Treasure Springing Forth
by Sue Kubik
As Spring is here, the season of things coming to life, I think of the beauty and treasure springing forth. Like people and flowers who were buried underground, under the dirt and dead. But now it's time to push through and begin to rise through all that's been keeping you down and hidden. It is your season! As we push through we are growing slowly, we don't come into full bloom overnight but through every step of growth we're becoming more beautiful, reaching towards heaven. As the Son (and sun) shines down and it rains (Living Water), we grow into what He created us to be. Like a flower whether it is a rose or lily etc. we are all different, yet all need the Son and Water to grow and rise, to give beauty, healing, joy and love to those around us or those who look upon us. Like flowers we can withstand the storms that come our way. We may lose a petal but we are not uprooted. We are still grounded with our roots going deep where the seed was first planted. Like God choosing us before we were in our mothers womb.
Only through Christ can the dead be raised. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and in Him all things consist. Apart from Him we are nothing and can't grow without Him. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
There is a treasure in each one of us, underground, waiting to rise above it all for all to see. So know you are His treasure!
PART 3 : THE FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR BOOK FROM BEING MANIFESTED
In part two of this series we talked about the books or scrolls in heaven and what they contain. The books or scrolls are important because they contain our written destinies and Kingdom purposes. Psalm 139:16 says, Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Your book is filled with your days, your activities and what you will accomplish in your life and the kingdom impact God has destined for you.
Romans 8:29-30 says, For whom he foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called, whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these he also glorified.
Before time began, decisions were made in heaven that foretold about you and your destiny. There is a predestined plan for your life and you have a choice to fulfill it or disregard it and go the other way. We are called to discover what is written in our books and there you get a glimpse of what you were made for.
Psalm 40:6-8 says , In the scroll of the book is written of me, and Your law is within my heart. This is a big question some of us have, what is the predestined plan of God for my life ? Psalm 40:6-8 tells us that there is a connection between what is written in your book, and what is written in your heart. Ask yourself, what are my interests, my passions, my dreams ? What makes my heart come alive ? When you discover the passion of your heart, you will begin to discover what is written in your book.
Next part of that scripture says we are justified. The word justified has legal implications. Justified is the stage where we have gone into the courts of heaven and every accusation the devil is using against us is silenced. Accusations are what the enemy uses to keep us from what is written in our books. Have you ever sensed you were created for something bigger than the life you have now ? Have you met resistance stepping into that destiny you know is before you ? What is resisting you are the accusations of the accuser against you in the heavenly courts. Satan knows if you get to live out what is written in your book, you will do massive damage to the kingdom of darkness.
In Hebrews 10:5-7
5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said,“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desire but a body have you prepared for me;6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure . 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
This shows us that Jesus had a book in Heaven that He came into the earth to fulfill. Whether it is on a national level or a personal level. Satan does not want what is in the books of Heaven to become a reality. This is why there was such extreme attempts by satanic powers to keep Jesus from being born on the earth. First the devil tried to exterminate the Jewish race several times. Then he had Herod send out a decree to kill all the babies within Jesus' age. Why was he trying to destroy Him ? He was trying to keep the Word from being made flesh,( John 1 :14 ) Jesus was born and spent the next thirty three years living out what was written of Him in the scrolls in heaven. He lived a life with no sin and revealed to us just how the Kingdom could be manifested here on the earth through us.
The last part of Psalm 40:6-8 says we are glorified. This is where everything you have gone through is working together to propel you into your future. It is speaking about you stepping into all that is written in the books of Heaven about you. Jesus clearly demonstrated for us a life glorified, releasing the realities of the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth everywhere He went.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 18 Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us.
The cross of Jesus was a legal transaction that bought back and reconciled everything back to us that was lost. We must apprehend for ourselves what Jesus legally provided for us.
Colossians 2:13-15 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
John 10:10 says, The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to give you a life in all it's fullness, or another translation says, life more abundantly.
I don't know about you but I want to live in all the fullness Jesus paid to give me. Join me in part 4 as we learn how to contend for our books and all the fullness Jesus paid for.
PART FOUR: CONTENDING FOR YOUR BOOK
In part two of this series we talked about the books or scrolls in heaven and what they contain. The books or scrolls are important because they contain our written destinies and Kingdom purposes. Psalm 139:16 says, Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Your book is filled with your days, your activities and what you will accomplish in your life and the kingdom impact God has destined for you.
Romans 8:29-30 says, For whom he foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called, whom He called, these He also justified, and whom He justified, these he also glorified.
Before time began, decisions were made in heaven that foretold about you and your destiny. There is a predestined plan for your life and you have a choice to fulfill it or disregard it and go the other way. We are called to discover what is written in our books and there you get a glimpse of what you were made for.
Psalm 40:6-8 says , In the scroll of the book is written of me, and Your law is within my heart. This is a big question some of us have, what is the predestined plan of God for my life ? Psalm 40:6-8 tells us that there is a connection between what is written in your book, and what is written in your heart. Ask yourself, what are my interests, my passions, my dreams ? What makes my heart come alive ? When you discover the passion of your heart, you will begin to discover what is written in your book.
Next part of that scripture says we are justified. The word justified has legal implications. Justified is the stage where we have gone into the courts of heaven and every accusation the devil is using against us is silenced. Accusations are what the enemy uses to keep us from what is written in our books. Have you ever sensed you were created for something bigger than the life you have now ? Have you met resistance stepping into that destiny you know is before you ? What is resisting you are the accusations of the accuser against you in the heavenly courts. Satan knows if you get to live out what is written in your book, you will do massive damage to the kingdom of darkness.
In Hebrews 10:5-7
5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said,“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desire but a body have you prepared for me;6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure . 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’”
This shows us that Jesus had a book in Heaven that He came into the earth to fulfill. Whether it is on a national level or a personal level. Satan does not want what is in the books of Heaven to become a reality. This is why there was such extreme attempts by satanic powers to keep Jesus from being born on the earth. First the devil tried to exterminate the Jewish race several times. Then he had Herod send out a decree to kill all the babies within Jesus' age. Why was he trying to destroy Him ? He was trying to keep the Word from being made flesh,( John 1 :14 ) Jesus was born and spent the next thirty three years living out what was written of Him in the scrolls in heaven. He lived a life with no sin and revealed to us just how the Kingdom could be manifested here on the earth through us.
The last part of Psalm 40:6-8 says we are glorified. This is where everything you have gone through is working together to propel you into your future. It is speaking about you stepping into all that is written in the books of Heaven about you. Jesus clearly demonstrated for us a life glorified, releasing the realities of the Kingdom of Heaven into the earth everywhere He went.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 18 Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us.
The cross of Jesus was a legal transaction that bought back and reconciled everything back to us that was lost. We must apprehend for ourselves what Jesus legally provided for us.
Colossians 2:13-15 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
John 10:10 says, The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to give you a life in all it's fullness, or another translation says, life more abundantly.
I don't know about you but I want to live in all the fullness Jesus paid to give me. Join me in part 4 as we learn how to contend for our books and all the fullness Jesus paid for.
PART FOUR: CONTENDING FOR YOUR BOOK
LEARNING THE WAYS OF THE COURTS
PART # 2
In part one of becoming a house of prayer, we learned the three ways that Jesus taught on prayer. He spoke of prayer as flowing from a son in relationship to his loving father. That type of prayer is when we take our own needs to the Father. Then He speaks of intercessory prayer as a friend approaching a friend. This type of prayer is when we come to God as a friend for the needs of my friend.
The third way Jesus taught on prayer was in the setting of a courtroom, Luke 18:1-8. Here this widow is seeking justice from a unjust judge in a court of law. Jesus was teaching them to pray and not lose heart, but He also said " hear what the unjust judge said. " Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out to Him ? I tell you, He will avenge them speedily. " Jesus was trying to show them through this parable to never give up in our praying, but also that this type of prayer takes place in a court of law. He was saying if this woman could get a verdict from an unjust judge, how much more can we come before God the judge and have Him render verdicts because we are His elect.
When we have been praying for something for a long time and not seeing the answers, sometimes it leads to frustration and striving. So sometimes we think we are not doing enough and we pray longer, louder, harder, add fasting, fly flags, dance, somehow thinking things might change by more effort. There is nothing wrong with using these type of things in certain settings, but more effort is not always the answer.
Many times the answer is in the discovering of secrets through revelation, that will bring about a breakthrough. Jesus was unlocking a secret that sometimes our prayers are needed to be taken to the courts of heaven. This widow in Luke 18:1-8 wanted justice from her adversary and she went into the courtroom, not the battlefield.. If you notice the widow never even addressed her adversary. She understood that if the judge rendered a legal verdict, the powers of the adversary would be demolished.
