The Launch Pad

In two days I will be hosting my first "ministry event".  It is a night of worship called "Let the Worshipers Arise".  I love the Lord so much and He has transformed my life.  I sing to Him, about Him all the time.  I have longed for the opportunities to get to join in gatherings just for the sake of singing in worship to Him.

Worship is not just singing though, but giving up ones self for the adoration of any thing.  In society we are worship obsessed even though we would probably not admit to it.  God created us to worship, so we do, but most of the time it is not pointed toward the One who created us to do it.

We start by worshiping ourselves, everything (good or bad) revolves around us. Our likes, our desires, stem from this worship, which allows us to worship other things. People. Material Possessions. Position. Affluence. Sports. Food. TV. Movies. Music. Social Status. Etc. Etc. Etc. Whatever makes us "happy".  Unfortunately, self and the things that self likes to worship does nothing for our greater good.  It is only temporal and carnal.

The God who created us, created us with the purpose of worship. He gives a guideline for how to do this and it is neither temporal or carnal.  It is " in spirit and in truth."  The Truth is Jesus.  God's eternal everlasting Truth.  The truth of the fact that He is "worthy to receive blessing and honor and glory and power forever".  The truth is that because "God is a Spirit" those who worship Him must do so in the understanding of that, and that truth is given to us by His Spirit.

The way to The Father is through The Son, and the way to The Son is by The Holy Spirit.  Without the Spirit there can be no relationship with the Father, because the Father gave all His riches to Jesus and Jesus gave all His riches to the Spirit to show us what is available to us.  Worship of God led by The Spirit, through The Son is rewarded by The Father without measure for yielding ourselves to His desire and forsaking the worship of self.

Temporary happiness pales in comparison to the joy and beauties that lie in the Presence of God.  There is NOTHING like the Presence of The Lord.  I have experienced it in both great and minute measure.  I know that God's desire is for relationship with us and He longs for us as much as we long to be loved.  Our worship is precious to Him and yet we give it away willey-nilley all the time.

Another Truth is that He is Faithful. It is one of the names of God.  So Saturday night a few people who are still learning to stop worshiping self, are going to take time to worship the Living and True God who will be waiting for The Worshipers To Arise.

Stephanie Hart

Accepting Change (or I'm not God!)

Change happens.  You can't stop it, and you can't deny it.  Trying to stop it will frustrate and exhaust you.  Denying it will just leave you in confusion.  What happened a minute ago will never happen the exact same way.  It can be repeated but never duplicated identically.  The variables are such that only the God of the Universe can fathom the calculations.

This same God knows the end from the beginning.  He knows that the old things must pass away in order for the new to come.  In our humanity we fear.  We fear what we cannot control, but the joke is on us because we were never in control to begin with.  Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "lean not on our own understanding", but to "trust Him with ALL THINE HEART", and "acknowledge Him" in all our ways.  Trusting Him means getting out of our own heads, and letting Him be the one to move us, guide us, hold us in place or pull us out of the way.

Our humanity makes us flawed and prone to get it wrong, all-of-it WRONG! But God, the Lord and Savior of all who choose to submit to Him, has NEVER GOTTEN IT WRONG.  He is not dismayed by what is happening, and we shouldn't be either.  I am not ashamed of The Gospel, nor am I in fear of what lies ahead.  I know it isn't easy to accept or to wrap our minds around, but that is exactly why we have to give Him our heart because it's too much for our mind.  If we could reason it all out with our minds, then we (you or I) would be God.  Last time I checked I am not.  How 'bout you?

Stephanie Hart

Be Prepared!

All about are the weights and straining of the world and the world’s system and worldly thought processes.  They are evil and deadly.  We are not supposed to be conformed to the things of this world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind.

I have always enjoyed learning and delving into a deeper understanding of the word.  I appreciate the revelation, which I believe has been given to me by the Lord through His Holy Spirit.  I have found myself recently hearing conspiracy and revolution in the words of those who are supposed to be smart “God fearing” people.  I have read Internet commentary on groups who’s existence, if true, completely destroys the foundation and understanding of who we are (Patriots and Christians).

In the days that Jesus walked on the earth, there were Pharisees, Seduces, Zealots, Essenes, “common” folks, mixed-breeds, and strangers. Out of each of these groups came followers of Christ, those who wanted more than what this world had to offer.  Some thought that Jesus was a revolutionary and would rise up in the natural realm and over-throw all the factions who ruled with evil hearts.  All were scattered when he took on the cross, and for some hope was irreversibly lost.  Jesus did not take on the Cross at Calvary.  He took it on the moment he stepped out of heaven and allowed himself to be placed in the “ark” of Mary’s womb.  Breaking forth out of the tomb on the 3^rd day was not a tremendous feet for our Lord.  HE IS GOD!!!

