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Focus on the Healer

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Todd and I were at the Asbury Revival on Sun/Mon, February 12 & 13. After doing personal business with the Lord I began to intercede for others. 

Praying for one another without visible results can wear us out and tempt us to throw in the towel. When we don’t see answers from God in the timeline we would like, we may be inclined to assume that if He were going to answer our prayers, He would have done so by now, But one of the most important dimensions of intercessory prayer is endurance. If our focus shifts we can grow more weary. As we patiently pray that God will answer our prayer by working in someones life, by providing or by healing it is possible to forget what our focus should be. It happened to me during my visit to Asbury University. 

On Monday morning as I am praying for a precious friend with cancer and some pending results from tests I had last week, God clearly spoke to me and said “Focus on the Healer, not the healing.”  As my heart shifted to the Healer, I am filled with peace, hope and joy. No longer weary during this prayer I am lifted and encouraged. Regardless of the outcome of my prayers it is well with my soul. I  feel the presence of Jesus. I feel His love. I hope this does not sound too mystical or woo woo but as I am praying in Hughes Chapel I feel as though I am having an out of body experience. I know. I know. And I have deleted this sentence several times because I don’t want to be seen as too far out there. But I cannot deny what happened to me during this prayer time. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Hughes Chapel was difficult to describe but I have done my best.

On Thursday I spoke to my friend with Stage 4 Cancer. She asked about the Asbury Revival. She shared where she is physically. I only had one thought to share with her….Focus on the Healer not the Healing. 

I Gave Up Facebook Because…

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Yesterday I shared that I was going to deactivate my Facebook account. Today I have been emailed, called, & texted asking me WHY.The bottom line of why I gave up FB is because God put it on my heart to do so. FB can be a good thing but it can also become a negative.

This year my theme word is “intentional.” I want to be more intentional about everything the Lord has put on my heart.

I am not angry at anyone.

I want more time for my priorities.

I want to avoid drama.

I prefer face to face over coffee or at the least on the phone.

The greatest value I can add to people is up close and personal.

The desire of my heart is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. A man I have been praying would accept Christ for several months threatened a woman on FB instead of using his man card and talking calmly to her personally or in person. It was by far one of the most obnoxious and disturbing posts I have ever read. Sometimes you have to remove yourself from the fray.

Social media is a good tool. It’s fun. My decision to give up FB is best for me but maybe not best for you.

I invite you to join me on Twitter or Instagram. You can also email me at DuAnne@MSWChurch.com.

The Next Step

Change. Why do we resist it? Some more so than others. Human nature is drawn to being comfortable. We like to feel safe. Change requires something from us. The truth is that God loves us to much to leave us where we are. There is no growth without change. There is no change without loss. We resist loss.

Where ever you are in your life, your relationship with Christ and your ministry, the Lord will continue to call you to take the next step. Until you take your next step you’re stuck.

Some people can attend church for decades & remain the same, because they refuse to take their next step in their walk with Christ. People will quit going to church because they don’t want to be challenged to take the next step. They are happy with where they are and choose status quo. Every person and situation is unique, but the principal remains the same, God wants you to take the next step in your relationship with him and grow.

The next step that Jesus wants us to take isn’t always easy…but it is always right! What step is God calling you to take today?

10 Questions To Refocus Your Life

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Everyone I know is busy. Kids. Teens. Young Adults. Middle Aged. Older Adults. If you are alive and breathing you are probably busy. I think being busy is ok as long as you are living according to your priorities.

As I prepare for my retreat before the fall schedule starts back up, I wanted to share some basic questions I will be reflecting on. These questions are from Bob Biehl. In addition to these I will also pray through what the Lord has been speaking to me about through Scripture.

10 QUESTIONS TO REFOCUS YOUR LIFE by Bob Biehl

  1. What is my single greatest strength? (What do I “do” the best?)
  2. What three decisions are causing me the greatest stress?
  3. What is overwhelming me?
  4. What impassable roadblock has me stuck?
  5. If I could only do three things before I die, what would I want to do?
  6. What should I resign from or drop out of? (Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing things right, effectiveness is doing the right things.”)
  7. What can I postpone?
  8. What things on my “to do” list can someone else do at least 80% as well?
  9. What are the “elephants” in my schedule? (Pareto said, “If you’re Noah, and your ark is about to sink, look for the elephants first.”)
  10. What are the three things I could do in the next 90 days to make a 50% difference?

