Well it's been awhile.
I'm on my second move of 4 in 3 months and God is good. Moving, packing, unpacking makes you clean out everything again, and again, and again! It's funny the things I deem "important" and those that don't make the cut.
And that is exactly how my walk with the Lord has been. I draw near and get rid of excess baggage living simply in the word. I somewhere along the way get comfy. I put my clothes in the dresser, hang some pictures up, and settle in. Then all of a sudden I'm seemingly "kicked out". So I need to pack but what happens when you settle in, even with your walk, is that you have picked up a few extra things. And I mean things. These aren't necessities, they can't even be deemed cute-semi-useful-decorations...they're baggage and you don't have any bags to put them in.
I'm so thankful God has called me to this life of sojourning. As much as sometimes I miss having my own place there's accountability in sojourning. There's freedom.
I think that's why God told the disciples to not pack anything when they left. Why the first church sold everything and pooled it all together - living as one. Relying on others is humbling. Humbleness rids us of pride and pride is straight from the pit of hell.
Acts 6:4 says "And we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Isn't that a simple life mission statement? But it carries so much power. And that's exactly what I want to do. I want to devote my life to praying for those God places on my heart and in my path every day and every second. I never want to forget that my sole purpose in life is to tell others that they are loved by one who wants them to live forever with Him. I want to sacrifice my life and all that that means because Christ sacrificed more than I can fathom for my life.
I can get caught up so easily in jobs whether that's while I'm helping athletes or babysitting kids and I forget that God is giving me the chance to share His love through me. But when I don't have as much, when I live simply without all these things and I am made to depend on Christ, when I am a sojourner and am humbled...I remember. I remember that I am devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word.
Praying for and loving you all
RayLynne
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Desire
"Enlarge the place of your tent,
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes."
- Isaiah 54:2
I want to share a story that a wise woman told me recently.
A Father decided that on his daughters 6th Christmas it was finally time to get her a bike. He was so excited because he knew she was ready. He dreamed of this day - her eyes lighting up, her heart leaping for joy, and fulfilling a DREAM of hers. So he began asking her "What do you want for Christmas honey?" And she said "Well I really want a doll that you can feed and burp and..." The Father asked "Well what about a bike?" She replies "Well my friend Susy just got a bike and she fell off of it and scraped her knee and no I don't want that" The Father undeterred began over the next few months painting her a picture of this bike in her mind and heart. He began planting a desire and dream of a bike that was pink, with a banana seat, with a basket, and a bell! As Christmas morning came that little girl could ONLY think of this bike that was pink, with a banana seat, and a basket, and a bell! And as she came down the stairs what was in front of her? That very bike - a dream fulfilled.
You see like Christ this Father knew exactly what was right for his daughter. He knew what was best for her and put that desire in her heart. This, my friend, is what Christ wants to do for you if you would only let him. We think so often that we know best. We must know best because it's our life and we are in control...Oh we are so very wrong. When we allow God to put His desires in our heart we not only receive the very dream but we receive more than our hearts even thought possible.
"Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called Him" - 1 Corinthians 7:17
Think back to when you were little and dreams were only a step away. Your imagination went to the moon and back. You could be exactly who you were made to be and who you wanted to be.
"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it"
- Mark 10:13
Does Christ not want us to keep that faith? Remember beloved, Satan is called the thief, destroyer, and deceiver for a reason. Hope and faith are his enemy. He wants to smash that and kill ALL dreams of ours and he begins when we are little. If we would only rebuke and remain in ALL HOPE with Christ most of us wouldn't be in jobs that aren't fulfilling, in relationships and sadly some marriages with someone who isn't God's best. We can be walking by faith friends. God promises to be all our strength. Control is something we must FIGHT off. The world is something we must learn to ignore.
"Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over a stumbling stone." - Romans 9:32
When we become consumed with what the world thinks we immediately start walking a path that is made by us. Dreams change to what is realistic, jobs become something to pay bills and debt, and we lust after objects that in .5 seconds are out of date and we can't take them when we die; now can we? How big is your God? Because mine can pay off debt whenever he wants even when I'm not working. He tells me to move to a new place where nothing is physically promised but where I've found more life than ever before. He promises me a future with a man that was made FOR me - not someone I choose to settle for. I want to dream and dream big because without hope and expectation I am nothing. Why settle for what is good when you could have BEST!
