“Make every thought, every fact, that comes into your mind pay you a profit. Make it work and produce for you. Think of things not as they are but as they might be. Don't merely dream - but CREATE!” Robert Collier
What a beautiful weekend it was at Christ Central in Dallas, Georgia! As Bishop Miller always says, "It is amazing what can happen when you just show up!" Show up we did, praying, expecting, believing and full of faith...
We had close to thirty guests... and ten responded to the altar for salvation and rededication and God is proving Himself in other areas as well... it was an awesome day in the House of God!
This week we will hit the ground running. We are planning a huge Mother's Day event where we will celebrate mothers and ALL women. Our theme, "The Real Housewives of CC..." will exhibit drama, a message, powerful worship and dance ministry... AND we're giving away a spa package!!!! And every woman will receive a swag bag with goodies! And yes, chocolate will be involved!
We're believing for a powerful move of God! I'll post a lot more throughout the week and after the event... but I'll tell you now... I am SO excited!
Over the last two weeks I have experienced almost every emotion known to man... or woman! Craig, the girls and I are embarking on an incredible journey. Ministry is anything but predictable, and well, recently that has proven itself to us again. However, God has opened this door to us and inside is opportunity, great people, and foundation, among other things. Our hearts are full and some days we look at each other in disbelief, but oddly enough, THAT is one of the things that has kept us on this path. We are without a doubt relying on the Lord for direction and the wisdom of those we are accountable to. And I have never been in a better place in my life. Last Sunday a confirming word was spoken to me VERBATIM of a prayer that I have prayed for a little over six months. As I heard the words spoken I found my own lips saying to the word in unison with the minister speaking. My husband is more at peace, and grounded... and the girls are lit up, excited and embracing our opportunity (btw- they are amazing!). It is time... I just keep hearing that in my spirit... it is time.
In the coming week (I hope), my blog will somewhat reflect the new place I am in... and I hope to impart some of the wisdom and direction I am gleaning through the words I write and experiences I go through.
... but, that has never been known to stop me from saying something that is truly in my heart.
Over the last several weeks President Obama and the divided decision makers in DC have been arguing over how much money the US government should throw at our economy in an effort to "ease" the recession. I have watched and listened with doubt. I admit it. I am unsure as to whether or not our leaders are truly tuned into where the American people really stand in this economy.
The obvious is obvious to us all, people are being laid off as corporate and retail America tightens their belts and slims down. Actually, if truth be told they were getting too "thick" anyway. However, the way most are going about it, by axing the people who make the least and support personnel, and your overworked, under compensated middle management is only going to work for a short time. With CEOs and over paid executives hanging on to six and seven figure incomes, decent bonuses and a buffet of fringe benefits, the real issue is not being confronted.
It is kind of like having liposuction on what you believe to be your "problem areas" (blue collar, support personnel, middle management, etc.) only to find out in six months that the real issue is the box of Twinkies (CEOs, Execs., etc.) you indulge in nightly. In a matter if time, that lipo will be a distant memory and more radical procedures will demand to be looked at.
Anyway, after hearing President Obama's ideas, and those of every other person who managed to summon a microphone in front of their mouth, it occurred to me how out of touch our nation's leaders were with Ma and Pa Citizen. And that was when it hit me... my great idea that no one asked for...
Who knows best what you and I, our neighbors, and our colleagues need right now? We do. We talk to each other, compare scars, and cry on each others' shoulders. So, here is my idea...
President Obama charges each Governor to assemble a team in their state comprised of every "people group/class" represented in their state. I am talking Average Joe's, not politicians. These representatives would then research and talk to their peers in the communities and cities of their state. They would find out what they were facing, what their "felt needs" are, their struggles, their fears, concerns, challenges, and listen to proposed solutions. This may take place through town hall meetings, one on one interviews and surveys.
The representatives would them compile a report of their findings and then meet at a round table with their respective Governor. As they share together, they would also brainstorm and come up with proposed solutions. The Governors would then meet with President Obama, present their findings and offer their solutions. From there, President Obama and his team could begin writing new bills and policy that would truly meet the people of America where they are.