What would you add to a personal retreat?

Why live a holy life?

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To  some the concept of holiness may seem impossible to our current generation.  The news is filled with adultery, fraud, theft, deceit, murder and a variety of crimes against children among many other things.  Even within the church and among those of us who claim to be Christian I sometimes ask myself:  What happened to holiness? In my own life the Holy Spirit will sometimes remind me that “sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”  Romans 6:14

Holiness is a scriptural principle.  The word holy in various forms is found more than 600 times in the Bible.  God commands us to be holy (Leviticus 11:44).  There are many false concepts of how to actually live a holy life.  In some circles holiness is equated with with a list of do’s and don’ts.  When we follow this approach we are in danger of living like the Pharisees which can result in self-righteousness, pride and legalism. And for still others it means unattainable perfection, an idea that can result in discouragement and defeat about one’s sin.

Living a holy life means to live in conformity to the moral precepts of the Bible in contrast to the sinful ways of the world.  It is the ongoing process of being shaped into the image of Christ.  Seel Romans 8:29 & 12:2.  This transformation is a journey of learning to think, feel and act like Jesus. Is it really possible to live a holy life in our times?  Does God actually expect this of us?  I believe the Lord would never ask us to do something that is impossible.  As Christians we are to live a holy life “Since then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go.  It’s rotten through an through.  Get rid of it!  And then take on an entirely new way of life, a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in you.  What this adds up to, then, is this:  no more lies, no more pretense.” Ephesians 4:22-24

If holiness is so basic to the Christian life, why do we not experience it in daily living?  Why do so many Christians feel defeated in their struggle with sin?  Why do so many churches seem to be more conformed to the world around it than to God?  The answers to these questions will be answered in the next post.

In the meantime, what are your thoughts on holiness?  When is the last time holiness was taught in your church?

Best Gift I Gave To My Son

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For months I thought about what to give my son for his 16th birthday. I sought advice. I surfed the web. I asked other teens. I solicited feedback on FB and Twitter. No idea received had the impact that I desired. Not even a car would have the punch I was looking for. As most parents I deeply love my child. I wanted to give him something spectacular. Something life changing. Was it possible? Yes. With God all things are possible.

Two months prior to Matthew’s birthday I asked 16 men Todd and I highly respect if they would write a birthday letter to him. My request was that the letter contain one piece of advice they would recommend on manhood to a boy turning 16. Everyone I asked is extremely busy. Some travel around the world. Some are highly sought leaders and mentors. Some are quiet leaders in their own world. These adult men are passionate Christ followers as well as husbands and fathers. They are everything we pray that Matthew will one day become. I was humbled at the response. As the letters came in I put them unopened in a binder.

At the birthday dinner I presented the wrapped binder last. On the cover was a title page that said 16 Letters to a Boy Turning 16. He was moved and after reading the letters said it was his favorite gift. It had the impact I had sought for.

Special thanks to all who impact the lives of youth today. It is my desire to see kids everywhere grow in character, discipline, self-esteem and leadership as they reach their potential in Christ. Only then will we see successful and healthy adults that impact culture.

Do You Know Who You Are?

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Who are you? There are numerous benefits to knowing who you are. Knowing yourself will enable you to know others. It is only when you understand your strenghts and weaknesses and how God has made you that you will be able to live a life of greatest impact. Not to mention personal fulfillment. Do you know what your sweet spot is? Using your gifts will energize you. Studies show that up to 80% of people are in jobs they dislike. Ouch. You can be part of the 20%.

I’ve helped teens and seniors figure out what their gift mix is. It is never too late to learn. If you think you are too old then you might as well die. If you are alive God still wants to use you. Even if you are 75 I believe knowing who you are can enable you to leave a better legacy and impact for eternity. You are only a decision away from making the rest of your life the best.

I have a high tolerance for people different from me. That in part is attributed to studying and learning personality, strengths and spiritual gifts of others different than myself in my early 20’s. I don’t believe there is just one way to do something nor is there always a wrong way and a right way. There can be a variety of ways. When I see opinionated, negative and critical people I see people who not only don’t know themselves very well but they don’t understand others. Having a “we” and “them” attitude is sometimes due to an attitude of feeling different is wrong. Different is just different. It’s okay to be different. The apostle Paul learned to be all things to all men in order to reach some.

