speaking of Bank accounts...

As I was praying last night for my family and opportunites that God has layed on hearts, I got some Scriptures out and prayed them through ...all of a sudden, God tugged on my heart saying " do you realize that some of My promises are like checks that need to be deposited into your heart and wait for them, but many of them are checks to be cashed right then and there"....mmmm You're a Good God! So I did some Scripture Banking last night and cashed some promises that are mine now and today!!!
Do the same beloved! He is a God that love to bless His children!

God often speaks to us through things we can relate to. A while ago I saw a young Godly lady asking a question , "why do some people stay in your life forever,but others only last a while". That was the begining of my new lesson.
Working at the Bank I process numerous transactions daily and see all kinds of people and they all try
to do all kinds of things with their accounts.
Now think with me here...what IF we started treating our hearts as we treat our Bank accounts?
We all like when our accounts have enough to sustain us and, perhaps, bless others as well. We want to have enough for our children to enjoy our legacy.
Few things must be done in order to keep our "spiritual accounts" in a good condition. We must remember,
that EVERY relationship we establish through out our life will leave some kind of deposit in your "account". We can't get away from people, they are all around and what they do, how they live, their choices, their words,their attitudes.. ( you get the idea) will affect us whether we like it or now. Although we can't get away from people,we can, however, avoid sometimes what kind of deposits they leave in our lives. Here are few examples:
1. "GOOD CHECKS"- the kind of people who are just simply good for you. They inspire you to be better. Have you
ever being around those? Those are the people you can't help but want to be like them!! I love surrounding myself with ladies who inspire me to read my Bible, to cook healthy food for my family, to keep my house clean. The influence of these people incredibly contagious. Are they perfect? Probably not, but they are doing their best to be Christ like is it is noticeable!
These are the people who are shaping you to be the way God intended. THAT IS A GOOD DEPOSIT!
1 Cor. 11:1 mentions that kind of people "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ"

2. "QUESTIONABLE CHECKS"- the kind of people who here and there will raise your eyebrows. They are not necessary bad,
but they are not necessary good either. This deposit could be a treaky one. Do you deposit it in your heart or let it go?
This is the time you are to ask God for wisdom. Is there a room in your spiritual account for that? Don't make a mistake, I am not talking about about not loving them, but I am talking what Philippians 1:9 teaches us "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight"...LOVE WITH INSIGHT is what God is teaching us!
After all, just like Paul said in 1 Cor.10:23 "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive". We may think a "luke warm" deposit is OK, but is it beneficial, constructive to your spiritual condition?

3. "BAD CHECK"- the kind of people you know better to protect your heart from. The ones that you know would be returned for "insufficient funds" back to you and make you "account" negative and there will be fees to pay for that one. Once again, we don't stop loving those people, but we can't allow them to deposit in our hearts and shape us into something other than God's perfect plan for us! 1 Cor. 15:33 "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

3. Finally, a "FRAUDULENT CHECK". This one is sad and often by the time we figure this one out, it's has already been deposited in our heart and we are going through a devastating heartbreak. Fraud is fraud- it looks like the real deal, it smells like the real deal, it knows all the right answers and does the "right performance".
1 John 2:19 warns us against such people "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. ". Especially in the last days, the enemy is furious and he will do anything to lead God's people away!

We are made in the image of God and we , just like God, are very relational creatures. And this can be the best thing or the worst thing , if we are not careful. Jesus called us to love one another, YES, but He never told us to be stupid about it.Love one another with the insight, love others to bring them closer to God, but we careful that it doesn't stumble you!
Some people are just simply toxic for each other. Some relationships are not for you, there is all to it. You are to pray for them, but you can't invest yourself, because it can be the end of you.
And why, you must ask? The wisest man in the Bible answered in Pr.4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life". Your life depends on that!
So, my friend, I encourage you to evaluate your account today. See what kind of deposits have you allowed in. How have they changed you? Have they brought you closer to God or rather the opposite? Have they caused the bitter root grow in your heart as a result of that relationship or it's influence? Have they made your account richer or put you in the negative balance and you found yourself lacking with the whole bunch of penalties to pay? Guard your heart above all else!
And while you are protecting your heart, be sure to be a good deposit for others as well. Let your life and heart make someone richer!
I want leave you with the words form 1 John 2:27 "As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him".
Jesus is not a counterfeit! He is not a fraud! Deposit Jesus daily in your heart and once you have the fullness of Jesus in your heart it will get easier and easier to detect the right deposit.
You can take that to your spiritual bank!

