Aim for Heaven

Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not... a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is.

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next... It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth "thrown in": Aim at earth and you will get neither."
-C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

Voice of the Martyrs

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

So easy to forget that our bodies are wasting away while we are here. Morbid... but true. The only renewing we have is in Christ/spiritually/inwardly. Outwardly in every form we are living in imperfect tents awaiting what is to come in Christ. This is just not the place they were created for. So until the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Lamb (Revelation 5) comes back to have complete rule and kingship- Romans 8 says that we will groan and long for what is to come.

But we can forget that this is not the place to set up our kingdoms... It is the place to long for, welcome in, pray earnestly for, work toward, anticipate, and bring glory to the Kingdom of the One who will soon reign. It's time I lay down the crown I feel so entitled to wear... Lay it down at the feet of the only One worthy to wear it.

Lord, remind us that this is not it. This life, this great life overflowing with one blessing after another from your gracious hand is a plot, a ground, a time to give glory and honor to our God. May we not lose heart in the waiting. We anticipate the day when our jaws will drop in your presence and we will then see "THIS is our God!"


- I wrote this as I sat reading a Voice of the Martyrs update. This email was so hard to read as a mother, thinking about your child ever being tortured. And of course, I wandered- Why? And then He reminded me of the verse from this morning... That there is a greater glory at stake. What we see now is temporary so we hope for what is eternal in Christ.

http://www.salememail.com/specialoffers/VOM_Persecution/VOM_persecution_watch_full.aspx?id=2

The Groaning in the Waiting

As I woke this morning, snuggled up with my three and a half year old, my heart felt strangely heavy within. I couldn't put my finger on it. As I scanned our day and the joy of the upcoming weekend, I could not for the life of me understand the tension & frustration within my spirit. The joy that I should have woken with lay masked beneath layers of discontent & longing.

Longing for what?

As joy seemed so distant, I quickly opened to words of truth to help make out the confusion.

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:22-23)

The New Living Translation says:

"And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)"

And in this the Lord reminded me. There ought to be a groaning. There ought to be greater longing for the "release from sin & suffering" that is to come. We have been given a "foretaste of future glory". For right now we see in part, but soon we will see & know fully.

I suspect that if there were no longing, no eager hope & expectation, we would indeed have staked our citizenship in the wrong land. We have far too long made earth our home, forgetting that this is our temporal plot to bring glory to our Creator.

In that reminder Christ graciously reassured that the longings will remain. This- He reminded me- is precisely why He has called us to put our hope in HIM and not in any earthly thing. No person or thing can bear the weight of my expectation. The idol will come tumbling down.

Seek Me.

Let Me fill your cup.

Enjoy the gifts I have given & the blessings at hand... but know that they are but a foretaste.

Giving & Prayer

As I am reading How to Pray (R. A. Torrey), he goes through several hindrances to our prayers being heard & answered. Proverbs 21: 13 says "Whoever stops his ear at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."

Torrey goes on to say that "there is perhaps no greater hindrance to prayer than stinginess" and reminds that with the same measure we use, it will be used with us as well (Luke 6:38).

"Many a man and woman who is seeking to find the secret of their powerlessness in prayer need not seek far, it is nothing more nor less than downright stinginess. George Mueller was a mighty man of prayer because he was a mighty giver. What he received from God never stuck to his fingers; he immediately passed it on to others."

Oh Lord refine my heart. Remind me that I am a manager of your wealth... It was never intended to be mine, to be hoarded. Break my fingers that they be released from all that I am gripping ever so tightly.

Jesse Tree

Looking for a family Christmas tradition? This is one we started with our family last December and loved it. It is called a Jesse Tree & is THE best advent waiting calendar I have yet to see. This advent calendar starts in Genesis with the story of creation (on December 1st) and goes through the Old Testament until December 25th, when you celebrate the birth of Jesus.

It can be easy to view the birth of Jesus as an isolated story... All the while missing out on the grand story of redemption that God has been writing since creation. For after sin entered in the Garden, God has been wooing the hearts of His children back to Him. We can see this all throughout the Old Testament as God prepares the way for His Son.

Hebrews makes it clear that the endless, daily sacrifices that were offered up could never cleanse the conscience or make perfect. (Hebrews 9:9, 10:1-4, 11-12) But God had a plan... A better plan than the sacrificial system that could finally reconcile a sinful people with a holy God.

Enter Jesus. The spotless Lamb whose blood does cover. Blood that once for all would be sufficient. No more living with guilt. No more condemnation. No more sacrifices in hopes of being "okay" for that day. No more veil to keep us from the Holy of Holies- the very presence of God.

Through the birth, life, death & resurrection of Christ, we now have right standing with God. The story of the babe in the manger is huge. For this is the life that brought us life.

Join us in making a Jesse Tree this December as we anticipate "The Word made flesh who made his dwelling among us." (John 1:14)

Making A Jesse Tree:

1. For each of the 25 Days of Advent, you will make an ornament for your tree. For example, Day One is a SUN for creation, Day Two is a MAN for Adam, Day Three an APPLE.... You can be as creative as you want with your ornaments. We've added googley eyes to our animals & people- just for a fun extra effect the kids enjoy. Make your ornaments as basic or elaborate as you'd like them to be.