When I take on someone new to coach or mentor I do a personal evaluation which includes spiritual gift assessment, DISC, Myers-Briggs, Strength-Finder and Ministry Profile Discovery. It is after this Discovery Phase that I can coach and mentor in personal and ministry life. I have seen people resign from ministry because when they  were in the wrong position. Have you considered quitting lately? Knowing yourself will enable you to find the right seat on the bus. Using your strengths will bring great joy.

For over a year I took a break from WIN and LEAD (2 ministries I serve) to help my husband with his church. I love and adore my husband but the church had such great need that I spent 60 hour weeks on admin just helping with the jump start. For over 20 years I was used to having my own admin support and I was the lone administrative person for the whole church. I’m good at admin but it is not my sweet spot or what God called me to do. One morning during my devotional time I had a wake up call during prayer. I was off the my faith path and needed to make some decisions. With my husbands full support I pulled back and today he chooses how I serve him very carefully. My job is to lift his load and do for him what others will not and cannot do. I am an innovative and strategic leader with the gift of  leadership, teaching, faith and evangelism. Prayer is a strong conviction and therefore a prioritiy. In DISC and Strength Finder my profile  is Achiever and Developer. in Myers-Briggs I am ENTJ. Beginning or Leading new ministries and Spiritual Transformation roles are a natural fit. i.e. Coaching, Mentoring & Leadership Development. I enjoy helping someone develop a working strategy to live out their vision. Looking back at 25 years of ministry I understand how mentoring others and coaching has been a source of fruit and joy. This is my design.

What about you? Have you discovered your sweet spot? Are you in the right seat on the bus? Where can God use your gifts for the greatest return for the kingdom? Sometimes  timing is an issue but it is never too late to late to get on the faith path you were designed for.

Is it worth it?

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This morning the Lord woke me up at 3:00 am but I lay there for a while deciding whether to get up and spend time with him or pretend I didn’t hear his voice. You ever done that? I clearly heard I want to spend time with you. It’s important. OK. I’m up. In my gut I knew this was not going to be a quickie so I put on a pot of coffee. When Todd’s alarm clock went off at 6 am I was shocked. My time with the Lord had flown by. It was such a sweet time of fellowship. I wrote down 4 pages of how he spoke to me through His Word. Renewal really does come from spending time in His presence. Once again He has taught me that it is so worth it to get extended time to hear His voice. Ever tried to do lunch with a friend in a half hour? Hard to do huh? Same with Jesus. Often we need more time to connect. Wow. It is so worth it.

Thanks Lord for renewing my life this morning. For speaking to me through your word. For giving me 3 different messages for my life, for my children and maybe for a future retreat or conference. It is worth it!

Just Say No

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Is the word “No” difficult for you?  The ability to say “no” is a sign of spiritual and emotional health.  If you struggle with saying no you will hinder Jesus from the transformation he desires to see in you.  Sometimes saying no means standing up to the world when in conflict with His Word. No I will not watch that movie or TV show. No I will not view pornography.  No I cannot date a non-Christian.No I cannot afford that.  No I will not spend this money if it means I cannot tithe.  No I cannot go on facebook because I have not completed my work.  No I cannot be friends with that person because they are dragging me down.

Sometimes we have to say no to the good in order to say yes to the best. No I cannot accept that promotion at work or that ministry at the church because it will take too much time away from my family. No I cannot do that, every need does not have my name on it. No our church cannot do _____________ because it is not in line with our vision. 

I have a large capacity for people and complexity in my work but I need time to read, pray and reflect. Every January I pray about how I am spending my time and consider if I need to make adjustments in my life.  Most of the time I am required to say no to some things.  This usually involves relationships…with the Lord, my family, friends and ministry. Some of the questions I pray over are on my last blog post.  It is so freeing as a leader for me to say “I can’t.”  In the past 30 days I have said no to three different conference speaking invites, a girl friend trip, and two mentoring requests. The decisions were not easy ones but they were right ones.

What about you?  Have you made any difficult decisions lately that required you to say no?  Are you struggling with a decison right now? What have you learned about saying no to the demands in your life?

9 Questions I Had To Ask Myself This New Year

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 The only thing I like better than the New Year is personal evaluation.  Having an insatiable hunger for growth and asking questions at a new year is something  I have done for years.  Here are 9 questions I had to ask myself at the beginning of  2015. 

