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King Zedekiah and Our Creator

King Zedekiah and Our Creator

Today a man will die for his transgressions. I barely know his name and I dont know what his life was like. I don't know how he grew up, if he had the best dad or no dad, the best mom or no mom. I don't know the root of his sins or why he decided on them and I don’t know if he's accepted Jesus as his savior…

But I know today a man will die for his transgressions while I walk in freedom because Christ died for mine.

We hear capital crimes and think, gosh, justice has to be served.

Friend, make no mistake- the totality of the gospel is that we all have blood on our hands.

I pray that in the honor of this man, you will bow your head, if only for a minute and pray.

Pray for him to have courage and to not be afraid, but also pray for his family, his friends, the friends on the inside that he's done life with.

And then I ask that you take an honest assessment of your own life and understand that the wages of sin is death and make it no light and fluffy thing that after today you will still be here inspite of what we both deserve.

Romans 8:1

Today a man will die for his transgressions. I barely know his name and I dont know what his life was like. I don't know how he grew up, if he had the best dad or no dad, the best mom or no mom. I don't know the root of his sins or why he decided on them and I don’t know if he's accepted Jesus as his savior…

But I know today a man will die for his transgressions while I walk in freedom because Christ died for mine.

We hear capital crimes and think, gosh, justice has to be served.

Friend, make no mistake- the totality of the gospel is that we all have blood on our hands.

I pray that in the honor of this man, you will bow your head, if only for a minute and pray.

Pray for him to have courage and to not be afraid, but also pray for his family, his friends, the friends on the inside that he's done life with.

And then I ask that you take an honest assessment of your own life and understand that the wages of sin is death and make it no light and fluffy thing that after today you will still be here inspite of what we both deserve.

Romans 8:1

Baby Ivy, we can't wait to love you rotten ❤️

Baby Ivy, we can't wait to love you rotten ❤️

“But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts so Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said” Exodus 7:22

When there is no clear distinction between those belonging to God and those belonging to the world- our witness lacks weight.

Christians, do we really look that different?

Do people know when they meet you?

Is it clear by your choices? Your words? Your priorities?

Conviction means nothing until it ignites change.

Thank you, Lord- not for the plague of blood but for the gift it now bears.

“But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts so Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said” Exodus 7:22

When there is no clear distinction between those belonging to God and those belonging to the world- our witness lacks weight.

Christians, do we really look that different?

Do people know when they meet you?

Is it clear by your choices? Your words? Your priorities?

Conviction means nothing until it ignites change.

Thank you, Lord- not for the plague of blood but for the gift it now bears.

Open the Door
Psalm 24

Open the Door
Psalm 24

Do you want Gods promises for you?

Do you want Gods promises for you?

Thankful for the mission of Mom to these babies ❤️

Thankful for the mission of Mom to these babies ❤️

I could write a river of words for every one of us believing a lie from the enemy today, but the most beautiful thing about the word is.. it’s mighty enough to stand on its own.

We should let it more often.

Take this one directly from scripture-

“Beloved, Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
-God

1st John 4:1

I am praying this over myself.
And I’m praying it over you, too.

I could write a river of words for every one of us believing a lie from the enemy today, but the most beautiful thing about the word is.. it’s mighty enough to stand on its own.

We should let it more often.

Take this one directly from scripture-

“Beloved, Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
-God

1st John 4:1

I am praying this over myself.
And I’m praying it over you, too.

Support Missions!!

Come support Friendship Baptist Church In Sturgis for a great day of fellowship and teaching on May 31st!

I cant wait to hear all of what God has prepared and will do in South Africa through the obedience of this team!!

https://launcher.nucleus.church/flow/4300b81e1d49160f4ca7

Support Missions!!

Come support Friendship Baptist Church In Sturgis for a great day of fellowship and teaching on May 31st!

I cant wait to hear all of what God has prepared and will do in South Africa through the obedience of this team!!

https://launcher.nucleus.church/flow/4300b81e1d49160f4ca7

A stress mask with my girl because we are are four more assignments and a little back pain away from finishing grad school with a 4.0 ❤️

A stress mask with my girl because we are are four more assignments and a little back pain away from finishing grad school with a 4.0 ❤️

Everyone meet Ben.
Here are some things Ben knows:
1. That his mom loves him unconditionally
2. That he is allowed in the bed
3. But only when dad isn’t home, because he’s not allowed in the bed.

Dad is not home which has alluded to something else our Ben knows: where Dad’s side of the bed is.

Because three dad-less nights in a row, Ben has still made his entry into the bed, and even to Dads side.. but he has accessed it by a rather dramatic entry over moms side of the bed, with mom on her side, and not at the bottom- but right at the top where it’s not only the hardest but also the most uncomfortable for both of us… but only to flop down right here… on dads side.

He’s been in trouble in the last week for his bed behavior and naturally this new entry seems the most logical way to not make dad see him but still get to sleep in his spot.

Maybe he thought: “Surely Dad meant don’t jump on his side of the bed, not not sleep on it?”

Once interrupted by several bumps that slid into snores, I was able to finish reading Hebrews 10.