2. Starting on December 1st, read the scriptures for that day. (included at bottom of blog post)Then the first ornament is hung on the tree. By Christmas Day you will have completed the Jesse Tree & will have a tree full of ornaments that tell the redemptive story of God's pursuit of man... Beginning with creation in the garden all the way through the birth of the One- the tiny babe- who would come to reconcile us & give us right standing with a Holy God.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1: 14

Scriptures for Jesse Tree: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc86hr5f_9hfvpnkcq&btr=EmailImport

For information on the history of the Jesse Tree: http://www.cresourcei.org/jesse.html

Right Action Follows Right Thinking

There is a dynamic principle shown throughout God's Word, and no person will ever walk in victory unless he understands and operates in it: Right action follows right thinking. Where your mind goes, your life follows.
-Joyce Meyer

And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable and perfect will if God. Romans 12:2

"I don't believe that one of us serious about God will forego this test. It's no 30 minute quiz; it's a lifelong essay test written in blood. Will we loose our hold on anything and anyone else as a prerequisite to following Christ in the intensity of aloneness? If you can answer quickly, I'm not sure you grasp the question's seriousness. . ."

("Beloved Disciple" by Beth Moore)

"For I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes- the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."

Romans 1:16-17

"In the beginning God made man in His image. Man has been making God in his image ever since."

-Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase

Taking Headphones Off

Last weekend at a Lead Now conference, a music video was played when we first arrived. It was a Jars of Clay song entitled "Headphones". I could have stood up after that song, left and felt that it was sufficient. It spoke exactly what I needed to hear.

Sweet conviction. Refreshing refinement. Lord have your way.

The video was filmed in Dallas of a man sitting down to watch the news. At the sights & sounds of the tragedy he stands to leave, putting his headphones on.

"I don't have to hear it, if I don't want to

I can drown this out, pull the curtains down on you

It's a heavy world, it's too much for me to care

If I close my eyes, it's not there"

He walks down the street, passing a homeless man on the corner. The homeless man looks up at him, hungry & needy with anticipation and hope that maybe this man will be the one to reach out. The man looks away, passing the homeless man while eating his snickers bar, headphones on.

A little further in his walk a young boy sits alone on the curb holding a football. Clearly hoping for a friend, a father, a hand to reach out and love him. The self-absorbed man looks away, consumed with his music & his life... with his headphones on.

On the bus he sits across from a hurting lady. He knows He should offer hope. He wants to offer a word, a touch, some love... But his headphones are on. It's easier to just drown it out. It's easier to "pull the curtain down".


Do I live life with my headphones on? It's easier many times to decide I don't want to hear it. I can drown it out and go on with my life.

But is that what we are called to? Did Christ die to give us comfy lives, free from suffering, secluded from the oppressed & hurting?

Suffering is difficult to look at. But it's all over the Bible. To turn my nose to it is to turn my nose to the heart of Christ.

Our son's verse, a verse we have prayed and spoken over him since he was born, reverberates the heartbeat of Christ.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

(Micah 6:8)

I cannot act justly, love mercy and walk with my God if I am drowning out the needs around me. If I am oblivious.

Lord take off my headphones. I began praying this over the weekend. Take off my headphones. Make me aware of those around me. The needs, the desires, the hurts. Awaken my heart again to the lost. The oppressed.

Take off my headphones.

The very next day as I walked into Walmart I begged God "Take off my headphones".

As I walked through the checkout line, the woman scanning my groceries was HUNGRY. Not physically, but spiritually. Emotionally. She needed something.

I could have been a monkey with a wig on, inviting her to any church, inviting her to a cult even... and she would have accepted. She just wanted SOMEONE to extend an invitation.

Thank you Lord that you took off my headphones. Now she is coming to check out our church... And I know YOU WILL REVEAL YOURSELF. May she find what her searching heart is longing for... in You.

May we take off our headphones. In our homes, in our neighborhoods, communities, churches, in our cities, in a hurting world, with a global mindset... To pull back the curtain, STOP long enough to look deep into the eyes of the one in front of us, and extend a hand.

With our headphones off.

Give Us Eyes To See

"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes,
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."

-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Six Steps

Six steps... How I long to get the place where my heart beats in worship so passionately, so brilliantly, that I cannot go even six steps without praising.

This is why he is called the man after your own heart. David could not take six steps without breaking out in worship. He got it. He understood the One we call God.

"So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When whose who were carrying the ark of the Lord has taken six steps, he sacrified a bull and a fattened calf. David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts & sounds of trumpets." (2 Samuel 6:13-15)

His first two items on the agenda as King: Conquer Jerusalem making it the city of God's people. Get the ark of God back to it's rightful place in the city of God's people.

In 1 Chronicles 13:3 he says "Let us bring the ark of God back to us, for we did inquire of it during the reign of Saul."

I wander what our motives & agenda would be were we crowned king & queen. What would my first priority be? Or what about each morning- What is my agenda for each day I've been given? That the glory of God would reign in me... or that I would reign?

Is it to have God's presence in my heart & my home? Is it to seek and worship the One... The Only One who is worthy.

