God bless the dirty roads…

Jesus was about to stoop low… and become a servant to His disciples… and was their feet.

Until I did missions in Guatemala, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Tanzania Africa-this verse didn’t fully make sense to me.

“When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!””

John 13:6-9 NLT

The majority of all roads (other than the one main road) are not paved like we have in USA. They are deeply rutted, dirt roads… often muddy in rainy season; or very dusty and sandy in the other seasons…

Animals roam freely, no fences keeping them separated from traffic.

Children are among those who walk everywhere, often bare footed, or wearing sandals.

The roads are long, bumpy, dusty, dirty… and feet very quickly get dirty too. It’s the way of life for most cultures.

Most don’t possess shoes for their feet- and for those who have shoes, often they are open shoes, like sandals.

The primary mode of transportation was foot- walking. People of all ages walking everywhere.

There’s a variety of animal dung everywhere- sheep, goats, cows, chickens and more roam free- and many steps that occur during foot travel incur stepping in yucky stuff… at times, it’s unavoidable…so you can see now how filthy the feet easily became.

It was customary to have the lowest of servants stoop low, with a basin of warm water, and wash the feet of guests, and more so people in a higher stature.

I’ll never forget how incredibly humbling and moving it was the first time that my feet and hands were washed when a guest in a home on missions… I WENT TO SERVE THEM… and yet, through this simply, profoundly moving act, they served me.

It was life changing.

Now read this passage again.



Once Peter heard Jesus say ‘unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me’, Peters answer changed from ‘No! You will never ever wash my feet!’ to ‘then wash my hands, and my head as well, Lord, not just my feet!’

God bless the dirty roads that leads us straight to You.

Peter didn’t want Jesus on Sunday mornings only, Peter wanted Jesus on every day, and every moment of every day!

May our prayers be like Peters… in all the filth of our sins… let us cry out:

‘Wash ALL of me, Jesus!!! I want to belong to You FULLY Lord!!!’

“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”

John 13:14-15 NLT

Jesus gave us an example to follow, and told us to do likewise.

We must become servants. Church, let’s get busy!!!

Life’s a Journey

Life is a journey…

Made up of peaks and valleys, many roads-some long and narrow, some bumpy, some treacherous, some winding, and some seem never to end!

Many times, we start on our path, believing we know the destination-but as we go-we realize each curve in the road, each intersection-is more challenging than the last.

All the variances and places in between ‘here and there’ in the roads we travel in life are being used by God in shaping us, molding us, into His image.

Sometimes, we set our cruise control, sit back, and enjoy the beauty in our surroundings!

Sometimes, the scenes are splendorous and breathtaking!

We travel through so many different sceneries!

The snowy peaked mountains, rolling hills of countryside, changing fall colors, the plains…

Miles of corn fields, and wheat farms-sometimes even alongside the oceans… sweet fragrances to enjoy, and we reflect on Gods beauty everywhere.

Not every road in our life’s journey offers beautiful scenery-

Not every stretch is pleasant…

(Or enjoyable.)

Sometimes- when we are traveling, we get stuck in traffic.

It’s NEVER convenient. NEVER planned. Just as we thought we were making progress…bam!

In one hundred degree temperatures.

Sometimes, the air conditioning stops working-and life gets sticky, unpleasant.

Sometimes we have to roll our sleeves up, and our windows down.

Sometimes, instead of the enjoyable fresh country air, and sweet aromas of honeysuckle- instead, is the stench of cow manure from the dairy farm, or from the garbage truck next to you!

This IS life.

God will use each part- every mile of our travel, especially the little side trails where we wander- and will use them for His glory.

It may not ‘make sense’ to us-and may not always ‘feel’ good…

Sometimes, part of our ‘journey’ seems as if we are stuck in a tunnel for miles and miles…with very little light surrounding us to help navigate clearly through.

Yet, as the song ‘Waymaker‘ goes-

‘Even when I don’t see it, He’s working-

Even when I don’t feel it-He’s working-

He never stops-never stops working, He never stops! Never stops working!’

God takes the little things we don’t usually understand and works them out for our good.

Listen-

Hear His voice, the still, small voice on the inside-

Rest in Him.

Trust in Him.

Do what is right, even when it’s hard.

Don’t compromise.

When the rose bush is being trimmed, the pruning process is painful at the time-but it’s so necessary for the growth and blooms about to follow!

When God’s doing the pruning, He will make it right.

