Creating Memories

"Grandparents are proud of their grandchildren, just as children are proud of their parents." -- Proverbs 17:6, GNT

I was watching a Suze Orman podcast the other day and she was giving out some advice prior to Christmas. She said rather than give your children so many gifts, give them experiences and memories. Thinking back to my own childhood my greatest memories are not in the toys I owned but in the memories of my mother sitting on the floor with us making memories through playtime. She would play games and encourage our imaginations to soar through make believe. She was always a full participant and never just a spectator.

My children have fond memories of their two grandmothers doing the same with them. My mother has carried on the merrymaking with her grandchildren and now with her great grandchildren. My spouse's mom saved the toys from her children's childhood and brought them out for the grandchildren -- such a treat to explore the toys from days of old -- most of them battery free! My girls still talk about these memories.

I have learned from both grandmothers and for that I am grateful. I think my grandparenting is a little bit of both of them. I too saved my girls toys and my grandchildren are delighted when I dig out some old toy from the basement to delight them. I've brought these toys out little by little to keep the excitement going -- we're going on 6 years now! And I've also taken on the role my mom used to take with us. At times I even amaze myself with the different hats of imaginary play I am able to wear with my grandsons.

Here's to creating memories!

Prayer Delay

"But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John." -- Luke 1:13, KJV

I love this verse. The phrase "for thy prayer is heard" should be reassuring to us all. We must not miss the meaning here. The prayer that Zechariah prayed was prayed many years earlier, and having reached an advanced age, his petition had ceased. Our prayers are ever before the Lord. They do not expire. Prayer is sometimes immediately heard and answered; and sometimes an answer is deferred a long time. Our prayers are prayed from the earth which has time, but they reach God in heaven where time does not exist. Ponder the deep things of God today.

Love Languages

"Love will last forever ..."

1 Corinthians 13:8

Many years ago I purchased Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages" and since that day I've discussed the contents with my spouse, my children, and my closest friends. I've recommended this book to others when they've asked my opinions on navigating their own relationships. But what I love the most is that my spouse and my children get it -- they understand my love language(s).

Most people have a primary and secondary way in which they prefer to have love expressed to them. For example, mine are "acts of service" and "quality time." I've used this book to discover the love languages of my spouse, my children, and my close friends. Oftentimes we try to love others in our "own" love language and don't understand why we don't get the results we were hoping for. For example, if my love language is "acts of service" it means that I feel really loved when you take care of things for me (e.g. clean the house or wash the car). I don't get as jazzed about gifts (I've been told I'm too particular and that I buy what I want myself -- so very true!). 

When it comes to birthdays and Christmas my spouse and children set themselves to the task of taking care of some "chore" they've heard me say I want done. This Christmas is no different. I'm very blessed to be able to love and be loved by those who speak my language, so here's a shout out to my spouse and children for all the acts of service you've undertaken this year!

The five love languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation - (speak loving and true words to build the other person's self image and confidence)

2. Quality Time - (put down the remote and give one another some undivided attention)

3. Gifts - (be sure to remember birthdays and special days with a gift of appreciation)

4. Acts of Service - (take care of chores and that "to do" list with joy)

5. Physical Touch - (hold hands, give hugs, etc. to show your love)

Withdraw

"But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.." -- Luke 5:16

I like to withdraw, especially when I'm hurt or stressed. I was talking this over with my accountability partner the other day and she said, "that's actually Biblical. Jesus often withdrew from the crowds and went off alone to pray. Sometimes you have to come apart from the world ... so you don't come apart."

A good and timely word of wisdom.

Receipts

"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." -- Romans 11:29

Saw this tweet yesterday from GetUpWithGod and it ties in perfectly with the holiday season: "Don't bother keeping the receipt: God's gifts & his call are irrevocable."

Seems like with every purchase made this season comes the resounding question, "Do you need a gift receipt?" And most times the answer is probably yes. According to a study done by Kohl's, gift recipients are most likely to return clothing (74 percent), followed by items for the home (11 percent), beauty or fragrance products (8 percent), electronics (5 percent) and jewelry or watches (2 percent)." That's a lot of gift returning going on! But I'm thrilled to know that God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. No gift receipt needed!