Here are some take aways our guy Ben:

1. If you’re going to do wrong, a more sophisticated route won’t make it right.

2. There are less complicated ways to make disobedient choices, we only choose the more complicated way because we want the image almost as much as we want the sin.

3. If your choices look this comfortable, your making the wrong ones.

4. Dad is eventually coming back.

The good news for Ben is all dogs go to heaven.

The compelling news for us: if we are only forgiven for the sins we unknowingly commit, true “mistakes”…. where does that leave us when we are left our choices?

“We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” Hebrew 10:39

Everyone meet Ben.
Here are some things Ben knows:
1. That his mom loves him unconditionally
2. That he is allowed in the bed
3. But only when dad isn’t home, because he’s not allowed in the bed.

Dad is not home which has alluded to something else our Ben knows: where Dad’s side of the bed is.

Because three dad-less nights in a row, Ben has still made his entry into the bed, and even to Dads side.. but he has accessed it by a rather dramatic entry over moms side of the bed, with mom on her side, and not at the bottom- but right at the top where it’s not only the hardest but also the most uncomfortable for both of us… but only to flop down right here… on dads side.

He’s been in trouble in the last week for his bed behavior and naturally this new entry seems the most logical way to not make dad see him but still get to sleep in his spot.

Maybe he thought: “Surely Dad meant don’t jump on his side of the bed, not not sleep on it?”

Once interrupted by several bumps that slid into snores, I was able to finish reading Hebrews 10.

Here are some take aways our guy Ben:

1. If you’re going to do wrong, a more sophisticated route won’t make it right.

2. There are less complicated ways to make disobedient choices, we only choose the more complicated way because we want the image almost as much as we want the sin.

3. If your choices look this comfortable, your making the wrong ones.

4. Dad is eventually coming back.

The good news for Ben is all dogs go to heaven.

The compelling news for us: if we are only forgiven for the sins we unknowingly commit, true “mistakes”…. where does that leave us when we are left our choices?

“We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who have faith and preserve their souls” Hebrew 10:39

“Mama- take a break and eat your vegetables”

Hopefully those count.

“Mama- take a break and eat your vegetables”

Hopefully those count.

What we call the process God calls the end-

Are you cleaning or covering?

What we call the process God calls the end-

Are you cleaning or covering?

“He has no claim on me”

If you knew your time was almost up- what would say to those closest to you?

Of all of the things Jesus knew about their lives, about their futures, about their hearts- of his affections for them- consider these few chapters in John 14-17.

He tells them the enemy has no claim on him. They needed that because very soon everything they had come to know of the person they thought would rescue them would hang in agony before their eyes.

As a parent the thought of my child hanging on a cross is unbearable, but even as a friend- to see and know and even help carry some of the crosses of those that do and have done life with me over the years has felt like great losses to the enemy.

As a believer I know that the enemy is always trying to manipulate what I feel into superseding what I know to be the truth….

but as a mother or a neighbor, a wife or a friend, as a coworker or even as an ex spouse.. all of the talk of the room Jesus has prepared, of the peace not of this world, of the promises that we will not be alone or abandoned… it all fades behind the cry of the cross.

He reminds them of the reason for his obedience. It wasn’t because he was obligated, because it was written down in the word, or that he was the word himself. He is obedient out of the love for his father.

That people may see the agony of obedience and recognize it instead as Love.

And this is the place that Jesus extended an invitation to Rise.

Rise from THIS place and let the world physically see our affections for a father that would publically afford us another hard thing, another no, another not now, another cut of the vine.

Go from here with the understanding that not only does the the enemy have no claim but the cut actually brings the increase both for you and those with eyes to see things, not for how they feel, but for their spiritual significance from a Father who has never actually given us any hard thing but has only given us grace.

“He has no claim on me”

If you knew your time was almost up- what would say to those closest to you?

Of all of the things Jesus knew about their lives, about their futures, about their hearts- of his affections for them- consider these few chapters in John 14-17.

He tells them the enemy has no claim on him. They needed that because very soon everything they had come to know of the person they thought would rescue them would hang in agony before their eyes.

As a parent the thought of my child hanging on a cross is unbearable, but even as a friend- to see and know and even help carry some of the crosses of those that do and have done life with me over the years has felt like great losses to the enemy.

As a believer I know that the enemy is always trying to manipulate what I feel into superseding what I know to be the truth….

but as a mother or a neighbor, a wife or a friend, as a coworker or even as an ex spouse.. all of the talk of the room Jesus has prepared, of the peace not of this world, of the promises that we will not be alone or abandoned… it all fades behind the cry of the cross.

He reminds them of the reason for his obedience. It wasn’t because he was obligated, because it was written down in the word, or that he was the word himself. He is obedient out of the love for his father.

That people may see the agony of obedience and recognize it instead as Love.

And this is the place that Jesus extended an invitation to Rise.

Rise from THIS place and let the world physically see our affections for a father that would publically afford us another hard thing, another no, another not now, another cut of the vine.

