“…the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed…how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Col 2:26-27

The Mystery revealed is not what. It is Who. Christ Jesus has been revealed, and where do we see Him? Living in us! The Perfect Love dwells, lives, in us. The hope of glory. Lives in us.

The amazing revelation is that, I believe the Gentiles that Paul is referring to here are the pre-believers of his day. And it is Paul’s mission to reveal to them that Christ dwells in them! That is amazing! Until now, I read, “He included us, those of us who have chosen Him.” But I think there’s a deeper message here. A deeper calling. Remember? He chose us first.

When we were in Haiti last year, my prayer partner and I met up with two young men, drunk as skunks. One of them was pretty sure that Jesus was not alive. And he spent a good twenty minutes challenging us. Every point we presented, every scripture, he threw right back at us, challenging and sure of himself. In exasperation, I finally said, hold out your hands, palms up. I placed my hands palm down over his, but not touching. My prayer was simple, “Lord, touch him.” and the Lord showed up. Mightily. Electricity flowed through his body. He was shaking from head to foot. He could no longer deny a loving, living, powerful Jesus.

Words are good. Indeed, His Word is powerful! But sometimes, perhaps even often, Presence is better.

Our mission? Reveal “Christ in us, the hope of glory” to the “Gentiles” amongst us. The holes in pre-believers are to be filled with Him. Jesus is the Perfect Love that perfectly fills that hole.

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Col 2:28-29

Ask the Lord—”Who is my mission?” Jot a prayer for them by Commenting. We’ll pray alongside you, praying him or her into the Kingdom!

Sue
Only Believe.

This little panel “Epiphany” is a pre-painting for a larger painting…stay tuned!

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Want to read about the upcoming Haiti trip? Click here!

As I close my computer, I tweet, “…feeling His embrace, why did I wait so long?”

That is a great question. Why did I wait so long to snuggle in. Why do I continue in crabby? Or shuffle in shadows. Frustrated by frenzy. Turn … and be.

Jesus, Himself,  is right inside me, waiting for me to initiate a chat. He is beside me, waiting for me to brush against Him. He is all around me, waiting for me to be all in. He is in front of me, waiting for me to stumble upon and into Him. He is tenderness, always.

Today, set weariness aside. Turn away from the frustrations and frenzy of life and the enemy. Let yourself be loved. Determine to be filled, with Jesus. Live in His embrace.

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine…” Song of Solomon 6:3

Be joy-filled in, and loved by, Jesus! It is really that simple.

Sue
Only Believe.

His heart, one more time. Free shipping on prints and cards through Feb. 20. Enjoy!
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Jesus doesn’t allow sickness anywhere that I know of. It is recorded that he healed every sickness and every disease (Matt 9:35). Moreover, He tells us to heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead. We can even step on snakes, and drink poison without ill effect, tho I will leave that alone. I’m just not going there.

Jesus doesn’t allow a storm. He doesn’t rile up the clouds, cause the earth to shake and quake, or tell tsunami’s to rush onto land. Jesus calms the storm. And admonished, “You of little faith” = You, too can do it! Jesus speaks peace and blessing to the house, and ensures forgiveness.

Jesus is quite unilaterally and always good! And He is the face of God.

Somewhere in the midst of this, I am totally tweaked by God’s trust and even pleasure in giving us the keys of the kingdom. Jesus says this, “And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” (Matt 16:19 The Message) Does that amaze anyone else? He also gives us this assurance, that as we ask and pray, He will do it. (Matt. 21:22, John 16:23-24, Matt. 7:7) This is amazing. And daunting.

Consider this, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden (mighty) things that you have not known” (Jer. 33:3). And, “For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory” (1 Cor. 2:7). These verses make me wonder, can we be shown the “hidden” things to come, and then pray and declare against them? Ahead of the time of their arrival? Is that a crucial part of taking dominion that the Lord gave us in Genesis?  Is that one of the ways that we will do “the greater”?

This happened a couple weeks ago. The team from the NewDay School of Ministry went with our friend Paul Rapley first to First Love in LeSeuer and also to NewDay one Saturday evening. We asked the Lord for “Words of Knowledge,” in other words, hidden things (to us) that God now highlights, things that He wants to heal that particular evening. We saw legs grow out to be even, spines come into alignment, lumps diminish, young men stand taller, and depression bow to Truth. Why doesn’t everything get healed 100% right now because we have a good God? I don’t know. I do know, however, that the problem is with me, not Him.

Does this work with the enemy’s plans, too? Did it not say that He’ll show us the hidden, that He’ll reveal secrets. And quite possibly so we can dash the enemy’s plans? Whether its sickness, joblessness, disasters, or attacks of any size and shape, can we destroy that plan?

