BE NEAR...

Lysa Terkeurst, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries had this on her blog today.  It was a reminder of prayer, and of our theme of nearness.  How can we feel near to those miles away?  Yet our heart is torn and aching for these people.  I sit and watch the news of Haiti and want so much to help.  My heart breaks and my tummy churns. 

Be Near

Each time I turn on the TV, my heart is stirred like I'm sure yours is with the tragedies being experienced in Haiti. My heart stirs and I wish I could get on a plane headed there right now. I want to help get food and medical attention to those who need it right now. I want to speak hope into the bleak realities right now.

But at the same time I feel paralyzed right now.

The situation feels beyond me. Chaotic. Overwhelming.

I can send money and I will. But is that enough? As a Jesus girl, is that really enough?

I guess the thing that tugs- rips- at my heart is the strong correlation between what these precious people are facing and what my two sons lived for many years. It's hard for me to see the kids starving, confused, hurting, and helpless. During the civil war in Liberia, that's the way my boys lived.

My boys.

The ones I care for, love, buy Christmas presents for, plan their birthdays, and make sure they go to the doctor for even the slightest ailment.

But there were years before I met them where they were in desperate need while I sat paralyzed in oblivion here in a land flowing with provision. It's not that I didn't care. It's that I didn't know how to care. The orphan problem in Africa seemed so big. So beyond me. Overwhelming. Chaotic.

I felt small. Insignificant. Helpless to make any real difference.

I sent money. I sent a few Christmas shoe boxes. But the orphan problem was a far removed social issue for other people to handle. Until.

Until that far removed social issue came to stand in my kitchen one day. Two boys. Two boys who put a face with real tears on this issue and ruined me for good in the best kind of way.

I don't know what my assignment will be for Haiti. But I know there is one.

Knowing this, compels me to do what I can do for today while I let tomorrow's assignment unfold and make its way to me. I'm not going to manipulate this assignment or rush ahead of where I'm supposed to go. I'm simply going to lift up my willingness and watch with eyes wide open to see where God directs.

In the meantime, I am praying for specific people whose names I may never know. I am asking God to put a person on my heart each day and let that be my assignment. Until I know what to do, I am committed to be... be available, be aware, be faithful to pray.

Right now I am praying for that young man sitting on the side of the road wondering if anyone in the world is thinking or caring about him.

God, let him feel a rush of hope right this second. God, let him see the next thread of hope to cling to. God, help him to hear of place he might go today to get food and medical attention. God, be near to this young man on the side of the road.

Be near.

What do you feel called to do? How do you feel called to be? Please share.

Hoe Does God Talk to You?

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  - John 10:27

I have been looking through Joanna's book again, getting ready for the conference.  This part stuck out to me, and I thought I would ask you to ponder it in preparation for the conference. 

While we know God speaks clearly to us though the Bible, many of us are unceratin how to hear God's voice in our spirit. "How does God speak to you?" someone asked the aurthor and speaker Carole Mayhall.  I have found her answer immensely practical and helpful: 

For me, He speaks by a distinct impression in my heart.  He's never spoken to me aloud, but smpoetimes the thought that he puts in my soul is so vivid that He might as well have!  Many times it is just a thougth or an idea that flashes into my mind and I know it is from Him...

Sometimes a thought pops into my mind - a thought so different from what I was thinking, or so creative I never woul dhave thought of it, or opposite to what I wanted God to say to me.  When that happens - and it lines up with God's Word - I know I've heard His voice in a distinctive way...

I pray frequently that I will hear His voice more often and more clearly.  When I don't I know He hasn't stopped speaking; rather, I have stopped listening. 

Wow - certainly made me sit down and reevaluate!  I praise God and continue to pray that He would give me eyes to see, give me ears to hear, and give me lips to Speak his will! 

Girl Time - Fellowship

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

                                                        1 John 1:7

Oh...... how sweet is fellowship.  True fellowship.  It makes me just smile and sigh at the same time. 

I had the opportunity to have coffee tonight with a dear new friend.  As we learned more about each other, my heart was so touched by how God can bring people together.  Our circumstances and lives and stories are so similar.  I have lived in this small town for nearly 11 years and am just now connecting with someone who shares so many exciting things.  Most of all, a love and passion for Jesus and for prayer and for the poor, and fellow believers.  I thank God for our time together and look forward to many more. 
This time together also made me think about each woman who is considering signing up for the Compel Conference.  The time of fellowship they will have whether they come alone and meet new people, or come with a group of girlfriends and enjoy the time together.  As women, many of us long for dear, sweet relationships and connections.  I know that I made one last year at Compel, and am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me this year!  In my efforts to draw near to him, wanting him to become my best friend - I mean really, not just to say that! For REAL best friend - like the first person I think about.... 

Will he bless me with new friends to know and love and pray for?  I'm certain that he will.  You too....  if you open your heart to him, and to new encounters.... 

Looking forward to "girl" time!  Next weekend!!  Can't wait!!!  See you all then!!!  (OK - so you get what I'm asking for? - sing up if you haven't already!)

For He is Good!

Last night we prayed over the conference.  God was there with us and He is sooooo Goood......  As you prepare for the conference, it is my prayer that He is good to you.  Sign up now!  We are anxious to pray for you by name!  He is going to do great things! 

Can't wait to see you then! 

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.

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

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