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Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
All Who Are Thirsty
All who are thirsty, all who are weak, just come to the fountain and dip your heart into the streams of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away in the waves of his mercy as deep cries out to deep.
It has been 6 weeks of not stop going for me and this morning the weight of it hit me. I climbed in bed last night at about 9:45. Literally exhausted from the constant going of the day, I decided to give myself an extra 45 minutes of sleep and I set my alarm for 5:00. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm as I normally do and as I rolled over to get up I literally had to battle myself to put my feet on the floor.
Does anyone else have those moments where you argue with yourself to try and make your body do what you know it needs to? I sat up and I just felt drained even though I’d had a full night of sleep. I had to talk my body into getting up to prepare for the day.
I came sleepily to work, did my few morning duties, had my quiet time, listened to a quick sermon on podcast, and then the girls began showing up for practice. As practice wore on my body and mind continued to talk to me and they were both pretty much saying “bed, bed, bed, bed” LOL.
Then as I walked back into my office music was playing from my computer (I usually leave music on in my office) and I hear the words “All who are thirsty, all who are weak, just come to the fountain and dip your heart into the streams of life”
It brought tears to my eyes as I sat down in my chair remembering where my strength comes from.
I can often become confused about my true abilities. I can think that as long as I discipline my body enough I can ensure that I will have the strength to endure. As long as I train myself to get a certain amount of hours of sleep, eat the right foods, exercise the right amount, etc then I will have made sure that I will not grow weary. The truth of the matter is though all of those things are important, needed, and help, but endurance is not accomplished through my strength. My strength is found in Him.
I know I typically blog on things we as the body of Christ need to work on, things the Lord shows me that I need to fix in my life, as I’m often teased about how I like to write and talk about holiness, but today I just want to say the Lord is your strength, He is your peace, He wants to give you rest.
His grace is sufficient for you and in weakness His strength is perfected. He says to cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you. He says to come to Him if you are weary and heavy laden and He will give you rest.
God is not shocked when our bodies become tired, it is not surprising to Him that we grow weary, that is why He talked about it so much in the Bible. Not just showing us that we would grow weary and tired, but how to fix it!
Run to Him and find rest, not condemnation, rest. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
PS: I am currently in the process of starting a blog on wordpress. So, here in the next few weeks my blog will be moved to its new address:
www.infaithfulpursuit.wordpress.com
I’m working on it slowly but surely and hope to have it up and running as soon as possible. I know it will be a slight inconvenience because of the change of location, but I've had some problems with blogger int he past and figure it's as good a time as ever to make the switch. I' will let yal’ know when the full switch takes place and I will be keeping this blog active so that my old posts will still be available to come read!
Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away in the waves of his mercy as deep cries out to deep.
It has been 6 weeks of not stop going for me and this morning the weight of it hit me. I climbed in bed last night at about 9:45. Literally exhausted from the constant going of the day, I decided to give myself an extra 45 minutes of sleep and I set my alarm for 5:00. I woke up a few minutes before my alarm as I normally do and as I rolled over to get up I literally had to battle myself to put my feet on the floor.
Does anyone else have those moments where you argue with yourself to try and make your body do what you know it needs to? I sat up and I just felt drained even though I’d had a full night of sleep. I had to talk my body into getting up to prepare for the day.
I came sleepily to work, did my few morning duties, had my quiet time, listened to a quick sermon on podcast, and then the girls began showing up for practice. As practice wore on my body and mind continued to talk to me and they were both pretty much saying “bed, bed, bed, bed” LOL.
Then as I walked back into my office music was playing from my computer (I usually leave music on in my office) and I hear the words “All who are thirsty, all who are weak, just come to the fountain and dip your heart into the streams of life”
It brought tears to my eyes as I sat down in my chair remembering where my strength comes from.
I can often become confused about my true abilities. I can think that as long as I discipline my body enough I can ensure that I will have the strength to endure. As long as I train myself to get a certain amount of hours of sleep, eat the right foods, exercise the right amount, etc then I will have made sure that I will not grow weary. The truth of the matter is though all of those things are important, needed, and help, but endurance is not accomplished through my strength. My strength is found in Him.
I know I typically blog on things we as the body of Christ need to work on, things the Lord shows me that I need to fix in my life, as I’m often teased about how I like to write and talk about holiness, but today I just want to say the Lord is your strength, He is your peace, He wants to give you rest.
His grace is sufficient for you and in weakness His strength is perfected. He says to cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you. He says to come to Him if you are weary and heavy laden and He will give you rest.
God is not shocked when our bodies become tired, it is not surprising to Him that we grow weary, that is why He talked about it so much in the Bible. Not just showing us that we would grow weary and tired, but how to fix it!
Run to Him and find rest, not condemnation, rest. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
PS: I am currently in the process of starting a blog on wordpress. So, here in the next few weeks my blog will be moved to its new address:
www.infaithfulpursuit.wordpress.com
I’m working on it slowly but surely and hope to have it up and running as soon as possible. I know it will be a slight inconvenience because of the change of location, but I've had some problems with blogger int he past and figure it's as good a time as ever to make the switch. I' will let yal’ know when the full switch takes place and I will be keeping this blog active so that my old posts will still be available to come read!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Noise
If you read my blog yesterday you know the story of how I got in my car yesterday and the Holy Spirit whispered some meaningful words to me. If you didn't read it... go read it :)
Today the Lord spoke to me about what happened. As I got in the car I immediately turned on my radio. It wasn't until after I turned off the radio that I received the impression in my Spirit.
Many times we are so busy, and have so much noise going on in our lives, that we don't stop to LISTEN to the Holy Spirit speaking to us.
Ps. 46:10
BE STILL, and know I am God
Most of us can quote 1 Kings 19...
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
I believe the enemy has done a great job of making my generation afraid of stillness and silence. There is hardly ever time for sitting peacefully and listening for the voice of the Father. Many kids these days can't even study or do homework without music on, they can't sit on the couch without the tv on in the background, we don't ride in the car without the radio on etc...
Yesterday I went with my neighbor for some much needed "girl time". I have been so busy that most of my friends have gotten for the most part shoved to the side. I had free time yesterday evening so Katelyn and I decided to go spend some time going to a nice dinner and doing some shopping in the Woodlands. The whole way over and back in the car the radio was off because Katelyn and I had much to talk about. Why would I turn the radio up to make Katelyn have to scream to be heard? No, I wanted to hear what she was saying... so I turned the radio off and in result we had awesome conversation and real quality time.
What makes us think it should be different with God? To facilitate a real relationship with Him there must be dialogue! Times when I talk and times when I listen. Times when I SET APART time just to hear my Daddy God's heart and yes to share mine. Times when I turn off the cell phone, the radio, the tv, cd's, itunes, and sit in stillness and silence to listen to God speak.
Here is the question I had to ask myself "if I knew God was whispering would I still turn the radio on?"
The fact is I know is that God does speak in a gentle whisper to my Spirit, and I know that God wants to talk to me!!! (I won't go on my rant about the fact that all Christians hear the voice of God, I'll just say go read John 10:27)
So how much time are we spending in set apart time in stillness, silent, listening, because we want to hear the voice of God.
Just as I wanted to know what was going on in my friend's life, I had to set apart time, turn off the radio, and listen.
Turn off your radio,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Today the Lord spoke to me about what happened. As I got in the car I immediately turned on my radio. It wasn't until after I turned off the radio that I received the impression in my Spirit.
Many times we are so busy, and have so much noise going on in our lives, that we don't stop to LISTEN to the Holy Spirit speaking to us.
Ps. 46:10
BE STILL, and know I am God
Most of us can quote 1 Kings 19...
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
I believe the enemy has done a great job of making my generation afraid of stillness and silence. There is hardly ever time for sitting peacefully and listening for the voice of the Father. Many kids these days can't even study or do homework without music on, they can't sit on the couch without the tv on in the background, we don't ride in the car without the radio on etc...
Yesterday I went with my neighbor for some much needed "girl time". I have been so busy that most of my friends have gotten for the most part shoved to the side. I had free time yesterday evening so Katelyn and I decided to go spend some time going to a nice dinner and doing some shopping in the Woodlands. The whole way over and back in the car the radio was off because Katelyn and I had much to talk about. Why would I turn the radio up to make Katelyn have to scream to be heard? No, I wanted to hear what she was saying... so I turned the radio off and in result we had awesome conversation and real quality time.
What makes us think it should be different with God? To facilitate a real relationship with Him there must be dialogue! Times when I talk and times when I listen. Times when I SET APART time just to hear my Daddy God's heart and yes to share mine. Times when I turn off the cell phone, the radio, the tv, cd's, itunes, and sit in stillness and silence to listen to God speak.
Here is the question I had to ask myself "if I knew God was whispering would I still turn the radio on?"
The fact is I know is that God does speak in a gentle whisper to my Spirit, and I know that God wants to talk to me!!! (I won't go on my rant about the fact that all Christians hear the voice of God, I'll just say go read John 10:27)
So how much time are we spending in set apart time in stillness, silent, listening, because we want to hear the voice of God.
Just as I wanted to know what was going on in my friend's life, I had to set apart time, turn off the radio, and listen.
Turn off your radio,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Insignificance of Me
There are almost 7 billion people living on planet earth. There are over 300 million in the United States alone. Abraham’s descendants have become as numerous as the stars, just as God promised.
This morning I walked out of my house abnormally in a rush. I tend to work on the schedule that early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. So as I was feeling late this morning I was in a haste to get to work and admittedly hadn’t said one word to the Lord from the time I woke up (late) to the time I stepped out my door.
Now before you completely judge me I have to say that I have my “quiet time” in my office, so my worship, prayer, and Bible reading is typically not done until I get to my office.
Right before I climbed into my car, I happened to glance up and was captivated by the pure awesomeness and beauty of the stars. Many of my most intimate times with God have been while beholding His natural creations like the stars, sunsets, sunrises, waterfalls etc. The stars were so awe inspiring as they spread across the early morning sky I felt so small and so humbled. I just whispered “Lord I’m so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things” and I sat my bags down to just take a minute to admire how big and powerful my Creator, my Daddy, is.
Let me make a note here, never be in such a rush because of your own schedule and agenda that you step out of being led by the Spirit. So many times we miss intimate and impactful moments with our Father because we’re so concerned with our own agenda. As much as I HATE being late, I’d be late 1,000 times over for heartfelt conversation with God, I’d be late to anything if it meant hearing from God about something, He wanted to talk about. There is nothing in my life that takes priority over Him, His agenda, His voice, His leading, or simple and sweet time with Him.
After a minute or two I went ahead and put my bags in my car and climbed in once again intent on beginning my day as usual. As I started the ignition the radio came on and I began to sing along to my morning praise music that I listen to every morning as I drive to the school, but this morning something just didn’t feel “right”. I turned off the music as I slowed to a stop at a stop sign and I sat still for just a few seconds until I heard the impression in my Spirit:
“All of those stars and I know them by name, I put them in place, I know where they are, I know when they move; All of the people in the world and I know you by name, I put you in place, I know where you are, I know when you move, you are not insignificant to Me”
I’m a 23 year old single female who lives in the middle of nowhere Texas. I graduated college at Texas Tech University and now I teach school at the local junior high, coaching various sports. I attend church and try to be as involved as possible serving when needed. Perhaps to anyone who receives my resume’ I seem quite insignificant and unimpressive, and yet I get to use the Creator of the Universe as a reference.
All I can really say is go talk to Him about what He says about me because He says I matter to Him. I may never be internationally known or have great influence over millions of people, but I can pray and He hears me. I can hurt and He cares for me. I can weep and He catches my tears. I praise and He inhabits my praise. I intercede and He moves on behalf of my prayers.
Small and Insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but I find my identity in Him.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
This morning I walked out of my house abnormally in a rush. I tend to work on the schedule that early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable. So as I was feeling late this morning I was in a haste to get to work and admittedly hadn’t said one word to the Lord from the time I woke up (late) to the time I stepped out my door.
Now before you completely judge me I have to say that I have my “quiet time” in my office, so my worship, prayer, and Bible reading is typically not done until I get to my office.
Right before I climbed into my car, I happened to glance up and was captivated by the pure awesomeness and beauty of the stars. Many of my most intimate times with God have been while beholding His natural creations like the stars, sunsets, sunrises, waterfalls etc. The stars were so awe inspiring as they spread across the early morning sky I felt so small and so humbled. I just whispered “Lord I’m so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things” and I sat my bags down to just take a minute to admire how big and powerful my Creator, my Daddy, is.
Let me make a note here, never be in such a rush because of your own schedule and agenda that you step out of being led by the Spirit. So many times we miss intimate and impactful moments with our Father because we’re so concerned with our own agenda. As much as I HATE being late, I’d be late 1,000 times over for heartfelt conversation with God, I’d be late to anything if it meant hearing from God about something, He wanted to talk about. There is nothing in my life that takes priority over Him, His agenda, His voice, His leading, or simple and sweet time with Him.
After a minute or two I went ahead and put my bags in my car and climbed in once again intent on beginning my day as usual. As I started the ignition the radio came on and I began to sing along to my morning praise music that I listen to every morning as I drive to the school, but this morning something just didn’t feel “right”. I turned off the music as I slowed to a stop at a stop sign and I sat still for just a few seconds until I heard the impression in my Spirit:
“All of those stars and I know them by name, I put them in place, I know where they are, I know when they move; All of the people in the world and I know you by name, I put you in place, I know where you are, I know when you move, you are not insignificant to Me”
I’m a 23 year old single female who lives in the middle of nowhere Texas. I graduated college at Texas Tech University and now I teach school at the local junior high, coaching various sports. I attend church and try to be as involved as possible serving when needed. Perhaps to anyone who receives my resume’ I seem quite insignificant and unimpressive, and yet I get to use the Creator of the Universe as a reference.
All I can really say is go talk to Him about what He says about me because He says I matter to Him. I may never be internationally known or have great influence over millions of people, but I can pray and He hears me. I can hurt and He cares for me. I can weep and He catches my tears. I praise and He inhabits my praise. I intercede and He moves on behalf of my prayers.
Small and Insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but I find my identity in Him.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Bufelo
Today in my class my students were playing a modified game of tag in the gym. I decided to have some music playing to make it more entertaining for them. As they were taking their water break I just started dancing to the song that was playing. I make a habit of often being a little goofy to let my students see that yes I am stern, tough, and demand respect, but I also have a fun side and am human. Being goofy and opening up often leads to opportunities to find out more about who they are and to share more of who I am... a Christian.
As I started dancing the girls just laughed and laughed and one said “Coach Tate, you’re always just so FULL OF LIFE”. I thought to myself praise God, she’s noticing!!! As we were going into the locker room she said “Coach why are you always so happy?”. Of course you know me I’m waiting for any opportunity for a door to open. So I said well, I’m happy and full of life because I am a Christian and FULL OF JESUS! She just sort of looked at me weird and went on in to the locker room.
I firmly believe that every time I’m in similar situations and I’m given opportunities to explain why I am joyful, why I don’t listen to that type of music, why I don’t watch that show, why I act the way I do, every time I’m planting a seed for them to remember that Coach Tate was different, and different because she had Jesus.
Everyday we make decisions. We make decisions on what our attitude will be like, how we choose to react to various situations (positive and negative), we choose to be joyful or not, we choose to see everywhere we go as a mission field or not, life is full of choices and someone is always watching those choices.
Joy is something that every Christian should have. The bible says that in the presence of God is fullness of joy, it says that a fruit of the spirit is JOY (and the Spirit resides in me), we have a Savior that died for us. We have no reason not to be joyful!!
I remember while teaching in Botswana one of the young ladies on staff for LBOM told me one day that she was giving me the African name of “Bufelo”. Bufelo meant “life” and she said Jessika, You’re just so full of life!!!
I know what I’m full of and it is life, it is THE life of Jesus Christ. He fills me up and He flows out of me. I pray that in the hard days and the easy days I’ll remember what I’m full of and make the choice to let Jesus flow out of me. To let His joy, love, mercy, compassion, humor, and care flow out of me to everyone I’m around, so that they will see that Jesus brings life.
The blog I wrote in Africa when I got my nickname:
http://jessinbotswana.blogspot.com/2010/02/bufelo-quick-update.html
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
As I started dancing the girls just laughed and laughed and one said “Coach Tate, you’re always just so FULL OF LIFE”. I thought to myself praise God, she’s noticing!!! As we were going into the locker room she said “Coach why are you always so happy?”. Of course you know me I’m waiting for any opportunity for a door to open. So I said well, I’m happy and full of life because I am a Christian and FULL OF JESUS! She just sort of looked at me weird and went on in to the locker room.
I firmly believe that every time I’m in similar situations and I’m given opportunities to explain why I am joyful, why I don’t listen to that type of music, why I don’t watch that show, why I act the way I do, every time I’m planting a seed for them to remember that Coach Tate was different, and different because she had Jesus.
Everyday we make decisions. We make decisions on what our attitude will be like, how we choose to react to various situations (positive and negative), we choose to be joyful or not, we choose to see everywhere we go as a mission field or not, life is full of choices and someone is always watching those choices.
Joy is something that every Christian should have. The bible says that in the presence of God is fullness of joy, it says that a fruit of the spirit is JOY (and the Spirit resides in me), we have a Savior that died for us. We have no reason not to be joyful!!
I remember while teaching in Botswana one of the young ladies on staff for LBOM told me one day that she was giving me the African name of “Bufelo”. Bufelo meant “life” and she said Jessika, You’re just so full of life!!!
