Mary’s push
Jesus’ birth
Her travail
Brought rest to earth
—
There was travail before there came a baby male
A leader of the world, born to save the earth
Came through a pure, teenage woman
Pushing through contractions of birth
—
—
My prayer
True rest. May I only labor to enter into this. Amen.
I was emailing with a comrade recently, and they mentioned they’re interested to hear what insights I’m acquiring and picking up.
It was a thought provoking prompt, and I thought a blog post to process through this would be helpful, both for readers, and also for myself.
I’m currently on a campus of 1700+ people, and this is the largest quarter they’ve had here, which means people are everywhere and the place is densely populated with Jesus loving, prayerful people.
I suppose to some, this would seem great, particularly those who are extroverted and gain energy from being around people a lot.
It’s an interesting season for sure, as I have just started spiritual direction training, and was enjoying the practices of silence, solitude, and stillness. These practices that saints of old found helpful, wrote about, and practices to enhance their communication with God, their self awareness, and their capacity to love others better, have become helpful tools and pathways on which I can follow to gain better understanding of myself and people around me. I’ve heard it said that someone who is more aware is often able to better love (themselves, God, and others). This makes me want to be intentional in being aware and in loving well.
It’s just another way to remain in the first two commandments. I want this to be one of the main repeated themes in my life.
1. The Gospel
2. Loving God and loving others
If I stayed within those topics for the rest of my life, I believe it’d be transformative, not only for myself, but for the community and people around me.
Thus, these practices have become important and valued in my life, particularly within the last few years and months. Because of this, it feels like a strange paradox to be in the season where I am right now, bustling amidst large crowds of people in rather noisy spaces with very little solitude, silence, or stillness. It is something I need to very intentionally seek out.
This is my guess for others, as well, as some cultures are similar, in holding a schedule or a pace that highly values visible efficiency and productivity.
I very much enjoy visible efficiency and productivity, but often, I need space and time within my soul; and after a while, I see the outward result – but only after given time to be.
I’ve been thinking of this lately in regards to the hospitality of the Lord. The way He is a gentleman and knocks on the door, but doesn’t barge in or enter unless I open the door. The way He prepares a house for us in eternal places. The way He invites me into His Kingdom and has a spot for me at the table. The way He has us seated in Heavenly places, where we all have a seat.
He creates spaces and places for us to be, and the space we have within us – our souls and hearts – He wants to cultivate with us, but He doesn’t barge in, uninvited, nor does He interrupt us.
The hospitality of the Lord has gripped me. The feelings and thoughts of having a place within the home of God, having a physical place, having a seat at the table… He is hospitable. He is intentional in setting up spaces for us before we come.
Because of this, I’ve been thinking of the beauty of hospitality on earth, and how I want to engage in and embrace hospitality, both in giving and in receiving. It is a beautiful gift to be able to make people feel at home and at rest, whether that is a physical space prepared or whether it’s inward availability created through intentional work of having capacity for others to dwell in my presence.
I want to do both – have spaces physically and inwardly, in which people can rest and dwell. I
I don’t know what that looks like in this season, but it’s a starting point of reflection to verbalize and write down the thoughts.
The hospitality of God … a comforting reality within myself and in tangible space.
This is a starting point of highlighting what’s been on my mind regarding this. Your thoughts are welcome! 😊
I’m grateful for the Church. For a few weeks, this has been a reoccurring theme.
I am sitting here on the couch, thinking about Church, and I realized what I remembered from this Sunday morning was all based on my interactions with people. I remember praying with and for people. I remember the interaction where a kind heart gave me a book that covers the history of Hawaii, because he thought it’d be important for me to know the history of the place where I’ll be going soon. I remember the bright eyes and genuine smile of someone who seemed authentic and joyful. I remember being encouraged, multiple times, by many different people, for doing a good job. I remember waves, smiles, and greetings, both entering the building and as I was leaving. I remember good times.
I think Church really is about Church. It’s people who love Jesus and who commit to being together to love Jesus and to love one another.
I know this is somewhat of a given, and it seems simple; but when we KEEP it this simple, there are beautiful things that can follow.
We focus on experiencing Jesus. We focus on loving Jesus. We focus on how loved we are by God. Our attention is on loving one another. It’s about connection and relationship. It’s Church.
I’m grateful for the Church. I love the Church.
Jesus does, too. ♥️
“I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
John 17:23 HCSB
Hello, prayer warriors!
I pray today greets you with enthusiasm for prayer and intercession.
As we live another day on an 11th, I’m automatically reminded of Malachi 1:11. I’m thankful for traditions and rhythms in this way, that the dates and schedules will continuously come up, because time doesn’t stop. This is a gift on our side – to plan for special and set apart times of meeting with God, praying, and worshiping. I now look at Malachi 1:11 again, to give me vision for the Lord’s heart for the nations.