Before The Morning

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Chorus:
Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there
so just say a prayer.
and hold on, cause there's good who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning
yeah, yeah,
before the morning,
yeah, yeah

Once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
memory, memory, yeah

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

com'n, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the hurt before the healing
the pain you've been feeling,
just the dark before the morning
before the morning, yeah, yeah
before the morning

BEFORE THE MORNING LYRICS - JOSH WILSON

Longsuffering

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy and truth." -- Psalm 86:15

Kris Vallotton wrote an excellent blog on suffering long. He told a story of being in the midst of a dark time in his life due to a family situation and because of that he sought out a professional counselor (see excerpt below). This blog gave me a fresh perspective on longsuffering.

"In the midst of the darkest time of my life, I went to see a professional counselor. Of course, the first question he asked was, "Why have you come to see me?" I told him how discouraged and depressed I was over a family situation. He asked me again, "So, why have you come to see me?" "I told you," I snapped back, "I'm discouraged and depressed." He proceeded to ask me the same question again. Finally, I asked in a very frustrated voice, "What's your point?" "Well, the Bible says that love suffers long," he answered. "You are suffering because people that you love are suffering. Jesus said that we are to mourn with those who mourn. You're in mourning because your family is suffering. You're responding the way that Jesus taught us to respond. When this is over, you will get to rejoice with those who rejoice! Until then, trust God with your family, and know that this season will end in time."

Search Engine

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' -- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." -- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

I love search engines like Google. Type in any word and hundreds, even thousands, of sites pop up at your disposal. But there is one search engine that tops them all -- the Holy Spirit, for He searches all things, even the deep things of God. Not only does He search the deep things of God, He also reveals them to us ... now that's a search engine I can get behind.

I Choose

let me be in love with what you love
let me be most satisfied in you
forsaking what this world has offered me
i choose to be in love with you
i will choose to be in love with you

let me know the peace that's mine in you
let me know the joy my heart can sing
for i have nothing lord apart from you
i choose to call on christ in me
i will choose to call on christ in me

for in the fullness of who you are
i can rest in this place
and giving over this, my journey lord
i see nothing but your face

let me know that you have loved me first
let me know the weight of my response
for you have long pursued my wandering heart
i choose to glory in your cross…
i will choose to glory in your cross!

for in the fullness of who you are
i can rest in this place
and giving over this, my journey lord
i see nothing but your face

and i bow down…
humbly i bow down…
humbly i bow down…
i bow down…


written by christy & nathan nockels

Commonplace

In Matthew 10:8 we are instructed to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons!" 

As Kingdom citizens this verse should be commonplace, an everyday occurrence. But too often we think these acts are reserved for ministers or those with a special anointing. I long for the day, and it's coming, when we all engage in these ordinary activities. I want that for me and I want that for you. When miracles become common we'll stop comparing our ministries with each other. I love this quote from John Wimber:

"When everyone and anyone can heal the sick, cast out a demon or prophesy, then the danger of anyone becoming overly impressed with the minister is diminished." -- John Wimber

Teapot

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." -- Luke 6:45

Most of us can dig down into our childhood memories and recite the song: "I'm A Little Teapot." And in a lot of ways we are exactly like a teapot. When we get "all steamed up" whatever is in our pot will overflow and pour out on others. The Bible is clear that whatever is in our heart will eventually come out of our mouth.

I'm a little teapot, short and stout.

Here is my handle, here is my spout.

When I get all steamed up, hear me shout.

Just tip me over and pour me out.

Stay Prepared

"Take not thine Holy Spirit from me." -- Psalm 51:11

A reporter once asked Kathryn Kuhlman what she did to prepare for the miraculous healing services she conducted. Her reply, "I stay prepared." She went on to say, "I fear no man. I fear not Satan. I use the same weapon on him that Jesus did: 'It Is Written'." 

Her only fear was the fear of grieving the Holy Spirit and having the anointing lift. During her time alone with God she would often pray the prayer of David, "Take not thine Holy Spirit from me."

Her ministry came at great personal cost but she willingly made the choice to stay prepared.

Today's prayer: "Teach me to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, minute by minute. Amen."

Rich Toward God

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse ...
and I will rebuke the devourer for your sake." (Malachi 3:10-11)

Most of us have a concept of the word "whole." For example, if I owe you money, you most likely want me to pay you the entire sum. I know that when I receive a bill from the electric or phone company they certainly want the entire amount. And what if I were to offer you a piece of candy? Would you want the entire piece or is it okay if I take a bite first? Do you suppose when God said to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that He had our good in mind? I know I want Him to rebuke the devourer for my sake, the "whole" devourer, not just a partial rebuking. Just pondering "being rich toward God" this morning.

whole - comprising the full quantity, amount, extent, number, etc., without diminution or exception; entire, full, or total

Snapshot

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier." -- Luke 6:37, The Message

The interesting thing about snapshots is that they only capture a moment in time. There is no knowledge of what led up to the photo or what happened immediately after the camera clicked. When we judge another person based on an immediate event or decision in their life we are acting just like a camera, choosing to capture and judge them based on that one snapshot in time. God sees the whole picture. He knows all the events that led up to that moment in time, that moment you chose to judge, and He knows the plans He has for their future. Think of all the snapshots you have collected over the years of yourself. Some are more flattering than others. No one has a perfect "filmstrip" of their life. Love everyone. Let God sort them.