New Things are in Store

Zach and I have been in the stage of "Holy Discontent" as we call it. We want to see God move more, to hear His voice more, to see His face more! He is working something out and i am thrilled to see His hand doing it!!!

Baby registry in the Kingdom of the Almighty

I am obsessed with being a mother. A passion for motherhood was awaken in me the moment I saw my first positive pregnancy test. ever since then- I see "baby stuff" in the most odd places! Places like Psalm 87!

“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me; Behold, O Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’ ” And of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.”The LORD will record, When He registers the peoples: “This one was born there.” Selah

I remember my son's precious little toes on his birth certificate and those adorable toys are mine and I still love to kiss them and tickle them! The tenderness overflows my heart at the single thought of my baby boy and now i get God even more when it comes to be a loving parent! He too, loves to declare to the world, "THIS CHILD IS MINE! HE BORN INTO MY FAMILY AND IS MINE!!!!!!!" God has a baby registry book! Who woulda thought! He registers every single one of us the moment we are born again and He tells everyone around "This one was born here and I have registered her into the Book of Life !" But this time, I think He not only has our footprints, He has the picture of our heart. Thank you , Jesus!

But wait! There is more!! Do you wonder where would that baby register book be? well, I looked up the original word for word "registered" from the Scripture above and it meant to "engrave"

May i suggest that Isa.49:16 gives us the clue to the location of the "baby registry" book: See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."....Your name and your "footprint" is on the very hand of God! The same hand that was pierced and crucified. the same hand that was raised to calm the storm, the same hand that touched to heal the sick and resurrect the dead...your and my name are engraved on the palm of God's hand! It's always before Him, it's always just a touch away , it's always near!

Building materials

" A true successful person is the one who builds himself up by the stones other had thrown at him" (David Brinkley)...
I have read that in a secular printing material but was inspired by it. Daily the enemy of our souls is throwing stones at us (through other people, circumstances etc) but we have to choose what to do with those stone! I say- let's build ourselves up! So, if I change my perspective, I see those stones not as a harmful weapon against me , but a building supply meant for me.
Let's no longer allow enemy steal your joy but rather make him work for you!!!!
and remember- no weapon against us shall prosper! EVER!

House hunting

This morning my husband and I stumbled upon another spiritual truth. We've been house hunting for few months already and just can't seem to find what suits our family needs. On the way to church we pass the house that has a great outside look...the price was good, but when we came closer- it was soo sad! The house inside had hiddeous kitchen, unkept rooms and horrible paint job. But then we've seen some that wouldn't catch our eye whatsoever but they are surprisingly cozy and cute inside....So as we pass the pretty/ugly house my man says "isn't that like with people? We think of someone so much by the way they acts in church, they know all the answers to the Bible trivia, but then we see them closer and are shocked...but then see those who are not that outstanding, wouldn't be on the front lines but we get to know them and Jesus lives there!"....yes honey! so true! I suppose, that would be the only time we will disagree with the House Hunting TV show host who says curbappeal is everything....not in spiritual terms.
take heart! we may not have the "curbappeal" to the world, but little that they know is 1 Pet.2:5 says that "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."...
So..the challenge of the day is that: How is your house on the market?

loong time no see!