So let Christ write His desires on your heart. They're more than you could hope for and it will ALL come into fruition. Why put someone in a box when you can't even begin to describe all that He is. Don't limit God because you're only limiting yourself. Or are you afraid of what you could become in Him? Because He'll raise you up, He'll take you places you've never been and lift you up to a place that is completely surrendered to His cause.
"As we look NOT to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are ETERNAL." - 2 Corinthians 4:18
"For we walk by faith and not by sight" - 2 Corinthians 5:7
"And he died for all, that those who live might NO longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:15
So enlarge your tents for the Lord's blessing. Do not hold back anything and He will hold nothing back for you. Be prepared to surrender everything for a dream that IS exactly what you want and ALL that you need. Don't look back because you can't live in the past. Live those last 2 verses. Live in faith.
Praying for and loving you all,
RayLynne
and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
and strengthen your stakes."
- Isaiah 54:2
I want to share a story that a wise woman told me recently.
A Father decided that on his daughters 6th Christmas it was finally time to get her a bike. He was so excited because he knew she was ready. He dreamed of this day - her eyes lighting up, her heart leaping for joy, and fulfilling a DREAM of hers. So he began asking her "What do you want for Christmas honey?" And she said "Well I really want a doll that you can feed and burp and..." The Father asked "Well what about a bike?" She replies "Well my friend Susy just got a bike and she fell off of it and scraped her knee and no I don't want that" The Father undeterred began over the next few months painting her a picture of this bike in her mind and heart. He began planting a desire and dream of a bike that was pink, with a banana seat, with a basket, and a bell! As Christmas morning came that little girl could ONLY think of this bike that was pink, with a banana seat, and a basket, and a bell! And as she came down the stairs what was in front of her? That very bike - a dream fulfilled.
You see like Christ this Father knew exactly what was right for his daughter. He knew what was best for her and put that desire in her heart. This, my friend, is what Christ wants to do for you if you would only let him. We think so often that we know best. We must know best because it's our life and we are in control...Oh we are so very wrong. When we allow God to put His desires in our heart we not only receive the very dream but we receive more than our hearts even thought possible.
"Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called Him" - 1 Corinthians 7:17
Think back to when you were little and dreams were only a step away. Your imagination went to the moon and back. You could be exactly who you were made to be and who you wanted to be.
"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it"
- Mark 10:13
Does Christ not want us to keep that faith? Remember beloved, Satan is called the thief, destroyer, and deceiver for a reason. Hope and faith are his enemy. He wants to smash that and kill ALL dreams of ours and he begins when we are little. If we would only rebuke and remain in ALL HOPE with Christ most of us wouldn't be in jobs that aren't fulfilling, in relationships and sadly some marriages with someone who isn't God's best. We can be walking by faith friends. God promises to be all our strength. Control is something we must FIGHT off. The world is something we must learn to ignore.
"Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over a stumbling stone." - Romans 9:32
When we become consumed with what the world thinks we immediately start walking a path that is made by us. Dreams change to what is realistic, jobs become something to pay bills and debt, and we lust after objects that in .5 seconds are out of date and we can't take them when we die; now can we? How big is your God? Because mine can pay off debt whenever he wants even when I'm not working. He tells me to move to a new place where nothing is physically promised but where I've found more life than ever before. He promises me a future with a man that was made FOR me - not someone I choose to settle for. I want to dream and dream big because without hope and expectation I am nothing. Why settle for what is good when you could have BEST!
So let Christ write His desires on your heart. They're more than you could hope for and it will ALL come into fruition. Why put someone in a box when you can't even begin to describe all that He is. Don't limit God because you're only limiting yourself. Or are you afraid of what you could become in Him? Because He'll raise you up, He'll take you places you've never been and lift you up to a place that is completely surrendered to His cause.
"As we look NOT to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are ETERNAL." - 2 Corinthians 4:18
"For we walk by faith and not by sight" - 2 Corinthians 5:7
"And he died for all, that those who live might NO longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:15
So enlarge your tents for the Lord's blessing. Do not hold back anything and He will hold nothing back for you. Be prepared to surrender everything for a dream that IS exactly what you want and ALL that you need. Don't look back because you can't live in the past. Live those last 2 verses. Live in faith.
Praying for and loving you all,
RayLynne
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Call
"God answer you on the day you crash,
The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach,
Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
Exclaim over your offerings,
Celebrate your sacrifices,
Give you what your HEART DESIRES,
Accomplish your plans.
