"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)"
"The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. (The Message)" ~ Hebrews 11:1
Our faith may start out small, but over time it has the potential to grow into an amazing, undeniable faith in God and the miracles He can and will perform. Faith the size of a mustard seed is all it takes. Although the mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, it becomes the largest of all the plants to the point where it becomes a tree. (Matthew 13:31-32) As we trust God where we are, our faith in Him as the opportunity to grow and increase.
I am standing on faith that I will be able to leave for Swaziland by the end of November. Please pray with me for God's continued provision and for more open doors to share with people about the needs and work in Swaziland.
Also, a team from my church will be leaving for Swaziland on Monday for a two week trip. Please pray for them as they help with a church plant, minister in homesteads, visit schools, do children's ministry, and as they travel.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Obedience
Something that has been on my heart for the last couple of weeks is the topic of obedience. Fulfilling your purpose is not about making sacrifices; it is about being obedient to God. There are times when you may have to sacrifice something, but "to obey is better than sacrifice" - 1 Samuel 15:22. Sacrifice without true obedience is fruitless.
Difficult circumstances provide the opportunity to learn obedience. Obedience breeds growth and maturity. Knowledge and learning is good, but until there is application of that knowledge, there is no room for spiritual growth. Being obedient to God is the key to developing a strong root system that enables you to stay strong against future adversity and difficult circumstances. "Spiritual growth is neither a function of time or learning, but it is a function of obedience." - John Bevere in The Bait of Satan.
Difficult circumstances provide the opportunity to learn obedience. Obedience breeds growth and maturity. Knowledge and learning is good, but until there is application of that knowledge, there is no room for spiritual growth. Being obedient to God is the key to developing a strong root system that enables you to stay strong against future adversity and difficult circumstances. "Spiritual growth is neither a function of time or learning, but it is a function of obedience." - John Bevere in The Bait of Satan.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Missions of Love
This past weekend I went home to spend some time with my parents, one of my sisters, and my nieces. My nieces just turned two and definitely keep all of us on our toes... I can't believe how fast they are growing up!
On Sunday morning I went to service at my home church. Pastor Barnes kicked off the 40 days of purpose. His message left me with some "food for thought" that I wanted to pass on...
One aspect of true success is communicating God's love - through missions. God has called each of us to missions. Your mission field may be your neighborhood, co-workers, family, or the children you teach. It can be right here in your local community or somewhere around the world. The question he left all of us with is - "Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?" This made me think about if I am living my life centered around God in every aspect of my life and if I am allowing God to use me to speak His love into the lives of each person around me.
Some people have asked when I will be leaving for Swaziland. I will be leaving no later than November 3rd but am hoping to be able to leave sooner. I have about 54% of the monthly commitments and over 100% of the cash budget raised. I must have in 100% of the commitments before I am able to leave. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!
On Sunday morning I went to service at my home church. Pastor Barnes kicked off the 40 days of purpose. His message left me with some "food for thought" that I wanted to pass on...
One aspect of true success is communicating God's love - through missions. God has called each of us to missions. Your mission field may be your neighborhood, co-workers, family, or the children you teach. It can be right here in your local community or somewhere around the world. The question he left all of us with is - "Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you?" This made me think about if I am living my life centered around God in every aspect of my life and if I am allowing God to use me to speak His love into the lives of each person around me.
Some people have asked when I will be leaving for Swaziland. I will be leaving no later than November 3rd but am hoping to be able to leave sooner. I have about 54% of the monthly commitments and over 100% of the cash budget raised. I must have in 100% of the commitments before I am able to leave. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Freedom
Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted to go to Africa. Although I have known that this is part of God's calling upon my life, it wasn't until a few months ago that I found out what my next step on my life journey would be. For these last few months, I have been preparing to go to Swaziland, Africa as a missionary for the next couple of years.
Throughout this whole process God has really been teaching me about completely trusting in His timing and finding complete freedom in His will for my life. I love to plan and, while there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, my desire to plan can get in the way of trusting God. At times I want to run ahead because I am so ready for that next step, but then I am reminded that I am where I am at this moment in time because this is exactly where God wants me. I believe that this time of waiting is a time of preparation and spiritual growth. God wants all of my trust, especially when things do not seem to be working out to my plan. Just as Abraham was faithful even though he had to wait for most of his life for God's promise to be fulfilled, so must I be faithful. God's timing probably did not make a whole lot of sense to Abraham..."Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20
We can't be so consumed with our past or our expectations for the future that we miss out on what God has for us today. There is a reason and a purpose for each season of our lives. Find freedom in where you are...God's will is a good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
God is always on time. If God has called you to do something, He will provide and make a way. "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." - 2 Chronicles 20:15 What He requires of us is an open heart, obedience, and willingness to be completely free to be who He has created us to be.
Throughout this whole process God has really been teaching me about completely trusting in His timing and finding complete freedom in His will for my life. I love to plan and, while there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that, my desire to plan can get in the way of trusting God. At times I want to run ahead because I am so ready for that next step, but then I am reminded that I am where I am at this moment in time because this is exactly where God wants me. I believe that this time of waiting is a time of preparation and spiritual growth. God wants all of my trust, especially when things do not seem to be working out to my plan. Just as Abraham was faithful even though he had to wait for most of his life for God's promise to be fulfilled, so must I be faithful. God's timing probably did not make a whole lot of sense to Abraham..."Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20
We can't be so consumed with our past or our expectations for the future that we miss out on what God has for us today. There is a reason and a purpose for each season of our lives. Find freedom in where you are...God's will is a good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
God is always on time. If God has called you to do something, He will provide and make a way. "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." - 2 Chronicles 20:15 What He requires of us is an open heart, obedience, and willingness to be completely free to be who He has created us to be.
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