Imagine...

Imagine what the world would look like if God-inspired creativity were released through people in every area of society. I think that type of creativity released on such a mass scale would be the catalyst for worldwide revival!

Romans 1:19–20 tells us that creation itself testifies to the existence of God and draws people into a relationship with Him. God-inspired creativity is designed to woo people back to an encounter with their Creator.

Think of all the social issues of our day that are crying out for wisdom, solutions, answers. What issues need answers in your business, your school, and your government? God wants you to co-create with Him as a son or daughter, courageously bringing wisdom to solve economic, cultural, educational, business and governmental problems. God-inspired creations and solutions relieve the pain, suffering, division and despair affecting people trapped by these problems.

We are to be the catalysts of the explosion of inspiration, innovation and creativity, releasing the presence of God. I believe this creative earthquake will open opportunities for evangelism, bringing even more hungry, hurting people back into God's family. In the area of the arts alone, one God-breathed movie or album could introduce millions of orphans to their Dad!

When Jesus died on the cross, He did not simply purchase freedom from sin. Does this sound surprising? Although it is a very important message, there is more. Jesus also died to set us free to live in the fullness of the Divine design. When God made humans, He made men and women in the image and likeness of Himself, the Creator Father. He intended for us to act as stewards of the earth and of the mysteries of creation. It is time to manifest His design and fulfill His plan, that the whole earth would be filled with the knowledge of God.

Inspired by Creativity Sozo - Unlocking Inspiration Imagination Innovation

Feathers

Recently I was speaking at a Women's Brunch. I did not know the pastor or his wife who were hosting this event. When I arrived at their home they were excited to tell me about the meeting which was scheduled for the next day. Their church is not large and is in a rural area. The fact that there were at least 100 women registered was thrilling and almost miraculous to them.

The next morning we drove to the church where the event was to take place. It was a bright morning filled with expectation. I walked into the building and felt such peace and presence. The tables were beautifully decorated in preparation for the guests. Each table had a vase in the center with one very large silky white feather. At each place setting was a small container of candies with a small white feather in the center.

The event coordinator for decorations had no idea of what my message would be about and I did not know the theme of the decorations when I chose my topic. I felt that I was to speak to the women about a very simple talk on forgiveness.

One of the stories that I often tell when speaking on forgiveness is about a woman who had resented her husband for 44 years. She had never told him and over the years the record of offenses against him had increased exponentially. She realized for her own sake, to be free of the torment in her life she needed to obey Matthew 18 and forgive him. She handed over to God the file folders of judgments she had against her husband and forgave him. When she had finished, she asked Father God what he gave her in place of her file folders of resentment. She told me with a smile that He gave her a FEATHER!

I later found out that the event coordinator had prayed and asked God to show her what the theme for the table decorations should be. she heard "Feathers." The other members of her team really wanted to use flowers on the tables but she held her ground, believing she had heard God. Once she heard my message and saw all the women stand up to forgive. She knew she had heard correctly because at each woman's place was a white feather for them to receive in exchange for their un-forgiveness!

Be Still

When was the last time you experienced complete stillness and silence? Did it feel peaceful? Or did it feel uncomfortable? Personally, I love experiencing those moments, and I will do almost anything to make them possible!

It is a wonderful thing when all the noise and activity around us stops, but most of all, it is wonderful when WE stop. It is a powerful statement when we choose to pause in the business of our lives, be still, and turn our attention towards our Father. It is a way of reminding ourselves that God is a good Father who fights our battles for us; therefore, we can rest and worship Him. It makes a statement that no matter what is going on around us, we cannot be separated from the joy and peace of His presence.

Psalm 46 describes a heavenly city: 'God himself is living in that city; therefore it stands unmoved despite the turmoil everywhere. He will not delay his help.' His presence within us makes it possible for us to be happy even in the midst of chaotic circumstances! His presence reassures us that we can be confident in His nature, and we can be confident about the future.