When you win, we plan to raise the roof
and lead the parade with our banners.
May all your wishes come true!
That clinches it - HELP'S coming!
An ANSWER's on the way!
Everthing's going to work out!"
- Psalm 20:1-6
I pray this over each and every one of you. Everyone who enters into the hard times, in trying times, during trials and tribulations...for THIS is a path worth walking. THIS is a story worth being told. Your life is being penned by the greatest author in history.
It might get worse before it get's easier. There might SEEM TO be more darkness before there's light. Beloved the truth is He didn't ask our wants He asks for our TRUST. He is the one who knows our hearts and minds better than we do.
"Blessed is the man who TRUSTS the Lord,
Whose trust IS THE LORD."
- Jeremiah 17:7
"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work
For as the sky soars high above earth,
So the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
Can you trust Him with your life? Can you allow Him to take over so that His work can be done? I know that all of you out there have AMAZING CALLS. Some of you have heard that call so intimately; the desire of your heart so aligned with Him...but the resistance WITHIN is working so hard against it. Why do we let flesh have a voice? I do it - I get frustrated and wish so many times I could throw my hands up. Beloved the call is YOURS and only yours - no one can do it for you; NO ONE can do it like you. You are individually made. Specifically created for this time, place, and purpose - as it says in Esther "For such a time as this". Now, God will make provisions for those people you would have touched - He will not allow those people to be missed because you were stubborn. Oh, but what you could have experienced...
Our lives aren't just for others to experience, we learn as others learn.
"Give AWAY your life; you'll find life given BACK, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing." - Luke 6:37
Keep walking beloved. Hold your head high and depend on Him the entire time. The broken are worth it - we're all broken and YOU were worth it.
"My head is high, God, held high;
I'm looking to you, God;
No hangdog skulking for me.
I've thrown my lot in with you...
Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth..."
- Psalm 25
All my love,
Ray
The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm's reach,
Send reinforcements from Holy Hill,
Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies,
Exclaim over your offerings,
Celebrate your sacrifices,
Give you what your HEART DESIRES,
Accomplish your plans.
When you win, we plan to raise the roof
and lead the parade with our banners.
May all your wishes come true!
That clinches it - HELP'S coming!
An ANSWER's on the way!
Everthing's going to work out!"
- Psalm 20:1-6
I pray this over each and every one of you. Everyone who enters into the hard times, in trying times, during trials and tribulations...for THIS is a path worth walking. THIS is a story worth being told. Your life is being penned by the greatest author in history.
It might get worse before it get's easier. There might SEEM TO be more darkness before there's light. Beloved the truth is He didn't ask our wants He asks for our TRUST. He is the one who knows our hearts and minds better than we do.
"Blessed is the man who TRUSTS the Lord,
Whose trust IS THE LORD."
- Jeremiah 17:7
"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work
For as the sky soars high above earth,
So the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think."
- Isaiah 55:8-9
Can you trust Him with your life? Can you allow Him to take over so that His work can be done? I know that all of you out there have AMAZING CALLS. Some of you have heard that call so intimately; the desire of your heart so aligned with Him...but the resistance WITHIN is working so hard against it. Why do we let flesh have a voice? I do it - I get frustrated and wish so many times I could throw my hands up. Beloved the call is YOURS and only yours - no one can do it for you; NO ONE can do it like you. You are individually made. Specifically created for this time, place, and purpose - as it says in Esther "For such a time as this". Now, God will make provisions for those people you would have touched - He will not allow those people to be missed because you were stubborn. Oh, but what you could have experienced...
Our lives aren't just for others to experience, we learn as others learn.
"Give AWAY your life; you'll find life given BACK, but not merely given back - given back with bonus and blessing." - Luke 6:37
Keep walking beloved. Hold your head high and depend on Him the entire time. The broken are worth it - we're all broken and YOU were worth it.
"My head is high, God, held high;
I'm looking to you, God;
No hangdog skulking for me.
I've thrown my lot in with you...
Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth..."
- Psalm 25
All my love,
Ray
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Through These Ashes We Rise...
"You are NOT a sinner struggling to love God
You ARE a lover of God struggling with sin."