Oh Lord may our hearts beat for the glory and honor of our King. Tear down every competing idol in our hearts, that YOU alone would reign as Lord and receive the praise due your Name. This holiday season... as Thanksgiving & Christmas approach, may our hearts & attitudes be FULL of praise. Give us the heart of David that cannot make it through breakfast, cannot make it through lunch, cannot make it through the afternoon & evening... without a heart overflowing in praise to our God.

So dry & longing to hear Your voice
To feel Your presence
To make the choice
And push aside the things to do
Quiet heart, and hear from You

May not seem huge like some sins are
But hurry & bustle keep my heart so far

Far from what's central
Far from what's true
Keeps me searching and longing
For all but You

Settle my heart now
Wandering though it be
Till face set like flint
I'm content in only Thee.

-Writings from a wandering heart

The Gratitude Journal

Beginning this week... A gratitude journal. A way to open our eyes and begin looking. We began early morning at Starbucks- and hope in anticipation to begin looking, seeking out Your hand.

"Are your wonders known in the place of darkness,

or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?" Psalm 88:12

How very easy it can become to live in the land of oblivion. Going about daily activities, mind consumed with the tasks at hand... And all the while missing the many blessings of your hand.

I love the way Ann Voskamp words this:

"I am seeing things I have never seen before, atuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber....from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen---the world is new and full of His gifts.Too often I miss Him, oblivious, blind. I don't see all the good things that He is giving me, gracing me with, brushing my life with. True, He is everywhere, always. But maybe, before The Gift List, I thought of Him as further off, not so close. When I started to see all the things that I love bestowed upon me, I started to see Him as near, present, everywhere, showering me with good things."

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things.html

May we began to pray for an awareness, a spirit that is sensitive & eyes that are wide open to your many graces. Your word tells us that you are near when the praises & thanks of your people are on our tongues:

"We give thanks to you, O God. We give thanks, For your Name is near." Ps. 75:1

"Let the peace of Christ rule in my your heart... And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...as you sing psalms, hymns & spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Colossians 3: 15-16

Grab a journal and begin jotting. Here is a glimpse of my first page... The first page of many:

1. Best friends racing on bike endlessly down the driveway

2. The sound of laughter as boys wrestle

3. Life growing within me

4. Quietness in Your presence- sweet refreshing stillness

5. A warm breakfast brought in by my man

6. A jog in the cool autumn air

7. Brother park

8. Pillow mountain

9. Morning hugs

Refining

The raw peeling back of hard places in my heart. The unearthing of soil I would prefer sit untouched.

And then comes His Spirit... turning up hard places, hurts, frustrations, fears... I would rather leave well alone. But praise God He won't just let me be. It must be faced. It must be prayed through. And much must be removed.

As we read the Relationship Principles of Jesus at church, it is a touchy subject. One I would rather leave well alone.

And as I poured my heart out to the Lord asking Him "Why do I have to go through this? Why do I have to face these hurts & the junk within my heart?" He spoke so tenderly..."Would you rather I left you here?" "No sir!" "Well then press on with me".

So press on I shall. He is unearthing some tender places. But You are the safest One to tear through it with.

He designed us for relationships... Yes for connection & intimacy. But I'm starting to see also for refining. Lord help me to not shrink back from the work you want to do. Continue unearthing all the junk that must be removed, all the fears that I must be set free of, all the hurts I must lay down at your feet... Let there be no callous places within my heart. No matter how painful this journey.

"Enough"

As I was recently thinking through the grace God has given, starting in the Garden... and running through the course of time... and all throughout my own life... He reminded me of how many times He could have ended the story. He could have given up on man in the Garden as two sinful people chose independence over trusting God. All throughout the Bible we see how even the chosen people of God rejected Him time & again.... Yet His faithfulness continued. And personally it amazes me the grace He has given, despite my ungratefulness and wandering heart. But yet, praise God, ending the story & giving up on us would not have been "Enough" for our God. He has given so far beyond. He has given more than "Enough".

This is a poem God spoke to me as I was journaling these thoughts. On the faithfulness & grace of an awesome God....



It would have been enough to let us go our way
To shake your holy hands in sorrow & dismay
“I had so much in store for you,
Such blessings yet to unfold.
But now that you have chosen sin
My blessings I’ll withhold.”

It would have been enough
To leave us wandering on our own
But instead Undeserved Grace
Is what we’ve been shown

Through vast deserts, scorching heat
Your own shade you did provide
You parted seas, came down in glory
On that magnificent Mount Sinai

It would have been enough to take us to the altar every single day
A dove, a lamb, a sacrifice we would have to slay
In hopes of there you looking down and forgiving us for that day
But instead praise God You had a plan, You said
“Oh there’s a better way”

This would have been enough but not for
The Truth, The Life, The Way
For our God revealed in loving kindness
His redemptive plan one glorious day

The day that God-made man in a horse trough was lain
The One who came to earth, the sinless spotless Lamb
Was born… to soon be slain

That would not have been enough, you said
For My purpose and plan I must fulfill
That’s why to have you by my side again
My Son will walk that hill

The Lamb was slain, the blood was spilt
And now one day you’ll see
The life you were created for
In My presence and glory