wow..thats been a while. i don't even think anyone is checking it out. but just in case you do, here is a shout out to my peeps.. lol...
my son is about 15 months and such a tremendous blessing to us. we learn a lot about God as a parent! we learn a lot about ourselves as parents! the best job ever! LOVE it. God is still faithful to show revelations to me and i hope to keep it posted.

a child within

Ok... my belly is growing and kicking and I have to admit- it is the best feeling in the world. Who really cares about few extra pounds when there is a mirracle inside of you.
People have been asking me if I was nervous about the labor part to which my answer is "no. Epudural is my new friend". A co-worker of mine asked my opinion on that though : since natural birth is the way God intended it- am I or am I not compromizing my christian stand by using that "magic drug" :). I believe the answer came from the Holy Spirit Himself (well, may be not, but it's so brilliant I dare not take the credit :)). So this is what I told her: "well, you're right, it was intended to be drug-free and painful, but that curse kicked in after the sin entered the planet and painful childbirth is a way of punishment for the sin. HOWEVER, I am covered and redeemed by the blood of Jesus, He paid for my sins...I see no reason to pay for it twice"......Can I hear an AMEN and HALLELUJAH from my "epidural user"-friendly sisters or what?!?!? You can use that one next time someone questions your choice in the labor room:)
On the serious note......having child inside this season made think a lot. Mary, the mother of Jesus, would have been just a few weeks ahead of me at this time. She too, would have an awkward waddling and bad legs cramps at night. She too , probably, wondered what her baby looks like and , if given opportunity, she too would be tempted to go get a 4D ultra-sound just to see the face of her baby while he is unaware in the womb.
But you see, even if you are not pregnant this season, you still have so much in common with Mary. May be you don't expirience all the visible signs of pregnancy- you're still impregnant with the mystery and mirracle! Christ in you- the hope of glory. Mary was privelged to carry Him in her womb, you are priviledged to carry Him in your heart. Can anyone tell? Can they see the signs? Do they stare at you wondering that there is something so captivating and different about you? The reason for the season is within you! Let the world see and praise Him!
Christ in you the hope of glory....Merry Christmas, beloved.

update:  this is the year 2013 when I reread my old blog. My view on epidural has changed! Two kids later , I stand by natural birth wholeheartedly! I truly believe God created our body fearfully and wonderfully. This just proves the old saying , " I had all the answers about parenting, but then I had kids and have nothing!".....As far as redemption and Christ in me the hope of glory- that I still stand by!

New devotion for the next year

I have been so blessed beoynd the measure by the classic devotion my husband gave me last year , called "Streams in the desert". Many of you have heard of it and those who had read it was , I am sure, blessed by it.

But now I have found another treasure "Springs in the valley" put together by the same lady! So, for those of you who are fan of the "Streams", I have great news : try the "springs" now! I am sure God will speak to me through that too.

This one for the girls :)

I have been studying something that brought my interest to the women from Proverbs 31.
I hope that my discovery will bless you just as much as it blessed me! Pr.31:10-29

A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

First of all, the term "noble woman" or "virtuous woman" in Hebrew is a powerful word "chayil" which means " strong, able, force". The virtuous woman is the mighty and powerful lady, a woman who is "war worthy". She is the one who wars for her family and friends- you, beloved, are the one- the warrior woman. The root of "chayil" means "to labor, to travail, to bring forth life".

v.13- "she works with eager hands": hands is "kaph" in Hebrew and one of the meaning is "hands lifted up to God in intercession", also it means to bend objects.

We war for our families with our hands lifted high to God in prayer and in His strength we can bend enemy in a half! How do you like that ladies?!

v.21- "when it snows, she has no fear, for all of her family is clothed is scarlet". a.k.a when the trouble comes all of her family is prayed up for and covered with the blood of Jesus! Isn't it awesome?!

Just these few things made me look at the Pr.31 woman in a whole new way. Most of us often felt intimidated by her before, because of all the things she did, now I realize I too can do just as much- to be a Godly woman, wife and mother. We are blessed!

