.......hmmmmm
On my trip to and from Amarillo this week, I finished listening to an audio book. Hinds Feet In High Places by Hannah Hurard intrigued me as I heard this reading, full of symbolism.
I read this book about 6 years ago. If you read it as I did the first time with wrong thinking, read it again. I'm sure I will write more later about the book and how it spoke to me.
After hearing this book read, I wanted to read more of Hannah Hurnards books. As I searched, I found the disturbing stories of her life. She was raised a Quaker, feeling stiffled by legalism and for a time, obviously drew closer to the Lord and his goodness. Much of Hinds Feet In High Places is a story of her journey.
Sadly, after this writing it appears she fell into the deciet of Universalism and New Age beliefs. How sad. As much as I love her book Hinds Feet In High Places, I don't recommend anyone read her later writings. In an article I found by Robert Fisher, he traced her life and writings.
Sadly, I wondered, how someone who had such an amazing experience with the Lord, could go so far the other way.
All of this to say......hmmm ....filter everything you read and hear through the Word of God and be encouraged; If we are In Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to comfort, and guide us to the Truth of His Word.
Weird post, I know. I felt it necessary to inform my blog readers.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Turn Questions to Declarations
As I was walking at the bridge today, I listened to an audio book. This book I read years ago. Hinds Feet In High Places uses symbolism to portray the story. Nearing the end of my walk the reader spoke a line that spoke volumes to me. Much Afraid, (the main character) said, ….let me trust you as much as I desire to love you”. She spoke it almost as a question. As I pondered the statement, God spoke to me in my spirit these words, “ Make that question a declaration”. We grow expediently as we turn such questions into declarations. I WILL TRUST YOU AS MUCH AS I DESIRE TO LOVE YOU, LORD!
Just a few lines later, Much Afraid was running, and leaping, in joy, bounding upward, beginning her ascent to the high places.
Question = uncertainty, doubt. Questioning produces hesitation, which delays our destiny.
Declaration = confirmation, agreement. Declaration frees us to move toward our destiny
which, leads us to the high places, with the Father.
His word (Ephesians 2:6) says we are seated in heavenly places
- We must not question it but rather, believe it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another though from this book –
Will I ascend the mountain without fear?
Am I willing to ascend without need of affirmation, being understood, or even known?
We are loved affirmed, understood and known by our Heavenly Father.
I will declare – That is enough. I will ascend without need of man’s approval.
Just a few lines later, Much Afraid was running, and leaping, in joy, bounding upward, beginning her ascent to the high places.
Question = uncertainty, doubt. Questioning produces hesitation, which delays our destiny.
Declaration = confirmation, agreement. Declaration frees us to move toward our destiny
which, leads us to the high places, with the Father.
His word (Ephesians 2:6) says we are seated in heavenly places
- We must not question it but rather, believe it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another though from this book –
Will I ascend the mountain without fear?
Am I willing to ascend without need of affirmation, being understood, or even known?
We are loved affirmed, understood and known by our Heavenly Father.
I will declare – That is enough. I will ascend without need of man’s approval.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
DO IT ANYWAY
Thursday, April 18, 2008
There is a country song by Martina McBride, “Do It Anyway”
You CAN spend your whole life buildin'
Something from nothin
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You CAN chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
(Chorus)
God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love em anyway
You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anywayYeah sing it anyway, YEAH, YEAHI singI dreamI love anyway, yeah.
Do it anyway….
We can’t build our theology on the song, but something about it stirs me.
I like that kind of thinking. I even think that may be a Kingdom line.
We each have a responsibility to take steps toward out destiny. Others may not understand it, they may even think we are crazy. “DO IT ANYWAY”.
Sing the song He puts in your heart
Dream the dreams – if they were His dream they will come true
Love even when it’s not easy, nor returned
Do it anwway!
I can’t help but think of Jesus. As he stepped toward His destiny, He knew he would endure pain. He knew he would be stripped of all dignity, yet….HE DID IT ANYWAY.
Jesus endured more than any of us could ever endure. He carried the weight of every sin to the cross yet, overcame sin, death and the grave. Romams 8:17-18, Now, if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and ocnheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be reavealed. (Read Romans 8: 12-2, wow!)
Christ made a way for us to escape death and torment. Shouldn’t we follow his example and press on toward our destiny, even if it may be challenging? 2 Peter 1:3, By His divine power he has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him, who has called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
God is good, but sometimes life ‘aint good…..DO IT ANYWAY!