1.  When in the last year have I felt most alive to God?  Why?

2.  What have I learned about myself, God, ministry, calling, my spouse?                                                                       

3.  What will I do to deepen my relationships in a small Biblical community of friends?

4.  Who do I feel called to invest my life in this year and what will we focus on?

5.  Who are the preChristian friends that I want to be more intentional in spending time with?

6.  What am I motivated to do developmentally this year – personally and professionally?

7.  What should I keep doing … stop doing … start doing?  (Ask my spouse.)  

8.  What is my plan for extended time with the Lord.

9.  How and when will I invest time in marriage, family and Biblical community?.

Trusting God in the Dark

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When I left Birmingham that November for Colorado Springs it was already dark. After a year on staff at Briarwood Church in Birmingham The Navigators had recruited me. I was eager and excited. Within a few hours I was on an isolated highway in Mississippi. The headlights on my car were the only light for miles. I was driving along singing one of my favorite hymns It is Well With My Soul when my car died. The timing of the chosen hymn was ironic and I did feel it was well with my soul. For about 10 minutes. It was 1 AM and not another person in sight.  I remember thinking if my mom could see me out here alone with a broken down car she would freak.  After praying for divine intervention I attempted to start my car several times. Nothing happened. I began to question God’s call. He had called me to full time ministry hadn’t He?  He was Jehovah Jireh wasn’t He? Well where was He now? It was so dark. Around 2 AM by now. This was before cell phones.

 

 Within minutes a car stopped on the opposite side of the road. People rolled down their windows and I could hear music and laughter. They invited me to join them. I felt uneasy and told them no because Help is on the way. I did want to believe the Lord would send help and speaking it out loud seemed to calm me. They informed me that a gas station was just a few miles down the road in my direction.  When they were out of sight I got out of my car to walk and was thankful for the flashlight.  After just half a mile I heard a tractor trailer truck coming. I prayed O Lord, please let him pass.  Please don’t let him stop. He slowed and then stopped. O Lord, please don’t let him get out of the truck. He got out of the truck. O Lord, please let me out run him even though I have on my cute shoes with the high heels that my mom told me not to wear but I did anyway. I couldn’t run because my legs were frozen. He slowly walked toward me and said do you need some help?  I said No thanks, I’m just walking to the gas station down the road. Thanks anyway. His reply:  Well, if you were my daughter I would hate to see her out walking on this dark highway all alone. Are you sure I can’t give you a lift? All of a sudden my fear was replaced with a peace and I said OK, that would be great. Just to the gas station though. I’m on a tight schedule. That sounded pretty dumb but that’s what I said! A schedule?  As soon as we got in the truck I noticed he had a stack of New Testament cassette tapes. I asked with surprise if he was a believer. He said yes and we shared testimonies. He told me how his 16 year old daughter had just come home this day and informed him she was pregnant. He had prayed for help. I tried to encourage him. He asked where I was going and I shared my story of being called to full time ministry. He responded by sharing he would love to do something for God but without a college education or seminary he felt there was nothing he could do.

 

The garage at the station was closed but the truck driver knew the mechanic and called him from the pay phone. The mechanic arrived and offered to take me to my car.  I had a peace about it so I got in. After looking at my car he thought it was too serious for him to fix. He only did minor repair on tractor trailers and I would need a regular auto garage. The bad news was this was the weekend after Thanksgiving. Did I mention I had cash for my travel to Colorado but nothing more? I didn’t believe in credit cards and I was not prepared for this emergency. I didn’t share this info to the man I had just met. He then said:  I know you don’t know me and I don’t know you. But I’m a Christian and believe I am supposed to invite you to come to my home and stay with my wife and I. You’re out in the middle of nowhere and there is not even a hotel around here. I know it sounds crazy but I had a peace about this so I thanked him for his hospitality and said Thank you. I would be most grateful for your hospitality and help. I got in the car and shared my testimony. Before he had a chance to share his we were pulling up in his driveway.  All of a sudden I was thinking that I sure hope he had a wife and also that she was home. I didn’t know that this man had called his wife from the garage to tell her he was bringing a houseguest home. We walked in to find that she had cooked a huge breakfast for me. Thought you might be hungry she said.  After we shared a meal together she told me she had put clean sheets on their bed (their only bed) and suggested I get some sleep while they looked for a mechanic that might be open. They invited me to stay the weekend but I told them I was committed to be in Colorado by December 1st and had to keep to my schedule. While I was sleeping the mechanic found a garage open called “Christian Brothers Automotive.” I needed a new clutch. They repaired my car and gave me an invoice for $300 and told me I could pay them when I had it. I gave them $100 and after thanking everyone got on the road.

