prayer

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The Power of Jesus in Us

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

My friend, Pastor Gwen Dreger, of Celebration Life Church in Surrey, British Colombia, Canada is in Tulsa this week!

I saw her Facebook post earlier today and was able to go hear her preach at Higher Living Fellowship. 

She taught on the power of Jesus living and moving in and through His children. 

Jesus is the Word of God and because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every Christian, the Word–Jesus–becomes flesh in you and me. 

We are one with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!

Christ in us is the hope of glory!

This reality is sometimes too much for me…

He adopted me as a daughter and commissioned me to work alongside of Him in this world and the world to come. 

All I can do is say thank you, Jesus!

I was so encouraged by Pastor Gwen. She prayed over me, my studies at Rhema, and the calling of God on my life to serve Him in missions and ministry. 

Another thing she prayed over me was the book inside of me that tells of all the mighty deeds God will perform through me…

Wow. What a testimony to the love of God and His redemptive work in my life.

I am thankful for Pastor Gwen and her friendship over the last several years. 

God is using her mightily in Canada and I look forward to what He has in store for Celebration Life Church this year!

 

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Journaling for Perspective 

Sometimes I can get stuck in my head…

Trying to sort things out sends me in 10 different directions, each with their own feeling. 

Writing stuff down helps me capture what’s going on and shows me what areas need to be covered with prayer.

There are times when what I see is ugly. The truth is right there in its distorted, disfigured form. 

As I read through past entries, I notice the moments where my perspective turned out to be wrong, which means everything else–my attitude, feelings, and opinions–were wrong as well. 

The good news about perspective is that it can change! 

It’s easy for me to spot the shift because my angry scribbles and stratch outs give way to hope-filled words–even if my handwriting is still a jumbled scrawl!

Most of the time I end up finding the right words to express the things I couldn’t bring myself to say before. 

There might still be a hint of pain behind the words, but the joy is bigger than the pain. 

The idea of someone else reading my journal is a bit frightening to me. 

However, I believe that when the time is right it will all make sense to whoever ends up with my mountain of words. 

He or she will say, “Yes, this chick struggled, but the struggle always led her closer to God, to seeing things from His perspective.”

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Trust is key 

I entered a busy season today. There’s a lot going on at school and work. 

It’s all good stuff, but it could easily become overwhelming if I let it. 

And we all know that stress and worry has never helped anyone. 

I’m doing my best to combat any anxious thoughts immediately by praying about them instead of fretting over them. 

It really works! 

In fact, I am more at peace now than I ever was in the past when facing similar situations. 

My trust in God has increased exponentially and I’m learning to bring it all to Him first–not as a last resort. 

One of the biggest lessons I’m learning at Rhema is that knowing something and doing something are very different. 

Yes, I have known for a long time that trusting God is key to a peaceful and fruitful life.

 I have many stories about how trusting God has pulled me out of many seemingly impossible situations. 

But living in Tulsa has only increased my opportunities to trust God more fully. 

Like Dean Tad says, “If you can move to Tulsa by faith, you can follow God anywhere by faith.”

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Are you really listening?

The story of Jesus talking to Peter on the seashore is one of my favorites. 

I think we can all relate to Peter because his life is the most relatable of the disciples. This guy was zealous, but made some mistakes along the way. 

Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” 

Peter says, “You know I do.”

Jesus responds, “Go feed my sheep.”

This happens two other times. Jesus is questioning Peter to check his heart while also giving Peter a job to do. 

Peter got a little exasperated at Jesus, but Jesus wasn’t bothered–until Peter compared himself to John. 
“What about John, Lord? What’s his job? Where’s his heart?” Peter asked in reply.  

Jesus was firm in His answer: “What about him? We’re talking about you. If John lives until I return again, is that any of your business?”

Pastor Hagin shared at church tonight how it’s important to work and serve where God has placed you right now. 
Standing firm, staying in position is only possible when you are secure in who you are in Christ. 

Jesus was giving Peter instructions and the next words out of Peter’s mouth are “What about John?”

Maybe God’s been talking to you for a while and you’re too busy looking around at others.

Just something to think about…

I know this is an area where I have to be on guard. 

The comparison trap keeps us from hearing God’s voice effectively because our attention is divided. 

Remember: God is always talking to us. All we need to do is get quiet and listen up. 


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Heavenly Birthday

I just got back from a birthday party that turned into a prayer and worship meeting. 

It’s no surprise because my friend Kristin has a heart that beats for worship, for Jesus. 

There’s nothing like coming together as one in worship. 

It was hard to leave the house. We were all so filled with the joy of the Lord. Our cups were running over! 

I’ve never been to a birthday party quite like this one. Something Kristin said is stuck in my mind:

This party is not really about me–it’s all about Jesus. 