There is a country song by Martina McBride, “Do It Anyway”
You CAN spend your whole life buildin'
Something from nothin
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You CAN chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
(Chorus)
God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway
This worlds gone crazy
And it's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love em anyway
You can pour your soul out singin'
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anywayYeah sing it anyway, YEAH, YEAHI singI dreamI love anyway, yeah.
Do it anyway….
We can’t build our theology on the song, but something about it stirs me.
I like that kind of thinking. I even think that may be a Kingdom line.
We each have a responsibility to take steps toward out destiny. Others may not understand it, they may even think we are crazy. “DO IT ANYWAY”.
Sing the song He puts in your heart
Dream the dreams – if they were His dream they will come true
Love even when it’s not easy, nor returned
Do it anwway!
I can’t help but think of Jesus. As he stepped toward His destiny, He knew he would endure pain. He knew he would be stripped of all dignity, yet….HE DID IT ANYWAY.
Jesus endured more than any of us could ever endure. He carried the weight of every sin to the cross yet, overcame sin, death and the grave. Romams 8:17-18, Now, if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and ocnheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be reavealed. (Read Romans 8: 12-2, wow!)
Christ made a way for us to escape death and torment. Shouldn’t we follow his example and press on toward our destiny, even if it may be challenging? 2 Peter 1:3, By His divine power he has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him, who has called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them we may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
God is good, but sometimes life ‘aint good…..DO IT ANYWAY!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
My thoughts - which I just penned - are floating somewhere in cyberspace.
As I am studying this morning - I got a case of happy fingers and “poof” - my three point revelation is gone.
Frustration!
Here goes my 2nd attempt.
Today we live in an amazing time where technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with it. As good as it can be, today, I am feeling frustrated over it. Texting, emailing and blogging are great advancements however, I feel they have taken the place of relationship in many instances.
I even find myself using these tools all too often. Honestly, I will continue to use them, however, I needed to rethink how I use them.
I must add – as myself and many others have been burned by traditional religion we have sought freedom and truth. It is now clear to me that freedom includes order and responsibility especially in relationships. Personally, I found myself unintentionally becoming complacent in the area of relationships in my quest to break from tradition and move into undefiled religion. This revelation has opened up new found freedom.
We all crave, desire and absolutely need relationship to keep us healthy - mentally and physically and to survive.
Everywhere I turn, (including myself) I see rushed, frustrated, aggravated, impatient people.
What if just a few of us determined, purposed, to re-prioritize and restructure our day. If we commit to this others will follow. Relationships will be saved.
This week I set around a table with fellow saints who spoke amazing truth into my life. We simply dialoged - through this processes God spoke truths and revealed areas in my life that needed to change. In a situation where I thought others were off track, I found they could be reacting because of my insecurity, fear and lack of boldness. Strong revelation, yet so freeing! I
I feel such a strong call to take back this area that the enemy has successfully stolen from me. So, I remind the enemy he has not hold on relationships and he must flee. Done! Now I need to remain faithful to the word from the Lord.
Here are a few things God is telling me about relationships.
1. Christ must be the first relationship to address. When we spend time with the Father and grow in intimacy with Him all other relationships flourish.
2. Family relationships must be re-prioritized. As mothers it is so important to affirm and encourage our children. As our day unwinds and we lay down at night, we don't want to think back on that day and realize, the only time I spoke to my child today was to say, hurry, stop, don't, I can't believe you did that..... Children need to hear I love you, morning and night and all in between. I want to be a mom that disciplines with authority and love. (The previous also applies to spousal relationships)
3. Oikas Relationships - In the busyness of our days we have watered down our relationships with friends from dialog to high tech communication. I find myself texting, emailing and leaving messages while they are away. If our days begin with our relationships in the proper perspective - our daily tasks and responsibilities will also fit within our day and most likely be accomplished with much more efficiency.
4. Be open to new relationships - don't close the ends on people.
It takes 2 minutes to form an opinion about someone and 20 different times of speaking with someone to change your mind about them. We are all unique and different. We each have differing personalities, lifestyles and cultures. Celebrate your common denominator – Jesus!