IF

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you." -- Matthew 6:14

"If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling." -- Psalm 91:9-10

"If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you." -- Proverbs 4:8

"If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD - and He will repay you." -- Proverbs 19:17

Have you ever noticed how many scriptures begin with the word "if" -- or how many promises are coupled with the word "if" -- we are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) -- to partake is to take part -- we have a part to fulfill. After all, "IF" does begin with "I"

The Burn Room

Not a service
Not an event
Not a concert

It's a place of presence .... come soak, worship, and pray

Tonight, 7pm-9pm, in the sanctuary of Oxford Church of God, 5450 College Corner Pike, Oxford


Feel free to stop in for a few minutes or a few hours ...

Passion for your house consumes me. 

The Burn Room is a ministry of the Oxford House of Prayer:
www.oxfordhouseofprayer.com

Tradition

I saw a post on Twitter:

Dear Facebook, 

There's a new kid in town. His name is Twitter. 

Sincerely, 

MySpace

I like this quote. Things change. They always will. So, I thought it interesting that at last night's Bible study our pastor talked about "tradition" and how we cannot let it dictate our ministries. What once worked for a certain generation is not relevant now. He then demonstrated his point. He held up a church hymnal in the air and asked if we all knew what it was. A resounding "yes" echoed back. He then sent someone to go get a teenager from the youth group down the hall. Again, he held up the hymnal. This time he asked the teen, "do you know what this is?" The teen had no clue. 

God is always moving .... let's move with Him.

Idle Words

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose." -- Proverbs 18:21, MSG

We like to talk. Sometimes I think we talk to fill the silence. We talk to ourselves (sometimes out loud). To be honest, we eat the fruit of our own lips in this life. The more foolishness we talk, the more foolishness we eat. Here's to a better diet!

1. idle words - empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk; "that's a lot of wind"

Problem or Solution

"For I watch over my word to perform it." -- Jeremiah 1:12

"Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfill his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word." -- Psalm 103:20

"Prayer is not about bringing your problems to God but about bringing solutions to your problems." -- Shawn Baker

We are prone to go into our prayer closets and present a list of our problems to God, and He is faithful to comfort us in our afflictions. But, what we should do more often is go into our prayer closets and present a list of solutions, according to His WORD. God watches over His Word to perform it (Jer. 1:12). He is waiting for us to declare the solution out of our own mouth and He will even dispatch angels to fulfill His Word.

Facts are temporary (e.g. the doctor says it's cancer).

TRUTH will always override facts. The truth is that "by His stripes we are healed."

Take that diagnosis (whatever it may be) and the WORD of God into the prayer closet and declare the solution to your situation.

Thanks to Shawn for this great teaching!

Power of Suggestion

"We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 10:5

"There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." -- Ephesians 4:23

There is so much power in suggestion; much more than we realize. Just the other day I overheard someone say, "so and so did such and such." And wouldn't you know the very next time I saw "so and so" my flesh immediately remembered that statement. Grrrr, I wish I had never heard it because it is hard to keep our flesh silent, which is why I love this cartoon. This suggestion box is actually a paper shredder! Now, if only we could shred all those negative suggestions that bombard our lives day in and day out! Once something is shredded it's nearly impossible to put it back together, especially if you have one of those super confetti shredders.

Today's prayer: "God, I choose to take captive every negative thought and place it in the shredder of a renewed mind. Amen."

I Run To You

"I run to you, God; I run for dear life..." -- Psalm 31:1, The Message

"I have come to you for protection; don't let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right." -- Psalm 31:1, NLT

I had a disturbing thing happen to me recently and there was nothing I could do about it. It was one of those things that caught me off guard and is completely out of my control. As soon as it happened I thought, "I've got to talk to someone about this" -- my spouse, my best friend, etc., but immediately the Holy Spirit whispered, "talk to me; run to me."

Today's prayer: "God, I run to you in my bewilderment. What just happened? How will I recover? Protect me from my thoughts and even more so from my actions. Do not let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for You always do what is right. Amen."

