BOOK REVIEW: Chazown

Groeschel, C. (2017). Chazown revised and updated edition. New York, NY:Multnomah.

SUMMARY: Chazown is a book assisting readers to find God’s purpose which is designed for them. The writing is divided into five sections, creating a “Chazown” discovery process. Pastor Craig clearly addresses the need for individuals to embrace a vision and the importance of aligning it with God’s will. The method presented attends to personal core values, spiritual gifts, and past experiences. Readers are urged to establish a purpose statement and a plan of action. Groeschel concentrates on five fundamentals of a person’s vision as relationships with God, people, finances, health, and work. In closing, the author discusses the significance of accountability and the magnitude in plays on staying “hot” for God. The book is supported with online resources and participant guide.

MY $.02: I have been on the hunt for a prominent means to support individuals in discerning their unique, God-given purpose. Before reading Chazown, the main resource I referred others to employ was Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Groeschel’s book is a valuable read for those who lack direction and/or unsure of their God-given purpose.

Chazown is thoroughly laid out with many concise, straight to the point chapters. Groeschel presents several scenarios, written illustrations, and personal experiences. The book is filled with scripture references and meaningful key points which are thought provoking and relevant. I found myself mesmerized by various topics presented because they paralleled with my writing of Refining.

One thing that caught my attention was his distinctive weight given to a person’s past. His key thought in this area was “Your past often holds the key to unlock your future.” He denotes the magnitude of purpose in your grief, pain, heartache, etc. Groeschel had a way of validating life’s residue as part of my endurance and making me feel well-equipped to live out God’s plan because I have undergone a very qualified past.

This is a remarkable read for those individuals who have not taken the time to ascertain their individual purpose, core values, and spiritual gifts. I found it useful in re-examining my vision and goals. It supports the reader in the process and allows an individual to discern areas of needs. The online resources and study guide questions make the discovery doable. The massive amount of scripture references reinforced the material and maintained the primary focus-God’s exceptional plan for each life. I bought more than one copy because it is worth the investment to share with others.

Don’t just take my word for it:

https://tinyurl.com/u3tj6jc

November 12, 2019 0

Poetry: Broken Pieces

Poetry was my first emotional release in written form when I was in junior high. I had an English teacher who really pushed me to create poetry. She validated worth in my life and established a healthy outlet to cope with circumstances in life. Through her prompting and encouragement, I found direction, hope, and courage. I walked away from her class with a love for poetry, a list of higher goals , and a mindset to take bold chances.

My teacher was an example of perseverance. The world would probably label her as broken. Her body was weak from multiple sclerosis, She could barely walk with leg braces and her hands were severely affected. Her classroom was on the second floor. I would watch her go up and down the two flights of stairs daily. The struggle was real yet she exhibited endurance with each step. There was no doubt that she had inner strength from a higher source. She displayed it every single day.

Music, art, and poetry are still part of my therapy today. These modes of expression seem to touch the depths of my soul and fill me with delight. I am able to connect with the emotional aspect of each song, painting, and poem. I am especially moved when God’s promises are immersed within the message.

We all have struggles and dark clouds that sometimes hang overhead. These trials can leave us feeling less than we are and far from what we were meant to be. It requires us to seek healthy coping mechanisms in order to go forward. Although the modes of therapy vary for each of us, the true source of complete healing comes from our Lord and Savior. I encourage you to find your outlet.

Want to know my personal struggles and mistakes? How did I cope? What helped me from throwing in the towel? This poem is a good summary…Enjoy!

Broken Pieces

If you are broken by life trials
and weary from life’s defeats.
If you have been badly battered
and have no joy or peace.
Give God your broken pieces
so He will mold them back in place.
He can make them better than before
with a touch of His sweet grace.
If your dreams have been shattered
after much struggle and pain.
Even if your life seems hopeless
God can restore you again.
God can take broken pieces
and He can make them whole.
It matters not how badly broken
God has the power to restore.
So we are never without hope
no matter the shape we are in.
God can take our fragmented lives
and put them together again.
So if you’re broken beyond measure
and you don’t know what to do.
God specializes in broken things
so His glory can shine through.

–Lenora McWhorter

November 10, 2019 2

Elasticity in Life: Scripture

Proverbs 4:23 states, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our actions and words are a reflection of our heart. Boy, do I know when my heart is out-of-line! It calls for an immediate alignment and restoring my heart under the authority of the Lord. What about you?