 

The remainder of the trip was uneventful until I was about 2 miles from my exit to Glen Eyrie.  My gas gauge had stopped working and I was out of gas. It was about 11:30 PM and I put my flashers on. Soon a small sports car pulled up behind me. A guy got out and asked if I needed help. I told him what I thought was wrong. He told me he was a police officer and offered to take me to get gas for my car.  We filled the car and I was able to keep my arrival commitment of December 1st. 

 

A few days later I called a friend at a church on my support team to inform them I had arrived safely and casually shared a summary of what had happened. The pastor called me back and wanted to tell me a mission’s organization had been praying for a truck driver to recruit and wanted to know if I had the truckers contact info. I did.  He also told me that their church wanted to pay for my car repair.  Wow. This was a lesson for me on trusting God in the dark.

 

In my early 20’s this was adversity. Today I see it as such a small hiccup in the road of life. Yet at the time it was a defining moment for me. It was that experience that made Psalm 139 became a fire in my heart. Oh, He even sees me in the dark! At night I am immersed in the light! It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you. Whatever the darkness God wants me to trust him. The lessons God continues to teach me about darkness…

1.      God is in control

2.      God has a plan

3.      God wants to be my refuge

4.      God will provide everything I need

 

What about you? Are you going through a dark time right now?  Are you experiencing…

·        Unemployment

·        Burn out

·        Loneliness

·        Divorce

·        Depression

·        Fear or Anxiety

·        Cancer

·        Death of a loved one

 

Whatever darkness you may be facing God will meet you there.

#1 Way To Change Your Life Today

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I read a study once that said the majority of people that can change their health, marriage, relationships or finances are unwilling to do what it takes to do so.  Ouch!  This is also true in our spiritual lives. 

BC (before children) I was able to invest in my life in a way that reaped remarkable benefits. It was like choosing an incredible stock that continued to climb every day.  I was able to prioritize  spending a half day with God every single week.  Every Monday I would go to a small prayer chapel (always empty) or a remote place on the beach.  Sometimes our student ministry would try to organize spending a day alone with God. We would gather as a group on campus, the beach or a park and then disperse. After 4 hours or so we would meet with our brown bag lunch and share about our time with the Lord.  For many years I would spend 7-10 days with the Lord during the Christmas break and go up to Arrowhead Springs, CCC headquarters.  It was usually pretty empty at that time and I had a room and grounds pretty much to myself.  During summer break I would take 2 weeks and go somewhere.  Usually took about 10-12 books with me. The first week was spent unwinding from finishing out a busy school year of working 60+ hour weeks.  The second week I was more prepared to pray, read His Word and listen.  This investment in my relationship with the Lord…the daily devotion time, the half day every Monday, the monthly day with the Lord, the week at Christmas break and the two weeks in summer….was life changing. 

I can imagine what many of you are thinking. Who has that kind of job flexibility? You’re right. At that time in my life I made my own schedule and was very fortunate to have that kind of freedom.  Most of you probably can’t make that type of investment. No longer can I.  We have demanding jobs with certain hours, children that need to be taken care of  and a family to serve.  But I still believe it is possible to change our lives in one day.  Here is how…

Spend a daily time with God. God wants a relationship with us. For those of you married, can you imagine what your marriage would be like if you rarely if ever spent time with your spouse?  It would be cold and distant. A marriage without time is a disconnected marriage.  Start with just 10 minutes then work your way up to 30-45 minutes alone with God. 

Spend a half day with God.  This may seem impossible but with some creativity it can be done.  It is amazing what 3-4 hours with the Lord can do to you. Try to schedule this. What about when the kids go off to school?  If you work weekdays what about the weekend?  Get up early on a Saturday and leave.  If that doesn’t work what about a Sunday?  What about letting your family go to church and then out to lunch while you have a half day with the Lord somewhere.

Spend 24 hours with God.  This can be more of a challenge with a busy family but it can be done. Do you ever go on an overnight for a retreat or conference? Consider doing this somewhere by yourself. It can be a powerful time in your life and that of your family. 

I read a tweet recently that said something like When we close the Bible God closes his mouth. When we open the Bible God opens his mouth.  We can’t live out Jeremiah 29:11 without spending time alone with God.  No matter how good a church is, it is not the number one way for spiritual growth. Nor is listening to a pastor speak. Spiritual growth comes from personal time with God.