Because this type of prayer takes place in a courtroom, we must learn the spiritual protocol of God's courts. Lawyers go to school for years to learn how to operate within the judicial system. Just like in the courts here on earth, there is a protocol to follow. Presenting evidence, answering accusations, petitions offered, and verdicts rendered.
Jesus understood that we need to secure a verdict in the courts of heaven before rushing out into a battlefield. He shows us this in Revelation 19:11. Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. When the Bible talks about judging, it is a judicial activity. There needs to be a judgment, decision, and a verdict to establish a legal precedent. If we want to get results from the courts of Heaven we need to know how to address the court, present our cases and ask for a verdict. So lets begin .......
Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. This scripture tells us that there are books or scrolls in heaven that must be opened before the court of Heaven goes into session. Once the court is seated the books are opened and the court comes into session. What are these books or scrolls and what is written in them ?
We find the answer to this in Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they were all were written, the days fashioned for me. When as yet there were none of them. God saw you in fleshly form before the earth was formed. He saw the number of your days, your activities and what you would accomplish in your life and the Kingdom impact He destined for you. Before you existed on the earth there was a book written about you in Heaven.
Hebrews 10:5-7 He came into the world and said, sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, " behold I have come, in the volume of the book it is written of Me to do Your will, Oh God. This Scripture tells us that Jesus had a book that chronicled the Kingdom purposes He would fulfill in the earth. Jesus came with a commitment to complete that which had been written in the books of Heaven concerning Him.
John 1:14 says, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus physical birth allowed what was written in His book or scroll to be manifested in the earth. He spent the next 33 years fulfilling what was written of Him.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepare beforehand that we should walk in them.
Psalm 40:7-8 Behold I have come, in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, O God your law is written within my heart.
Anything God ordained is first written in a book in Heaven and when you were born, you began the process of living out our Kingdom purposes in the earth. When we live out what is written in our books, Kingdom influence comes to the earth and Kingdom cultures that look like Heaven are revealed.
Part three : THE FIGHT TO KEEP YOUR BOOK FOR BEING MANIFESTED
Lovely ladies......over the past few months we have heard from various leaders calling us to be a house of prayer. We have also been hearing the word breakthrough being spoken out over us for 2017. This journey is taking me into the Word of God and to discover what exactly is prayer?
God is calling us up higher and He is opening books of revelation so that His Kingdom purposes may fill the earth. Last Tuesday night Susan Morino shared a message and a word from the Lord concerning prayer. I quote her " The Lord told her, " I'm listening, I'm waiting, I'm here. I'm waiting to hear a sound from each of my children. I need them to realize as they seek the meaning of House of Prayer, that I've called them to as an individual, it will lead to an understanding of what I want them to partake in the corporate house of prayer. I want to stretch them and there is a sound that will come from the body that will be unlike anything else that has been heard..... " So pray with me.......Lord we ask for a Spirit of revelation and truth to open our eyes and ears and our understanding into your truths. Amen
PART ONE : So we need to ask some questions, what is prayer ? What happens when we pray ? How did Jesus teach us to pray ? Do we have a clear understanding as to just what is happening in the spirit as we pray ? When we pray we are entering into a spiritual conflict. We are engaging and petitioning God for answers, but at the same time engaging the powers of darkness that want to resist your prayers. Daniel 10:12-14 the angel says to Daniel, " do not fear from the first day your words were heard, and I have come because of your WORDS.
Daniel 10:12-14 is a perfect example of this activity. Daniel prays for 21 days and during this time there is a battle in the heavens holding up his answer. Ask yourself, do you have prayers that you have been praying for years but not seen the answers for ? I know I do. Where is the conflict ? Instead of getting frustrated or putting more effort into doing the same thing over and over again and striving. Lets dig in together to discover the hidden secrets and truths in God's Word that will bring about the breakthrough we need. John 8:32 says......you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
How did Jesus teach us to pray ? In Matthew 6 and Luke 11 Jesus is teaching about prayer. He first speaks about prayer as flowing from the relationship of a son or daughter to a father. Then He taught about prayer as a friend approaching a friend. The third way He taught about prayer was of a widow seeking justice in a courtroom in Luke 18:1-8. The activity of this prayer or encounter takes place in the courtroom. This widow cries out for justice from her adversary. The word adversary in the Greek is anti-dikos which means... one who brings a law suit to deny you your rights.
This is why Jesus was speaking this parable. He was unlocking a secret that some prayers take place in a courtroom. When the widow wanted justice, she didn't go to the battlefield. Jesus never taught about prayer on a battlefield. The widow went to the courtroom. She realized she didn't need to march onto a battlefield and yell at her adversary. She simply needed a verdict from the court and judge. She didn't even address her adversary.
Revelation 12:10 talks about the devil, our accuser who stands before the throne day and night bringing accusations against you. The accuser is bringing charges up against you in a judicial system........so why are we going out unto a battlefield to fight. ? We need to be like the widow in bringing our cases to the courtroom of heaven to judge.
Any adversary that is resisting God's Kingdom purpose for us will have to bow their knee to the verdicts from the courts of heaven. All we need is a legal precedent based on a verdict from heaven and the fight is over. That is good news ! We are on this journey together but we need an understanding of just where are we going. Let's learn how to operate within these courts, learn the language of the courts, and present our cases........ see you in court ! Diane
Watch for part 2...... coming soon !
Matthew 17:20 (AMP) For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
What Does a Breakthrough Look Like?
Many times when I hear the words "break through," I picture doors bursting wide open that were once sealed up, or the smashing of a brick wall...like something you would see from a superhero movie (as my boys love to mimic, "Hulk smash!"). We know as children of God that a "break through" often describes a moment of victory, either in our own lives or in some kind of circumstance connected to us. Breakthroughs resound with joy, healing, revelation and many times bring us to a higher place of faith.
I love break throughs. I love the incredible encouragement they bring. I love those moments when my heart cries out, "Yes! A true shift has happened!"
Some breakthroughs can happen suddenly, or with great momentum. I've witnessed that. Yet, I also believe breakthroughs don't always happen immediately, or over night. Prayer, perseverance and continuous trust in God are all part of the journey leading us to breakthrough moments. We sow precious seeds of faith and prayer into the soil of our lives and our spheres of influence....and then we wait. And wait. And sometimes wait a bit longer. Sometimes for years. Sometimes our tears become like rain, watering our prayers of faith. Our worship opens the window of our hearts to the beautiful warmth of the Son, radiating beams hope within our souls...bringing us the nourishment of God's very presence.
And the seed grows. Slowly. Hidden and unseen. The roots go deeper, developing an incredible system that encompasses absorption, support, nutrient storage and reproduction. The root systems become a true anchor for whatever it is connected to and upholding.... our seeds of faith. What we are hoping for, praying for...believing for. I am reminded of the tap root illustration Pastor Aimee gave us last year at Bible Study, as we are becoming like that tree, "planted by streams of living water." Rooted and established in the incredible love of our Father.
Picture with me a sweet little sunflower shoot, ever so slowly finding it's way through the soil, reaching and reaching upward until the surface opens. Pressing upward, through the dirt...through the surroundings of earthen sod where the seed was first planted. It rises higher....and higher. Then, ever so beautifully, the green color of life emerges. 🌱 I think sometimes a breakthrough looks like that. The incredible process leading to that shoot rising was hidden and unseen, and yet so significant and necessary. Breakthroughs are the harvest of what was planted in faith...and what was developed in the waiting. It remains rooted, yet has risen to meet the atmosphere for which it was designed to thrive. The picture you first saw introducing this blog shows a child, taking delight in a sweet little plant growing. I see in this picture an expression of faith and wonder. You see, even after this little plant has broken through, there is more life to be lived, more growth to take place. In fact, a breakthrough not only represents victory...but a brand new beginning.
That little green shoot will keep rising and is far from finished...
What Does a Breakthrough Look Like?
Many times when I hear the words "break through," I picture doors bursting wide open that were once sealed up, or the smashing of a brick wall...like something you would see from a superhero movie (as my boys love to mimic, "Hulk smash!"). We know as children of God that a "break through" often describes a moment of victory, either in our own lives or in some kind of circumstance connected to us. Breakthroughs resound with joy, healing, revelation and many times bring us to a higher place of faith.
I love break throughs. I love the incredible encouragement they bring. I love those moments when my heart cries out, "Yes! A true shift has happened!"
