I was inspired to go through some old mail this afternoon and I came across this message from Christ for the Nations, a Global Ministry my husband and I support. I guess it was printed the in the first magazine Gordon and Freda Lindsay, founders of Christ for the Nations, published back in 1970
It is awesome that the same words written 30 yrs ago have the same impact, as if it was written today.
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THE HIGH CALLING
Author - Unknown
If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put on you such demands of obedience, that he will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways he will seem to let other good people do things which he has not let you do.
Other Christians and Ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannotdo it; and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failureand rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent. Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings, But the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it he will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.
Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or having a legacy left to them or i having luxuries, But God may supply you daily because He wants you to have something far better than gold, and that is a helpless defense on Him, that He may Have the privilege of providing your needs day by day out of the unseen treasury.
The Lord may let others be honored, and put forward and keep you hid away in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His Coming Glory, which can only be produced in the shade.
God will Let others be great, but keep you small.He will let others do the work for Him, and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; And then to make your work still precious, He willlet others get the credit for the work you have done. and this will make your reward ten times great when Jesus comes.The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.
So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as he pleases with his own, and has a right to do as he pleases with His own, and he will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in dealing with you.God will take you at your Word; And if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in jealous love, and let you settle it forever, that you deal directly with the Holy Spirit and that He is to have the privileged of tying your tongue or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes in ways that others are not dealt with.
Now when you are possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, please and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the entrance of heaven.
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While typing this out I was reminded about the Word from the Lord that a minister spoke to me while at youth camp.This minster didn't really know me or my name, or what it meant.He spoke this Message from the Lord to a 13 year old Girl who was so open and ready to do what God called her to do.
What he said 20 years ago, are as real to me today as when he spoke them:
"The Lord says. I have called you to be a bright light in a big darkness.I have called you out of the darkness to be a light for those to see and know me.Those I have called you to, are those who feel inadequate or have insecurities, those who keep things hidden from the world but are hurting on the inside.These things I will reveal to you. You are called to show them my love. You are bright light in a big darkness; I have designed you to be will be a beacon of my love."
Knowing you are called to do something for the Lord has many challenges.Since I received that word, I have diligently sought the Lord on how to fulfill what he has called me to. While at college, I felt the degree I sought was assisting me in the fulfillment of that Calling. Now for the past few months I have been grappling with what this calling means, how to accomplish it, what are the means in which I will fulfill it.I am always asking God, "WHEN God, When."
I have so many different dreams and goals that I have developed over the past 20 years.When I envision them it's like they are as real today as they were when I dreamt them.Some of the Dreams I have are:
·Opening up Christian Clubs
·Making documentaries of inner-city youth
·Developing movie scripts into movies
·Planning and coordinating City Wide Worship Services
·Training and Sending youth to do ministry in the heart of each major city
·Becoming a Christian Counselor
·Writing worship music
·Painting Spirit-led Art
·Doing Podcast on Marriage and Worship
·Ministering to Engaged and Married Couples
·Doing Voiceovers and jingles
·Writing a book about my experience with relationships and God (1/2 written)
·Become a foster parent
·Have 6 kids
·Adopt kids that are deemed "unadoptable"
·Minister to the homeless
·Talk to young women about protecting their hearts and virginity
·Praying for Revival in our country and world
·Have a production studio in my home to produce documentaries and podcasts
I feel like God gave me these dreams along the way, and I think they are all achievable and some I have already started in some form or fashion.I don't feel hopeless or anything, I just need God's direction.
8:16 AM - the Journey of my Life
Current mood: tired
Category: Life
Things have been interesting lately. It feels like i am somewhat at a crossroads in my life and i really do not have any clue of which road to take because i see so many yet no map or signs or anything of which is the right choice.
my mind is so jumbled with so many ideas, thoughts, dreams, and visions. I am remembering the times i have been here be before. I am a little more grownup and time and life has toughen me up a bit. I am not scared or even anxious about what lies ahead, the tug of war i feel in side of me is more of a mystery to me than anything.
Last week I think i felt a little apathetic. I slept all day and watched BBC murder Mysteries all night. I was so unmotivated to do anything. I really didn't think about much...
