Friday, November 25, 2011

Dancing Waters (Matthew 14:22-36)

Dancing Waters... A couple of weeks ago I sat down at my easel and turned up the worship music and began to paint. The end result thrilled and mesmerized me. As I finished the painting a couple of days later I found myself returning again and again to the story of Peter and the disciples in the boat during the storm.

Jesus did not go with them as their boat left the shore, and then in the fourth watch of the night a storm comes up and begins to rock the boat of disciples. Imagine these seasoned fisherman on the water late at night - the darkness and storm consuming them as the waves rise and fall tossing the boat to and fro. Perilous moments.




Matthew 14:22-36 (NKJV)
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.



Friday, November 11, 2011

When Eternity Steps Into Time

A few weeks ago I was sitting in the back rows of the auditorium at Gateway Church as my pastor, friend and cousin... Oh, and did I mention he happens to be one of my oversights as well... Taught on what it means to have "Appetite for the Eternal." It is one of my favorite teachings offered at an event we call KAIROS.

KAIROS is a two day Freedom Ministries event. It is worship intensive with a focus on inner healing, both spiritual and emotional. For two days hundreds of people gather, worship, receive and often break so that healing can begin.

As I sat listening to the up and down tones of Alan's voice delivering a message that speaks to the deep places in my heart, a picture began to take shape. I dislodged my sketch book and pencil case from my tote bag and opened to a fresh clean page. I began giving line and shape to the images coming to life inside my mind.

At the end of the class, my picture was complete. I inked in the lines with a Sharpie marker and asked God who should receive it. I heard, "Julie."

My friend Julie works one office space up from me in the halls of Pastoral Care. Four times a year we host the event called KAIROS and Julie administratively manages & coordinates every detail from the pre-event registration and prayer team right down to the snacks we eat and the play by play, minute to minute activity and details that are drawn up in plans over several months throughout the year. Julie takes care of the details so that KAIROS is a fresh, safe atmosphere where people come to recieve.

I heard God say, "People are free because Julie takes care of the details."







This one is for Julie - because she has a heart to see people free and orchestrates an atmosphere of freedom by coordinating the event in such a way that the atmosphere and details provide ministry as much as the gifted speakers and teams who pray and speak. I love how God makes us fit together. He is all about the details!