I read a devotion this morning that made me think along this lines, ‘Simple Living’ (TearFund). Here’s an excerpt:

God is in the business of taking small, tiny offerings and using them to create a huge impact. The small, smooth stones in David’s sling. A little boy with five loaves and two fish. The tiny mustard seed. A widow’s last few drops of oil and flour for a final meal with her son.

We often think of what we lack. The problems are too big; the world is too broken. But God is able to do abundantly more than all we could ask or imagine. He’s blessed us with creativity, ingenuity–and each other.

In considering the small things we can do and when we are uncertain of the way ahead, we can be encouraged that God takes our small steps–and our offerings along the way, inadequate though they seem–and breathes His life through them for His glory.

Chew over the words in Psalm 84:5 and thank God for the blessings He gives to those who set their hearts on pilgrimage.

God is for us! He is with us-through every step of our journey. He is faithful, and will never leave us or forsake us.

It’s easy to enjoy the enjoyable seasons of our lives… trusting God during the difficult times is where we see our inner character outwardly.

When we are stuck in a season when everything seems to be crumbling around us- the spotlight highlights us in moments of raw transparency-

Remember… the journey of life continues… this particular ‘mile’ will fade., bringing us closer to our destination.

Like a road map, so are the days of our life. All have meaning and purpose.

Humanitarian Godly Hands…

A Word from God.

“I haven’t dropped you. Don’t panic.

I’m here with you.

There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.

I’ll give you strength.

I’ll help you.

I’ll hold you steady., keep a firm grip on you…

Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.

I’ve called your name. You’re mine.

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end- because I am God, your personal God, the Holy of Israel, your Savior.

I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!

THATS how much you mean to me!

THATS how much I love you!

I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” (Isaiah 41:9-10; 43:2-4 MSG).

Gods Spirit keeps stirring within me on this subject…

Hands.

God took His hands and placed them into the dirt and formed man with His hand..

Jesus’s nail scarred hands hammered to the cross…

I carry that image in my mind daily…

He still feels the nails, every time I fail.

And every time I fall, those same hands pick me back up.

When I need comforting, His Hands pat me on my shoulder, embrace me in warm hugs.

When I’m sad and my eyes leak the emotions in my heart, His hands wipes every year, and collects them into heavenly bottles for Heavens purpose- never is a tear wasted.

When I’m in need of companionship, He places His hand in mine.

When I achieve a goal or reach a milestone, Gods hands applaud me, cheers me on.

When I’m sick, His hands are laid on me to heal me.

God said ‘See? I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. I have written your name on the palms of My hands… I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands….” (Isaiah 49:16 NIV, NLT, ESV, NAS, MSG)

God loves me.

So much that He permanently inscribed my name on His Hand as a remembrance.

He says “Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’ll never forget you— NEVER.” (Vs 15-18)

(And for the record- THIS momma can NEVER forget or walk away from her children she bore!)

God can never forget those He has engraved on the palms of His hands.

Every time He sees His own scarred hands, He sees you.

I’ll always remember the feel of my babies hands holding onto mine, and patting me with their hands.

That precious innocent complete act of trust…each one special to me- My mind replays thousands upon thousands of scenes in my memory bank of them… as infants, as toddlers, as preschoolers, as school aged children, as preteens, as teens, and as adults… That reassuring feel of comforting touch that hands bring-so special!

I wrote this three years ago as two different posts- on two different dates-yet today they have deeper meaning, more profound meaning for us today.

Today, we said ‘see you later’ to our daughter and son-in-law, who are missionaries heading to Africa for 2 years., serving in the Peace Corp. Watching MY baby, put her hands in her husband’s… Knowing their hands are firmly planted in God’s hands regardless of where, brings me comfort and peace.

This past weekend, watching all the gathered immediate family and extended family hold hands, shake hands, embrace in tight hugs with hands, patting love taps on backs with hands, reinforced to me how amazing and perfectly formed are our hands.

Seeing our sons shake hands with tears overflowing in church… seeing our daughters hold each other tightly in the tightest embrace while trying to be brave fighting off tears, losing because of a sibling love so strong LOVE wins…

Seeing grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins hands interact with loving touches-

It is its own love language-

The language of Hands.

Today, these hands waved a proverbial farewell… but never a goodbye. Only see ya later.

As we trust in our God, who formed us with His guiding Hand, and protects us with His Hand- we know we send them off AS the hands of Christ.

In the months to come, their hands will become calloused from fielding the bush for food, carrying water buckets to and from the well for mile’s each day, forming a daily fire to cook and boil water, scrubbing their laundry, doing the work they were created and called to do.

