Ordination Memories

Time sure slips by. This is my 100th blog post! Now that would be something if they hadn't been spread out over such a number of years...but hey. Life happens.

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Never did I ever imagine that God would call me to ordained ministry and that I would accomplish that goal, but last year, on July 12 I did!

I was one who was late coming to faith. I was thirty-two and a stay-at-home homeschooling mom of three girls when Jesus reached way down and plucked me out of the muck and mire and welcomed me to His family, forgiving me and restoring me to wholeness.

As I grew in my faith, I devoured the Bible and many Christian books to learn and grow in my faith. I had a lot of ground to cover. Time was flying by and I was already behind.

As I grew in my faith I began teaching, leading worship and Bible studies. As I did, I was growing and passionate about Jesus and He called me to write what would become my first published work to help people grow in their faith.

As time went on, I continued writing, then He called me into ministry. This call took some time to process and accept. Long story short, I finally surrendered to His call in January 2012. With encouragement, I decided that whatever it would take, I would follow the call.

The road has been rough, with many pitfalls, setbacks, and discouragements. Yet, there were people along the way who encouraged me and prayed me through. July 12, 2019 will be an Ebenezer Stone in my life and ministry. Without the Lord, I certainly wouldn't be here.

I look forward to sharing the love of Jesus each and every day to whomever I can. May the Holy Spirit direct me and give me strength to follow His call as I praise God and live in the fullness He provides daily.

Following are some pics from Ordination Day.

Rollie and I before the Ordination Service. I was ordained with 7 others that day!

 Ordination Service was surreal. Something I wasn't convinced would ever happen. 

During the one-on-one words from our DS Rev. Peter Moore to each ordinand, he used the word persevere to describe my journey. What a timely and perfect word I will treasure as I reflect and remember!!

Photo from the receiving line after Ordination.

Honoured to be Ordained in the year Rev. Arnold Stairs was recognized for 70 years of Ordained ministry in The Wesleyan Church. What a joy to hear all about his ministry and witness his humility and heart for people. Being 47 when I was ordained means I won't likely see 70 years of service!!!

Who Is Lord in Your Life?

Is God Lord of your life? How do you know?

 

"And Elijah came to all the people, and said, 'How long will you falter between two opinions?

 If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.'

 But the people answered him not a word." 1 Kings 18:21 NKJV

 

As I read this passage of Scripture, I began to ponder what God being Lord of my life truly means. Is He the One I go to when I have exciting news to share? worries that seem too big? financial burdens that seem insurmountable? a spouse or child who frustrate me? a job that is too difficult? Do I take these burdens quietly to the Lord or do I find someone to share them with and complain?

 

Is He my first choice when I am struggling or do I:

eat?

cry?

call a friend?

go shopping?

escape in a book?

run?

...

 

When God is truly Lord of our lives, we go to Him first, seeking His counsel and direction. Trust me, I am not pointing the finger at anyone. As I meditated on these thoughts, I was brought to a place of deep repentance and forgiveness. Choosing God first is what I aspire to. Though I am imperfect, He's working on me and guides me into deeper truth each time I seek Him. Trusting Him with those things that are tough draws us nearer to His heart. Admitting to our failures and seeking healing and restoration is a humbling and growing experience: one I wouldn't trade for anything.

 

My challenge to you is to pray and seek the Lord's direction. Ask Him how you're doing and open your heart and mind to hear the truth. Only then can we truly be humble enough to be repentant and seek restoration and healing. Growth is never easy, but it is worth it.

 

Blessings to you on your journey into intimate relationship with Christ, Natalie.



Jesus is Calling

How ironic that the King of kings and Lord of lords would come to us  and be slain to give us eternal life (John 3:16)! Jesus was born in a humble and lowly stable (Luke 2:7) and lived a life without a house or place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). He walked the dusty trails of this earth seeking out those who would be obedient to His call to follow Him. Simply follow Him in obedience.

That call has not changed in the years since His death, resurrection, and ascension. The Lord we serve is alive and desires for you to give up your life and follow Him in obedience (Luke 9:23). He may ask something difficult  of you, He may give you simple directions whatever it is, Jesus is calling. Are you listening and answering in obedience?

This week I have been drawn to the Lord in awe and wonder at the thought of all He must have endured and I find myself wondering how He could love humanity so much when we fall short in so many ways. However, this is the reality of the One and Only true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He loves us so much that He spread His arms open wide and accepted a pain, cruel, tortuous death to save sinners from an eternity of torment and suffering. He loves you so much that if He had died just for you, He still would have done it.