“Everyone has the power to impact the outcome of his life.  The way to do it is to focus on today.  Today is the only time you have. It’s too late for yesterday. And you can’t depend o tomorrow.”  ~ John C. Maxwell

My next post will discuss creative ways to spend your devotional time with God .

Developing a Youth Ministry That Will Impact Culture

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A changed life.  This is the greatest reward in ministry to youth. I was once in a youth group. The Lord also allowed me the privilege of working with youth. I’ve worked with non-Christian youth, church kids youth and even kids living in a juvenile delinquent home.  And now I am the  mother of youth.  My objective for ministry remains the same….change lives for eternity and impact the culture.

The challenges facing our youth continue to increase every year. There is not a quick fix or short term program that will provide the results that we need.  Is it possible to develop a youth ministry that will provide youth workers and parents with the biblical principles that will equip their kids for life beyond youth group?  Yes. A big shout out to our friend Kurt Johnston  (youth pastor at Saddleback Church under Rick Warren) who pointed Todd and I to some of the best resources out there.

Today I want to share a resource we began using last year…The Seven Checkpoints by Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall.  The material in this book and the devotional book for teens reveals what Andy calls the “irreducible minimum” – the essential principles upon which an entire youth ministry can be built.  With this strategy…

Imagine meeting with the parents of your students and showing them the seven principles that serve as  the foundation for all you will teach their kids.

Imagine having a content calendar that can be used to guide the development of your activity calendar throughout the year.

Imagine having a handful of carefully crafted principles to choose from in developing the theme of every camp or retreat.

The Seven Principles every teen needs to know are…

1.  Authentic Faith

2.  Spiritual Disciplines

3.  Moral Boundaries

4.  Healthy Friendships

5.  Wise Choices

6.  Ultimate Authority

7.  Others First

The keys to developing an effective youth ministry are:

1.  Innovative leaders.

2.  Belief that students can experience the deeper things of God.

3.  Leaders that have a genuine and living faith, empowering others by showing the way and not just telling the way.

4.  A clear strategy so that the goal is accomplished rather than just gathering a crowd.

My passion is to live these 7 principles first and teach them second.  What about you?  What’s going on in the youth group at your church?  What challenges are you facing?

His Heart….My Heart

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The heart of Jesus was pure. He was adored by thousands yet did not seek celebrity status. He was content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women (Luke 8:1-3) yet did not have lustful thoughts. Attacked by man but willing to forgive before he was asked to show mercy.

Jesus’ heart was peaceful.  The disciples freaked out over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus.  He thanked God for the problem and saw it as an opportunity to glorify God. The disciples were fearful when the storm came, Jesus slept through it. Peter pulled out his sword to fight the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus.  Jesus lifted his hand to heal. When his disciples abandoned him, did he pout and go home? When Peter denied him, was he angry?When the soldiers spit in his face, did he breathe fire in theirs? He refused to be giuded by vengeance.

Sometimes my heart seems so far from his.  He is peaceful, I feel stressed. He lived on purpose; I feel distracted. He is pleasant; I am cranky. He forgives; I remember people who have hurt me. He trusts God with the future; I worry about my children. He is focused on heaven; I am focused on things of this earth.

At times the distance between his heart and my heart seem so immense. I asked him, will I ever have your heart? He replied…you already do. If you have prayed to accept Me as Savior and Lord of your life you have my heart.  I have made your heart my home. (Gal. 2:20) Yes, I believe this. But why do I sometimes feel so much like the old me? Why do I feel stress?  Why do I still get angry?  Why do I doubt his promises for us? 

Spiritual Transformation is a promise.  My heart can feel carnal when I have gone several nights without adequate sleep, not enough time with God, prayer or the Word, if I don’t keep short accounts with God and others or if I am not taking a Sabbath.

God rewards those who seek him.  Not those who seek doctrine, religion or systems. Many settle for this but the greatest reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus himself.  What is that reward? His heart for my heart. “And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”  (2 Cor. 3:18 TLB)

Are You Ready For Tragedy?

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This week I have been hurting and praying for  three families who are suffering through some tragedy in their lives.  On Monday morning my sister lost her brother-in-law in a fatal accident leaving behind a wife and three children, a family in church lost a daughter to swine flu on Tuesday after losing another daughter three weeks ago in a fatal accident, and 5 year old Kate McRae is battling brain cancer. As a parent, I grieve on a whole other level when I hear about these things. And I admire so much the faith it requires these families to press on…

These stories raised some big questions for me over the last few days: Am I prepared for tragedy in my own life? Have I under girded myself with the right spiritual foundation? Have I sufficiently drawn near to God before the trials come? Because they will. This is a journey that most of us will walk through many times in our lifetime.

