Picked up and read Genesis 22 again today.
I asked the Lord to illuminate anything that I needed to see or hear...
Sure enough, right away, the Lord spoke.
The very first verse in Genesis 22 is: "Later on God tested Abraham's faith and obedience."
Then the Lord spoke to me and said: "You are in a time of testing."
Ya know what? That makes sense. Lately things have been coming up and temptations have been coming out of no where. Things that I have dealt with in the past seem to be jumping out around corners and waving it's arms in my face saying; "Over here, over here!!"
I continue to put up my fists and fight yet I have to keep on throwing punches. It gets tiring I might add!
So as soon as I read this first verse in Genesis 22, I related. I'm in a time where God wants me to hold up strong against this time of testing. My faith and obedience is being tested. I want to come out on top and then some... like on mountainTOP, ha.
Ah yes, and to add to this, the type of testing Abraham went through was-- God asked for a BIG HUGE sacrifice. He didn't just say "Sacrifice that extra big bird over there." The Lord asked for Abraham's son! Geesh, that is a huge sacrifice, yet Abraham stood strong through it and did what the Lord asked-- up until God let Isaac off the hook. Abraham was tested and proved to be faithful and obedient. Then God blessed Abraham big time.
Hum, so I am in a place of testing-- and in that testing God is asking for some sacrifices.
I want to come out faithful and obedient to my Lord.
Deep Peace.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Mountaintop
Lately God has really been speaking to me about Moutaintops..
Well actually I have heard that word a lot and then the Lord asked me to do some research on it-- so I did.
You see, for about a month God has been speaking to me about His promises. Of course Abraham came up through that time, and I have been on this kick about Abraham being so patient as he waited about 20 something years to see ANY of the Lord's promises from in Genesis 22.
Okay so about the Mountaintops.. The Lord asked me to look up places in the Bible where mountaintop, or mountain is found. I began with that. A handful of them did not fit and then there it was. Genesis 22. "Abraham named the place "The LORD Will Provide." This name has now become a proverb: "On the MOUNTAIN of the LORD it will be provided." Then the Lord goes on to share his promises with Abraham..
This verse jumped out at me. Here's what the Lord spoke to me a few days ago:
"I will bring you to the top of the mountain where I will fullfill my promises."
Well, well...
I didn't even connect this with the Abraham kick I have been on...
You see the connection?
God brought Abraham to give up his one and only son on the mountain.. God tested Abraham's faithfulness.
Then God sees Abraham's faithfulness and provides a ram instead of his son to be sacrificed.
He provided.
Then God's promises are revealed to Abraham.
So you see, God brings us to the mountaintop to test our faithfulness...
BUT when we are faithful God provides on the mountain..
God also reveals his promises on the mountain..
Yeah...hope you get some of my ramblings.
Deep Peace.
Well actually I have heard that word a lot and then the Lord asked me to do some research on it-- so I did.
You see, for about a month God has been speaking to me about His promises. Of course Abraham came up through that time, and I have been on this kick about Abraham being so patient as he waited about 20 something years to see ANY of the Lord's promises from in Genesis 22.
Okay so about the Mountaintops.. The Lord asked me to look up places in the Bible where mountaintop, or mountain is found. I began with that. A handful of them did not fit and then there it was. Genesis 22. "Abraham named the place "The LORD Will Provide." This name has now become a proverb: "On the MOUNTAIN of the LORD it will be provided." Then the Lord goes on to share his promises with Abraham..
This verse jumped out at me. Here's what the Lord spoke to me a few days ago:
"I will bring you to the top of the mountain where I will fullfill my promises."
Well, well...
I didn't even connect this with the Abraham kick I have been on...
You see the connection?
God brought Abraham to give up his one and only son on the mountain.. God tested Abraham's faithfulness.
Then God sees Abraham's faithfulness and provides a ram instead of his son to be sacrificed.
He provided.
Then God's promises are revealed to Abraham.
So you see, God brings us to the mountaintop to test our faithfulness...
BUT when we are faithful God provides on the mountain..
God also reveals his promises on the mountain..
Yeah...hope you get some of my ramblings.
Deep Peace.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Billowing smoke
Today was something to remember...
After going to Westminster Corps for the Sunday morning service, we were invited to head over to the Captain's house for lunch. There was a big group of us... 9 in all.
As a handful of us were sitting in the livingroom waiting to be called to the table, the room began to fill with smoke...
No one was really bothered by it at first-- then my eyes started to burn, and then another persons and then another...
We were called to the table, every one with burning, tear filled eyes.
The smoke continued to get worse!
We all had tears running down our faces with loud coughs in between. We were all laughing about the situation and enjoying the delicious food...