When I stepped out on this Journey i felt called to take, i was so excited and ready to take on the world. I think I let what happened to my Brother get me a little distracted and annoyed with life. I remember thinking, just when we think everything is going great this rug gets pulled out from under us everytime. I didn't feel very anxious or worried about my Brother, I just want him to get better so he can do something productive and fulfilling with his life. i digress...
Last week while talking to Iliah, we were discussing the reality that we were NEVER promised tommorow, that is why living today is so very important. This Journing of Life is numbered so every second of every minute of every hour we have to make it matter... we have to do something with what God has given us otherwise we are living a pointless life.
Today I was reminded of this watching a 9-11 Special on National Geographic Channel. It was a detailed accound of the Days events. All the emotions flooded back to me as i remembered where and what I was doing on that day. Then I thought to myself... none of those people knew when they woke up that morning that they were going Die.. (well except for the terrorists) I wonder if anyone had any regrets of things they wish they had done with thier life...
This morning was was the most amazing service at Church. The Youth Pastor Spoke about Three Confessions we make:
1.) We confess to make Jesus Lord of our Life
2.) We confess our sins to one another
3.) We confess our testimony to all at listen.
It was a very engaging message. then at the end the most moving thing i have experienced in a long time happened...
The Youth Pastor had instructed about 60 people to come up to the front of the church and they were all holding card board with writing on it (a lot like the "will work for Food Signs you see at exits") each person held a sign that was applicable to them here are a few that i remember (not verbatum of course):
a woman held a sign that said I had 4 misscarages
and her husbands sign said I started to believe the lie that we would never be able to have a child
she turned it over and it said: We now Have a beautiful son
He turned it over and it said I believe God is Always Faithful
a young girl stands up and shows a sign that says: Depression and Fear tried to Cripple me
Then she Turned it around And it said: I have overwelming Joy that gives me Strength Daily
A little Girl sign said: They told my Mom I would have down syndrome
The Mom's sign Said Doctors said I should have an abortion
Mom tuned over and it said I knew God would heal my baby
The Little Girls sign said And Look at me now
Three little Kids each hold one sign that said: Abused, Abandoned and Rejected
They Turned the sign over and it said Adopted into a family.. then the dates they were adopted
A woman stood with a Sign that said I prayed for 30 years that My Husband would come To church
The husband Held a Sign I felt alone and rejected by God
The Wifes Sign said He Came Church and Gave his Life to The Lord
The husband God Healed and Saved me 10 yrs ago
IT went on and on one person after another sharing how God Restored each of these dear people.
I looked over at erik a few times and we were both teary eyed.
It was a beautiful expression of God's Goodness and Faithfulness
I feel like i am rambling here... but as i said my brain is thinking about a billion things all at the same time and it is late or early what ever way you look at it.
Description:The ability to understand and apply Truth effectively in a specific situation. One who understands what God's counsel might be in important decisions or situations
Meaning: to apply truth practically. Key Traits:insightful, prayerful, perceptive, honest, wise, objective, articulate
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Be able to apply Truth in practical ways ·Understand confidently God's perspective in various situation ·Go beyond appearances and understand the root of an issue ·Provide inspired direction for pursuing God's will in all circumstances, good and bad. ·See results and consequences of a given action, and be able to clearly articulate these to others
Cautions/liabilities: ·May confuse personal thoughts or passions with God's perspective, especially if not constantly and continually in prayer ·May develop pride from having a position of influence or authority ·Can become too authoritative if people learn to trust this person more than the Spirit working in us all. ·Can fail to adequately share the wisdom given to them. ·May speak or act before understanding the situation fully or adequately.
Scripture:The Old Testament; 1 Cor 12:8; James 3:13-18; 1 Cor. 2:3-14 Examples:James, Solomon, Joseph –son ofJacob
2.)
The gift of Music (23)
Description:The passion and ability to play a musical instrument or sing in a way which contributes to spiritual worship or understanding.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Sing or play an instrument in a way which edifies the community ·Express emotions or spiritual expressions through music ·Lead people towards God in worship ·Lift up souls of others ·Appropriately perform in a way which amplifies the Spiritual focus of the church, whether for repentance, thanksgiving, reflection, or celebration
Cautions/liabilities: ·Pride in performing rather than joy in sharing. ·May not be appreciated as a work of the Spirit. ·May neglect or devalue non-musical worship. ·May be too critical towards those less musically gifted. ·May confuse skill in playing with contribution to worship.
