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