Have you been fighting hard to stay close to God? Do you feel burdened by the many demands you are facing? Maybe it is time for you to take a quiet moment to sit in His presence and allow His truth to wash over you. Let Him speak to you: "Cease striving and know that I am God".

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Why not try listening to some soaking music to help you to be still and focus on God? Check out mine in my music section.

Faith and Fear

Before I had ever met God, I loved the idea of the supernatural. Imagine a room shaking, when there is no earthquake; fire resting on people's heads, without burning them; a boy's packed lunch feeding five thousand people; walking on water. It sounded radical to me!

Something tells me we were all made to experience the supernatural. It is exciting, fun and ultimately, life changing. The supernatural works of God reveal a whole new realm of His love and power. At the same time, it can be scary, inconvenient, or even embarrassing. If we are not careful, we will allow our fear to outweigh our hunger to experience the power of God.

In John 14, Jesus said "He who has seen me has seen the Father." The works of God - healing, forgiveness, deliverance, provision, signs and wonders - all reveal His character. He is not angry, distant or close-fisted. He is joyful, loving, and unendingly extravagant! Every supernatural experience God gives us is designed to point us back towards His heart.

Have you been experiencing fear regarding the supernatural? Do you wonder if Father God will leave your needs unmet, or punish you if things do not work as you expected? It is time to lay these fears down at His feet and to ask Him to show you the truth. Your Father wants to reveal His goodness to you so that you can follow His Spirit, takes risks, and witness His supernatural power. Don't let fear hold you back!

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If you are hungry to live a supernatural lifestyle, you may enjoy listening to my message 'Freedom From Fear', which can be found in the messages section of my website.

Thankful for His Presence

This week, I am so thankful for God's presence pervading my life. Embarking on a new year, he is already very knowledgeable about everything that will happen! The best thing is, all his plans are to prosper me, body and soul; and to help me look more like him!

Meditate with me on this song, Psalm 139. Written nearly three thousand years ago, it still speaks clearly to the core of who I am: a child of God, created in His image. When I understand how involved He is in my life, fear, anxiety and temptation to ignore His voice melt away. Father God, 'Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?' ...I didn't think so.

God, investigate my life;
get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead you're there, too -
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful -
I can't take it all in!
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute -
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother's womb.
I thank you, High God - you're breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration - what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted form nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I'd even lived one day.

Psalm 139:1-16, The Message Translation

Happy New Year!

What are you hoping for this year? What are you planning for? What are you dreaming for? These are great questions to ask each other as we enter into a new year. While God is outside of time, I believe he loves it whenever we seek vision, encouragement and guidance for the times ahead.

When responding to these questions, I like to think back on the many wonderful things God has promised us. Sometimes, we can be tempted to build our expectations upon memories, experience, or what other people say. We may even attempt to limit our expectations for the year ahead, perhaps out of fear or uncertainty. Having gotten to know God as a good Father, I am absolutely certain that the most reliable expectations I can choose to focus on for the year ahead can be found in His presence, and in His word.

Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4, NASB)

This year, let's delve even deeper into the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence! In discovering the Father's wonderful heart for us, we will be filled with fresh hope and certainty in His precious and magnificent promises!

Emmanuel, God With Us

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who have lived in a land of deep shadows - light! Sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded it's joy. Oh, they're so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants - all their whips and cudgels and curses - is gone, done away with, a deliverance surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days!

For a child has been born - for us! The gift of a son - for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names willl be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

- From Isaiah 9, The Message Translation

Heavenly Papa, what an honor to be alive at a time like this. A time when your Son is present with us; when His ruling authority is increasing; a time where there is no limit to the wholeness experienced by us and by those who encounter your presence.

Thank you for the extravagant, loving, brave choice you made to become a man, empowered by the Holy Spirit and living among mankind, tempted in every way but never sinning, in order to be our perfect sacrifice. Thank you that you continue to be present among us, more so now than ever before.

As we enjoy your presence, let our spirits be strengthened with faith. Let our hearts be filled to overflowing with your love. Let our lives express the fullness of who you are. Thank you for being Emmanuel, God With Us.