Now trust me child when I say
This story still unfolds
Tis not the end while here on earth
There’s glory yet to behold

But until my face you see one day
When you will worship and adore
Know that mud pies in the sand
Is not what you were created for

While on this earth ‘till I return (between the trees)
Endless enticements are all around
Know my child with eyes fixed on me
There my blessing will abound

Don’t start with here; Don’t start with now
For this land is not your home
The land, the life you are destined for
My child you will soon know

And until that day when faith is sight
Keep your eyes turned to the cross
Knowing earthly idols fades away
To soon become just loss

My precious daughter, heir to the King
In Me your calling stands
For nothing earth may bring your way
Will ever unfoil my holy plans

Further Still: Day 2

Through a desire and conviction of the Holy Spirit to go deeper, I am sharing some ways I enjoy God's presence.

Today I start with one of my very favorites: Praying Scripture.

If there is anything I want my boys to remember of me it is that their mama prayed. She sought God in expectation. I want them to remember countless ways God answered prayers & countless miracles we witnessed through our partnership of prayer.

Prayer is a powerful weapon in and of itself. Sadly though, as John Piper says, it is our most unused weapon in the arsenal. Oh that we would wise up to the enemy, to our flesh, to this carnal world system we live in and begin using this weapon of prayer. And what more powerful prayer can we lift up than speaking the very words of God?

When words do not come, when we are uncertain what to pray, when we seek the unleashed power of God over ourselves, our families, our circumstances,
may we begin to pray the very life changing, heart rending, power inducing words of the Living God. And watch as He. Comes. Down.

(Based on Ephesians 6)

Today Lord would you make me strong in the Lord and your mighty power. Help me put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand against the devil's schemes. Help me wise up and know that my struggle is not against flesh & blood... We are engaged in full-on spiritual warfare and I must yield the weapons you have given in order to have victory in this battle.

May I stand firm with the belt of truth around my waist. Give me integrity Lord. Sow it in my heart, my thoughts, my lips. Your word says you desire truth in my inner being. May truth dwell in me richly.

Help me take up the shield of faith. Let me know you Lord and your Word so that when the enemy comes to distract and discourage me, I can walk in faith and belief. Without faith I know it is impossible to please you.

May I wield the Sword of the Spirit today, which is your Word. Sow it richly in my heart & mind that I would KNOW your truth which is my offensive weapon against the enemy.

(Based on Philippians 1:20-21)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but that you would give me sufficient courage so that now as always Christ would be exalted in my body. For to me, to live is Christ & to die is gain.

To live is Christ. Make that my hearts greatest desire that You would not be a part or a portion of my life. But that you would be my LIFE.

(Based on Psalm 119:33-37)

Teach me O Lord to follow your word and give me understanding that I may obey it with all my heart.

Direct me in the path of your commands, and may I find great delight in your presence.

Turn my heart toward your Word O God. In a society that does not honor You nor your Word, may I have a reverent fear for You and the commands you have given. Bind my wandering heart to Thee Lord. Take my heart Lord, Take & seal it, Seal it for thine courts above.

Turn my eyes away from worthless things Lord. May I begin to love the things that you love and hate the things you hate. Cast down every idol that is exalted above you in my life, that my eyes would be fixed upon You God.

Further Still

There is a stirring within my heart to go deeper.

Last Monday morning in the dark, cold, rain a group of women gathered at Starbucks to do this very thing. Not content with mediocrity nor complacency, we gathered to go deeper.

Give us this day our daily bread...
May YOU God be my daily bread.
May I not put a bite of food into my mouth until my heart bows in submission to your authority for this very day.
May my hands not type a single text or email until they be lifted to the King in surrender for the upcoming hours.
May I not fill my cup until it is first filled by You.

How do we do this? What does this look like? For each one it will be as unique as we are. But the common thread is that we PURSUE the living God in the midst of our days.

For some that means rising while it is dark and stopping to listen. To bow. To beckon.

Ps. 119:147 "I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope is your word."

For many (including myself) who wake early to the sound of scurrying feet and hungry tummies, it is stealing some quiet moments with children by my side (Children's Bible in their hands, my own in my hand) while we seek God together.

Other days it means rushing to my "quiet place" on the couch,
journal, pen & Bible in hand as soon as children lay down for afternoon naps.

Whatever it looks like for you, may you beckon on further still.

Over the days & weeks ahead I will share ways I enjoy diving deeper. Variety is key. Who wants chicken everyday for lunch & dinner? We have a buffet of God's glory to revel in, to be amazed by. He has given us many ways to enjoy & SAVOR Himself.

May we not fill up on the nibblings of this world,
But instead feast at the banquet table of our God.

We have been created to know and savor Him. Pull up your chair today with eager expectation... and find your fill in Him.

Blessed Invasion

Enthrall me Lord till none is left
to draw my heart from your safe cleft
Enthrall me Lord till none shines bright
save Christ alone till faith is sight

Invade my heart till you alone
exalted high rule on your throne
Invade the secret, shame & sin
let only truth and Christ within

Obsess this daughter with her King
my love for you, my offering
Obsess thine eyes with One who gave
His very life, mine own to save

Pour Out Your Hearts...