Scripture:Psalm 150; Psalm 49:4; 1 Samuel 16:14-23. Examples: David
The gift of Exhortation (23)
Description:The ability and passion to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action.Able to provide wise and timely counsel, and help point people to the right Spiritual track.
Key Traits:motivating, challenging, positive, affirming, honest, trustworthy, supportive. Meaning:To come alongside.Also known as Counseling or Encouragement.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Encourage and motivate others to practical application of specific Biblical truths ·Come alongside those who are troubled and bring encouragement ·Motivate spiritual growth ·Encourage people to discover who they really are and what they can become ·Emphasize God's perspective for the present situation of the community
Cautions/liabilities: ·Can be overly optimistic or overly critical ·May struggle with follow through ·May be insensitive to longer term needs ·May be too direct ·May jump to conclusions before fully understanding situation
Scripture:Rom. 12:8; Acts 11:22-24; Acts 15:30-32 Examples:John, Paul
3.)
The gift of Evangelism (22)
Description:The passion and ability to relate the truths of Christ to those who do not know about him, and help bring them into His body.One who wants to bring all people into the kingdom.The "recruiters" of the church.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction ·Understand with a passion that God desires all people to be saved. ·Consistently, persistently, and sensitively share the Good News to those who do not know Christ. ·Seek and find opportunities to build relationships with those outside of the church ·Adapt their presentation in order to best connect with an individual.
Cautions/liabilities: ·May become obnoxious if not led by the Spirit. ·May become prideful for their visible results. ·May become overly dependent on a certain "technique". ·May see people as "targets" rather than as people. ·May discount the importance of the work of the other gifts.
Scripture:Eph. 4:11; Acts 8:26-40; Luke 19:1-10 Examples:Philip, Paul
The gift of Creative Arts (22)
Description:One who has the passion and ability to relate/communicate truthor worship God through creative expressions of physical mediums.One who expresses spiritual truths in creative ways, whether that is art, drama, or dance.
Meaning:an artist Key Traits:creative, open, insightful, skilled, perceptive, explorator
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Communicate spiritual truths through creative means ·Creatively organize various mediums for the uplifting of the soul ·Express verbally inexpressible concepts ·Delight in newness ·Be able to transcend established patterns or styles
Cautions/liabilities: ·Impatient with less "creative" people. ·Can become easily bored. ·Must persevere in communities which are not set up to respond to this gift. ·May overly de-emphasize the foundational truths or concepts of the faith ·May be too independent.
Scripture: Ex. 31; 35:30-36:6; Ex.15:20; Gen. 1 Examples: Bezalel, Miriam
4.)
The gift of Pastoring (20)
Description:The passion and ability to nurture, care for, and guide people towards spiritual maturity.One who cares for the health of other's souls.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Be trustworthy and someone who people can be open with and confide in. ·Provide wise guidance and oversight to a spiritual community ·Derive strength from encouraging, supporting, and exhorting the community. ·Be more person-centered than task-centered ·Exemplify a growing and deepening relationship with Christ
Cautions/Liabilities: ·May have a difficult time saying "no" neglecting their primary responsibilities to their family, friends or self. ·May hold too tightly to the community, not letting them grow beyond their pastoral control and fighting other worthwhile and helpful influences ·May try to control other people in order to "protect" them. ·May become too authoritative, forgetting they are part of the community not the head of the community.
Scripture:Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Peter 5:1-4; John 10:1-18
Examples:John, James
The gift of Helps (20)
Description:Ability and passion to minister to all people through the provision of physical needs or servicesCommunicates Christ through practical acts of love.Sees meeting physical needs as part of the Good News of Christ.
Meaning: to take the place of someone. Key Traits:generous, caring, compassionate, active, loving, practical
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·See the vital nature of meeting people's needs today ·Make the Good News be really good in a practical way ·Be often active outside of the specific church in order to work directly with those in need. ·Be an advocate for various social causes and seeks to address these ·Minister to the whole person, not just a spiritual side.