Will this idea solve everything? Heavens no, but I believe it would open the eyes and ears of the Governors and our President. It's only an idea, and it has lots of holes, however, it also has potential to become a tool that may loosen the tongues of the afflicted and give them audience with the kings of this nation.
I am in prayer daily for our nation, for our President and his family and for our other leaders. I believe God will give President Obama wisdom from many sources that will heal this economy... and again, no one asked me, but I felt like tossing in my two cents over my "virtual microphone!"
It's been a week since I blogged, yes, I know. I am aware... but OH! the week I've had!
Our system upgrade went nut-so and I have been working non-stop. Of course we've been packing, then Izzie got sick so sleep was a no-go for me... and then I got a cold from Izzie... ugh, what a week!
I did get a lot done though. I have been working on some hot projects for work while I am still in the Chicago Corporate office. At home we are purging, packing and planning. The three P's~!
More time for blogging is planned for the weekend... see you then!
Right now... outside my office door... looks like we'll be having a white Christmas! I feel for the folks stuck at Ohare and Midway airports... last report was over 250 flights have been canceled and the worst is not even here yet... let's pray they can get out tomorrow!
I am sitting here with my family awaiting the forecast winter storm. So far, I have seen nothing but a night sky. Supposedly the storm will embark upon us around 10:30 pm when approximately 12 inches of snow will invade us through 11 am tomorrow. Can I say, I really dislike snow!!!!????
Still what can I do? It's winter, it's Chicago! *Sigh*... I guess we'll have to put up with it until we head back south.
Today I ran our annual "State of Affairs" meeting for my company with our timekeeping vendor. It was phenomenal! My boss was thrilled, the vendor was thrilled, and I ended the meeting on an extreme high! We will be upgrading and continuing a very productive business relationship. I have learned some very powerful (albeit practical) business methods that have resulted in this productive partnership...
1.) You catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar.
2.) Partnership will always win over dictatorship.
3.) Champion what you want the end product to be.
I could share more, but I'm going to head to bed... perhaps I'll tackle sharing more about my Powerful, Practical Business Methods that Result in Success... okay, that is a SERIOUSLY L-O-N-G title.... I'll have to work on that too!
My house is really quiet right now. It's so nice! A great way to unwind before bed, especially on a Friday!
I had a good day at work today. My department put together a little Christmas potluck and we had so many goodies!!!! Yummo! They also did a Secret Santa which I had opted out of. We, as many families, are scaling back this year, cutting extras. Well, my sweet co-workers wouldn't hear of it. They bought me the Bath & Body Works Signature Collection: The Season's Best- Moonlight Path set (see photo). It has the bubble bath, shower gel, soap, candle, body spray, and lotion. I am so excited!!!!
In other news, Craig and I, and our family have been experiencing such blessings. God has continued to be SO good to us! Craig and I were talking the other night, just amazed at how God continues to meet ur every need. Sometimes it is right on time, but He's never late!
Tomorrow Kaitlyn and her freinds will gather and celebrate her 16th birthday. I'll be making her favorite white cake with strawberry icing. I still can't believe she is 16! And a week from Monday our Kelsea will be 14! Wow, so hard to believe!
I think I will sign out for tonight and go catch a few extra zzzzz's!
I’ve been meaning to do this for quite a while. I actually waited until today because I did not want to be accused of trying to “sway” people to vote any which way. I won’t do that. Although I have made it clear the candidate I voted for. However, it goes SO much deeper than which candidate is better.
For instance, there is a limit as to just how much “clout” the president actually has. We all know that. His plans are subject to the scrutiny and dissection of many other politicians. If he does well, he may get a second term, but all in all, he’ll have 8 years at the most. However, the Supreme Court Judges that he nominates have LIFETIME terms…. And throughout history, we all know that the President appoints those judges based on those who align with his belief system and the way he has voted. THAT alone is a serious matter to consider!
I was in church on Sunday when the Pastor of FaithWorld Chicago delivered a powerful sermon, although it had to be difficult. Every word he said was biblical; every quote was on point, every statistic correct. It was a sermon that EVERY God fearing, Word believing Christian needed to hear. Pastor Daniel challenged the church not to vote Democratic... or Republican… or Independent… no, not with a party at all. But as KINGDOM CITIZENS.
