WHO YOU ARE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

I woke up Sunday surrounded on the couch by 2 nieces, my oldest daughter and Beth.  And as I was sipping my coffee there in Hilliard, I was struck by how truly blessed I am.  My married little girl, son and son in law were on their way over and we were headed for some family time and some stellar eats. (http://www.northmarket.com/).  It was good start to the day!

The night prior we went to the movies together; Disney’s latest, MOANA.  When you raise little princesses, and are uncle to a few more, it is “just part of the gig” to embrace those Disney Princesses.

Yet this little tale was a little different.  And don’t fret.  No spoiler alerts if you haven’t ventured to the CINAPLEX just yet.  But it was the story of MOANA and that reflective coffee yesterday that was the inspiration for today’s thought.

The story of MOANA in a nutshell is one about IDENTITY.  She seeks her.  Others have theirs defined and redefined. As one of the core themes of the film encourages us to “KNOW WHO WE ARE”.  And while the film is a little more unorthodox than a lot of DISNEY fare, the message was clear.

IDENTITY, the identity we EMBRACE and EXERCISE is deeply important.

So, that is you're question for today.  

What defines your identity?

Work?

Title?

Status?

Stuff?

How do those hold up when they change or altered? Because they will.

Jobs change. (Don’t I know this one!)  

Stuff fades and rusts. (Matthew 6:19)

Status is relative.

That is why it is deeply important to gain your identity from what does not wither or wear out.

And for me that is not an easy exercise.  My narcissistic nature constantly vies for identity affirmations in associations, notoriety, and recognition.  And when it does, I must intentionally remind myself that apart from Jesus I have and can do nothing. (John 15:15)

So, it was that little coffee moment, that little time at the movies that served to remind me that WHO I AM is a gift from GOD; that my identity is defined by HIM and HIM alone!

I am a daddy to some great kids.  “Thank you, GOD, for that identity”.

I get to be a loving uncle.  “Thank you, GOD, for that identity”. 

Yet even more importantly, GOD reminded me in that little passage from John of how GREAT it IS to have my identity defined BY HIM and FOR HIM.

For I am (and you too!) are:

…complete in Him who is the Head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:10)

…is alive with Christ. (Ephesians 2:5)

…is holy and without blame before Him in love. (1 Peter 1:16)

…is a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

…is a spirit being – alive to God. (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Roman 6:23) 

…is a joint heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)

…is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him. (Romans 8:37)

That is just a few!

MOANA eventually discovered along with many along the way “WHO THEY WERE”.  I pray that this little OFH reminded you of who YOU ARE and to THANK GOD for that!

I love you all.

Have a blessed DAY!!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE

GO DEEPER

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

She talked about how nervous she was.

She knew in her heart and spirit that GOD was calling her into a deeper place, a new place, and a very uncomfortable place.  She knew what GOD was saying, but it didn’t make sense.

“GOD, I am woman late in life, they won’t be.  I don’t have any history like theirs.  What would I say?  How would we relate? I don’t have the right training.  They won’t respond to someone like me”, she kept saying.

For her she was finding lots and lots of reasons “why not” and seemingly not too many reasons as to “why to”. 

Yet as the Lord pressed, she became more certain that either she was going to step in obedience or be vexed by the “calling”.  So, in a moment of nervousness and apprehension, she said to her husband, “I think I am going to start ministering to women in the jail.”

And GOD, being so good and having things so well in hand, encouraged her equally obedient husband to do nothing but agree and support the effort.

That was 9 months or so ago and since then this little “preschool teacher, church-lady type” is discipling, ministering and bringing immeasurable hope to some of Highland County’s most challenged and disenfranchised.

She decided to “launch into the deep” as Jesus had asked. – Luke 5:4

Though fearful and nervous, hesitant, and apprehensive, she listened to the voice of the Lord and went deeper than ever before, even a little over her head if you want to know.

Now she wants our help to open a home for “her ladies” who have fulfilled their obligations to give those who “have no place”, a place.  Another step into very deep water for her AND her husband this time.  And me and my team(s) are honored to encourage her, connect her and be a part of what GOD has in mind.

Her story reminded me of Pastor Anna’s remarks and song from last Sunday.  Pastor Anna referenced the passage from EZEKIEL about a journey into some ever-deepening water.  Ezekiel 47

The river here is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. “GOD” was leading Ezekiel, first into shallow waters, and then into deeper waters. As believers, we begin our walk as babes in shallow water. The more we walk with the Lord, He takes us to deeper places in Him.

So, my friend was and is willing to go deeper and thus her life, her purpose and her impact is being advanced and enhanced!

What about you today?

Have you gotten comfortable?

Staying in the shallow end of the pool preferable?

Is it time to begin seeking GOD for some deeper water?

He won’t leave you to be overwhelmed.

Instead he WILL take good care of you, bless you and others!

“Over My Head” – Jenn Johnson

I have come to this place in my life

I’m full but I’ve not satisfied

This longing to have more of You

And I can feel it my heart is convinced

I’m thirsty my soul can’t be quenched

You already know this but still

Come and do whatever You want to

I’m standing knee deep but I’m out where I've never been

And I feel You coming and I hear Your voice on the wind

Would you come and tear down the boxes that I have tried to put You in

Let love come teach me who You are again

Would you Take me back to the place where my heart

Was only about You And all I wanted was just to be with You?

Come and do whatever You want to

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore

Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours

Further and further my heart moves away from the shore

Whatever it looks like, whatever may come I am Yours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv3-TDdD1pM

I love you all.

Have a blessed weekend!!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE

GIVING THURSDAY

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

 

Paul encouraged Timothy to tell those he encountered (and us)

That…

 

...trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

to use money to do good…be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given…

 

By doing this they (and we) will be storing up real treasure…in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity!

And…will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.  From 1 Timothy 6:16-18 (LB)

 

This past Tuesday was “GIVING TUESDAY”.

And because I have the DISTINCT and amazing honor to work with so many “non-profits” and ministries, my FACEBOOK feed and email were chocked full of requests to GIVE, to match, to share, and to bless!

 

Included in there was the Jeremiah Tree/Treehouse an amazing work that continues to BLESS and GIVE back to our community here where I am from in Xenia (so grateful for that team that has continued the work), not to mention the myriad of other recovery homes and work scattered throughout the state.

 

I pray that you had a chance to engage in GIVING TUESDAY in some way or another.

 

If not, there is still an entire GIVING season! 

Today is just the FIRST of December. 

 

Could someone USE your HELP today?

Are you ready to be BLESSED by giving?

 

For:

·        Giving demonstrates GODLY obedience!

…remember the Lord Jesus’ words: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35 (NIV)

 

·        Giving exhibits GOD’S heart

GOD is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), and as His “image-bearers” we are called to copy His giving, to be mini-pictures of His infinitely large heart.  Therefore, the larger our hearts (and the wider our hands), the larger the picture we paint of God’s character!

 

·        Giving broadens GOD’S smile

The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 2:7). It delights Him to see His people gladly opening their hearts and hands.

 

·        Giving is our chance to TANGIBLY WORSHIP!

It is rendering Him a tribute of praise. It is saying. “GOD, you gave me everything and here is a small expression of gratitude and praise for all your good gifts.” 

I mean David even sang, “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” (Psalms 116:12 NIV).

 

Coach John Wooden once remarked…

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.

 

So, the message should be clear today…

Want to have great, maybe even perfect day?

 

Don’t wait for the next GIVING TUESDAY to roll around.

Make today a GIVING THURSDAY and if you can keep it going!

 

I love you all.

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE