The Second Stretch

I was inspired today by the message that Steven Furtick preached on Creating Separation

http://elevationchurch.org/sermons/creating-separation/

I wrote this shortly after:

Pressing On

You drown my doubts in the deep waters that surround me.
You rescue me and plant my feet on the dry land you provide.
My heart is full of praise and thanksgiving for you have me believing in your promises.
Promises which state that you will never abandon, that you hold the world in your hands.
Your determination to separate my heart for you and you alone has me captivated by your embrace.
The passionate nature of your love has me swept away with awe and joyful admiration.
Seeing your provision and faithfulness lets me realize my own deprivation.

How can I keep doubting your faithfulness when the proof surrounds me?
How can I keep from stretching out my hands in faith to see what you will do in, through, and around me?

Going forward this season I have come to the realization that I have decided to follow Christ and no matter the price no matter the persecution no matter the obstacles ahead there will be NO TURNING BACK! 

I am pursuing missions not because it is a travel opportunity, not because it is another experience or something good to do. I am doing it for God calls us (believers of Christ) to obedience. He asks us to be willing to be set apart for him and go into all the nations and preach the gospel, the transforming, life changing message of His love for ALL people. I am going to Malawi this winter for God has called me to go and be the hands and feet of him over there with those that are already doing life changing work. Over these past few months I have worked through many obstacles including doubt but I have come to realize that He alone is faithful. He is the one holding me and guiding me and He will see his work to completion. If you want to support me in this work please keep me in prayer and support me financially. I can't do it on my own. 

This is the second stretch.

The waters will not drown me. I will pass through. God's hand of protection is upon me. I will not be overtaken. I need only to stretch out my hand, act in obedience and watch what He will do. 

Malawi Benefit Concert: Reflections from the Lady in Red

Regard this beautiful young woman who is about to lead with grace and humility. She is unafraid of what obstacles that lie ahead for the evening for she is reminded of who is truly in charge. She remembers He has never let her down and He continued to surprise her with unconditional love and grace to surround her through the times where the insecurity was striking at her core. He has walked beside her through the days of initial planning. He was there when tears were streaming down her face because the fear of failure and disappointment was so overwhelming. Always by her side He remained. He has never hesitated. Not once has He pulled away his support. She knows she can trust Him.

This evening is her victory cry for she has not backed down and she is determined to let faith guide her. He has given her the victory and she knows He has already gone before her and made sure everything was in place. He has set the stage for his faithfulness to be revealed and for her to know she has all she needs through His provision. As she sings every note she is reminded of the love of her Heavenly Father. She is aware of His presence and knows that He is watching over her. She knows He is the conductor and that she is the obedient instrument He is using for His purposes.

She is enjoying every moment. She has worked hard to make this night all it can be and more. She is letting it all go on the stage and share the journey, especially the joy with her team. Their talents are truly being displayed beautifully and they are seeing their hard work pay off. The smiles and praises from the audience say it all. This is their moment to shine. Their bond is evident as is their love for music. They are all loving every moment. They have her back and she has theirs.

The young woman appeared fearless as she boldly spoke about her journey to travel to Malawi to be a voice of hope, love, and grace. He has prepared her for this journey and He does not leave his warriors unequipped. He is strengthening her from the inside out to stand for the voice of truth in the midst of a sea of lies. He has seen her fall and He has lifted her out of the pit of despair. Tonight He has seen her vulnerability be revealed in a way that brings him glory. He has torn down the barriers and filled her heart with unconditional love for people.  It is apparent on stage that a shift is happening within her. She must sense He is taking her to another level.

She is inviting people to join her in proclaiming that Christ is the hope of glory to the broken world. Her passion is contagious. People in the room are attentive and she knows He is tugging on heartstrings. She continues to keep singing and bring glory to her Heavenly Father. She sings every song with heart and soul and brings the audience on the journey with her. Her friend truly believes in his heart that she is ready for the next leg of this journey and his support and encouragement to her is truly sincere. 

The next song is bringing her to another place. She is clearly singing it as a conversation to someone she loves dearly. She believes wholeheartedly that she can look to him for all she needs. She is convicted that He is her strength at all times.

Her brokenness unveiled, her strength revealed. The courage she has shown has inspired the audience to be moved with compassion. They are seeing firsthand the emotional release as she gives her everything over to Him. 

This vibrant young woman is a powerhouse. She holds nothing back and gives of her self generously. She is not worried about what people are thinking about her. Only His opinion matters in the here and now. 

She knows she is supported. She rewards the audience by breaking out of her shell and allowing them to see her goofy and feisty side. Many of her layers displayed tonight reveal the transforming process. An internal change within her is occurring. No one can keep her soul from taking flight. 

The overall conclusion is simple: He will continue to use her for his glory. He is not done with her yet. 

Love That GoesThe Distance

Miles can separate hearts that are dependent upon completion in each other. 

The separation is inevitable if the two hearts do not seek and trust the Creator.

The two hearts must choose to let the voids be filled with love that will satisfy.

Self-seeking love only stays temporarily and will continue to drain a heart dry.

Love that serves the other and does not look out for its own interests will remain true.

To keep this kind of love requires an effort to be vigilant to seek you first in all we do.   

No matter the circumstance love from the Creator always endures and goes on strong.

No matter the pathway the love given by the Creator will always find its way along.

The gift of love comes from the Creator who has proved his love goes the distance.

His love overcame darkness and His love remains transforming and constant.

Even sin could not keep his love from reaching the depths of our tainted hearts.

His love made a way for us to come to him with our pasts and be given brand new starts.

His love follows through and does not leave in its tracks conditions and judgement resulting in blame and shame.

His love pursues shamelessly and captures our attention for He is already there waiting for us to surrender and call his name.

His ability to love can be trusted and we all should aim to love people the way He does.

He alone knows how to make love go the distance and it all started with choosing the cross.