These hands will encourage one another., and will work together.

These hands are anointed.

They will be used to praise and worship God high and lifted up. These hands will be used to clap as they sing with the locals. These believers hands will be used to lay on the sick, and the sick shall recover.

These hands will be used in acts of service- consecrated and dedicated to each other and to God.

Someday, these hands will hold our grandchildren, but for now, they hold all of our hope, love, and prayers.

But no fears, and no cares- Those were all cast to the Father God.

Help us Help the Homeless

Yesterday.

In preparation for late last nights blizzard and today’s freezing temperatures and snow, our ministry team was in full force operations!

This food bus busy with Chef Todd pumping out homemade turkey chunky harvest veggie soups- 20 gallons- (smelled like thanksgiving dinner!!!) – while Wendy was busy stretching the donated $289 shopping the clearances at multiple locations that purchased 5 insulated coveralls, tons of socks, gloves, hats, scarves and hand warmers, 4 huge boxes of hot chocolate mix- and picking up donated winter THICK coats (shout out to Doug and Kim Hibbs @ The Courthouse Restaurant who loaded us up with boots, nice Carhart heavy coats and thermal padded flannels, and all the other amazing donations you all sent.

My little Honda was loaded every spare inch full… made the trek to our meeting place in New Kent where Kim Lumpkin met me, we transferred everything to her big truck… and a few hours later, Rhonda’s Richmond team was out serving and feeding the homeless population hot nutritious soups, hot chocolates, and passing out 💯 of all donated goods.

The overflow shelters are not able to provide beds, blankets or food… nor are there enough spots to let all the homeless waiting in the freezing cold lines in…so this aspect of ministry is vital to sustaining life.

This is day and night, night and day.

We ARE a 501 (C) 3 ministry. We are not operating from our church or any particular church- we ARE the church, the body of Christ.

We are a mobile church, made up of hundreds of caring volunteers who happen to attend multiple various churches spanning as far as Petersburg, Tappahannock, Chester, Sandston, New Kent, King William, King & Queen, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Gloucester, Middlesex, Mathews, Ashland, Richmond, throughout Virginia even as far as Philadelphia PA- all coming together as the full body does its part. We transcend denominational barriers. We are united.

No one person or church location gets any credit or desires it- all, every bit, is GOD’s doing. This is HIS heart, HIS ministry, and He continues to work wonders!!!

We are believing & expecting God for supernatural breakthrough this year!

Someone will share this to the right page and right person who had the right building and location we need who will donate it to us or rent to us for a dollar for tax benefits and to sow into God’s Kingdom!

Someone will share this to the right page or to the right person or foundation that has the financial ability to contribute the hundreds of thousands we will need to operate our Homeless Center, ‘CAMP RESTORATION’, a 12 month Christ based discipleship center where the homeless and broken can come mend their hearts, get back on their feet, and have their lives restored by the Word of God anda Christ-based foundation to start off on. Free.

We will have a strong mentoring program. We will have several job models within our ministry so that those we serve may learn job skills, anger management, budgeting help, learn to save.. we will work with professional therapists and counselors, as well as focus on spiritual development.

Worship, praise and thanksgiving will be the norm. Weekly bible study, with church services and mission outreaches will help us remain grateful.

We will have gardens year round, fruit bearing trees, chicken coops with fresh eggs… we will learn to be good stewards of our resources God entrusts us with.

As we identify the root problem and come up with a game plan, our residents learn how to become independently dependent on Christ. Three trimesters… and the last 3 months of transition we will aid in interviews, finding employment and housing and transportation… after exiting- they will in turn become part of the solution by giving back a minimum of 200 hours of volunteering and tithing 10% of their income to Camp Restoration to help the new residents.

We will start and operate a church here as well- Pastor Wendy & husband Doug will lead it-for ALL people, for truly, we are ALL homeless without Jesus- this world is not our home, we are only passing through.

We see it.

We believe it.

We are expecting it.

God’s vision.

And we wait on Him.

He shall provide- but He works through people.

People.

On God’s heart.

More precious than ANYTHING.

In Acts 2:45-47

“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

and 4:32-37 we read of the power of focusing on those in need and coming together in unity with sacrifice- all the people came together and sold her possessions and gave to those who had need. And the church add a daily such as well been saved thousands.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

God’s word has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever… what He did then He still wants to do now.

I’m sure it grieves His heart when He sees precious people whom He loves and sent His Son Jesus to die for freezing on the streets, sleeping on the sidewalks, with no room available for them to lay their head. Just like when Jesus Himself was born, there was no room for Him at the inn.