With this rhythm of praying for the nations on every 11th of the month, I’ve been expecting nations to be highlighted to me by the Lord. It’s been a good practice of listening for and hearing His voice as He highlights certain places each month. He’s been gracious, once again, and has highlighted the countries (below) to me to pray for this time. Feel free to pray along with the written prayers below, pray along with us on IG, and/or let us know what countries the Lord is putting on your heart to pray for! I bless you in partnering with Abba for His rhythm and desires for the nations.
As we enter into prayer today, we thank You, God. We thank You for Your loving kindness, for Your goodness, for Your mercy that is always chasing us down. We love You, Jesus, and You love us more than we could ever know. Embrace us with Your love, God. Give us just a glimpse more of Your love than what we are experiencing right now. Give us a little more of You – more than what we have right now. Thank You for giving us more, always giving abundantly, always giving us Yourself graciously. You are generous with Your time, with Your touch, with Your gifts, and with Your love. You never disappointment. You never let us down. You are always full of hope, and You are always full of Love. You are Live, and You love us well. Help us step into that more. We love You, Jesus. Let us move Your heart. Let us touch Your heart.
As we pray for the nations, help us partner with You, God. Give us Scriptures to agree with and to pray over these lands, people groups, and countries. We bring these before You today. May You receive all the glory due Your Holy Name, Father.
Israel 🇮🇱
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem — Jerusalem, built as a city should be, solidly joined together, where the tribes, Yahweh’s tribes, go up to give thanks to the name of Yahweh. (This is an ordinance for Israel. ) There, thrones for judgment are placed, thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper; may there be peace within your walls, prosperity within your fortresses.” Because of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be with you.” Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.” Psalms 122:1-9 HCSB
God, we ask for Israel. We ask that there would be praise, worship, and thanks in Jerusalem and in the nation of Israel. We ask that Your will is done for Israel. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and that there would be peace there. God, bless Israel and lead the people there to the salvation and knowledge of Yourself. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Germany 🇩🇪
God, we ask for Germany. We ask that You would shine the light of Your face on Germany.
“Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted? How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the Lord. Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good? ” Look on us with favor, Lord. You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalms 4:1-8 HCSB
God, we ask for Germany – that You would be the Just Judge and the Vindicator of this country. Would You come in all of Your Righteousness and Truth and shake this nation to love You more and to make You their first love? Their One and Only. The Lover of their souls. God, would You awaken Your Bride in Germany?
Free Germany. Be her Deliverer. Be gracious to these people and this land. We cry out for mercy. We ask that You hear the prayers of the saints in Germany, and thy you quicken the answer to their prayers – that they would be full of faith and hope in You, and that they would not be in despair. God, we pray against discouragement for the body of Christ in Germany, and we pray for holy hope to arise – a supernatural hope that lights the way and puts light back into the eyes of the people who love and serve You. God, we ask that the disappointment would be shattered by Your hope and joy.
Look on Germany 🇩🇪 with favor. Bring the people joy. Let it abound. Bring peace to their hearts. Stay with them, Abba. Be their guide. We ask these things according to Your will and in Your name, Jesus. Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness and that You are eager to commune with us and to answer us. Thank You, Jesus. You are a good Savior, Healer, and Friend. We Love You. Amen.
Thank You for loving the nations, Jesus. 🌎 🌍 🌏 You are the desire of our hearts, always and forever. We love You, Abba. Holy Spirit, You are our Guide, and we treasure You. To You be all the glory, God. We love You. You are enough for us. You satisfy us in our deepest longings. Amen.
Are you holding back?
This is a valid question. I’m asking it, because I’m pondering within my own life … am I holding back? Am I doing what God had called me to do? Am I pouring out and making myself an offering before the Lord?
Not as a point of condemnation to highlight what isn’t happening – because that’s not at all the heart of God. He is kind and gentle. I’m asking myself, am I am offering? Am I without complaint, and without grumbling, offering my best to the Lord? Am I an offering worth putting on the altar?
I don’t want to offer my second best. The dirty lamb. The one who hasn’t yet been strengthened through seasons and cleaned.
I want to be strong, having overcome trials. I want to gain crowns in Heaven, that I may have worthy things to offer the Lord.
So that leads me to these thoughts.
Am I giving the Lord my best?
Am I offering the gifts I have that He’s given me? Am I fine tuning the skills and gifts (natural and supernatural) that I’ve gained as the Lord has blessed me?
“But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.”
Philippians 2:17 NLT
A liquid offering … an offering that is easily moldable. Usable. Strong. Sturdy. Ready to be poured out. A liquid offering.
Am I fully invested in the things the Lord has spoken into my life?
I’m pondering, because there are so many good things to do. Plant churches. Write songs. Adopt. Rescue animals. Cultivate gardens. Build houses. Write books. Educate kids. Help those in need. Visit the sick.
There is so much opportunity to do good. What is the Lord speaking to you right now? What good works has He put on your heart and written for you to do? What are you fully investing in right now, that is in your lane, in your niche?
