Prayer Life, Part 2

*Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?* Joel 1:2 (NIV)

Happy Sunday friends! How’s your year been so far? Do you set goals and resolutions every January? Are you planning to make some changes in 2021?

This weekend I began studying Joel. As the writer expands upon the locust plague, he speaks of a God of justice as well as a Lord of mercy. Joel clearly denotes the judgment of sin as dreadful and overpowering punishment much like the devastation of wild locust. Yet, the author tells of a mighty God who is willing to forgive and restore anyone who will turn from their disobedience and declare Him as their sovereign Lord.

How often do we catch this vision of God? A father who stands ready to receive us if we will call on Him. The highest of strength and power who is King over all that has, does, and will exist. A Lord who is abounding in grace. A God who is compassionate and relational. Creator of all, who extends salvation through His son in order to call us His sons and daughters.

Since our 2020 experience, how do we see God? If we believe in an omnipotent God, why do we tend to become complacent and take Him for granted? I have asked myself, “Why don’t I pray more than I do?” Have we become blind to the consequences of fleshy living? Are our senses so dull that we have become immune to God’s warnings and pleas? Have we allowed the offerings of this world to dry up our joy as Joel talks about in Joel 1:12?

Joel’s message for me began in Joel 1:2 with the words “Hear this” and “listen”. It captured my attention to exam my reverence to God as my sovereign Lord and to turn away from my self-centeredness and sin. I saw glimpse of my own lukewarm behavior periodically, the kind of thinking and acts far from what God not only requires, but what He truly deserves. And again, I ask “why”?

As my heart cries out to God to restore my emphasis on Him, I feel the Lord asking me, “Who do you say I am?” How well can I accurately describe Him? This indescribable love who has longed for me, shown mercy in so many ways, sanitized my mistakes, transformed my sins for His good, and showered me with blessings beyond my understanding. He has created turning points in my spiritual journey to increase my faith and knowledge of Him and yet again is tugging on my heartstrings to draw closer to Him through a sincere focus on my prayer life.

What about you? Who do you say God is? How is your prayer life?

Please leave your comments, suggestions, and thoughts below. We are all in this together. Lets reach out and help each other in our journey. I look forward to hearing your insight.

To you, Lord, I call, for fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness and flames have burned up all the trees of the field. Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the pastures in the wilderness. Joel 1:19-20 (NIV)

January 3, 2021 0

Overwhelmed? Conquer it with God and His Word

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? I have had the pleasure of being there! I have lost count of the number of episodes. However, I can attest to the fact those zany feelings are genuine and definitely stop me in my tracks. It has taken me years to finally address it, call it out, and deal with it.

Two years ago, God was restoring me from an intense pit which lasted half a decade. As He began reconditioning my heart and repairing my life, the Lord had me face one of the largest elephants in the room. (Yes, there were more than one!) This creature had overpowered me several times and left me devastated in handling my very own existence. I even identified myself as one who was best at doing nothing when not knowing what to do. It was time to deal with the paralyzing effects of being overwhelmed.

My dark valley was a discipline gorge delivering many unforgettable lessons. However, the most impactful discovery was the importance of staying in His Word and paying close attention to His directives. My desperation allowed me to cling to The Spirit of truth, God’s Holy Word, and find hope in His promises.

As I began digging deeper into Scripture, the Holy Spirit began prompting me to apply it to my circumstances. God was basically saying, “It is time to put skin on Scripture my daughter”. The Lord started with my feelings of being overwhelmed and spotlighted the root of the issue. ME! My out-of-control desperation episodes where nothing more than lacking the ability to let go and allow God to drive.

The fight is still real and can be powerful at times. However, I have learned to face the devasting lie from the enemy by humbly surrendering to the directives and promises of God’s sweet words- Scripture. I am getting better at calling out those overwhelming thoughts and placing them under God’s authority than I use to be. And somehow along the way, I found freedom by living life as a passenger and giving up control of the keys.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Allow me to share three ways I learned to combat the struggle:

1. Surrendered to God: I had to accept the fact life is not about me. As I discovered my purpose through God, it became clear-I had been living according to my plans. I had created blueprints I could not humanly achieve because the truth is: I am a powerless being. God is in control and I am not.

So, as I began humbly surrendering my life to the Lord, those overwhelming moments arose less and less. It became easier to handle the pressures of daily living. Why? Because I was no longer the manager of my life, God was. It still amazes me how giving up the steering wheel allowed my life to be in better working order.

2. Connected with God: Hindsight is definitely 20/20. My overwhelming episodes could have been lessened had I been in full relationship with the Almighty Lord. God showed me His desire-for me to participate in an environment focused upon Him 24/7.