I know what I’m full of and it is life, it is THE life of Jesus Christ. He fills me up and He flows out of me. I pray that in the hard days and the easy days I’ll remember what I’m full of and make the choice to let Jesus flow out of me. To let His joy, love, mercy, compassion, humor, and care flow out of me to everyone I’m around, so that they will see that Jesus brings life.
The blog I wrote in Africa when I got my nickname:
http://jessinbotswana.blogspot.com/2010/02/bufelo-quick-update.html
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Monday, August 29, 2011
Steering Wheel or Spare Tire?
Well I'm sure you all know of my respect for Corrie Ten Boom and it just so happens that a friend of mine recently gave me a greater incentive to dig into more Corrie Ten Boom quotes. He said that on facebook every time I post a Corrie quote he'll post a quote from a man that he looks up to. So, this morning as I was trying to decide what I wanted to post that Corrie has said I thought of this quote.
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"
You see a steering wheel determines the course for the car. If the steering wheel turns right, the car will go right, if left, then left. The steering wheel causes the car to get to it's destination. The steering wheel is a necessity if the driver wants the car to follow a path.
A spare tire is placed in the trunk. What is interesting about the spare tire, is that it is never used until a dilemma presents itself. When a problem arises then we grab the spare tire. We can drive for miles and miles and miles before ever using the spare tire.
Which is your prayer life? Do you pray as if it is a necessity? Do you pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life or is prayer something you turn to in desperation when things have gotten so bad that you see no other option?
I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship REQUIRES communication. I have to fellowship and spend time with Him in prayer and in His word so that I can know which directions to take in my life.
The fun thing about this relationship is that prayer is not something I HAVE to do, it's something I GET to do. Jesus tore the veil. He paid with His blood so that I could have open access to the Father. Prayer is a gift. The ability to enter into the throne room of God and speak to the Creator of the Universe is a privilege that was paid for with blood. The blood of the Holy One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer is something that is all too much neglected by Christians. We have so many promises for our prayers. Ask and you will receive, you have not because you ask not, etc. I am promised an answer to my prayers. As I come before the Father, He will answer. I'm not saying you'll always love His answer, but you will be answered.
God waits for us to come in to His throne room and make our requests known to Him. To ask Him the direction we should take, to ask for things we desire, to intercede on behalf of others, to simply be with Him, to spend time with God learning who He is and asking of our Daddy God.
Prayer must be a priority, it is a necessity, it is a privilege. Jesus paid with His life for your ability to have open communication anytime anywhere with our Father God, and He deserves what He paid for.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
An old blog I wrote from an excerpt of Corrie Ten Boom's book "The Hiding Place"
http://jatate.blogspot.com/2009/12/necessity.html
"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"
You see a steering wheel determines the course for the car. If the steering wheel turns right, the car will go right, if left, then left. The steering wheel causes the car to get to it's destination. The steering wheel is a necessity if the driver wants the car to follow a path.
A spare tire is placed in the trunk. What is interesting about the spare tire, is that it is never used until a dilemma presents itself. When a problem arises then we grab the spare tire. We can drive for miles and miles and miles before ever using the spare tire.
Which is your prayer life? Do you pray as if it is a necessity? Do you pray and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life or is prayer something you turn to in desperation when things have gotten so bad that you see no other option?
I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship REQUIRES communication. I have to fellowship and spend time with Him in prayer and in His word so that I can know which directions to take in my life.
The fun thing about this relationship is that prayer is not something I HAVE to do, it's something I GET to do. Jesus tore the veil. He paid with His blood so that I could have open access to the Father. Prayer is a gift. The ability to enter into the throne room of God and speak to the Creator of the Universe is a privilege that was paid for with blood. The blood of the Holy One, Jesus Christ.
Prayer is something that is all too much neglected by Christians. We have so many promises for our prayers. Ask and you will receive, you have not because you ask not, etc. I am promised an answer to my prayers. As I come before the Father, He will answer. I'm not saying you'll always love His answer, but you will be answered.
God waits for us to come in to His throne room and make our requests known to Him. To ask Him the direction we should take, to ask for things we desire, to intercede on behalf of others, to simply be with Him, to spend time with God learning who He is and asking of our Daddy God.
Prayer must be a priority, it is a necessity, it is a privilege. Jesus paid with His life for your ability to have open communication anytime anywhere with our Father God, and He deserves what He paid for.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
An old blog I wrote from an excerpt of Corrie Ten Boom's book "The Hiding Place"
http://jatate.blogspot.com/2009/12/necessity.html
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Don't Lose Heart
The first week of school is OVER! Whew.
As a teacher/coach I was greatly looking forward to this week, because in all honestly I love the opportunity to educate kids, to motivate kids, and to try and be a positive role model for their lives. Everyday my life will be on center stage for over 300 kids.
Ad much as I was looking forward to this week, I'm going to be honest, it was ROUGH. A lot of things went wrong or were difficult and all of it began to take a toll on me as the week went on. No matter what goes on day to day I've learned that the Word says to HAVE JOY, take joy when you fall into various trials, in the presence of God is fullness of JOY, the fruits of the Spirit are love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control... and as much as I need to remember these things for myself, I need to remember them because I have tons of little eyes watching me, evaluating me, trying to figure out who I am.
Tired and frustrated I know my attitude began to decline toward the end of the week. Then the Holy Spirit began to get a hold of me!
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)
As I read this scripture, it was like the breath was taken out of me. Jesus Christ, my best friend, and Savior... suffered for me. He endured hostility when He didn't deserve it. He took a beating He didn't deserve, He took mocking He didn't deserve, He died at the hands of mere men when He is a King... All Jesus would have had to do was speak a Word and He could have stopped the beatings, proved to them His deity, climbed off the cross, and gone on back to heaven in His perfection, BUT He stayed, He endured, for me.
He is the ultimate picture of self-sacrifice, obedience, endurance, and love. If He was able to do all that for me, I must not grow weary or lose heart in the journey that is supposed to be for Him. This life that I live is not for me, but for Him. We have a purpose, we have assignments, and we are supposed to be advancing His kingdom so that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
When I truly consider what Christ did there is no room for me to be weary or to lose heart. He endured much more than I will ever imagine. So rather than sulk in the exhaustion and frustration, I went to the Word for some encouragement. (I needed some encouragement after the slap from the Holy Spirit LOL) So if you're there and just needing some strength, read through these scriptures, print them, post them, say them, heed them....
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Gal. 6:9)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Ps. 28:7)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (Ps. 29:11)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps. 73:26)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower ; The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Prov. 18:10)
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)
As a teacher/coach I was greatly looking forward to this week, because in all honestly I love the opportunity to educate kids, to motivate kids, and to try and be a positive role model for their lives. Everyday my life will be on center stage for over 300 kids.
Ad much as I was looking forward to this week, I'm going to be honest, it was ROUGH. A lot of things went wrong or were difficult and all of it began to take a toll on me as the week went on. No matter what goes on day to day I've learned that the Word says to HAVE JOY, take joy when you fall into various trials, in the presence of God is fullness of JOY, the fruits of the Spirit are love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control... and as much as I need to remember these things for myself, I need to remember them because I have tons of little eyes watching me, evaluating me, trying to figure out who I am.
Tired and frustrated I know my attitude began to decline toward the end of the week. Then the Holy Spirit began to get a hold of me!
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)
As I read this scripture, it was like the breath was taken out of me. Jesus Christ, my best friend, and Savior... suffered for me. He endured hostility when He didn't deserve it. He took a beating He didn't deserve, He took mocking He didn't deserve, He died at the hands of mere men when He is a King... All Jesus would have had to do was speak a Word and He could have stopped the beatings, proved to them His deity, climbed off the cross, and gone on back to heaven in His perfection, BUT He stayed, He endured, for me.
He is the ultimate picture of self-sacrifice, obedience, endurance, and love. If He was able to do all that for me, I must not grow weary or lose heart in the journey that is supposed to be for Him. This life that I live is not for me, but for Him. We have a purpose, we have assignments, and we are supposed to be advancing His kingdom so that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
When I truly consider what Christ did there is no room for me to be weary or to lose heart. He endured much more than I will ever imagine. So rather than sulk in the exhaustion and frustration, I went to the Word for some encouragement. (I needed some encouragement after the slap from the Holy Spirit LOL) So if you're there and just needing some strength, read through these scriptures, print them, post them, say them, heed them....
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Gal. 6:9)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary,and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Ps. 28:7)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (Ps. 29:11)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps. 73:26)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
The name of the LORD is a strong tower ; The righteous runs into it and is safe. (Prov. 18:10)
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. (John 14:27)
Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Ps. 55:22)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Pride, Condemnation, and Examination
Many Christians struggle with the issue of pride. Whether you struggle with pride because you walk around thinking you've got this thing figured out or you struggle with pride because you're walking around in condemnation. Living in condemnation is still a derivative of pride because in order to be condemned you much think that grace is based off of your actions rather than who God is and what Christ did.
Let's look at a few scriptures.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Prov. 8:13)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (Prov. 3:7)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15,16)
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (Romans 5:18)
God absolutely hates pride, but at the same time Christ's blood paid for us to not live in condemnation of our sin. Is there a balance?
The answer is found in this passage. Romans 5:
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me, and justified me through His blood... and now we exult God for sending His son that paid for our reconciliation.
In other words there is no room for pride because CHRIST DIED FOR ME KNOWING THAT I WAS A SINNER... I didn't achieve some "Holy" status that made it possible for me to earn forgiveness. Where I was, where I am, and where I will be Christ died for me. He shed His blood which purchased redemption, salvation, reconciliation, and so much more for me.
Also, BECAUSE CHRIST'S BLOOD bought redemption, salvation, and reconciliation for me I don't have a right to live in condemnation. As Romans 8:1 says there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and you have been transformed from a slave into a child of God then your sin has been paid for. Living in self condemnation is a lack of faith in what Christ has already accomplished for you.
I cannot be in pride because I didn't earn my justification, but I can't live in condemnation because I HAVE BEEN justified.
The final step is examination.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Cor. 13:5)
We need to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith. Do we not know that Christ is inside of us???
Faith in the fact that Christ is on the inside of me does not allow pride or condemnation!
We are challenged to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith... not so that we can have pride and not so that we'll be condemned, but rather so that we will continue to grow in faith in who God is, what Christ has done, and who we are to be, with the Holy Spirit's help.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Let's look at a few scriptures.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Prov. 8:13)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. (Prov. 3:7)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15,16)
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. (Romans 5:18)
God absolutely hates pride, but at the same time Christ's blood paid for us to not live in condemnation of our sin. Is there a balance?
The answer is found in this passage. Romans 5:
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
While I was still a sinner, Christ died for me, and justified me through His blood... and now we exult God for sending His son that paid for our reconciliation.
In other words there is no room for pride because CHRIST DIED FOR ME KNOWING THAT I WAS A SINNER... I didn't achieve some "Holy" status that made it possible for me to earn forgiveness. Where I was, where I am, and where I will be Christ died for me. He shed His blood which purchased redemption, salvation, reconciliation, and so much more for me.
Also, BECAUSE CHRIST'S BLOOD bought redemption, salvation, and reconciliation for me I don't have a right to live in condemnation. As Romans 8:1 says there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life and you have been transformed from a slave into a child of God then your sin has been paid for. Living in self condemnation is a lack of faith in what Christ has already accomplished for you.
I cannot be in pride because I didn't earn my justification, but I can't live in condemnation because I HAVE BEEN justified.
The final step is examination.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? (2 Cor. 13:5)
We need to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith. Do we not know that Christ is inside of us???
Faith in the fact that Christ is on the inside of me does not allow pride or condemnation!
We are challenged to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith... not so that we can have pride and not so that we'll be condemned, but rather so that we will continue to grow in faith in who God is, what Christ has done, and who we are to be, with the Holy Spirit's help.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Some Radical Thoughts: Persecution Day 2
I'm going to go a little out of chronological order today and discuss a topic that was on my mind this morning.
Yesterday I explained that after reading through Acts I noticed many things different from the believers of the early church and us today. There were thought patterns, mindsets, and lifestyle differences that they had that we don't and I firmly believe that we need them. We need to change in order to see God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven in the power that the early church saw it.
Today I'm going to talk about persecution. I cannot speak for those of you reading, but I can speak for myself. I don't like persecution. Who does? There are many times that I am persecuted verbally for what I believe and I always leave those conversations a little discouraged and disheartened. I don't believe that the early church "enjoyed" persecution, but they certainly were not afraid of it. Persecution did not hinder them from continuing to be bold witnesses of the gospel. Let's go to the Word.
Acts 4:13
"Now as they observed the CONFIDENCE of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
Peter and John had just been put in jail for preaching the gospel (you can see how early on the persecution started). When questioned and threatened without hesitation and full of the Holy Spirit, Peter just spoke the truth of Jesus. And I use verse 13 because I love the end of the verse... I hope that when people look at me they will recognize that I've been with Jesus :)
Acts 5
In Acts 5 we see ole' Peter once again in front of the council. Told not to preach the gospel, He boldly says to them, "We must obey God rather than men" (v.29) They were flogged (beaten) and told not to preach the gospel.
v. 41,42 "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Not only were they persecuted and warned, but they left rejoicing!!! And they kept right on preaching Jesus.
We live in a country where the worst persecution (at this time) that will befall most of us is simple verbal abuse and yet we often allow this to keep us from opening our mouths.
Acts 8:35 Then Phillip OPENED HIS MOUTH, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.
In Acts 8 Phillip opened his mouth and spoke the truth of Jesus Christ and an Ethiopian was converted. We have been called to be witnesses throughout the world, but especially in those we are daily around. We are suppose to open our mouths and speak the truth of who Jesus Christ is, but all to often fear of rejection, mistreatment, embarrassment, keeps us from fulfilling our purpose. I'm in awe of what the early church went through and yet continued to boldly witness.
We have been given the same Holy Spirit, the same truth, we know the same Jesus, what is stopping us?
Here's the last piece of scripture I'll use, but it's one that really hits home with me.
Acts 14:19,20
And Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him he got up and entered the city.
Paul was in Lystra ministering the gospel, Jews came and stoned him what they thought was to death, so obviously Paul was pretty badly beat up. However, he got up. Now check this out.
V.21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
Paul was stoned nearly to death, persecuted harshly, and yet he arose off the ground and returned to the exact places to the people who had tried to kill him.
Paul knew the heart of God. The heart of God was for people to be saved, so that He can spend eternity with His children.
I won't tell the whole story again because i've shared it so many times, but the story of the two young Moravians that sold themselves into slavery and as they're leaving for a lifetime of slavery so that some people will hear the gospel they cry out
"May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering"
These disciples, the moravians, are they radicals? Are they extremists? They simply understand the heart of their Father and are willing to give their lives away in order to see people come to know our God.
Oh Lord, help me to die to myself.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Yesterday I explained that after reading through Acts I noticed many things different from the believers of the early church and us today. There were thought patterns, mindsets, and lifestyle differences that they had that we don't and I firmly believe that we need them. We need to change in order to see God's kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven in the power that the early church saw it.
Today I'm going to talk about persecution. I cannot speak for those of you reading, but I can speak for myself. I don't like persecution. Who does? There are many times that I am persecuted verbally for what I believe and I always leave those conversations a little discouraged and disheartened. I don't believe that the early church "enjoyed" persecution, but they certainly were not afraid of it. Persecution did not hinder them from continuing to be bold witnesses of the gospel. Let's go to the Word.
Acts 4:13
"Now as they observed the CONFIDENCE of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
Peter and John had just been put in jail for preaching the gospel (you can see how early on the persecution started). When questioned and threatened without hesitation and full of the Holy Spirit, Peter just spoke the truth of Jesus. And I use verse 13 because I love the end of the verse... I hope that when people look at me they will recognize that I've been with Jesus :)
Acts 5
In Acts 5 we see ole' Peter once again in front of the council. Told not to preach the gospel, He boldly says to them, "We must obey God rather than men" (v.29) They were flogged (beaten) and told not to preach the gospel.
v. 41,42 "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Not only were they persecuted and warned, but they left rejoicing!!! And they kept right on preaching Jesus.
We live in a country where the worst persecution (at this time) that will befall most of us is simple verbal abuse and yet we often allow this to keep us from opening our mouths.
Acts 8:35 Then Phillip OPENED HIS MOUTH, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.
In Acts 8 Phillip opened his mouth and spoke the truth of Jesus Christ and an Ethiopian was converted. We have been called to be witnesses throughout the world, but especially in those we are daily around. We are suppose to open our mouths and speak the truth of who Jesus Christ is, but all to often fear of rejection, mistreatment, embarrassment, keeps us from fulfilling our purpose. I'm in awe of what the early church went through and yet continued to boldly witness.
We have been given the same Holy Spirit, the same truth, we know the same Jesus, what is stopping us?
Here's the last piece of scripture I'll use, but it's one that really hits home with me.
Acts 14:19,20
And Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But while the disciples stood around him he got up and entered the city.
Paul was in Lystra ministering the gospel, Jews came and stoned him what they thought was to death, so obviously Paul was pretty badly beat up. However, he got up. Now check this out.
V.21 After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
Paul was stoned nearly to death, persecuted harshly, and yet he arose off the ground and returned to the exact places to the people who had tried to kill him.
Paul knew the heart of God. The heart of God was for people to be saved, so that He can spend eternity with His children.
I won't tell the whole story again because i've shared it so many times, but the story of the two young Moravians that sold themselves into slavery and as they're leaving for a lifetime of slavery so that some people will hear the gospel they cry out
"May the lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering"
These disciples, the moravians, are they radicals? Are they extremists? They simply understand the heart of their Father and are willing to give their lives away in order to see people come to know our God.