I have joined the swim team

I have been struggling for a while. It breaks my heart to see people who are satisfied with an OK Christian life. I am so longing to go deeper. I am so ready to take a swim and not feel the sand or seaweed between my toes.
I have been talking to a young lady who shared the same desire. I was struggling and praying and asking God why, why, why so many people are not seing things the same way? It's been burdening my heart so heavily.

After much prayer and meditation, I have gotten my answer. God spoke to me and said, "Lenna, you can't make them love Me more and you can't make them want Me more. But you can't allow them at the same to hold you back in the shallow ground. Don't let their inability or unwillingness to go deeper to stop you from fully enjoying the thrill of your life with Me. Come with Me to the deeper waters and I will show you things you've never seen before. Be set free from the approval and expectations of the people. Whatever you do they will criticize, so you're free from their approval.....come away, My beloved with Me"........

What an encouraging word He ministered to Me. I am going deeper.

Luke 5:4 makes so much sense now! " When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, "Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch".

I want to PUSH into a deeper waters! I want to catch God in the depth of my studies! I wonder if He is up for a game of " TAG you're it". I can see us having a blast in the deep waters. I want Him to chase me and get me. I want to chase him and get him.

I have mentioned my Bible study group lately a lot. Some of those women make SO ridiculously hungry for God. I've told some of them how blessed I am to swim in the depth of God's Word with them. I couldn't have asked for a better team-mates than the ones who are passionate about the depth.

I have been marked by God and I am forever changed......

Ezek.47:3-6
As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. He asked me, "Son of man, do you see this?" Then he led me back to the bank of the river.

We all have to choose the depth of our walk with God....
WILL YOU JOIN THE SWIM TEAM ? Or will you compromize and stay on shore and be satisfied with dead seashells and seawee? As for me, I am out of here....see you in the deep, if you dare....

Building Idols out of blessings

WOW....
I am so amazed at the depth of our study! My ladies make me so proud!
Lately I've been asking one lady at a time to lead particular weeks. Last week Sivi did an AMAZING job talking about women's broken dreams. She set up a small wedding feast at the Sanctuary and asked her husband who was dressed in a wedding toxido to wait on women. Everyone's heart was touched so tenderly by the loving hand of God expressed through the faithful servants.
Last night Amy led the study and her passion and fire for God's Word nearly blown me away! I had no idea about the waterfall of annointing that was hidden in that little body of hers!!!! She spoke exactly what I've been feeling for weeks. She spoke of people who choose and chose not to grow deeper in the study. we can't make anyone enjoy the indepth study God himself provided for us, but we can choose for ourselves to become mature and deeper in the Word.

Here is what hit me hard....I dare you to think of it and see how true it is in your life....I really DARE YOU....

She asked us the following questions:

-Who gave you your house and everything in it?
-Who gave you your job and everything that comes from it?
-Who gave you your family ( your kids and the spouse)?

we all answered , "God, of course".
then the said ,"do you consider all those things your blessings from God?"....YES!

then she asked this, "Then tell me, how many times have we made those God's blessings idols? How many times have we used those blessings as an excuse not to do God's will? How many times have we told God how busy, tired, occupied we are with those things He himself blessed us with? How often have we cast an idol out of very blessing that came from the very hand of God?".........

WOW.........WOW...........WOW...........
Now the excuse not to go to Bible Study because I had a long day at work seems so lame. I wonder if God looks at me and says, "I know, I blessed you with it. but I blessed you with it to enjoy it and not to draw you away from Me".
Now the excuse not to spend time with God daily because I have a lot of things to accomplish around the house seems so selfish. God looks at us and says ,"I blessed you with that place so that you can build Me there a place of worship".
Now the excuse not to do his will because i have so many family activities seems so dumb, because He blessed me with that family of mine to become the light of the world....

think of such things....I was challenged to grow deeper, to grow stronger in the Lord. I can't make anyone do it, but I choose that for myself.