Selah

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. "Selah" -- Psalm 32:7

"Selah" is a word used frequently in the Hebrew Bible, often in the Psalms, and it generally means to "pause and reflect." I've heard this term used a lot lately, and not just in the reading of the Psalms. I've heard people make statements and then follow it with "Selah" and I've even seen it at the end of Twitter posts. And so this morning I took a few moments to pause and reflect on the word Selah. What could God be saying through this word? There seems to be an increase in spiritual activity right now and for me a swirling of emotions and thoughts and questions. It's definitely a season to press in, a season to pause, a season to reflect. I hear the Lord whispering "I am your hiding place and I will protect you with songs of deliverance." Selah!

Wealth

I saw a Twitter (or tweet) this morning referencing the top 10 wealth building books and before I opened the list I thought to myself, "Ten? Really? I know of only one wealth building book -- the BIBLE."

My curiosity peaked and I opened the list. I thought I'd have a little fun with a few of these titles:

1) Think and Grow Rich -- That's certainly a Biblical principle "as a man thinketh, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7), but the riches of the Lord are far better than the riches of man! Think and grow on those riches.

2) The Millionaire Mind -- Well, we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:26) and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) so that certainly makes Him a millionaire extraordinaire and since we are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) -- well ... you do the math!

And, my personal favorite:

3) Unlimited Power: The New Science of Personal Achievement -- New science? All you really need is the Holy Spirit: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you (Acts 1:8).

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." -- Proverbs 11:25

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you..." -- Jeremiah 29:11

Attitude

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 2:5, NIV

We hear a lot about attitude and we get a lot of "attitude" from a variety of sources. The common definition of an attitude is: "the way a person views something or tends to behave towards it, often in an evaluative way."

But, I was also surprised to find this definition: "the orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion."

I think I like that definition. If our life is like a spacecraft, then our thoughts and attitudes are the fuel that propels us in whatever direction we choose. Through a series of messages on the Kingdom, our pastor has been challenging us to stop taking on the attitudes of this world, but to take on the attitude of Kingdom citizens. As citizens of the Kingdom we are to represent the attitudes of the King -- to RE-present all that He is.

Attitudes are contagious.  Are yours worth catching?  ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

Smokin

"The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God..." -- Revelation 8:4

"Smokin" some prayers! How about you?

Today's prayer: "Lord, let every breath I exhale be unto You a prayer, rising to the throne, like the smoke that rises from a fire."

Treasure

"He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old." -- Matthew 13:52

My husband and I are cleaning out the basement -- a task that energizes me but drains him. However, yesterday he came upon a childhood Disney book that his mom read to him when he was young. Too young to read, he said he remembered memorizing the words in the book and then he'd "read" them back to her. I asked him if the book was old, smelly, and crumbling after all these years and he replied yes. I then asked, "what did you do with it?" He replied, "I put it with my treasures."

I had to smile when we got to Bible study last night and our pastor explained the scripture passage in Matthew 13:52 in terms of finding a treasure in your basement that you had forgotten about and how when found it brought great joy to its owner. It's just like God to supply the example before the lesson!

Water

"And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." -- Matthew 10:42, NLT

Today I thank God for water. It's at my disposal with just a turn of the faucet. I can bathe in hot water or drink a glass of cold water without much effort. This day I choose to "give a cup of cold water to the least of these."

Provision

"For your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." -- Matthew 6:8

Have you ever received a bonus or an unexpected gift of money and the very next day your car breaks down or the washing machine quits? Most of us would look at that extra money as money we can spend in whatever way we want, but I challenge you to think about it in a different way. Your Father knows what you need in advance and He has an uncanny way of sending the provision before the precipitating event. God also uses His children to get blessings to others. The next time you receive an unexpected windfall, stop and give thanks, and then ask God where the need is.

Burning Ones

"Our God is a consuming fire." -- Hebrews 12:29

Burning Ones, Jesus Culture

Here inside your presence
I'm taken by the wonder of You
Here inside your glory
We give our lives fully to You

We cry holy, holy Are You
Your love it burns inside
Our hearts are satisfied by You
Your love is all we want
Is why we ask for more of You

Holy, holy are You
Our hearts are burning
burning for You
we cry holy, holy are You
Our hearts are burning
burning for You

We are your burning ones
We are consumed by You
We set our lives apart
We are consumed by You

So let this love be like a fire
let our lives be like a flame
Feel us souls with Your desire
Let our passion bring You fame

Wisdom

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." -- Proverbs 4:7

Satan doesn't tell you up front that he's going to tempt you to sin. He builds it in steps. He also doesn't tell you if you trip on the step you may fall all the way down the stairs. Get wisdom. It is supreme.