How does this pertain to, “Did God allow…” My question is, did God allow it, or is it the enemy at work, lying, stealing and destroying. A more painful question is, did we allow it? Ouch. But I think it’s an invitation to explore. Dive deeper. Grab the greater.

Lets be gentle on ourselves and grow. We’re just not “there” yet. We’re still on the potter’s wheel. We’re still learning the incredible authority we do have and the incredible power in His name! We’re are learning to be conquerors.

My hope is that we will be intimate with God, so He will show us the hidden things to come, and if its the enemy causing them, how to conquer. Then there won’t be a question, “Did God allow …?” We step out and ask God the prayers to pray. The intercession, in whatever form that takes, that will destroy the works of the enemy. He is sovereign, yet He puts way more power into His believers that we ever would. He’s chosen to let us call on His name and His power! Jesus accepted the cross, yes, to save us from sin, but also so we could be powerful against the enemy. So we, taking after Jesus, can use the authority He gives us to destroy the works of the enemy. (Acts 10:38)

It’s really Good News! Better than we imagined.

Have big faith! Step out in His authority, He will do it!

Where will you be the conqueror this week? What plans of the enemy will you squash?

Sue
Only Believe.

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* Please note that I am not, in any stretch of the imagination, a theologian. These are the ramblings of a Jesus-lover.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Holy Spirit’s big plan is one thing and one thing alone. It is to form us into the image of Jesus. It is all about Jesus, after all. The verses above, I believe, are the initial stepping stones to do that. If we don’t take these to heart, nothing else will flourish for any length of time.

Invitation one:

Take His yoke. We often see the pictures of the oxen yoked together. This keeps them in line. Keeps them from running amuk on their own and out of mischief, or, even worse, from just settling in one spot and not going anywhere at all. But, given the context, this is not what Jesus meant. Jesus is yoked to the Father, not for control, but so the Father can do all the heavy lifting with His broad shoulders. So that as the Father whispers, we can hear clearly. And when the Father winks at us, we can see His pleasure—the light of His countenance—His smile.

Invitation two:

Learn from Jesus. How does Jesus love? Unconditionally and eternally steadfast. How does Jesus react? With joy, patience, forgiveness, and mercy. How does Jesus see? Through His heart into ours. How does Jesus walk? Intentionally. How does Jesus know? Through intimacy, the give and take, called prayer. How does Jesus speak? Only with the words of a loving Father. How does He live? Simply. Why does He die? To rise.

Invitation three:

Be gentle and humble. I think of how Jesus treated the women in His life. “Mom, it’s not time for miracles, but since you desire it, so do I.” Jesus defends Mary, who simply sits at His feet. He knows the value of sweet perfume and tears. He raises Lazareth, to show His love for Martha and Mary. He forgives the adulteress and gives Living Water at the well. Lowly and humbly, not once boasting of the many miracles. In fact, quite the contrary.

These aren’t always welcome invitations. There are times this week when I haven’t reacted in joy, let alone patience, when I haven’t been intentional. And haven’t felt mercy. And that’s exactly when the Holy Spirit invites us back, assures us, that we’re loved, and leads us back to Jesus, Himself. The Living Water and the Rest we need.

That’s Good News!

When has Jesus prompted you this week to be better? And did you feel the reassurance of His love afterwards? Give us a sentence or two about it.

Sue
Only Believe.

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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

To dwell with Him is to be protected and loved beyond anything we can imagine. Up close and personal. With Him. It is to live in peace, in His reality.

Think on all the promises, and how Jesus demonstrates each promise to us, while He’s on the earth, and now!

The enemy snares. Jesus focuses on who He is, whom He worships, and whom He trusts. Mark 4:1-11
The enemy kills, steals and destroys. Jesus gives life, abundantly. John 10:10
The enemy instills fear. Jesus stills us with peace. John 14:27
The enemy shoots arrows. Jesus is a shield. John 17:12
The enemy attacks our bodies. Jesus heals. John 9:1-7
Jesus sends His angels. Acts 12:7
Jesus guards us. John 8:3-7

What Jesus did then, He still does for us today. We saw dozens of people healed this past weekend at First Love in LeSeuer. Pain leaving multiple body parts. Feet, elbows, heads, chins, backs. A young man with cerebral palsy standing taller. People saved. Lumps dissolving. So many stories of His goodness. All by the magnificent power in the name of Jesus. Love, love.

Who is this Jesus? He is the One who is always with us! The One who loves to laugh and cry with us. The One who dries our eyes and turns sadness into rejoicing. The One who makes good of every circumstance. Our Best Friend.

As the end of the Psalm says (paraphrased):
Love lavishly. Live protected.
Hear Him whisper our name in the midst of trials.
Call on Him. Listen to His answers.
He’s our Hero—standing ready to save the day.

