Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Suffering



The following is a recent devotional we read and wanted to share with you!  We all have endured some struggle in our pathway during our time here on Earth.  May this uplift you today!  More importantly, make it make you pause to consider...


"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him."

                                                                          Philippians 1:29



Suffering is not something strange. Actually, it is not even a tragedy, but a favor. "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).


According to Peter, suffering is our calling. It is even a favor. Peter and John were flogged, which is a terrible punishment. But when they were sent away with bloody backs, they rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" (Acts 5:41).

Peter and John considered it a special honor to be flogged, as if they realized that they had received something which was not granted to everyone.

A Christian must be found worthy to suffer for the Lord. Such suffering is a calling, a favor and an honor.

Friday, December 18, 2009

He is Here...

This song has been running through my head today amongst the Christmas music that I so love.   Listen to it and absorb the words.  

As I think about the nearness of Christmas, I'm awed by the birth of Jesus.  While we rush to buy presents, wrap them, and attend parties, we are the crux of the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  I imagine him lying in a manager and this song echoing in the back ground.  He is here, halleuia, he is here, amen.. he is here - here him calling out your name, he is here, you can touch him, you will never be the same. 

That's what this is all about.  This crazy busy season.  HE is here...  He came in flesh and blood.  He died for our sins, and we will never be the same again.  AMEN!!! 

On Christmas day, I've decided this year to start a seasonal prayer and fasting from Christmas to Easter.  First and foremost, to make me acknowledge the majesty of our God.  Second, to uplift the Compel conference and other conferences I will be involved in prior to Easter.  HE is here, and I am calling out to him.  I want him to know that I worship and adore him.  I also want to invite him here...  to our conference, where we desire to unite women for Him. 

Father God, we thank you for being here, for coming here, and for leaving the spirit to dwell within us.  We pray that you will remind us of your presence.  we know that where 2 or 3 are gathered in your name you are there.  However, we also long for you to be present in a magnificent way.  Come like a rushing wind and move each one of us as we attempt to learn how to "Draw Near to you!"  We love you God, and we love this season.  May we not love it for the presents or the food, but for the gift of your son coming to Earth.  He is here, and coming again.  AMEN! 

by:  Jen

Monday, December 14, 2009

Yahweh Shammah - The Lord is There

I am getting a daily devotional on the names of God.  Today's name was Yahweh Shammah.  Technically it is the name of a city, and means The Lord is There.  It reminds us that we were created to both manifest and enjoy God's presence. 

As I think about Compel and the upcoming conference, I'm reminded that enjoying that presence in the company of fellow believers is a true joy.  I am in daily prayer that we will experience Yahweh Shammah at this years conference.  Yes, that hearts will be moved, and new friendships fromed, but more importantly that as we enter into the weekend that we can say "The Lord is Here." 

From the devotional, this is one area that stuck out.  I'd love comments on this. 

British preacher Charles Spurgeon once said that "whenever it can be said of an assembly, 'The Lord is there,' unity will be created and fostered. Show me a church that quarrels, a church that is split up into cliques, a church that is divided with personal ambitions, contrary doctrines, and opposing schemes, and I am sure that the Lord is not there."  How have you experienced unity as a mark of God's presence in your church and in your home?

If we enter into prayer for the conference and come with a heart open and a spirit of unity, as women of Christ, we are so much closer to uniting.  Do you have stories of how God used unity to make his presence known?  I feel compelled to say, as we prepare ourselves, He WILL draw us near!  Can't wait to see Him working at the conference!   

by:  Jen Sandbulte

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

What makes God, God?



What makes God, God?



Is it His ability to be everywhere at the same time? I’m not sure I’d even want that ability. I have enough trouble being where I need to be! But the peace we have in the fact that He can be where He needs to be; all of those places at the same time, that is amazing. There’s nowhere we could go where He will not be. (Ps. 139:7-10)



Maybe it’s His power. We can not even imagine the power and authority He possesses; this God that by the power of His Word the worlds were not only created, but are sustained. He literally draws a line in the sand and tells the ocean not to cross it! (Job 38:8-11) His authority is immeasurable and never diminishes. When He uses His power He isn’t left with less of it; it is perpetual and self-replenishing.



Could it be His vast knowledge? I’m not even sure ‘knowledge’ is the right term for what He has. The little Christmas song that states “…he knows when you are sleeping. He knows when you’re awake.” should be attributed to its rightful Owner. God alone has that level of knowledge. His ways are higher above ours than the heavens are above the earth. (Is. 55:8) Though we struggle with the inability to understand why He does what He does and why He doesn’t do other things because they seem a really good idea to us. It would be a scary thing if we did understand everything He does. Why would we need Him if that were true? It’s what makes Him God and us not.



Aside from the correct percentage of oxygen and gravity to make this whole thing stay together or the right combination of DNA to make every single person unique or the amount of plankton it takes to feed a whale and how that plays a part in the circle of life. He offers a retirement plan which can never be equaled!



So what makes God, God? He possesses life and desires to make it available in its fullest measure. Though His knowledge, power and abilities are clearly outside the realm of our understanding, He repeatedly exposes His heart of love for us in His Word, the Bible and through the provision of the Cross we have the invitation to draw near. Amazing!

Shery

Friday, October 23, 2009

Draw Near... The Ultimate Invitation

Just imagine! You are invited to the most elaborate and exclusive event of your life!! What does it feel like to be chosen?! The banquet which has taken centuries to prepare has a place card with your name on it! The Host is waiting just for you!



What would you have to do for an invitation like this? There will be women from every race, age, social class and economic level. Intelligence, religion, beauty or name status does not affect the guest list. There is only one requirement necessary; a personal relationship with the King of Heaven: Jesus Christ.



The common theme through out Scripture is God loves people. He, Who is the Creator of heaven, Architect of earth, Sole-designer of every sunrise and Painter of daily sunsets, Boundary Manager of each shore down to knowing the number of grains of sand lying there! This God, Who weave’s the strand of every human DNA from all who were ever conceived and knows each individual destiny. This God, Who knows our deepest pain and our greatest secret; love us still… This God, Who knows our failures, listens for our repentance and then offers us—the ultimate invitation.



We have a standing invitation; from God Almighty to Draw Near! This amazing invitation has an equally awesome promise that as we do—He will draw near to us!!



Draw Near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8a NKJV


Posted by Shery Miller