Here are some things that I have been chewing on recently, enjoy.
This question has been stirring my heart a ton. I think of it multiple times a week if not daily. Here it is, "What is stirring your affections for Jesus?" I want to get to the place where this is my focus. To where beyond ministry and anything else involved in my life, I am mainly worried about my love for Jesus. I encourage you to ask yourself this question.
Also this quote has been ringing in my head regularly, "We do not grieve as those who have no hope." The season many of us are in right now is interesting. I have experienced a couple of deaths in the past few months of some incredible people (Derek Loux, Julia Roan). This is very interesting because personally the Lord has been pouring out tons of joy into my heart, but these deaths are still hard. When Derek Loux died this is the quote that many read. Since I have read it, it seems that the hope that is found in Christ is increasing in my life.I have never had such a revelation of the hope which Christ brings, and this is incredible. I encourage you to look to Jesus for hope, because it is there. Enjoy.
Patience
This morning I was praying through Colossians 1:11 which says,
"That you may be strengthened will all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."
And also 2 Thessolonians 3:5,
"May the Lord direct your hearts into the patience of Christ..."
Each of these verses should have profound impact on us. I realize sometimes that I get really excited about certain things and don't want to wait very long for them. In these times we must look to Jesus. We really need to see how patient He has actually been. He died on a cross 2,000 years ago for His bride who is still ugly and divided. We as the church often fight with each other and don't love each other, but Jesus is still waiting in all His glory for a bride who is pure and spotless. When this happens, then He will return.
As I begin to meditate on the patience of Christ it gives my soul great rest to realize that He has been waiting much longer than I have for anything. He wants to give us some of His strength as seen in the Colossians passage. He who has an abundance of might wants to strengthen us with might.
As you are anxious I encourage you to pray through these passages.
"That you may be strengthened will all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience."
And also 2 Thessolonians 3:5,
"May the Lord direct your hearts into the patience of Christ..."
Each of these verses should have profound impact on us. I realize sometimes that I get really excited about certain things and don't want to wait very long for them. In these times we must look to Jesus. We really need to see how patient He has actually been. He died on a cross 2,000 years ago for His bride who is still ugly and divided. We as the church often fight with each other and don't love each other, but Jesus is still waiting in all His glory for a bride who is pure and spotless. When this happens, then He will return.
As I begin to meditate on the patience of Christ it gives my soul great rest to realize that He has been waiting much longer than I have for anything. He wants to give us some of His strength as seen in the Colossians passage. He who has an abundance of might wants to strengthen us with might.
As you are anxious I encourage you to pray through these passages.
The New Wine
A few nights ago (Wednesday 1/13) we had our first prayer meeting in Hughes Hall for the semester. We were praying for about an hour when we just waited on the Lord. All of a sudden a few of us started to receive the joy of the Lord. A few began laughing and experiencing the delight of the father. After about an hour there half of us were drunk the holy spirit (Acts 2). We continued to experience joy and overwhelming peace and just couldn't stop laughing.
We proceeded to walk out in the halls and pray for guys that were still awake. Each time we prayed the Lord would pour out His gladness. When I turned around and looked at what was going there about 7 guys rolling around laughing on the floor! I realize that it is not about the manifestation or even the laughing. Ultimately the point is that most of us were set free from the fear of man and another guy was set free from nicotine! This is what it is about! If the Lord has to make us look like fools to the world so we can be free from bondage, I want it!
The next night (Thursday) we were scheduled to have our dorm small groups. We decided to meet all on one floor and just wait on the Lord. After about an hour the Holy spirit again fell on us in power. Guys who hardly know the Lord are being set free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. He is touching us with His delight.
There have also been multiple testimonies of the Lord releasing healing at Lee. When we got here a guy in our dorm had a torn ligament in his foot, and was healed! A girl in a dorm had a hurt leg and was in a lot of pain, then a couple girls went to pray for her and she didn't hurt at all. Another girl was healed from pain in her back!
We recognize the Lord is on the move and we are agreeing with Him. We are only expecting this to increase. I would encourage you to check out this blog: www.outpouringoncampus.wordpress.com for more updates and testimonies. Thanks!
We proceeded to walk out in the halls and pray for guys that were still awake. Each time we prayed the Lord would pour out His gladness. When I turned around and looked at what was going there about 7 guys rolling around laughing on the floor! I realize that it is not about the manifestation or even the laughing. Ultimately the point is that most of us were set free from the fear of man and another guy was set free from nicotine! This is what it is about! If the Lord has to make us look like fools to the world so we can be free from bondage, I want it!
The next night (Thursday) we were scheduled to have our dorm small groups. We decided to meet all on one floor and just wait on the Lord. After about an hour the Holy spirit again fell on us in power. Guys who hardly know the Lord are being set free from guilt, shame, and condemnation. He is touching us with His delight.
There have also been multiple testimonies of the Lord releasing healing at Lee. When we got here a guy in our dorm had a torn ligament in his foot, and was healed! A girl in a dorm had a hurt leg and was in a lot of pain, then a couple girls went to pray for her and she didn't hurt at all. Another girl was healed from pain in her back!
We recognize the Lord is on the move and we are agreeing with Him. We are only expecting this to increase. I would encourage you to check out this blog: www.outpouringoncampus.wordpress.com for more updates and testimonies. Thanks!
Longing for Jesus
Recently I have been realizing more and more my need for Jesus. I have returned to school for the spiring semester and am seeing what a conscious effort it is going to take to fight to keep my heart alive. I want Jesus to be the only thing I depend on.
I have been reading a book by Dana Candler fro IHOP called, "Mourning for the Bridegroom." It's a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to any follower of Jesus. We are in a season that is between the 2 advents of Jesus and since we are ultimately made to be with Him we should long for Him.
This groan on the inside of us is a gift from Him, and it increases our love for Him.
I have been reading a book by Dana Candler fro IHOP called, "Mourning for the Bridegroom." It's a fantastic book and I highly recommend it to any follower of Jesus. We are in a season that is between the 2 advents of Jesus and since we are ultimately made to be with Him we should long for Him.
This groan on the inside of us is a gift from Him, and it increases our love for Him.