Some breakthroughs can happen suddenly, or with great momentum. I've witnessed that. Yet, I also believe breakthroughs don't always happen immediately, or over night. Prayer, perseverance and continuous trust in God are all part of the journey leading us to breakthrough moments. We sow precious seeds of faith and prayer into the soil of our lives and our spheres of influence....and then we wait. And wait. And sometimes wait a bit longer. Sometimes for years. Sometimes our tears become like rain, watering our prayers of faith. Our worship opens the window of our hearts to the beautiful warmth of the Son, radiating beams hope within our souls...bringing us the nourishment of God's very presence.
And the seed grows. Slowly. Hidden and unseen. The roots go deeper, developing an incredible system that encompasses absorption, support, nutrient storage and reproduction. The root systems become a true anchor for whatever it is connected to and upholding.... our seeds of faith. What we are hoping for, praying for...believing for. I am reminded of the tap root illustration Pastor Aimee gave us last year at Bible Study, as we are becoming like that tree, "planted by streams of living water." Rooted and established in the incredible love of our Father.
Picture with me a sweet little sunflower shoot, ever so slowly finding it's way through the soil, reaching and reaching upward until the surface opens. Pressing upward, through the dirt...through the surroundings of earthen sod where the seed was first planted. It rises higher....and higher. Then, ever so beautifully, the green color of life emerges. 🌱 I think sometimes a breakthrough looks like that. The incredible process leading to that shoot rising was hidden and unseen, and yet so significant and necessary. Breakthroughs are the harvest of what was planted in faith...and what was developed in the waiting. It remains rooted, yet has risen to meet the atmosphere for which it was designed to thrive. The picture you first saw introducing this blog shows a child, taking delight in a sweet little plant growing. I see in this picture an expression of faith and wonder. You see, even after this little plant has broken through, there is more life to be lived, more growth to take place. In fact, a breakthrough not only represents victory...but a brand new beginning.
That little green shoot will keep rising and is far from finished...
by Erin Paolercio
Psalm 145 God's Greatness (Passion Translation)
King David's poetic song of praise
Psalm 145 starting in verse 3 declares, "Lord You are great, and worthy of the highest praise! For there is no end to the discovery of the greatness that surrounds you. Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness, and discover more of your glory."
As I sat at the piano with this Scripture opened in front of me, I was deeply moved by the powerful truth that I am destined to discover MORE of God's glory! We represent what David prophetically declared...we are the "generation after generation" here and NOW! As we declare more of His greatness, we WILL discover more of His glory! The next verse describes how His "miracles of majesty are my constant meditation." What an awesome challenge, that His majestic miracles be what our thoughts dwell on! I have seen breakthrough after breakthrough in my own life when my gaze is fixed on God's nature and presence. He holds the answers! He holds the power to overcome! And that same power is IN us! I'm just amazed at how He continues unfolding and revealing more and more to us His children. What a good God, what a loving Father. No wonder David continues by saying in verse 8, "You're so kind and tenderhearted to those who don't deserve it...Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness." His love overflows, providing us with more than enough. He is a God of MORE! Even further in verse 19, "Every one of your godly lovers receives even MORE than what they ask for. For you hear what their hearts really long for, and you bring them your saving strength!"
I'm challenged myself, and I want to challenge you today...to see that there is more. More to see in Him today, more to praise Him for...more glory to discover! See that image today of that flooding river of His love, overflowing the banks of your life with His kindness. Be encouraged in the truth that He gives us MORE than we ask for, because it's Who He is. My mind cannot grasp this yet my spirit responds and cries out, "More of You Lord!" Let that be our cry and our prayer as we walk this life out. We are a generation who is destined to see MORE.
by Amy Pasinski
If you have ever been to a 3D bible study or event, you have probably heard the following passage of scripture.
Ezekiel 47:1-12 The Message (MSG) Trees on Both Sides of the River
Early this morning I heard a new song from Bethel Live. As I ran on the treadmill, the presence of God filled my heart once again. It filled it as promised, with new mercies for today. It filled with new hunger, determination to move further away from the shore. It filled my heart with hope and peace that the instant I call upon your name, you show up. It filled my heart in so many ways.
Take a moment to listen, read the lyrics, and hear the heart cry of this song. Thank you Lord, that even at knee depth waters, you keep calling us further. You call us to freedom. You call our hearts to come back to you. You are always calling on us. Always forgiving. Always kind and just. God, we give you our lives this day. We ask for you to take our hand and lead us into deep water, where we can be, beautifully in over our heads. Because that is where you want us to be. Tear down the boxes we have put you in. We give you free reign to move in our lives. You are so good, God.
I have come to this place in my life
I’m full but I’ve not satisfied
This longing to have more of You
I can feel it my heart is convinced
I’m thirsty my soul can’t be quenched
You already know this but still
Come and do whatever You want to
I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where never been
I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind
Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in
Let love come teach me who You are again
Take me back to the place where my heart was only about You
And all I wanted was just to be with You
Come and do whatever You want to
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
[x2] Then You crash over me and I’ve lost control but I’m free
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
And You crash over me, I’m where You want me to be
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
If you have ever been to a 3D bible study or event, you have probably heard the following passage of scripture.
Ezekiel 47:1-12 The Message (MSG) Trees on Both Sides of the River
47 1-2 Now he brought me back to the entrance to the Temple. I saw water pouring out from under the Temple porch to the east (the Temple faced east). The water poured from the south side of the Temple, south of the altar. He then took me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the gate complex on the east. The water was gushing from under the south front of the Temple.
3-5 He walked to the east with a measuring tape and measured off fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet, leading me through water waist-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet. By now it was a river over my head, water to swim in, water no one could possibly walk through..."Early this morning I heard a new song from Bethel Live. As I ran on the treadmill, the presence of God filled my heart once again. It filled it as promised, with new mercies for today. It filled with new hunger, determination to move further away from the shore. It filled my heart with hope and peace that the instant I call upon your name, you show up. It filled my heart in so many ways.
Take a moment to listen, read the lyrics, and hear the heart cry of this song. Thank you Lord, that even at knee depth waters, you keep calling us further. You call us to freedom. You call our hearts to come back to you. You are always calling on us. Always forgiving. Always kind and just. God, we give you our lives this day. We ask for you to take our hand and lead us into deep water, where we can be, beautifully in over our heads. Because that is where you want us to be. Tear down the boxes we have put you in. We give you free reign to move in our lives. You are so good, God.
I have come to this place in my life
I’m full but I’ve not satisfied
This longing to have more of You
I can feel it my heart is convinced
I’m thirsty my soul can’t be quenched
You already know this but still
Come and do whatever You want to
I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where never been
I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind
Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in
Let love come teach me who You are again
Take me back to the place where my heart was only about You
And all I wanted was just to be with You
Come and do whatever You want to
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
Further and further my heart moves away from the shore
Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours
[x2] Then You crash over me and I’ve lost control but I’m free
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
And You crash over me, I’m where You want me to be
I’m going under, I’m in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
Whether I sink, whether I swim
It makes no difference when I’m beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
I’m Beautifully in over my head
Extraordinary Power!
Labels: Bible Study, Holy Spirit, Truth
by Aimee Sych
Hello 3D gals! Our Tuesday evening Bible Study is back up and running with fire after our Holiday break. This season, we have been going through the study of my upcoming book, "For This ... I Bow." It is such vibrant season we are living at 3D, both in the Word and in Spirit! If you haven't joined us yet, don't hesitate! Each study, though part of the series, is independent and stands on its own for anyone to enjoy at any time! So, you can come and go as your schedule permits!
This week our study comes from Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” Adorned with glorious riches, the worshiper stands poised with extraordinary power flowing from their inner being, fueled by the fire of the indwelling Spirit of God."
There is a Covenant for you to enter into today! A covenant with God that is a NEW, fresh, Living Covenant … one not based on Law or human effort, but on grace and favor! This Covenant will lead you into new dimensions that you may have never even imagined. Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, left His Disciples (and generations to come) with a great and precious gift, a power accessible to each one of us! This power is the sign of the New Covenant!
Join us at 3D, this Tuesday at 7pm at The Tab's World Leadership Center. Let's discover this power and come in to greater understanding together, as we see the New Covenant activated in our lives!
This week our study comes from Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” Adorned with glorious riches, the worshiper stands poised with extraordinary power flowing from their inner being, fueled by the fire of the indwelling Spirit of God."
There is a Covenant for you to enter into today! A covenant with God that is a NEW, fresh, Living Covenant … one not based on Law or human effort, but on grace and favor! This Covenant will lead you into new dimensions that you may have never even imagined. Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, left His Disciples (and generations to come) with a great and precious gift, a power accessible to each one of us! This power is the sign of the New Covenant!
Join us at 3D, this Tuesday at 7pm at The Tab's World Leadership Center. Let's discover this power and come in to greater understanding together, as we see the New Covenant activated in our lives!
