my heart would be unoffended with what God allows in my life for my growth, for my good.

My pastor at Bethany Church, Matt Hedrick, recently reminded me of what he believes are positive results that God desires to accomplish through the shaking He allows in our lives, families, work, ministries:

1. To bring things closer to their foundation
2. To mix together things that are separate
3. To sift out things that don't belong
4. To harvest fruit that is ripe and ready

I am encouraged as I am reminded again to trust God's leadership and I desire to allow Him to bring about the results He is looking for with an unoffended heart. "Come, have Your way, God."

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Strangers & Pilgrims on the Earth

..living for the age to come..
How do I live TODAY for THAT day when Jesus will return? Do the moments and decisions of my days declare that I love Him and desire to stand before Him without shame when He comes? Do I live as a "stranger and pilgrim" in the earth? Do I love this life, this world, more than I long for and live for the one that is to come?

God's been rearranging much in my heart this year. I've been stunned to see how much the Bible speaks of living blameless and holy today, on this earth, in light of our permanent residence being in Jesus' coming kingdom (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 1:6-8; Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23; 1 Timothy 6:11-14; Hebrews 12: 28,29; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Peter 3:13-14; Revelation 3:4-5). I'm beginning to believe it really is true that the best this world has to offer, with every last one of it's pleasures, cannot compare to the glory we can know in the age to come.

Hebrews 11:13,16 These [fathers of the faith] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth... But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

1 Chronicles 29:15 - For we are aliens [sojourners, temporary residents] and pilgrims [transients] before You, as were all our fathers; our days on earth are as a shadow...

This has been the overarching theme that has helped to guide my days since 2009 began and I wouldn't trade the fruit that has come within my heart for anything this world has to offer! To hear more, listen to my recent teaching entitled: "Strangers & Pilgrims ..living for the age to come.."

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Coming Up Leaning

Leaning on some dear friends, Kerry, Nita, Angie, & Elizabeth - photo by Susan Shetler

Today's daily reading from Streams in the Desert is particularly significant to me in this season when I feel the need to be in a constant posture of leaning upon God even more consciously than ever.

Here's a brief excerpt from it:

Who is that coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?
- Song of Solomon 8:5


"Child of My love, lean hard,
And let Me feel the presence of your care;
I know your burden, child. I shaped it;
Balanced it in Mine Own hand; made no proportion
In its weight to your own strength,
For even as I laid it on, I said,
'I will be near, and while she leans on Me,
This burden will be Mine, not hers;
So will I keep My child within the circling arms
Of My Own love.' Here lay it down, nor fear
To impose it on a shoulder that upholds
The government of worlds. Yet closer come:
You are not near enough. I would embrace your care;
So I might feel My child reclining on My breast.
You love Me, I know. So then do not doubt;
But loving Me, lean hard."
--L.B. Cowman

Sunday, August 30, 2009

In Every High and Every Low I Know You're in Control

On stage (far left) with the BHOP team during this week's
new student orientation for Bethany College of Missions.
I love worshiping the Lord together with this team and these young people!

It's been a week of wonderful highs and challenging lows... at every turn, in my spirit I've heard that whisper from the Lord: "Do you trust me? Do you really believe in Your heart that My leadership is perfect? You can trust Me; I want you to deeply love My leadership even when it hurts."

I went on a long run in the woods this afternoon to take some time to process and seek to get my heart right before Jesus. It was on this run that He reminded me of the gift He has given of having truth sung over my heart for many years, and in joining with others in singing and declaring it in the BHOP prayer room. There's something unique about music that takes words from the head to the heart like nothing else can! Music creates an inner receptivity within me and locks truth in. Then, in times of testing or blessing, highs or lows, these songs come to my lips and remind me of truth... an anchor for my soul. It is a beautiful gift!

As I ran, I said aloud: "Jesus, I do trust Your leadership, even if I don't understand it," and I was immediately reminded of a wonderful song that lifted my heart -- got my eyes fixed on Him rather than the circumstances. I believe it's the kind of song that all of us need cemented in our hearts to remind us to trust and love Him through the highs and lows of life.

"I'll Praise You Now" written by Tim Cone of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City.

When I'm on the mountain I will bow to honor You

When I'm in the valley I'll arise to worship You
Even when the rain comes and when the sun shines through
You'll have all my devotion, You will have the praise You're due

In every season of the soul
When You give and withhold
In every high and every low
I know You're in control

And I'll praise you now and evermore
Lord Your praise shall be upon my lips as long as I endure
You're always good, of this I'm sure
You're the same, You never change
Lord You are faithful and secure

As long as I have lived You have not forsaken me
When my feet had stumbled I did not fall utterly
When I was surrounded, Lord You came and rescued me
I am Your beloved, Oh how You delight in me

Lord with all my heart, I make melody...
I will always sing to You

I rejoice in Your goodness!
Let my whole being worship You...