Cautions/liabilities: ·May become overextended physically and/or emotionally ·May find it difficult to say "no". ·May not properly address root spiritual or psychological problems. ·May feel isolated in pursuing their causes. ·Must be continually refocused on the theological foundations of the faith.
Scripture:Isaiah 1:7; James 1:27; Acts 6:1-7 Examples:the 'Seven' of Acts 6
The gift of Faith (20)
Description:The ability and passion to present truth so as to strengthen, comfort, or urge to action.Able to provide wise and timely counsel, and help point people to the right Spiritual track.
Key Traits:motivating, challenging, positive, affirming, honest, trustworthy, supportive. Meaning:To come alongside.Also known as Counseling or Encouragement.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Encourage and motivate others to practical application of specific Biblical truths ·Come alongside those who are troubled and bring encouragement ·Motivate spiritual growth ·Encourage people to discover who they really are and what they can become ·Emphasize God's perspective for the present situation of the community
Cautions/liabilities: ·Can be overly optimistic or overly critical ·May struggle with follow through ·May be insensitive to longer term needs ·May be too direct ·May jump to conclusions before fully understanding situation
Scripture:Rom. 12:8; Acts 11:22-24; Acts 15:30-32 Examples:John, Paul
The gift of Apostleship (20)
Description:The ability and passion to start, build spiritual foundations, and oversee the development of new churches or ministries in order to expand the ministry and scope of the Church. One with a vision to go somewhere or do something new to proclaim the Truth of Christ.These are the "marines" of the Church.
Meaning:One who is sent. Key Traits:Adventurous, persevering, adaptable, risk-taking, entrepreneurial, visionary.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Pioneer and establish new ministries or churches ·Adapt to new and different surroundings ·Communicate to unbelievers and believers, drawing each person into a greater depth ofunderstanding and relationship with Christ. ·Oversee various ministries and functions within a developing community. ·Demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the Church
Cautions/liabilities: ·May develop problems with power and control ·May be competitive with other ministries or leaders. ·May mistake personal ambition for the move of the Spirit. ·Can become over self-reliant in ministry. ·May want to move on to the next project before the present one has a sufficient foundation.
Description: The ability and passion to understand, clearly explain, and apply truth.One who loves to learn and share their learning in an effective way with others.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Communicate truth in a way which inspires change ·Prepare through extended times of study and reflection ·Be able to instruct, reprove, correct, and train. ·Understand the various styles, resources, methods which are effective in communicating most effectively ·Be an authority figure and lead a group, large or small, as a primary speaker
Cautions/liabilities: ·Pride comes from having knowledge (it "puffs up") and in being an person known for having knowledge ·Can become unfocused on the mission of the church, teaching information but not Truth. ·May want to have all the answers. ·May not involve others in the learning process. ·May blame others for not "getting it" rather than be willing to change style or method so they will.
Description:The ability and passion to develop a vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish tasks.
Meaning:to stand before. Key Traits: influential, visionary, trustworthy, diligent, motivating, see the big picture
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Be able to take responsibility for direction and decisions ·Provide vision and direction ·Model the values of the ministry ·Motivate others to do what they are best at doing ·Be someone who people actually follow
Cautions/liabilities: ·May become overly dominant ·May become prideful and see the group as their own rather than God's. ·Bad, poor, or misdirected leadership can have disastrous consequences for the entire community. ·May lead the group to personal interests/goals/passions rather than listening to the Spirit and the community. ·Must make sure they are exemplifying a disciplined Spiritual life of their own.
Scripture:Rom. 12:8; Heb. 13:17; Luke 22:25-26 Examples:James, Peter, John, Paul
The gift of Compassion/Mercy (19)
Description:The ability to show great compassion for those who are suffering and to seek to come along side them and help to alleviate this suffering.The person who really cares for those in need.
Meaning: to have compassion.
Scripture:Rom. 12:8; Mat. 5:7; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 10:25-37.
Characteristics:This is a person who can… ·Be sincere in kindness and love for all people ·Find joy in comforting those who are sick, suffering, or going through a trying circumstance. ·Be willing to come alongside the suffering without recognition in order to help alleviate the suffering. ·Reveal their faith in acts of love towards the hurt in the community ·Able to be patient in their willingness to comfort others.