Go from here with the understanding that not only does the the enemy have no claim but the cut actually brings the increase both for you and those with eyes to see things, not for how they feel, but for their spiritual significance from a Father who has never actually given us any hard thing but has only given us grace.

A violent effort of disassociation.

Thankful for the drawing of Christ to offer a different way within me.

A violent effort of disassociation.

Thankful for the drawing of Christ to offer a different way within me.

Enjoying our first and last break before Mom graduates ❤️

Enjoying our first and last break before Mom graduates ❤️

I guess the idea here is abandon

I guess the idea here is abandon

I sat in my floor tonight and cried over this dirt.

This is the dirt the broom collected from under the pillows of the floor in my prayer room tonight.

We are waiting too late.

To talk about it.
To ask for help.
To admit we need it.

More people lost their lives to addiction today.
Marriages are struggling.
And grief is literally swallowing people whole right now…

and God is waiting.

I discarded this dirt and make no mistake, my heart will dredge up more, but I won’t stop tracking it in to this room.

I won’t stop making my knees hit this floor in prayer.

God told me very clearly nearly a year ago to watch for the enemy but do not blame him.

And I haven’t.

I can’t afford to wait… to ask for help when I need it.

Christ crucified is our greatest gift, but prayer is our greatest weapon.

I prayed tonight that you would quit waiting too.

A good testimony is always better than the best memoir.

The enemy can not steal what we so readily give away.

I don’t even know who you are, what your name is- if it’s just one of you or 100, but I am praying for you. I will keep praying for you- that you would ask- that you will recognize where you are and ask for someone to join you in prayer.

Gather. Pray. Encourage one another.

You are not alone-

Let’s pray now, We will sweep later…

and we will sweep again because we have persevered in prayer and we have not stopped coming to the feet of our Father and perfecter of our faith.

Jeremiah 33:3 is an invitation for us to call and a promise that God will show us great and hidden things.

I sat in my floor tonight and cried over this dirt.

This is the dirt the broom collected from under the pillows of the floor in my prayer room tonight.

We are waiting too late.

To talk about it.
To ask for help.
To admit we need it.

More people lost their lives to addiction today.
Marriages are struggling.
And grief is literally swallowing people whole right now…

and God is waiting.

I discarded this dirt and make no mistake, my heart will dredge up more, but I won’t stop tracking it in to this room.

I won’t stop making my knees hit this floor in prayer.

God told me very clearly nearly a year ago to watch for the enemy but do not blame him.

And I haven’t.

I can’t afford to wait… to ask for help when I need it.

Christ crucified is our greatest gift, but prayer is our greatest weapon.

I prayed tonight that you would quit waiting too.

A good testimony is always better than the best memoir.

The enemy can not steal what we so readily give away.

I don’t even know who you are, what your name is- if it’s just one of you or 100, but I am praying for you. I will keep praying for you- that you would ask- that you will recognize where you are and ask for someone to join you in prayer.

Gather. Pray. Encourage one another.

You are not alone-

Let’s pray now, We will sweep later…

and we will sweep again because we have persevered in prayer and we have not stopped coming to the feet of our Father and perfecter of our faith.

Jeremiah 33:3 is an invitation for us to call and a promise that God will show us great and hidden things.

Powerful Takeaways from 2 Kings 3:

1. Removing an idol from your eye, won’t take him from your heart.
2. Don’t call manipulation or strategy repentance.
3. The servants know where to find the word of the Lord.
4. Inquiring of God requires a posture of worship.
5. It won’t always coming in rain or wind- God is here to meet the need, not the expectation.
6. WORK. Make the trenches- The labor is necessary but the result will be more than you asked for.
7. God creates. Dig the trenches then prayerfully look deeper. There is always more with God- if we’re not careful, we will only see the thing He gave to the hand and miss entirely what He is creating in the heart.
8. Where there is a promise of blessing, there is the requirement for preparation.
9. Our anticipation requires our trust.
10. Be careful not to mistake judgement for victory. It’s not that God gave it to you, He just allowed you to get it.

Powerful Takeaways from 2 Kings 3:

1. Removing an idol from your eye, won’t take him from your heart.
2. Don’t call manipulation or strategy repentance.
3. The servants know where to find the word of the Lord.
4. Inquiring of God requires a posture of worship.
5. It won’t always coming in rain or wind- God is here to meet the need, not the expectation.
6. WORK. Make the trenches- The labor is necessary but the result will be more than you asked for.
7. God creates. Dig the trenches then prayerfully look deeper. There is always more with God- if we’re not careful, we will only see the thing He gave to the hand and miss entirely what He is creating in the heart.
8. Where there is a promise of blessing, there is the requirement for preparation.
9. Our anticipation requires our trust.
10. Be careful not to mistake judgement for victory. It’s not that God gave it to you, He just allowed you to get it.

The Wrestleman- Do you want to be Healed?

The Wrestleman- Do you want to be Healed?

Tonight some of us will go to bed after a normal day and wake up tomorrow everything will have changed.

We are always one moment away from an entirely different life.

Here’s to the celebrating the 4th year we aren’t counting Mamas sobriety, but her healing.

