Living Stones As A Testimony

Ministry always has challenges. The stories are all over the Bible. Mark and I have had some interesting things happen simultaneously to us during our Bible study this summer. Very often we begin to discuss things and it comes out that unknowingly God has been pointing us both to the same scripture verses or the same Biblical concepts. We just look at each other and are amazed at God's direction. God is refining us at the Rock to prepare us to have a some new beginnings. I believe we will have a greater belief in what He can do, greater unity of purpose, a powerful witness of the memories of the past and more. God has been with us all along as we look at our heritage and his sovereignty over our lives. The Israelites placed stones from the Jordon as a remembrance to their children and future generations. In 1 Peter2:4-5 we are living stones because we are reminders to the world that Jesus was here by our own testimony.

There is great freedom in putting our total trust in the Lord 24/7 along with personal guidance and security. I'm excited about the great things He has in store for us and look forward to an amazing faith walk. Ministry is about shepherding and pointing to God and sifting through the everyday deception that the enemy tries to use to distract us from God's purpose in our lives. It is exciting to be on the front line but requires lots of prayer and spiritual alertness. Be encouraged dear friends to step out on the water and into great freedom as we take on His perspective!

Wholehearted Belief Brings Freedom

The ten week Bible Study Believing God is coming to a close and God is so personal. During the study He has been taking me through a process of examining my motives, my actions, my faith and my total obedience. The refiner's fire is hard but as Beth Moore said in the video this morning sometimes we are wounded first then healed so we can be all He wants us to be. We have looked at our heritage this summer and those that greatly influenced our faith such as grandparents, parents, spiritual parents and others who played a role in our lives as we learned about God's character. During the discussion about our heritage I felt great joy about my grandparents and how they modeled a godly marriage for me by their actions. I will always have certain memories of them and how they treated each other. Also I thought of the spiritual heritage I wanted to leave for our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren in the U.S. Then I was of course thinking about Africa and the precious spiritual kids God has put in my path as a spiritual mother. It is hard to describe the deep heart connection God has given me for them. Many of them don't know their parents, their exact birthdays, or have memories of belonging to a family and feeling significant. It is the great desire of my heart to show them that love of spiritual family, believing their lives are very significant and developing memories with each one, along with discussing God's purpose for them. What a blessing it is to be allowed to share God's love in the life of someone who yearns for significance and the knowledge that someone really cares about them.

Another powerful thing I learned deals with unbelief and disobedience. I guess I really never thought my disbelief was sin. But it is like saying "God isn't who He says He is and He can't do what He says He can do." It is like saying he is a big lie when we are unbelieving. This is so tough to swallow when we want to do things and check them off our "spiritual list." He wants all of us and wholehearted belief in Him without an ounce of reservation, doubt or control. This goes against everything we are taught in the culture and it really parallels the Israelites in the desert when God had to refine them before allowing them into the Promised Land.

I'm challenged by whether I will accept an attitude of unbelief and live in a cycle of defeat or have prevailing belief and live in a cycle of victory. Bottom line God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us but obedience is a choice. We are saved but will be reach the Promised Land while we are on earth. After crossing the Jordan when the Israelites got to Gilgal (which means circle), God brought them full circle and broke the old cycle of defeat. He also circumcised them so they would be set apart and cut away their disbelief starting a new beginning. Our spiritual circumcision is tough at times but when we choose victory and prevailing belief we are victorious. We have freedom instead of spiritual slavery and great joy comes into all areas of our lives.

Heading for the Hills

Sometimes God shows Himself through dramatic events in our lives. Other times He speaks in a quiet, still voice over time. God has been leading me this year through His gentle prompting to grasp an expanded vision for The Rock.

When I think of all that He has accomplished through The Rock, I realize that nothing has happened without stepping out in faith. I have a tendency sometimes to settle in and get comfortable after God leads us to a new level of faith. I forget His commandment to Joshua as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land: “Be strong and courageous.” I sometimes overlook that the ministry is not about what our Rock team can accomplish, but what God can accomplish through our faith and faithfulness.

I have been reminded several times recently of the story of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. When seemingly hopelessly surrounded by enemies, he acknowledged his weaknesses to God: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) Jehoshaphat led his people in praise and God directed the destruction of their enemies. Turning to God to solve our challenges requires that we have faith that He will do so! This honors God because He gets all the glory when He responds.

So, as I turn to Him and renew my total reliance upon Him, I have retreated to my favorite spot in the mountains of New Mexico to read His Word, praise Him and call out to Him – but mostly to listen to Him.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1) I am reminded that Jesus often retreated to the mountains for prayer. I know that God always is available to me in prayer through Jesus. Going to the mountains is about making me available to Him. Please pray for me as I seek His bold and courageous vision for The Rock!

Believing God to Do Amazing Things

Today is the 4th of July, Independence Day, in the U.S. Today we celebrate liberty and freedom which is so much a part of our heritage. As I reflect on the past and our founding fathers, I think about how they believed God. Everything to do with our country in the beginning was framed within a Christian world view. God has done amazing things in our country yet we are trying to remove Him, turn our backs on Him. As our heavenly Father, it must be so painful for Him. God is trustworthy and I pray we run back to Him in our country before it is too late.

This summer I have been doing a Beth Moore study "Believing God" and obviously it is impacting my filter on things. I have had a strong faith but am I sold out wholeheartedly in all areas of my life? I'm being challenged to let go of some things, allow Him to refine me more, trust Him more. In the study there are 5 Statements of Faith 1) God is who He says He is. 2) God can do what He says He can do. 3) I am who God says I am. (this is especially comforting when I get scared or feel I'm overwhelmed), 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's Word is alive and active in me. I believe God!

In the world today we are making some radical choices about our future and the enemy is sneaking in the back door through little compromises and we have to decide. Are we going to allow ourselves to give up the fight or be courageous even if it means persecution and isolation from people not wanting to "rock the boat?" As I think about this I am reminded that the "fear of man will prove to be a snare." Proverbs 29: 25. Also "to obey is better than sacrifice" 1 Samuel 15:22. So I want to be able to stand in front of my maker with a clear mind that I was true to Him and stood with Him to the end out of my love and respect for Him. I will not turn my back and hide or make excuses for things I know dishonor my dear Father. If we love Him we will obey Him. And if I mess up which I know I will I desire to be quick to say I'm sincerely sorry and ask for forgiveness from those I wrong and from Him.

This is true liberty and freedom and I crave it! I don't want any kind of bondage whether it is in my mind or environment. Please join me in prayer for our nation as we face many challenges in the coming years. God bless you all.