And we get to live with Him forever. In Paradise.

That’s Good News!

Where has Jesus delivered on one of His promises to you? Let us know!

Sue
Only Believe.

Fire Fall Down • 6″x6″ panel • Click here to purchase

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“And He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” Ex. 3:6

In this verse, Moses brings an awareness to us of God’s greatness and imparts a sense of awe for our God that I’m not sure we quite get these days. Our God is loving and He is joy. He is peace and He is also truth. He was there before time began (Gen 1:1), He is here now (Matthew 22:32), and He will be forever (Deut 33:27). But more than that, He’s bigger.

I wonder, though, is it possible that if we stand in a greater awe and awareness—when we worship and pray—almost afraid to see His face, that our faith will increase. We will love in greater depths. We will see more miracles. We will see Him move more, just because we see a God Who is so much more? I don’t know, but I think we might.

God so often just plain thrills me. He knows my thoughts and hears my voice. He releases—sometimes even before I pray—just because He loves me and knows my heart. A group of us got together the other evening, and I’d been wanting to find some new soaking music. I didn’t plan any music, just assuming I’d throw something on to soak to when they came. One of the ladies walked in saying that she had just received in the mail a great soaking CD. That’s my God. Someone who gives, even before we ask.

I will add, it is important to ask. He tells us to. And assures us we’ll receive when we do (Matt. 7:7).

But I also think that as we turn our affection towards Him and in awe, we’ll receive even before we think to ask. Just because that’s Who He is. Just because He loves us and is a proud Papa. He’s great and awesome…and more!

So, as you spend time with Him, dwell on how Big God is. I think He’ll thrill you. I think He will excite you. I think He will surprise you. And I think you’ll also be in a place to receive just what you need, just when you need it, sometimes even before asking.

k? k.

God bless you. Abundantly and richly.

Sue
Only Believe.

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“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14

He is Holy and wholly one with God.

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.
For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”

Befriending the Holy Spirit means learning about God, His character, His vastness, His provision and power in addition to His love and tenderness. Paul says, “We have received… the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God (vs. 12). What has God prepared for us? I want to know! I may think I know, but I bet there’s more!

I admire those who have taken the adventurous road of deep intimacy with Holy Spirit. Paul and Samuel, Brother Lawrence, and Bill Johnson. They have cultivated this friendship. As we grow in our friendship, giving our mind, time, and obedience, we learn. We are comforted. We experience not only His peace, but also His power. Those depths of God that are not available when we keep zipping and zooming, or being critical. What will the Spirit reveal to us? I want to know!

Its an eternal friendship that we have the privilege of deepening and delighting in. I want to know Him!

I have grown to love adventure! I’m ready. I want to know… !

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” The Message

2012. It’s going to be a great year!

Sue
Only Believe.

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.”  Brother Lawrence

hidden

the love of God … 2 Cor 13:14

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14

I do not think we can have a revelation of Jesus without a deepening of knowing His love for us! The disciple John was the beloved of Jesus (in John’s own words)—and John receives the Revelation of Jesus. We receive a revelation of Jesus as we receive His love—for us.

Every revivalist (that I have read of) encounters the love of Jesus and becomes totally sold out after that revelation, if they weren’t before. I would suggest (my opinion) that each disciple, one of the 12 or one of the 72, or Smith Wigglesworth, Maria Woodworth-Etter, or Katherine Kuhlman, all encountered Love which opened a revelation of Jesus.

• Wigglesworth: “It was then that the fire fell, and Smith had a vision of the empty cross with Jesus exalted at the right hand of the Father. Smith opened his mouth to praise God and began instantly speaking in tongues.”*

• Woodworth-Etter: “Then Maria had a vision. Angels came into her room and took her to the West, over prairies, lakes, forests, and rivers where she saw a long, wide field of waving grain. As the view unfolded she began to preach and saw the grains begin to fall like sheaves. Then Jesus told her that, ‘just as the grain fell, so people would fall’ as she preached.”*

• Kuhlman: “One Sunday when Kathryn was fourteen, she attended church with her mother. As she stood singing, she began to shake all over and sob. A weight of conviction came over her, and she realized that she was a sinner in need of salvation and forgiveness. She slipped out from where she was standing, went to the corner of the front pew and sat weeping. At that moment Jesus lifted the weight from her shoulders and entered her heart.“*

• Roberts: “Because of his unique desire for the Lord, Evan gave himself to fervent prayer and intercession. So much so, that by the time he was twenty-one years old, he was known by some as a “mystical lunatic.” It was during this period that Evan would get so caught up in the Lord that he reported his bed shaking. He would awaken every night at 1:00 a.m. to be “taken up into divine fellowship” and would proceed to pray until 5:00 a.m. when he would fall back to sleep for four hours before waking again at 9:00 a.m. continuing in prayer until noon.”*

• Heidi Baker and Bill Johnson live for the presence and the love of Jesus. I believe it difficult for them to deliver a message without referring to this Love.

All could sense the anointing—Him. They could sense the love and it was that same love that caused them to drop everything. An encounter with the power of the love of God does that. One of Paul’s theme in his letters to the Corinthians is the power of the Love. Its the encounter with God, Himself, that transforms minds, hearts, and actions. Paul writes in Eph. 3, wants us to know, to understand “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ah yes, “to know this love…to be filled with all the fullness of God.” Oh – what a feeling!

This is really why I love to soak and become surrounded and filled with the love of God. Though the audible voice of God is (of course) so good, I am content in His presence. Daily. I need His presence, His love! Daily. Even last night, I could have sworn I heard, “in addition to what you see…” there is much, much more!

And so I wish you, my friends, in 2012 even more of the Love of God. A love and an experience that will catapult you into more and more.

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” The Message

2012. May it be a year of Love for you!

Sue
Only Believe.

* Quotes from GodsGenerals.com

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Cor. 13:14

What an amazing way to close a letter! I wish I had put that on my Christmas cards, for I believe that this short phrase contains prophetic and powerful words that bring the breakthrough and the “more” we are all looking for.

Today … “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ”

Eric Johnson (iBethel.org) expanded my grid recently when he spoke of grace. Johnson’s definition of grace is, “God’s unmerited favor.” Eric suggested that we explore where we have favor in our lives, and then expand the territory that God is currently blessing. Where’s our grace at, and what are we doing with it?

As I think about “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” and the favor I carry, my thoughts turn to authority—the “atmosphere” or “space” we have influence. Although we go in the power of Christ, we do not always have authority. For example, I have authority over my home and, to some extent, over my students. However, I do not have authority over the President, and if I tried, I would be overstepping my bounds, with no affect.

Jesus demonstrated this with the 72 as He sent them out. They went, knowing they had seen the power of Jesus Christ at work, and knowing they carried the same power, but not knowing if or where they had authority. Was it over sickness, or simply bugs they could stomp on? How did they know they had that authority? They tried it out. And they came back, surprised as anyone, that indeed sickness left and demons fled at the name of Jesus. Praise God! (Luke 10:17-20)

There are places I have authority. Perhaps not all the time, but definitely some. Colds, backs, shoulders, mechanical things such as coffee pots and ice makers, and reclaiming lost things. This authority often started with hearing a testimony of the goodness of God, and is always by the power of Jesus, but required the “doing” part. Quite an interesting bunch of things, isn’t it? God is a big, creative, and very good God!

I like the assuredness and confidence of Paul’s closing to the Corinthians. I believe it’s an impartation, and am taking it into 2012 with me. I expect people to get healed when I pray in Jesus’ name. I expect my coffee pot to last another year (long story), and I expect to find the lost – things and people! I expect my territory to expand and my authority to reflect His power as I try it out.

Where do you have power and authority? I challenge to you think about it, receive the impartation, and then do it! Find out where your boundaries are and expand them. Look at it as a grand adventure. I do!

Isn’t there an expression, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained?” Even our pre-Christian friends know that!

Give it your best shot and let me know! I’m excited. For you. And for me!

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.” The Message

sue
Only Believe

Tomorrow … the love of God
Shortly thereafter … the fellowship of the Holy Spirit

from rising to setting

This painting was finished for a Children’s Palliative Care Community fundraiser last week. I emailed Mindy, the organizer, the day before because the Lord had put this verse in front of me:

“The Mighty One, God the LORD,
   speaks and summons the earth
   from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.” Ps. 50:1-2

There are various thoughts that the Lord brings to mind as I read through this Psalm, but this morning, the last line is speaking. How many ways does Jesus shine, especially in this season?

Jesus shines love. Unconditional and steadfast. Eternal.

Jesus shines grace. Unmerited favor. Keep walking in it.

Jesus shines joy. Picture Him smiling on and at you today.

Jesus shines mercy. For us all, thank you, Jesus!

Jesus shines forgiveness. Keeping us from the enemy’s taunts and trials.

Jesus shines faith. Knowing the Father always answers prayer.

Jesus shines hope. For the better. For the best.

Jesus shines peace. Beyond understanding.

Jesus shines. There is always more.

The amazing thing is He shines through us! Yup – we are Zion. Zion not only applies to His land, but also to His people. He made us to be the “perfection of beauty.” Think on that for awhile. As you gaze at the lights this season, think of Him. Shining. Remember, to shine Him. And thank Him—for His wonderfulness!

He is Good News!

Sue
Only believe.