Sobriety used to count both her good days and her failures.

Whether she won or lost the count continued.

And then the count stopped. The fight for recovery, the years of keeping score of the wins and losses was over. Life was over and for those she left behind living would never be the same.

It’s hard to miss the moment when it’s a tragedy.

“He was in the world and the world was made through him YET the world did not know Him” John 1:10

A moment that changed everything and seemingly changed nothing.

Jesus came and no one noticed.

Light came to defeat darkness and the moment was missed.

Everything addiction has or will ever cost you, the cross of Calvary has paid for.

We get 86,900 seconds each day- and if we don’t make them matter, they probably won’t.

The well never runs dry- the more we draw from Christ, the more it gives.

Tonight some of us will go to bed after a normal day and wake up tomorrow everything will have changed.

We are always one moment away from an entirely different life.

Here’s to the celebrating the 4th year we aren’t counting Mamas sobriety, but her healing.

Sobriety used to count both her good days and her failures.

Whether she won or lost the count continued.

And then the count stopped. The fight for recovery, the years of keeping score of the wins and losses was over. Life was over and for those she left behind living would never be the same.

It’s hard to miss the moment when it’s a tragedy.

“He was in the world and the world was made through him YET the world did not know Him” John 1:10

A moment that changed everything and seemingly changed nothing.

Jesus came and no one noticed.

Light came to defeat darkness and the moment was missed.

Everything addiction has or will ever cost you, the cross of Calvary has paid for.

We get 86,900 seconds each day- and if we don’t make them matter, they probably won’t.

The well never runs dry- the more we draw from Christ, the more it gives.

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” Titus 3:14

To help cases of urgent need.

We want to be the ones that swoop in and save the day- the one that finally got through to that person.

Can I offer a gentle piece of advice?

Christ died so the cross could be the ultimate sign of love instead of one of the harshest corporal punishment.

Few will accept the cross while we spend our time hitting them with it.

When you can love others despite their condition, you have not compromised your beliefs, you have surrendered them.

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” Titus 3:14

To help cases of urgent need.

We want to be the ones that swoop in and save the day- the one that finally got through to that person.

Can I offer a gentle piece of advice?

Christ died so the cross could be the ultimate sign of love instead of one of the harshest corporal punishment.

Few will accept the cross while we spend our time hitting them with it.

When you can love others despite their condition, you have not compromised your beliefs, you have surrendered them.

Looking back on the last year, I thank God His plans are sometimes different than my prayers. I trust God to exercise His authority over my heart and my home because the house He is building has many rooms and He is coming for his children one by one because He has prepared a place for them. He will not leave us orphans, He will come for us. Even when the world cannot see him- we can see Him and because He lives, we can live too.

Thankful for the promises of John 14 and the redemption of four of our five babies. Our hearts are not troubled, we are not afraid.

Looking back on the last year, I thank God His plans are sometimes different than my prayers. I trust God to exercise His authority over my heart and my home because the house He is building has many rooms and He is coming for his children one by one because He has prepared a place for them. He will not leave us orphans, He will come for us. Even when the world cannot see him- we can see Him and because He lives, we can live too.

Thankful for the promises of John 14 and the redemption of four of our five babies. Our hearts are not troubled, we are not afraid.

“You’re all I want, you’re all I need, you’re all I have”

Tears fall down my face every single time I stand in corporate worship.

What I really meant is this:

I want my kids to be accepted, I want the bad stuff gone, I want the relationships healed.

I need to get my school papers finished, I need to sweep my floors, I need to find time to study for that certification test on Monday.

I have policies for work that will not write themselves, I have piles of trauma that have no home, I have depression, I have plans.

I don’t know what to tell you to do with this. I don’t have pretty words or practical advice this time, only that we just approach grace.

We hear idols and we think of golden calf but they really present in our decorated calendars.

Our access to approach the throne of grace does not give us permission to abuse it.

AW Tozer said it this way- “A Christian would never tell a lie, he just stands in church on Sunday morning and sings them”

We can recognize our sin… but are we willing to turn from it?

Will we move away from sweeping floors and instead sweep hearts?

Will we move away for our tasks, our television, and our telephones and not just accept grace’s convictions but pursue its conversion?

Will we stop pretending we are worshipping… when we are only singing?

Will we stop with the lies? With the false narratives? With the fake sanctification?

To claim Christianity is one thing, to be a Christian is something entirely different.

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

A Christian is a cross-bearer, a disciple, and a new creation.

We will not achieve complete fullness in this life, but that does not mean we should not fervently chase it.

“You’re all I want, you’re all I need, you’re all I have”

Tears fall down my face every single time I stand in corporate worship.

What I really meant is this:

I want my kids to be accepted, I want the bad stuff gone, I want the relationships healed.

I need to get my school papers finished, I need to sweep my floors, I need to find time to study for that certification test on Monday.

I have policies for work that will not write themselves, I have piles of trauma that have no home, I have depression, I have plans.

I don’t know what to tell you to do with this. I don’t have pretty words or practical advice this time, only that we just approach grace.