-David Perkins
Oh how these words wrecked me this morning in church. This is something God has been trying to re-write, re-configure, and etch onto my heart since I began this journey with Him. Please go to iTunes and download/listen to the podcast from New Life: NLC iTunes Podcasts
I could say so much more but then I'd just be preaching on what he so passionately and eloquently already has. So I'll leave you beloved with these incredible words:
"Just as you'll never understand the mystery of of life forming in a pregnant woman,
So you'll never understand the mystery at work in ALL that God does...
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it...
There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:
FEAR God
DO what He tells you."
- Ecclesiastes 11:5,9, 12:12-13 (The Message)
Praying for and loving you all,
Ray
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Responsibly Irresponsible or Something Like That..
Mark Batterson, author of Wild Goose Chase, asks a very intuitive question.."Is your guardian angel bored?" Yeah let's think about that, it's a hard question to answer honestly isn't it?
"My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's eye."
- Psalm 25:12 (The Message)
In my opinion God wouldn't have us on a safe, comfortable, all-American journey ALL the time. That does not mean to say that He doesn't give us little pearls and nuggets - safe places and places of rest when we desperately need refueling. Family should be one of those pearls. God's feet should be the ultimate place of rest. And then those random places, songs, people - where we feel we can just breathe.
Golden, CO is that for me. I am on an amazing journey where some might say I am being irresponsible. And I'll look you straight in the eye and say no I'm spirit led being responsibly irresponsible..ask my mother she'll tell you! Again thank you Mark Batterson! That phrase of responsible irresponsibility has helped shape what God has called me to. I applied to no less than 50 jobs, had 3 interviews, obtained positions at all 3 and was called out of all 3. Doesn't make sense does it? I literally had $300 in my bank account, registered for food stamps, and had no money for rent/electric/loan. But let's go straight to the word:
"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work" God's Decree
For as the sky soars high above the earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think...
So you'll go out in joy,
you'll be held into a whole and complete life."
- Isaiah 55:8-13 (The Message)
More?
"TRUST God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
LISTEN for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.."
- Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)
More?
"Mortals make elaborate plans,
but God has the LAST word.
Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good
God probes for what IS good."
- Proverbs 16:1-2 (The Message)
You see where I'm going. I trusted in His provisions. I trusted as far as to keep tithing as the widow with the mites did (Luke 21:1-4) not because I necessarily wanted to but because God told me to..When we are faithful with little, He is faithful with MUCH. His provisions came in an outpouring of blessings. SO much so that I was overwhelmed with His love and mercy. ALL bills - paid. Offer of 2 camps for Athletic Training - done. Food stamps - came through. I actually did work for a day and you know how God worked through that? A girl at that job had been praying the Holy Spirit would bring another Christian into her life to help her through this time. Is that a divine encounter or what?
People we MUST start walking in the Holy Spirit at ALL times. It's a choice we have and a very important one - life or death in my opinion. Yes, it could be reckless. Yes, you might have a job and a family and what that looks like for you I don't know but I do know you aren't the only one who feels that conviction to MOVE. If you don't move it is saying: "God I don't trust you, I don't think you have my BEST at heart and I KNOW BETTER". I know that's bold and harsh and is going to rustle many feathers but it's also truth and if it's offensive ask yourself why?
"I'll give you only the best - NO MORE hand-me-downs!
Gold instead of Bronze, Silver instead of Iron,
Bronze instead of Wood, Iron instead of Stones...
I am GOD.
At the right time I'll Make it Happen."
- Isaiah 60 (The Message)
Oh Beloved, He wants to give you blessings beyond belief; the best of the best. Do you know why? Because He is your Father and YOU are His child. Do you know that...truly? He wants to show up for you in extraordinary ways so that your life is a LIVING testament to HIM. That is why we were truly made isn't it? The Bible holds stories of people who were God-fearing (and some not-so) that God was able to use and show up in their lives so we could see He is BIG. But don't limit Him to those pages sitting on your night stand. That is a fear instilled in you by the enemy. Your life is being written by the same God who wrote those stories. Be recklessly abandoned for Him, He'll bless you for it. Why wouldn't He love...He is Abba. Say that aloud with me and tell me you don't feel anything: Abba.
I'm not saying to immediately hand out all money, sell house, and say "now what"..especially with a family that is IRRESPONSIBLE. However, with much prayer, He'll tell you exactly what to do-when to do it. Like it says above: "At the right time I'll Make it Happen."And there are great ways to do things now like opening your house to a friend in need..even if you don't want to make that commitment. Buy food for that homeless man...even if your flesh says "I don't have time". Remember people: others are watching our actions, and God knows the motives behind our heart.