Let's not forget the beauty of Jesus' death. The truth is that death could not hold Him and the grave could not keep Him. He rose, defeating death and the grave so that all who come after Him, believing in Him will be granted eternal life in His presence. I am simply a sinner, saved by grace. I don't deserve it, but am so thankful for His saving grace. If you are reading this and don't know Jesus, just ask Him in your life. Pray and ask Him to forgive your sins, believe that He is the One true God, and give your life to Him. Allow Jesus to direct your steps. He alone is worthy, He alone can give you beauty for ashes. He alone has the victory over sin and death. He is a gentleman and will wait for you. All you need to do is take one small step toward Him and He will move heaven and earth to get to you. He loves you dear one, with a love that is overflowing and unending. Won't you trust in Him?

Lenten Fasting

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens,

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, 'He I am'." Isaiah 58:6-9 NKJV

 

 

My pastor has recently been promoting the idea of 40 days of prayer and fasting over the Lenten Season this year. He has been sharing the importance of fasting in our Christian walk with the Lord. As I have been praying and studying this again, chapter 58 of Isaiah has once more drawn me closer to the Lord's will and way of fasting and prayer.

 

I want to encourage each one who reads this post to prayerfully read all of chapter 58 and see what God is saying to you. As I have read and prayed and studied this passage of Scripture many things have been revealed to me but I would like to bring out a few important things that this passage shows us. If you have read all of chapter 58, you will notice that the beginning of this chapter gives us some warnings about fasting. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to get something from Him. Fasting is what we do to draw closer to God and seek His will and way. It is not a spiritual discipline we do just because it is expected of us, but our hearts must be pure and our motives sincere.

 

When we fast with a pure heart and pure motives, He sees us and hears us and is delighted. Then He will answer prayer. Before you decide on what to do for Lent, pray and seek God's will for you. Does He want you to fast one meal a week, one day of meals a week, one item of food, or something else? There are those - for medical reasons - who cannot fast and I want to tell you that God knows and understands that. Maybe, He will direct you to give up a TV show, or coffee, or something else that is taking your focus away from Him. I urge you to seek Him and His direction for you in this. As you pray ask God to reveal anything in your life that is keeping Him from answering your prayers. Pray for courage and strength. Pray for forgiveness for any unconfessed sin in your life and accept His forgiveness.

 

When you are fasting, remember the second part. Prayer. It is no good to fast without praying. That is a diet. We are looking to grow deeper in the knowledge, wisdom and power of our Lord and Savior. We are storming the gates of heaven to break the bonds of sin and Satan in our lives and in this world. Prayer and fasting will overcome anything that is holding you down and captive. Pray in faith knowing that God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think," (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).

 

May He bless you in this season of Lent and draw you nearer to Him. I am praying for you dear one, and thanking God in advance for all He will do in your life. Praise His name. Natalie



Hungry? Thirsty? Get More of Jesus!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV

I wonder if you are like me and have read this particular verse a number of time but didn't really see the promise contained in it. Take a few minutes and read it over and over, then really meditate on it. Drink in the truth of the Scripture. God has given us His Word to feed hungry souls, to quench the thirst of our parched cravings. He has given us the answer - Himself!

Lots of times we pray for stuff: healing for our family and friends, money to take care of our needs, answers to our prayers of all shapes and sizes and such things. Have we ever slowed down long enough to think about how many times we've prayed for more of Jesus? This is truly what we need. Please don't get me wrong, Jesus told us to bring our needs to Him and we should, but in the midst of that, we need to be praying for Jesus to come and fill us will His Spirit and invade our lives powerfully. We need His empowerment to go out into this corrupt and broken world to be effective for Him. There is so much hurt and pain, yet the Lord is sufficient for all the needs out there. If we would look beyond the physical needs and pray to be used by God in His plan for our world then we would see amazing things happen for Him. He sees beyond what we see. He knows far more than we could ever begin to imagine. He sees the heart and penetrates the darkness in ways unknown to humanity. What an exciting experience to be part of!! Will you join with me in praying for more of Jesus? Will you partner with Him to do those things He calls you to do? Will you trust Him to keep His promise to do "exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think?"

I'm praying for you. In Jesus' joy,
Natalie

RENEW our Pilgrimage

Each day we get out of bed and begin our day. How did you do it this morning? Did you roll out looking for your first cup of tea or coffee? Did you jump out energized and ready to get going? Did you open your eyes and praise the Lord for giving you another day, committing it to Him and praying for His direction and guidance?