We hear idols and we think of golden calf but they really present in our decorated calendars.

Our access to approach the throne of grace does not give us permission to abuse it.

AW Tozer said it this way- “A Christian would never tell a lie, he just stands in church on Sunday morning and sings them”

We can recognize our sin… but are we willing to turn from it?

Will we move away from sweeping floors and instead sweep hearts?

Will we move away for our tasks, our television, and our telephones and not just accept grace’s convictions but pursue its conversion?

Will we stop pretending we are worshipping… when we are only singing?

Will we stop with the lies? With the false narratives? With the fake sanctification?

To claim Christianity is one thing, to be a Christian is something entirely different.

Christianity is a religion based on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

A Christian is a cross-bearer, a disciple, and a new creation.

We will not achieve complete fullness in this life, but that does not mean we should not fervently chase it.

If you want to move to a place of more depth with God- there are two people you will have to come to know and understand more clearly- Jesus Christ and yourself.

Good and comfortable things are for you.

Hard and uncomfortable things are for you.

And both of those spaces are opportunities for us to glorify God.

If you want to move to a place of more depth with God- there are two people you will have to come to know and understand more clearly- Jesus Christ and yourself.

Good and comfortable things are for you.

Hard and uncomfortable things are for you.

And both of those spaces are opportunities for us to glorify God.

When the heart is crowded with noise, make time to look up.

It may feel heavy, but our God is faithful to lift the sun every morning and not only does He not forget, He is also never late- can you remember a time when the sun didn’t rise?

John 16:12 says I still have many things to say to you but you cannot bear them now.

Jesus was talking to the disciples trying to prepare them for the things that were ahead-

Sometimes we feel like we are left without answers and if you’re not careful people will try to convince you that you have the answers they are just not the ones you want.

I’m sure that’s true sometimes.

But as I watched the sun rise this morning I understood that there are things that I do not know because there are things that my heart cannot bear.

In these situations, John 14 offers us something that the world does not, that our own understanding can not- Peace.

Belief in God is the prerequisite.

Psalm 4:5 says offer the right sacrifices and put your trust in God.

The right sacrifice is yourself.

Trust God with yourself, with your circumstances, with your life.

If we cannot trust God with everything, have we really trusted him with anything?

With Christ we can not only lay down, but in belief, there is also rest- we are safe with Him (PS 4:8)

When the heart is crowded with noise, make time to look up.

It may feel heavy, but our God is faithful to lift the sun every morning and not only does He not forget, He is also never late- can you remember a time when the sun didn’t rise?

John 16:12 says I still have many things to say to you but you cannot bear them now.

Jesus was talking to the disciples trying to prepare them for the things that were ahead-

Sometimes we feel like we are left without answers and if you’re not careful people will try to convince you that you have the answers they are just not the ones you want.

I’m sure that’s true sometimes.

But as I watched the sun rise this morning I understood that there are things that I do not know because there are things that my heart cannot bear.

In these situations, John 14 offers us something that the world does not, that our own understanding can not- Peace.

Belief in God is the prerequisite.

Psalm 4:5 says offer the right sacrifices and put your trust in God.

The right sacrifice is yourself.

Trust God with yourself, with your circumstances, with your life.

If we cannot trust God with everything, have we really trusted him with anything?

With Christ we can not only lay down, but in belief, there is also rest- we are safe with Him (PS 4:8)

“The angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord” Judges 13:21

Manoah knew.

A man of God came to visit Hannah and told her she would have a son.

He announced her condition- barren
He gave her a promise- you will bear a son
He gave her a warning and instruction- be careful, stay sober.
He affirmed his promise- you will bear a son
He demonstrated the importance of her obedience- he will begin to save Israel

She shared this with her husband and he prayed.

He communicated a need to God, and God answered.

But He required Manoah to go to the meeting place of His choosing, the field (a place to plant) where his wife was sitting (translates to dwell, remain, sit, abide)

Are you the man?

I AM.

What is the manner of the child’s life? What is his mission?

Everything I told the woman, let her be careful.

Hannah recognized the man of God, but Manoah did not until he inquired about his son.

And things change.

His need for information fled and suddenly he needed to know more about this man.

What is your name.

A sacrifice is made and accepted and we know Manoah has met the Lord because he and his wife both fall on their faces. But he still doesn’t quite understand his ways.

Hannah, having led him to the Lord, to the place where she abides and the soil is fertile, now explains the to him the realities of the goodness of God-

That his plans are good
That he is not a liar
And that he comes to sit with us for our assurance and our hope, not for our destruction.

Then Manoah was sure. The word said he knew (yāda- to be made sure by seeing)

A God he prayed to he now knows.

And Samsons first mission was complete even before conception.

A moment in the presence of the lord changes everything.

The answers we need

The pain we have

The burden of sin we carry

Grace is us coming to God with an expectation and leaving with an eternity instead.

So Hannah and her husband worshipped authentically for presumably the first time ever

And just as He said- the boy grew and the Lord began to stir him because He is faithful.

“The angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the Lord” Judges 13:21

Manoah knew.