Oh Lord, help me to die to myself.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Some Radical Thoughts Day 1
I have been reading through Acts over the past week.
Acts is the accounts of the apostles. It is written historical documentation of actual events that took place during the time that the early church began. As I've been reading through Acts what I've found are actions, thought patterns, mindsets, lifestyles, that if we truly lived them out today, we would be considered radical extremists. How sad that we find that, we the church no longer live even close to the standard that was set by those who were trusted to START THE CHURCH. Jesus called Peter the rock on which He would build the church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Many of the things I will talk about involve Peter. So what does this tell me?
Jesus called Peter to be the rock on which the church would be started. Acts documents what was done by this early church. A + B = ? To me it equals that we the church now should be modeled off of the Acts church. I'm not talking about we the church as in 4 walls with a roof. I'm talking about me as an individual and along with other Christians should be living in this "radical" way of living. It's scary to me to think that if we stepped out and began to live as they lived in Acts, the church of today would probably cast us out. Let's take a journey through the Word.
We'll start with one specific passage.
Acts 2:38-47
38Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
First we see Peter with an extreme boldness to witness and speak the truth of Jesus Christ. How long has it been since you've used extreme boldness? The truth is Peter didn't know what persecution was about to come from what he was saying. He wasn't inside a church building. Peter proclaimed without hesitation the truth of Jesus Christ.
Next we see direct result... "added about three thousand souls" ... How long has it been that your boldness led to people being saved. I'm not talking about getting someone to sit in a church pew. I'm talking about a radical boldness that proclaimed Jesus Christ and led to salvations? The Holy Spirit does His work, He is the convictor of the hearts of men, but we have to open our mouths and speak the truth for them to hear and be convicted!
I could go on about verse 42, but I'll allow you to read that and examine your own life as I must do as well, but I will say it sounds like the early church found it important to be TOGETHER and hear the Word TOGETHER and to pray TOGETHER.
Verse 43. Why were they feeling a sense of Awe??? The apostles were led by and full of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit led them to do the same things that Jesus did as He walked on the earth. These mere men were simply believers and God used them to heal the sick, cast out demons, perform signs and wonders, lead people to the cross of Christ, and begin a RADICAL movement of showing the world who God is.
Verse 45. I'm sure you're thinking oh please don't go there!!! But that's right. The early church talked about money. ouch. They discussed who had need and they gave unselfishly of themselves to make sure that everyone's needs were met. This was not just the leaders, it wasn't just the followers, it wasn't just the apostles, and it wasn't just the pew setters. I hardly see this at all in our body today. Those who have need are to ashamed to admit it and those who have abundance are too selfish to share it.
46 & 47. The body was in unity. There wasn't strife and division or argument and tension and debate didn't split them apart. They were in unity with love for each other and Jesus Christ. And we see the result in verse 47. They praised God, they had favor, and many began to be saved.
Verse 47 is true because verses 38-46 took place. I know that Christians want to see salvations, but unfortunately they want to see them without the discomfort or sacrifice in verses 38-46. We've lost our boldness, we choose not to use our authority that Christ gave, and we don't live sacrificing self.
I write this because as I read Acts I am more convinced than ever of changes that need to take place in my own life so that I can be the contributor to the body of Christ that I am called to be. My prayer is that a few of you will share my thoughts.
The plan was for this to only be one blog, but we're only one passage in and there's so much more to go. Keep checking back.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Acts is the accounts of the apostles. It is written historical documentation of actual events that took place during the time that the early church began. As I've been reading through Acts what I've found are actions, thought patterns, mindsets, lifestyles, that if we truly lived them out today, we would be considered radical extremists. How sad that we find that, we the church no longer live even close to the standard that was set by those who were trusted to START THE CHURCH. Jesus called Peter the rock on which He would build the church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Many of the things I will talk about involve Peter. So what does this tell me?
Jesus called Peter to be the rock on which the church would be started. Acts documents what was done by this early church. A + B = ? To me it equals that we the church now should be modeled off of the Acts church. I'm not talking about we the church as in 4 walls with a roof. I'm talking about me as an individual and along with other Christians should be living in this "radical" way of living. It's scary to me to think that if we stepped out and began to live as they lived in Acts, the church of today would probably cast us out. Let's take a journey through the Word.
We'll start with one specific passage.
Acts 2:38-47
38Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
First we see Peter with an extreme boldness to witness and speak the truth of Jesus Christ. How long has it been since you've used extreme boldness? The truth is Peter didn't know what persecution was about to come from what he was saying. He wasn't inside a church building. Peter proclaimed without hesitation the truth of Jesus Christ.
Next we see direct result... "added about three thousand souls" ... How long has it been that your boldness led to people being saved. I'm not talking about getting someone to sit in a church pew. I'm talking about a radical boldness that proclaimed Jesus Christ and led to salvations? The Holy Spirit does His work, He is the convictor of the hearts of men, but we have to open our mouths and speak the truth for them to hear and be convicted!
I could go on about verse 42, but I'll allow you to read that and examine your own life as I must do as well, but I will say it sounds like the early church found it important to be TOGETHER and hear the Word TOGETHER and to pray TOGETHER.
Verse 43. Why were they feeling a sense of Awe??? The apostles were led by and full of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit led them to do the same things that Jesus did as He walked on the earth. These mere men were simply believers and God used them to heal the sick, cast out demons, perform signs and wonders, lead people to the cross of Christ, and begin a RADICAL movement of showing the world who God is.
Verse 45. I'm sure you're thinking oh please don't go there!!! But that's right. The early church talked about money. ouch. They discussed who had need and they gave unselfishly of themselves to make sure that everyone's needs were met. This was not just the leaders, it wasn't just the followers, it wasn't just the apostles, and it wasn't just the pew setters. I hardly see this at all in our body today. Those who have need are to ashamed to admit it and those who have abundance are too selfish to share it.
46 & 47. The body was in unity. There wasn't strife and division or argument and tension and debate didn't split them apart. They were in unity with love for each other and Jesus Christ. And we see the result in verse 47. They praised God, they had favor, and many began to be saved.
Verse 47 is true because verses 38-46 took place. I know that Christians want to see salvations, but unfortunately they want to see them without the discomfort or sacrifice in verses 38-46. We've lost our boldness, we choose not to use our authority that Christ gave, and we don't live sacrificing self.
I write this because as I read Acts I am more convinced than ever of changes that need to take place in my own life so that I can be the contributor to the body of Christ that I am called to be. My prayer is that a few of you will share my thoughts.
The plan was for this to only be one blog, but we're only one passage in and there's so much more to go. Keep checking back.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Monday, August 15, 2011
A Living Word Convicts
One of my most favorite part of everyday is waking up to read the Word of God.
Right now I'm going through the New Testament in 90 days. I thoroughly enjoy digging deeper into the Word and challenging myself to learn more, read more, and get more out of the Word daily. I'm often finding new Bible reading plans to commit to such as reading through the whole Bible faster, or the New Testament, or the gospels, or the prophets, anything for a new challenge to get more Word in me quicker. I enjoy taking words and looking them up in the Hebrew and Greek to find out some more revelation on what exactly God was saying in each verse. Anyway you get the point, I am a student of the Word and I love my studies.
One of the greatest things about the Word of God is that it is alive. It is a living Word. Though it was written many years ago it has the power to impact and change lives today. It is amazing how the Word will speak truth to your current situation in life.
As you know I have been studying faith. I've continued to press in on my faith workbook, looking through every scripture I can possibly find on faith, and continually asking God to teach me more about the subject of faith. As I stated in a previous blog Hebrews 11:6 has impressed me to the core of my being. It says that without faith it is impossible to please Him and the cry of my heart is to be pleasing to my Father.
Today in my personal reading time I read a scripture that has caught my attention before. It's a scripture that my Pastor has often mentioned or talked about and it is a scripture that today the Holy Spirit used to convict me.
Romans 14;23- But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN.
When I read scriptures like this and it convicts me to the core of my being, it is then that I have to remind myself of what I wrote in the first 3 paragraphs. I love the Word. I love the Word. I love the Word. The Word is good. The Word is Good. The Word is alive, I need this Word. This is for me RIGHT NOW.
Have you ever read something in the Word and the Holy Spirit began to move on the inside of you saying YOU NEED THIS, YOU NEED TO GET THIS, YOU NEED TO FIX THIS!! and your first reaction is just keep reading, just keep reading LOL. (Am I the only one who does this?)
I know that I am studying faith and I know that I promised that I was going to intensely study faith for the next 9 months, but here is a new level. This is a standard that seems WAY HIGH. Anything that does not come from faith is sin. That means every action I take, every word that pops it's way out of my mouth, if it's not said in faith.... I'm sinning.
As I previously stated, this is not the first time I've heard this, but the Holy Spirit spoke to me today, Jessika if you're going to study faith, you're going to study all of it.
If I'm claiming that I want to be a woman of faith, faith that pleases my Daddy God, then I'm going to have to learn to do all things in faith.... if not, it's sin.
Every word that comes out of my mouth must be spoken with the assurance that God is who He says He is, He'll do what He says He'll do, and I can do what He says I can do. Every action must line up with the Word believing that He is.
I am a work in progress, but PRAISE GOD, He who began a good work in me WILL see it through to completion and THANK GOD, that the Word is alive and speaks to me where I am.
Be Blessed, Be challenged,
J. Tate
Right now I'm going through the New Testament in 90 days. I thoroughly enjoy digging deeper into the Word and challenging myself to learn more, read more, and get more out of the Word daily. I'm often finding new Bible reading plans to commit to such as reading through the whole Bible faster, or the New Testament, or the gospels, or the prophets, anything for a new challenge to get more Word in me quicker. I enjoy taking words and looking them up in the Hebrew and Greek to find out some more revelation on what exactly God was saying in each verse. Anyway you get the point, I am a student of the Word and I love my studies.
One of the greatest things about the Word of God is that it is alive. It is a living Word. Though it was written many years ago it has the power to impact and change lives today. It is amazing how the Word will speak truth to your current situation in life.
As you know I have been studying faith. I've continued to press in on my faith workbook, looking through every scripture I can possibly find on faith, and continually asking God to teach me more about the subject of faith. As I stated in a previous blog Hebrews 11:6 has impressed me to the core of my being. It says that without faith it is impossible to please Him and the cry of my heart is to be pleasing to my Father.
Today in my personal reading time I read a scripture that has caught my attention before. It's a scripture that my Pastor has often mentioned or talked about and it is a scripture that today the Holy Spirit used to convict me.
Romans 14;23- But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
WHATEVER DOES NOT PROCEED FROM FAITH IS SIN.
When I read scriptures like this and it convicts me to the core of my being, it is then that I have to remind myself of what I wrote in the first 3 paragraphs. I love the Word. I love the Word. I love the Word. The Word is good. The Word is Good. The Word is alive, I need this Word. This is for me RIGHT NOW.
Have you ever read something in the Word and the Holy Spirit began to move on the inside of you saying YOU NEED THIS, YOU NEED TO GET THIS, YOU NEED TO FIX THIS!! and your first reaction is just keep reading, just keep reading LOL. (Am I the only one who does this?)
I know that I am studying faith and I know that I promised that I was going to intensely study faith for the next 9 months, but here is a new level. This is a standard that seems WAY HIGH. Anything that does not come from faith is sin. That means every action I take, every word that pops it's way out of my mouth, if it's not said in faith.... I'm sinning.
As I previously stated, this is not the first time I've heard this, but the Holy Spirit spoke to me today, Jessika if you're going to study faith, you're going to study all of it.
If I'm claiming that I want to be a woman of faith, faith that pleases my Daddy God, then I'm going to have to learn to do all things in faith.... if not, it's sin.
Every word that comes out of my mouth must be spoken with the assurance that God is who He says He is, He'll do what He says He'll do, and I can do what He says I can do. Every action must line up with the Word believing that He is.
I am a work in progress, but PRAISE GOD, He who began a good work in me WILL see it through to completion and THANK GOD, that the Word is alive and speaks to me where I am.
Be Blessed, Be challenged,
J. Tate
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Revelation of Muscle/Mouth Memory
Today during volleyball practice the Holy Spirit began to show me some things.
As an athlete you develop certain motions or actions into muscle memory. For instance, if you threw a ball at me I wouldn't flinch, I wouldn't have to think about it, I'd simply and easily raise my hands and catch the ball.
As our incoming 7th graders enter into our volleyball program and we begin to teach them how to serve the ball over the net we make them serve EVERYDAY and continually remind them the more they do the motion, soon it will become muscle memory. They have to take something their body has never done before and teach it to become the natural, first response.
We all have certain things that we have trained our muscles to do naturally that at one point weren't natural. When you are driving a car and the light turns yellow, you don't have to pause and think, okay now I need to move my foot over to the brake, your body does it by muscle memory. Your body has been trained that when you see the yellow light, it's time to slow down to come to a stop, and your foot needs to move to the brake and stop.
Young athletes have to start out constantly repeating the correct steps in order to serve efficiently and one day they will be able to do it without much thought.
As I was watching varsity practice, I corrected one of our passers on their form, and the Holy Spirit began to speak to me.
Just as we as athletes or people put things into muscle memory, we need to develop not only a muscle memory but also a mouth memory.
I was a defensive specialist in high school, in other words one of the better passers. I can watch an athlete pass a ball and immediately know what was done right or wrong, because passing has become second nature to me. I've done it enough times that my body knows just how to react when a serve is coming at me.
In life many circumstances will arise and we'll have many choices for how to react to it. We need to be in our Word to know exactly how to react when situations arise. We need to not only develop a muscle memory of what to do but also a mouth memory of how and what to say when things come at us.
The Bible is clear that no matter what circumstances come at us we are to praise God.
We are to praise when we have received from the Lord. (Luke17:15-16).
We should rejoice even if things aren't going our way and began to declare God's goodness in spite of what we see or feel. (Habakkuk 3:17-19) (Ps. 42:5) (many more)
We should also remind God of the promises He has given us (Isaiah 43:26). Take scripture and tell Him that He is our protector, our hope, our shield, our present help in times of need.
As circumstances come if we continue to train ourself we can have mouth memory. When the enemy comes in like a roaring lion and comes to steal, kill, or destroy from me, I'm not supposed to mourn and weep, become bitter, or lose faith, but rather be trained to have a mouth memory that begins to declare the Word of God.
What does your muscle memory tell you to do when hard things come our way? What does your mouth memory tell you to do?
Just like my body knows how to pass a volleyball so can my mind, body, and mouth learn to line up with the Word of God in any and all situations. Occasionally I step out on the volleyball court and for one reason or another I mess up. I do something different than what I've been trained to do, but the more I train and the more I fight, the easier it becomes.
I want my actions and mouth to line up with the Word of God in any and all situations, wether it be times of success, failure, hard time, easy time, disappointing circumstances, or exciting moments... in all times praise God and speak the Word.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
As an athlete you develop certain motions or actions into muscle memory. For instance, if you threw a ball at me I wouldn't flinch, I wouldn't have to think about it, I'd simply and easily raise my hands and catch the ball.
As our incoming 7th graders enter into our volleyball program and we begin to teach them how to serve the ball over the net we make them serve EVERYDAY and continually remind them the more they do the motion, soon it will become muscle memory. They have to take something their body has never done before and teach it to become the natural, first response.
We all have certain things that we have trained our muscles to do naturally that at one point weren't natural. When you are driving a car and the light turns yellow, you don't have to pause and think, okay now I need to move my foot over to the brake, your body does it by muscle memory. Your body has been trained that when you see the yellow light, it's time to slow down to come to a stop, and your foot needs to move to the brake and stop.
Young athletes have to start out constantly repeating the correct steps in order to serve efficiently and one day they will be able to do it without much thought.
As I was watching varsity practice, I corrected one of our passers on their form, and the Holy Spirit began to speak to me.
Just as we as athletes or people put things into muscle memory, we need to develop not only a muscle memory but also a mouth memory.
I was a defensive specialist in high school, in other words one of the better passers. I can watch an athlete pass a ball and immediately know what was done right or wrong, because passing has become second nature to me. I've done it enough times that my body knows just how to react when a serve is coming at me.
In life many circumstances will arise and we'll have many choices for how to react to it. We need to be in our Word to know exactly how to react when situations arise. We need to not only develop a muscle memory of what to do but also a mouth memory of how and what to say when things come at us.
The Bible is clear that no matter what circumstances come at us we are to praise God.
We are to praise when we have received from the Lord. (Luke17:15-16).
We should rejoice even if things aren't going our way and began to declare God's goodness in spite of what we see or feel. (Habakkuk 3:17-19) (Ps. 42:5) (many more)
We should also remind God of the promises He has given us (Isaiah 43:26). Take scripture and tell Him that He is our protector, our hope, our shield, our present help in times of need.
As circumstances come if we continue to train ourself we can have mouth memory. When the enemy comes in like a roaring lion and comes to steal, kill, or destroy from me, I'm not supposed to mourn and weep, become bitter, or lose faith, but rather be trained to have a mouth memory that begins to declare the Word of God.
What does your muscle memory tell you to do when hard things come our way? What does your mouth memory tell you to do?
Just like my body knows how to pass a volleyball so can my mind, body, and mouth learn to line up with the Word of God in any and all situations. Occasionally I step out on the volleyball court and for one reason or another I mess up. I do something different than what I've been trained to do, but the more I train and the more I fight, the easier it becomes.
I want my actions and mouth to line up with the Word of God in any and all situations, wether it be times of success, failure, hard time, easy time, disappointing circumstances, or exciting moments... in all times praise God and speak the Word.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Faith vs. Hope
As I wrote about in my last blog I am doing an in depth study of faith.