We all live each day making choice after choice. Living a Christian life is more than going to church on Sunday, giving your tithe, and doing a few mission minded things throughout the year. Living a Christian life is turning it all over to the One who gave everything up for you; committing your life to the One who loves you so much that He would suffer and die for you. It is the realization that He wants all of you and nothing but the best for you.

Each day we can renew our pilgrimage by praying and seeking God's best for us. Learning to put our own agendas aside and asking the Lord to reveal His plans and people He wants us to connect with. This does not mean that we quit our jobs and forsake the things we have committed to (unless He directs us to), yet in the midst of life, He sometimes has divine appointments for us. There may be someone in your office or place of work who spends their free time alone who would really appreciate it if someone took the time to reach out and say "Hi, how are you?" caring enough to really listen. There may be a single mom in a grocery store with screaming babies who would like someone to simply smile and say a positive, encouraging word to her. There are opportunities all around us, right where we are to show the love of Christ. Are we taking the opportunity to pray and seek Jesus' guidance, are we open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (NKJV) When we give our lives to Christ and commit ourselves to Him, we are no longer the same as we once were, nor are we alone. The Holy Spirit dwells within us and we are free to obey God. Taking the time daily to renew our pilgrimage and seek guidance from Him to see what is on His agenda will help us to live abundant lives (John 10:10). Are you willing to renew your pilgrimage and commit your works to the Lord? Dwell in His ways and seek His call, obey His voice and you will have abundant living.




Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of salvation offered by Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me each day to seek Your will and Your ways. Help me Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit to see the needs You want me to fill and fill me with the boldness of the Spirit and strength I need to be obedient. I pray for Your blessing as I step out in faith to follow you. In Jesus mighty and Holy name I pray, Amen.

In His Hands

                                   


Hannah is quite a lady. Last week, I spent quite a bit of time reading and researching her biography in 1 Samuel chapter 1. She was barren, unable to have children. Her husband took a second wife who was able to bear him children. Because of this, she was a constant source of aggravation to Hannah. Year after year, Elkanah (their husband), Hannah, Peninnah, and their children would take the journey to make their yearly sacrifice at Shiloh.

During this time, Peninnah would pick at Hannah, making her miserable. After eating, Hannah went to the temple and poured her heart out before the Lord. She was desperate. She had come to the end of herself and could no longer take it. She prayed from misery and heartache so deep down that her mouth was moving, yet no words would come forth. When Eli the priest saw her, he rebuked her for being drunk. Hannah explained the ache within her being. This hurt ran down inside the core of her heart. He responded telling her to go in peace and asked the Lord's blessing to be upon her.

This is where God calls us to be (Psalm 57:2). This is where Jesus called his disciples to be (Matthew 16:24). We are called to be clay in the Potter's hands (Jeremiah 18:6). Hannah lived in a time when having children was looked upon as a blessing from God and a barren womb a curse. Yet, they failed to see God's timing. We see in verse 5 that the Lord closed her womb. Then inversely we see in verse 19 that she conceives. God's timing is perfect; it was in Hannah's and it is in yours.

What is He calling you to today? Is there something you know God is asking of you? Is Jesus asking you to follow Him? Is the Holy Spirit nudging your soul? Allow Hannah to be a messenger of hope to you today, take a lesson from her life and cry out to Him from the depths of your heart and listen for His answer. Remember, His timing is perfect and there is nothing He cannot do.

Detour Through the Desert

Has God given you a vision of what your purpose is? Is it clear in your mind; what He has called you to do? Are things progressing as you thought they would or are you faced with nagging thoughts that maybe you heard wrong? Maybe you misunderstood.

Scripture has the ability to reveal truth in a very special way. Looking back to Exodus 13:17 we see God made a distinct decision to send the children of Israel the long way around. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.'" (NIV)

God could have chosen to send them directly to the Promised Land, but He purposefully chose the long road. If you take the time to read through the whole account of the Israelites' journey out of Egypt in the Book of Exodus, you will find that these were a "stiff-necked" people-much like ourselves-who needed training and time in the wilderness.

It is possible God has called and shown you your specific ministry, yet things are not progressing in the way you thought they would or should. You may have your own agenda and timetable set. Be patient and accept the truth. God is not about our timetable. We see time as a hindrance but God, who created time, uses it to accomplish His perfect plan. His timing is Perfect. Perfect.

There is no use wasting your time or energy kicking against it. Accept it. Embrace the challenge and allow your desert detour to shape you gracefully in preparation for whatever the Lord has ordained your ministry. Your time will come. When it does you will be ready. He will make all things beautiful in His time. You may still have to learn some hard lessons but with His grace and by the power of the Holy Spirit that works within you, none of your obedience will be in vain.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight," Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV).