Tag Archives: intimate connection
We are all His favorites!
I just had to share a segment from Bill Johnson’s talk, “Dreaming Out of Intimacy.” Referring to the coming revival, he says, “It’s fascinating to talk to various groups of people, whether it like, denominations… Baptists feel the revival is coming from them, and of course, Pentacostals think it’s coming from them, the youth think it’s coming from them because they have the zeal and energy for it, and the seniors think it’s coming from them because of the wisdom that comes from experience … Israel, Native Americans, men, women, leaders, those without a title …all think it’s coming from them….
But let me tell the secret behind all of it, the Father is so amazing, that He gives each individual undivided attention, to where each person feels like THEY’RE THE FAVORITE!”
Oh, yes!! We all need to believe and feel that we are the Father’s FAVORITE! Because we are! He is able, in His unfathomable way to make each of us feel special and wholeheartedly attended to. We all have a part to play, and isn’t it grand that He gives us the feeling of favor to carry forth!!!
Press into Him and His favor… you will love it!!
Amazing new study on prayer!
I wanted to share with you today an exciting new study on prayer which will be published in a medical journal… specifically, the September 2010 issue of the Southern Medical Journal.
“The study ….. measured surprising improvements in vision and hearing in economically disadvantaged areas where eyeglasses and hearing aids are not readily available…”
Candy Brown, an associate professor at Indiana University, and her colleagues studied the activities of the healing groups Iris Ministries and Global Awakening in Mozambique and Brazil because of their reputation as hotspots of specialized prayer for those with hearing and vision impairments.” To read more, click here.
Besides the obvious significance of having the work of God be documented in a medical journal and just generally being “out there” in the world, there is another aspect of this study that is particularly exciting to us.
We love Iris Ministries, headed by Heidi and Rolland Baker! Our first encounter with them was through our son, Joe. The Bakers were frequent guest speakers at the ministry school he attended. Joe related that besides their very relaxed attitudes, the single most impressive quality that surrounded them was LOVE. In fact, the love was so strong that merely standing next to Heidi, he could tangibly feel the strength of it.
This prompted me to read the Bakers’ book, “Expecting Miracles,” a intimate journal of their daily lives… accounting the miracles, yes, but also the hardships, the governmental and spiritual forces that come against them regularly, the unavoidable discouragement they victoriously battle. I pondered before the Lord… how do they have such love … how do they think… what makes them able to go on, to stand fast in the grace and love You have given to them?
The Lord revealed this from their book (and I write about it in mine, p.66-68):
- COMPLETE trust in Him and in His love and power to heal through them
- REFUSAL to allow self-condemnation or any weakness to diminish their fiery love
- Hard-core BELIEF that they are the crowning achievement of all His creative power
The Bakers are convinced they have the Father’s approval, esteem, and favor… and they refuse self-condemnation! Indeed being convinced allows them complete trust in Him, and complete trust in Him solidifies the nature of their relationship. No where in their writing did I see any connection between their performance and God’s approval. Without the clutter of trying to earn God’s favor, the way is clear to Him and His power to heal.
This is what I want. I am convinced that God has vividly shown me His favor because it is such an effective force in dissolving fear and any barriers to Him. The more I apprehend His favor, the more I walk in freedom, fulfillment, and fruitfulness. I am committed to share this powerful gift with others. In fact, it is my main mission at this time.
Remember…because of who you are to Him… YOU have His favor!!
Be Happier! Tell God About It
I’m always amazed when I read the word and see psychological/health principles vividly displayed. Many think the word of God irrelevant, and yet more and more, current brain and psychological studies reveal what the Bible has been saying all along, specifically in this discussion: For happiness and health, we need forgiveness. Internalizing our fears and guilty feelings creates havoc in our minds and bodies.
Let me show you what I mean:
I discussed in the past couple of posts how Ps 32:1-2 points out a way to HAPPINESS, and that is to live in a perpetual state of a clean slate which is only obtained by believing at a deep heart level that God has already forgiven you. It is NOT by trying to always be good! Further, because God holds nothing against you, you need not hold anything back from Him.
Feeling guilty carries with it the fear of punishment, and we do all kinds of things to avoid that… blame-shifting, denial, aggressive attacks.
On the other hand, some people accept all forms of guilt… they feel responsible for everything that happens, take the blame for it all, and subconsicously harbor a belief they deserve punishment, and the circumstances of their lives reflect that. Read any basic Psy 101 course and this dynamic is sure to be examined.
Now venting, blaming others, and punishing others for the guilt we feel inside is not a healthy response. But neither is internalizing it so your body gets bombarded with a steady stream of harmful chemicals triggered by persistent negative thoughts.
Listen what David says in Ps 32:3:
When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.
Keeping our negative thoughts inside and not dealing with them in a healthy manner affects our minds and bodies in severe ways.
As a former neurotically guilty person, feeling responsible for everyone and everything, here’s what I have learned to do:
Tell God all about it.