I am learning so much and seeing where my mentor truly knew how badly I needed to go more in depth on my understanding of faith.
I go to a full gospel, non-denominational church, where faith is talked about almost every Sunday and yet so many things taught have not "clicked". I know that many of my readers go to a similar church and many or I might even say most are from a denominational church, such as the Baptist church. I'm so thankful that yal' continue to read my posts even if their are slight disagreements occasionally.
I've always thought I had faith, even strong faith. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God without a doubt in my mind, I believe He died for my sins and resurrected on the third day, and I believe He is coming again. You couldn't talk me out of this belief if I tried, but there is so much more to faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is knowing that God is who He says He is, He'll do what He says He'll do, He did what He said He did.
During this time of study on faith I'm using a few aids along with the Word such as a Faith study course. Today I was reading about the difference in faith and hope.
You see Mark 11:24 says that whatsoever you ask for BELIEVE you receive them and you will have them. Isn't that what faith is? It's asking for something and truly believing that we will receive it before we even have evidence of having them!
I think we've made something negative out of asking God for things and I hope that you all reading know me well enough to know my heart about "things" "mammon" etc. We can ask God for things and it not be a negative thing. We can even ask God for "non-spiritual" things and it be okay. He is Daddy God and He listens to us and knows our hearts.
What I see in Mark 11:24 is that I have to believe I receive it, before I receive it. That is faith. Believing in the unseen. Whether what I asked for was joy, peace, salvation for someone, a bike, an answer, a boat, wisdom, healing, etc... (I use diverse petitions on purpose)
But how many times do I ask and hope for rather than ask and believe I receive? There is a difference between faith and hope. Christ in me the hope of glory, I have a Blessed hope that Jesus Christ will return one day. Hope is believing that something will happen in the future, faith if you notice, is now.
Faith must believe before it receives... you don't need faith for something you already have.
We need to begin to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith as 2 Cor. says. When I come boldly into the throne room of grace ask according to the Word and will of God do I ask in faith, believing I receive?
I think that many times we hope rather than have faith because we can't believe for something we're not sure we have. I don't think this is a lack of "faith" necessarily, I think we question what God's will for our lives is and then we doubt we will receive what we ask. This comes from a pure heart of truly wanting what God wants for our lives, but in order to receive we need to know what the Word says God will do, who He is, what He wants for us, and then we could ask in faith.
Perhaps more on this later,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I am learning so much and seeing where my mentor truly knew how badly I needed to go more in depth on my understanding of faith.
I go to a full gospel, non-denominational church, where faith is talked about almost every Sunday and yet so many things taught have not "clicked". I know that many of my readers go to a similar church and many or I might even say most are from a denominational church, such as the Baptist church. I'm so thankful that yal' continue to read my posts even if their are slight disagreements occasionally.
I've always thought I had faith, even strong faith. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God without a doubt in my mind, I believe He died for my sins and resurrected on the third day, and I believe He is coming again. You couldn't talk me out of this belief if I tried, but there is so much more to faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is knowing that God is who He says He is, He'll do what He says He'll do, He did what He said He did.
During this time of study on faith I'm using a few aids along with the Word such as a Faith study course. Today I was reading about the difference in faith and hope.
You see Mark 11:24 says that whatsoever you ask for BELIEVE you receive them and you will have them. Isn't that what faith is? It's asking for something and truly believing that we will receive it before we even have evidence of having them!
I think we've made something negative out of asking God for things and I hope that you all reading know me well enough to know my heart about "things" "mammon" etc. We can ask God for things and it not be a negative thing. We can even ask God for "non-spiritual" things and it be okay. He is Daddy God and He listens to us and knows our hearts.
What I see in Mark 11:24 is that I have to believe I receive it, before I receive it. That is faith. Believing in the unseen. Whether what I asked for was joy, peace, salvation for someone, a bike, an answer, a boat, wisdom, healing, etc... (I use diverse petitions on purpose)
But how many times do I ask and hope for rather than ask and believe I receive? There is a difference between faith and hope. Christ in me the hope of glory, I have a Blessed hope that Jesus Christ will return one day. Hope is believing that something will happen in the future, faith if you notice, is now.
Faith must believe before it receives... you don't need faith for something you already have.
We need to begin to examine ourselves to see if we are in faith as 2 Cor. says. When I come boldly into the throne room of grace ask according to the Word and will of God do I ask in faith, believing I receive?
I think that many times we hope rather than have faith because we can't believe for something we're not sure we have. I don't think this is a lack of "faith" necessarily, I think we question what God's will for our lives is and then we doubt we will receive what we ask. This comes from a pure heart of truly wanting what God wants for our lives, but in order to receive we need to know what the Word says God will do, who He is, what He wants for us, and then we could ask in faith.
Perhaps more on this later,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
A student
One of the greatest blessings that I am thankful for everyday of my life is that God has always strategically placed mentors in my life. From the time I began to follow the Lord I cannot think of a time that someone didn't walk into my life and take me under their wing. I've had friend's parents, coaches, youth pastors, lead pastors, ministers, counselors, pastor's wives, you name it, God has always provided someone that was willing to pour into me individually.
It's sort of a joke in my circle right now that my love language is correction or discipline. Obviously this isn't my love language but it is a main way that I feel loved. I desire someone in my life who will encourage me but is more than willing to be honest with me and show me areas of my life that I need to grow. Right now my mentor does exactly that and I absolutely LOVE it.
She recently sat me down to explain an area that she saw that needed some work. This was the area of faith.
I knew when she said it how right she was. I have faith, but who couldn't use more? It's amazing what you can stretch your faith out for when dealing with others, but when it comes to your own personal life it's harder. It's hard to believe God will move miraculously when you're the one in the midst of the situation, or you're the one that feels the pain, or you're the one that has the bank account that is low, or you're the one that doesn't feel peace... It's hard to have faith when everything you see tells you the opposite of faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please Him.
We have to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
He is what? He is the I AM. He is everything He says in the Word that He is. I believe God rewards those that diligently seek Him. I've seen Him do it.
I am about to launch into a 9 month personal study of faith. I'm going to dive deep to find everything the Word says about faith and what faith should look like in me. If it takes faith to please Him and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then I want faith and I know where to find it. I'm excited about this and ready to share what God teaches me.
As you check back over the next few months it'll mainly be lessons on faith as I take this journey... and of course my occasional updates :)
I want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
It's sort of a joke in my circle right now that my love language is correction or discipline. Obviously this isn't my love language but it is a main way that I feel loved. I desire someone in my life who will encourage me but is more than willing to be honest with me and show me areas of my life that I need to grow. Right now my mentor does exactly that and I absolutely LOVE it.
She recently sat me down to explain an area that she saw that needed some work. This was the area of faith.
I knew when she said it how right she was. I have faith, but who couldn't use more? It's amazing what you can stretch your faith out for when dealing with others, but when it comes to your own personal life it's harder. It's hard to believe God will move miraculously when you're the one in the midst of the situation, or you're the one that feels the pain, or you're the one that has the bank account that is low, or you're the one that doesn't feel peace... It's hard to have faith when everything you see tells you the opposite of faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please Him.
We have to believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
He is what? He is the I AM. He is everything He says in the Word that He is. I believe God rewards those that diligently seek Him. I've seen Him do it.
I am about to launch into a 9 month personal study of faith. I'm going to dive deep to find everything the Word says about faith and what faith should look like in me. If it takes faith to please Him and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then I want faith and I know where to find it. I'm excited about this and ready to share what God teaches me.
As you check back over the next few months it'll mainly be lessons on faith as I take this journey... and of course my occasional updates :)
I want to please Him.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Fear, Hate, Evil, Love, Compassion
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Prov. 8:13)
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Ps. 97:10)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good (Rom. 12:9)
I have been praying these verses and several others over the last month or so all having to do with asking the Lord for my character to be like His. I pray that I would hate what He hates and love what He loves.
In this process I literally see my heart becoming more compassionate toward people and more disgusted with sin, my sin, your sin, the world's sin. (It's amazing the power of claiming word over yourself everyday.)
Our cry as a bride has been for years Jesus make us like you, we want to be like you, and yet I haven't seen much change. There hasn't been an overwhelming movement of love for others and hatred for sin. Instead I've seen a moving standard. As the world's standards have gone down the drain the church's slowly move with it.
We still have standards and they are better than the world's but they haven't stayed in line with the Word. The Word says we hate evil, we focus on only pure and noble things, we must be pure in heart, full of 1 Cor. 13 love, 1 John says if we don't love our brethren we don't love God (OUCH), Proverbs says any man who doesn't bridle his tongue is a fool, etc. Have we continued to say God I want to BE LIKE YOU. In other words a walking example of Your Word, not some false sense of standard.
Exodus says the fear of the Lord will keep us from sin. Most of you reading this probably have heard my teaching on fear or have listened to the cd (if you haven't I can get a copy for you). We have to understand the difference of the fear of God and a fear of heights, snakes, etc. The fear of God is a reverential fear of who God is and in His presence this grows and grows. The fear of God in your life is shown by your character, do you hate what God hates and love what He loves? Take a look again at Proverbs 8:13.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Perhaps you've been praying now for a long time saying God I want to be like you, make me like Jesus, and yet don't feel like you are improving. Sanctification is a 2 side process. God will do what you can't do, but you have to do what you can. Get into the Word. Begin to claim scriptures over your life everyday.
I want to be like Jesus. I want to hate what He hates, love what He loves, I want to be sickened by sin, and moved to compassion as He was by people. We have to fear God and desire truly to be like Him.
Blessed are the pure and heart for they shall see God--- I WANT TO SEE HIM
Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled--- I WANT TO BE FILLED.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
The fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control. Do we walk in the fruits?
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. (Ps. 97:10)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good (Rom. 12:9)
I have been praying these verses and several others over the last month or so all having to do with asking the Lord for my character to be like His. I pray that I would hate what He hates and love what He loves.
In this process I literally see my heart becoming more compassionate toward people and more disgusted with sin, my sin, your sin, the world's sin. (It's amazing the power of claiming word over yourself everyday.)
Our cry as a bride has been for years Jesus make us like you, we want to be like you, and yet I haven't seen much change. There hasn't been an overwhelming movement of love for others and hatred for sin. Instead I've seen a moving standard. As the world's standards have gone down the drain the church's slowly move with it.
We still have standards and they are better than the world's but they haven't stayed in line with the Word. The Word says we hate evil, we focus on only pure and noble things, we must be pure in heart, full of 1 Cor. 13 love, 1 John says if we don't love our brethren we don't love God (OUCH), Proverbs says any man who doesn't bridle his tongue is a fool, etc. Have we continued to say God I want to BE LIKE YOU. In other words a walking example of Your Word, not some false sense of standard.
Exodus says the fear of the Lord will keep us from sin. Most of you reading this probably have heard my teaching on fear or have listened to the cd (if you haven't I can get a copy for you). We have to understand the difference of the fear of God and a fear of heights, snakes, etc. The fear of God is a reverential fear of who God is and in His presence this grows and grows. The fear of God in your life is shown by your character, do you hate what God hates and love what He loves? Take a look again at Proverbs 8:13.
To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Perhaps you've been praying now for a long time saying God I want to be like you, make me like Jesus, and yet don't feel like you are improving. Sanctification is a 2 side process. God will do what you can't do, but you have to do what you can. Get into the Word. Begin to claim scriptures over your life everyday.
I want to be like Jesus. I want to hate what He hates, love what He loves, I want to be sickened by sin, and moved to compassion as He was by people. We have to fear God and desire truly to be like Him.
Blessed are the pure and heart for they shall see God--- I WANT TO SEE HIM
Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled--- I WANT TO BE FILLED.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
The fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control. Do we walk in the fruits?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
A God Who Walks In the Fire
I woke up meditating on the sheer awesomeness of my Creator this morning.
Bible Story after Bible story flooded my thinking as I was considering how great of a God I serve. (This in and of itself is an answer to prayer because i've been praying Psalms 1 for a while now that I would meditate on the Word day and night)
I thought about Daniel in the lion's den and how we serve a God who shuts the mouths of lions. When a child of God chooses to honor God above all else God comes in to shut the mouth of the enemy. The Word says that the enemy roams around LIKE (not that he is one but he tries to act like one) a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, BUT IT'S OKAY, we serve a God who shuts the mouths of lions.
Now I think about Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. These men were thrown into a fiery furnace 7x hotter than what the normal temperature was. It was so hot that the men that threw them into the furnace were burned!
I want the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I find in our own lives that as we walk towards the fire (any trial) we immediately begin to lose faith. We ask God WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME! WHAT'S GOING ON? WHERE ARE YOU? We begin to second guess our own decisions, perhaps we second guess God, anxiety and worry often set it. Here is these guys' response as they come to face the fire and Nebuchadnezzar asks the men if God will save them from their sure death.
DANIEL 3:
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
In other words: We know our God CAN deliver us, We know our God WILL deliver us our of your hand, but if He doesn't we still serve God.
These men weren't doubting whether God would save them, they were saying no matter my circumstances, in a fire or out, lifted high or very low, alive or burned, God is THE GOD, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, and NONE BUT HIM WILL RECEIVE OUR WORSHIP!
Then the Lord showed up in the midst of the fire. He didn't stand beside it, He didn't reach a hand down and pull them out, He walked into the fire with them. That's my Jesus. That's His Character.
These men had a decision to be beat down, to lose heart, to lose faith, but they STOOD UP UNDER TRIAL, and Jesus came and walked in the fire with them. Even the king yelled out, I thought we only threw three men in the fire, who is that fourth man that looks like a son of the gods?!? (Daniel 3:25)
Then even the king worshipped the God of Shadrech Meshech and Abednego. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. The God of Jessika. The God of you. The Creator of the Universe. The One True God.
So what if? What if often times we're led through fire, so that Jesus can come in and walk with us through it, drawing us closer to Him, and if our faith will stand, if we will not deny the Lord, through the fire others will see Jesus and praise Him.
We serve a God who walks in the fire, will you stand firm in your faith in the midst of fire?
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Bible Story after Bible story flooded my thinking as I was considering how great of a God I serve. (This in and of itself is an answer to prayer because i've been praying Psalms 1 for a while now that I would meditate on the Word day and night)
I thought about Daniel in the lion's den and how we serve a God who shuts the mouths of lions. When a child of God chooses to honor God above all else God comes in to shut the mouth of the enemy. The Word says that the enemy roams around LIKE (not that he is one but he tries to act like one) a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, BUT IT'S OKAY, we serve a God who shuts the mouths of lions.
Now I think about Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. These men were thrown into a fiery furnace 7x hotter than what the normal temperature was. It was so hot that the men that threw them into the furnace were burned!
I want the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I find in our own lives that as we walk towards the fire (any trial) we immediately begin to lose faith. We ask God WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME! WHAT'S GOING ON? WHERE ARE YOU? We begin to second guess our own decisions, perhaps we second guess God, anxiety and worry often set it. Here is these guys' response as they come to face the fire and Nebuchadnezzar asks the men if God will save them from their sure death.
DANIEL 3:
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.] 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
In other words: We know our God CAN deliver us, We know our God WILL deliver us our of your hand, but if He doesn't we still serve God.
These men weren't doubting whether God would save them, they were saying no matter my circumstances, in a fire or out, lifted high or very low, alive or burned, God is THE GOD, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, and NONE BUT HIM WILL RECEIVE OUR WORSHIP!
Then the Lord showed up in the midst of the fire. He didn't stand beside it, He didn't reach a hand down and pull them out, He walked into the fire with them. That's my Jesus. That's His Character.
These men had a decision to be beat down, to lose heart, to lose faith, but they STOOD UP UNDER TRIAL, and Jesus came and walked in the fire with them. Even the king yelled out, I thought we only threw three men in the fire, who is that fourth man that looks like a son of the gods?!? (Daniel 3:25)
Then even the king worshipped the God of Shadrech Meshech and Abednego. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. The God of Jessika. The God of you. The Creator of the Universe. The One True God.
So what if? What if often times we're led through fire, so that Jesus can come in and walk with us through it, drawing us closer to Him, and if our faith will stand, if we will not deny the Lord, through the fire others will see Jesus and praise Him.
We serve a God who walks in the fire, will you stand firm in your faith in the midst of fire?
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Higher Life
Many people have different analogies and metaphors for life. Here are just a few.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.
Life is like a jar of jalapenos (a personal favorite), what you do today may burn your butt tomorrow.
Life is like a carousel, there are times your up and times your down.
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.
You get the point, but no matter what we can compare life to there are a few things about life i've determined. One is that my life has a purpose. A purpose that supersedes anything I may determine as important. A purpose to know God, to be known by Him, to make Him known, and a purpose or assignment that God has made specifically for me. Another thing is that life is too short to waste time.
I remember someone telling me once "we have to be accountable to our anointing". As I think about that statement I want to say we have to make a day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, decision to hold ourselves accountable to our assignment that God has given us.
Life is many different things, it will have many trials, it will have highs lows, successes and failures, but no matter the circumstances or situation we should remember the promises and vision God has given us and remain accountable and faithful to that assignment.
The best example I can give is two specific assignments God has given me and the choice I made to remain accountable to those assignments.
When I was 16 years old I was praying alone in the sanctuary of the church I attended. God spoke to me and said Jessika you will stand behind a pulpit with a crowd larger than this to share the gospel.