Please don't read this thinking I've put myself on a pedestal and am condemning you all. I'm just as convicted as you all in this area that's why I'm so passionate..I've been so broken and so humbled in this area for the past 24 days that it's the desire of my heart to share it. So we can all walk that much further down these divinely inspired paths together responsibly irresponsible.
I love you all so dearly,
Ray
"TRUST God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
LISTEN for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.."
- Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)
More?
"Mortals make elaborate plans,
but God has the LAST word.
Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good
God probes for what IS good."
- Proverbs 16:1-2 (The Message)
You see where I'm going. I trusted in His provisions. I trusted as far as to keep tithing as the widow with the mites did (Luke 21:1-4) not because I necessarily wanted to but because God told me to..When we are faithful with little, He is faithful with MUCH. His provisions came in an outpouring of blessings. SO much so that I was overwhelmed with His love and mercy. ALL bills - paid. Offer of 2 camps for Athletic Training - done. Food stamps - came through. I actually did work for a day and you know how God worked through that? A girl at that job had been praying the Holy Spirit would bring another Christian into her life to help her through this time. Is that a divine encounter or what?
People we MUST start walking in the Holy Spirit at ALL times. It's a choice we have and a very important one - life or death in my opinion. Yes, it could be reckless. Yes, you might have a job and a family and what that looks like for you I don't know but I do know you aren't the only one who feels that conviction to MOVE. If you don't move it is saying: "God I don't trust you, I don't think you have my BEST at heart and I KNOW BETTER". I know that's bold and harsh and is going to rustle many feathers but it's also truth and if it's offensive ask yourself why?
"I'll give you only the best - NO MORE hand-me-downs!
Gold instead of Bronze, Silver instead of Iron,
Bronze instead of Wood, Iron instead of Stones...
I am GOD.
At the right time I'll Make it Happen."
- Isaiah 60 (The Message)
Oh Beloved, He wants to give you blessings beyond belief; the best of the best. Do you know why? Because He is your Father and YOU are His child. Do you know that...truly? He wants to show up for you in extraordinary ways so that your life is a LIVING testament to HIM. That is why we were truly made isn't it? The Bible holds stories of people who were God-fearing (and some not-so) that God was able to use and show up in their lives so we could see He is BIG. But don't limit Him to those pages sitting on your night stand. That is a fear instilled in you by the enemy. Your life is being written by the same God who wrote those stories. Be recklessly abandoned for Him, He'll bless you for it. Why wouldn't He love...He is Abba. Say that aloud with me and tell me you don't feel anything: Abba.
I'm not saying to immediately hand out all money, sell house, and say "now what"..especially with a family that is IRRESPONSIBLE. However, with much prayer, He'll tell you exactly what to do-when to do it. Like it says above: "At the right time I'll Make it Happen."And there are great ways to do things now like opening your house to a friend in need..even if you don't want to make that commitment. Buy food for that homeless man...even if your flesh says "I don't have time". Remember people: others are watching our actions, and God knows the motives behind our heart.
Please don't read this thinking I've put myself on a pedestal and am condemning you all. I'm just as convicted as you all in this area that's why I'm so passionate..I've been so broken and so humbled in this area for the past 24 days that it's the desire of my heart to share it. So we can all walk that much further down these divinely inspired paths together responsibly irresponsible.
I love you all so dearly,
Ray
Thursday, June 16, 2011
In A Moment Of Brokenness..
“I am God.
At the right time I’ll make it happen”
- Isaiah 60:22
What am I doing here? Where am I going? Why am I in this place, at this time? Did I mess up, hear Him wrong, choose my plan over His?
These are the questions that are rolling over and over in my head.
I’m so confused. So alone. And so very scared.
I have no answers. I’m on my face screaming what now Lord? I need you to show up. But he has. He has done so much for me in these past few weeks and I, as a human, still want more.
MY flesh desires the comfortable. The stable. The known. But my spirit knows that only lasts for a time. Eternity – that is my stability. This life is not my own and this present situation was handcrafted by my Father. None of this is a surprise to Him. None of my self-pity is either. He’s teaching me complete dependence on Him. How many times must I go through this? As many times as needed. I must pick up my cross daily, burning my flesh daily. It only comes in millimeter pieces. But I must learn to relish it. To have complete joy through all circumstances. Knowing full well my Father – gracious is He – is right beside me, pushing me, prodding me, and carrying me to that finish line.
