Holding it All Together

The photograph on the right is a scene from a seminar I took on leadership training at a Christian Camping Conference in North Carolina. Our challenge was to work with four teams of approximately 8 people and place these rubber balls on a homemade PVC pipe candelabra type display. The real challenge was that each ball had to land on their designated spot at exactly the same time. It was amazing to see the thought and team work that went into meeting the challenge. Each person had to be aware of the others needs and limitations in order for the feat to be attained. The activity was a lesson to all of us regarding the need to work together for the Kingdom of God. Perhaps the greater lesson was the profound sense of gratitude I felt towards God for similiarly keeping all of creation in motion and in balance. God is on the Throne 24/7 and He is always accessible to His children. After our 60 minute classroom challenge I was mentally fatigued from trying to figure out how to keep everything from falling apart. In comparision, our God is lovingly holding people and nations in His hands and he does not weary of the task or of His children relying on Him for strength, wisdom and direction.

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:26-28a NIV

When a Formula Doesn't Work...

As I have been reading about the miracles of Jesus and the way that he healed people and set them free from their afflictions, I've noticed that Jesus didn't apply a certain formula...a kind of "how to fix people" one size fits all cure. Rather he seems to assess each person he meets with a sense of individuality and compassion. With some people he touched them, for others he spoke to them. Others he healed from a distance (i.e. the centurion's servant) but it appears that he never quite ministered to any two the same way. In Psalms 139, God reveals that our minds and bodies are uniquely ours...we do not have the exact same inclinations, desires, history or make up as anyone else in the world. The Lord has challenged me repeatedly to lay down my pre-concieved ideas of how He will heal and listen to him. It is a temptation to look at the afflictions of others and assume we know the best way for them to be healed. The problem with our assessments is that we often don't have all the facts and frankly we don't know the inner workings of the person in need. It can seem to be so easy to look at the symptoms of our friends and not their hearts and minds. When formulas don't work perhaps its time to look at Jesus.


"O LORD, you have earched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you percieve my thoughts from afar. You disern my going out and my lying down; you are familiear with all my ways." Ps. 139:1-3

Who Is On Your Team?

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more convinced I am that we must have a battle plan and become intentional about overcoming the sin areas of our life. As I play chess with my daughter I am reminded of the need for a strategy to win, realizing that the greatest chance for success rests in my ability to keep as many of my chess pieces on the board for the protection of my king. It is amazing to me that in the game of life, we as believers willingly pull most of our chess pieces (which represent our Christian friends) from the board, move into the enemies territory and think we are going to win. Our Christian friends, like chess pieces can help defend us and help us move forward. They provide protection, prayer, encouragement and accountability as we battle the enemy. In my battle to overcome panic disorder it is amazing to see the incredible victory the enemy had over me for so many years because I was silent and I would not let my Christian friends know of my struggle. I forfeited their encouragement, their prayers and their help because I was too embarrassed, too ashamed and too proud. Since I have shared my plight I have experienced incredible freedom, victory and joy and I have had the opportunity to share with others and encourage them. I challenge you with this question:


What does your chess board look like? Do you let your Christian friend's know of your battle within your heart. The enemy's team is lined up...who will you allow to be on your team? Who will fight with you in battle? It's your move.

What Are You Attached To?

Recently I've been immersed in a Bible study called Breaking Free by Beth Moore . In her book she presents the idea that God's children can be oppressed and become reliant on oppression. She writes, "We were created to attach and depend so that we would migrate toward God and find safety. To entice us, Satan offers us alternate attachments masquerading as fulfillments to our inner needs." She goes on to write, "let me alert you to a toxic emotional cocktail: a relationship made up of someone who has an unhealthy need to be taken care of and someone who has an unhealthy need to care-take." In John 10:2-3 Jesus said, "The man who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." The lesson God has been impressing upon me over and over again is that I must listen only for the shepherd's voice and that my attachment to Christ must surpass all other relationships. Sounds easy enough, but if I asked you to whom do you give preference to you as you walk through your day or to whom or what do you run to when your heart is breaking, would your answer be Jesus or another?

An Eye On The Hurting

Sometimes do you wonder if anybody sees your pain or suffering. In Genesis 16:13, Hagar says of God, "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

God so her plight and He is attentive to the cries of his children. In like manner, He calls us to keep our eyes open to the needs of others. Do you know a couple that is struggling in their marriage and could use some encouragement? I challenge you to invite them to come to The Matters of the Heart Marriage Conference this weekend at Mt. Gilead. By strengthening marriages we strengthen entire families for Jesus sake.

Another opportunity to reach those in need will be the "Courage to Be You Benefit Concert," which will be held on Sunday, October 24 at 6 p.m. at Redwood Covenant Church in Santa Rosa. The concert is to bring awareness to the Sonoma County area on the horrific acs of sex/human trafficking happening both locally as well as nationally. These young girls need our help. The concert will help raise funds for "Courage to Be You" to build a ministry safe house in Sacramento. The concert is free but there will be a free will offering taken at the event. For more information call Redwood Covenant or visit KLOVE's website.

The Sanctuary of the Lord....

"I have beheld you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory." Ps. 63:2



When we go to church on Sunday's so often we sit in the pews and focus on what is happening on stage, but I would share it is far more remarkable to stand on the stage and watch the power of God at work in the lives of each of you. Last Friday night, I literally had the opportunity to see the power and glory of God in the sanctuary of Sebastopol Christian Church at the Praise and Dream Night as together we worshipped God. To see you embrace the songs of worship, drama, flags, prayer and devotional stirred my soul. Viewing 183 women in Sonoma County passionately pursuing God with heart and soul runs counter to our culture and I think the Lord couldn't be happier. Thank you for joining us!

Energy Boosters

This weekend my kids and I had a very early morning appointment in the Bay Area. My son was exhausted and after our appointment decided to try an energy drink. He went from dragging around to warp speed. Sometimes I think our marriages could use a little energy booster...a chance to renew and refresh one of most imporant relationships in our lives. It is wonderful to take time for one another and build new life transforming memories. I am very excited that on October 8-9 and also December 3-4, Allen and Terri Haley, professional Christian counselors, will be hosting two marriage workshops right here at Mt. Gilead!!! Allen and Terri's ministry is called Matters of the Heart and I encourage you to sign up for one their conferences. You won't regret it.

www.mattersoftheheartresources@comcast.net