"My soul finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken....

Find rest O my soul in God alone;
My hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rosk & my slavation,
He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation & my honor depend on God;
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times,
Pour out your hearts to Him,
for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62:1-2, 5-8

"I have set the Lord always before me.

Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken...

You have made known to me the paths of life

and you will fill me with joy in your presence."

Psalm 16:8,11

This Is My Seed

Written by Mary Bales:
Our family recently took a vacation to Red River, NM. We were amazed and captivated by God’s marvelous creation. I was able to spend some with God, surrounded by beauty and nature. In one of my quiet moments, God brought to my mind the words to "Desert Song" by Hillsong. (song below)


"This is my prayer in the harvest, where favor and providence flow. I know I’m filled to be emptied again. This seed I’ve received, I will sow"… (verse 4)


WOW!!! So many times, I turn to God in the desert, the fire & the battle. I pray for provision, strength & victory. I proclaim faith & hope. How do I pray in the harvest? or do I even pray in the harvest???? Do I feel that God has filled me to allow me to pour into others? Did God bless me with a harvest to love on others? So many times in the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates this very act of worship (Acts 10:45; Romans 5:5; 2Tim 4:6; John 3:16; John 19:30; Romans 8:32; Gal 1:4; Gal 2:20; Titus 2:11-14, and on & on).

As believers and followers of Christ, aren’t we called to follow the ways of Christ? Surely he has blessed us to pour into others.
But that was not enough, God was relentlessly pushing another issue…
"This seed I’ve received, I will sow"
This can be difficult to accept. Do we look at others and covet their "seed"? Did you have plans to do and have things in a certain time frame? Did God have different plans? Does your family look different than you hypothetically orchestrated? What about your career? Health? Wealth? Are we constantly wanting what others have?

I look at the example of my sweet Libby. She is 11 months old and we were told when she was 3 months old that she would be severely special needs. This is not how I pictured my 3rd child. Over the last 8 months, I have argued and wrestled with God. I have been angry & sad. I have grieved the "healthy child" that I had imagined. That day, God came through my ipod and said that this was my seed to sow. I would minister to others and love others, that I never would have been in contact with. I would have the incredible opportunity to witness daily miracles in Libby. I would see the hand of God all over my life & my marriage. I would find myself in a "harvest", that others may have considered the "desert".

It has been a daily struggle, and I still have moments of despair. However, God has a plan & a purpose for each of our lives. Psalm 139 says that He knew Libby before the foundations of the earth… He knew & gave me this seed. It is time that I stopped coveting what others have & rejoice in the blessings and miracles of my life. I am to love and pour into others. I am to sow what God has given to me. Most of all, I am called to glorify HIM, so that others may know Him.
"All of my life, in every season,
You are still God.
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship"

Written by Mary Bales

He Put a New Song In My Mouth...

I waited patiently for the Lord:
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud & mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord His trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O Lord my God,
are the wonders you have done...
I desire to do your will, O my God;
Your law in within my heart.
Psalm 40: 1-5,8

"Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead...
Oh praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead."

We should hardly be able to sing this song without being flooded with gratitude, arms lifted high in praise to our Savior. We ought to be a grateful people. We have been redeemed from destruction... From ourselves. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.

Unless a Kernel of Wheat Dies...

What hope, refreshing hope & relief in knowing that God's power in & through us, our strength, our sanctification into the women Christ has called us to be... happens in our death. There is no end to the list of things I need to work harder at, to accomplish, to perfect.

But this is not so with God. It is not in the striving, not in the labor, not in self.

It is in death. In weakness. In surrender that we find strength & life.

I love what Ann Voskamp says on weakness:

I sit in last light on a Thursday, comforted that it's our Publican weaknesses that unlock the God-chamber, not strength, Pharisee brawn at the door.

The God bowed in the thorns perfects power in imperfect weakness, inverted strength that dies to rise, so He takes us in, the lame and unlikely. The strong soul-limp and the weak beggars straighten and fill. Healing happens in the splintered places.Blessed are the meek and I laugh, relieved.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness"
~2 Cor. 12:19

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

~John 12:24

Prayer: Why We struggle (& How Not to)

Written by Ann Voskamp

The only reason we fail to pray is because we've made an idol out of self. I discover it on a Thursday picking up errant crayons, scattered legos, swiping up crumbs.


I can't stop. I'd like to. I keep glancing at the clock, knowing it's time to rest, to close my eyes and pause for morning prayer. Pray like Jesus and all Jews did through the centuries, like the fixed hour prayer of David , the set prayer times like Daniel, the particular hours like Peter and John and the Early Christians.

It's time to stop to pray, but I'm too busy cleaning house.

Snowball gaining ground, I'm rolling through, picking up one more stray sock, one more piece of paper, arms full and heavy with the gathering, shushing hungry soul with "soon... one more thing... soon..." and time sands keep draining away and soul withers gaunt.

Why doesn't someone grab me and tell me that a soul can shrivel up and die without prayer? That "praying is more important than eating because your soul is more important than your body." (Peter Kreeft)

I'm too busy feeding waist-swollen self, straightening dishtowels, wiping off crumbed counter.