Stay After It, Sister
Labels: Reflection, Truth, Voice of God
by Amy Pasinski
Hey beautiful ladies. It's a new year. I'm sure we all have different feelings when this time rolls around each January 1st. I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. I AM one to open a new journal and seek God to hear His heart for my life, for the new year. What areas do I need to grow in? Where can I do better? What things do I need to give up, that are not effective uses of my time? How can I be a better version of who God wants me to be...to Him, to my husband..., to my children, to my friends, to my church, to strangers, to my enemies? Most importantly, where do I fit in? Where do you want to use me? Deep stuff, right? We all ask these questions. As I was journaling and studying, I came across this paragraph from Beth Moore. It brought me to tears, and I hope it encourages you all today. We are all in this together.
In this, she is talking about finding our place, our ministry, where we fit in. Look at it as... in 2015....
God is looking to our sincere resolve to do some good in His great name. Stay after it, Sister. Stay willing, stay flexible, and teachable, and God will not let you miss what He put you on this planet to accomplish. If you're on the wrong road, He'll take you to the right place. He will raise you up out of a rubble of confusion, so that you're trained and equipped for works that work." Beth Moore
So, if in this new year, you are searching, it's a good thing. The last thing we ever want to be is, content. We're on a pilgrimage. Stay after it, Sister. Beth Moore
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 MSG
Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time-pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
Hey beautiful ladies. It's a new year. I'm sure we all have different feelings when this time rolls around each January 1st. I am not one to make New Year's Resolutions. I AM one to open a new journal and seek God to hear His heart for my life, for the new year. What areas do I need to grow in? Where can I do better? What things do I need to give up, that are not effective uses of my time? How can I be a better version of who God wants me to be...to Him, to my husband..., to my children, to my friends, to my church, to strangers, to my enemies? Most importantly, where do I fit in? Where do you want to use me? Deep stuff, right? We all ask these questions. As I was journaling and studying, I came across this paragraph from Beth Moore. It brought me to tears, and I hope it encourages you all today. We are all in this together.
In this, she is talking about finding our place, our ministry, where we fit in. Look at it as... in 2015....
God is looking to our sincere resolve to do some good in His great name. Stay after it, Sister. Stay willing, stay flexible, and teachable, and God will not let you miss what He put you on this planet to accomplish. If you're on the wrong road, He'll take you to the right place. He will raise you up out of a rubble of confusion, so that you're trained and equipped for works that work." Beth Moore
So, if in this new year, you are searching, it's a good thing. The last thing we ever want to be is, content. We're on a pilgrimage. Stay after it, Sister. Beth Moore
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 MSG
Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time-pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
Resurrection Sunday
Labels: Presence, Reflection
by Diane Betker
Chestnut Ridge, Resurrection Sunday
After winter one might look around and everything appears to be dead. Everything seems dark and gloomy. We went walking at Chestnut Ridge on Resurrection Sunday. Dead trees had fallen, no longer reaching for the sky. Decaying wood from all of winters storms just seem to lay amongst the ground. Waiting, waiting to become the nourishment, the food for new growth. Under what appears to be dead is new life.
A walk in the woods, what do you see? Where is your focus? Can you see it? Can you feel it? There is new life everywhere. It's where you are looking, sometimes you need to dig beneath the dead stuff to see the new rising! New rising amongst all the yuck. Sometimes in life our past or the things right now that seem so dark are nourishing your future! What I've become is because of my past. The good and the bad has nourished it and gave me this new life, this new life that reaches for the light. He is the light in the darkness. The resurrection life!
Chestnut Ridge, Resurrection Sunday
After winter one might look around and everything appears to be dead. Everything seems dark and gloomy. We went walking at Chestnut Ridge on Resurrection Sunday. Dead trees had fallen, no longer reaching for the sky. Decaying wood from all of winters storms just seem to lay amongst the ground. Waiting, waiting to become the nourishment, the food for new growth. Under what appears to be dead is new life.
A walk in the woods, what do you see? Where is your focus? Can you see it? Can you feel it? There is new life everywhere. It's where you are looking, sometimes you need to dig beneath the dead stuff to see the new rising! New rising amongst all the yuck. Sometimes in life our past or the things right now that seem so dark are nourishing your future! What I've become is because of my past. The good and the bad has nourished it and gave me this new life, this new life that reaches for the light. He is the light in the darkness. The resurrection life!
So as I walked in the woods that day I took a picture of the bright beautiful sun to save for a rainy day. I thought, what a beautiful day it is. Nature always makes me think of Him, the one who holds the Sun in place. The one who made the universe, and yet here I am, here we are, living our lives. If He created all things and all things are beautiful, we are beautiful. This picture lets us know we are never alone on our simple walks in the woods. In the gloom, amongst the dead things, life is all around waiting to show itself!
Run to Him
Labels: freedom, hard times, Holy Spirit, Presence, Truth, Voice of God
by Amy Pasinski
March 16, 2013, during worship Sunday morning. Pastor Aimee began to sing,
"I am running after, running after, running after You. I am running to You, running to You,
running to You."
This is the picture of what God showed me by His Spirit.
There appeared a great multitude of people. They were all different ages and races. Each person was carrying a huge pack on their backs. These were some serious backpacks. Imagine the kind of pack you would take into the woods camping, or something someone in the military would carry. They were large and filled completely. The packs were so big that the posture of each person was hunched over. The weight of the packs would not allow them to stand up straight. I saw Jesus far, far, off in the distance. I saw the radiating light of His glory. His eyes shown bright. At that moment the people began to see Him. They caught a glimpse of His eyes. The people began to walk toward Him. They tried to move faster and slowly tried to jog His way. What they carried on their backs was limiting their ability to quickly get to Him. All of a sudden their desire to get to Him outweighed the need to carry the pack. They finally decided, and simultaneously realized, they didn't need to carry them anymore! Together the people started to rip the packs off of their backs so they could sprint to Him. They realized they just needed to get to Him.
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
God wants to take off the pack you are carrying and give you rest. When we fix our eyes on Him and allow Him to carry the burden for us, we will find rest. The pack may remain full, full of worry, sickness, fear, hurt, brokenness, shame, hopelessness, etc. If we can make a purposed decision to take off the pack and place it at His feet, He will give us rest! When we fix our eyes on God and run to Him, we give Him permission to carry our burden. We are not meant to carry it. He paid the price so we wouldn't have to. As we seek Him and find Him, we discover that He has lightened our packs. God takes the burden and He fills us up with Peace. Rest. Joy. Love. Purpose. Wisdom. Hope. New Vision. New Dreams.
Can we make a decision today to remove the pack that we carry, place it at His feet, and run to Jesus? He wants to fill you with hope.
Psalm 55:22 NKJ
"Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
March 16, 2013, during worship Sunday morning. Pastor Aimee began to sing,
"I am running after, running after, running after You. I am running to You, running to You,
running to You."
This is the picture of what God showed me by His Spirit.
There appeared a great multitude of people. They were all different ages and races. Each person was carrying a huge pack on their backs. These were some serious backpacks. Imagine the kind of pack you would take into the woods camping, or something someone in the military would carry. They were large and filled completely. The packs were so big that the posture of each person was hunched over. The weight of the packs would not allow them to stand up straight. I saw Jesus far, far, off in the distance. I saw the radiating light of His glory. His eyes shown bright. At that moment the people began to see Him. They caught a glimpse of His eyes. The people began to walk toward Him. They tried to move faster and slowly tried to jog His way. What they carried on their backs was limiting their ability to quickly get to Him. All of a sudden their desire to get to Him outweighed the need to carry the pack. They finally decided, and simultaneously realized, they didn't need to carry them anymore! Together the people started to rip the packs off of their backs so they could sprint to Him. They realized they just needed to get to Him.
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
God wants to take off the pack you are carrying and give you rest. When we fix our eyes on Him and allow Him to carry the burden for us, we will find rest. The pack may remain full, full of worry, sickness, fear, hurt, brokenness, shame, hopelessness, etc. If we can make a purposed decision to take off the pack and place it at His feet, He will give us rest! When we fix our eyes on God and run to Him, we give Him permission to carry our burden. We are not meant to carry it. He paid the price so we wouldn't have to. As we seek Him and find Him, we discover that He has lightened our packs. God takes the burden and He fills us up with Peace. Rest. Joy. Love. Purpose. Wisdom. Hope. New Vision. New Dreams.
Can we make a decision today to remove the pack that we carry, place it at His feet, and run to Jesus? He wants to fill you with hope.