How would a Kingdom Citizen vote? I’m glad you asked. A Kingdom Citizen bases their decisions on the Word of God.
• A Kingdom Citizen votes not for change, because CHANGE can be good… or bad. We vote based on the Word of God.
• A Kingdom Citizen does not vote because the economy is not where it should be right now. You see, the economy will ALWAYS go up and down, it is constantly changing. And while we are on this subject, ask yourself, who REALLY controls the economy? The answer can be found in the falling gas prices. WE… the consumers play a HUGE part in seeing the price of gas fall. Ever hear of supply and demand? When we as consumers learn to conserve more than we consume prices generally begin to fall. When we as consumers decide to live within our means instead of buying homes and cars we cannot really afford, we won’t have to file bankruptcy!
You see, no matter who gets in office, if the American consumer does not learn to save and conserve, the downward spiral will continue. When we vote for a person because we think he/she will help the economy, we as Kingdom Citizens are putting our trust in MAN… not in Jehovah Jirah.
It is the same thing with education. YES... education IS a HUGE issue. BUT… if you really want to improve the standard of education in your city, you must start at the local level. That is where a majority of education improvement occurs. If you don’t feel your vote is doing enough, then run for the school board. That is where those improvements will pan out.
• A Kingdom Citizen embraces LIFE. It blows my mind how ANY person who professes to be a born again Christian can justify abortion or even supporting a person or agenda that not only states abortion is justifiable but has a consistent history of arguing for it! As a mother, all it takes is one look at one of my children and I could never even consider overlooking this issue. The book of Jeremiah quotes the Lord speaking to Jeremiah that He “formed (him) in the womb”… that He has a plan for His life, purpose, destiny!
My daughter Haley was born at 29 weeks gestation. She was very small and had her challenges, but God gave us a miracle! She is a healthy, bright 11 year old today. Did you know that babies further along than Haley’s 29 week birth are aborted every day? Statistics show that more than 7,000,000 babies have been aborted since the start of the war in Iraq. Who is lobbying for THOSE lives?
Of topic…. No, war is not a pleasant thing, and yes, mistakes have been made along the way. However, show me one war, or one person who is mistake free… can’t be done! One thing I will say as I have transitioned over to the war is this, President Bush had a VERY difficult two terms. On 9/11, there were very few IF any Americans who were not chomping at the bit to go to war. I won’t debate war here… unfortunately it is a topic that will never be debated fairly because it affects everyone differently. Ask the families of those who were victims of 9/11, then ask the families of those who have lost their lives in war, then ask the die hard Veteran who has vowed to protect and serve our country… it affects us all, just in different ways.
• A Kingdom Citizen defines marriage as a holy union, God ordained between a man and a woman (Genesis 1 and 2). Yet, there are Christians supporting political platforms in this election that are eager to redefine the very definition of marriage.
Hollywood has propagated the myth that when it comes to marriage "all you need is love." This is simply not true. Marriage is not based on emotion any more than any other partnership in life is. Marriage, like many human activities, involves emotion but it is not constituted by the presence of any particular set of emotions. I do not deny that many homosexuals feel deeply for their partners; however I do assert that no matter how deep the feelings, what they have is not a marriage in God's sight. It is a beautiful deception.
Just because an emotion is deep or powerful does not justify acting upon it. Like drugs, like adultery, like the abuse of alcohol or the love of money, or the power rush of human ego trips, there are emotions which are powerful and addictive and ultimately terribly destructive. Same sex marriages must satisfy criteria other than emotion. A marriage is more than a sexual pleasure center. A marriage is a social unit that is interwoven with dozens of other lives. Same sex marriages do not last. Less than 5% of gays have ever had a relationship that lasted 3 years or more. Sex is not enough. Passion cannot sustain an inherently unstable social unit.
Marriage is a fundamental social institution that does not exist just for the emotional satisfaction of two individuals but for the greater good of the community which stands under the blessing or curse of God. Societies that put emotional fulfillment before right actions and principles will soon give way to a multitude of addictions and deep corruptions and collapse. God will judge any society that institutes same sex marriages.
