To all those near and far who I hope to help bring ever closer,
I am leaving Feb. 7th for Japan! Lots of preparation to do before then, though. On my way to Ann Arbor for the next three days to visit two churches that allowed me to give my testimony before. Also shall do ministry along the way. Somehow God always provides opportunities to do that wherever I go.
In my journal, I have lots of writing I would like to share through this blog soon. So I will probably make a lot of posts over the next few days before I leave.
Last Sunday, the Lord led me to Grace for the Nations church. The people in ministry leadership there had a special consecration service. The entire church has started out the New Year with a month of fasting. Isn’t that beautiful? I hear that Harvest Mission Community Church in Ann Arbor did the same thing. Now that is a wonderful way to start out the New Year. I feel the Lord is speaking to me about doing something special…
I felt so blessed. The pastor’s every word seemed to be designed specifically for me, as he spoke on change. He said we should be able to make 5 declarations: This is the acceptable year of the Lord- the year of all years. I’m going to be the best me I can be. I’m going to be the go ALL the way- I’m not half-stepping, or stopping along the way. I will receive my prophetic promise. I will never be the same again!
I would like to share the ‘Oath of Covenant’ that was read by the ministry leaders there as they were anointed, blessed, and prayed to have an unwavering focus on the mission of the church for this upcoming year. I altered the words slightly. For Christian leaders everywhere, it covers very important basic points that we should seek to honor as we ever seek to be closer to the light of the Lord.
Oath of Covenant
I say yes to sharing a common faith in the Scriptures of the Holy Bible and strive to live a life reflective of a solid commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life.
I say yes to maintaining a healthy balance between ministry service, leadership duties, and personal & family life.
I say yes to exhibiting and practicing professionalism in all matters relating to the ministry and business affairs of the church and it’s initiatives, projects, programs, and interests.
I say yes to practicing confidentiality in relationship to all business, financial and personal data associated with the affairs of the ministry (with the exception of information that could be significant in preventing danger to any individual or the ministry).
I say yes to submitting to the leading influence of the Holy Spirit and seek wise counsel before making major decisions while functioning as part of the leadership team.
I say yes to serving under the spiritual authority established in this house and hear to the directives and spiritual assignments given throughout the prescribed time of my role.
I say yes to serving in this appointed role as a delegated leader to the best of my ability utilitzing my unique gifts and talents to further the mission and vision of the church with all humility, character, and honor.
These words I will keep by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus being my guide, so help me God.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Devotional Series 1 (of 3)
days after hailstorm
ice crystals sparkle in snow
heavenly bling bling
In Ghana before colonialization, I hear gold was so naturally plentiful that when it rained, people would just pick up gold that appeared from the mud. In the same way, riches from heaven are free and available to everyone. If we don’t have it, that is our own fault. It must be because we are not willing to give up on our pride, submit to God, and accept the marvelous riches of salvation.
How different this is from the riches of the world, which causes those who receive them to usually grow increasingly more selfish and paranoid out of the fear that someone will try to rob them of their riches (and power). And those who are the superstars of this world identify themselves so strongly with the money and power they hold in their tight grasp that they cannot imagine how they could survive if they were ever stripped naked of it.
Those of us who are believers (I mean those who choose to put their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins) have freely enjoyed the endless generosity of God. His hands are always open to His children. He is always waiting to hear our next chat. When we ask for that which is truly good, his answer is forever yes although we may have to wait to receive His gifts.
Our Heavenly Father loves us crazily, madly, deeply. We must be generous, in Jesus’ name! How can we help it? We should probably seek to give so much that an angel has to be sent from heaven to smack us to get us to stop… heh heh.
My Father- our Father- please help all of your children to be more generous. Speaking for myself, I know that I have fallen from the mark many times in this area. Forgive me, forgive us. Help us to think of Your sacrifice for us who did not did not deserve it.
Acts 20:35:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
ice crystals sparkle in snow
heavenly bling bling
In Ghana before colonialization, I hear gold was so naturally plentiful that when it rained, people would just pick up gold that appeared from the mud. In the same way, riches from heaven are free and available to everyone. If we don’t have it, that is our own fault. It must be because we are not willing to give up on our pride, submit to God, and accept the marvelous riches of salvation.
How different this is from the riches of the world, which causes those who receive them to usually grow increasingly more selfish and paranoid out of the fear that someone will try to rob them of their riches (and power). And those who are the superstars of this world identify themselves so strongly with the money and power they hold in their tight grasp that they cannot imagine how they could survive if they were ever stripped naked of it.
Those of us who are believers (I mean those who choose to put their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins) have freely enjoyed the endless generosity of God. His hands are always open to His children. He is always waiting to hear our next chat. When we ask for that which is truly good, his answer is forever yes although we may have to wait to receive His gifts.
Our Heavenly Father loves us crazily, madly, deeply. We must be generous, in Jesus’ name! How can we help it? We should probably seek to give so much that an angel has to be sent from heaven to smack us to get us to stop… heh heh.
My Father- our Father- please help all of your children to be more generous. Speaking for myself, I know that I have fallen from the mark many times in this area. Forgive me, forgive us. Help us to think of Your sacrifice for us who did not did not deserve it.
Acts 20:35:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
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