Psalm 55:22 NKJ
"Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Come, Like a Child
Labels: Holy Spirit, Praise, Presence, Worship
by Enid Mojica-McGinnis
Matthew 21:15-16
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that Jesus did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
“Do you hear what these children are saying?” They asked Jesus.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,
“‘From the lips of children and infants
you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”
He calls forth this type of spontaneous praise, children praise, the spirit of true praise and worship. In Spirit and in Truth. (I think of the AT&T commercials with children spontaneously speaking. The pleasure we take in that.)
Matthew 9:33
And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”
Mark 2:12
The paralyzed man got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
We are the mouths of babes, when we spontaneously worship The Lord, the song of the redeemed. This is the Perfected praise; man would see it as pathetic, but to The Lord says this is perfected praise. Man would lay out a plan with intellectual means to Build a Tower of Babel. The Lord would desire the tongue of babel from His children.
"The worship of the redeemed."
Isaiah 51:11
Those the Lord has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
I believe we are seeing things, amazing things that we've never seen before! See! The things of The Spirit! An open heaven visible, tangible! So much so that it would overtake us and cause us to spontaneously speak and sing out in notes and songs we never knew were in us. Lord give us eyes to see that will cause us to say things in the natural that are not in the dictionary or within our human language capacity but a catapulting forth, the language of heaven. Set forth Tongues of Fire that will reside above our heads! A new song, a Song of the Spirit which is seen. Involuntary movement and sounds will come forth from a people of praise, a people of worship, true worship. Spontaneous worship. That child within us is coming forth, springing up, overtaken by gladness and joy, with the true babel. Not the Tower of Babel made by man, but the true child will bring forth praise. "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel" The Redeemed! The children! The song of the redeemed! Let the children come unto me and forbid them not! Let them sing forth the song of the redeemed! The sound of heaven!
The Lord would say sing oh daughters of Zion! He will joy over our singing!
Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel;
be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.
The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy:
the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee:
thou shalt not see evil any more.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not:
and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. (Raised hands as a child to the father)
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty;
he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy;
he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
He takes pleasure and opens heaven to see His children spring forth with surrendered hands, spontaneous praise...to see His daughters pour forth true unhindered worship, to hear the sound of Heaven coming forth from Earthen vessels!! Heaven on Earth!!!
Revelation 3:22, 4:1.
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ...after this I looked and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.
And the voice I first heard speaking to me say come up here! ...at once I was in the Spirit! Spontaneous worship!
True Connection
Labels: Presence, relationships
By Erin Paolercio
So, I've got this word "connection" on my mind. Webster defines the word "connect" to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind. That's a simple, straightforward definition. Yet, this definition alone doesn't quite cut it for me. There's more to this word, so I decided to go deeper with it.
As women, we by our very nature long for connection. We desire this to the core. Our beautiful Creator must have had a great purpose in mind when He placed this longing within us. We weren't made to be alone, to walk alone. We were made for more....we were made for connection.
The most beautiful sense of connection I can picture is the kind that brings oneness, especially the true oneness with the heart of Jesus...wow! Connection with His heart is what I long for more than anything. I never feel more complete than when I am resting, walking....living from that place of connection with Him.
What about the hearts all around me? My husband, my children, my family and friends? What about my church and community? What about this prayer Jesus prayed that His body would be one, like He was with His Father? (John 17). Think about it, Jesus, the Son of God, prayed for this! He prayed for connection among His people, for the church yet to come....us!
Sometimes it's so much easier to stay in that place of quiet oneness with The Lord (the ultimate place to be), and yet miss the cry of His heart for true connection with others around us, especially within His body, His family of believers. Let me reiterate from before, we all long for connection, it's how He made us! How beautiful it is to tap deeper into connection with those we are closest to? I think of the book The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. I love this book! I love the one for kids too! I love learning what makes my man and my little men tick, but more so, what makes them feel loved and connected! It's awesome. Now, family comes first, absolutely. What about God's family?
What if I were to seek out God's "love language," if you will? What makes His heart sing? My worship? Yes. My devotion? Absolutely. My connection with the family of God? Deeply so. There is a Greek word that speaks of true fellowship throughout the New Testament. The word is "koinonia," which signifies fellowship with God and bonding with other believers. In John’s first epistle, he tells us how this bond comes about. He writes, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship (koinonia) with us; and truly our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3). Koinonia also carries the meaning of being bonded for a united purpose. How cool is that? Not only are we created for connection, but it carries a purpose. Jesus prayed for this oneness among us, "so that the world may believe You sent me." (John 17:21). A little further He said in verse 23, "that the world will know You sent me, and loved them, even as You have loved me." The Author of love Himself then becomes the greatest Gift of love to us, to the world. How does that speak for your own love language? Just a thought.
Koinonia. Connection. Oneness. We were made for this! Why, because we were made for love...the Father's love, straight from His heart. We were given the ability to express this to one another. In a culture that is dying, the prayer of Jesus remains for His church. If I were to give my own Message Bible version it might read like this, "I want you all to get together, connect, have real fellowship with Me and with each other. Don't hold back because the world needs to see this. It is their window into my heart, how I can draw them closer to Me. For your own sakes and for the world, be one."
Back to the start, connection. A simple word, carrying incredible depth of meaning. For me, my prayer is that as women, we reach even further for connection with our God, within our homes and within our church. I believe that the church united is what will ultimately transform communities, town and cities. Let's connect, in the koinonia sense...bonded for the purposes held within the very heart of Jesus to know Him, and make Him known!!
So, I've got this word "connection" on my mind. Webster defines the word "connect" to join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind. That's a simple, straightforward definition. Yet, this definition alone doesn't quite cut it for me. There's more to this word, so I decided to go deeper with it.
As women, we by our very nature long for connection. We desire this to the core. Our beautiful Creator must have had a great purpose in mind when He placed this longing within us. We weren't made to be alone, to walk alone. We were made for more....we were made for connection.
The most beautiful sense of connection I can picture is the kind that brings oneness, especially the true oneness with the heart of Jesus...wow! Connection with His heart is what I long for more than anything. I never feel more complete than when I am resting, walking....living from that place of connection with Him.
What about the hearts all around me? My husband, my children, my family and friends? What about my church and community? What about this prayer Jesus prayed that His body would be one, like He was with His Father? (John 17). Think about it, Jesus, the Son of God, prayed for this! He prayed for connection among His people, for the church yet to come....us!
Sometimes it's so much easier to stay in that place of quiet oneness with The Lord (the ultimate place to be), and yet miss the cry of His heart for true connection with others around us, especially within His body, His family of believers. Let me reiterate from before, we all long for connection, it's how He made us! How beautiful it is to tap deeper into connection with those we are closest to? I think of the book The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. I love this book! I love the one for kids too! I love learning what makes my man and my little men tick, but more so, what makes them feel loved and connected! It's awesome. Now, family comes first, absolutely. What about God's family?
What if I were to seek out God's "love language," if you will? What makes His heart sing? My worship? Yes. My devotion? Absolutely. My connection with the family of God? Deeply so. There is a Greek word that speaks of true fellowship throughout the New Testament. The word is "koinonia," which signifies fellowship with God and bonding with other believers. In John’s first epistle, he tells us how this bond comes about. He writes, “That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship (koinonia) with us; and truly our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3). Koinonia also carries the meaning of being bonded for a united purpose. How cool is that? Not only are we created for connection, but it carries a purpose. Jesus prayed for this oneness among us, "so that the world may believe You sent me." (John 17:21). A little further He said in verse 23, "that the world will know You sent me, and loved them, even as You have loved me." The Author of love Himself then becomes the greatest Gift of love to us, to the world. How does that speak for your own love language? Just a thought.
Koinonia. Connection. Oneness. We were made for this! Why, because we were made for love...the Father's love, straight from His heart. We were given the ability to express this to one another. In a culture that is dying, the prayer of Jesus remains for His church. If I were to give my own Message Bible version it might read like this, "I want you all to get together, connect, have real fellowship with Me and with each other. Don't hold back because the world needs to see this. It is their window into my heart, how I can draw them closer to Me. For your own sakes and for the world, be one."
Back to the start, connection. A simple word, carrying incredible depth of meaning. For me, my prayer is that as women, we reach even further for connection with our God, within our homes and within our church. I believe that the church united is what will ultimately transform communities, town and cities. Let's connect, in the koinonia sense...bonded for the purposes held within the very heart of Jesus to know Him, and make Him known!!
Forging a Spirit-Led Path
Labels: freedom, frustration, hard times, Holy Spirit, Praise, Presence, Reflection
What I saw this morning....