Can we find room in our hearts to do what God said we as Christians are to do?

Can we love our things less and live people more, willing to sacrifice and come together as one body in unity for one cause? God’s?

Your charitable contributions may be made online, http://www.helpingthehomelessministry.com or mail payable to HELPING THE HOMELESS, PO Box 204 New Kent, VA 23124… either one, comment ‘camp restoration fund’.

I’ll leave you with the Words of Jesus, in Matthew 25:35-46…

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Wake up Church!

I find it interesting that so many people in America place their value and worth on their possessions.

Material possessions, value and appearance of vehicles, houses and church buildings; yet Jesus did not put importance on things.

In fact, other than the clothes on His back and the sandals He had on His feet, He had no material possessions.

Jesus didn’t have a house to call His home. He left His home, he became homeless, so that we might find our eternal home in Him.

He didn’t stay in one place. He was nomadic. Truly, Jesus was a ‘mobile church.’

He initiated ‘Go Ye.’ He gave us the example- watch what He did.

That’s how we are to do. GO to the people, be about teaching, preaching, and healing all who are oppressed.

Jesus placed all importance and emphasis on people. PEOPLE. All people.

He knew people are a priority for God. So people (not buildings, not clothing, not material items) should be important to us as followers of Jesus.

He left His everything in Heaven to come to earth and give us ‘everything’ -Himself.

Yet many reject Him, and chose their ‘g’od of self, and chose ‘things’ to love.

People are created to be loved while things are made to be used.

But often times, we have this backwards because many are holding onto their things that they love and use more than being willing to let go and give to those who are in need.

Sadly, this is true within the walls of churches all across America. Is this bringing honor and glory to God? (Colossians 3:17; 23)

The Bible says that Satan has blinded the eyes of man, and I can see where lust for money and things has blinded eyes to real needs of so many people.

People living here in our own town have genuine need such as a roof over their head, food to eat etc. as well as people in other countries who are just as valuable to God.

I just returned from a mission trip in Africa with husband and one of our daughters.

The stark contrast of lavishness and luxurious things money is spent on- even within our own churches-give me cause and pause to think:

Is this pleasing to God? Are we really being good stewards of all God has given us? What is God thinking?

Do we really have Jesus’s priorities?

How are we really living biblical values?

Are we putting needs of people before our personal comfort?

Unless you leave your country and travel to another, you really have no idea.

It’s so difficult coming home and seeing the thousands of things that we take for granted that many have never experienced.

A bed that soft and comfortable with clean sheets with pillows with blankets…

Climate controlled rooms with air-conditioning, or heat adjustable at a moments touch of a control-

Clean, accessible drinking water whenever and wherever we are.

A roof over our head that covers multiple rooms in our house filled with multiple things that we don’t even use…

Stores everywhere within a moments reach that we can buy anything to our hearts desires.

Maybe it’s time we line up our hearts desires to mirror God’s Heart.

Maybe then, real people with real needs will see a real Jesus in us… and start receiving real love.

Food for thought…

“IF”… Faith ACTS

How does a VITAL CHURCH grow?

It becomes LIFE to ALL.

“WHEN Christ who IS our life. (Colossians 3:4)… then you shall also appear with Him in all glory.”

“Vital” means LIFE.

“If” we truly are born again, Christ IS our life.

I sincerely and without no disrespect say “If” because God says this.

It’s NOT automatic- this ‘salvation’ or ‘born again’ experience I’m referring to.

Something actually happens in the spiritual realm to our spirits, we become a brand new, never before existed, created spirit. (1 Corinthians 5:17).

Just because we believe in God, and have knowledge that Jesus is God’s Son- doesn’t mean we have been born again, or saved.

Just because we go to church, doesn’t make us a Christian, no more than going to McDonald’s makes you a Bic Mac! God’s gift of salvation is 100% FREE, but cost God EVERYTHING.

But He doesn’t force it on us- it’s been offered, and is waiting for each of us to individually receive it, to receive Christ, who IS the gift of eternal life; as our individual Master, Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Healer, Provider, OUR LIFE!!!

It’s conditional, based on each of our individual choice.

He is The Way, The Truth, and THE LIFE.

First thing first responders do upon the scene of an accident is ‘check your vitals.’ They are determining whether or not there is LIFE in us.

Life is a gift, and as believers, CHRIST is our life, and His GIFT of life is to be shared and multiplied. God is a God of increase.