Raising Godly generation

I am a strong believer that there is a HUGE gap between Christian home and Godly home. HUGE GAP. I see a lot of "good ol' christian" families, but frankly, I want nothing to do with them. I don't want my children to be like them, I don't to act like them. christian and a Godly are so different.
Last bible study my friend Amy.B. answered a question from "Breaking Free" study book so beautifully. the question was, "what is your desire for your children and grandchildren"....Amysaid ," I want them to GET IT, I want them not only know the Word, I want them to be thrilled by it, i want them to thirst for it. And the only way they can do it if they see mama doing the same"......she couldn't say it anymore clearer! that is EXACTLY how i feel! I am sick and tired of "christian" families, who get satisfied with "grace" prayer before meals and brag that they've been in church over 20 years..SO WHAT?! I want to see passion, I want to see excitement, I want to see commitment, I want see a Holy Fire burning in their bones so they can't hold themselves back, but to speak of God's goodness and not discussin church leaders.
Just this morning I was meditating on my choices of people I am surrounded. At some point I started feeling as if I was a bad friend and I wasn't "best friend" to more people. and then I was stopped by the Holy Spirit and in my heart I heard, "we are called to love one another, but not called to be stupid about it". I love so many people, but I wont's allow them all to influence my life, my home, my marriage. Zach and I are VERY protective of our marriage and influences we allow in it. We minister to many people and we love them so much, but we protect our home at the same time. We are determined to be a Godly household. and yes, we do have friends coming over and we do spend time with them, but we keep our hearts sober and don't allow anyone exept the Holy Spirit influence us in any way.
I claim Godliness for my children, this day. I pray they won't compromize their walk with God for mediocrity. I pray they will keep their passion and pursuit of God fresh and anything that tried to quench it- they will avoid.
I pray the same for you and your families as well. This was the challenge for me this morning.
Let's all be challenged to keep the authenticity in us and not settle down for a "good ol' days". Authentic beauty- that what attracts God's heart!

P.S. my husband wrote an amazing blog, made his wife so proud, read it.

Daniel

Last Tuesday we found out we are having a boy!!! Yay!
My husband is excited. That morning I told him, "ok,let'd go find out who we're having". He said ," no, let's go confirm"...LOL....I am glad it's a boy. He will be a big brother to my little girl later on.
I was almost sure it's girl and here is the reason why:
4 years prior to coming to U.S. I lived with my best frind's family. She has 4 girls. Before I lived with them, she and her husband taught at the bible School in Finland-where my brother and sister-in-law were their students. Everyone from the sessions my friend and her husband taught had baby girls. Including my borther! Some of them still had girls even years after the graduation, so they blamed the Bates for the "girly influence".....I lived with the Bates for FOUR year, if any one got plenty of "girly annointing" it should be me! I was hoping for a boy, but was almost sure it's a girl, because no one before was able to beat the Bates annointing :):):):)
I guess I did.....my husband's prayers were answered.....
now.....I really really do want to have a girl after Daniel is born...the only logical solution for this dilemma would be moving closer to the Bates once again, so that we again will be under the "girly influence/annointing" of the Bates. :):):):)

please, continue to pray for us. Daniel is a very active little boy. And as far as I can tell- he's pretty stubborn. And that he doesn't get from his mom :). As the doctor was trying to get a picture of his face- he decided to cover with his both hands. then as she said, "let's see who this is"- he crossed his legs and had no intentions of showing" his goodies". It looked like he heard every word she said and wanted to do things on his terms.....mercy!

we are already terribly in love with him and he has no idea yet.

great job! I don't know anything about these kids, but they did an awesome job putting it together!