If God had intended the human race to be fulfilled through both heterosexual and homosexual marriage, He would have designed our bodies to allow reproduction through both means and made both means of sexual intercourse healthy and natural.
• Kingdom Citizens know that the only way to eternal life in Christ is through Jesus Christ. With that said, backing a platform that believes there are “many” roads to heaven, Christianity being one, is a slap in the face of God.
I could go on and on… there are MANY topics. We have been given the guidelines in the Bible. THAT should be where we measure how to vote as a Kingdom Citizen. My heart has been broken at the vast number of churches that are divided over this election. Furthermore, imagine my disappointment when church attendees have lashed out at their pastors and leadership for advising that the Word of God and prayer direct them in their decisions. Folks… your pastors are there to present the issues based on the Word of God to you, they are your covering, they watch for your souls! Why on earth would you listen to others who are open to an “all roads lead to God” mentality but not your pastors?
Don’t get me wrong, I DO NOT advocate candidate endorsement in the pulpit by ANY MEANS! However, when we attack our shepherds for highlighting the truth of God’s Word, what does that say about us? I have heard some spiritual leaders say that it reveals the true heart. Pastor Daniel confronted the thoughts of those who would threaten to leave FaithWorld because of his direct approach in highlighting the Word of God. What he said was this, “If you want to leave because you do not like the fact that I am preaching the Word of God and how it applies to this election… go ahead, but leave your Bible on the way out, you won’t need it where you’re going.” Yes, I know that is bold, but with an election that has been very “in your face”, ruled by a bias press and many people who chose not to educate themselves but voted based on age, race, ethnicity, and whatever “Hollywood” is backing, that statement WAS necessary.
I am tired to death of hearing Christians say, “Well, whoever God wants to be President will be President.” That is NOT true. God gave each of us a will, He won’t cross it and Satan can’t. He also gave us His Word to use a guide, and shepherds who watch for us. The rest is up to you and I. WE choose to vote as Kingdom Citizens or to vote with the status quo.
In closing, I want to say as a Kingdom Citizen that I will pray for, respect and honor whoever is voted into office. And I will be able to do so knowing that I honored God throughout the process.
I am a huge Nashville Star fan. I believe it has much more integrity than American Idol and the talent is off the charts. This year I was rooting big time for Melissa Lawson, wife, mother of five boys, and not the "pin up" model that some of the talent searches seem to seek. But boy did she have potential and a serious gift! After week 1 it was shocking to see her in the bottom 2. What was wrong with America??? However, she popped right back up and kept pushing back. And it paid off, she won.
Her first single is a song that I heard her sing at the finale, but it wasn't until this week that I really studied the lyrics... and they, settled something in my spirit... I know, some of you are probably thinking... "really, God spoke to you through Melissa Lawson's new single???" I guess the answer to that is not so much that He "spoke" to me through the song but rather He used the song to confirm what He had already been speaking to me.
I had talked to a lot of people, emailed a few and what I REALLY wanted was someone to say, "Here is what you should do..." and then I get the blueprint and follow it... but what I got was a lot of "What do YOU feel Tara? What is God saying to YOU????" Ugh... I heard what He was saying but it was scaring me to death! A million thoughts ran through my head! "What if we're wrong?" "God, what if this, and what if that???" "What if it doesn't work... again!?" And then, after sitting back, praying and dumping all of that in God's lap... Melissa Lawson's video came on... here is the video... I believe it may speak to others as well...