Wipe down fridge, and then stove-top and it will just take a moment to slip in another load of laundry... and then I finally should be able to kneel down at prayer bench...

SomeOne grabs me. He shakes my mind shoulders and I'm winded, wet cloth in hand. Stopped. Hard stopped. I bow my head and wait for the inhaling.

"You okay, Mom?" Josh's washing dishes, sleeves rolled up, elbow-deep in suds.

I whisper it out the window, ashamed ... appalled... "The only thing that prevents me from praying more is me." The sparrows line the hydro wires out by the mailbox. "It's my own inflated sense of self-importance, the elevation of my work, of my agenda, that keeps me from prayer-communion." I turn to face him.

"That's called idol worship. I don't pray enough because I'm practicing idol worship."

I can hardly look him in the eye.

"You didn't know that, Mom?" He drops an enamelware bowl into sink, reaches for the scrub pad.

Really? Why didn't someone tell me that all my excuse making was nothing but a cheap cover for idolatry?

I guess He did.

I never notice it when I just pray after reading Scripture, early or late, when we pray before and after meals. Prayer's short, convenient. It's only when I began to follow the way of Jesus and the early church in fixed hour prayer, feeding my soul at certain fixed times like I eat at certain fixed times, and I was confronted with this consistent struggle to cease working and kneel in prayer, that I realized the true ugliness of my lack of prayer.

It's a startling, wrenching thing to discover that it's not time, or busyness, or pressing concerns that prevent one from prayer. The extent of prayer in one's life is a direct function of whether something else has been set up as more important than God.


Since when did I begin thinking my contribution to the world was so significant -- uncrumbed counters, unlegoed floors -- that I was so necessary, that I couldn't stop, slow, still and commune with Jesus? God's the One who keeps the world in orbit, keeps the river running, not the efforts of any human hands. It's okay to take a moment and close your eyes and pray. Just pause, and exalt God. Even if in the midst of children, if its to throw apron skirt over head to create a quieted island-moment of prayer. No one's so important that several times a day, even for a few moments, she can't become small, invisible, in prayer. I am slowly learning.

Since when did I start thinking that "it was too much to go up to Jerusalem," that idol worship in Dan was preferable --- a muttered prayer here or there while I go about the essential, real business of my day? Doesn't God's honor not only deserve, but command, that I grow still, leaf resting while river rushes on, that I may know that He's God... and I am not. I am slowly learning.

I step over swimming bags dropped in the dining room, leave scattered remains of a tea party in the living room. Just as things are, it's time. I want Jesus more than anything else.

When I bow, idols topple.


Lord God.... what keeps me from prayer with You?
It's a question I'd like to answer.
Because I'd like more communion with You.
How else does a soul live?

Written by Ann Voskamp

To Live is Christ

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death.

For to me, TO LIVE IS CHRIST & to die is gain."
(Philippians 1:20-21)

Lord this is it... This is the desire of our hearts. Make it our life's ambition & prayer: to live is Christ. You are the first, you are priority, supreme, exalted, glorified...

Despite our self-exalting flesh, despite a self-absorbed culture, and against every lie of the enemy that aims to entangle & distract- May the cry of our life resound Christ, Christ, Christ. For You alone are the only One worthy of our life's ambition. You alone are the only One who removes the futility & hollowness from life. You are worthy of our utmost desire & submission. And so today we declare: To live is Christ. Be our LIFE.

I Will Rise

The Toxicity of Grumbling

Jennifer Rothschild in her book Me, Myself & Lies had this to say on grumbling & complaining:

"Sometimes we grumble to ourselves out of habit. Maybe we have a more naturally pessimistic personality or we learned to do it. But whether it is habit, disposition, or upbringing that contributes to grumbling, the real root is selfishness.

Philippians 2:3 says 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.'

"Complaining always reveals a lack of humility and plenty of self-centeredness...it shows our self-focus."

We were discussing this evening how many of us had never thought of the root of our grumbling being selfishness & pride. More than anything it reveals a sense of entitlement on our part. Lord cut that bitter root right out. Give us humble hearts that exalt You above all else, rather than ourselves. Replace our grumbling spirits with grateful hearts- And we praise you that through the power of God even the hardest of hearts can soften and joy begin to take root & grow. And this is possible because we pray it in the cleansing & healing name of Jesus Christ.

In Christ Alone

Where Your Treasure Is....

Making plans for this fall?? Mark your calendar for Treasured: A new women's Bible study offered for women of all ages and stages of life. Emphasis on building relationships and on personal growth in Christ as we dive into a Bible study from the Women of Faith series: Understanding Your Purpose.

Go online to http://www.fbccoppell.org/women for more details & to register.

Practicing the Presence of God

Brother Lawrence penned the following words in his book The Practice of the Presence of God:

"Brother Lawrence told how to form the habit of talking with God all the time, referring all we do to Him. The secret: Ask God in a spirit of genuine diligence. After a little care and after a little time, we will discover that His love excites us to continual conversation with God with no difficulty."

Session Four: Me, Myself & Lies

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 5 and 6) from LPV on Vimeo.

Let's Get Our Worship On...