By Erin Paolercio
As I woke up, the first thought I had was, "More sleep please!!" The morning began, and I thought about what tasks were beckoning me: start the coffee, get the boys clothes ready, make their lunches, gets backpacks organized, etc, etc. Followed by other plans throughout the day, and upcoming week. Suddenly this phrase filled my heart, "You are forge a Spirit led path through the cycles of life." My heart quickened as I remembered the incredible moments of His presence I have been experiencing, especially over the past weeks and this weekend. I remembered the psalm Aimee declared over our church, and how what we have been praying for, crying out for....is in view. And I was able to then pause, and take in His truth and some thoughts I pray will bless your heart today.
Life & creation moves in cycles. The world turns, change, life grows & matures, we age, etc. Sometimes we especially feel this cycle within our own schedules as the hours flow into the next, the routines of daily life swing back around come morning. How about laundry?!? We know how that cycles...clothes get cleaned & folded and the next day they are smothered in chocolate pudding (if you have young kids lol). Women in general also have our lovely monthly cycle which,putting it nicely, is a challenge at times. ;). I could go on & on about cycles.... And yet, our amazing and beautiful God, who set life into motion, is not subject to the cycles of life. He does not bow down to the framework of time and routines. He rules over them, and sometimes invades them. I can't help but think of the scripture in Romans (8:20-21) that says,"The creation was subjected to frustration, not by it's own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.". By His truth I understand that though I am dealing with some of the frustrations that are a part of life, my God wants me to experience His "glorious freedom" within my heart. A glorious freedom declares, "I will forge a Spirit led path through the cycles of life."
In this path I see worship, praise, knowledge of Him, prioritized time in His presence, prayer, fellowship, edifying & encouraging those in my sphere and beyond....it goes on. Yes, the cycles of life may circle around us, but yet we are forging a path. I see this in the Wife of Noble Character, portrayed so beautifully in Proverbs 31. This whole description closes by acknowledging how. "A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.". How does a woman walk victoriously through the cycles, tasks, responsibilities...cycles of life? By fearing the Lord, honoring Him first, prioritizing His presence.....being able to joyfully "laugh at the days to come," as her children feel the overflow of that kind of joy (can I get an amen)?!?
In Psalm 34 David declares how he will "extol the Lord at ALL times," and how "His praise will ALWAYS be on my lips." Further he says in verse 5, "those who look to Him are radiant...". This past Friday night during our special night of worship, I kept hearing these words...."radiating glory.". I believe with all my heart that our church, the of Christ will experience His beautiful radiating glory in the days ahead.
Lord God, may I, we all, forge a Spirit-led path in the midst of all of life's cycles...lead us on by Your truth and presence. May our hearts be prepared and ready for all You desire to unfold to us personally and corporately. Thank You Lord for the awesome reminders You bring to our hearts everyday, and may our lives radiate Your beauty and glory!
Unshakable
Labels: Bible Study, hard times, Truth, Voice of God, Worship
By Erin Paolercio
Hebrews 12:28-29
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Words cannot describe how awesome this past weekend was. The sound of the Kingdom was truly released!! I was so blessed to be a part of that time together, lifting up the name of the Lord in such an incredible way. I felt renewed, and was ready to soar higher than I ever have.
So Monday morning came, with incredible focus and passion within me. I was able to be a part of a special prayer meeting where God continued speaking to my heart regarding our city and region. Then Monday afternoon came, with a phone call. My husband, shared some news with me about someone very close to our hearts. The situation was desperate and nearly tragic, and quite honestly, shook me to the core. My heart was broken, and the only thing I could do was cry out to God and let the tears flow. My mind tried piecing together the cause, the reasons. Then again, my heart said...."Seek His face."
Monday night came, with a very restless sleep. The next day, more phone calls were made with conversations trying to give explanations and answers. As the day went on, I felt this phrase rise up from within me, "unshakable Kingdom." Friday night Bishop Garlington shared his thoughts on sound, how it is "invasive, intrusive and irresistable." He connected that same thought with the Kingdom of God. As I was reminded of this, I added something to his three points...unshakable.
The Kingdom of God is unshakable. The sound of the Kingdom is unshakable. I was reminded that in this life, I will hear many "sounds." I will hear the sound of this present world, which fights against everything God's truth stands for. I will hear the sound of circumstance, which always carries unanswered questions. And sometimes I will hear the sound of heartbreaking news, that touches someone I know and love. These "sounds," are unstable, uncertain...shakable.
And so, the unshakable truth remains and cries out through the darkness. Within my being there is a Kingdom. This Kingdom is ruled by the Spirit and presence of the Living God. Within this Kingdom there is a sound, unshakable. It waivers not, it fails not. It is the sound of truth, life, deliverance, healing and victory. It is the sound of praise...it is the sound of worship unto the King of all Kings. It is with this unshakable sound I can pray into shakable and uncertain situations. It is by this Kingdom I can stand when everything is crumbling all around my feet. It is with this unshakable faith I can walk through trials and know my God is with me...all the way.
By Amy Pasinski
We as women, are rarely without words. I think it's pretty safe to say, we "always" have something to say! If we don't say it out loud, we certainly don't hold back in our heads. Words are the way in which we communicate to one another. What happens then, when we have no words?
I received a phone call from a friend, who's family was facing their darkest battle. She poured her heart out to me, as I inwardly felt like I was going to vomit. As she finished sharing her pain with me there was silence. It was my turn to talk, but I couldn't produce any sound. My mouth felt dry and empty. I was at a complete loss for words. My chest was pounding and my palms were sweaty. All I could manage to utter was, "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say. I'm praying." She thanked me and hung up the phone. I was in my bathroom, because it is the only place I can escape for a few minutes of silence. As I stared at myself in the mirror, I felt angry. "Why didn't you say something? What is wrong with you? You didn't offer her any encouragement or hope!"
"God!?" I cried out. All I could say was, God?! I was silent again. My insides felt like they were forming knots. My heart was still pounding and I began to cry. I was at a complete loss for words. I sat on the cold porcelain tile for a long time, silent. God gently spoke a reminder to me.
Romans 8:26-27 AMP
26 So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.
27And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will.
While I was without words, the Holy Spirit came to my rescue. The infirmities of ourselves and those around us are many and great. So great, that if left to ourselvees we would be overpowered by them. Enter the Holy Spirit, as the enlightening Spirit, who teaches us how to pray, and what to pray for. He is the wellspring of all desires toward God, which are often more than any words can utter. The Spirit who searches our hearts, can perceive the mind and will of the Spirit and advocates our cause. The Holy Spirit makes intercession on our behalf. Our unspeakable yearnings and groanings are made known to God by His Spirit.
If you feel you are without words, rest assured, He hears them. The painful groaning that we can not articulate, God can.
Already All I Need
Labels: pain, Presence, Voice of God, Worship
by Amy Pasinski
Tuesday night, Pastor Aimee talked about the ways that God speaks to us. He speaks to us in the silence, while listening to music, through words from others, and in our dreams. He speaks to us in so many beautiful ways. She further explained that most of us have one dominant way in which we hear him most. Chances are, it is very different than our closest friend.
I was out to dinner with Aimee on Monday night, sharing my heart with her. I have been battling some things inside, which were causing me great turmoil. The most frustrating thing about this, was I could not figure out what I needed to fix it. As I went on in my sharing, I told her that I needed God to just speak to my heart, in some way, and take away that feeling. I needed God to heal the inner turmoil, the questions, and that feeling that I could not articulate. Aimee listened, as she always does, but could not help me through this one. She couldn't help me, because I couldn't even explain the feeling. Have you ever had a yucky feeling that you just couldn't shake? That was me.
The next day I downloaded a new album from iTunes. I put my girls down for a nap, and turned on the following song.
"Asking where You are, Lord. Wondering where You’ve been. Is like standing in a hurricane, trying to find the wind. And hoping for Your mercy to meet me where I am. Is forgetting that Your thoughts for me, outnumber the sand. You filled the sun with morning light. You bid the moon to lead the night. You clothe the lilies bright and beautiful. You’re already all I need. Already everything that I could hope for. You’re already all I need. You’ve already set me free. Already making me. More like You. You’re already all I need. Jesus, You’re already all I need. Walking through this life without Your freedom in my heart. Is like holding onto shackles that You have torn apart. So remind me of Your promises. And all that You have done. In this world I will have trouble. But You have overcome. And every gift that I receive. You determine just for me. But nothing I desire compares with You. In Your fullness. You’re my all in all. In Your healing. I’m forever made whole. In Your freedom. Your love overflows. And carries me. You carry me." Already All I Need, Christy Nockels
BAM! He's already all I need! God sang this song to me. He spoke straight to my heart, the exact thing I cried out for the night before. The feeling lifted immediately. I thanked Him for speaking to my exact need, and for knowing precisely what it was. God speaks to me through worship. Christy Nockels did not sing to me, God did.