lesson I learned from annoying bird

OK....so York is having a treasure hunt....Everyday they post a clue in the newspaper where the treasure is (treasure is $1000 in chamber checks wich you can spend basically anywhere in York- sweet, I want it)....
Zach and I never done it, but for the sake of fun and quality time together we decided to do it this year.....Last night we went to place where we THOUGHT treasure might be (I am not telling you where, or some of you from around here will go and check it out too:))....anyways....here we are....the ground is still wet from a big rain night before and I am wearing my new "Skechers" white flipflops!..short grass gets between my toes and white flipflops slowly turning into grey....I am determined to find my treasure......Zach points out in the air and says something about the the birds...WHO CARES! I have nice toenails with grass decor between them! Really! I keep on walking .....All of a sudden something is flying by awefully close to me...I can hear it's heartbeat..
"What was that?"- I ask Zach. He says, "that's those birds...they bombard people if we get too close to their territory".....
????????????? birds? attack people? but they are so small looking....I think it's just him now....break free from fear of birds, hon!...keep on walking.....there are 3 or 4 of them birds now.....5, 6.....what is going on????? THEY ARE DARING ME! They fly so fast towards me and get SO close, I not only can tell if it was a boy or a girl, I can tell if any of them had grey feathers coming up! I can smell the breath of lunch on their beaks! Really....they are so bad....Zach is basically crawling on the ground, I am bent in half...... I am starting thinking they know where the treasure is and they don't want me to get it..... We finally walked far enough from them to leave us alone.....WHEW! ...We didn't find anything...and then comes the scary thought- how are we coming back? I look back and I don't see any birds, they like dissappeared!..good! may be they found a new prey!
We walk back....my shoes don't even look grey anymore, my nice toes have grass and dirt.....but it is a lovely day.....no birds......now I hear a war cry....one of the birds sounded alarmed.....where is that stupid bird? No one can see it, but you can hear the warning sound.....3 seconds and they are back again attacking us! And this time it looks like they got more brothers from the neighborhood! They are so daring- they hit you with their wings! Picture me with grass between my toes and feather in my hair! Lovely, huh?
We walk far enough and they leave us alone....Now I ask my "Discovery Channel" inclined husband about the birds.....He told me the name of them- I can't remember, but then he told me that they live in close unity with each other and they always have a watchman among them who will be staying up and looking out for trouble; when trouble gets closer he cries a war cry warning for the whole community to be prepared and within the second they are there to protect their families.....They give no chance to the approaching enemy, who has no other choice but to run....
HUH!........Isn't it what we, the Church, supposed to be like? The watchmen are our leaders and the rest of us- intercessors. As soon as we hear a hint of trouble coming, we get together, we bombard the enemy and we dare him to come close to our home.....Within the seconds we are united in mind, mission and purpose.....Our prayers are a real threat to the enemy. Our unity scares him and our worship makes him run with the dirt and grass between his toes and the feathers in his hair....not our feathers - God's feathers....because we are under the wings of the Almighty.....for us- those feathers are covering and protection; for enemy- those feathers are slap on the face and smack.......
......Beloved, lets trust the voice our leaders and not to give up being together, staying together and praying together. Those birds could not scare me alone, but when I saw 5 coming from all different directions and I didn't know which way to duck...that's what scared me!

I love you all.....

p.s. Does anyone know a good PTSD specialist? I think those birds traumatized me :)

Come to think about it...I guess I did find my treasure....the treasure of the truth of God's Word...it was revealed through annoying birds....Who is your annoying bird today? They might show you the treasure.....

intercede for us

We are about to start one the of life changing studies in our church! It is "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore. I think only 1 or 2 out of the whole group have done Beth Moore Study, the rest have never been involved in the in depth study. I was never the same after that one!

I KNOW God will do some mighty work among us through this study and we all need it. We need it, because I hear the sound of spiritual shekels in our church all the time and most of them are not even aware they are the carriers of the sound...not their fault- enemy made them believe that this is as good as it gets and I am praying for the sweet FREEDOM and LIBERTY of Christ to start working among us!