What If It All Goes Right
What if that road that you're taking's a dead end What if love leaves you all jaded and broken What if that limb breaks you're climbing out on Yeah, what if it all goes wrong
But, what if it all goes right What if it all works out What if the stars line up And good luck rains down What if you chase your dreams And it changes your whole life Yeah, what if it all goes right
What if that road is a beautiful slow drive What if that love ends up lasting a life time What if that limb holds you, oak tree strong What if this time nothing goes wrong
What if it all goes right What if it all works out What if the stars line up And good luck rains down What if you chase your dreams And it changes your whole life Yeah, what if it all goes right
What if you climb to the mountain top And touch the sky Grab a cloud as it passes by You might fall you might fall But then again you might fly
What if it all goes right What if it all works out What if the stars line up And good luck rains down What if you chase your dreams And it changes your whole life Yeah, what if it all goes right
Last week at this time I was basking in the presence of God with my sistas... listening to Deanna pour her heart out concerning "wrecks," "A Series of Unfortunate Events" based on Ezekiel. The following day I did a workshop on transition and that night I preached on "The Breaking Point." Well, little did I know that a week later I would be encountering a "wreck," an unfortunate event right at my own breaking point. Honestly, I am swirling from the irony and know more than ever that God has it all under control.
So, I have decided to post a partial transcript on my message from Unstoppable here today. Mostly because I need the reminder of how to be propelled in my brokenness and not paralyzed or dying in the process. I trust it will also minister to you...
The Breaking Point A few months ago I began to hear the Lord speak to me about Unstoppable. Of course I listened, took note and continued to seek Him for direction. As the conference came closer and closer, I began to sense an extreme urgency. I have learned that whenever that happens, God is trying to get my undivided attention. So, I begin to press in.
As I sought the Lord, I heard Him say, “Tara, there are women who will be at Unstoppable who are currently at their breaking point. They are at a crossroads that could potentially paralyze them. My heart is that they not be broken and crippled by what they have been facing but that they be propelled through it by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Tonight, we are going to take a candid look at the lives of three women who made entirely different choices. One of them ended up paralyzed, another, propelled and the last one lost the most… all of them at the breaking point.
I am a HUGE believer in destiny. God has a strategic plan for each and every one of us. I know this and believe it with every fiber of my being. However, there are still times in every one of our lives when circumstances, situations, people well intentioned… or not will force us to the very place where we have no idea whether or not we can go on.
I am going to begin reading in 2 Samuel, chapter 13:1-20… I am reading from The Message translation… (I won't post because of space... so turn there and read...)
Many of you know WHO you are, like Tamar, you KNOW who your daddy is- but more than that you can also identify with the shame, pain, fear, rejection and betrayal Tamar experienced. People who promised they’d never leave, they left, promises made become promises broken, and the days and nights you prayed, labored, laid awake and poured into people are thrown at your feet in a heap. It leaves you feeling used, violated, just like Tamar.
Yet look at what she did, after Amnon raped her, he told her to go away, yet we’re talking about a woman here. She’s thinking, “Oh my goodness, he’s just going to use me up and throw me out? Oh no, he can’t do that to me” She began to tell him how she felt, begging, pleading… and he had her PHYSICALLY removed. They put her out and BOLTED the door. I can just see her, as she’s being drug out, yelling and screaming, then the door is shut and locked as she is lying on the ground sobbing, no dignity left, beating on the door, “Amnon, you can’t do this to me! Amnon! Amnon, don’t leave me like this!” Tamar deserved better treatment as an Israelite. Tamar deserved better treatment as a relative. Tamar deserved better treatment as a sister. Tamar deserved better treatment as a princess. Despite all this, Amnon spitefully treats Tamar as this woman.
Then after being rejected again by being ignored, Tamar broke. She ripped her gown off, her gown signifying her identity, her status and she heaped ashes upon her head symbolizing the shame of hat she had just encountered. She covered her head and headed home where she ran into her brother Absalom who knew exactly what had occurred as we see in verse 20…
READ VERSE 20…
Absalom tried to comfort Tamar by saying that she “should not take it to heart”. These are hollow words indeed, for she has been violated by her brother, and the cultural context of that time dictated that her future was irreparably altered. I know Absalom meant well, but come on! That’s like putting a bandaid on a broken arm! This woman was SO burdened by what she was carrying that she stripped herself of her identity. She was broken, distraught, and now wore her shame upon her head. Her brother knew by looking at her- and yet helped her cover it as did her father, at the time anyway. What gets me about the LACK of what David and Absalom did is just that- they didn’t do ANYTHING… by doing this they let Tamar continue to be broken, paralyzed by the violation committed against her by someone who supposedly loved her no less! They could have helped silence her scream, “Don’t leave me like this! Absalom! Amnon! Daddy! God! Somebody help me!”