Daily Bread

"Give us this day our daily bread." -- Matthew 6:11

I saw a quote about motivation this morning and it got me thinking about prayer. Here's the quote: 

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing -- that's why we recommend it daily." -- Zig Ziglar

Prayer is our daily bread and I recommend it daily, hourly, minute by minute, breath by breath.

Neck Attire

"Don't ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet. Then you will be respected and will please both God and people." -- Proverbs 3:3

We often take great care in picking out our accessories -- whether it be a necklace or a tie. Proverbs 3:3 instructs us to take greater care of kindness and truth. Never forget them; make them part of your daily attire; then you will be well-dressed for all occasions.

Navigate

"Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God." -- Isaiah 50:10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." -- Proverbs 18:10

When you are stumbling in darkness (whether it be due to affliction or misery or something else), you can run to the name of the LORD and be safe. The phrase "trust in the LORD" means to navigate toward the light, which is the name of the LORD. Trust in the name of the LORD; not in yourself, nor in any creature, but in the LORD Himself; in the perfections of His nature, His mercy, His grace, and His goodness; in the name of the LORD, which is a strong tower, and in whom is salvation; in Christ, in whom the name of the LORD is, and whose name is the LORD our Righteousness; and to trust in Him, when in the dark, is a glorious act of faith; this is believing in hope against hope.

So, what is it you need today:

If healing, navigate toward Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Our Healer

If provision, navigate toward Jehovah Jireh, The Lord That Provides

If protection and guidance, navigate toward Jehovah Rohi, The Lord Our Shepherd

If victory in battle, navigate toward Jehovah Nissi, The Lord Our Banner
If pardon, Jehovah Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness

If cleansing, navigate toward Jehovah Mekadesh, The Lord Who Sanctifies
If security, navigate toward Jehovah Shammah, The Lord is There

If peace, navigate toward Jehovah Shalom, The God of Our Peace

Everything you need is in Him and in His name!

Excerpt from the song, Because of Who You Are (Judy Jacobs)

Because of who You are, I give you glory

Because of who You are, I give you praise

Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say

Lord I worship You, because of who you are

 

Jehovah Jireh, you're my Provider
Jehovah Nissi, you reign in victory
Jehovah Shalom, you're my Prince of Peace

Jehovah Rapha, when I'm sick in my body you're my Healer
Jehovah Shammah, you're always with me

Jehovah Sabaoth, you're my strong deliverer

Because of who You are, I give you glory
Because of who You are, I give you praise
Lord it's because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say
You are worthy Lord, I worship you
Lord I worship You, because of who you are

This blog inspired from Shawn Baker's message, "The Eternal God and His Eternal Work"

http://www.oxfordcog.com

Drip Drip

"Let my words drip like dew, like gentle rain on grass, like showers on green plants." -- Deuteronomy 32:2

"My eyes drip [with tears] to God." -- Job 16:20

About a year ago I attended a session at Cincinnati House of Prayer. The guest speaker was Terri Terry from IHOP-KC (author of Silent Songs of Worship: God's Tabernacle Within Us). During her teaching she asked us to participate in a powerful exercise. She asked each of us to begin knocking on our chair and to continue knocking for one whole minute. When finished she said now, that's the equivalent of a continuous prayer movement. Your prayers should be a constant drip drip drip, filling the "bucket" in heaven and when that bucket is full it shall tip over and pour out the answers, the blessings, and the provisions.

Never stop praying because every prayer "drip" counts and you may just be one small drip away from tipping the bucket.

Leadership

"But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." - Matthew 20:26

If you are a true leader you will not need to recruit followers. True leaders follow hard after Christ. They don't worry about building a flock of people to follow after them. Become a servant of Christ and the rest will fall into place.

"Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility." -- Augustine

"True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you." -- Oswald Sanders

Message

"Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." -- Malcom Muggeridge

There is a message around every corner. God is speaking -- all day [and night] every day, every hour, every minute. 

I love how God speaks. I love that my daughter recognizes how God speaks. I love that just this week while we were in the middle of a text conversation, she asked me a question, and God beat me to the answer! Just as I was typing the same response, the television program in the background began singing the answer. You just gotta fall in love with the Creator every time that happens. And I'd just bet it happens more than we pay attention to; more than we know; and more than we can fathom.