Friends, we all have goals, and most include financial goals. And this is good. But what good is it to gain the whole world and lose our souls??? (Mark 8:36/Matthew 16:26)

As CHRISTians, our main financial goals in life is not to pack away as much wealth as we can FOR OURSELF; but to be able to give without end to those in need all over the world. To spread the gospel into all the world cost money.

The purpose of wealth is NOT to hoard it to ourselves.

I don’t want money for myself. I want it so that I am give it away, so that I can feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless, give drink to the thirsty- bless those in need, IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I’m not talking about those capable of helping themselves but don’t., or those trapped in addiction spending every donated dollar on their habit- they need help., too, but a different type of help. For those- I love them and pray for them to receive revelation of God’s presence, power and indescribable gift!

I speak LIFE over them, and plead the blood of Jesus over them. In their presence I speak ‘Jesus.’ ‘JESUS!’ At the name of Jesus, the demons tremble and every knee must bow. And His power is released! (James 2:19/Philippians 2:11/ Luke 10:17/ Mark 16:17-17)

I’m talking about the majority of our world struggling to find clean water to drink; food to eat, shelter- who need our answer, their answer, JESUS.

We must go TO THEM, and TELL THEM. We must SHOW THEM. We must CARE for them, and LOVE them, like the Jesus we confess.

This is why I desire money.

This is why I give what I have. And to keep on giving what I have. It’s not a one time done. check off list thing. It’s GODS WAY. It’s a lifestyle of a Christian.

This is why I am passionate about being part of “THE CHURCH”, and seek a ‘vital’ church (THE BODY OF CHRIST) who gets this!!!

Faith ACTS. It doesn’t sit still. It doesn’t remain in one place, content, like a ‘fat baby.’ I remember back in my singing days, singing an Amy Grant song called ‘Fat Baby.’ It’s time to resurrect this song, folks!!! It’s TIME FOR A GREAT AWAKENING!!! RISE UP!!! Get busy!!!

Here’s the lyrics- read them. Let them get deposited in your spirit. Are YOU a fat baby???

“I know a man, maybe you know him, too

You never can tell; he might even be you

He knelt at the altar, and that was the end

He’s saved, and that’s all that matters to him

His spiritual tummy, it can’t take too much

One day a week, he gets a spiritual lunch

On Sunday, he puts on his spiritual best

And gives his language a spiritual rest

He’s just a faaa…

He’s just a fat little baby!

Wa, wa, waaaaa…

He wants his bottle, and he don’t mean maybe

He sampled solid foods once or twice

But he says doctrine leaves him cold as ice

Ba, ba, ba, ba…ba, ba…ba, ba!

He’s been baptized, sanctified, redeemed by the blood

But his daily devotions are stuck in the mud

He knows the books of the Bible and John 3:16

He’s got the biggest King James you’ve ever seen!

I’ve always wondered if he’ll grow up someday

He’s momma’s boy, and he likes it that way

If you happen to see him, tell him I said,

“He’ll never grow, if he never gets fed”

He’s just a fat, fat, fat, fat, fat, fa-at, fat…

Fat, Fat, Fat, Fat, Fat, Fa-at, Fat…

Fat, Fat, Fat, Fat, Fat, Fat, Fatttt…

Baby…”

Don’t wait until you have ‘enough of the wealth’ YOU think is enough to start giving- you’ll never become a giver if you wait. Start now. Learn to sacrifice now. Become a giver now.

You have to give by faith, with your heart, with what you have now. Trust God. Hey, ALL of the earth is the Lords and the fullness therein. ALL belongs to God… we are only stewards of what He has entrusted us with.

Are we being faithful with it? Are we holding onto it with stingy fingers, even more tightly when the Holy Spirit touches our hearts to give, then we don’t?

Or are we trusting God with EVERY area of our life, including our finances? Are we???

God will take your gift, and will supernaturally multiply it; and will increase your ability to gain more; once your heart lines up with His.

The value of something is determined by what one is willing to pay.

God’s determined our value, ALL of mankind’s value, even in our imperfect condition, was the life of His only Son.

God is a giver. He held nothing back.

We are to follow His example, if indeed He is in us… we are made in His image. We are made to multiply, to increase.

Let’s give all we can selflessly, and see our world changed.

All of the worlds poverty, starvation, need- is solvable through the Christ who is in us…

IF we would but learn to see people as HE sees people…

IF we would but learn to love people as HE loves people…

IF we TRULY would obey and do what HE instructed us to do-we will see in God’s Word WHO we are in Christ, WHOSE we are in Christ, and WHO WE ARE CONNECTED TO IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.