Coming Home to the Heart of Our Desires from LWEvents on Vimeo.

An Important Message from Beth Moore from LWEvents on Vimeo.

Guess who is coming to town???? Well not really OUR town, but the great city of Green Bay, Wisconsin.... Beth Moore! And guess who is simulcasting the LIVE event but our very neighbors at First Baptist Church Grapevine. Here's the scoop:

Date: Friday & Saturday, August 28-29th

Times: Friday night 7-9:30 pm & Saturday from 8:30-noon

Theme of Weekend: Coming Home to the Heart of our Desires

Cost: $25

Register online at http://www.fbcgrapevine.com/event/2009-08-28-beth-moore-simulcast/

Are We Obsessed?

Obsession: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

In Francis Chan's book Crazy Love he spends a chapter discussing the profile of the obsessed. He says:

"The idea of holding back certainly didn't come from Scripture. The Bible teaches us to be consumed with Christ and to faithfully live out His words. The Holy Spirit stirs in us a joy and peace when we are fixated on Jesus, living by faith and focused on the life to come (eternity). While (the following) descriptions combined don't necessarily answer the question of what it looks like to be wholly surrendered to God, they represent important pieces of the puzzle. Hopefully you can begin to imagine and pray about what this looks like in your own life."

*People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.

*People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him. (1 John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26)

*Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying "God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense to unbelievers.

*A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough", and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known.

*People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God and loving His people.

*People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world (James 2:14-26).

*A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

*A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for god, above and before every other thing and every other being.

*People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.

*People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.

*A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character then comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment. It is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated; a gift ultimately from God (James 1:2-4).

*A person is who is obsessed with God knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to His Savior in every aspect of life, continually saying, "Thank You!" to God. An obsessed person knows that their can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as a child and friend of God.

May we cease living as the status quo and begin living the profile of the obsessed. There is only One worthy and safe enough of our obsession... May we fix our hearts and minds on you Lord.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits-

Who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things..."

Psalm 103: 1-5

As with all God-breathed and inspired scripture, these verses are so beautifully written in the perfect and most gracious order that our God works. We cannot come to Jesus without realizing our need for a Savior, without recognizing our sin & complete wretchedness apart from Him. But then comes the beauty of His working power. There is a process of healing, growth and sanctification that begins to take place as we place ourselves under the authority of God's love & grace. David portrays it magnificently in Psalm verses 3-5:

He forgives us all our sins... Praise you Jesus that there is now no condemnation in Christ. Your life paid the debt and your blood washed us clean.

He heals us... Oh the healing we are in need of! Thank you Lord that your love & grace bring the healing balm our hearts desperately need.

He redeems us... Thank you that what satan intended for harm, You can turn to good- for our full redemption:

"Our willingness to place ourselves in God's holy hands leads to full redemption. Full redemption is when the pain is treated and turned around so thoroughly that it not only loses it's power to do you harm but also gain the power to do some good." (Beth Moore- I don't know where I found this quote. I've had it in my Bible for years)

He crowns us... Girls we have been made royalty and are loved by the King. The scarlet letter has been removed and a crown of rubies placed upon our heads. He is so worthy of praise.

He satisfies our desires... In order to keep us healthy and whole, God in His sovereignty knows that He must be our greatest delight and satisfaction.

"We were created to treasure Christ will all of our hearts. One reason lust (and unhealthy addictions) reign in so many is that Christ has so little appeal. We default to deceit because we have little delight in Christ...Look, look, look at the most magnificent Person in the universe until you see Him the way He is." (John Piper- Pierced by the Word)

Lord satisfy us today in you. For you alone complete, bring joy, satisfy and quench our thirsty souls.

The Law of Disintegration: Guarding our Marriages

In a recent article by Dr. James Dobson, he had the following insight to give regarding marriage and the law of disintegration:

"The natural tendency of everything in the universe is to move from order to disorder. If you buy a car, it will steadily deteriorate. Your body is slowly aging and dying. Your house has to be repainted and repaired. A business that is not managed carefully will unravel and collapse. ..


The principle that governs this drift from order to disorder might be called "the law of disintegration". The only way to postpone or temporarily combat its influence is to invest creative energy and intelligent design into that which is to be preserved.

Not so surprisingly, human relationships conform to this principle. The natural tendency is for husbands and wives to drift away from each other unless they work at staying together. To provide another analogy, it is as though they were sitting in separate rowboats on a choppy lake. If they don't paddle vigorously to stay in the same neighborhood, one will drift to the north of the lake and the other to the south. That is exactly that happens when marital partners get too busy or distracted to maintain their love. If they don't take the time for romantic activities and experiences that draw them together, something precious begins to slip away. It doesn't have to be that way of course, but the currents of life will separate them unless efforts are made to remain together.

I wish every married couple knew about the law of disintegration and actively protected their relationship from it."

(From the Complete Marriage & Family Home Reference Guide by Dr. James Dobson)

Lord guard our marriages. You designed marriage & families for your glory- which is why the enemy is on a clear mission to destroy this central core of Your design. Help us wise up against the distractions and schemes of the enemy. Fortify our homes. Your word says "the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him" (Ps. 34:7). May you have complete Lordship and supremacy in our homes and our marriages- and may you literally encamp around our families. Give us the creativity and love to intentionally pursue our spouse- that our hearts and lives would remain sealed as one.