A man of God came to visit Hannah and told her she would have a son.

He announced her condition- barren
He gave her a promise- you will bear a son
He gave her a warning and instruction- be careful, stay sober.
He affirmed his promise- you will bear a son
He demonstrated the importance of her obedience- he will begin to save Israel

She shared this with her husband and he prayed.

He communicated a need to God, and God answered.

But He required Manoah to go to the meeting place of His choosing, the field (a place to plant) where his wife was sitting (translates to dwell, remain, sit, abide)

Are you the man?

I AM.

What is the manner of the child’s life? What is his mission?

Everything I told the woman, let her be careful.

Hannah recognized the man of God, but Manoah did not until he inquired about his son.

And things change.

His need for information fled and suddenly he needed to know more about this man.

What is your name.

A sacrifice is made and accepted and we know Manoah has met the Lord because he and his wife both fall on their faces. But he still doesn’t quite understand his ways.

Hannah, having led him to the Lord, to the place where she abides and the soil is fertile, now explains the to him the realities of the goodness of God-

That his plans are good
That he is not a liar
And that he comes to sit with us for our assurance and our hope, not for our destruction.

Then Manoah was sure. The word said he knew (yāda- to be made sure by seeing)

A God he prayed to he now knows.

And Samsons first mission was complete even before conception.

A moment in the presence of the lord changes everything.

The answers we need

The pain we have

The burden of sin we carry

Grace is us coming to God with an expectation and leaving with an eternity instead.

So Hannah and her husband worshipped authentically for presumably the first time ever

And just as He said- the boy grew and the Lord began to stir him because He is faithful.

Jesus said this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
If it’s not peace, what have you let move into His place?

Jesus said this: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
If it’s not peace, what have you let move into His place?

David makes it so easy to relate to him in the Word.
It doesn't matter how many times or how big he messed up, he remains in constant communication with God.
It is unconcealed.
It is honest.
It's what God wants for us.

Here David tells God that his feelings are limiting his ability to fight the good fight. The pain from it all hurts, that he is sorry for all of his wrongs in that pain too, but he would really just like to lay down because it all.

My feelings sometimes get me too.
My heart breaks too.
I've wanted to give up too.

In the verse “my foes are vigorous they are mighty and many are those who hate me wrongfully” the word for foe is from the root word meaning Satan.

It's like David recognizes, even in his desperation before the Lord, that it's not the people but the evil working in those people, that hate him so.

That only means that they are losing the fight too.

David calls on 3 of the Hebrew names of God in a single verse here

Yaweh
Adonia
Elohim

It would translate something like this: our promise-keeping Father, the ultimate and only authority- please come closer. Please help.

And the Psalm doesn't end with a change in circumstance, of silenced enemies, or any idea of how or when all the hurt will stop bleeding, but there is repentance and there is faith and while that may not be all we asked for, it's truly all we need.

David makes it so easy to relate to him in the Word.
It doesn't matter how many times or how big he messed up, he remains in constant communication with God.
It is unconcealed.
It is honest.
It's what God wants for us.

Here David tells God that his feelings are limiting his ability to fight the good fight. The pain from it all hurts, that he is sorry for all of his wrongs in that pain too, but he would really just like to lay down because it all.

My feelings sometimes get me too.
My heart breaks too.
I've wanted to give up too.

In the verse “my foes are vigorous they are mighty and many are those who hate me wrongfully” the word for foe is from the root word meaning Satan.

It's like David recognizes, even in his desperation before the Lord, that it's not the people but the evil working in those people, that hate him so.

That only means that they are losing the fight too.

David calls on 3 of the Hebrew names of God in a single verse here

Yaweh
Adonia
Elohim

It would translate something like this: our promise-keeping Father, the ultimate and only authority- please come closer. Please help.

And the Psalm doesn't end with a change in circumstance, of silenced enemies, or any idea of how or when all the hurt will stop bleeding, but there is repentance and there is faith and while that may not be all we asked for, it's truly all we need.

Fellowship is sheep among sheep, the call is sheep among wolves.

Fellowship is sheep among sheep, the call is sheep among wolves.

I’ve carried my bible around for a week without the courage to open it.

It’s not the burden of another loss, it’s just the burden.

They come and they keep coming and they are so heavy for as long as you choose to carry them, but there is a time when self-sufficiency runs out.

And that sounds like a sad day, and usually it is.. until it’s not. God trades our burdens for talents- talents according to the abilities of each man (Matthew 25).

I was surprised to learn that a talent weighs the equivalent of 75lbs, but I am no longer surprised to see the face of Jesus on any page of the Bible, Old Testament or New.

I could go on and on about what I’ve learned about over the last year about the exchange between myself and God but I’d use different words to tell a similar story.

We are only as sick as our self-sufficiency.

A line in a book asked how differently Paul’s life would have looked if he had chosen not to follow Christ.

But the real question is… do our lives look any differently because we do?

I’ve carried my bible around for a week without the courage to open it.

It’s not the burden of another loss, it’s just the burden.