It turns out the oven was on self-clean mode, and it was quite dirty and burning everything to a crisp-- hence the smoke EVERY WHERE!
So we opened a few windows-- while it was snowing out-- and then laughed and said "This is sure going to be a memory.."
The thing was, we could all laugh about it and have a good time.
I like friends and community: Take it as it is.
Deep Peace.
After going to Westminster Corps for the Sunday morning service, we were invited to head over to the Captain's house for lunch. There was a big group of us... 9 in all.
As a handful of us were sitting in the livingroom waiting to be called to the table, the room began to fill with smoke...
No one was really bothered by it at first-- then my eyes started to burn, and then another persons and then another...
We were called to the table, every one with burning, tear filled eyes.
The smoke continued to get worse!
We all had tears running down our faces with loud coughs in between. We were all laughing about the situation and enjoying the delicious food...
It turns out the oven was on self-clean mode, and it was quite dirty and burning everything to a crisp-- hence the smoke EVERY WHERE!
So we opened a few windows-- while it was snowing out-- and then laughed and said "This is sure going to be a memory.."
The thing was, we could all laugh about it and have a good time.
I like friends and community: Take it as it is.
Deep Peace.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Re-Connect
Yesterday I caught up with some old friends...
I haven't talked with them in about 4 years, wow.
Our communication over the years hasn't been too great either.
But even though we didn't talk all the time, they came to my mind quite often. I often thought back about are years in New Jersey.
Funny isn't it? We often grow up and go through our school years with some of the same people... and yet after leaving school your relationship with those people grows thin.
Even though some of your best years were spent with those people-- your growing years.
Re-connecting with these two people who were my Best Friends through Middle School and High School has encouraged me to keep in touch with people. I don't want to say "Hey, it's been a long time, like what, 4 years?!" I would much rather keep invested in the lives I have invested in.
You can't with every one, that's true-- BUT you can with the ones you should.
I'm thankful for the friends that God has placed in my life throughout the years.
Deep Peace.
I haven't talked with them in about 4 years, wow.
Our communication over the years hasn't been too great either.
But even though we didn't talk all the time, they came to my mind quite often. I often thought back about are years in New Jersey.
Funny isn't it? We often grow up and go through our school years with some of the same people... and yet after leaving school your relationship with those people grows thin.
Even though some of your best years were spent with those people-- your growing years.
Re-connecting with these two people who were my Best Friends through Middle School and High School has encouraged me to keep in touch with people. I don't want to say "Hey, it's been a long time, like what, 4 years?!" I would much rather keep invested in the lives I have invested in.
You can't with every one, that's true-- BUT you can with the ones you should.
I'm thankful for the friends that God has placed in my life throughout the years.
Deep Peace.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Messy Shoes..
Living in a community can be a messy thing-- would you agree?
Especially when it is mid-winter..
You have a big cell group coming over, which means a whole lot of shoes. Dirty shoes that it. As people pile in you see puddles begin to seep all over the place; along with the dirt and snow salt...
I'm always trying to think of some way to keep the floor all clean. Like ripping open a GIANT garbage bag and then placing it on the floor to put shoes on. Yeah, it worked for a bit, then when you have this giant garbage bag at the end to deal with-- you pick it up and the water and who-knows-what goes ALL over the floor. Just the thing you were trying to prevent.
BUT ya know what...
Through all of this extra clean up, I wouldn't trade it for anything. For the gathering of friends all in one room to build one another up, and to see the Kingdom of God expand... Sweet.
Like all of those shoes gathering, the water grows and grows. Like the Kingdom of God, the more people that are joining into the Kingdom of God-- the more people that are filled with the Spirit walking around on the streets grows and grows. Nice.
So as messy as community can be now and again-- that's the life we are called to live, and that's just where I want to be.
Deep Peace.
Especially when it is mid-winter..
You have a big cell group coming over, which means a whole lot of shoes. Dirty shoes that it. As people pile in you see puddles begin to seep all over the place; along with the dirt and snow salt...
I'm always trying to think of some way to keep the floor all clean. Like ripping open a GIANT garbage bag and then placing it on the floor to put shoes on. Yeah, it worked for a bit, then when you have this giant garbage bag at the end to deal with-- you pick it up and the water and who-knows-what goes ALL over the floor. Just the thing you were trying to prevent.
BUT ya know what...
Through all of this extra clean up, I wouldn't trade it for anything. For the gathering of friends all in one room to build one another up, and to see the Kingdom of God expand... Sweet.
Like all of those shoes gathering, the water grows and grows. Like the Kingdom of God, the more people that are joining into the Kingdom of God-- the more people that are filled with the Spirit walking around on the streets grows and grows. Nice.
So as messy as community can be now and again-- that's the life we are called to live, and that's just where I want to be.
Deep Peace.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Better Days
Well things seem to be picking up since the last time I blogged.
I was in a bit of a rough patch and now it seems that the Lord has pulled me through, with the help of friends and family around me.
I've started a few classes at the YMCA-- I'll tell ya what excersise sure seems to pick up your day. It give me more energy and I feel better about this "Earthly vessle"...
PLUS, it seems that I may be able to connect with some people in these classes. It feels good.
Um, yeah..
So I'm feeling better and my schedule seems to have more in it. This helps me to keep my focus on mission and what we are really here for. Praise the Lord!
More later...
Deep Peace.
I was in a bit of a rough patch and now it seems that the Lord has pulled me through, with the help of friends and family around me.
I've started a few classes at the YMCA-- I'll tell ya what excersise sure seems to pick up your day. It give me more energy and I feel better about this "Earthly vessle"...
PLUS, it seems that I may be able to connect with some people in these classes. It feels good.
Um, yeah..
So I'm feeling better and my schedule seems to have more in it. This helps me to keep my focus on mission and what we are really here for. Praise the Lord!
More later...
Deep Peace.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
What's Missing?
Last night and into today I seem to be struggling with excitement.
I don't see the excitement in my life these days. I suppose I am getting a bit bored with the same old, same old.
My marriage is great and my friends are great... I just seem to be lacking- something.
My thoughts can't help but wander back into the day when I seemed to have fun.
I'm wrestling through an exciting life following Christ. I'll tell ya, I don't seem to be living quite that at the moment. I want to, but I am not quite sure how to right now.
It seems I am fighting more often than not and I don't have the strength to keep on fighting.
Well there's some rambling on for ya.
I continue to pray and press on BUT I feel some thing is for sure missing...
Deep Peace.
I don't see the excitement in my life these days. I suppose I am getting a bit bored with the same old, same old.
My marriage is great and my friends are great... I just seem to be lacking- something.
My thoughts can't help but wander back into the day when I seemed to have fun.
I'm wrestling through an exciting life following Christ. I'll tell ya, I don't seem to be living quite that at the moment. I want to, but I am not quite sure how to right now.
It seems I am fighting more often than not and I don't have the strength to keep on fighting.
Well there's some rambling on for ya.
I continue to pray and press on BUT I feel some thing is for sure missing...
Deep Peace.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Refreshing Springs
Lately I've felt refreshed.
I like these days.
Although the days where things are refreshing-- it seems you have to stand up against more junk that the enemy has to throw at you.
God gives us strength.
Deep Peace.
I like these days.
Although the days where things are refreshing-- it seems you have to stand up against more junk that the enemy has to throw at you.
God gives us strength.
Deep Peace.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Rich Reading
Went to God's house on Sunday-- how sweet it was. The Major spoke on prayer, and humbling ourselves-- to cut it short. At the end of the speak he challenged every one in the congregation to kneel down and humble ourselves.
Just about every one went straight down on their knees. There was even a man up front weeping and repenting on the church's behalf. The beginning of Revival if I've ever seen one!
Then I stumbled upon their library that night...
Picked up 2 books by Samuel Logan Brengle-- good food.
Here's a little bit from his book "The Way of Holiness":
"A spark from the fire is like the fire. The tiniest twig on the giant oak, or the smallest branch of the vine, has the nature of the oak or the vine, and is in that respect like that oak or the vine. A drop of water on the end of your finger from the ocean is like the ocean: not in its size, of course, for the big ships cannot float upon it nor the big fishes swim in it; but it is like the ocean in its essence, in its character, in its nature. Just so, a holy person is like God. Not that he is infinite as God is; he does not know everything; he has not all power and wisdom as God has; but he is like God in all his nature. He is good and pure and loving and just , in the same way that God is." - Samuel Logan Brengle
This guy totally speaks my language. Rich stuff.
Deep Peace.
Just about every one went straight down on their knees. There was even a man up front weeping and repenting on the church's behalf. The beginning of Revival if I've ever seen one!
Then I stumbled upon their library that night...
Picked up 2 books by Samuel Logan Brengle-- good food.
Here's a little bit from his book "The Way of Holiness":
"A spark from the fire is like the fire. The tiniest twig on the giant oak, or the smallest branch of the vine, has the nature of the oak or the vine, and is in that respect like that oak or the vine. A drop of water on the end of your finger from the ocean is like the ocean: not in its size, of course, for the big ships cannot float upon it nor the big fishes swim in it; but it is like the ocean in its essence, in its character, in its nature. Just so, a holy person is like God. Not that he is infinite as God is; he does not know everything; he has not all power and wisdom as God has; but he is like God in all his nature. He is good and pure and loving and just , in the same way that God is." - Samuel Logan Brengle
This guy totally speaks my language. Rich stuff.
