Off The Chain!

I can't even find words to describe the awesome move of God this weekend. Women In Worship 2009 at New Landmark MB Church was wonderful from the food served at the Gala Extravaganza last night to the final point rendered by Dr. Tara Jenkins this morning. I needed something really special from the Lord! A Word that would bring focus and clarity to my situation. A word of peace that would put to rest all of the larger than life themes echoing through the chambers of my mind. I wanted a word that would revive me and give me a little more courage to run on and see what the end would be! Can you say "on time?" The Word brought by the messenger today was not only on time but came in the nick of time. I'm feeling like I can love a little stronger, grow deeper, give more freely and commit more deliberately. I'll have to explain that last one, but not today. Today I'm living in the EXTRA! Those at NLMBC this morning can certainly relate!

A Matter of the Heart!

I believe God is moving His people within the Universal Church to live out our faith in a more practical and authentic way than our modern society has witnessed before. There is this sense of community as described in Acts flourishing among local assemblies and in neighborhoods all over the world. As we all purpose in our hearts to be more of what God is desiring we should expect that the adversary will intensify his weapons of attack. I'd like to share a few things I've learned about his ways of attack.

• He will tempt you to doubt God Word's
• Overload your schedule so that you're distracted from spiritual things
• Paralyze you in the Lord's service through sin and guilt
• Attempt to destroy your usefulness, physically and emotionally

We would profit by remembering no matter how defined or intense Satan's attack, God's plan for your life trumps it!

Fight!

Sunday Service was good and the Word God sent was great! While our pastor's message was designed to speak to men and father's in particular it could be applied to every believer present. It's actually amazing how God confirms His Word. There were a few phrases used that were identical to ones God gave me earlier in the week. I was listening to Chicago Public Radio last Tuesday and was impacted by the words of one of the men being interviewed. As he spoke of his family history of men who were willing to stand for what was right. It suddenly occurred to me that there maybe several areas in my life where I haven't taken my rightful role. I've allowed the enemy to intimidate and even take areas of my life and world that God has promised. I knew it was the voice of God speaking when today we were encouraged to fight. Fight for our marriages, the health and safety of our neighborhoods, and the best for our children. Fighting is as common to many of us as breathing. Now, I believe God is calling us to fight for the change we so desperately need in our homes, neighborhoods and places of employment. As I continue to explore what this looks like, I'll keep you posted. What I do know is that without a fight nothing ever changes. Not changes positively any way. Besides who is interested in having anything remain the same. So, join me in the fight. We may actually be able to restore communities, build marriages, save our children.....and only God knows what else.

Learning more about forgiveness daily!

As most of you know Summer is a real softee and her sister....well that's another story. What God is teaching me through these two is absolutely amazing. Yesterday they were involved in a little skirmish and let me tell you...Autumn was winning. She snatched a toy from Summer and as I entered the room I noticed that Summer was crying and struggling to get it back. As I began to intervene Autumn held on to the toy tighter. Summer suddenly released it and grabbed her sister and starting literally hugging all of the defiance right out of her. I could see the strain leave Autumn's face as she fell into her sisters embrace. I started lecturing Autumn on the value of sharing and her sister interrupted and said, "oh it's okay mommie...I forgive her it doesn't matter now." Whoa... how many times in my own life has God called me to just forget it and recognize how little the things I have blown up really matter. I am praying that the next time I am quick to blow up and harbor a grudge that God will bring this little example back to my remembrance. By the way the toy was a Barbie Doll, it was Summer's and Autumn did break the leg off. (lol)

There is a word from the Lord!