How does God speak to you? Do you know? Have you taken the time to learn His voice and the many ways He speaks? There was a time not too long ago, when I felt as if He wasn't speaking to me. I finally listened, and heard Him say, "I'm always speaking. You're not listening." Ouch! The more you tune in and seek Him, the more clearly and easily you will recognize His sweet, still, voice. Soon enough, that's all you will hear!
John 10:27 AMP
27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
Begin to write down the things He speaks to you, or shows you, even if you aren't sure if it is really Him! Use those journals! You will be amazed at the things He will bring to your memory and remind you of. As this happens you will be made confident that you are learning to discern His voice!
Jesus, teach us to listen for you. Teach us to be determined to know your voice so intimately, that it's all we hear! Help us make time in our busy schedules, to focus our full attention on You. Thank you for speaking to us in a multitude of ways. You never cease to amaze us. Speak to us today, Lord. We are listening!
Feel free to post any questions or prayer requests related in the comments below.
Tuesday night, Pastor Aimee talked about the ways that God speaks to us. He speaks to us in the silence, while listening to music, through words from others, and in our dreams. He speaks to us in so many beautiful ways. She further explained that most of us have one dominant way in which we hear him most. Chances are, it is very different than our closest friend.
I was out to dinner with Aimee on Monday night, sharing my heart with her. I have been battling some things inside, which were causing me great turmoil. The most frustrating thing about this, was I could not figure out what I needed to fix it. As I went on in my sharing, I told her that I needed God to just speak to my heart, in some way, and take away that feeling. I needed God to heal the inner turmoil, the questions, and that feeling that I could not articulate. Aimee listened, as she always does, but could not help me through this one. She couldn't help me, because I couldn't even explain the feeling. Have you ever had a yucky feeling that you just couldn't shake? That was me.
The next day I downloaded a new album from iTunes. I put my girls down for a nap, and turned on the following song.
"Asking where You are, Lord. Wondering where You’ve been. Is like standing in a hurricane, trying to find the wind. And hoping for Your mercy to meet me where I am. Is forgetting that Your thoughts for me, outnumber the sand. You filled the sun with morning light. You bid the moon to lead the night. You clothe the lilies bright and beautiful. You’re already all I need. Already everything that I could hope for. You’re already all I need. You’ve already set me free. Already making me. More like You. You’re already all I need. Jesus, You’re already all I need. Walking through this life without Your freedom in my heart. Is like holding onto shackles that You have torn apart. So remind me of Your promises. And all that You have done. In this world I will have trouble. But You have overcome. And every gift that I receive. You determine just for me. But nothing I desire compares with You. In Your fullness. You’re my all in all. In Your healing. I’m forever made whole. In Your freedom. Your love overflows. And carries me. You carry me." Already All I Need, Christy Nockels
BAM! He's already all I need! God sang this song to me. He spoke straight to my heart, the exact thing I cried out for the night before. The feeling lifted immediately. I thanked Him for speaking to my exact need, and for knowing precisely what it was. God speaks to me through worship. Christy Nockels did not sing to me, God did.
How does God speak to you? Do you know? Have you taken the time to learn His voice and the many ways He speaks? There was a time not too long ago, when I felt as if He wasn't speaking to me. I finally listened, and heard Him say, "I'm always speaking. You're not listening." Ouch! The more you tune in and seek Him, the more clearly and easily you will recognize His sweet, still, voice. Soon enough, that's all you will hear!
John 10:27 AMP
27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.
Begin to write down the things He speaks to you, or shows you, even if you aren't sure if it is really Him! Use those journals! You will be amazed at the things He will bring to your memory and remind you of. As this happens you will be made confident that you are learning to discern His voice!
Jesus, teach us to listen for you. Teach us to be determined to know your voice so intimately, that it's all we hear! Help us make time in our busy schedules, to focus our full attention on You. Thank you for speaking to us in a multitude of ways. You never cease to amaze us. Speak to us today, Lord. We are listening!
Feel free to post any questions or prayer requests related in the comments below.
Psalm 89:15-18 Message
15 Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of GOD. 16 Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do--they can't keep it quiet! 17 Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us-- you've been so good to us! We're walking on air! 18 All we are and have we owe to GOD, Holy God of Israel, our King!
Funny how God speaks to us sometimes! This morning I got up early to spend some soaking time with the Lord and I found myself distracted by my cat Ginger. We have two cats: one that we adopted two years ago named Bianca, and another we just adopted few weeks ago named Ginger. What a trip it has been watching two cats battle it out for the territory and for our affection. I remember the first night with the second cat, my other cat who is a typical foreboding personality cat (affection on her terms alone) suddenly decides she is going to sleep with me, on my bed, right next to my head! I thought, "You little stinker, you never wanted to cuddle before ... jealous little thing!" As this relationship has developed over the last few weeks, things have been a roller coaster of funny events. You see, Ginger is the most aggressively affectionate cat I have ever seen, and Bianca still likes interaction with us on her terms yet is jealous of Ginger. Even now, as I lay on the floor of my living room typing this on my iPad, Ginger is rubbing back and forth under my chin, across my arms, shoving her head into my hands to rub, and purring her little heart out. At the same time, I glance up and see Bianca sitting on the stairs, glaring at us with utter distress in her eyes! Ha!
What keeps this cat at bay, jealous as anything, while this new "predator" in her home steals our hearts with all this proactive affection??? Maybe there is a parallel here with our relationship with the Lord? How proactive are we with showering our affection on Him? Are we leaning into Him? Are we seeking His cover, His embrace over our lives? Do we go after Him so much that we "distract" Him from what He is doing at the moment? Or ... are we distant and foreboding, sitting back and watching as others go after Him ... becoming embittered as it seems that God favors them with His presence and favor in their lives????
I love the Message Bible version of this scripture in Psalm 89:15 "Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of GOD!" Do we really know the power of our praise, the proactive pursuit of showering our affection on the Lord? It is literally a "password" into the depths of His presence! We can daily unlock new dimensions of His presence and favor on our lives with this type of praise!
The passage goes on to say in verses 16-17, "Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do--they can't keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us-- you've been so good to us! We're walking on air!" When we pursue His presence in this dimension, our knowledge of Him increases continuously, we know Who He is and what He does! We see things differently and we understand Him more fully because "He has gotten inside of us!" Wow! There is a new spring in our step that comes, regardless of what we are facing in our lives it is as if we are "walking on air!"
This is so much like my little Ginger, she is the happiest cat in town ... there is always a purr in her voice and a rub coming to you when you're in our house! She was talking so loud yesterday that we all said it sounded like she was saying' "Mama!" Ha!
Verse 18 says, "All we are and have we owe to GOD, Holy God of Israel, our King!" Our unfolding divine interchange brings us to such a beautiful, humble recognition that all we are and all we have is because of Him, because of who He is, what He has fashioned for us, and what He pours out upon us as we pursue His heart! I call worship, "the divine exchange," for this very reason. In moments of true worship, we exchange all that we are for all that He is ... what a glorious, continuously unfolding revelation!
Both my cats were rescue cats, but Bianca has been in our home for 2 years now ... perhaps Ginger is so affectionate partially due to her gratefulness in having a family of her own for the first time. It is a fresh experience to her. Bianca was much like that the first few weeks we had her too. I just hope this never grows old with Ginger! She has stolen our hearts! All you animal-lovers out there understand what I'm saying .....
In the same way, may we never become so familiar, so accustomed to God's presence in our lives that we become numb, distant, and passive in our approach of Him! He is worthy of sooooooo much more!!!! Pull out your "password of praise" and go deeply into His presence! He is waiting for you!!!!!
Funny how God speaks to us sometimes ....
Aimee
15 Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of GOD. 16 Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do--they can't keep it quiet! 17 Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us-- you've been so good to us! We're walking on air! 18 All we are and have we owe to GOD, Holy God of Israel, our King!
Funny how God speaks to us sometimes! This morning I got up early to spend some soaking time with the Lord and I found myself distracted by my cat Ginger. We have two cats: one that we adopted two years ago named Bianca, and another we just adopted few weeks ago named Ginger. What a trip it has been watching two cats battle it out for the territory and for our affection. I remember the first night with the second cat, my other cat who is a typical foreboding personality cat (affection on her terms alone) suddenly decides she is going to sleep with me, on my bed, right next to my head! I thought, "You little stinker, you never wanted to cuddle before ... jealous little thing!" As this relationship has developed over the last few weeks, things have been a roller coaster of funny events. You see, Ginger is the most aggressively affectionate cat I have ever seen, and Bianca still likes interaction with us on her terms yet is jealous of Ginger. Even now, as I lay on the floor of my living room typing this on my iPad, Ginger is rubbing back and forth under my chin, across my arms, shoving her head into my hands to rub, and purring her little heart out. At the same time, I glance up and see Bianca sitting on the stairs, glaring at us with utter distress in her eyes! Ha!