Deep Peace.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Applying AGAIN.
It feels great to be getting back into the groove of reading the Scriptures. I mean, I was reading the Word, don't get me wrong BUT I didn't have any read consistancy. I like to have consistancy. Consistancy is really a Discipline, isn't it?
I feel like God is answering some prayers around here-- and in me. Praise Yah!
Now all I need is that Permanent Residency stuff to come through and I'm laughin'!
Oh yeah, and in case you have been following my Residency stuff... I have to apply YET AGAIN for an extention of stay as a visitor in Canada. Geesh, this is a long and grueling process BUT those of you who may need help with Canadian Government papers in the future-- I can help you out, by then end of this I'm going to be a PRO. I can't figure out yet if that is something I will be proud of...
It is sure teaching me a whole lot of patience.
God is Faithful.
Deep Peace.
I feel like God is answering some prayers around here-- and in me. Praise Yah!
Now all I need is that Permanent Residency stuff to come through and I'm laughin'!
Oh yeah, and in case you have been following my Residency stuff... I have to apply YET AGAIN for an extention of stay as a visitor in Canada. Geesh, this is a long and grueling process BUT those of you who may need help with Canadian Government papers in the future-- I can help you out, by then end of this I'm going to be a PRO. I can't figure out yet if that is something I will be proud of...
It is sure teaching me a whole lot of patience.
God is Faithful.
Deep Peace.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Bigger and Bigger
I would have to say it was really nice to have the phone ringing off the hook last night--
It was ringing off the hook with people who wanted to be let in for our cell group (small group).
I sat back as people began to flow into our home and looked back on when there were just a handful of us. God is good.
We watched the last video of the Rob Bell Nooma series, called Breathe. It's intesnse, I recommend watching it if you have the opportunity.
God gives us life.
Shalom.
It was ringing off the hook with people who wanted to be let in for our cell group (small group).
I sat back as people began to flow into our home and looked back on when there were just a handful of us. God is good.
We watched the last video of the Rob Bell Nooma series, called Breathe. It's intesnse, I recommend watching it if you have the opportunity.
God gives us life.
Shalom.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Refining, HOT, fire
Last night. . .
Had a good cry. I always feel better after a good cry.
It is really hard living here in London. God wants us here, we know it wouldn't be easy BUT we also didn't know it was going to be this hard.
I struggle with who I am. I am seeing a lot of things that I don't like about myself, that is not Christlike. It also seems like since we have been here in London there are times when I am not myself at all. I don't like that. I'm working through them as best as I know how and as God's timing allows. I suppose a sort of 'refining fire' time. The heat gets turned up.
Now don't get me wrong, there are great things going on as well. I am just walking through a shedding of old-self, still.
Hoping for some more Freedom to fall quickly.
Shalom.
Had a good cry. I always feel better after a good cry.
It is really hard living here in London. God wants us here, we know it wouldn't be easy BUT we also didn't know it was going to be this hard.
I struggle with who I am. I am seeing a lot of things that I don't like about myself, that is not Christlike. It also seems like since we have been here in London there are times when I am not myself at all. I don't like that. I'm working through them as best as I know how and as God's timing allows. I suppose a sort of 'refining fire' time. The heat gets turned up.
Now don't get me wrong, there are great things going on as well. I am just walking through a shedding of old-self, still.
Hoping for some more Freedom to fall quickly.
Shalom.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Add on for today
"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plent or little." - Philippians 4:12
Great verse to live up to.
Thanks Josh.
Shalom.
Great verse to live up to.
Thanks Josh.
Shalom.
Just me.
In the New Year I continue to ask the LORD for some stripping of my heart.
I have been blessed to meet up with family over these past few weeks. God is good.
I am moving forward still trying to sort out what my place is here in London. I know what I love to do yet I struggle find doors to walk through.
I'll tell ya what..
I am really missing big community. We are still building on that here and it can be hard.
My heart longs for some lady friends... may sound silly but it's true.
Through it all I am taken care of and blessed.
Shalom.
I have been blessed to meet up with family over these past few weeks. God is good.
I am moving forward still trying to sort out what my place is here in London. I know what I love to do yet I struggle find doors to walk through.
I'll tell ya what..
I am really missing big community. We are still building on that here and it can be hard.
My heart longs for some lady friends... may sound silly but it's true.
Through it all I am taken care of and blessed.
Shalom.
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