They come and they keep coming and they are so heavy for as long as you choose to carry them, but there is a time when self-sufficiency runs out.

And that sounds like a sad day, and usually it is.. until it’s not. God trades our burdens for talents- talents according to the abilities of each man (Matthew 25).

I was surprised to learn that a talent weighs the equivalent of 75lbs, but I am no longer surprised to see the face of Jesus on any page of the Bible, Old Testament or New.

I could go on and on about what I’ve learned about over the last year about the exchange between myself and God but I’d use different words to tell a similar story.

We are only as sick as our self-sufficiency.

A line in a book asked how differently Paul’s life would have looked if he had chosen not to follow Christ.

But the real question is… do our lives look any differently because we do?

So now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13

Andy Manning, you loved us.

You loved us no differently than your own flesh and blood children.

You beared awful things with us.

You endured the deaths of both of our parents with us and your love never failed us.

These last ten days when I’ve been without words, I have not been without Faith or Hope.

Fully trusting in Gods sovereignty, we’ve counted on the Word to remind our hearts that our God is the Lord our God that could be trusted even when it hurts.

With these babies hand in hand, we prayed and with tears of brokenheartedness we praised God for all He is. We didn’t demand an outcome or suggest one but asked instead that God would be glorified as Lord because our belief must be stood up by the sureness of God’s character as our Father and foundation.

This passage of scripture brings Glory to God and is a testimony of the how Andy loved us.

We are better people because of his example as a constant in our lives. I pray that in his healing, we bring honor to the legacy he has left behind- one of unconditional, immeasurable love (with a pinch a salt when necessary or as any jokes made in his honor may require)

So now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love but the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13

Andy Manning, you loved us.

You loved us no differently than your own flesh and blood children.

You beared awful things with us.

You endured the deaths of both of our parents with us and your love never failed us.

These last ten days when I’ve been without words, I have not been without Faith or Hope.

Fully trusting in Gods sovereignty, we’ve counted on the Word to remind our hearts that our God is the Lord our God that could be trusted even when it hurts.

With these babies hand in hand, we prayed and with tears of brokenheartedness we praised God for all He is. We didn’t demand an outcome or suggest one but asked instead that God would be glorified as Lord because our belief must be stood up by the sureness of God’s character as our Father and foundation.

This passage of scripture brings Glory to God and is a testimony of the how Andy loved us.

We are better people because of his example as a constant in our lives. I pray that in his healing, we bring honor to the legacy he has left behind- one of unconditional, immeasurable love (with a pinch a salt when necessary or as any jokes made in his honor may require)

What did you do when your eyes opened this morning?

What will you do for the rest of your day?

... and what will you do “if you have time?”

Studying in Deuteronomy and chapter 4 speaks on idols. It says do not bow down to and serve the things the Lord your God has allotted to all the people’s under the heaven (v.19)

Allotted: give or apportion something to someone as a share or task.

Though God did not create evil, He allowed it. Hearing the word ‘idol’ always made me think of Moses. He went up the mountain to receive the commandments and before he could return Israel had built for themselves a golden calf to worship. Something they could see. Something they could hold.

Faith is the belief of God based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

But God is still first.

In the mornings, I check my messages, clear my notifications, and respond to my emails.

I hold my kids and kiss their foreheads.

We hold our phones, our families, and our lives with closed fists because we can pick them up, but God has allotted to us a share OR a task.

We can share in all that the word has to hand us- things Satan rushes us to complete or compels us to prioritize or we can stand up to the task of chosing what we can’t see. Israel remembered God, they just didn’t prioritize Him.

God allows idols, but we choose them.

What did you do when your eyes opened this morning?

What will you do for the rest of your day?

... and what will you do “if you have time?”

Studying in Deuteronomy and chapter 4 speaks on idols. It says do not bow down to and serve the things the Lord your God has allotted to all the people’s under the heaven (v.19)

Allotted: give or apportion something to someone as a share or task.

Though God did not create evil, He allowed it. Hearing the word ‘idol’ always made me think of Moses. He went up the mountain to receive the commandments and before he could return Israel had built for themselves a golden calf to worship. Something they could see. Something they could hold.

Faith is the belief of God based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

But God is still first.

In the mornings, I check my messages, clear my notifications, and respond to my emails.

I hold my kids and kiss their foreheads.

We hold our phones, our families, and our lives with closed fists because we can pick them up, but God has allotted to us a share OR a task.

We can share in all that the word has to hand us- things Satan rushes us to complete or compels us to prioritize or we can stand up to the task of chosing what we can’t see. Israel remembered God, they just didn’t prioritize Him.

God allows idols, but we choose them.

This scripture says the Lord gave the wind its weight. It translates “the Lord assigned its heaviness”

And it is… heavy.

We all have our days where our air, our wind, feels heavier than others, but The Word also says He sets the Earth up on nothing.

Our entire universe is set in space by nothing other than His command- Each star measured and every person underneath them known.

God understands.

When we are without answers, God is not without answers.

When we are surprised or caught off guard, God is not surprised. He is not caught off guard.

When we don’t know the plan- God knows the plan.