I was only 16 and I thought the Lord was CRAZY... however I knew I heard Him, and I trusted Him. So what did I do? If I was supposed to share the gospel I began to dive into the Word like never before. I read the Bible through twice in the year that followed that. I wrote sermons in my spare time. I began writing devotions. I did everything I thought that someone who preached the gospel should be doing. Everyday I prayed for boldness and opportunity to fulfill the assignment I felt God had called me to. Did you know that this assignment didn't come until almost 5 years later when I spoke to a crowd of around 500!!! But for 5 years I held myself accountable to what I knew God had called me to do. I stood firm on His Word, I studied and I prayed to be prepared for the time that it came forth.
The second time was my first call to missions/Africa. I won't restate the whole amazing story because i've already told it so many times in this blog, but I will say I was 18 years old with no desire to go on the mission field and then God spoke to me and told me I'd go to Africa. The very next day I was on the internet searching missions teams and trips. I was researching Africa and what type of missions were done there (I really knew nothing at all about africa or missions). I began to pray daily multiple times a day for God to open a door for me to go, for God to move on the continent (at that time I didn't feel called to any particular country), I prayed for finances to support my trip. This went on for another 2 years until I took my first trip to Africa!
Perhaps you're young and haven't heard God tell you something specific like these two things. Begin to ask God what your assignment is. Ask Him what are some things He wants you to do with your life. But also remember that we all have one calling, many various assignments, but one calling. We are all called to win souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Never let a day go by that you aren't growing deeper in your relationship with Christ by time in worship, prayer, intercession, and Bible study. Don't let a day go by that you aren't sharing the love of Christ to another person, loving others as Christ has loved us.
The enemy loves to get Christians distracted from their God given assignments. Many times we can get so focused on what we've chosen to do that we forget that God has things for us to do. We can be so wrapped up in class, work, eating, resting, shopping, driving, etc. that we don't listen the Holy Spirit as He tries to guide and lead us to do things for the Kingdom.
We talk a lot about the fact that God will never leave us nor forsake us. And it’s true, He is always with us. But we have to admit, His power is not always in manifestation. In Jesus’ life, however, God’s power was constantly in manifestation. Every moment of every hour of every day, Jesus walked in the measureless, manifested power and presence of God because He always did those things that pleased the Father.
I long to live that life of obedience that Christ had. He knew His assignment, He knew why He was on earth, and His lifestyle showed that. His life was not His own, it was all about the Father's will. The things of this world were of no concern to Him.
If you could see what God has for you in the higher life, you would immediately let go of the mundane things of the world. You would drop that junk so fast you wouldn’t even know which way it went. But you’re not going to be able to see it and then make your decision. You have to step into that higher life by faith. You have to lay down your life because the Word says to do it. Then and only then will you discover the wonders that are waiting on the other side of your obedience.
A life that is accountable to it's assignment. Help me Lord.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.
Life is like a jar of jalapenos (a personal favorite), what you do today may burn your butt tomorrow.
Life is like a carousel, there are times your up and times your down.
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.
You get the point, but no matter what we can compare life to there are a few things about life i've determined. One is that my life has a purpose. A purpose that supersedes anything I may determine as important. A purpose to know God, to be known by Him, to make Him known, and a purpose or assignment that God has made specifically for me. Another thing is that life is too short to waste time.
I remember someone telling me once "we have to be accountable to our anointing". As I think about that statement I want to say we have to make a day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, decision to hold ourselves accountable to our assignment that God has given us.
Life is many different things, it will have many trials, it will have highs lows, successes and failures, but no matter the circumstances or situation we should remember the promises and vision God has given us and remain accountable and faithful to that assignment.
The best example I can give is two specific assignments God has given me and the choice I made to remain accountable to those assignments.
When I was 16 years old I was praying alone in the sanctuary of the church I attended. God spoke to me and said Jessika you will stand behind a pulpit with a crowd larger than this to share the gospel.
I was only 16 and I thought the Lord was CRAZY... however I knew I heard Him, and I trusted Him. So what did I do? If I was supposed to share the gospel I began to dive into the Word like never before. I read the Bible through twice in the year that followed that. I wrote sermons in my spare time. I began writing devotions. I did everything I thought that someone who preached the gospel should be doing. Everyday I prayed for boldness and opportunity to fulfill the assignment I felt God had called me to. Did you know that this assignment didn't come until almost 5 years later when I spoke to a crowd of around 500!!! But for 5 years I held myself accountable to what I knew God had called me to do. I stood firm on His Word, I studied and I prayed to be prepared for the time that it came forth.
The second time was my first call to missions/Africa. I won't restate the whole amazing story because i've already told it so many times in this blog, but I will say I was 18 years old with no desire to go on the mission field and then God spoke to me and told me I'd go to Africa. The very next day I was on the internet searching missions teams and trips. I was researching Africa and what type of missions were done there (I really knew nothing at all about africa or missions). I began to pray daily multiple times a day for God to open a door for me to go, for God to move on the continent (at that time I didn't feel called to any particular country), I prayed for finances to support my trip. This went on for another 2 years until I took my first trip to Africa!
Perhaps you're young and haven't heard God tell you something specific like these two things. Begin to ask God what your assignment is. Ask Him what are some things He wants you to do with your life. But also remember that we all have one calling, many various assignments, but one calling. We are all called to win souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Never let a day go by that you aren't growing deeper in your relationship with Christ by time in worship, prayer, intercession, and Bible study. Don't let a day go by that you aren't sharing the love of Christ to another person, loving others as Christ has loved us.
The enemy loves to get Christians distracted from their God given assignments. Many times we can get so focused on what we've chosen to do that we forget that God has things for us to do. We can be so wrapped up in class, work, eating, resting, shopping, driving, etc. that we don't listen the Holy Spirit as He tries to guide and lead us to do things for the Kingdom.
We talk a lot about the fact that God will never leave us nor forsake us. And it’s true, He is always with us. But we have to admit, His power is not always in manifestation. In Jesus’ life, however, God’s power was constantly in manifestation. Every moment of every hour of every day, Jesus walked in the measureless, manifested power and presence of God because He always did those things that pleased the Father.
I long to live that life of obedience that Christ had. He knew His assignment, He knew why He was on earth, and His lifestyle showed that. His life was not His own, it was all about the Father's will. The things of this world were of no concern to Him.
If you could see what God has for you in the higher life, you would immediately let go of the mundane things of the world. You would drop that junk so fast you wouldn’t even know which way it went. But you’re not going to be able to see it and then make your decision. You have to step into that higher life by faith. You have to lay down your life because the Word says to do it. Then and only then will you discover the wonders that are waiting on the other side of your obedience.
A life that is accountable to it's assignment. Help me Lord.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Friday, July 1, 2011
The Problem of Pain
“But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
This is a quote from CS Lewis' "The Problem of Pain".
I read this book a few years ago as I went through a CS Lewis phase and bought practically every book he's ever written and today this quote jumped to my mind.
I've seen a tremendous amount of pain in the last few weeks, some of my own and plenty for others. Death, Divorce, Sickness, Emotional Hurt, Confusion, Failed Attempts, Broken Plans, and Loss of Direction. There's been more than enough pain.
Today I received a phone call from another friend, in pain, and I thought about this quote and I clung to the belief that God speaks to us in our hurts and hope that this person would listen for Him.
There's so much about life that is unexplainable to us in this moment. I will say I am thankful for my personality in that I'm not so much of an analyzer that I need an answer for every situation, I can let life roll and not get to hung up on the things I don't understand, yet I fully realize not everyone has that luxury.
People are built with a hunger for knowledge, a want to explain and understand, especially when the thing we don't understand caused us pain.
When someone young dies, when a girl who was raped gets pregnant, when we worked extremely hard for something to no avail, when we thought we made the right choice and it doesn't work out, when you thought that relationship would work and it didn't, when love fades, when cancer strikes, or simply when life doesn't feel right... questions come, There is a desire for comfort in explanation and knowledge.
We're not wrong for wanting to understand... check this out: Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
My concern is where we choose to get understanding from. In times of pain we want understanding from others (not that this won't happen), perhaps we want God to speak it to us (not that this won't happen either), but the true place of wisdom is straight from the Word.
When life throws a curve ball see what the Word says about it.
First off we know that this hard stuff is going to happen:
1 Peter:
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
or even better look at what Jesus said
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
I know things have been difficult. I know that death, discouragement, disappoint, etc are hard, but the Word promises great reward for those who rejoice and stand firm in suffering (James 1, 1 Peter 1) It's in these times that we get to prove our faith is genuine and remember without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
Standing firm doesn't mean we can't cry, it doesn't mean we can't mourn, it means not losing faith, finding Word to put on our situation, and remembering that weeping is for a time but joy comes in the morning. The Word says to rejoice when faced with these trials.
I know many times my heart has hurt over various situations in the last few weeks and my desire is to be found faithful. To cast my care upon the Lord knowing that He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7), to seek Him and His word for my comfort and understanding. I love this quote.
We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering: it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person ...... the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus. --Oswald Chambers
I don't want to be beat down under trial I want to rise up in faith. My prayers go up and my heart goes out for those hurting in the midst of various trials right now! Breakthrough will come.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
As always,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
This is a quote from CS Lewis' "The Problem of Pain".
I read this book a few years ago as I went through a CS Lewis phase and bought practically every book he's ever written and today this quote jumped to my mind.
I've seen a tremendous amount of pain in the last few weeks, some of my own and plenty for others. Death, Divorce, Sickness, Emotional Hurt, Confusion, Failed Attempts, Broken Plans, and Loss of Direction. There's been more than enough pain.
Today I received a phone call from another friend, in pain, and I thought about this quote and I clung to the belief that God speaks to us in our hurts and hope that this person would listen for Him.
There's so much about life that is unexplainable to us in this moment. I will say I am thankful for my personality in that I'm not so much of an analyzer that I need an answer for every situation, I can let life roll and not get to hung up on the things I don't understand, yet I fully realize not everyone has that luxury.
People are built with a hunger for knowledge, a want to explain and understand, especially when the thing we don't understand caused us pain.
When someone young dies, when a girl who was raped gets pregnant, when we worked extremely hard for something to no avail, when we thought we made the right choice and it doesn't work out, when you thought that relationship would work and it didn't, when love fades, when cancer strikes, or simply when life doesn't feel right... questions come, There is a desire for comfort in explanation and knowledge.
We're not wrong for wanting to understand... check this out: Proverbs 4:7
The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
My concern is where we choose to get understanding from. In times of pain we want understanding from others (not that this won't happen), perhaps we want God to speak it to us (not that this won't happen either), but the true place of wisdom is straight from the Word.
When life throws a curve ball see what the Word says about it.
First off we know that this hard stuff is going to happen:
1 Peter:
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
or even better look at what Jesus said
John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
I know things have been difficult. I know that death, discouragement, disappoint, etc are hard, but the Word promises great reward for those who rejoice and stand firm in suffering (James 1, 1 Peter 1) It's in these times that we get to prove our faith is genuine and remember without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)
Standing firm doesn't mean we can't cry, it doesn't mean we can't mourn, it means not losing faith, finding Word to put on our situation, and remembering that weeping is for a time but joy comes in the morning. The Word says to rejoice when faced with these trials.
I know many times my heart has hurt over various situations in the last few weeks and my desire is to be found faithful. To cast my care upon the Lord knowing that He cares for me (1 Peter 5:7), to seek Him and His word for my comfort and understanding. I love this quote.
We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering: it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person ...... the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus. --Oswald Chambers
I don't want to be beat down under trial I want to rise up in faith. My prayers go up and my heart goes out for those hurting in the midst of various trials right now! Breakthrough will come.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
As always,
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Priorities- A day in the life
Our lives clearly state our priorities...
Examine someone's schedule and you know what they care about...
ouch.
A minute of self examination (kayce clark go ahead and be proud) leads me to scream at this last statement. NO NO NO... Don't judge my priorities by my time, that's not what I really care about.
You know of my love for self-discipline. I crave discipline and work diligently for it. Discipline in my eating habits, exercise, time with God, in my mind, in the cleanliness of my home, in self sacrificing... etc. To me saying that I live a disciplined life would say that my priorities in my heart are clearly priorities in my schedule, but the moment of self-examination tells me otherwise.
If you have the time, do this self examination exercise with me real quick. If you don't, then think about it for a minute. Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Go ahead and make seven columns for the seven days, then make rows for the hours of the day. Start the hours at the typical hour you wake up and you can stop it at the typical time you go to bed. For me I start at 5 a.m. (not that I wake up everyday at 5 a.m. but at least one day a week I do) and I end my day at 11pm (I hardly ever go to bed later than 11). Then account each hour of your day. If you don't have time to do this now, or don't feel like doing all seven days now, do one day. Here is an example of Wednesday for me. (Wednesday was an extreme busy day for me this week, but the day that triggered this blog post).
5 a.m- 6 a.m.- Wake up, Worship, prayer, bible study.. begin coffee and breakfast
6a.m- 7a.m - Getting ready (brush teeth, hair, makeup, dressed etc.) journal for a few minutes, facebook, emails etc.
7:15-9 a.m- coach summer workouts
9-11 a.m- coach middle school volleyball camp
11-11:45 a.m- lunch at subway with boss
11:45-2p-coach elementary school volleyball camp
2p-3p- Get home from camp, rest a few minutes, get prepared for workout
3p-4p- 60 minute run
4p-5p- shower, get dressed, hair, make up etc.
5:15-6:15p- dinner with friends
6:30p-9p- at church
9p-10p- prepare for bed, fbook, emails, twitter, etc... get in bed
This is my whole day on Wednesday. It didn't involve much interaction outside of what was built into the schedule in other words i didn't have a lot of phone calls or texts that day. And it was an abnormally busy work day for the summer for me.
As this past week went on (an extremely busy week for me) I thought about priorities. Does the way my time is spent reflect my priorities? In a 17 hour day the Lord was given a solid 45 minutes. I'm not saying I didn't pray outside of that 45 mintues or think about Him, but He was given 45 minutes of my undivided attention. Work must be a priority in our lives, I'm a firm believer in hard work, but how often do I invite God into my work? Is He acknowledged and relied upon? Is He given my full availability to stop and listen if He speaks or do as the Holy Spirit guides... or does God get 45 minutes of undivided attention only to be put on a shelf for the other 16 hours and 15 minutes?
What profits if I give God 45 minutes of undivided attention and then never allow Him to move me to compassion for others throughout the day, or allow Him to use me to speak to someone, witness, love, minister, pray for etc.
What really is my true priority? I know my heart priorities. I know the things I care deeply about. I know the person I want to be. Does my schedule reflect those priorities?
I'm contemplating priorities this week. What are my true priorities? What are the things I consider priorities and what do I give priority to? Is there a difference? How can I fix that or Can I fix it?
Just some thoughts...
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Examine someone's schedule and you know what they care about...
ouch.
A minute of self examination (kayce clark go ahead and be proud) leads me to scream at this last statement. NO NO NO... Don't judge my priorities by my time, that's not what I really care about.
You know of my love for self-discipline. I crave discipline and work diligently for it. Discipline in my eating habits, exercise, time with God, in my mind, in the cleanliness of my home, in self sacrificing... etc. To me saying that I live a disciplined life would say that my priorities in my heart are clearly priorities in my schedule, but the moment of self-examination tells me otherwise.
If you have the time, do this self examination exercise with me real quick. If you don't, then think about it for a minute. Grab a piece of paper and a pen. Go ahead and make seven columns for the seven days, then make rows for the hours of the day. Start the hours at the typical hour you wake up and you can stop it at the typical time you go to bed. For me I start at 5 a.m. (not that I wake up everyday at 5 a.m. but at least one day a week I do) and I end my day at 11pm (I hardly ever go to bed later than 11). Then account each hour of your day. If you don't have time to do this now, or don't feel like doing all seven days now, do one day. Here is an example of Wednesday for me. (Wednesday was an extreme busy day for me this week, but the day that triggered this blog post).
5 a.m- 6 a.m.- Wake up, Worship, prayer, bible study.. begin coffee and breakfast
6a.m- 7a.m - Getting ready (brush teeth, hair, makeup, dressed etc.) journal for a few minutes, facebook, emails etc.
7:15-9 a.m- coach summer workouts
9-11 a.m- coach middle school volleyball camp
11-11:45 a.m- lunch at subway with boss
11:45-2p-coach elementary school volleyball camp
2p-3p- Get home from camp, rest a few minutes, get prepared for workout
3p-4p- 60 minute run
4p-5p- shower, get dressed, hair, make up etc.
5:15-6:15p- dinner with friends
6:30p-9p- at church
9p-10p- prepare for bed, fbook, emails, twitter, etc... get in bed
This is my whole day on Wednesday. It didn't involve much interaction outside of what was built into the schedule in other words i didn't have a lot of phone calls or texts that day. And it was an abnormally busy work day for the summer for me.
As this past week went on (an extremely busy week for me) I thought about priorities. Does the way my time is spent reflect my priorities? In a 17 hour day the Lord was given a solid 45 minutes. I'm not saying I didn't pray outside of that 45 mintues or think about Him, but He was given 45 minutes of my undivided attention. Work must be a priority in our lives, I'm a firm believer in hard work, but how often do I invite God into my work? Is He acknowledged and relied upon? Is He given my full availability to stop and listen if He speaks or do as the Holy Spirit guides... or does God get 45 minutes of undivided attention only to be put on a shelf for the other 16 hours and 15 minutes?
What profits if I give God 45 minutes of undivided attention and then never allow Him to move me to compassion for others throughout the day, or allow Him to use me to speak to someone, witness, love, minister, pray for etc.
What really is my true priority? I know my heart priorities. I know the things I care deeply about. I know the person I want to be. Does my schedule reflect those priorities?