I have a new desire to develop a Bible study on preparing for and living through pain, grief and loss.  If you have a desire to participate in a pilot Bible study regarding trusting God in the storm please email me at dseeley@winfluence.org.

In God We (sometimes) Trust

This week my little boy was diagnosed with swine flu. For many the flu is just an inconvenience.  When Aaron gets a cold or any type of respiratory illness we go on high alert.  He has asthma and has been in ICU over what started out as a common cold. 

Today I asked myself, why is it sometimes easier to obey God rather than trust Him?  I think my faith has grown so much over the last 30 years until I find myself in circumstances that defy explanation. When unexpected circumstances happen that seem unjust, illogical, or tragic I sometimes feel frustrated, confused or angry.  In the last few months I have known of at least half a dozen deaths of children under 18.  I have seen marriages destroyed due to affairs. I have seen young mothers diagnosed with terminal cancer. I have seen people lose jobs and homes. I have seen people die without Christ.  These things can be hard to understand. Even when we have faith in God and know that He is sovereign, in adversity we can question why God would allow such.

What I do know for sure is that God is love and He is sovereign even when I don’t understand.  I cannot view circumstances through the eyes of what makes sense to me but through the eyes of faith.  When we seek the Lord and know Him we will enjoy intimacy with Him.  When we have intimacy with God we will find that we can trust Him. Even when we don’t understand God will carry us through.

God Has Not Forgotten You

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Have you ever gone through a such a difficult time in your life that you felt forgotten by God?  Maybe during such a time you ask Where are you Lord?  or Why Me?  You may wonder why God does not deliver you. It’s human nature to desire relief from a trial. It could be an illness, job loss, financial difficulty, loss of a loved one, relationship conflict, divorce or a combination of things. Maybe you are in a job that you just want out of because you desire to do something else with your life. Our prayer for relief might even reflect the outcome for the situation we think is best for us.  Being a problem solver by nature I have this tendency to give possible solutions. 

There have been many times in life when I did not feel delivered from a situation as as I desired and prayed.  Not being healed from migraines and other medical issues in my family, at times living on a lower finanical support level, relationship conflict among family members, my step father dying from tylenol poisoning in his forties, losing so much financial support for our church plant in a 10 day period that we had to give up the church, etc.  Maybe you have experienced many more major issues than this.  My friend Carol Kent once said that you are either in a crisis, just out of a crisis or close to entering a new crisis.  Reminds me of James 1 that tells us to be prepared because we will face many trials in this life. 

What I have learned is that we cannot escape trials. Sometimes it may feel like such a darkness that you cannot sense God’s presence, power or annointing in your life.  Your experience is not unique.  God’s choicest saints have at times had days, weeks, months and even years of such darkness.  But God’s answer always comes again.  God has not forgotten you! Don’t try to get off the train while you are going through the tunnel.  If you jump off the train you must eventually get back on. And if you jump off you will have more scars than if you had stayed on the train. You are on route to God’s great victory.  Hold on, and God’s power will be revealed to you.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.  You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.  So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely.  Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way.  James 1:2-4

The Danger of Spiritual Weeds

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This summer we did something that I have wanted to do my whole life.  We planted a garden. Not just a couple of tomato plants but a wide variety of organic vegetables.  It took more work than I anticipated.  We have red clay which is not conducive to growing anything.  Before planting we had to work with the soil and till it before bringing in soil that we purchased at a garden shop.  After what felt like a million trips with the wheel barrel we spent a lot of time working with the soil.  It was like performing lawn surgery.  I was so grateful when I thought we completed the garden. What I learned in the process is that a garden is never completed.  No one informed me about the weeds that we would have to continue to pull up.  We found that if you don’t get the weeds they will overtake the garden.  I also learned that if you don’t pull the weeds up by the root that they will multiply and come back more quickly.  Experienced farmers understand this principle.  A garden is never finished.  Growth will be hindered by weeds and threatens the life of the garden.

So it is with the spiritual life.  Just because someone is born again and begins to grow does not guarantee continued growth.  Thinking that spiritual maturity is a point in time or something you arrive at is false.  It’s like saying that I planted a garden and it will remain alive.  Without water, care and pulling up the weeds it will die. Just like a garden is something we must continue to work, my spiritual life is something that I must continue to pursue.  It’s not a point in time, but a continual pursuit of our relationship with God. 