After admitting to my lack of engagement with God and Scripture, I began making Him top priority. I ran to Him about everything in life-good or bad. He became a power source of strength above anything I had experienced. His connection seemed to block out the enemy’s ability to overwhelm my mind. God gave me peace, security, and satisfaction. I began following His discernment and letting Him lead.

3. Submitted to the Lord’s text: Putting skin on Scripture started with drenching my life with God’s Holy Word. For years, I had viewed the Bible as talk uttered by God without acknowledging the supernatural force, potency, and capability it possessed. My viewpoint had to change.

God extended His invitation to infuse my life and He welcomed me to a completely different way of thinking and living through His Word. His empowerment lured me to seek Him on a more intimate level and to bring my life under His absolute authority. I began inserting my name in His Word and fighting off those fickle feelings through declaring Scripture.

Now when overwhelming emotions creep up, I go straight to those commanding verses and claim them. I submit to the power of the Father and ask for His help in fighting off the persuading lies. Slowly, I have learned to let Scripture conquer the battle of my mind. I have found the Lord’s text to be a true defensive sword worthy to be called highly effective.

So, now when I begin to experience the feelings of being overwhelmed, I am no longer paralyzed and do nothing. God has given me an action plan and a helpmate: His Holy Word. I am now able to keep moving forward thanks to God’s provision.

My “Go To” Scriptures when feeling overwhelmed:

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

I, even I, am he who comforts you. Isaiah 51:12a (NIV)

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 (NIV)

How do you overcome paralyzing emotions? Share your suggestions and thoughts below. We would love to hear from you!

December 12, 2020 4

How to Respond to 2020

*Let all that you do be done in love.* 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Good morning friends! Have you ever scrolled through social media and been blessed by the words of a brother or sister in Christ? Yesterday, I had the privilege to read a post crafted by Pam Brown, worship pastor for Amarillo Fellowship. Her openness and direct message are sound advice for each of us as we continue to find ways to respond to 2020.

I love how her writing reflects the foundational concepts Refining promotes: really getting to know God and spending time in His Word. Pulling away from the world and just listening to His voice is such a key element that we often place on the back burner. Yet, each day we are given the freedom to decide how we will follow His overall purpose for each of us: LOVE

Thank you, Pam for being our guest writer today. Your words are too precious not to share. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I choose Jesus!! I will choose Jesus every time!! My heart is to stand for what God stands for— not my own agenda! My heart is to get close to God’s heart and know Him in such a way that His desires become mine!! His heart for the world becomes mine!

There is so much “noise” happening sometimes it can be hard to distinguish His voice, but getting alone — spending time in his word— cancelling the world’s voice (which is screaming pretty loud right now) — is the only way!!

HERE IS WHAT I KNOW

-God is Good!

-God is faithful- even when we are not!

-God is Love – it’s not just a part of who He is but it is Who He is!

-God is just!

-God loves and cares deeply for the poor and helpless in our world and wants no one to suffer from the evil in the world!

-God loves everyone, but He has a special love for Israel and those who pray for Israel and support her God blesses!

-God does not see people the way we do— He sees us in our humanity, but He doesn’t judge us by that. He speaks life over us and calls out the destiny that He created and designed us to be!

-God hates division but loves unity!

I’ve meditated and prayed about speaking out and my voice being heard and all I keep hearing God say is — respond like I would — what does that even mean?

There were times Jesus became angry-so yes-I’ve had righteous anger when I see innocent lives of babies being aborted or lives of any color being discriminated against! Or young children being sold into a life of sex trafficking!! It sickens me to the core!! That’s not Ok!!

It can all feel so overwhelming-I’m just one person, but we can all do something!

I believe it all begins with Love!! Not to sound sappy because what I know about love is it’s HARD!! It’s not for the wimpy— to love means to give when you’ve got nothing left to give — to love means there is long suffering involved!! To love means you don’t give up when the going gets tough! But you stand! You pray!! You fast!! You persevere!! You never give up!! And that’s when you see the fruit of your labor come to life!!

So, in this crazy season— what can we do?? LOVE!! Love like your life depends on it because it does!! I really hope and pray this brings hope to someone today!

Love- Pam

Pam’s Bio: I’m married and 49 years old- mother of two incredible sons, I have 2 beautiful daughters in law, 1 precious granddaughter, (who lights up our life) another granddaughter on the way! In January I’ll be celebrating 30 years of marriage to the love of my life! I’ve been in full time ministry for 30 years- and for the past 19 years I have served alongside my husband as the worship pastor as he is the lead pastor at Amarillo Fellowship. My heart is to love people and encourage them to know how much the Father loves them and has a great destiny for their lives!

November 11, 2020 0