Called and Free

Like a lot of people, I grew up in church, well until adolescences. Granted the denomination of church I grew up in was fairly sedate or regimented. I was blessed to, in adolescences be exposed to a more Spirit filled church. Which would prove to help with my ease into a very Spirit filled church later in life. I always thought church is where you learn and sit quite while you are taught. Over the years though I felt pulled by the Lord to having a closer more intimate relationship with Him. Over the last few years I began going back to a church that was a great blend of contemporary and traditional. Honestly, it was a great "starting" point for me. Through divine appointment, I landed in a church that most would consider very Spirit filled. The type of church I would have been intimidated by in years past. Now, I could not see myself anywhere else. It has recently brought to my attention how "unalive" the church is. I use the term unalive instead of dead to not offe...

So, I've been thinking a lot about how faithful God is when I trust Him. Lately, like most of us, I have had my fair share of trials. I have had my moments of weakness, or shall I say my cries to God. I try to remember when I am crying out to Him, to not ask why, but to say " I may not understand, but I trust you." And, yes, I say it aloud. I have been challenged with physical trials most recently, which have been difficult for me because I pride myself on my ability to overcome. But, when I am physically weak, it is so much more of a challenge for me to stay focused. I have been so blessed to have been chosen by the great Creator to be strengthened through so many trials. Casting Crowns sings a song called Praise You In This Storm that really has touched me. It's crazy how I can be right in the middle  of something and a song will come on the radio, that speaks directly to me. Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. In  ...

Recently I was driving with my son in the rain and it was a good steady rain. As we approached a stop light he commented "the rain is getting lighter because I prayed it would". Confused I asked him to repeat what he had said and he did. My initial reaction was to tell him that it was still raining just as hard as it was when we left. Then, I realized that he believed that God had answered his prayers and was reminded how my faith should be like his. Even though the rain fell the same, he knew God would answer his prayers. How often do we get caught up in our flesh knowledge that we forget that God tells us to have faith like a child. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:15,  and then again in Luke 18:17  that we should come to Him as children to enter the Kingdom. We become so jaded by our experiences of life that we forget that He answers our prayers, small or big. In Hebrews 11: 1-13  we are reminded what faith truly means and those who trusted God throughout the Bible despi...

So lately I started a new workout regimen, and man I miss that soreness that reminds you worked hard. During an intimate moment in Gods presence I realized that being a Christian is like working out. Silly analogy I guess, but for me it put a lot into perspective. I feel like growing pains in the life of a Christian is like a good workout. You are really sore and may even feel like a Mac truck ran you over, but you know that it's all for your good health. Spiritually growing to me is just like that. Sometimes you feel achy and worn out, but if you keep your eye on the prize, you know it's all for your good. Colo 1:11-12 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.  So, just like working out takes endurance, so does having faith. We are made to overcome that pain, the pain of growth...