Go beyond - Without compromising - go where those who need Jesus are. Don’t be afraid to converse with strangers. Be confident and bold enough to share with them your love for Jesus. I have had conversations in Doctors offices and airports where later I would be frustrated with myself, because I new I had missed and opportunity to share my Jesus. The door to share is almost always, naturally opened. Fear of man, lack of confidence and boldness are usually what keep up from being real.
We all have been given the spirit of reconciliation. If relationship was not of the utmost importance God would not have created us to live relationally and would not have put it in his Word. Because it is important to him, we should live in harmony with one another, relationally.
Reconciling with the Father ourselves. Realize we are in need of Him. Repent. Grow in relationship with him by reading his Word and applying it to our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit of fill you and empower you to hear from God and be a carrier of his love, wisdom and authority.
Carry the gospel of salvation and of the Kingdom of God to the world through relationship.
Pray today for an awareness of relationships that need, healed, revived, renewed and began.
As I am studying this morning - I got a case of happy fingers and “poof” - my three point revelation is gone.
Frustration!
Here goes my 2nd attempt.
Today we live in an amazing time where technology is advancing faster than we can keep up with it. As good as it can be, today, I am feeling frustrated over it. Texting, emailing and blogging are great advancements however, I feel they have taken the place of relationship in many instances.
I even find myself using these tools all too often. Honestly, I will continue to use them, however, I needed to rethink how I use them.
I must add – as myself and many others have been burned by traditional religion we have sought freedom and truth. It is now clear to me that freedom includes order and responsibility especially in relationships. Personally, I found myself unintentionally becoming complacent in the area of relationships in my quest to break from tradition and move into undefiled religion. This revelation has opened up new found freedom.
We all crave, desire and absolutely need relationship to keep us healthy - mentally and physically and to survive.
Everywhere I turn, (including myself) I see rushed, frustrated, aggravated, impatient people.
What if just a few of us determined, purposed, to re-prioritize and restructure our day. If we commit to this others will follow. Relationships will be saved.
This week I set around a table with fellow saints who spoke amazing truth into my life. We simply dialoged - through this processes God spoke truths and revealed areas in my life that needed to change. In a situation where I thought others were off track, I found they could be reacting because of my insecurity, fear and lack of boldness. Strong revelation, yet so freeing! I
I feel such a strong call to take back this area that the enemy has successfully stolen from me. So, I remind the enemy he has not hold on relationships and he must flee. Done! Now I need to remain faithful to the word from the Lord.
Here are a few things God is telling me about relationships.
1. Christ must be the first relationship to address. When we spend time with the Father and grow in intimacy with Him all other relationships flourish.
2. Family relationships must be re-prioritized. As mothers it is so important to affirm and encourage our children. As our day unwinds and we lay down at night, we don't want to think back on that day and realize, the only time I spoke to my child today was to say, hurry, stop, don't, I can't believe you did that..... Children need to hear I love you, morning and night and all in between. I want to be a mom that disciplines with authority and love. (The previous also applies to spousal relationships)
3. Oikas Relationships - In the busyness of our days we have watered down our relationships with friends from dialog to high tech communication. I find myself texting, emailing and leaving messages while they are away. If our days begin with our relationships in the proper perspective - our daily tasks and responsibilities will also fit within our day and most likely be accomplished with much more efficiency.
4. Be open to new relationships - don't close the ends on people.
It takes 2 minutes to form an opinion about someone and 20 different times of speaking with someone to change your mind about them. We are all unique and different. We each have differing personalities, lifestyles and cultures. Celebrate your common denominator – Jesus!
Go beyond - Without compromising - go where those who need Jesus are. Don’t be afraid to converse with strangers. Be confident and bold enough to share with them your love for Jesus. I have had conversations in Doctors offices and airports where later I would be frustrated with myself, because I new I had missed and opportunity to share my Jesus. The door to share is almost always, naturally opened. Fear of man, lack of confidence and boldness are usually what keep up from being real.
We all have been given the spirit of reconciliation. If relationship was not of the utmost importance God would not have created us to live relationally and would not have put it in his Word. Because it is important to him, we should live in harmony with one another, relationally.
Reconciling with the Father ourselves. Realize we are in need of Him. Repent. Grow in relationship with him by reading his Word and applying it to our lives. Allow the Holy Spirit of fill you and empower you to hear from God and be a carrier of his love, wisdom and authority.
Carry the gospel of salvation and of the Kingdom of God to the world through relationship.
Pray today for an awareness of relationships that need, healed, revived, renewed and began.
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