For Such a Time as This

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the book of Esther.  I partially think the reason I love it so much is because in the beginning there is a beauty pageant. 

Yes, I said beauty pageant. 

Think about it.  There was an order for women from every kingdom (a casting if you will) to come to the palace and display themselves before the king (the judge or judges). Then the new queen, Esther was crowned (like the crowning of a new Miss Universe etc).  Esther was awarded the title as the new queen of Persia, with her predecessor banished from the kingdom due to not "fulfilling" her duties. 

See the comparison? 

But that isn't the only reason why I love this book.  I love it because of this verse in Esther after Mordecai informed the Queen of evil Haman's intentions to completely destroy the jews:

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this." Esther 4:14

Esther didn't want to be queen. She didn't ask to be queen. But her currently reality was.....she was queen.  And what was she going to do with the information she had at hand. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes for other versions) law at the time was that anyone who approached the King in the inner court without being summoned would be put to death.  Would she risk her life for her people?

It was no coincidence that she was queen during this tumultous time.  The fate of her people was at stake and she was really the only one who could speak to the King and save them.  It is so amazing to see God's hand as he orchestrated every detail of this story.  From her becoming Queen to when the jews were able to defend themselves against those who sought to destroy them.  God was in control. And he used a young girl to show His glory and save His people.

This story often has me wondering....just what am I doing here right now? Again, it is no coincidence that I am here. On this earth. At this very moment.  God has a purpose, a plan, a will for my life.  What is He orchestrating at this very moment?  People are hurting and searching for something. They are grasping at air, celebrities, drugs, alcohol, porn and money in order to fill a void that only God can fill.  How do I know that I have not been placed here on this earth "for such a time as this". In order to share the grace that is from God. The gift of salvation that is only from the blood of Christ.  The loneliness that takes a hold of our hearts....the ache that can only be filled by Him. 

We can't stand by and just profess that we know Christ. We must live it. We must share it with others. We must be light to the darkness that encompasses this earth. 

Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? One that stirs up emotions and motivates you?  Please share!

Tiff~

Forgotten God

I just finished Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  I have to tell you....my eyes were thrust open by his honesty and by his challenge to us as believers.

The church has forgotten about the Holy Spirit. 

We often don't hear people talk much about Him. I mean, He is God. Part of the Trinity. He cannot be separated from God.  He is who Jesus talked about before He was killed. The one who will come to those who choose to walk alongside Jesus. Our Helper and Companion.  Yet....we often forget about Him.

Francis asks this questions: When was the last time you experienced the hand of God? Really? When were you touched by God in such a way that no one could convince you it was a coincidence?

You want me to be honest? For me it has been awhile.  I have purposely grieved the Spirit. When He chooses to direct me, whisper to me, show me and teach me...I choose not to listen.  I try to do it all in my own strength.  It is no wonder that I fail so often.  I find myself on my knees pleading for forgiveness, mercy and strength.  When all I had to do in the first place was surrender to the Holy Spirit...to God's leading.....and I wouldn't be in such a mess.

But I guess that is the beauty of our messy lives isn't it?  Because we are so frail. Because we are so weak...we are dependent on Him. When we choose to depend on our own strength to live out our lives we become wasted and exhausted individuals.  Unable to keep moving and unsure of the next path to take.  The passion we started out with diminished.  God's voice is no longer audible to us due to disappointments and frustrations of life.

How do you know if the Holy Spirit dwells in you? Francis offers this:

*The Spirit helps us speak in certain situations (Mark 13:11; Luke 12:12)
*He is our comforter, advisor, encourager and strength
*From the Spirit we receive God's power to be witnesses to the world. 
*The spirit sets us free from sins and we put to death any misdeeds within the flesh
*We receive adoption as children of God through the Spirit
*Conviction of sin
*Brings life and freedom
*We have HOPE!
*Through the Holy Spirit we are each given a spiritual gift to be used for the Kingdom
*Evidence of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I was truly blown away by this book.  I think my goal is to study more on the Holy Spirit.  Will you join me?

Have you read Forgotten God? If so, what did you think? If not, any other books on the Holy Spirit that you love and would recommend?

Tiff~

Samoa Tsunami

Hello friends!  Please be in prayer for those affected by the massive Tsunami in Samoa.  I have provided the link for you so you can read about it you are unsure as to what happened. 

Lord  please be with those who are hurting and have lost their homes and possibly loved ones.  Please provide the help and the resources necessary to help those in need.  We thank you Father for your mercy and Your sovereignty.  Provide your comfort and healing wherever it is needed and desired. In your Son's precious name AMEN!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_pacific_earthquake

I <3 Night

Last night at Illuminate was incredible.  We are in the middle of our Graceland series and we are just amazed at how God is moving in the hearts of those we see each and every week.

He is transforming lives in front of our very eyes. For that I am so humbled to even be a part of this ministry.  I watch weekly as student raise their hands and fall to their knees in worship of our Father in heaven.  As they cry out their deepest longings and stirrings, offering praise to Him and surrendering their lives to His will. 

Last night, Dan offered a challenge to Illuminate.  On October 11th, 2009 we are having a night where they are challenged to invite someone (or more) to Illuminate....so they can hear the grace that is offered through Christ alone.  We are calling it I <3 Night.  Who do you love in your life that does not yet know Christ?  Do you love them enough to tell them?