Our body is the ‘new’ temple the Holy Spirit dwells in, if we are truly born again. Our body IS the ‘house’ that our spirit, and God’s Spirit IN OUR SPIRIT, contains.

May ALL our eyes open to this truth!!! May HIS Holy Fire consume us, and His passion ignite us!!!

“Now ALL who believed were together, and had ALL things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among ALL, as anyone had need…”

IF we truly desire to be obedient and to become THE church, THE bride of Christ, we need to do what He has instructed us to do, then we will be the vital “church” that grows!

This is how we will know- read what is written, when Peter was with the rest of the other apostles (followers of Christ, who were ALREADY BORN AGAIN):

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent. And let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you SHALL RECEIVE the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the PROMISE is to you AND TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND TO ALL WHO ARE AFAR OFF, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

“Then THOSE WHO GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD… So continuing daily with ONE ACCORD in the temple, and breaking of bread from house to house, they are their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with ALL the people. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THE CHURCH DAILY THISE WHO WERE BEING SAVED.”

(Acts 2:37-47)

Awaken the Carriers: Arise!

Carriers of Your glory.

Yes, Lord!  We are carriers.  Full of Your glory.

Same power that raised Christ from the dead is in us.  

But it’s not JUST for us.

A seed is created to reproduce. 

God commanded us to be fruitful and to multiply.

We are to be full of His glory. 

Filled to spill!

As the healed, we touch others to be healed, in the Name of Jesus.

As the blessed, we touch others to be blessed, in the presence of Jesus.

As the redeemed, we touch others to be redeemed, through the power of Jesus.

As the rich, we touch others to become rich, through the purpose of Jesus.

We are His ambassadors on this earth.  

We are His hands and feet.

He is the potter, we are the clay. He has His plans for our future from BEFORE the beginning of time.

His glory… inside us, the very vessel, the very temple, the very carrier, He created us to be- for HIS glory…

Wait a minute!!! How is it that WE, the carrier He created US to be, argue with Him?

Isaiah 45:9-12 puts this into an excellent perspective:

“Does a clay pot dare argue with its maker, a pot that is like all the others? Does the clay ask the potter what he is doing? Does the pot complain that its maker has no skill? 10 Do we dare say to our parents, “Why did you make me like this?” 11 The Lord, the holy God of Israel, the one who shapes the future, says: “You have no right to question me about my children or to tell me what I ought to do! 12 I am the one who made the earth and created human beings to live there. By my power I stretched out the heavens; I control the sun, the moon, and the stars.”

No. We are the clay. He shapes us and molds us. Then, He fills us with His glory… and it’s not about us. As a vessel- we carry a supply full of the same power that raised Christ from the grave IN US and ALL times, to be the help on this earth to those in our shadows…

Others in our shadows should be covered with Gods glory, because of the glory within us…

Christ IN us, the hope of glory.

What’s IN us comes THROUGH us.

Another thought came to me in prayer-and only God knew all that was on my heart- I’m so thankful that I can take it all to Him in prayer… and then to listen to Him speak.

God is a Holy God, in a perfect, Holy Heaven.

It’s impossible for Him to permit tarnished, sinful spirits in His Holy, perfect heaven.

Yet almost everyone believes, when they die, that they will continue their partying self-centered lifestyle in Heaven., with no understanding of the holiness and pureness of God.

Why would someone who never gave a moments thought about God, who never did anything with or for God’s Son, who often mocked and ridiculed people who lived a life of holiness, WANT to spend eternity in the very environment, with the very people they spent their lifetime avoiding or despitefully using? Don’t they get it? Don’t they realize that the wages, the cost, of sin is death? NOT Heaven’s reward?

Even though He loves us all- only the redemptive covering of the blood of Jesus over us when we cry out to Him, surrender all to Him, repenting and permitting Him to be Lord and Master of our life- through His grace- are we saved, and able to enter His Heaven.

In a hospital if someone’s immune system has been compromised, the medical staff screens the visitors to protect the ones in their care.

How much more does God protect the sanctity of Heaven for His saints to maintain a Holy and pure Heaven?

No, absolutely none- no impurities can enter such a Holy place or be in the presence of a Holy God.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash us clean.

Many people ask ‘how can a good God allow people who’ve never heard of Him (or the plan of salvation) die and go to hell forever?  That’s not fair!’

I’ve personally heard this many times.

But they don’t have revelation of our Holy God or of a Holy Heaven.

They don’t have revelation of Gods plan of our being created to be fruitful and to multiply.