Cautions/liabilities: ·May be too reliant on emotions in dealing with situations ·May have trouble saying "no". ·May find themselves being unappreciated by those who are helped. ·Must find their strength and value in God not in helping others. ·Suffering can be addictive.
Scripture:Rom. 12:8; Mat. 5:7; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 10:25-37 Example: Good Samaritan
The gift of Administration (19)
Description:The ability to provide organization for the goals of the body of Christ by designing and executing an efficient plan of action.This includes a strong understanding of how all people can best be utilized to meet these goals.
Meaning: to pilot/steer a ship.The person who actually gets us where we want to go.
Characteristics: This is a person who can… ·develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals ·assist ministries to become more effective and efficient ·create order out of organizational chaos ·manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task ·organize people, tasks, or events
Cautions/liabilities: ·May rely on their well-organized plans rather than the Spirit and prayer ·May be too careful and block the overall vision with their many specific details. ·May be unresponsive to suggestions and changes in plans they have made. ·Could use people simply to accomplish goals without being concerned for their growth in the process.
3:39 PM - Day One - My Free To Worship Experience
Current mood: satisfied
Category: Life
Today began my first day of Seeking the Lord at ANHOP (All Nations House of Prayer). Erik asked me today what I was going to name what I am doing... at the time he asked me I didn't really put any thought to it... So It just came to me while praying today:
My Free to Worship Experience
I think that really expresses what this season is for me...To be in a place where i am TOTALLY Free to Worship and Experience the King of all Kings, the Lord of All Lords, the Prince of Peace, the Almighty God, Name above all Names Jesus!!!
It has been awesome just sitting in the presence of God... I have so much Peace around me....
I read Luke 14 today, some things stood out to me:
1.) I need to make sure that I'm not letting the things of this life take presidence over my relationship with God. Not Family, Work, Life. my Relationship with God needs to be First. my total Devotion needs to be For God and God alone.
2.) I need to make a point to do what I can to help the poor and the sick. Serve them, help them, feed them, pray for them...
3.) before I do anything I need to make a plan... sit down and write things out. Weigh the options and the costs. Have a plan in place to finance the plan otherwise the plan may get started but because of lack of funds.. it never gets completed.
This morning I wrote my prayers out here is an exerpt:
"Show me your Ways oh Lord, I want to fullfill your purposes and plans and not my own. Lord, You have called me to be a BRIGHT LIGHT in a big darkness.
How then Lord will I do this?
How Lord can I do this?
When Lord will I do this?"
I think this is a great start for the week. I am excited about what is ahead. Thank you for your prayers and standing in a agreement with me for clear direction.
You HAVE to Check this video out.... the Video shows some Amazing Signs and wonders of God in Puerto Rico!This happend about a year ago, but I have heard alot of similar things hapenning here in the US.
God is so Very awesome!! We need to start praying for God to continue to Reveal MORE of Himself to the utter ends o the world. Pray for His Presence to draw those back, ignite passion and fire with in every Follower of Christ, and that these signs and wonders would open the hearts and minds of those who don't know Him to surrender thier lives, repent, seek His face and turn away from sin.
The Awesome Part about these Holy Manifestations of God's Presence is that there's no way that this can be an act of man...
also after you view this video check this one out too it's from another ministry reporting on what happend in this church in Puerto Rico!
Currently
listening
:
Beautiful You
By
Rita Springer
The two charts below represent the personality types your scores most align you with. The first is your most dominant personality type, as noted by your corresponding score. Note that higher scores (appearing in parentheses) indicate a closer relation to a dominant style.
Please remember that this is not a standardized test and that these results are simply a help to assist you in better understanding of your personality and flesh.
Attitude toward meetings: good - looking for new ideas
Attitude toward authority: tolerate
Deals with Reality by: enriches
Will respond to: genuineness and positive attitude, a personal visit; ...
Wants from people: to be friendly, open and enthusiastic you want to know who I am your actions follow your words openness and honesty acceptance, praise
..TR>
..TR>
Understanding the Inspirational Personality Type
Please remember that this is not a standardized test and that these results are simply a help to assist you in better understanding of your personality and flesh.
About the graphic: Personality types that are across from each other are opposites. The greater your numerical score in an area, the stronger you probably identify with a personality type.
inspired
tired
blessed
satisfied
fabulous
adventurous