How are you hosting, using, and accelerating the gifts He’s given you?
“And now the Lord speaks— the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The Lord has honored me, and my God has given me strength. He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.””
Isaiah 49:5-6 NLT
We are formed by God. May we be His servants. We’ve been commissioned. May we go willingly, longing to obey and love Him well. The Lord has honored us, God has given us strength. May we be empowered to do more than we ever thought possible.
May we be lights. May we bring Jesus to the ends of the earth, that His family would increase in size.
Lord, thank You for gifting us with gifts. Thank You that we co labor with You.
Thank You that You have given us responsibility to partner with you.
We ask that You show us the next right step to do Your will. We agree and say yes to Your plan, whatever and wherever that leads us as we follow You. Amen.
Today, Israel is on my heart. 🇮🇱
I’m interceding for this land, and Psalm 122 comes to mind.
“O Jerusalem, may there be peace for those who dwell inside your walls and prosperity in your every palace. I intercede for the sake of my family and friends who dwell there, that they may all live in peace. For the sake of your house, Yahweh our God, I will seek the welfare and prosperity of Jerusalem.”
Psalms 122:7-9 TPT
What nations are on your heart? Where on the map is the Lord highlighting for you these days?
I was amazed! 🥑 When my face is not in jaw-dropping amazement at the size of this avocado, it’s about the size of this avocado.
I wonder…
…What blessed person planted the seed that grew into the tree this avocado produced?
…Who saw this beautiful avocado the size of my face and carefully picked and harvested it off the tree?
…I have no idea. To be honest, I couldn’t even tell you who bought it, brought it home, or cut it up. I simply remember experiencing the goodness of the fruit.
I have no idea know who planted that tree or who watered it. I don’t know the farmers, and I don’t know where it came from, but to be honest, I didn’t really think about any of this while stuffing my face. I simply enjoyed the bowl of guacamole in front of me!
This avocado abundance reminds me of a Scriptural analogy about the roles people play in planting, watering, and harvesting.
“What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s coworkers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 HCSB
Some people plant. Others water. God gives the growth. It seems the Kingdom of God is like a communal garden, where we, saints, fill in, during seasons and in lanes where the Lord has us.
In this season, in Brazil, I can see how the Lord has provided us with opportunities to water seeds, to plant, and also to harvest.
At one local church, we saw people’s ears healed, we saw God deliver a woman, and we witnessed the Lord filling people with His Spirit (Acts 2). We also thanked God for the salvation of souls for those who committed their lives to Christ during the service. It was awesome! This was definitely one of our more memorable and fun times, because we saw the Lord working and we got to enjoy and reap a harvest.
I must say every “good work” has not been that enjoyable or as easily fruitful, though. I say this not to discourage, but to bring attention to the reality that my life (and most people’s lives) is neither a constant mountain nor a constant valley. Rather, it is a process of walking with the Lord, and sometimes it involves high or low incline and elevation.
Some “good works” we’ve been doing this season have felt more like plowing and planting seeds. That’s good, too.
The seeds planted that maybe get more overlooked – those are spiritual and are seeds of obedience, as well. That is a part of loving Jesus, too. Those are valid and beautiful, because in the end, it’s all about loving God and people well. Here I am, tending to the garden of my own heart, and where I can, I’m gardening in the Kingdom in this communal garden.
I’m glad whatever my role is, God gives the growth.
Jesus always makes things right.
No matter the circumstance, the distance, the loss of connection. No matter the need.
Jesus always makes things right.
Difficulty isn’t on a continuum for the One who created everything. The One who put into order the world amidst a void will once again put everything into order.
Distortion doesn’t have a louder voice.
God is not a God of chaos. He is a God of order.
He will come back.
He will make all things right.
Justice will have the final say.
Oh Love,
I’ll never get over you
I’ll always be hoping, wishing, waiting
For You to chase after me
Let faith be a substance inside of me
The assurance of what I’ve hoped for
Give me the perspective of the Eternal One
So I pray the end from the beginning
Let me eagerly expect like I’ve never met regret
Because Your hope never disappoints
The Love poured out through Your Spirit
Covered my wanderings
Let hope take a hold
Let hope be the grip on my heart
Let me always have space for more
I want to expect the goodness of You to abound
I can’t contain the goodness that’s coming
I’ll be here hoping, praying, waiting
For Your Lovingkindness to chase after me
Be a fountain of Love over me
Love will stay
Love will remain
Love will be the One
Who brings me home
I need to find Love from Your Source.
The One who always has more to give than I can possibly receive
You’re pouring Your Love out on me.
As you grow my faith, hope, and expectation, I’m always going to want more.
Even amidst satisfaction in You, hunger is a gift You’ll pour out and You’ll keep giving more than I want or desire.
My levels of capacity don’t hinder Your abundance.
In His Presence 