They don’t have understanding how God calls us to GO YE but many disobey and ‘STAY HERE’.

God can’t go against His Holy Word or retract what He has commanded.  

He is waiting on US, His CHURCH, to do what He created and commanded us to do, and the blood of those perishing in Hell is on us. 

We WILL be held a accountable and judged for what we did not do.

It’s time to stop THINKING about it and to start DOING it.

Too many people in need all across this world.  

Biggest need is Jesus. If we can get them Jesus- Jesus will get them everything else they need.

And remember- Jesus gets people what they need THROUGH PEOPLE who are part of The Church.

So let us be carriers of Your glory, God!

Let us share Your love, unconditional love!

Let us testify of Your goodness!!! Of Your Miracles!  Of Your salvation!

Use us, Lord!!!  Use us to carry Your glory!

Fill us, spread us, forgive us, bless us.

There are people suffering, and we can make a difference!

There are people hurting, alone- and we can love them.

There are people dying without You Jesus, and we should be telling them about You.

Help us, Lord! Wake us up, Lord!!! Awaken us!!! Shake us!!! Let YOUR GLORY in us ARISE!

Such a Time As This

I received some bad news today regarding Charles in Uganda.
Charles is a 15 year old boy whom I met in February this year, 2017, while there on a mission trip.   

Though there were thousands of people present who we prayed with, helped, and ministered to- when Charles approached me asking for me to pray for him, something happened.  
The Holy Spirit deposited this message into my spirit, “He is why you are here.”
Instantly, God-bumps arose all up and down my arms, an an instant Word of knowledge came to me by the Spirit.
Charles needed our help- and I was the vessel to get him connected to the help he needed.
Charles was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the early age of 9. 

His loving parents spent all they had to get him the care he needed, which included radiation, chemotherapy, and when that didn’t stop the aggressive cancer, surgery to remove the tumor on his right eye.

Sadly, the family ran out of funds… and the returned surgery planned for 6 weeks later never occurred in 2012…so this young boy had an open wound in the area where his eye used to be… getting infected…
When I met him this February, the eye was covered by gauze, and tape, but it was unclean.  When he asked me to pray for him, he apologized for the odor and pointed to his eye.  

He explained what I just shared, and asked if I would pray for him to be healed.  The odor was quite foul.
Yes.  
I laid hands on him, and prayed for his healing.  I prayed for his provision.  

I found out he had to drop out of school, since all the funds were being used for medical.  I found out he had a large family of brothers, and two young sisters.  I found out he had a dream.
But, like most 15 year olds, he had given up on his dream of becoming a doctor, because he had given up all hope of living through the cancer.
Without funds, there would be no treatment.
Without treatment, the cancer would continue spreading, and would eventually take his life.
So we said no to Satan, the spirit behind the sickness that bound him, and called him healed by the blood of Jesus.
I led him to the director, and first got him to wound care to treat the infected area, and then obtained permission to personally assist him. (Necessary when on a mission trip with an organization other than your own.)

We were able to go with him to meet his family at his homestead village in the bush.  

I was able to hold his hand, and watch hope come back to his countenance, with a smile from ear to ear.

I told him how God loved him so much and saw his struggles, and sent me from America to Uganda for such a time as this.  
I told him we would do all we could to help him get the eye surgery necessary so he could return to school.  I said ” hmmmm. Dr Charles…. that sounds good!”  
So a plan was arranged with the local doctor and pastor, funds were given to have Charles and his parents sent to hospital and to provide for food, transportation and lodging, and medical testing.
This all began on 2/24/17.  His initial biopsy showed him to be cancer free!  We were so happy! 
But then other symptoms began to appear… and his short term hospital stay has now grown into 5 months… and more bad news…
The cancer has returned and he will need to begin aggressive chemotherapy again on this coming Tuesday.
My husband and I had been covering the ongoing expenses each month out of pocket, and reached out to others through speaking engagements Churches 4 Africa: Planting Seeds 4 Love, through our newly formed non profit, iamjesusgal ministries.
The initial funds received specifically for Charles has long since been sent. Much more is needed.  
How can you help?
First and foremost, pray.  Prayers of faith for his complete healing are vitally important while we wait for these symptoms he’s experiencing to line up with God’s Word.  Prayers for finances to come are also needed.
****In order for Charles to receive treatment and ongoing medical care, we are asking if able, please make a contribution on our website, Iamjesusgal ministries, and in the comments state ‘Charles medical care-Uganda’.*****
The Christian Doctor, whom I personally know there in Uganda, is working hand in hand with his cancer doctors providing his care as long as funds continue.  She is reporting back to me his specific needs, and giving an account of each dollar given.
Currently they are in need of $500 US dollars very quickly., to ensure he receives necessary medical care.
I’m saddened by this news., but hopeful for his prognosis based on GOD’S report! 
Thank you to all who have helped thus far.  Thank you for reading this, and I hope, thank you for sharing this… and more, I hope, thank you for prayerfully making a contribution to help Charles live and not die.
“I will live and not die, and shall proclaim the deeds of the Lord.”