Be Anxious for Nothing...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

"So often we pray and then fret anxiously, waiting for God to hurry up and do something. All the while God is waiting for us to calm down, so He can do something through us."

-Corrie Ten Boom

More about the life of Corrie Ten Boom: http://www.corrietenboom.com/history.htm

Praying God's Word

Praying God's Word by Beth Moore. This is a must have. Order it today. Give it as birthday gifts. Put it in every bathroom. It's a must read. As we seek to develop the mind of Christ, this book is a helpful tool in demonstrating HOW to pray scripture. Be prepared: This will rock your world!


Here is an excerpt from her book:

In reference to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Beth says that how we learn to "take captive every thought" is "we make our thoughts obedient to Christ every time we choose to to think Christ's thoughts about any situation or stronghold instead of Satan's or our own.What are Christ's thoughts? The Word of God revealed to us. I finally learned that the way we make our exalted, overpowering thoughts bow down in obedience to Jesus Christ is to choose to think His thoughts about the matter rather than my own or those influenced by the enemy. In this book I am sharing with you exactly how I began to think God's thoughts over controlling strongholds in my life....In praying scripture I not only find myself in intimate communication with God, but my mind is being retrained or renewed (Romans 12:20) to think His thoughts about my situation rather than my own. Ultimately, He resumes His proper place in my thoughts and life as huge & indomitable, and my obstacles shrink."
-Praying God's Word (pg. 7-8)

"Father, I desire to become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then I will no longer be an infant, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here & there by every wind of teaching. Instead, please teach me to speak truth in love, growing up in Him who is the head, Christ."

(Ephesians 4:13-15)

Lord I once lived in darkness but now you have called me into the light & into relationship with You. "Help me to live now as a child of light for the fruit of living in the light consists of goodness, righteousness & truth. Help me to seek You and find out what pleases You." (Ephesians 5:8-10)

"Father, please never allow me to be one who is always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. (2 Tim. 3:7) Your word says that she who trusts in herself is a fool, but she who walks in wisdom is kept safe (Prov. 28:26). Lord I have come to realize that I cannot trust in myself. My safety is in learning to trust in You. Please help me!"

Session Three: Me, Myself & Lies

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 3 and 4) -Part 1 from LPV on Vimeo.

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 3 and 4) -Part 2 from LPV on Vimeo.

I Think You Will Enjoy This

This excerpt part of Beth Moore's blog written today for her daughter Melissa. Today is Melissa's birthday and this is part of her birthday cheer from Beth. I found myself in tears as I love her attitude of submission to Christ and hope even through a painful health battle. Oh Lord increase my faith that even as I walk through the fire I would praise your holy Name...

From Beth:
We sang “Before the Throne of God Above” yesterday in the worship service. Knowing how much you love it, I could hardly get the words to come out of my mouth. I kept thinking of the lyrics in reference to the genuine trial by fire you’ve had this year with health issues attacking that little frame. Persevere, my sweet, sweet Child. I pray with all my heart that this is only a season and that God is going to bring you out of it twice the warrior that entered it. Please hasten to the finish, Lord Jesus. Restore Your young servant completely and bear such a harvest that she will one day look back on it as a gift in disguise from Your faithful hand.

Just in case you’ve forgotten any of the words:

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look,
and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Praise the One, Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

May We Be Bold Women of the Lord

Nice Girls Don't Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

May we be dangerous women.
May we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.
May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.
May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor.
May we pray deeply and teach wisely.
May we be strong and gentle leaders.
May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.
May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.
May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.
May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.
May we shine like stars in a darkened generation.
May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus.
And in that name, and by that power, may we change the world.
Dear God, Please make us dangerous women. Amen.
-Lynne Hybels

Lord take us past complacency and apathy. May we be bold in our pursuit of YOU and out of that, make us dangerous women who seek your glory more than the safety of the shores of mediocrity. Let us dive in and get our feet wet instead of fearing stirring up the waters. For no one ever rescued a drowning friend by sitting on the waters edge. We were never meant for the shoreline. Make us dangerous.

"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,

but the folly of fools is deception."

Proverbs 14:8

July Summer Series

With the summer well under way, some twenty-five (ish) women have joined together for a July summer series: Me, Myself & Lies by Jennifer Rothschild. God has blessed us with an amazing group of women who are hungry to grow & study His word. Open our hearts Lord that we may receive all that you have for us... For the praise & glory of your name.

"Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things... Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly...And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father." Colossians 3: 1-2,15-17

Looking For a New Routine??

God where am I playing it safe and hugging the beam? Take me on from this place of safety & complacency Lord... give me a crazy love that is willing to live boldly for your glory.

The First Lie

From C.S. Lewis's brilliant Mere Christianity:

"That was the very fall of Satan: and that was the sin he taught the human race. What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could 'be like gods'. That they could set up on their own as if they had created themselves, be their own masters- invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history. Money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slaves- the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

The reason why it can never succeed is this. God made us: Invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on Him. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about Him. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing."

-C.S. Lewis