Those small victories are great but what’s better are these moments. When I’ve come to the end of FLESH and bow low to HIM. I must learn that bowing is not only reverent but needed 24/7 as is JOY. When will I learn complete joy? Soon I hope. To praise Him when I have only a dollar in my bank account – because that means His provisions are about to come. Through my weakest moments He calls me to do something and through that He gets all the glory! Hallelujah. I am allowed to see Him. My family gets to see Him. My friends see Him. And I hope you see Him. He gets all the credit and I get none. For He calls and raises each of us in our weakest moments to shine for all the world to see. But beloved if you do not submit to that call. If you run back to your homeland too soon or breakdown to your flesh what whale will you be missing? And who else misses it?
Had I not submitted to the calling of leaving comfort and stability my family would not be challenged daily by Christ. Multiple people that I have been able to share my story with and through that challenge their faith – they would still be lost. How unworthy am I…but that is why I was called. That is why I was asked to GO and GO NOW. Because He wanted to shine in my weakest moments, to touch the untouchables through my inadequacies, and to stretch me to a place I have never been so I’ll understand Him and His undeniable LOVE.
I’m imperfect but through my imperfections, there, does Christ’s glory lie.
“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things.”
- Isaiah 58:11
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Beginning
"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 act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them ABOVE the crowd." - Hebrews 11:1-2
If you've never read Hebrews 11-12 in The Message I suggest you do so right away. It's eye-opening, soul-changing, and spirit-awakening. It's also the basis of my life now. Had you met me a year ago, even 6 months ago, I doubt you'd recognize me. You see my life changed the very minute God needed it to and this journey that I'm on..this phenomenal, radical, amazing journey has NOTHING to do with me. I'm the tool, the object Christ is using to change nations. I state this more confidently than I could ever imagine and it somehow also intimidates me.
My journey began much like any child growing up in a Christian home. It was stable, nice, and a bubble. In high school my bubble popped and my identity..my friends..was gone. I had choices, I chose to go against my faith and I have walked out those consequences for the past 6 years. Thank God he is in the business of forgiveness and mercy, always pursuing us, ALWAYS. I got to college and my life flip-flopped 180 degrees. It didn't happen all at once and it wasn't pretty; my friends can attest to that! But it was divinely inspired and radically beautiful. And every time I think I'm close to the end a new challenge is thrown my way. Isn't that the best though? To climb a mountain, reach the top, hit the downhill with speed, and sprint right up the next? I wouldn't want it any other way.
God asked me almost a year ago if I'd move to Denver, Colorado. He asked will you change your plans for me? No graduate school, no sunny Florida. I said okay, I'm not the only one of my friends called there so it wouldn't be difficult - applied to an internship and obtained the position. And that's where it stopped being easy because He then asked if I'd move before the internship started, before friends were moving, and with NO money. (Can you say: food stamps?) He would be in complete control and I would have none. The most stretching thing I've ever dealt with, especially being a daughter of Eve, a human.
"To the women He said, I will greatly multiply your grief and your suffering in pregnancy and the pangs of childbearing; with spasms of distress you will bring forth children. Yet your desire and craving will be for your husband and he will rule over you" - Genesis 3: 16 (AMP)
" All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pains throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us it's within us.." Romans 8:22-23 (The Message)
(Disclaimer: I don't think I'm a theologist or understand every word of the Bible but I do think in reading the word, through the Holy Spirit, we gain wisdom and clarity.)
As a human we love control, love to be in charge..at least that describes me! But I know it's also just the flesh so these past 2 weeks I've been learning to relinquish that. I call on nothing but the Holy Spirit in times of strife and pray even more fervently for perseverance. Because without it I'd truly not be able to walk a step. Once you hit the realization your life is not your own and neither are the choices you make (even that hello to the mailman or which Starbucks you end up at) it becomes wildly freeing. Life passes by and you become more relaxed knowing He's leading you! (I am not claiming I've got it down pat but I'm learning.)