Here are few prayer points I want you to join with me in prayer:

• willing hearts and teachable spirits (for me this is not the first indepth study I've done, and I love everytime I start a new one; however, I have done one of them with the most unwilling and unreceptive group who refused to be transformed by the WORD, rather they veiwed the study as an opportunity to fellowship with each other(which is OK in its own timing) more than with the Spirit....I don't want the same attitude among this group).
• Consistency and self-discipline (I have been with people who start so well but never finish their work.....I pray this group will stick to it and allow God to transform us to the fullest and all the way. We are not quiters! May we proof to ourselves that we are committed and determined to be changed and not stale and unproductive women of God)
• Open heart to the WORD (some of the things we will study will step on toes, but just for our own best. And it is never my job to make my ladies face the issues- let God do it gently; so, I pray their hearts will be open to the WORD as they do their homework at home and sort the dirty laundry basket of the heart through and through with God alone- there is no other way to get better).
• Glory revelead (to God be the glory forever and ever through all of that! I pray our hearts and faces will be radiant week by week as we allow God to work with us).
  

Join with me intercessors! Become the FLAME KEEPERS through prayer!

I covet your prayers greatly!

been kinda sick lately

I know some of you noticed I've been lame with my blog lately..the thing is- I've been sick a lot lately...morning sickness that is :)
Yep...We are having a baby!!! yeah! Our firstborn! I am 9 1/2 weeks now...the due date so far is January 25-th..3 days after daddy's b-day :)

pray for us and pray for the baby :)

much love...
excited mama

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God

last night at the Bible Study we have read Ps.52:8 "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever".

The Psalm was written at the time when David was chased by king Saul, who as I came to conclusion , was a control freak with extreme unsecurites. Saul felt out of control and mad, because he didn't know everyone's business, so he dealt with them in his own way- just killed at least 85 people. (1 Sam.22)

As we were talking about things our control issues can cause others, I asked them a question ," how many priests today (and we are priests through the blood of Jesus) are being killed because of the anger and madness in or outside the church?"....pause..... a friend of mine said a brilliant thing ,"not only do we kill members of the holy priesthood daily with our words, actions and feelings, but if you carefully look at the Scripture, it says they were other people who were killed outside the Temple! Therefore, our actions as Christians not only effect those within the walls of the church, but it can hurt others who don't even belong here!"...is that profound or what?!?!?!?! BINGO! She has nailed that! Defenately something to consider!

As we went on with our lesson we looked at the ways David dealt with the crisis like that.
-David knew his position in his relationship with God, therefore Saul could not shake him; Do we know it?
-David knew his purpose and calling even though he was not in charge of the times and circumstances; Do we know it?

Then David finally states in Ps. 52:8 that he is "like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God".
This is one of those times when NIV gets an A++ for translation! Most of the other ones said "green olive tree".
One of my resources said , "not only the olive tree is the longest living tree, but FLOURISHING olive tree has even greater longetivity". How appropriate! If my roots are planted in the house of God and I am flourishing- therefore working hard on bearing the fruit in my life, I have even greater longetivity! What a promise!
The olive tree is one of the few trees that can still produce fruits even in rocky and unproductive land. Therefore, even if you think you are in unproductive place of your life now- God can still bless you to produce spiritual fruit even there!
Olive tree is an evergreen tree. Also, every part of the olive tree can be used. It is so much like us! Every part of our lives can be used for God's glory in various areas and as long we stay planted in His presence we will not loose our freshness!
The fruit the olive tree produces is used to make an anointing oil. So, as we bear fruit, the anointing is within us already! Are you with me?

Enemy can try to do anything, but this I KNOW- I am an olive tree flourishing in the house of my God and my roots are deep in the LORD and my branches are lifted high to praise His Holy name. And it is my Father's desire that I may bear much fruit. (John 15)
Let it be, LORD, let it be.

How many time have I broken his heart? Everything I need is really only Jesus!

think of the words....revive my heart, LORD!