I wonder how many of you in this room have had those closest to you ignore the cry of your pain.
Unfortunately, that is Tamar’s story. Her hopes for children and her own home were shattered. At that point, the point I call the “breaking point,” Tamar was faced with a decision.
Verse 20 says she lived in Absalom’s house a desolate woman. However, her cry, her scream is still living. Can you hear it? Perhaps it is YOUR cry tonight. The circumstances, pain and violations committed against you have you at the breaking point that threatens to paralyze you and keep you locked up.
As you examine yourself tonight, are there circumstances, secrets, deep areas in your life threatening to paralyze as you face the breaking point tonight? (Someone holding their head in their hands saying, “I just want to get through this weekend, go home and quit… it is just too much to bear…)
Before you give in, remember, what you have gone through doesn’t have to paralyze you… it can propel you… if you don’t give up… God desires to turn your setback into a comeback! The pain you are feeling is pain with a purpose. He isn’t ignoring your pain, He hasn’t forgotten you, He desires to turn your pain into power!
I told you we would explore three women… I just gave you one scenario, what paralysis will bring you, now let’s look at a woman who used the adversity she faced to propel her…
Turn to Luke, chapter 7. Beginning in verse 36… (READ THROUGH VERSE 50)
Mary was known as a sinner. When she walked into the room her every move, past, present and future was discussed among whispers. Have you ever walked into a room like that? If that isn’t a breaking point, goodness! Tell me what is!
Mary was tired of living with the pain, she was desperate to move forward. So she found the most valued thing she owned, it represented her past, present and future. And it cost her something… a decision to face her accusers, confront her past, challenge religion and hope for a future. I can just see her standing at the threshold of the door, gathering the courage to go in. But that was not her breaking point.
Her breaking point was in the "breaking of her box." That was HER box. She didn't keep hers at home and run into Neimen Marcus for a knock off that would serve the purpose. No, she took what was most precious to her, what had cost her so much, her security, what meant everything in the world to her and she broke it open and poured it out. As we all know, Mary’s box held a costly perfume, BUT what she did with it represented much more than what it contained. Mary did not just open her box and pour out a measure of what it held. Instead she broke it open. A broken vessel can no longer retain its contents. It is powerless to withhold; therefore, it freely spills out all that is within it. This is the purpose of the breaking. It is not so God can take pleasure in our pain. No! The pain is part of the process when face the breaking point, but it is not the purpose. The goal is the fragrance, the sweet aroma that fills the air...and the nostrils of God. As she poured the oil from the box, a beautiful fragrance filled the room. It changed the atmosphere.
Being at the feet of Jesus, of your Daddy God changes things. It looks religion in the face and dares it to judge. It will change rules, regulations and laws for your behalf.
I just love the fact that she broke HER box. In her own way, she said the same thing Tamar said… “Jesus, don’t leave me like this! Help me!” Her actions relinquished any control she had. You see, if she had just opened the box and poured a measure that she thought was sufficient she could also put the top back on. But, in the breaking of the box, there is a reckless abandonment that cried, "It is all yours Jesus. I'm giving it all to you. I am breaking my box open as a sacrifice to you. Take it all! My pain, my fear, regret; take my future, my potential and my promise… take it all…"
When this time of worship occurs at the Breaking Point, something happens. Our heart's cry deviates from, "What about what happened to me?" to "How I can use what has happened to me for You Lord? Here is what I have. I break it open before You. It's no use to me unless it is mixed with Your presence."
You see ladies, we need to stop asking God, “Why did this happen to me?” and begin asking God, “Why did I overcome it?” See, I am not big on surviving anymore, I don’t want to be a survivor, I want to be an overcomer! The word survive means, to remain alive or in existence… well that can mean you are barely hanging on through life support… BUT the word overcome means to conquer, to gain mastery over or win. Just because you went through it does not mean you are defined by it!