God used some of my “unguarded” years to capture my attention and grant me wisdom in handling life His way. During my five years of darkness, I felt like I was going to snap like a weak rubber band. Have you been there? What has stretched you-finances, job, family, self, school, health, death, etc.? Once that rubber band begins to show signs of wear and tear, I guarantee we all start crying out for relief. I began really listening to God and desperately pleading for His knowledge because nothing I was doing in my own power seemed to accomplish anything.

Life can be deceiving and distracting which is just a few of the enemy’s tactics to keep you from relying on God. The only effective way to gauge everything we encounter in life is through a truth meter—God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that “all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”. Scripture imparts truth and endows strength to fight against anything opposing God’s will.

Scripture is “core-strengthening” for our heart. When we turn from our worldly coping methods (the cheap “rubber-band” fix) and rely on God’s Word (an unbelievable resistance band) we receive the true fuel we need to keep going. The elasticity of our life becomes supernatural and we are capable of performing under God’s power to resist the lies, deception, and destruction of the enemy. Scripture is our sword but it requires our weapon of defense to be sharpened through studying God’s Word.

Read it, write it down, display it, quote it, pray it—get an amazing and rewarding workout. Just Do It!

November 7, 2019 1

Diagram Scripture

How many of you loved diagramming sentences in school? I wasn’t an enormous fan but I did not mind doing it when necessary. It did give me a better insight to sentence structure.

Recently, I came across a picture of a very small verse diagrammed. It was broken into parts and each area was addressed by writing meaning, thoughts, and reflections on each section.

I have been putting this method into practice and shared it with the ladies attending Refining. I encourage you to give it a whirl. Reflect, ponder, study, pray, and diagram a sentence for a week. Come away with a deeper meaning and understanding while drawing closer to knowing God.

If you haven’t tried AMPS (posted previously) as a scripture study method, give it a try as well. Share your experience and thoughts. Lets encourage one another to grow in Christ and remain in His Word.

October 31, 2019 0

Despair Repair

Feel It

The world serves heaping portions of suffering, anguish, and misery. We have all experienced the ups and downs of life. Heartbreaking news, loss, addictions, health issues, overwhelming life circumstances, and many others chip away at our ability to be a warrior of God.

During my darkness, I desperately craved effective ways to keep my eyes on God. I wasn’t prepared for the despair. There were days when I questioned if I would fully recover from it all. Yet somehow God found methods to give me strength and endurance when I really wanted to end it all.

Overflow

I love worship and praise music. It speaks deeply to my soul and has a way of expressing my thoughts and feelings when I fall short on words. Toby Mac is one artist who brought light into my pit for those five years. Songs like: Lights Shine Bright, Til the Day I Die, Love Broke Thru, Backseat Driver, and Feel It. Over and over the lyrics would ring through my mind along with scripture to help me fight against the enemy.

This week has brought tragedy to the McKeehan family. Toby Mac lost his oldest son Truett. My heart goes out to family as they walk through this time. Please pray for their healing. May they feel the love of God surrounding them during their grief.

I Just Need You

God has us all on a journey and we must not forget that no one is exempt from difficulty in life. Our Father can repair our despair. He is still in the miracle business creating goodness from our deepest pain. Embrace your journey and allow God to refine you. Know what keeps you connected to Him: scripture, prayer, music, etc…

Lord, I Need You!

UPDATE: Toby Mac voices his grief in song.

October 25, 2019 0

Get in here!

Welcome! Nothing says, “Come on in” like a beautiful entrance. Many of you probably have a plethora of decorations for each season and holiday. Several of my friends are supremely talented. The front entrance to their homes is always dressed for the occasion. On my weekly adventures, I get to admire numerous embellishments outside of homes. There are some extravagant adornments even in the tiny town of Nazareth, Texas.

Today we received our first snow. The scenery is breathtaking. As I traveled throughout the southwest area of the Panhandle, I enjoyed seeing the land covered in snow. My favorite view happened when I drove down our street and saw our home trimmed with glorious snow! I could almost hear the words, “Welcome home my child. Come on in”. God’s pure white decorations covered the yard.

Our sweet Lord welcomes us 24/7 with arms opened wide. It does not matter how we feel, what we have done, or where we have fallen short. He desires a relationship with us. More than anything, He wants us to share our lives with Him and walk alongside Him. Isaiah 40:31 says that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Our relationship with Him gives us the ability to endure beyond our human means.

When I ponder the words found in scripture commanding us to Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, I question my own ability. (Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37) Do I really welcome my Lord into all the areas of my life? Am I fully surrendering my eyes, mouth, heart, soul, ears, feet, hands, mind, soul and strength each moment to the authority of the Lord?