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Calling Forth "Budding Virtues"

Death and life are in the power of the tongue... Proverbs 18:21. Words have the power either to destroy or to cause faith to grow. With our speech, we have the opportunity to help people come into maturity and agreement with God’s truth and plan for them.

God has been challenging me to look for the budding virtues (the destiny; the good yet to come) that He sees in others and then to partner with Him in calling them forth through affirmation. I'm beginning to literally think of encouragement as putting courage in the heart of another. I recently taught in BHOP on the importance of praying positive prayers -- speaking life, destiny, and encouragement over the church, regions, groups, and individuals (follow these links for teaching
Audio and Notes). This doesn't often come naturally, and so we ask the Holy Spirit to give us insight into what God sees and how He feels. Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works… encouraging one another… Hebrews 10:24,25

To ensure that I press into growing in this, God has opened the door for me to step into a new role as BHOP's Director of Operations. In addition to bringing sharpening to BHOP's structure and daily operations, I will be seeking to help each team member excel in their roles. Jesus most effectively motivates me through the power of cherishing, and so I am asking Him to help me to do the same in this team.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Righteous Judge

“The most neglected subject in the Kingdom of God is God. The knowledge of God is the Mt. Everest of the Kingdom... we must have a steady resolve in our spirit to press on... it takes a lifetime to climb and the Holy Spirit is our escort...” - Mike Bickle

I've found the above statement to be very real in my own life lately as I've just been beginning to dive deeper into studying what the Bible says about Jesus as Coming King and Righteous Judge. I was asked to teach on this subject this past Sunday night at our weekly BHOP "Forerunner Gathering". I thought I'd share the notes and audio of my message if you're interested in a deeper glimpse into my work at BHOP, or if you too are looking for a little paradigm tweaking!

Sneak peak from my notes: "In the season of His return, it is critical that the Church embrace these three expressions of Jesus [Bridegroom, Judge, and King]. Today, Jesus invites us to know His whole character, the plans that are in His heart, and how He will carry them out so that we will be in agreement rather than in offense on that Day. Eschatological understanding of Jesus' judgments steeped in His jealous love and desire for a pure Bride with whom to reign when He returns in victory, will help us overcome offense, anger, fear, and confusion so that people trust Jesus' leadership and mature in love."

Enjoy! And feel free to dialogue with me if you have questions, thoughts... I know this can be a provoking subject (it's been ruffling my feathers a bit too!)... but the intention of the provocation is that we each be drawn into getting to know Him better - He's beautiful!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter... Mortality Swallowed Up By Life - 2 Cor 5:4

My heart has been exhilarated throughout the past week as I have been reflecting much on the significance of Jesus' resurrection and looking toward the age to come when the Ever-living One will return to the earth. Below are just a few Scriptures to reflect on as you celebrate His resurrection and it's glorious implications of hope and victory!

Revelation 1:18a I am He who lives [the Ever-living One], and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore...

2 Timothy 1:10
...Our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light...

1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 6:14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Revelation 1:8b I am the Alpha and the Omega... who is and who was and who is to come...

Hebrews 2:9,10 But we see Jesus... now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory...

Titus 2:13 ...While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus... For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

The Lord bless you as you celebrate the One who is ALIVE FOREVERMORE!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Stirred to Know the Word

Not long ago, David Sliker came to teach a week-long eschatology (the study of the end times) course to the Bethany college students, so everyone in BHOP sat-in on the classes. We were all on the edge of our seats and getting stirred to know the Word better for ourselves. I loved seeing this hunger in the faces of these young missionaries in training and hearing their desire to live more wholeheartedly for Jesus in response to the teaching.

"God's promise to all believers is that the verses we find most troubling when taken literally, will make sense as we pray, fast, study and spend-time with Him. It is the common sense meaning of the Scriptures that stirs true fascination with God, not someone else's symbolic interpretation of those Scriptures. When we have an intimate connection with the end-time plan of God, the passages begin to come alive and make sense. The possibilities of understanding and knowing God become endless as He moves us beyond our notions of what we think should be into the realm of what He knows can be. When we believe God is big enough to fulfill His prophetic plans as literally as they are described in His Word, He will become to us more awesome, more glorious and more beautiful." - David Sliker, End-Times Simplified