Dan and I were in tears as we watched so many of them laying their committments before God and committing to pray for those they don't know. For the person they were going to invite. That all excuses and fear would be removed and that they would invite that individual....regardless of what the answer may possibly be!  That they would TRUST that God will do the rest of the work....but they have to ask. 

Just imagine how the world would change if just one person told one other person about Jesus.  To further His Kingdom and bring Glory to God. 

Praying for you Illuminate!

Tiffany~

Prayer

I have noticed that my prayer life could definitely use some improvement. I mean, I do pray. But I am in awe of those individuals who seem to be able to pray longer than 5 minutes and know what to pray for. They don't fumble their words like I do! So instead of working on this spiritual discipline, I wrote it off as just not being as "spiritual" or as eloquent in praying as others.

I now know that prayer is indeed a discipline and one everyone needs to work on. Prayer is where we can be so intimate with our Father and pour out our hearts to Him. Why wouldn't I want to learn how to pray more often and effectively?

I asked my husband about prayer. Often times I will have the best intentions and begin my long laundry list of people to pray for. After about two minutes I would get completely lost and overwhelmed that I would stop. Then I would get discouraged at myself. Dan toldme to consider a prayer schedule based on the types of requests.

For example, on Mondays I can pray for any health/illness/healing requests. Tuesday, family and so on.

So yesterday I began my schedule. And I have to say that so far I like it. Everything is written out and I have a place where I can keep track of those requests and follow up to see which prayers were answered, when and how.

Are you in the same boat I am? Consider a prayer schedule. It is worth it to be a much more effective praying Christian.

Blessings,

Tiff

http://tiffluvslife.typepad.com
Sent from my iPhone

To Walk On Water

Yesterday was a rough day for me. 

Before I go into too many details, I feel as if I should back up a bit.  I just gave birth to our second child.  My husband and I both strongly believe it is best for me to stay at home with the babies, at least until they are in high school. Then if I should choose to work outside of the home I can be free to do so. 

So Dan and I have been going over our options.  Right now we are staying with his parents until we find a place that is closer to our home church, where Dan serves on staff.  We have been going back and forth over different issues, but it isn't so much Dan that has been debating and battling them.

It is me. 

I am a control freak by nature.  I am steadily trying to let go of my control issues and really work on having faith and trust that God will provide what we need in due time.  But all of these thoughts keep coming in my head and I feel like I am drowing in a sea of doubt.

I keep coming up with excuses like:

"My health insurance is way better than the churches. What are we going to do about that?"
"Why do we have to live in Orange County? It is too far and too expensive."
"What about money? Will we be able to pay for our living expenses out there?"
"Can we even find decent housing in a decent area?

The questions keep coming and I leave my poor husband with nothing except the duty to try and answer them and try to keep me at ease and not stressed over the whole situation.  The truth is, it isn't his fault he doesn't have all the answers.  He already trusts God will provide.  He is doing the research to make sure we can live on one income, but he TRUSTS that if it's God's will.....then He will provide. To have complete faith in Him.  He is the only one who is completely worthy of such trust.

I find myself lacking in faith so often.  I broke down in tears doing my devotions as God revealed this sin that was buried in my heart.  I had to pray and seek forgiveness from my Father in heaven because it became so heavy.  I had to release it.  Those of you who lack faith know what I am talking about.  It is an ugly poison.  It aggravates any situation and I find myself far more stressed out than I need to be.  I had to let it go.  The phrase "let go and let God" always sounded cliche to me....but this time it perfectly suited what I was experiencing.  It was no longer a cliche. It had become truth to me and it was healing to my soul. 

As God graciously lifted the weight of my sin from my heart, I called my husband in tears, who also graciously comforted me and prayed with me and assured me that we would be able to figure things out....even if they didn't necessarily go the way we desired it to.  God is good. God is our provider, comforter, healer, friend and teacher.

Trust is so hard at times.  I think many of us as christians live such sedentary lives because we don't trust God with our WHOLE lives. I think of Peter, when Jesus was walking on the water towards His disciples. He was the only one who go out of the boat.  The rest of them, probably paralyzed by fear that they will sink into the depths of the ocean, stayed behind.  And even though Peter took his eyes off of Christ for a moment and began to sink...he was the only one who felt Christ pull him up to safety.  The one disciple who heard Christ speak these words that forever changed his world and perspective:

"You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I hope to be like Peter. I am halfway there since I often put my foot in my mouth *ahem*. But my prayer is that God challenges me to get out of the boat more often. Have faith that He can do more than I think he can.  To take Him out of the little box I have have placed Him in and let His power be completely evident in my life.  To not miss out on all that He has created me for. 

Is this your desire too? Or are you sitting in the boat, not willing to leave it behind because it feels "safe"? 

Tiff~

Matthew 14: 23-31

Correction on post below

So I posted below that we kicked off Generate, but it is really
supposed to say Graceland. Generate is a really awesome ministry
located at Crossroads Church in Corona. We aren't affiliated with each
other except for the same mission of reaching lost souls for Christ :).

Thanks!

http://tiffluvslife.typepad.com
Sent from my iPhone