What keeps this cat at bay, jealous as anything, while this new "predator" in her home steals our hearts with all this proactive affection??? Maybe there is a parallel here with our relationship with the Lord? How proactive are we with showering our affection on Him? Are we leaning into Him? Are we seeking His cover, His embrace over our lives? Do we go after Him so much that we "distract" Him from what He is doing at the moment? Or ... are we distant and foreboding, sitting back and watching as others go after Him ... becoming embittered as it seems that God favors them with His presence and favor in their lives????
I love the Message Bible version of this scripture in Psalm 89:15 "Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of GOD!" Do we really know the power of our praise, the proactive pursuit of showering our affection on the Lord? It is literally a "password" into the depths of His presence! We can daily unlock new dimensions of His presence and favor on our lives with this type of praise!
The passage goes on to say in verses 16-17, "Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do--they can't keep it quiet! Your vibrant beauty has gotten inside us-- you've been so good to us! We're walking on air!" When we pursue His presence in this dimension, our knowledge of Him increases continuously, we know Who He is and what He does! We see things differently and we understand Him more fully because "He has gotten inside of us!" Wow! There is a new spring in our step that comes, regardless of what we are facing in our lives it is as if we are "walking on air!"
This is so much like my little Ginger, she is the happiest cat in town ... there is always a purr in her voice and a rub coming to you when you're in our house! She was talking so loud yesterday that we all said it sounded like she was saying' "Mama!" Ha!
Verse 18 says, "All we are and have we owe to GOD, Holy God of Israel, our King!" Our unfolding divine interchange brings us to such a beautiful, humble recognition that all we are and all we have is because of Him, because of who He is, what He has fashioned for us, and what He pours out upon us as we pursue His heart! I call worship, "the divine exchange," for this very reason. In moments of true worship, we exchange all that we are for all that He is ... what a glorious, continuously unfolding revelation!
Both my cats were rescue cats, but Bianca has been in our home for 2 years now ... perhaps Ginger is so affectionate partially due to her gratefulness in having a family of her own for the first time. It is a fresh experience to her. Bianca was much like that the first few weeks we had her too. I just hope this never grows old with Ginger! She has stolen our hearts! All you animal-lovers out there understand what I'm saying .....
In the same way, may we never become so familiar, so accustomed to God's presence in our lives that we become numb, distant, and passive in our approach of Him! He is worthy of sooooooo much more!!!! Pull out your "password of praise" and go deeply into His presence! He is waiting for you!!!!!
Funny how God speaks to us sometimes ....
Aimee
Of all the series of messages I’ve taught at 3D on Tuesday evenings, this series, “Dressed to Kill” has been my favorite .... by far! Perhaps it is because of the endless rich truths in this incredible Epistle, or perhaps it is because I have found in these pages the true source of my identity in Him. Maybe it is the portion on worship, which is why I was created ... or the incredible provision and protection we find in taking up the armor of God. Whatever the reason, these 24 teachings have changed my life as much or probably more than they did the ladies of 3D. Here are some of my favorite truths we learned:
“We are to walk as divine, in human form!” ALS
The Christian really operates in two spheres: the human and the divine, the visible and the invisible. Physically, he is on the earth in a human body, but spiritually he is seated with Christ in the heavenly sphere — and it is this heavenly sphere that provides the power and direction for the earthly walk.
“If children, now heirs”
Membership in God's family brings privileges that boggle the mind. All God's children are heirs of God. An heir, of course, eventually inherits his father's estate. That is just what is meant here. All that the Father has is ours. And we are joint heirs with Christ – we share in His Finished work & in His Kingdom reign.
“Grace is lavished on us”
The original greek word for lavished means to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also to cause to superabound or excel! This tells us that: we super-abound in the quantity & quality of grace; we have grace in excess & abundance,
no matter what, “we have enough to spare”; we are forever increasing in grace; we forever remain in grace … are positioned in grace!
Law vs. Grace
Paul’s epistles so clearly describe the difference between living under the law vs. living under grace. Paul was given the task of “educating” believers on how to live under the New Covenant. He put form to the results of the work of Calvary, and built the foundation of the New Testament church on “Grace”. In our study, we charted the differences between law and grace, such as: under the law you had to achieve blessings, under grace the blessings are unearned and unmerited. The law cannot be fulfilled be human effort, but Jesus came and fulfilled the requirements of the law. The law is never a finished work, but Grace is a finished work. The law demands righteousness, Grace imparts righteousness. Under the law, there is condemnation, but under grace, Jesus paid it all to liberate us! And perhaps my favorite: under the law we are dominated by its demands, but under the grace, we have dominion!
The Mysteries of God
The New Testament denotes the term “mysteries” being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by divine revelation. It is revealed in a manner and a time appointed by God and to those who are illumined by His Holy Spirit. Ordinarily the term is used of knowledge withheld, but Scripturally the term is used of truth revealed! New Testament terms associated with the mysteries of God, “made known, manifested, revealed, preached, understand.” Paul speaks of this mystery being hidden from past generations ... Why ???? Well, it is because of the Old vs. New Covenant! Until Christ died, there was no inward work of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom within the life of the believer! But ... It’s a new day, baby!!!! Paul declares that they are Manifested – to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown - To His Saints – the consecrated … identified as holy, holy ones, the Holy place, most holy, sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. That’s who we are! The Saints, the conscreated ones ... His mysteries are made manifested to those consecrated to His sanctuary!!! The Spirit initiates the perception and apprehension of spiritual truths, they become visible and known to us as we consecrate ourselves in the Holy of Holies!
“For this reason, I bow ...”
After all this incredible revelation Paul pours out of our position in Christ, in the New Covenant, in chapters 1-3, He then moves into a passage on Worship! I love the breakdown of Eph 3:14-21, here we discovered many “heart motives of the true Worshiper” such as:
- A WORSHIPER UNDERSTANDS THE POWER OF BOWING HIS KNEE
- A WORSHIPER HAS POWER IN THE INNER MAN
- A WORSHIPER IS FREE
- A WORSHIPER HAS HOLY CONFIDENCE
- A WORSHIPER KNOWS THE POWER OF UNIFIED WORSHIP
- A WORSHIPER HAS THE POWER TO GRASP
- A WORSHIPER’S EXPERIENCE SURPASSES HIS KNOWLEDGE
- A WORSHIPER IS ALWAYS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FILLED TO THE
FULLNESS OF THE REVELATION OF GOD, EVERYDAY!!!
- A WORSHIPER IS TOTALLY ABANDONED
- A WORSHIPER HAS REALIZED THE POWER OF THE ASCENT
- A WORSHIPER IS MOTIVATED BY THE EXPECTANCY OF GLORY
- A WORSHIPER IS DEEPLY PASSIONATE TO DO ANYTHING TO ACCOMPLISH
THIS END ... The Glory Revealed IN The Church !!!!
“In the Spirit”
As Paul proceeds with the second half of the book of Ephesians, he really plays out how to practically apply the revelation he taught in the first half of the book. He begins with the priority of UNITY in the Body of Christ. He tells us of the grace He gives to us that empowers us to walk in unity. He gives us the grounds for unity, what truly unites us. He reveals the gifts God has given to the body to guide us into a demonstration of unity ... the 5-fold ministry gifts. Paul then closes this section with the growth and the evidence of unity in the body ... how we demonstrate that we have grown into unified body! When we truly understand that this was Christ’s greatest desire for his people, we can see why Paul so emphasized this calling for us!
“Dressing to Kill”
We spent the last 2 months of this series really digging into our collateral textbook, “Dressed to Kill” by Rick Renner. We discovered an incredible picture on what it means to put on each piece of the armor of God. I loved the historical understanding we gained on each piece of weaponry and how it parallels the spiritual aspect of it’s usage and purpose. We now know how to walk in everything from KILLER SHOES to a blinged out breastplate, to an intricate helmet!!!! WE even know how to launch both a short range and long range weapon to annihilate the enemy and all his tactics!
I don’t know about you, but my goal in life right now is to expose the enemy’s tactics and equip a body to not only defend themselves but to offensively take their place as a new breed of people that will walk and live in a royal, victorious fashion ... knowing who they are IN CHRIST, in His grace and in His Kingship!
And by the way .... you are lookin’ good in those Killer Clothes!!!!!!!
3D Woman 2016-17