I recently spent several evenings listening to the conspiratorial commentary of a man of faith.  Each night I listened and asked questions.  I find it very easy to “ooo” and “ah”, and to get caught up in some of the information.  However, I find when I have come away (minutes, hours, days) later with feelings of disenchantment and fear.  This is not good.  The word says there will be wars and rumors of wars. There will be things done in the last days that will even deceive the elite.  It says a wicked and perverse generation seeks after a sign and wonder.

I am not a revolutionary, I am a Christian.  I am a believer in Pentecost, not the pentagon.  I believe that we as Christians, the Israeli people and even perhaps Muslims, though the latter two are not believers in Jesus as the Messiah, will be persecuted and could even die for their beliefs.  Anyone considered divisive toward the One World Government and its One World Religion will be considered a threat.

My hope is (like the early believers in Jesus while he walked the earth) that his second coming will rescue us from the wiles and dangers of the enemy.  Jesus will appear and catch away all those whose hearts are waiting.  I want to see my Jesus while I am still living, and with my family be taken home to heaven.  However, it is possible that the world could become a much more horrible place than we know it as today before that happens.  The collapse of the economic system and position of those in power make it possible to steal our very freedom, enslave, torture and murder those who will not conform to the things of this world.  This is biblically a definite possibility.

It doesn’t matter to me who the giants in the land are.  Just as God promised to drive out the inhabitants of the land as his children took it over, so I believe he will go before those who truly believe in Him and put them in the place He has ordained and carved out for us.  If  Jesus tarries will we be a Shadrack, Meshach, or Abednego who were cast (walking of their own free will) into the fiery furnace; Daniel cast into the lion’s den (because he chose not to conform to the law of the land, but that of the God of Israel); or Joseph sold into slavery by his own brothers (because he allowed himself to be different), all of which survived their persecution and became victorious because of their faith.

Should we revolt? Only if you’ve been called like Moses or John the Baptizer, and even then they did only as much as God would allow with humble and meek hearts.  Should we flee?  Only if you want to make things harder for yourself, like Jonah.  What should we do?  Be prepared.  Jesus told us that by worrying we could not gain, and the psalms (written by a man who was in constant struggle) tell us to not fret.  Know God, and let him know you, and you’ll find peace no matter the situation.  Know your word, which is the very essence of God.  Be prepared.

 Stephanie Hart

No Excuse

You may not know me or anything about me.   I really don’t care if you know me or not.  I want you to know the one who saved my life.  You might ask, “Why?”  “What do I need him for?”  Or maybe, you think that you have done such horrible things or that such horrible things have been done to you that He couldn’t possible love you or want you.

Well, I can tell you that that is just not true.  I was the victim of sexual molestation as a little girl.  Not by one perpetrator, but two.  One was by a family member over a period of time, the other a one time occurrence by someone I didn’t really know.  I suffered emotional and physical abuse, by peers and one of my family members. I have been beaten by someone I loved.  I have been refused tenderness, and given subjection.

In response, I did it all.  Drugs.  Alcohol.  Sex.  Self-Mutilation.  I even attempted suicide twice.  Some of the things I did and tried are so vile (to me) that I cannot print them.  I HATED myself.  I struggled with anger, depression, and a sense of desperate worthlessness.

But...Jesus saved my life.

I was so messed-up that I had to and still have to keep coming to Him.  I have come to him so empty and broken that I lost my ability to breath, because the hurt was so strong.

Biblically, in some instances the word for salvation and the word for deliverance are interchangeable.  No matter which you need He can do both.  Is it easy?  No, it is the hardest thing you will ever do.  I thought if I laid down my pain, my abuses, “who will I be?”

I couldn’t imagine then that today I would be able to tell you this and be glad that I can.  I am not in pain anymore.  I am not desperate or alone.  He has called me His own and He will do the same for you.  If you know Jesus as Savior, let me remind you to rejoice in your trial, tribulation and testimony.

However, if YOU have ever thought, “I am just a speck, why would He even care?”  If YOU have ever thought, “I don’t need Him.”  “I can do it by myself.”  I’m a survivor, because I survive everything.”  Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are unworthy of REAL LOVE.

Say this with me (YOU have nothing to lose and every thing to gain):

             Jesus, I don’t know you, but I am willing to reach out.  Please reach back to me.  Jesus, please come into my heart and forgive me of all my mistakes, all the sins I have committed against you, myself and others. Help me to forgive those who have sinned against me. I want to know real love. Show me Your love. Show me Your peace. Save my life. Thank you.

If you said this prayer, I am so excited for you.  Now continue to talk to Him and begin to look for Him moving in your life.  You need to get a bible and ask God to lead you in reading His word.  If you don’t have a bible, there are plenty of websites online.  I have heard other ministers say to read John (the 4^th book in the New Testament).  It is a good place to start your walk with the Lord.  Welcome to YOUR NEW LIFE.

Back On Track

“Adversity” was the title of my last blog, several months ago. Little did I know the prophecy of my own words. God is faithful, and I have endured.