I'm contemplating priorities this week. What are my true priorities? What are the things I consider priorities and what do I give priority to? Is there a difference? How can I fix that or Can I fix it?
Just some thoughts...
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Friday, June 3, 2011
From a coach
I've been thinking a lot about victory.
I heard an announcer say "And the team went on to victory, but it was short lived due to a loss on...".
Sports. They're a huge part of my life, I'm a coach, ironically I hardly every watch them on tv. In fact, I'd much rather sit down and watch the hallmark channel, a chickflick, perhaps life time, anything with julia roberts or dolly parton, than watch a sports game. All professional sports get on my nerves and it has to be the right team to get me to sit through an entire college game, but I digress.
In sports, victory is often time indeed short lived. The sweet aroma and emotional high of winning can as easily be followed by the crushing depression of a loss. Perhaps I'm over exaggerating for the majority of the population and most likely for most of the readers of this blog, BUT when you are directly influenced and connected with the game the results have a greater effect on you.
For instance, if you go to the school of the team that's playing, you're more involved than someone who doesn't, if you know someone personally on the team, you're more involved than someone who doesn't, if you're a parent of a player, you're more involved than someone who isn't, if you're the coach, you're more involved than someone who isn't, if you're a player, you're more involved than someone who isn't. Do you see how involvement causes more emotion than not being involved?
As a coach you win some, you lose some, but every game goes to heart. There's not a single loss that I didn't go home and spend time thinking about, praying about, what could I/we/them/us done differently. I was directly tied into the match. Wether it was a win or a loss it invoked emotion.
As a Christian I stand on a battlefield. I see two teams and the battle has never stopped, I won't lie, often times I can't tell who is really winning. I'll look one moment and it'll seem as though we're bruised, beaten, bloody, and lying down with no hope of recovery, then i'll turn and it'll seem as though we're 5,000 strong against 2.
Because we are directly involved in this match, it often times produces high emotion. Of course when things are going rough we get frustrated, of course when things are going smooth we're happy. You're directly involved.
This morning I got a revelation in my heart. It's one we've all been taught most likely since day one of our journey with Christ. The revelation is I win.
The coach would not sweat and throw their clipboard if they knew what the final score would be, yet here I am. Often times weary, anxious, exhausted from fighting, wondering if we'll make it out okay, when all along I've known who wins. Our perception of the game must change.
I read a quote yesterday. Truth is universal, but perception of truth is not.
If we're watching the game specifically at the 3rd quarter at 4 minutes and 37 seconds our emotions will be directly tied to whoever is winning or losing at 4 minutes and 37 seconds. However, if it's a recording and we already heard who wins, why would we care who seems to be winning at 4 minutes and 37 seconds? You know the final outcome!!!
The emotions of a winner aren't of despair and let's be honest though the athletes might have been haunched over for breath in the final seconds of the game, when the buzzer goes off they're running around jumping and yelling like a new found energy has found their way into their system. Winning will invoke joyful emotion and cause a weary person to act as though they have new life.
Well, I win and what emotion is that causing for me?
I can be down in points, but I know when the buzzer goes off who will win. We can't grow weary, we can't hold back, we can't relax, the truth is though I know who wins in this battle for me, there's many others who are on the losing side and they need us to come share with them what we know.
Victory in the life of a Christian is not short lived and will never be short lived. A team may win one and turn around and lose another, but I'm in a match where I WILL WIN. It may be hard and I may feel down, but circumstances aren't always what they seem. Faith is believing in what's not seen, faith is knowing the truth given to us in the Word of God despite what things may look like, faith is knowing that even though I'm sore from the battle, Christ did give us the victory.
Galatains 6:9- Don't grow weary in doing good for in due time you will reap a harvest if you endure to the end.
1 Peter 5:7- Cast your anxieties upon Him for He cares for you.
Proverbs 24:10- If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.
Hebrews 4:15- For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Just a few scriptures I've been clinging to lately.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I heard an announcer say "And the team went on to victory, but it was short lived due to a loss on...".
Sports. They're a huge part of my life, I'm a coach, ironically I hardly every watch them on tv. In fact, I'd much rather sit down and watch the hallmark channel, a chickflick, perhaps life time, anything with julia roberts or dolly parton, than watch a sports game. All professional sports get on my nerves and it has to be the right team to get me to sit through an entire college game, but I digress.
In sports, victory is often time indeed short lived. The sweet aroma and emotional high of winning can as easily be followed by the crushing depression of a loss. Perhaps I'm over exaggerating for the majority of the population and most likely for most of the readers of this blog, BUT when you are directly influenced and connected with the game the results have a greater effect on you.
For instance, if you go to the school of the team that's playing, you're more involved than someone who doesn't, if you know someone personally on the team, you're more involved than someone who doesn't, if you're a parent of a player, you're more involved than someone who isn't, if you're the coach, you're more involved than someone who isn't, if you're a player, you're more involved than someone who isn't. Do you see how involvement causes more emotion than not being involved?
As a coach you win some, you lose some, but every game goes to heart. There's not a single loss that I didn't go home and spend time thinking about, praying about, what could I/we/them/us done differently. I was directly tied into the match. Wether it was a win or a loss it invoked emotion.
As a Christian I stand on a battlefield. I see two teams and the battle has never stopped, I won't lie, often times I can't tell who is really winning. I'll look one moment and it'll seem as though we're bruised, beaten, bloody, and lying down with no hope of recovery, then i'll turn and it'll seem as though we're 5,000 strong against 2.
Because we are directly involved in this match, it often times produces high emotion. Of course when things are going rough we get frustrated, of course when things are going smooth we're happy. You're directly involved.
This morning I got a revelation in my heart. It's one we've all been taught most likely since day one of our journey with Christ. The revelation is I win.
The coach would not sweat and throw their clipboard if they knew what the final score would be, yet here I am. Often times weary, anxious, exhausted from fighting, wondering if we'll make it out okay, when all along I've known who wins. Our perception of the game must change.
I read a quote yesterday. Truth is universal, but perception of truth is not.
If we're watching the game specifically at the 3rd quarter at 4 minutes and 37 seconds our emotions will be directly tied to whoever is winning or losing at 4 minutes and 37 seconds. However, if it's a recording and we already heard who wins, why would we care who seems to be winning at 4 minutes and 37 seconds? You know the final outcome!!!
The emotions of a winner aren't of despair and let's be honest though the athletes might have been haunched over for breath in the final seconds of the game, when the buzzer goes off they're running around jumping and yelling like a new found energy has found their way into their system. Winning will invoke joyful emotion and cause a weary person to act as though they have new life.
Well, I win and what emotion is that causing for me?
I can be down in points, but I know when the buzzer goes off who will win. We can't grow weary, we can't hold back, we can't relax, the truth is though I know who wins in this battle for me, there's many others who are on the losing side and they need us to come share with them what we know.
Victory in the life of a Christian is not short lived and will never be short lived. A team may win one and turn around and lose another, but I'm in a match where I WILL WIN. It may be hard and I may feel down, but circumstances aren't always what they seem. Faith is believing in what's not seen, faith is knowing the truth given to us in the Word of God despite what things may look like, faith is knowing that even though I'm sore from the battle, Christ did give us the victory.
Galatains 6:9- Don't grow weary in doing good for in due time you will reap a harvest if you endure to the end.
1 Peter 5:7- Cast your anxieties upon Him for He cares for you.
Proverbs 24:10- If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small.
Hebrews 4:15- For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Just a few scriptures I've been clinging to lately.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Monday, May 16, 2011
Will You Enjoy Me? PART THREE, THE FINALE'
I stopped the last blog with quoting Psalms 16:11 that says in the presence of God is fullness of joy and I posed a question I hope you have reflected on. I asked if in the presence of God is the fullness of joy then should't we be enJOYing God?
The last part of this blogging tirade I have been on I want to simply discuss God enjoying us and how we enjoy God. I don't think after reading these last two parts of this blog or perhaps even before reading this blog you would argue with me that God is meant to be enjoyed.
When I think about someone enjoying God I immediately think of the life of David. I can recall several instances that just display David's heart, His love and zeal to know God, He enjoyed being with and serving God.
How else do you dance around like a mad man in front of people and when questioned on your actions say that you will continue to celebrate the Lord and become even more undignified!
or my favorite picture of David's relationship with God that is found in Psalms 27:4
"One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."
David just wanted to be with God. I truly believe David studied God. He made God His personal pursuit, the One he looked to. David pursued to know God's heart.
I think perhaps one reason David could so enjoy God is that David had an understanding of how God enjoyed Him. David knew whose who he was.
We need to understand the concept that God enjoys us. We need to step out of our ways of thinking to get a glimpse of what God sees. God sees the blood of Jesus. I don't want to get into abusing grace and our responsibility in sanctification, so let me just say we know that those who have been born to God must die to sin. So when I ask for forgiveness God looks at me and He sees that blood, that blood that washes away the sin, He can enjoy me because the price was paid for us to be intimate with our Father. God isn't the one condemning me that is the enemy.
I reposted an old blog title on my facebook the other day, it's in my blog, by the title of "I'm not a beggar I'm a daughter". In that blog I say that the enemy doesn't care what lie He has to tell us, He just wants to keep me from the revelation that I'm a Daughter (or Son for you guys). If I don't understand my relationship with the Father that He paid a price for me, that He loves me, that He wants me, that He enjoys me, that He's not constantly waiting to tell me everything I've done wrong and what I need to fix, and how I have to be better, and that I need to grow up, and that I'm not good at this and I'm not good at that, and I should have witnessed to that person, and He wanted me to do this but I wans't listening............ ETC! God isn't constantly waiting to correct me, He's constantly waiting for me to enjoy Him.
If we come to a place where we enjoy Him, we'll want to spend time with Him, and if we spend time with Him WE WILL BECOME MORE LIKE HIM. Time with God changes us. It molds us. When you get a glimpse of the heart of the Father it does something supernaturally that invokes change, it invokes a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to walk like Him, to talk like Him, to BE LIKE HIM.
Do you see this glorious cycle? God wants to be enjoyed. Let me talk to you about how this has changed my life.
The revelation has hit my heart that God enjoys me. Because I KNOW it (not just mentally, but in every essence) I'm not living under condemnation and I'm not ashamed. I never knew I was ashamed, but now I can see that I was. I hardly ever opened up a single prayer without begging for forgiveness (repentance is a good thing I'm not discrediting that) and when you're constantly feeling like you should be better you don't really feel like you can just talk to God about the simple things, because maybe He's still mad, maybe He thinks I need to fix a few things before I deserve what I'm asking for...
Now remember what I said. . . I was constantly being attacked with lies from the enemy, some i believed, some i didn't, some i listened to, some i didn't, some i listened to for a while and then stood against... so as I let you in on some things that went through my head, remember that this mental battle is one I was constantly fighting. I knew these lies were lies, I just struggled to fight them off all the time.
I've found my prayer life grow tremendously since this experience. I'm talking to God constantly. I'm asking Him questions, I'm telling Him how awesome He is, I'm listening for His voice, because I know He's going to speak to me throughout the day, it's not that He couldn't, wouldn't, didn't before, it's that now more than ever I truly want to HEAR Him throughout the day. Him asking me to do something or speaking to me isn't an inconvenience, it's a joy! I'm asking for things because I know I'm His daughter and If I ask, I'll receive.
I'm finding some boldness I didn't have before. Today in class I felt God telling me to talk to a young girl, so I got bold, I told her if she died today she'd go to hell and I really didn't want that to happen. She admitted that I was right. Her and 2 of her friends are coming to church Sunday. God knew she was ready to hear the truth.
Now I know that you all know that I prayed before, I witnessed before, I did those things, but it feels different, it's more intimate than before. It's not out of duty, it's not out of obligation, it's out of enjoyment, it's out of love.
I find that I am honestly just more joyful, funny, all I have to do is think about God enjoying me and it makes me put things into perspective.
I want to know God's heart, I want to know His emotions, I want to be a woman after His heart, I want to hear Him speak to me throughout the day, I want to be in tune with Him, so that He can use me to do work for His Kingdom. Enjoying Him isn't hard when you get that He enjoys you. Spend time with Him, let Him be God, it's easy to enjoy God even when life around you seems miserable, He's a rock to run to, a pleasant escape.
There's more things I'm learning and more things that have happened in me and in my circumstances, but I think this is a good place to close up shop for now. I'm going to be spending more time studying the Word on this topic. Really digging deep into the character of God, how He enjoys us, and us enjoying Him.
Let the realization of God enjoying you captivate your heart, you'll never be the same.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
The last part of this blogging tirade I have been on I want to simply discuss God enjoying us and how we enjoy God. I don't think after reading these last two parts of this blog or perhaps even before reading this blog you would argue with me that God is meant to be enjoyed.
When I think about someone enjoying God I immediately think of the life of David. I can recall several instances that just display David's heart, His love and zeal to know God, He enjoyed being with and serving God.
How else do you dance around like a mad man in front of people and when questioned on your actions say that you will continue to celebrate the Lord and become even more undignified!
or my favorite picture of David's relationship with God that is found in Psalms 27:4
"One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple."
David just wanted to be with God. I truly believe David studied God. He made God His personal pursuit, the One he looked to. David pursued to know God's heart.
I think perhaps one reason David could so enjoy God is that David had an understanding of how God enjoyed Him. David knew whose who he was.
We need to understand the concept that God enjoys us. We need to step out of our ways of thinking to get a glimpse of what God sees. God sees the blood of Jesus. I don't want to get into abusing grace and our responsibility in sanctification, so let me just say we know that those who have been born to God must die to sin. So when I ask for forgiveness God looks at me and He sees that blood, that blood that washes away the sin, He can enjoy me because the price was paid for us to be intimate with our Father. God isn't the one condemning me that is the enemy.
I reposted an old blog title on my facebook the other day, it's in my blog, by the title of "I'm not a beggar I'm a daughter". In that blog I say that the enemy doesn't care what lie He has to tell us, He just wants to keep me from the revelation that I'm a Daughter (or Son for you guys). If I don't understand my relationship with the Father that He paid a price for me, that He loves me, that He wants me, that He enjoys me, that He's not constantly waiting to tell me everything I've done wrong and what I need to fix, and how I have to be better, and that I need to grow up, and that I'm not good at this and I'm not good at that, and I should have witnessed to that person, and He wanted me to do this but I wans't listening............ ETC! God isn't constantly waiting to correct me, He's constantly waiting for me to enjoy Him.
If we come to a place where we enjoy Him, we'll want to spend time with Him, and if we spend time with Him WE WILL BECOME MORE LIKE HIM. Time with God changes us. It molds us. When you get a glimpse of the heart of the Father it does something supernaturally that invokes change, it invokes a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to walk like Him, to talk like Him, to BE LIKE HIM.
Do you see this glorious cycle? God wants to be enjoyed. Let me talk to you about how this has changed my life.
The revelation has hit my heart that God enjoys me. Because I KNOW it (not just mentally, but in every essence) I'm not living under condemnation and I'm not ashamed. I never knew I was ashamed, but now I can see that I was. I hardly ever opened up a single prayer without begging for forgiveness (repentance is a good thing I'm not discrediting that) and when you're constantly feeling like you should be better you don't really feel like you can just talk to God about the simple things, because maybe He's still mad, maybe He thinks I need to fix a few things before I deserve what I'm asking for...
Now remember what I said. . . I was constantly being attacked with lies from the enemy, some i believed, some i didn't, some i listened to, some i didn't, some i listened to for a while and then stood against... so as I let you in on some things that went through my head, remember that this mental battle is one I was constantly fighting. I knew these lies were lies, I just struggled to fight them off all the time.
I've found my prayer life grow tremendously since this experience. I'm talking to God constantly. I'm asking Him questions, I'm telling Him how awesome He is, I'm listening for His voice, because I know He's going to speak to me throughout the day, it's not that He couldn't, wouldn't, didn't before, it's that now more than ever I truly want to HEAR Him throughout the day. Him asking me to do something or speaking to me isn't an inconvenience, it's a joy! I'm asking for things because I know I'm His daughter and If I ask, I'll receive.
I'm finding some boldness I didn't have before. Today in class I felt God telling me to talk to a young girl, so I got bold, I told her if she died today she'd go to hell and I really didn't want that to happen. She admitted that I was right. Her and 2 of her friends are coming to church Sunday. God knew she was ready to hear the truth.
Now I know that you all know that I prayed before, I witnessed before, I did those things, but it feels different, it's more intimate than before. It's not out of duty, it's not out of obligation, it's out of enjoyment, it's out of love.
I find that I am honestly just more joyful, funny, all I have to do is think about God enjoying me and it makes me put things into perspective.
I want to know God's heart, I want to know His emotions, I want to be a woman after His heart, I want to hear Him speak to me throughout the day, I want to be in tune with Him, so that He can use me to do work for His Kingdom. Enjoying Him isn't hard when you get that He enjoys you. Spend time with Him, let Him be God, it's easy to enjoy God even when life around you seems miserable, He's a rock to run to, a pleasant escape.
There's more things I'm learning and more things that have happened in me and in my circumstances, but I think this is a good place to close up shop for now. I'm going to be spending more time studying the Word on this topic. Really digging deep into the character of God, how He enjoys us, and us enjoying Him.
Let the realization of God enjoying you captivate your heart, you'll never be the same.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Will you enjoy me? PART TWO
If you haven't read "Will You Enjoy Me? PART ONE" go check that out because this blog won't matter as much without it.
So here I was I'd had an incredible few hours where I really felt the presence of God in the room with me, talking with me, molding me, teaching me, showing me, changing me... It is an experience like no other I've ever had before.