We can be confident that if our very air had been calculated, so are the plans and provisions for our life.

He can be trusted.

This scripture says the Lord gave the wind its weight. It translates “the Lord assigned its heaviness”

And it is… heavy.

We all have our days where our air, our wind, feels heavier than others, but The Word also says He sets the Earth up on nothing.

Our entire universe is set in space by nothing other than His command- Each star measured and every person underneath them known.

God understands.

When we are without answers, God is not without answers.

When we are surprised or caught off guard, God is not surprised. He is not caught off guard.

When we don’t know the plan- God knows the plan.

We can be confident that if our very air had been calculated, so are the plans and provisions for our life.

He can be trusted.

What do you guys feel is the greater obstacle in your walk with God.

letting go of the active sin you want to keep

or

Sharing certain specific sin that has already been redeemed?

Both bind us in fear.

And fear is not faith.

What do you guys feel is the greater obstacle in your walk with God.

letting go of the active sin you want to keep

or

Sharing certain specific sin that has already been redeemed?

Both bind us in fear.

And fear is not faith.

If the resurrection of Christ does not mean everything to you, it means nothing.

(whether you realize it or not)

God won't ask you what you meant, what you thought, or wait for you to clarify.

He won't ask you anything at all.

It will be clear or it won't be.

If the resurrection of Christ does not mean everything to you, it means nothing.

(whether you realize it or not)

God won't ask you what you meant, what you thought, or wait for you to clarify.

He won't ask you anything at all.

It will be clear or it won't be.

Jesus did not walk around speaking of the miracles He was capable of performing. Even if He did, no one would have believed Him. So instead He proved what He was capable of with action.

The witnesses testified. Many people didn’t believe what they heard; so Jesus showed them too.

Actions speak so much louder than words.

We are told part of living a Christian life is telling people about Jesus. And it is.
But what about showing them?

I could go on and on about the things that God has done for me in my life.

But what do those things mean to anyone if I walk around being a victim to the hard things that life has thrown at me? If I walk around being a miserable human because my life hasn’t been a walk in the park - that does not scream “redeemed.” It says something more like “the devil is winning.”

You cannot shine a light through outbursts of anger and pity for your past.

We battle ourselves just as much as we battle anyone else.

Call it a bad day or a bad temper - whatever you’d like. It can control us if we don’t make a conscious effort to control it.

It’s okay to not be perfect. But at the very least, we can try to improve our hearts and our actions daily - making each day better than the one before.

Strengthening our walk: the more we do it, and the more aware and intentional we are about it - the easier it will become.

I heard this quote on a George Janko podcast, and it stirred something in my heart.
I leave it here to inspire yours.

I love you all.

Jesus did not walk around speaking of the miracles He was capable of performing. Even if He did, no one would have believed Him. So instead He proved what He was capable of with action.

The witnesses testified. Many people didn’t believe what they heard; so Jesus showed them too.

Actions speak so much louder than words.

We are told part of living a Christian life is telling people about Jesus. And it is.
But what about showing them?

I could go on and on about the things that God has done for me in my life.

But what do those things mean to anyone if I walk around being a victim to the hard things that life has thrown at me? If I walk around being a miserable human because my life hasn’t been a walk in the park - that does not scream “redeemed.” It says something more like “the devil is winning.”

You cannot shine a light through outbursts of anger and pity for your past.

We battle ourselves just as much as we battle anyone else.

Call it a bad day or a bad temper - whatever you’d like. It can control us if we don’t make a conscious effort to control it.

It’s okay to not be perfect. But at the very least, we can try to improve our hearts and our actions daily - making each day better than the one before.

Strengthening our walk: the more we do it, and the more aware and intentional we are about it - the easier it will become.

I heard this quote on a George Janko podcast, and it stirred something in my heart.
I leave it here to inspire yours.

I love you all.

🤎🤎🤎

🤎🤎🤎

It is not what God will do that is the issue,

It is not what God will do that is the issue,

We serve a big God - in more ways than one 🤎

We serve a big God - in more ways than one 🤎

“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.” Romans 11:32

“For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.” Romans 11:32

“Nothing could be more ruthless than to make men think there is still plenty of time to to mend their ways.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Nothing could be more ruthless than to make men think there is still plenty of time to to mend their ways.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We are without excuse, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make one.

Church leadership is exhausted. They’re fighting a losing battle if we’re only in church on Sunday.

We need revival. Revelation. Willingness!

The Gospel changes lives, but only the ones it touches. If you’ve received it, you have the ability and the responsibility to share it. You don’t need a degree or a pulpit.

You are worthy.
You are enough.
You are responsible.

We are without excuse, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make one.

Church leadership is exhausted. They’re fighting a losing battle if we’re only in church on Sunday.

We need revival. Revelation. Willingness!

The Gospel changes lives, but only the ones it touches. If you’ve received it, you have the ability and the responsibility to share it. You don’t need a degree or a pulpit.

You are worthy.
You are enough.
You are responsible.

He smiles bigger when I feed him ❤️

He smiles bigger when I feed him ❤️

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