I know I often find myself stopping and asking for the authority of the Lord to take over my thoughts, actions, and words. My prayer is for the evidence of God to be fully visible in all I do so others see the miraculous power of the trinity alive in me. What about you?

As I continue to welcome the winter scene, my thoughts are on the words “WITH ALL”. God loves us WITH ALL that he has. May we strive to love and serve Him WITH ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength in order to serve and love others. Whatever your scene might be today, welcome the Lord fully into your world. Father, come on in and make every part of me your home. You are welcome here!

October 24, 2019 0

Heir Too!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

Have you ever had your DNA tested? There are numerous reasons our genetic code is beneficial. Establishing paternity, researching health risks, and exploring ancestry are a handful of reasons DNA inquiries occur. For me, DNA testing produced exposure and clarity about my true family history plus an abnormality which awarded me a high-risk badge. It may sound barmy but finding my relatives through my mother’s paternal tree has given me a sense of belonging. The family has made me feel included as a member.

In Galatians 4, Paul reminds us that we can be a part of the family of God through the saving grace of Christ Jesus. Verse 3 shows us we are subject to the authority of worldly and fleshy desires without the redemption of Jesus. “A child under bondage” cannot escape the power of sin and is only promised death and destruction. Christ, the Son of God, who is our source and spiritual rock, is our direct line to obtaining adoption into the family of God.

Redemption, deliverance, salvation, … (you can continue the list) it is simply spiritual adoption. Romans 8:15 states that once we accept Christ’s grace through our full faith in Him, the Spirit is received and we are now sons and daughter to “Abba, Father”. We are redeemed by the blood of Christ and our Savior is the key to God’s adoption.

I love Galatians 4:6 because it speaks about the gift of the Holy Spirit. One of the main topics within the Refining study focuses on the “Spirit of his Son” as a living source with abilities no human can ever equal. The Spirit teaches, prompts, assures, and reveals only what the Father directs. It is a reminder that we are now heir to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. We are no longer left out or excluded from the kingdom.

Our beautiful gift in God’s family comes with dedication to bring Him glory as we draw closer to our “Daddy” through the outpouring of our love and worship. He has given us an inheritance unlike any other and blessed us with the equipment to honor Him in all we do. May our adoption be reflective through the inward and outward changes we embrace as God refines us.

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16

Are you grateful to be an heir too? Here is my prayer based on Galatians 4:1-7:

Thank you, Father, for the sacrifice of Christ. You made a way for us to escape our sinfulness and opened the door for us to escape the slavery of sin. You, oh Lord, are worthy of the highest of praise and honor for the abundant grace and love you have extended. There are no words to fully express the gratitude for paying our debt on the cross. Christ, we are overwhelmingly appreciative for the invitation of adoption and thankful for the opportunity to be called sons and daughters to the King of Kings. Father, it is comforting to know your Spirit lives within our heart to leads us. Help us each second of our time on the earth to glorify you, oh Lord. Forgive us when we fall short of fully living out the purpose you gave us. We love you Abba, Father.

October 19, 2019 0

Trust: Supernatural Power

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:23

Have you ever felt powerless? I have. There have been situations or events way out of my control. I felt trapped in a downward spiral because of the inability to determine the outcome. This is true of numerous matters life will dispense: illness, death, job loss, tragedy, . . . In some of my life experiences, I longed for superpowers! (Yes, I am a Marvel fan.) I’ll admit, there were times that an “incredible Genna” would have come in handy although bright green is not in my color pallet.

God’s refinement has supplied the realization that I don’t have to be Wonder Woman to exhibit supernatural capabilities. I only need to TRUST in Him. The world may see it as denial of a psychological need, but strength comes when I impart control to God. Faith, trust, and belief in the Lord releases a heavenly force capable of doing much more than humanly possible. For me, it is a life process of walking alongside the trinity in full surrender and allowing the outcome to fulfill God’s plan. It is never effortless for me and I often find myself in the driver’s seat again.

Trust turns powerless into supernatural strength where miracles happen and outcomes glorify the Father. Surprisingly, it turns my fear into confidence, hate into love, failure into success, misery into joy, and the list continues. One example is when someone suggested I ask the Lord to give me His love for someone who I had little compassion for at the time. It was a choice to deny my human thoughts and unforgiveness. After I finally took the advice, I cannot express the overwhelming love I had for this person. There was total grace and supernatural love flowing from a source I could not explain. Power to love when the world said hate. My vision of the person was transformed. My Wonderful Super God was at work in me and through me. The Holy Spirit was leading me to fully extend God’s grace and goodness to His child who He loved dearly.