I ended the last blog with telling you some about that night and how we were created to be enjoyed by God. Not only are we created to be enjoyed by Him, but we are created to enjoy Him. Here is an excerpt from the end of the last blog and then we'll start again from there.
"Christ paid a price for His bride, He wants to be with her, He enjoys us! He likes me. He likes spending time with me, He likes watching me flourish and grow, He loves when I come to Him and admit my faults and my hurts, my aches my pains, my concerns. He likes to watch me coach because I love it. He enjoys me living life and enjoying the life that He gave me and the truth is He wants me to enjoy Him as much as He enjoys me."
At about 5:15 that morning I finally laid back down to sleep. I had spent a night in prayer, worship, and learning. I'd even made a phone call and sent a few emails to people for different reasons that I had felt impressed on during that time with the Lord. As I laid my head on my pillow, I thanked God for that night, I asked for strength for the following BUSY day, and the last thing I remember saying as I fell asleep was this "God I want to enjoy You, I want to know what that means, I want to know what it feels like, show me that this is real"
As awesome as that night was and as much as I was thankful for it and I did enjoy it, I still didn't quite comprehend this enjoy God thing. I know you could say I'm slow, but it's hard for me to say I get that I can daily enjoy God the way I daily enjoy my best friend, a romantic relationship, a parent etc. and if God was saying that I could have that then I want it. Yes, gasp with extreme disappointment, but like I said, I'm changed, I've found something new for me, and I'm going to put it all out there in hopes that someone else will catch on to this...
I am and have been a passionate Christian. When I was 15 years old I caught on fire with enthusiasm for God. It has been a journey of some ups some downs some successes and some failures, but I have been passionate about Him since that point when God spoke to me as a teenager while I was drunk in my bed after a party. I love Him. I hear Him speak and I know His voice, I spend time with Him, read the Word, do missions, love on people and LOVE SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST... but I was all that and I still wasn't enjoying God everyday of my life.
I woke up at 6 a.m. to head to a training with Redeemed ministries to help rescue women in the Houston area out of sex trafficking. I was just driving down the road, early, sleepy, and excited about the training.
I'm not too sure the best way to explain what happened and some may chalk it up to charasmatic emotion and if you want to devalue it to that level, it's definitely your choice. As I drove I wasn't worshiping, I wasn't praying, I was just driving and something hit me like a brick. It was this overwhelming reality of the love of God for me. It so impressed me internally that it had external effects. I began to weep, uncontrollably weep, as I could barely mutter words of "Jesus, thank you". I had to pull over. You would think it'd stop, it didn't, I cried more, then after crying, I laughed. When all of this was finished I just sat to listen.
God spoke to my Spirit. "Will you enjoy me like I enjoy you?"
I've read the Beatitudes a billion times, but as I read them not long after the experience in my car this stuck out to me.
"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh".
We've all heard the scripture that the Joy of the Lord is our strength and I think we all know the reason that it must be our strength is because God is never changing. Our joy will be constant if we find our joy in Him. My joy will be constant because I know that Christ died for me, so that I could have relationship with God. A relationship where He enjoys me and I enjoy Him!
Check out this passage of scripture from Psalm 16:
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
WOW. In His presence is fullness of joy, if in His presence is fullness of joy doesn't that mean that I should enJOY Him?
I think I'm going to leave you with this thought. It looks like this will be longer than 2 blogs... part 3 to follow when I have time.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
So here I was I'd had an incredible few hours where I really felt the presence of God in the room with me, talking with me, molding me, teaching me, showing me, changing me... It is an experience like no other I've ever had before.
I ended the last blog with telling you some about that night and how we were created to be enjoyed by God. Not only are we created to be enjoyed by Him, but we are created to enjoy Him. Here is an excerpt from the end of the last blog and then we'll start again from there.
"Christ paid a price for His bride, He wants to be with her, He enjoys us! He likes me. He likes spending time with me, He likes watching me flourish and grow, He loves when I come to Him and admit my faults and my hurts, my aches my pains, my concerns. He likes to watch me coach because I love it. He enjoys me living life and enjoying the life that He gave me and the truth is He wants me to enjoy Him as much as He enjoys me."
At about 5:15 that morning I finally laid back down to sleep. I had spent a night in prayer, worship, and learning. I'd even made a phone call and sent a few emails to people for different reasons that I had felt impressed on during that time with the Lord. As I laid my head on my pillow, I thanked God for that night, I asked for strength for the following BUSY day, and the last thing I remember saying as I fell asleep was this "God I want to enjoy You, I want to know what that means, I want to know what it feels like, show me that this is real"
As awesome as that night was and as much as I was thankful for it and I did enjoy it, I still didn't quite comprehend this enjoy God thing. I know you could say I'm slow, but it's hard for me to say I get that I can daily enjoy God the way I daily enjoy my best friend, a romantic relationship, a parent etc. and if God was saying that I could have that then I want it. Yes, gasp with extreme disappointment, but like I said, I'm changed, I've found something new for me, and I'm going to put it all out there in hopes that someone else will catch on to this...
I am and have been a passionate Christian. When I was 15 years old I caught on fire with enthusiasm for God. It has been a journey of some ups some downs some successes and some failures, but I have been passionate about Him since that point when God spoke to me as a teenager while I was drunk in my bed after a party. I love Him. I hear Him speak and I know His voice, I spend time with Him, read the Word, do missions, love on people and LOVE SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST... but I was all that and I still wasn't enjoying God everyday of my life.
I woke up at 6 a.m. to head to a training with Redeemed ministries to help rescue women in the Houston area out of sex trafficking. I was just driving down the road, early, sleepy, and excited about the training.
I'm not too sure the best way to explain what happened and some may chalk it up to charasmatic emotion and if you want to devalue it to that level, it's definitely your choice. As I drove I wasn't worshiping, I wasn't praying, I was just driving and something hit me like a brick. It was this overwhelming reality of the love of God for me. It so impressed me internally that it had external effects. I began to weep, uncontrollably weep, as I could barely mutter words of "Jesus, thank you". I had to pull over. You would think it'd stop, it didn't, I cried more, then after crying, I laughed. When all of this was finished I just sat to listen.
God spoke to my Spirit. "Will you enjoy me like I enjoy you?"
I've read the Beatitudes a billion times, but as I read them not long after the experience in my car this stuck out to me.
"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh".
We've all heard the scripture that the Joy of the Lord is our strength and I think we all know the reason that it must be our strength is because God is never changing. Our joy will be constant if we find our joy in Him. My joy will be constant because I know that Christ died for me, so that I could have relationship with God. A relationship where He enjoys me and I enjoy Him!
Check out this passage of scripture from Psalm 16:
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
WOW. In His presence is fullness of joy, if in His presence is fullness of joy doesn't that mean that I should enJOY Him?
I think I'm going to leave you with this thought. It looks like this will be longer than 2 blogs... part 3 to follow when I have time.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Will you enjoy Me? (this is me being vulnerable) PART ONE
I have been touched this week, I have been changed and it's with a message that I want the world to hear. So I'll start with my first platform, this blog... then I'll move to my other platforms the Lord has given me and any other He opens up... I'll shout it from rooftops if I need to. As you read this blog, know that I am opening up some of the things that I've felt and have hardly talked to anyone about, in an effort that others will be touched too!
Let me first say I should have known that breakthrough was coming. The past two weeks have been rough. I've been attacked physically and emotionally. I had some hard circumstances, I had to make tough decisions, some hurt, some came easily, some I may not fully understand even now. As I was sitting at my mentor's house on Saturday having lunch I was telling her about what all had happened in the past 12 hours (yes most of this came from one 7 hour night of just me and God) and she said well I knew that God was about to do something big in your life because look at all the preparation, resistance, and growing you just went through! I was like what are you talking about? I just went through 2 really bad weeks. She said if you think about them as bad you're never going to stick with this, but if you look at them as a growing period, a time where God is trying to do something and the enemy is trying to stop it, you'll grow through it. Gosh, she's always right. So I should have known breakthrough was coming, I went through a not so fun growing period.
Let me just dive in and explain circumstances so I can explain my revelation. Friday night I laid down to sleep and just COULD NOT SLEEP. I began to pray (mainly to get some sleep I had to be up at 6 AM to head to Houston the next morning!) and then I would lay my head down tossing and turning for another 10 minutes. Finally (light bulb) I said God do you just need me to shut up and listen? I got up out of bed to really say "Lord here I am, I really am listening". He spoke. God is faithful like that. He said draw near to me and I'll draw near to you (James 4:8) He didn't say He might. He said He would, so when I got up and said okay God I'm listening for YOU, He came near. God speaks to me the way I wish more people would speak to me, to the point, direct, loving and compassionate, but not beating around the bush. He said "You don't enjoy me".
Those of you who have heard me speak know (I tell on myself a lot in messages) I for some reason argue with God. You would think after years of doing this walk and realizing He never says anything that's not true that I would just be a "Yes Lord" kind of gal, but not yet, i'm working on it. I responded to Him. "GOD! I DO ENJOY YOU. I love you. I pray, I read my Bible, I sing, I dance, I worship, I ENJOY YOU!".... AGAIN HE SAYS "You don't enjoy me". I respond.... "God if you're saying I don't enjoy you then fine you're going to have to teach me what you mean and how to do it, because I obviously don't understand!"
The next 5-6 hours were spend praying, listening, worshiping, and feeling impressed to do certain things, feeling convicted about certain things. God basically showed me how I have made my relationship with Him a job.
My personality is task oriented. Make me a list and I'll get it done. I am a hard worker (thank you randy tate for instilling this into me). Just tell me what to do and I will get it done. At some point I applied this to Christianity. This is not to say I haven't had a relationship with the Lord for the past few months and it's not even to say it became routine, it's to say that I lived in constant condemnation and in over achiever mode. I read the bible in 90 days because I just knew I needed to get more Word, I would wake up at 4:30 to read and pray because I just needed to be a better daughter, I'd do this do that do this... etc. All the while still feeling like it wasn't good enough I HAD TO DO MORE IF I WAS EVER GOING TO BE WHO GOD WANTED ME TO BE. I had to spend more time in prayer, get less sleep, lay around less, do more work, be at the church more, help out more, read the Bible more, preach better, witness more, share Christ more. etc.
Can I stop and say one thing. All of those are good things. All of those are true, we should be doing more. It wasn't what I was doing that was wrong, it was my mind set, I wouldn't even say it was my heart. My heart was that I wanted to be the best Christian I could be, the best Child of God I could be, the best friend I could be, the best person I could be, the best teacher/coach I could be, the best youth worker, the best speaker, I just wanted to reach my potential, but through it all I still just felt discouraged like I would never be good enough to really achieve what God has in store for my life. I would go through a sort of roller coaster emotions as I would spend time with the Lord and feel His love, grace, peace, and mercy then I would feel like I still am not doing enough, I still need to do more, "my God why isn't the whole 6th grade saved yet I've been teaching here a year?!?" I know it sounds laughable when you write it out, but I seriously battled condemnation.
As the night wore on with the Lord, I felt His tangible presence. He did convict me of a few things I needed to change, tangible decisions that needed to be made, but He also showed me how condemnation flees when I realize He enjoys me.
Whoa. Hold up, wait a minute, the God of the universe enjoys me? But, I'm not where I should be, tons of kids aren't flocking to me to lead them to Christ, the alter isn't always flooded after I give a message, I broke a clip board in class the other day because I lost my temper, how can you say you enjoy me?!? This is the revelation that needs to spread from the pulpit to the pews when Christ died to cover your sins, HE COVERED YOUR SINS! God sent Jesus to break down the middle wall of separation and bring you to HIMSELF, WHY? Because He created you so that He could enjoy you.
You don't marry someone you don't enjoy being with (it's sad we have to alter that statement in today's society, but you know what I mean). Christ paid a price for His bride, He wants to be with her, He enjoys us! He likes me. He likes spending time with me, He likes watching me flourish and grow, He loves when I come to Him and admit my faults and my hurts, my aches my pains, my concerns. He likes to watch me coach because I love it. He enjoys me living life and enjoying the life that He gave me and the truth is He wants me to enjoy Him as much as He enjoys me.
I could talk about enjoying Him for another 16 passages, but i know the longer this gets the less people will read it to the end, so we'll make this part one and I'll continue talking about what happened next and what enjoying Him means in the next blog.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Let me first say I should have known that breakthrough was coming. The past two weeks have been rough. I've been attacked physically and emotionally. I had some hard circumstances, I had to make tough decisions, some hurt, some came easily, some I may not fully understand even now. As I was sitting at my mentor's house on Saturday having lunch I was telling her about what all had happened in the past 12 hours (yes most of this came from one 7 hour night of just me and God) and she said well I knew that God was about to do something big in your life because look at all the preparation, resistance, and growing you just went through! I was like what are you talking about? I just went through 2 really bad weeks. She said if you think about them as bad you're never going to stick with this, but if you look at them as a growing period, a time where God is trying to do something and the enemy is trying to stop it, you'll grow through it. Gosh, she's always right. So I should have known breakthrough was coming, I went through a not so fun growing period.
Let me just dive in and explain circumstances so I can explain my revelation. Friday night I laid down to sleep and just COULD NOT SLEEP. I began to pray (mainly to get some sleep I had to be up at 6 AM to head to Houston the next morning!) and then I would lay my head down tossing and turning for another 10 minutes. Finally (light bulb) I said God do you just need me to shut up and listen? I got up out of bed to really say "Lord here I am, I really am listening". He spoke. God is faithful like that. He said draw near to me and I'll draw near to you (James 4:8) He didn't say He might. He said He would, so when I got up and said okay God I'm listening for YOU, He came near. God speaks to me the way I wish more people would speak to me, to the point, direct, loving and compassionate, but not beating around the bush. He said "You don't enjoy me".
Those of you who have heard me speak know (I tell on myself a lot in messages) I for some reason argue with God. You would think after years of doing this walk and realizing He never says anything that's not true that I would just be a "Yes Lord" kind of gal, but not yet, i'm working on it. I responded to Him. "GOD! I DO ENJOY YOU. I love you. I pray, I read my Bible, I sing, I dance, I worship, I ENJOY YOU!".... AGAIN HE SAYS "You don't enjoy me". I respond.... "God if you're saying I don't enjoy you then fine you're going to have to teach me what you mean and how to do it, because I obviously don't understand!"
The next 5-6 hours were spend praying, listening, worshiping, and feeling impressed to do certain things, feeling convicted about certain things. God basically showed me how I have made my relationship with Him a job.
My personality is task oriented. Make me a list and I'll get it done. I am a hard worker (thank you randy tate for instilling this into me). Just tell me what to do and I will get it done. At some point I applied this to Christianity. This is not to say I haven't had a relationship with the Lord for the past few months and it's not even to say it became routine, it's to say that I lived in constant condemnation and in over achiever mode. I read the bible in 90 days because I just knew I needed to get more Word, I would wake up at 4:30 to read and pray because I just needed to be a better daughter, I'd do this do that do this... etc. All the while still feeling like it wasn't good enough I HAD TO DO MORE IF I WAS EVER GOING TO BE WHO GOD WANTED ME TO BE. I had to spend more time in prayer, get less sleep, lay around less, do more work, be at the church more, help out more, read the Bible more, preach better, witness more, share Christ more. etc.
Can I stop and say one thing. All of those are good things. All of those are true, we should be doing more. It wasn't what I was doing that was wrong, it was my mind set, I wouldn't even say it was my heart. My heart was that I wanted to be the best Christian I could be, the best Child of God I could be, the best friend I could be, the best person I could be, the best teacher/coach I could be, the best youth worker, the best speaker, I just wanted to reach my potential, but through it all I still just felt discouraged like I would never be good enough to really achieve what God has in store for my life. I would go through a sort of roller coaster emotions as I would spend time with the Lord and feel His love, grace, peace, and mercy then I would feel like I still am not doing enough, I still need to do more, "my God why isn't the whole 6th grade saved yet I've been teaching here a year?!?" I know it sounds laughable when you write it out, but I seriously battled condemnation.
As the night wore on with the Lord, I felt His tangible presence. He did convict me of a few things I needed to change, tangible decisions that needed to be made, but He also showed me how condemnation flees when I realize He enjoys me.
Whoa. Hold up, wait a minute, the God of the universe enjoys me? But, I'm not where I should be, tons of kids aren't flocking to me to lead them to Christ, the alter isn't always flooded after I give a message, I broke a clip board in class the other day because I lost my temper, how can you say you enjoy me?!? This is the revelation that needs to spread from the pulpit to the pews when Christ died to cover your sins, HE COVERED YOUR SINS! God sent Jesus to break down the middle wall of separation and bring you to HIMSELF, WHY? Because He created you so that He could enjoy you.
You don't marry someone you don't enjoy being with (it's sad we have to alter that statement in today's society, but you know what I mean). Christ paid a price for His bride, He wants to be with her, He enjoys us! He likes me. He likes spending time with me, He likes watching me flourish and grow, He loves when I come to Him and admit my faults and my hurts, my aches my pains, my concerns. He likes to watch me coach because I love it. He enjoys me living life and enjoying the life that He gave me and the truth is He wants me to enjoy Him as much as He enjoys me.
I could talk about enjoying Him for another 16 passages, but i know the longer this gets the less people will read it to the end, so we'll make this part one and I'll continue talking about what happened next and what enjoying Him means in the next blog.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Human Trafficking Training
Hey Friends and Family.