Colossians 3:3 says, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

As Christians, we understand that our lives are not really our lives. We are dead! It’s Christ who lives and operates through us. 

Every moment of every day is to be lived in surrender (even on your birthday).

This night of celebration was beautiful. Fellowship, friends, and worship are 3 things that go together well–whether it’s a birthday party or a church service. 

I am thankful for Kristin and I know that her 19th year will be awesome. 

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Winter Bible, Day 1

The world is here at Rhema! 

Winter Bible Seminar Day 1 was a success. 

Pastor Hagin and Ms. Lynette preached on strongholds being broken and our authority as believers over every dominion of darkness. 

Wow!

Talk about a powerful word from God…

We came together today as a family to pray with and for each other as chains fell off. 

Fears are gone. 

Strongholds are broken!

We needed to be reminded of these powerful, yet fundamental messages on authority because our school and church is reaching the nations. 

Places where you have to stand strong and assured of your authority because the missionaries are literally carrying the light into darkness. 

I’m so thankful to be a part of a school that has such reach around the world and that brings the family back together to encourage each other. 

This is only Day 1, so I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store!

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Soaring into the weekend

Teamwork is awesome. 

It is fun to see people working together, using their gifts and talents to help others. 

Winter Bible Seminar is next week. The world is coming home to Rhema! 

And with the world coming home, we’re going to see the power of family working together. 

I am excited!

There’s been so much prayer surrounding next week, too. 

The hearts of all the students, staff, and church members are anticipating all that God has in store. 

After prayer school this afternoon, I’m ready to soar! 

I know that the people who are coming–nationally and internationally–will receive all that the Lord has for them. 

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Not an ordinary book

The biggest part of my job is communicating with students, so most of my day is spent talking on the phone or checking my email. 

It doesn’t bother me too much because my job–my mission–is to help the students connect with the right information to graduate. 

I love connecting others with information!

Ask any of my closest friends and they will tell you I always have a book recommendation. 

Just tell me what you need or want to know and I’ll get a book in your hands. 

This passion is not separated from my faith either. 

I love teaching and explaining scriptures! 

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”

As much as I love reading, I’ll never love another book like I do the Bible. 

The Bible is Jesus in print. 

It’s His mind, His will for us to follow. 

Every question can be answered by the Bible. 

This is why it’s so important to teach and explain scriptures. You’re connecting others with information–faith–and faith comes by hearing. 

What can faith do?

Well, we’re saved by grace through faith. 

We’re healed by faith. 

We pray by faith. 

Just check out Hebrews 11 and you’ll see how all of our favorite Bible characters did nothing without faith. 

In fact, Hebrews 11: 6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

I’d say faith is important. 

I’m all about sharing a book with someone to help them understand more about Christianity. 

Just be sure you give that person a Bible as well. 

Then go a step further: Actually read, study, and discuss both the recommended book and the Bible with them. 

Other books are great, but only the Bible holds all truth. 

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5 good reasons

Today, I just want to give thanks. Here are 5 things I am thankful for:

1. The opportunity to go to Rhema. 

Being able to sit in a classroom and learn more about the things of God is an honor. 

2. My new job. 

Working for Wisdom Ministries is such a blessing. I am getting a lot of great experience in how administration within a ministry operated AND the opportunity to learn more as an editor. 

3. My home. 

I live with the sweetest couple who have done nothing but encourage me. It’s nice to come home here. 

4. The Holy Spirit.

 A year ago, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My relationship with God is so much richer now. I’m not sure what many of you guys believe about the subject, but I know that my life has changed for the better and that God has made this gift available to all Christians who ask for it. 

5. This blog. 

I can’t believe that this blog is finally more than an idea in my head! The chance to grow as a writer and to document all that I’m learning as a 25 year old is not something I take lightly. 

And now here’s where you get to tell me what you’re thankful for. I want to celebrate all the blessings in your life along with you. 

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Thankful for Provision

I am blessed. 

I am blessed. 

I am blessed!

God blesses His children. Period. 

And today He reminded me of His loving provision in a mighty way:

The school called me at work and told me that my tuition is taken care of! An anonymous donor called the school on my behalf. 

Talk about a reason to praise God! That’s all I’ve done since getting the news. 

I am thankful for God’s provision. 

I am thankful for the genorisity of the donor. 

On my drive home, I prayed for the donor and asked the Lord to bless he or she in a special way. 

I know that He will. 

We’re learning in our classes that God honors faith and every step of my journey to Tulsa has been a step of faith. 

Praise God for the journey!

Praise God for friends and family who support that journey! 

Here’s my question to you, my friends:

What step of faith do you need to take?