When they come and say, “Whew, they barely made it through that church split, but they survived…” Something ought to rise up in you say, “Oh no… we didn’t survive anything… we OVERCAME!” We conquered the enemy at the breaking point! We won!
There is a choice tonight for those of you who find yourselves at the “breaking point.” There are some of you who just don’t think it is worth it anymore and you are tempted to hold on to whatever it is you have locked up in your box. For some of you it is pain, fear of being rejected again, or a shameful past that is threatening to paralyze you. For others, it is brokenness, failed dreams, or unfulfilled dreams. Remember Tamar? Absalom’s house became her alabaster box. It held the potential, pain, promise, and shame of this woman. When she failed to “break out the box” she remained a victim, she remained a person of untapped potential. These things were as costly as the oil in Mary’s box. If broken up and given to God, her future would have been much different.
Or will you be like Mary tonight, will your cry at the breaking point propel you though it by the power of the Holy Spirit. You may still have to deal with stuff, because you can do everything right and still have people do you wrong or circumstances knock you off your feet! Being wounded is a temporary event but healing is a process. Just because you’ve been treated badly doesn’t mean you have to curl up and die! Psalm 23 tells us that He is the restorer of our soul!
Mary was ridiculed as she broke open her box and with that decision, her life and the atmosphere she was in was completely changed! Think about it… are you willing to break that box tonight?
There are Tamar’s in this room tonight… desperately wanting to be like Mary. They are screaming, some are whispering for lack of strength, “Don’t leave me like this… Somebody help me…”
Tonight we all have a choice to break open our box like Mary or remained locked up like Tamar… but there are some of you even beyond that point… there is more woman I want to present to you tonight… please turn to Judges 19, we’ll begin with verse 22 and read through verse 27.
“And her hand was on the door and she was laying on the threshold.” She went through abuse all night, suffered the pain and the sacrifice and after they let her go she crawled through the pain and the difficulty of what she just endured and she got to the door and died.
There are many in this room today that the process has been so painful and abusive that now that an effective door is open in front of you, you just don’t have the strength to push through.
The Lord has spoken to me and said, “Tell them not to extend all they have to get to this point only to die on the threshold. You have been through too much.”
Don’t let the pain of the process cause you to quit and forfeit your destiny. I know it has been a long painful night but morning is on the way and if you can press through the night your new day is about to begin. Don’t die on the threshold, don’t die at your breaking point…
The Lord hears your cries tonight… he sees your struggle to be like Mary, not one of us wants to be paralyzed, or die on the threshold… but the pain is sometimes so hard to bear alone… some days are down right miracles that we ever got through them… tonight, this altar represents the breaking point… whatever yours may be…
At the breaking point, hold on… at the breaking point… don’t paralyze your potential by shutting down… at the breaking point, lay it all down… every bit of pain, every broken promise, every disappointment, and give them to the Father… it is at the breaking point…
• My ENEMIES will become my TEACHERS
• My MISTAKES will become my WISDOM
• My FAILURES will become my NEW OPPORTUNITIES
• My UNDESIRED ENDINGS will become my DESIRED BEGINNINGS
And as it says in the Message translation in Job 8:7, “Even though you're not much right now, you'll end up better than ever."
Today has been a LONG day! I am actually still at work waiting for Craig and the little girls to pick me up. The summer day camp buses got stuck in traffic so they are running VERY late. It will probably be at least another hour until we get home because I need to stop at the grocery store.
As I was typing, alas my knight in shining armor showed up! I am now typing this from my sofa while we watch Nim's Island. On the flip side, we came home to a wet ceiling in our dining room. The upstairs bathtub started leaking. So, on Sunday, our dining room ceiling will be torn out partially. I am not looking forward to it but it must be done!
I think I am about to head to bed, I am so tired. I couldn't sleep last night. It was driving me crazy! I think I finally nodded off at 4:15 am. So, yeah, I am pretty tired.
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What a beautiful weekend it was at Christ Central in Dallas, Georgia! As Bishop Miller always says, "It is amazing what can happen when you just show up!" Show up we did, praying, expecting, believing and full of faith...
rededication and God is proving Himself in other areas as well... it was an awesome day in the House of God!