Psalm 119:17

Pep talk

​​

Don’t let anyone else determine who you are or determine your value. 
You are fearfully and wonderfully made and created for a purpose.
You have unique qualities,  special talents and possess a precious personality. Your life has value and you matter!
What other people think of you is none of your business. 
I know that’s a tough statement but the more you think on it the more true it will become. 
As believers in Christ, our business is God’s business-what He thinks of us is what matters- 
His value is the true value-
Just like God said when Jesus was baptized and came up out of the water “this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased” before Jesus did the very first miracle or began his ministry, God determined His value because He, Jesus, is God’s son-God determines our value the same way… 
It’s not based on what we have done or what we are doing. It’s not based on what we look like or what we don’t look like. 
Our value is not based on what other people think or don’t think about us. 
Trying to please other people and trying to own up to other peoples expectations is stealing our joy and our peace. 
It is a distraction. 
It’s much better to spend time with our Creator God and determine our value based on who He says we are and what He thinks about us, because that’s when Peace comes to us…when we realize our true identity is found only in Christ.
“I got revelation that I AM Jesus’s gal’ the gal He loves” and found out who I am the same way Jesus did- from the scriptures.  This is how iamjesusgal ministries came to be!

Iamjesusgal
Blessings to you!

#iamjesusgal #iamjesusgalministries #peptalk #motivation #womensministry #africa #missionary 💗

What is the Purpose of Wheels?

Remember the children’s song 🎶 “The wheels on the bus goes round and round, round and round, round and round…?”🎶

Lately, I’ve been drawn to wheels… a mode of transportation.  
I began to wonder how long ago wheels were invented… I remember big wheels on stage coaches from studying history, but behind that?  

Hmmmmm.  

Go I googled it.  

According to Wikipedia,  the earliest wheels were made out of a solid piece of wood.

So this really got me thinking.

What is the purpose of the wheel?

I suggest its purpose is to assist us in getting from one place to another place where we are inclined to go- a means of transportation.

Smithsonian Magazine (June 17, 2009) suggests the original purpose of the wheel was not for transportation purposes, but rather was used as a tool for the potter. 

Fascinated, my mind goes to the scriptures.
God says He is the potter, we are the clay.  (Isaiah 64:6-12; Jeremiah 18). He used the ‘wheel’ to help get us to where we need to go.
God grew the tree that was used at Calvary.   (Genesis 2:9) 

This is where Jesus Christ died willingly for you and for me.  
Jesus carried the old wooden cross, heavy with the weight of all our sins.  (1 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 2:24-25)

Jesus is The Way… the ‘wooden wheel’ the cross, that carries us into Heaven- the ONLY way.

Still in thought, my mind meditating on various methods of transportation… the wheel, and it’s purpose. 
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we become ‘wheels’ to carry the gospel.
Once we are Holy Spirit filled, we are equiped with wheels … and commissioned to go.  
Whether we use our two feet, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a boat, a train, a horse, a plane or a car … we are called to go (not just near, but also far!)
The fire that ignites us IS the holy power of the Spirit… to carry the gospel INTO and across the world … 

What is the purpose of wheels and feet BUT to go? 

We aren’t called to be a parking lot or a garage type of church, where we go once a week and park.
Rather, the church is more about being a gas station where we go to fill up, so that we can go- we have an assignment!
The Holy Spirit highway in God’s church is connecting people of every nation and tongue to THE WAY.
Jesus the ONLY way, truth and life!
How can we sit still and pamper ourselves, stuffing our faces in a spiritual feast week after week in our fancy clothes, sitting parked in our fancy church buildings-when there are literally millions unreached people groups?  
People who are dying and slipping into an eternal hell, forever lost are in need of the gospel.

Reinhard Bonnke said it like this in his book Evangelism by Fire:  “The purpose of Pentecost is to get the wheels rolling for God in every church, thereby transporting the gospel across the face of the whole earth.”

Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel at all costs… 1 Corinthians 9:16