I can't believe I haven't updated in months. It's amazing how time flies especially when you're working hard. Autumn is walking...moving like a drunken sailor but walking nevertheless. Summer is budding into a little independent girl! I am finding my rhythm and starting to dream again about my own future and not just the future of the girls. I am ever awestruck by God's amazing provision and grace. Yesterday while during a conference with one of the participants in our men's center I realized how difficult life is for many, particularly those living without Christ. This wasn't a new discovery but a confirmation of an old truth. A few other staff members called me into a meeting as sort of an intervention. This handsome, well spoken brother was in the battle of his life with addiction but hadn't decided to fight. As I listened to him retell the events that led to our meeting my heart was broken by what he described. His attempt to dabble in language semantics and to skirt around the real issues indicated how desperate he was to escape his current situation. He is over 35, homeless and unemployed. If being a black man in America isn't hard enough! I'm not making excuses for his drug use or belligerent behavior I'm just acknowledging that I understand how he ended up on this road. After expressing our support and love for him I could see a tiny spark of hope in his eyes. I prayed that spark would be enough to get him moving into the direction of recovery. In that moment I could hardly breathe, I felt the weight of addiction, unemployment and poverty crushing my lungs and spirit. For just a nanosecond I felt overwhelmed by hopelessness and despondent over the growing needs in my community. When that second was over the Spirit of God reminded me that... We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. Ahhhh... What a word of comfort!

A ram in the bush

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
Genesis 22:13

For the last week I have been wrestling within myself and diligently seeking God in regards to the area of obedience He is calling me to in this particular space and place in my life. Last week after I returned from Breakthrough's "Breakaway Weekend" I felt even more restless about this notion that has been brewing in my soul. During the series of bible studies facilitated during the weekend there was one session that became haunting. As this pastor took us through familiar passages I felt God doing something new and fresh in my spirit. As we walked through the main events unfolding in 1 Samuel 17, lifting up new incites I was challenged to view the giants in my own life differently. More importantly my response to those giants were challenged.

As women we are often masters of multitasking so we consider it not strange when we are accosted by several giants at once. This season in my life has more than a few giants that need slaying. In fact, I've checked my purse and seem to be missing a few stones already. So, I praise God for the victories we have already won. I have to be honest the giants I'm currently facing seem more appropriate for weapons of mass destruction than single rocks. I have decided to take my eyes off the giants because if I'm honest with myself there really isn't anything else I need to know about them. To continue to keep my focus there could allow me to become totally overwhelmed with their size and complexity. Sisters, you're familiar with the natural tendencies.....no matter how many times you view the account balance next to the bills in your hand it won't change. In fact the bills seem to multiply (lol). Instead I am focusing on what God is speaking during this time. Often there is so much noise around me that I can't say I'm always clear about what God is requiring me to do. Abraham knew that God was calling him to sacrifice his son Isaac. But what act of obedience is God requiring from you and I. What test of faithfulness and obedience am I called to pass before God reveals the ram in the thicket? I can only imagine what Abraham felt as he made his way up the mountain with Isaac probably asking a million questions about the sacrifice. The turmoil he must have felt as he raised his knife but oh the relief he experienced when he heard his name called from the heavens.

David developed a history of victories won with God before Goliath fell to his face in defeat. He knew what is was like to have the victory over situations larger than himself. As a shepherd he was responsible for defending the helpless who lived in a constant state of vulnerability. But David courageously fulfilled his responsibilities. Not because of his power but because of his connection with God. David learned about the power and sovereignty of God at a young age. Therefore he was able to stand before his giants in that power not his own.

As God reveals to all of us the areas He needs obedience from us I hope we'll be able to take inventory of the ways He has delivered in the past and draw strength from that. We'll hear his voice, respond in obedience and see in the thicket the ram He has already provided.

Starting Fresh

I had no idea it had been so long since my last entry. I don't even know where to begin. It's not even possible to play catch up so, we'll just start fresh. Happy New Year! There is hope in the air and promise for a different life loom all around. Isn't it simply amazing how one day on the calendar has the ability to change our thought patterns, habits and activities, even if it's only for a few months. I have to admit that I resolved years ago to give up making New Year resolutions. So, last night as I sat in our end of year service I began to take inventory of the last year. Probably wasn't the best place for introspect since we were supposed to be involved in corporate worship. But, I could not get past how gracious and merciful God has been over the past year. It would take more time than we have to list my gratitude. But let us resolve together to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God!