Tap into the almighty power of God. Trust in Him. Find a sufficient amount of power by having faith in Jesus Christ. In all of our ways, may we glorify the Father.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 2 Corinthians 9:8

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Ephesians 3:20

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. I Peter 4:11

October 17, 2019 2

Proper Casting

Casting is defined as a process where a substance is placed in a mold until it solidifies. Once the method is complete, the “casting” is removed. When the final product is too complex to perform by hand, casting is ideal.

Although we often tease about the mold being broken once we were born, it was almighty God who created our complex body by hand. Psalm 139:13 reminds us that God created our inner parts and formed us. This is only the beginning! Jeremiah 29:11 declares the Lord has plans for our welfare and future. He even assures us a supply of hope. His word is full of promises!

We must not forget the enemy has plans for our lives too. He does everything he can to liquefy what God has formed. Depression, anxiety, fear, heartache, sorrow, addiction. . . It is all a crafty attempt to pour all you are into the enemies mold and solidify your life around his sinful lies.

I Peter 5: 7 Advises us to cast all our anxiety on God because He cares about us. However, the advice continues in verses 8 and 9.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

You are NOT ALONE! We all wrestle with something.

I developed situational anxiety during my deep, dark pit. When anxiety would attack, I felt like someone was stealing the air God placed in my lungs. Immediately, I was frozen yet my body wanted to frantically run. I tried self-centered talk…”you are okay…this will pass…take a deep breath”. Over time, I changed my help method and began quoting I Peter 5:7 when it occurred. “This is yours Lord. I cast every ounce of it over to you. Remove the lie of anxiety. I know You ARE in control and I am your child. In You, I have hope and a amazing future.”

Somehow I had forgotten how to use the sword to fight whatever came my way. I was out of practice. Today, the situation has changed by the grace of God and I am very humbled by the experience. To God be the glory for His beautiful healing.

ANXIETY RESCINDING

All the fear within me

Surrounding gray skies, casting away

My direction. God’s purpose fading

The promise of hope and joy that are

Gone. How can I focus on anything but

My days of anxiety

(NOW, read it from the bottom to the top!)

October 12, 2019 0

Needy Child of God

Needy is a term usually associated with a negative connotation. Dictionaries may define it as being deprived, disadvantaged, or even destitute. Most people would agree they do not want to be a burden nor be dependent on others. Neediness is usually an undesirable trait in our society. Being self-reliant and self-sufficient is highly regarded and preferred by most.

In an article by Steven J. Cole entitled Needy People, Mighty God, he maintains all people fall into the category of “desperately needy”. In his writing, he supports his stance through the simple fact that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of the Lord. (Romans 3:23) Cole goes even further to describe the human race as “fragile” individuals who could expire at a moment’s notice. We are desolate without His almighty grace.

Our dependence on God goes much deeper than salvation. In John 15:5 the Father reminds us “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Discipleship requires total reliance on the Lord for “the whole ball of wax”. I don’t know about you but I fail greatly at being Christ-sufficient. It is a continual struggle to humbly submit all control to the Lord although I truly know I am incapable of anything without Him.

My heart’s aspiration is to abide in the Lord 24/7. Actually, I prefer the thought of being immensely inundated by God so there is no room for human desires and selfishness. I long for my life to be overflowing with the Lord.

John 15 places great emphasis on the word abide. If we look further into John 15, verses 4 through 10 use the term nine times. We have all heard John 15:7 quoted and possibly misused. Yet verses 8 and 9 gently remind us when we stand firm in the Father’s love, our only wish will be to glorify Him in all we do. Over and over the Lord reminds us to “abide in” Him and His perfect love allowing His words to live in us and through us.

Lord, I need you. What about you?

Father, help me trust in you with all my heart, and let me fully rely on your perspective as your word states in Proverbs 3:5. May I abide in you and your ways to prevent me from becoming less of who you made me to be. (1 John 2:28). I do believe I cannot accomplish anything fruitful apart from you (John 15:5) and I declare Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. (1 Corinthians 12:3) Let me treasure your Holy Word and live it daily. (2 Timothy 3:15-17) Father, I humbly submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as your obedient child. Lead me in sanctification and let me be ever-mindful of the gift of eternal life. (Romans 6:22) Lord, I need you and only you.

October 9, 2019 1