Please listen to this though, it's the most important part! As you choose to follow God and not yourSELF friends will leave, parents will question, and the devil will attack at a 20. You will be a Noah in your own right claiming water shall rain from the sky instead of flowing from the ground. You will be marked crazy and few will understand you anymore. The only solace I can give you is that you aren't the first and you will not be the last. What Christ asks of you is INDIVIDUALLY inspired no one will have faced what you are going to but beloved if He's asking, it means you can! You'll need to call on Him for courage/strength, learn the word, and pray the armor over yourself every morning but it's a phenomenal journey! A right of passage into the kingdom and isn't that what we want as little kids anyways? Girl or Boy we want to be some kind of warrior or hero and that is our God-given calling to save those which are lost to be a warrior and hero for our Father. What a privilege!
"My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's eye
They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm" - Psalm 25:12 (The Message)
So this is where our journey begins..He has huge plans for us all and I'm ecstatic to share every moment with you. Never settle for anything less than the best in all that you do it's for His glory and failure isn't an option.
Praying for and loving you all,
Ray
If you've never read Hebrews 11-12 in The Message I suggest you do so right away. It's eye-opening, soul-changing, and spirit-awakening. It's also the basis of my life now. Had you met me a year ago, even 6 months ago, I doubt you'd recognize me. You see my life changed the very minute God needed it to and this journey that I'm on..this phenomenal, radical, amazing journey has NOTHING to do with me. I'm the tool, the object Christ is using to change nations. I state this more confidently than I could ever imagine and it somehow also intimidates me.
My journey began much like any child growing up in a Christian home. It was stable, nice, and a bubble. In high school my bubble popped and my identity..my friends..was gone. I had choices, I chose to go against my faith and I have walked out those consequences for the past 6 years. Thank God he is in the business of forgiveness and mercy, always pursuing us, ALWAYS. I got to college and my life flip-flopped 180 degrees. It didn't happen all at once and it wasn't pretty; my friends can attest to that! But it was divinely inspired and radically beautiful. And every time I think I'm close to the end a new challenge is thrown my way. Isn't that the best though? To climb a mountain, reach the top, hit the downhill with speed, and sprint right up the next? I wouldn't want it any other way.
God asked me almost a year ago if I'd move to Denver, Colorado. He asked will you change your plans for me? No graduate school, no sunny Florida. I said okay, I'm not the only one of my friends called there so it wouldn't be difficult - applied to an internship and obtained the position. And that's where it stopped being easy because He then asked if I'd move before the internship started, before friends were moving, and with NO money. (Can you say: food stamps?) He would be in complete control and I would have none. The most stretching thing I've ever dealt with, especially being a daughter of Eve, a human.
"To the women He said, I will greatly multiply your grief and your suffering in pregnancy and the pangs of childbearing; with spasms of distress you will bring forth children. Yet your desire and craving will be for your husband and he will rule over you" - Genesis 3: 16 (AMP)
" All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pains throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us it's within us.." Romans 8:22-23 (The Message)
(Disclaimer: I don't think I'm a theologist or understand every word of the Bible but I do think in reading the word, through the Holy Spirit, we gain wisdom and clarity.)
As a human we love control, love to be in charge..at least that describes me! But I know it's also just the flesh so these past 2 weeks I've been learning to relinquish that. I call on nothing but the Holy Spirit in times of strife and pray even more fervently for perseverance. Because without it I'd truly not be able to walk a step. Once you hit the realization your life is not your own and neither are the choices you make (even that hello to the mailman or which Starbucks you end up at) it becomes wildly freeing. Life passes by and you become more relaxed knowing He's leading you! (I am not claiming I've got it down pat but I'm learning.)
Please listen to this though, it's the most important part! As you choose to follow God and not yourSELF friends will leave, parents will question, and the devil will attack at a 20. You will be a Noah in your own right claiming water shall rain from the sky instead of flowing from the ground. You will be marked crazy and few will understand you anymore. The only solace I can give you is that you aren't the first and you will not be the last. What Christ asks of you is INDIVIDUALLY inspired no one will have faced what you are going to but beloved if He's asking, it means you can! You'll need to call on Him for courage/strength, learn the word, and pray the armor over yourself every morning but it's a phenomenal journey! A right of passage into the kingdom and isn't that what we want as little kids anyways? Girl or Boy we want to be some kind of warrior or hero and that is our God-given calling to save those which are lost to be a warrior and hero for our Father. What a privilege!
"My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God's bull's eye
They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm" - Psalm 25:12 (The Message)
So this is where our journey begins..He has huge plans for us all and I'm ecstatic to share every moment with you. Never settle for anything less than the best in all that you do it's for His glory and failure isn't an option.
Praying for and loving you all,
Ray
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