New World Order

Hi All,
I only have a few minutes, but I wanted to share something that I learned today, that was exciting. Our sermon today was given by Pastor Dave. He spoke on the story in the Bible about Moses and the Exodus. According to many scholars the distance between Egypt and Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey, was only a 2 and a half week journey. So the question, Why did it take them 40 years to arrive when it was only a short distance? The answer, because the Israelites did not trust God. Every time they complained to Moses instead of praying, this was a way of of showing distrust in the God that lead them by fire at night and a cloud by day. Every time they complained, that put distance between them and God. God was their compass and as the distance grew, so did their wandering.

Pastor Dave related that to our global situation today. There are many, Christians included, that feel a great deal of anxiety about the future. They are asking questions like, "Will I loose my job? What kind of future will my children have? Will there be any money left in my 401k? Will I ever be able to retire?" In our uncertain times I know that these questions cannot be answered and I understand why people are asking them. But if you are one of these, may I be so bold as to ask, "In who or what are you trusting in?"
Here is a segment of a speech given by Gordon Brown, PM of England taken from Fox News:

"Historians will look back and say this was no ordinary time, but a defining moment. An unprecedented period of global change, a time when one chapter ended and another began _ for nations, for continents, for the whole world," he said.Brown claimed that the Group of Eight bloc of industrialized nations is no longer adequate to debate the world's problems. "The time when just a few powers could sit around the table and set the global agenda is over," Brown said.In recent talks with China and the oil-rich Persian Gulf states, Brown has said they should be given a greater role in world institutions.Brown said that despite current woes, the future for industrialized economies is bright. "In the next two decades the world economy will double in size," he said, claiming that current turmoil may in future be seen as the "birth pangs of a new global order."

To my brothers and sister in Christ, our God is definitely up to something. I think maybe He is making the world gloomier so that His children will shine brighter. But we cannot shine if we are running around acting just like the world. So my challenge. Get close to your Jesus. Pray like you have never prayed before. Read God's word and get to know this God who knows the end from the beginning and owns it all. Then wait for the peace that passes all understanding to rain on you like a spring rain and you will shine like a star in the universe.

I am already excited to hear how God will use your sparkle. Please email me and let me know.

And All God's People Said;AMEN!

Encouragement from the Father

Hi All,

Tonight I was putting our Christmas tree up. While my fingers worked at shaping branches I was thinking about some words that the Holy Spirit gave me not to long ago.One night about a month ago I was just frustrated about the events of the world so I said to God, "I know that you are everywhere at all times, but as I look at our world I wonder God, where are you?" To this He answered, "I am in my people."

Then a couple of weeks ago I was praying for Obama, asking the LORD to change his heart on various issues. Then the Holy Spirit said to me, "Do you really think that much will change? " In that small sentence He said so much to me. He reminded me once again to not put my hope in the things of this fallen world. He also said that the world is not changed through government, but by Him working through the obedient heart of His people. When Christ came to the earth, He came to minister to people, not to change policy.

As I learned in a recent Beth Moore study, there are times in our lives where God will rescue us from hardship without any effort on our part. Then there are times where we need to fight until there is nothing left. (The death crawl scene in "Facing the Giants") Loved one, I believe that this is one of those times. In the past couple of years I have heard many Christians pray 2 Chronicles 7: 14 If my people , who are called by my name , will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from there wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. I am not a Bible scholar, but in my opinion, God is wanting to do this, but it is up to us and our willingness to obey.

Give Him your Very Best,
Jennifer

My Heart is Full

Hi All,
It is Friday night, my babies are asleep and my heart is full. What a blessed woman I am. I have a man who deeply loves me and four ornery, passionate children. There is not a passive one in the bunch. What ever they do is done with tremendous gusto. So our house has more drama than a 9:00 prime time television show.
I am reading a book entitled Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby. This is a fantastic book and one I recommend for every Christian. Chapter six is about joy. He asks, "What is your threshold for joy?" Meaning, what events can occur that cause you irritation and suck your joy. If someone cuts you off in traffic, does that send you over the edge or does it take much more than that? As an illustration, he uses the story of Paul and Silas when they were in prison. They had just been severely beaten. In fact, many people that underwent a similar beating did not survive. Here they were with their feet and hands in shackles, bleeding and in pain and scripture tells us that around midnight they were heard singing praise songs. Now if anyone deserved a moment of self pity and asking God "Why?" it was them, but they chose the high road and praised their God for who He is. Blackaby goes on to say that joy is a choice. Choosing joy will not take the situation away or the possible emotions that go with it, but we will have a Godly perspective and not give Satan a foot hold with self pity.

I say all of this because for the past two months I have been climbing a steep hill to choose joy. It seems everywhere I turn I am confronted with a thorn. As an example, David's shift. In the evening when I am having a difficult time with the kids, I can almost audibly hear the enemy whisper, "You know, life sure would be a lot easier if David was on first shift." It is moments like this that I praise God that David has a job and praise Him for anything else I can think of. Too many times I agreeded with him and it only cause me tremendous grief and hurt my marriage. So as you can tell, some days I climb that hill to joy and then there are days I roll down it.

Tonight I got on the blog of a friend that I haven't spoken with in a long time. Her youngest daughter was born with a seizure disorder that has caused her numerous health issues and several trips to Children's Mercy. In her blog she spoke about how God used a recent situation with her daughter to speak to her and how close God has been to their family throughout all of this. After reading this, I felt like such a fool. Here I am with my healthy children and all of my abundant blessings and I have allowed Satan to get to me with, in comparison, things that seem so insignificant.

So, my question. How in shape are your praise muscles? Are they ready to fight for the joy that is rightly yours? I think of the statement that the Japanese leader said after Pearl Harbor, "I think that we have just awakened a sleeping giant." Satan has many tricks, but in choosing joy you will take one of them away and cause that Great Serpent to dig deep in his bag.

Keep Pushing Against the Rock,
Jennifer

Last One Standing

Hi All,
Today as I drove home from work, a 5 minute drive that I turned into a 15, I was in serious praise mode to the song "Last One Standing" by Mercy Me. Here are the lyrics to the first verse and the chorus.
Don’t you count meOut cause I’ve fallen Out cause I’ve fallen down
I have landed Down on my knees Down on my knees again
This is where I’ll find the strength to carry on
This is where I’ll find the strength to stand

I’m gonna be the last one standing
Fighting for something much bigger than me
I’m gonna be the last one standing

What I love about this song is the visual that is provided. When I listen to this song I envision myself on a battle field exhausted and covered with sweat. The fallen lay at my feet and cover the ground around me. With my sword in hand, but too exhausted to raise it, I realize that I am the last one left. Then I ask myself, "Would I fight for the cause of Christ like this?"
Today as I thought about that song I was reminded of the story of Eleazar, one of David's three mighty men.2 Samuel 23: 9-10 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for the battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day.
So now, you the reader may ask, "When do we fight like this? I am ready to fight, but what does it look like?" Here is your answerEphesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
In short, grow in your relationship with Christ so that you exhibit His character in everything you do.(James 4:8 Come near to God and He will come to near to you.) If you do this, I guarantee you you will experience the battle field, but do not be discouraged. John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Battle on Mighty Warrior
Jennifer