What happens when I keep ignoring the weeds?  Weeds such as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, pride, jealously, envy, impurity, gossip, slander, sexual immorality, worry, anxiety, fear, etc.  can overtake my life and become a stronghold. When I don’t keep short accounts with God and deal thoroughly with sin I can easily fall totally away from God and the blessing of an abundant life that he desires to give us. 

Are there any weeds in your life today that you need to pull up by the roots?

Are You On Fire For God?

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On Monday my 11 year old began reading a biography on Benjamin Franklin.  We have enjoyed hearing Aaron share interesting facts that he is learning.  I remember reading  “Mr. Franklin often went to hear a pastor speak by the name of George Whitfield because he enjoyed watching him burn before his very eyes.”  I believe that we as Christians should be on fire for God.  In Jeremiah 5:14 God said, “I will make my words in your mouth a fire.”  On that occasion God was referring to fire as a judgment.  But God similarly makes our words fiery in order that His people may become aflame with holy love, zeal and obedience. 

When our hearts are on fire for Jesus our words will be on fire.  When we are on fire people will be drawn to us.  Fire attracts.  Fire motivates.  Fire kindles fire.  It is the nature of fire to set ablaze.  Do others see this fire in you?  The constant tendency of fire is to go out.  The Holy Spirit does not waste divine energy.  If we don’t obey God and live out of fellowship with him, the grace he desires to pour out on us will cease.  God supplies the fire, but we must keep it burning.  We are spiritually most blessed, most victorious, most at peace, most usable when we are ablaze. 

Was there a time when you were more on fire for God than you are today?  Our tendency is to cool off spiritually and lose our zeal as we get side tracked by the every day affairs of life.  Personal revival will return as repent of sin and turn from it, renew our commitment, and live the spiritual disciplines.  It is our choice whether we neglect the Holy Spirit, quench the Spirit or fan the flame of the Spirit’s presence.

Why I Resigned

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Over 20+ years ago I still remember a coffee and prayer time in La Jolla, CA with a co-worker (Fred Wevodau) that radically changed my thinking.  The Holy Spirit used a simple prayer to serve as a catalyst in better understanding strategic praying to advance the kingdom. Prayer has been a vital part of my life since becoming a Christian as a teen.  But on that day I was convicted that more of my prayer time needed to be aligned with what God was doing and desired to do.  Fred prayed we want to co-labor in what you are doing. Not just ask you to bless what we think we should be doing for you.  Some of you may be thinking is that it?  That changed your thinking?  Please hear me out and keep in mind the biblical principle that where two or three are gathered He is there. The Holy Spirit was working in my heart.

My view of full time ministry was that I worked for God.  I saw my role as that of sales rep and God was the CEO.  He had his office and I had my territory. My territory at the time was the campus of UCSD.  He was just a prayer away.  Sure the results were up to God but I had to do my part and work hard.  The more hours the better.  For years I averaged 60-80 hours a week.  The prayer with Fred was the beginning of a paradigm shift. Colabor with what God is doing?  Rather than work for God I began to work with God.  Rather than check in with him each day and then go at it I checked in with him and followed.  I begin to understood the truth of getting involved with what God is doing vs. asking Him to bless what I was doing. 

As I became more aggressive in my prayer time my passion for Jesus grew.  As a result I felt God more in each moment. I began to taste the thrill of fellowship with the Lord that was more amazing than anything I had experienced. Instead of prayer being something I did from obedience that I could check off my list it became a delight. In addition to my daily quiet time I began to spend every Monday with the Lord.  Every summer and winter I would take a week long prayer retreat.  The more time I spent with Jesus the more I began to experience John 15.  Communion with the Lord was not just something I did because  I knew I should but it bacame like a passionate fire burning in my heart.

A result of the paradigm shift is that I resigned as sales rep.  I don’t miss that role. The one of co-laborer is much easier.  The results are bigger and better. What difference does that decision make to my life today? As a wife and mom of children I can’t pick up and spend a week alone with the Lord as I did when I was single.  Nor can I take off one day a week by myself. But I am very grateful for the years I had to lay a foundation that I am still reaping from today.  Under extreme pressure and stress I am still tempted to take control but if I listen the Holy Spirit will remind me of the truth in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10.

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