Sunday, March 13, 2011

Missing Dad...

Well, Nick had to fly to Nebraska on Tuesday to be with family following the sudden death of his stepsister, Janice. We have been praying, not only for his safety, but that he would be a blessing to his family during this difficult time and be a minister of the gospel while he's there. It's been a long week, but God has kept us safe and mostly happy. I think the grace has lifted. Good thing he's coming home tomorrow.
The volume level has risen steadily throughout the week and today Sabina was really acting like a pill at church. "I don't wanna be at OHOP! I don't wanna be at OHOP..."  "Well, where do you want to go?"  "At church." "Sweetie, OHOP is church." Then, she had a meltdown as we left. Proceeded by the adventure her 4-yr-old brother Luca decided to try in her room (shared with her sisters) of opening the window and attempting to climb out onto the roof over the garage WITH his little sister. Then, no one wanted to go to sleep tonight.
I think we're at the end of our "no daddy" rope. We miss you, Nick! Fly home on wings of angels!!!
(Y'all pray too, bring him home quickly and safely, Lord!)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Living by Faith

Today, there was a special meeting called at IHOP that we were strongly encouraged to watch on the webstream. John Mulinde, a pastor, evangelist and ministry leader in Uganda (and the world) was there for a short visit, sharing with leadership, and they were compelled to have him speak and release the Word from God he had. He had been called by God to "live by faith." Since we have been trying to do the same thing, I was truly straining to hear him over our general home noisiness. I won't even attempt to share the whole thing, I believe they're going to make it available on the IHOP website soon - it was amazing! I was fully struck by his personal story of walking in signs and wonders but getting many scriptures and words to repent. He had asked forgiveness for his sins, he had been forgiven, but he wasn't changing his WAYS. God wasn't dealing with his heart, but his ways.

God is calling us out of our human ways to walk fully in God's ways. The work done on the cross was fully complete. If we are still dealing with woundedness, bitterness, selfishness, we have not died to ourselves, so we cannot be experiencing holiness. We are being called to deep repentance and total surrender to God.

Romans 2:1-5 says: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed."

Holiness comes from God.

My heart is stirred to lay down all my worldly ways and fully pick up the mantle God has for me. I will not fear people, I will only fear God. "Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation, before the decree takes effect and that day passes like windblown chaff, before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s wrath comes upon you. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger." Zephaniah 2:1-3