Let me start with saying God is doing some AWESOME, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, LIFE CHANGING, things in my heart and I cannot wait to share about those things. However, this blog isn't going to go there yet :) Just want to keep you on the edge of your seat for the next blog LOL actually I'm just waiting until I have some more understanding and feel like I can convey some events that happened and how that affected my heart.
What I want to talk about in this blog is the training I went to yesterday for Redeemed Ministries. Redeemed Ministries is a ministry in Houston TX that works specifically with Human Trafficking in the Houston Area. They work on different levels of Prevention, Prosecution and Protection. In other words they try to keep it from happening, they rescue people out of this horrible business, and they work on the legislative side trying to change laws to help protect girls rescued and prosecute the ones responsible.
While I was looking for mission trips to do this summer I was looking at Cambodia and was seeing how horrendous the problem of Human Trafficking was there. If you're unfamiliar with human trafficking I'll give you the Jessika (non-official) definition it's taking any persons and illegally putting them into a lifestyle of sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, etc. Redeemed Ministries works specifically with sexual exploitation (i.e. prostitution). So, I was studying Cambodia and my heart began breaking for the issue of human-trafficking in the world. Light bulb, does this happen in America? As I researched I found that it not only happens in America, but it happens in my "own back yard" so to speak. Houston is ranked 3rd in the country for the amount of human trafficking it has.
Yesterday's training was just the tip of the iceberg really giving us all the information on human trafficking and how real it is. We were given shocking statistics, but also hope. REDEEMED, what a name. These girls can be redeemed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I'm ready for the trainings that I have up ahead (2 more until I start volunteering) and I wanted to give you some statistics that shock and awed me...
-There are 219 KNOWN brothels in the Houston area... This only includes brothels out of businesses, in other words it doesn't include prostitution being sold out of hotel rooms, apartments, houses, etc. and once again only the KNOWN ones.
-50% of runaways will be approached by a "PIMP" in 48 hours or less. There are 300,000 runaways a year in America.
- There are 250,000 sex slaves in North America
- The avg age for these girls is 14
- They avg amount of time in the "business" is 7yrs before they die or are kicked out because of one reason or another (too worn out, diseases, etc)
- The women service on avg. 15 men a day
There are tons more statistics, but I am running out of time to type them all out. The point is we have to do something about this problem. Young women are being sold as sex slaves, illegally, they're being forced into prostitution by threat of harm done to them, or someone they know, or perhaps manipulative coercion.
I cannot hear statistics like this, I can't hear about a problem like this and be inactive and ignore it. These victims (and honestly all others that are in this business or use this business) need hope, they need Jesus, they have spiritual and natural needs, all of which mean life or death rather spiritually or physically. Im ready to help in any way I can.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Let me start with saying God is doing some AWESOME, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, LIFE CHANGING, things in my heart and I cannot wait to share about those things. However, this blog isn't going to go there yet :) Just want to keep you on the edge of your seat for the next blog LOL actually I'm just waiting until I have some more understanding and feel like I can convey some events that happened and how that affected my heart.
What I want to talk about in this blog is the training I went to yesterday for Redeemed Ministries. Redeemed Ministries is a ministry in Houston TX that works specifically with Human Trafficking in the Houston Area. They work on different levels of Prevention, Prosecution and Protection. In other words they try to keep it from happening, they rescue people out of this horrible business, and they work on the legislative side trying to change laws to help protect girls rescued and prosecute the ones responsible.
While I was looking for mission trips to do this summer I was looking at Cambodia and was seeing how horrendous the problem of Human Trafficking was there. If you're unfamiliar with human trafficking I'll give you the Jessika (non-official) definition it's taking any persons and illegally putting them into a lifestyle of sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, etc. Redeemed Ministries works specifically with sexual exploitation (i.e. prostitution). So, I was studying Cambodia and my heart began breaking for the issue of human-trafficking in the world. Light bulb, does this happen in America? As I researched I found that it not only happens in America, but it happens in my "own back yard" so to speak. Houston is ranked 3rd in the country for the amount of human trafficking it has.
Yesterday's training was just the tip of the iceberg really giving us all the information on human trafficking and how real it is. We were given shocking statistics, but also hope. REDEEMED, what a name. These girls can be redeemed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I'm ready for the trainings that I have up ahead (2 more until I start volunteering) and I wanted to give you some statistics that shock and awed me...
-There are 219 KNOWN brothels in the Houston area... This only includes brothels out of businesses, in other words it doesn't include prostitution being sold out of hotel rooms, apartments, houses, etc. and once again only the KNOWN ones.
-50% of runaways will be approached by a "PIMP" in 48 hours or less. There are 300,000 runaways a year in America.
- There are 250,000 sex slaves in North America
- The avg age for these girls is 14
- They avg amount of time in the "business" is 7yrs before they die or are kicked out because of one reason or another (too worn out, diseases, etc)
- The women service on avg. 15 men a day
There are tons more statistics, but I am running out of time to type them all out. The point is we have to do something about this problem. Young women are being sold as sex slaves, illegally, they're being forced into prostitution by threat of harm done to them, or someone they know, or perhaps manipulative coercion.
I cannot hear statistics like this, I can't hear about a problem like this and be inactive and ignore it. These victims (and honestly all others that are in this business or use this business) need hope, they need Jesus, they have spiritual and natural needs, all of which mean life or death rather spiritually or physically. Im ready to help in any way I can.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A plethora of descriptions
WOW... what a week!?!
I want to take some time to go through some emotions and events of this week in a desire to share praise to God, to ask for some prayer support in several areas, and because I'm writer and this is what I do :) Try to stick it out to the end.
Let's start out with the past weekend as I give a few details on a battle that I'm fighting physically this week and ask for your prayer in this battle. Sunday night I split a sermon with one of my best friends, he did his half of the sermon, and as I was giving my part... I began to feel something weird in my body. When I wrapped up the message, hugged some necks, etc. I went straight to my Pastor's wife (who acts as a 2nd mother in my life) and told her my body didn't feel right. With some prayer and medicine I went home. By Monday I had a terrible headache, diarea, vomiting, and a fever that got up to 103.5. On Tuesday I woke up with a low fever and my throat so swollen and hurting that I could not get pills down to take for the headache. By Wednesday I was feeling well enough to go to work and then Thursday I woke up with a fever again, a rash all over my body, and the returning headache and swollen throat. Needless to say my stubborn self finally went to the doctor. My symptoms have been all over the place and I'm continuing a battle of not feeling 100%. I have a little over a week for some other issues I'm having in my body to leave or my physician is making me go to a neurologist. Please pray for healing in my body. It has been a week since I've been able to workout and obviously that in and of itself is frustrating for me when I workout 1-2x a day usually!
Battling sickness was not exactly something I wanted to do as I also found out disappointing news this week about going to Japan. Let me say this. It is a difficult process to communicate with people in other countries and try to coordinate plans, it's often a slow process that requires patience, but more than anything trust that you are doing what God wants you to do and that He will direct your steps. If you read this blog often you know that being a teacher was not my choice job for this year (feelings have changed) but I encouraged myself throughout the year by telling myself Jessika this is the best job to enable you to do what you really want to do! Be in ministry and travel the world telling people about Jesus. As a teacher every weekend is open, hardly ever events on Wednesday nights, and summer is free to travel the world. So as it got to be time to start planning for my summer (yes i began early because of eagerness) I just thought of the places that were on my heart and began exploring options.... Well I'm now at 4 failed attempts of planning trips for this summer... After hearing about Japan this week... I'm having to take some long hard looks at myself and in prayer. Yes, in humbleness I admit that I was trying to make it happen. I was trying to pick where I'd go and what I'd do. I was going to make sure that I created an opportunity for me to go and be a light to minister about "what's His name again?"... hopefully you can catch on to the sarcasm of my own failure, but that's what I had done. I was so busy trying to make a way for me to go share the love of my Jesus that I didn't take as much time as I should have asking Jesus what He wanted me to do. So here I am. 3 1/2 weeks of school left and I don't know where I'll go this summer or honestly if I go and now I know that wherever/whenever I go or stay I'll be a missionary, because it's not about going that makes us missionaries, it's about knowing. I'm a missionary because I know Jesus, that is part of who we are as Christians, sharing the love of Jesus. In America and/or abroad. Pray with me about my summer plans, that I will stay out of them... :)
MAEGAN IS GOING TO BOTSWANA. Yesterday, Maegan left for Bots. I am so excited for her. LBOM was an awesome experience for me and I know it will be for her as well. Maegan has felt the calling to be an African missionary since she was 12 years old. Last year I was blessed to get to go with her for her first time to go to Africa. Maegan was in her element. As we walked down the dirt roads of Rwanda young children flocked to Maegan (admittedly not me lol) and she would hand them smarty's pick them up, kiss on them, love on them, and tear up as we'd leave them. Maegan's heart is for Africa. That is why I can be so excited as I watch her leave to spend 3 months in Botswana. Love Botswana Ministries has a school, orphanage, church, outreach programs, widows program, etc... Maegan will have every opportunity to use her gifts and passions as she spends 3 months helping out an amazing ministry that has greatly impacted the country of Botswana.
Let me share something AWESOME about this week. I had been hearing a lot about a local youth group and the passion and growth they had been experiencing. It was such a God thing that I was asked to come and speak to them this past Wednesday night. *Notice that Wednesday was the one day this past week that I was not feeling strong side effects of being sick, wasn't running fever, and was able to work.. is our God not awesome?* Wednesday all I kept getting from the Lord to share about was "I'm Daddy God, share about me"... honestly God that's a very wide spectrum, to just talk about You, but okay... so I went and I just talked. I talked about the heart of my Father. The heart of my Daddy. How He loves me adn cares about me... I shared stories of supernatural protection, healing, guidance, and love... I talked to them about sharing the love of their Daddy with others. It was just a night praising my Daddy for being Daddy. I wasn't sure what God wanted to accomplish, but kids flocked the alter. 10 KIDS GOT SAVED... several others came up for prayer to renew passion and relationship with Him.. several came up to pray for friends and family members to know Him... I'm so glad that I could help kids know who God is, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to indroduce them to Him. In the midst of my own sickness, confusion, disappointment, weariness, God healed, He talked, He spoke, He met with His children, and He reminded me of who He is to me and why I serve Him. I won't lie I'm tearing up writing this now because His grace and love and mercy so melts my heart. While I struggled, while I doubted, while I was hurting... He gave a message, He spoke a message through me, that needed to be heard by me and He used it to bring children to Him... That's my Daddy.
Today is Mother's Day. I just want to give a shout to the mommy's out there. I have one of the best mom's in the world who has never stopped telling me that I can DO ANYTHING... literally anything. Ususally to the point of annoying me (lol) my mom thanks I can do anything I want. She believes if I want to travel and preach I can be a Joyce Meyers, if I want to write then I can write 1,000 best sellers, If i want to be a wife/mom then I'll be the best wife/mom in the world, whatever I want to do my mom truly believes I'll be the best at it. She's awesome that way.
I've also had several 2nd mother's in my life. Women who have literally taken me in bought my dinners, prayed over me, cried with me, loved on me, kissed my cheeks, and believed in me. These women have poured into my life to teach me how to be a woman of God who is a loving and caring wife/mom one day.
I can't wait for the day that I get to be a Proverbs 31 wife/mother. I believe in praying for my husband/children now, learning and soaking from wiser/older women, so that when it comes time for me to be a wife and a Mom I've listened and learned from those who are more experienced than me. Thanks mothers...
I know your eyes probably burn, but thanks for continually loving and supporting me.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
I want to take some time to go through some emotions and events of this week in a desire to share praise to God, to ask for some prayer support in several areas, and because I'm writer and this is what I do :) Try to stick it out to the end.
Let's start out with the past weekend as I give a few details on a battle that I'm fighting physically this week and ask for your prayer in this battle. Sunday night I split a sermon with one of my best friends, he did his half of the sermon, and as I was giving my part... I began to feel something weird in my body. When I wrapped up the message, hugged some necks, etc. I went straight to my Pastor's wife (who acts as a 2nd mother in my life) and told her my body didn't feel right. With some prayer and medicine I went home. By Monday I had a terrible headache, diarea, vomiting, and a fever that got up to 103.5. On Tuesday I woke up with a low fever and my throat so swollen and hurting that I could not get pills down to take for the headache. By Wednesday I was feeling well enough to go to work and then Thursday I woke up with a fever again, a rash all over my body, and the returning headache and swollen throat. Needless to say my stubborn self finally went to the doctor. My symptoms have been all over the place and I'm continuing a battle of not feeling 100%. I have a little over a week for some other issues I'm having in my body to leave or my physician is making me go to a neurologist. Please pray for healing in my body. It has been a week since I've been able to workout and obviously that in and of itself is frustrating for me when I workout 1-2x a day usually!
Battling sickness was not exactly something I wanted to do as I also found out disappointing news this week about going to Japan. Let me say this. It is a difficult process to communicate with people in other countries and try to coordinate plans, it's often a slow process that requires patience, but more than anything trust that you are doing what God wants you to do and that He will direct your steps. If you read this blog often you know that being a teacher was not my choice job for this year (feelings have changed) but I encouraged myself throughout the year by telling myself Jessika this is the best job to enable you to do what you really want to do! Be in ministry and travel the world telling people about Jesus. As a teacher every weekend is open, hardly ever events on Wednesday nights, and summer is free to travel the world. So as it got to be time to start planning for my summer (yes i began early because of eagerness) I just thought of the places that were on my heart and began exploring options.... Well I'm now at 4 failed attempts of planning trips for this summer... After hearing about Japan this week... I'm having to take some long hard looks at myself and in prayer. Yes, in humbleness I admit that I was trying to make it happen. I was trying to pick where I'd go and what I'd do. I was going to make sure that I created an opportunity for me to go and be a light to minister about "what's His name again?"... hopefully you can catch on to the sarcasm of my own failure, but that's what I had done. I was so busy trying to make a way for me to go share the love of my Jesus that I didn't take as much time as I should have asking Jesus what He wanted me to do. So here I am. 3 1/2 weeks of school left and I don't know where I'll go this summer or honestly if I go and now I know that wherever/whenever I go or stay I'll be a missionary, because it's not about going that makes us missionaries, it's about knowing. I'm a missionary because I know Jesus, that is part of who we are as Christians, sharing the love of Jesus. In America and/or abroad. Pray with me about my summer plans, that I will stay out of them... :)
MAEGAN IS GOING TO BOTSWANA. Yesterday, Maegan left for Bots. I am so excited for her. LBOM was an awesome experience for me and I know it will be for her as well. Maegan has felt the calling to be an African missionary since she was 12 years old. Last year I was blessed to get to go with her for her first time to go to Africa. Maegan was in her element. As we walked down the dirt roads of Rwanda young children flocked to Maegan (admittedly not me lol) and she would hand them smarty's pick them up, kiss on them, love on them, and tear up as we'd leave them. Maegan's heart is for Africa. That is why I can be so excited as I watch her leave to spend 3 months in Botswana. Love Botswana Ministries has a school, orphanage, church, outreach programs, widows program, etc... Maegan will have every opportunity to use her gifts and passions as she spends 3 months helping out an amazing ministry that has greatly impacted the country of Botswana.
Let me share something AWESOME about this week. I had been hearing a lot about a local youth group and the passion and growth they had been experiencing. It was such a God thing that I was asked to come and speak to them this past Wednesday night. *Notice that Wednesday was the one day this past week that I was not feeling strong side effects of being sick, wasn't running fever, and was able to work.. is our God not awesome?* Wednesday all I kept getting from the Lord to share about was "I'm Daddy God, share about me"... honestly God that's a very wide spectrum, to just talk about You, but okay... so I went and I just talked. I talked about the heart of my Father. The heart of my Daddy. How He loves me adn cares about me... I shared stories of supernatural protection, healing, guidance, and love... I talked to them about sharing the love of their Daddy with others. It was just a night praising my Daddy for being Daddy. I wasn't sure what God wanted to accomplish, but kids flocked the alter. 10 KIDS GOT SAVED... several others came up for prayer to renew passion and relationship with Him.. several came up to pray for friends and family members to know Him... I'm so glad that I could help kids know who God is, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to indroduce them to Him. In the midst of my own sickness, confusion, disappointment, weariness, God healed, He talked, He spoke, He met with His children, and He reminded me of who He is to me and why I serve Him. I won't lie I'm tearing up writing this now because His grace and love and mercy so melts my heart. While I struggled, while I doubted, while I was hurting... He gave a message, He spoke a message through me, that needed to be heard by me and He used it to bring children to Him... That's my Daddy.
Today is Mother's Day. I just want to give a shout to the mommy's out there. I have one of the best mom's in the world who has never stopped telling me that I can DO ANYTHING... literally anything. Ususally to the point of annoying me (lol) my mom thanks I can do anything I want. She believes if I want to travel and preach I can be a Joyce Meyers, if I want to write then I can write 1,000 best sellers, If i want to be a wife/mom then I'll be the best wife/mom in the world, whatever I want to do my mom truly believes I'll be the best at it. She's awesome that way.
I've also had several 2nd mother's in my life. Women who have literally taken me in bought my dinners, prayed over me, cried with me, loved on me, kissed my cheeks, and believed in me. These women have poured into my life to teach me how to be a woman of God who is a loving and caring wife/mom one day.
I can't wait for the day that I get to be a Proverbs 31 wife/mother. I believe in praying for my husband/children now, learning and soaking from wiser/older women, so that when it comes time for me to be a wife and a Mom I've listened and learned from those who are more experienced than me. Thanks mothers...
I know your eyes probably burn, but thanks for continually loving and supporting me.
Be Blessed,
J. Tate
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