I write daily letters to Him and when I need to, I share my deepest, darkest secrets and feelings. I share my screwiest ideas, my stupidest questions, my greatest fears, and silliest offenses.
And guess what? I not only have not been zapped, but also I feel and see His smile.
He’s never forsaken me. He, instead, sticks close to me, enlightens me, clears up my confusion, and reassures me that He loves and yes, even favors me!! I need not grovel because He is the Lifter of my head!
If you don’t have that kind of intimacy with Him… ask Him for it and try it out! He will meet you, if you let Him!
To your good mental, emotional, and physiological health!
Guilt: A Barrier to Intimacy with God
Yesterday we considered Ps 32: 1 – 2:
Happy is he who has forgiveness continually exercised upon him, who has a perpetual fresh start! You’re slate is wiped clean! God holds nothing against you, and so, you need not hold anything back from Him.?
Did you notice the latter part of that passage? “… so, you need not hold anything back from Him.” (The Message)
Often in my coaching, I guide my clients to check out passages in the word that offer proof of the heart and intention of God. Without understanding more fully the love of God, it’s easy to get thwarted in receiving the desires of their hearts.
I ask about the nature and quality of their relationship with Him to see if they are trying to get to their destination or goal in a boat with no paddles, sail, or motor. Crazy, but that’s most of us!
After we talk about this, invariably it is disclosed, sheepishly, that they rarely sit with the Lord for wisdom, strength, hope, or joy. Why not? They feel guilty.
Somewhere within, they feel God doesn’t really want to see them, or if He does, it’s to scold them.
They barely crack open the word, which is to strengthen their faith, infuse them with power, and settle their hearts. Again, why not? Because they perceive a big bony finger rising up out of the pages and shaking in their faces. Who’d want that?
I know exactly how they feel. Growing up with a highly critical parent, I developed the idea that being right about everything, not wrong, was the way to avoid punishment, ensure my worth as a person, and increase my superiority. To have anyone point out I was wrong about ANYTHING was like taking a hot poker and stabbing an open wound.
Of course, I had an effective way of masking that this bothered me, and so, I’d internalize the criticism, wonder about its truth, and be resentful toward them. A double whammy to my soul.
Examine today if your guilty feelings are keeping you from the True Source of all you need and desire. The answer is NOT to do everything right all the time so that you don’t ever feel guilty and no one can accuse you. You can’t anyway.
The answer is NOT to grovel and do penance each time you want to go to Him. He doesn’t need or want that.
The answer is to accept wholeheartedly the open door to His heart for you. There is nothing that stands in His way, and He doesn’t want anything to stand in yours. You can tell Him anything. Go for it.
He can and will quench your thirst!
Good morning,
Today is the day the Lord has made. Will you rejoice with me and be glad in it? (You know, it is a choice you can make!)
Here, this will help: Stop right now, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and think of 3 things for which you are grateful. Take another deep breath after each one.
So, is the desire to have that intimate connection with God getting stronger? If not, ask Him for it! God is more than happy to honor such a request!
Remember, He longs to reward you as you diligently seek Him!
When the kids were younger, we found the study of Ancient Egypt fascinating, particularly the importance of the Nile River.
The Nile was called the River of Life. It was and is a rich source of nutrients for Egypt, so much so, that the annual flooding of it was considered a high and holy religious event.
Once a year there was much to celebrate as the River left its gift of fertile silt deposits, causing the flood plain to flourish and thrive.
Click here to see a good picture or go to:
You can see the vegetation in the forefront.
But unless these living waters were pumped from the River or irrigation trenches were connected to the land beyond the flood plain, little could grow in the dry, parched desert lands. Notice the sandy terrain in the background of the picture.
I’m sure you see the parallel I am making. But think about it a minute. Reflect on this: How much do we try and do in a day without drinking deeply from our Living Water? Don’t you notice a feeling of dryness, staleness, and loss of joy? Does everything seem like it’s so much work and effort?
Yes, many are like that desert. Yes, the River is there, and available, but somehow, either it has to come to you, or you have to come to it, in order to truly benefit from its nutrients!
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and heavy with burdens.” (Mt 11:28)
Why? Because He has something for you! Bread! Living Water!
Rest! Power! Come and get it!
Did you know that verse also means to come toward Him, and be by His side? (I cheated and looked it up in the Greek.)
In a week I will address the commonly held sentiment which keeps many from coming to Him…..
“I don’t come because I think He is disappointed in me. And He is disappointed in me because I don’t come. I don’t believe as I should, I don’t do what I should….” Note the vicious cycle!
Have I missed anything?
Until next time! May God bless you with rich times with Him! Email
me with questions, if you like! maryann@AgreewithGod.com
Maryann Ehmann
AgreewithGod.com
Thoughts…
God has always been my Source. It just took me a while to know it
and agree with it! But as I’ve done so, He has transformed my life,
and the life of every single family member. From lack to plenty,
sickness to health, worry to peace, guilt to freedom, darkness to
light… this is His mission for you, too.