I can say that it matters not the trial of your faith, but that you maintain faith through the trial. It matters not the pain you must endure, but only that you do endure. It matters not what you are losing or laying down for the sake of following Christ, but that you realize that laying it down is the only way to follow him.

I have so much to learn and do in preparation for what God has called me to do. I am not ready, but I know that it is time to “Go!” I can hear Him calling me everyday. Where? When? How? I don’t know, but He does. So I will walk in the steps ordered by Him and Him alone. Not the ways of man, or my own flesh.

However, as I learned the other night, I must make sure to stay “well oiled” or all that I do will be in vain. I don’t just want to talk people about Jesus, but I personally need to continue to experience him for myself. “In His Presence is fullness of Joy”, and it is so true. Without the presence of God, I know for a fact that it takes no time at all to get dry and brittle. Soaking, basking, dwelling in His Presence, is the only way to endure.

Doing this will cause us to deal with the fact that we 1) can’t do it alone, 2) weren’t meant to do it alone, and 3) go to the Only One who can get us through. I am so glad that He is faithful to bring us through. 1 & 2 equals a broken and contrite spirit; 3 is Him not denying us.

I also don’t want to just talk to others about Jesus, but I want to introduce them to the one who saved my life. I want them to be free. I want God to talk to them. I want the Holy Spirit to so totally invade the conversation or meeting than lives are changed/transformed.

“Lord, I know that without you I can do nothing. Thank you for bringing me through the last year and upholding me when I thought my foot was about to slip. I know that I have done nothing to deserve your love and grace, but I am your daughter and your servant and I love you so much. Lord, it is not just our relationship, but you desire what we have with everyone.”

Adversity

I’m sure this has been said many times, but it bears repeating. In times of adversity we find out who we truly are in The Lord.

For those of us who claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior trials and testing are important barometers for how closely we are being discipled by Him. When the trials come do we murmur and complain? Do we cry like big babies having an adult size tantrum? “Why me Lord?”

Or, do we embrace the challenge? Do we ask The Lord for strength and revelation so that we can move on? And what if the challenge doesn’t just lift when we believe we are doing all the right things and not complaining? How do we handle ourselves when our difficult situations seem to linger without the evidence of closure?

I have reacted with grace and maturity in some situations, and others have taken me some time to “grow” through. But that’s what it’s all about; it’s about The Father God helping us to grow up so that He can use us. If we always react to adversity like little babies, then He will never be able to use us for His Glory.

We should have the faith of a child, which means we believe He will take care of us and will always be there for us. Like a little child trusts and believes that there will be food to eat, clothes to wear, and someone to kiss his “boo-boo’s”. Knowing that they are loved no matter what.

Regardless of the severity of the trial or how we feel, God is GOOD! He loves us and will always be there for us. He is not like us, because He loves unconditionally and sent His son, Jesus, so all would be saved. All delivered.

“Lord, I trust you by faith. I know you saved me and rescued me, and whatever the outcome of the situation You have not left me. You hold me closer now than ever before. Thank You Lord for everything.”

He Set Me FREE

Tonight is a mile marker for me. 15 years ago my life was radically changed. I was so very lost, and that night I found my savior, Jesus.

I had been to the alter many times and attended church off and on over the first 25 years of my life. However, there was never relationship there. No life.

Up to the moment 15 years ago, I had only two significant encounters with God that I can remember. The first encounter was my first trip to the alter. I was about 5 or 6 years old. My mom had sent me to church on the bus that came around on Sundays. It was there at First Church of The Nazarene, I gave my heart to God. Unfortunately, mine was not a christian home, so the only spiritual teaching I got came from attending FCTN & other churches with a similar bus ministry.

The second real encounter I had with God was when I returned home and started going back to church about 3 months pregnant at the age of 24. I went to the alter in a First Baptist Church I had attended briefly, before running face first back to a life of sin and depravity. I don't remember the sermon, but I know I was desperate for God to help me.

Though it was a step to a normal alter/platform, I wept almost uncontrollably at the feet of Jesus. Not just metaphorically. I could see him for the first time. He was hanging on the cross above me, drenched in blood, and looking down at me. He was not angry or in pain. He looked at me with love and compassion. He just loved me from there. I can still see him, and no movie can capture that image.

Just a few months later, I was a new mom. Frightened and still very lost, I returned to the alter at a revival meeting the week of Mardi Gras, 1995. I said the sinners prayers again and this time something happened. I followed the crowd to a room where people talk and pray for you individually. I was told some months later that it was as though I was in a box, and couldn't see my way out.

God is not in a box. At one time He allowed Himself to inhabit The Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, but He does not LIVE in our parameters. He did not crawl into my smallness and fear, but held out His hand and led me out of confusion and misery. Because of His extraordinary love for me, my life was not only saved, but transformed.

Jesus saved my life. He continues to deliver and set me free and I can't imagine what my life would be without Him.

"Thank You Lord for saving my soul. Thank You Lord for making me whole. Thank You Lord for giving to me, my life abundant so rich and FREE!"