Anyone up for a... / 5 -Ashley Powell

Ok, I have to admit that the runner was inspiring for me... :)
Today, lets take a moment and venture into the lives of Paul and Silas. One particular time in their journey, things were not looking so great. Look at Acts 16:16-28 ----
Acts 16:16-21
"Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her. When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.""
Take a moment and just allow that portion of the story to sink in... The first thing that comes to my mind is 'really'?.?.? Can you imagine someone following you for days shouting that you are a servant of God? I can just picture Paul getting so frustrated (probably just at the sound of her voice), that he turns around and does the only thing that he knows to do - rebuke it in the name of Jesus Christ. Well, it worked! Awesome, right... well the owners didn't think so. Imagine that, doing something you think is good for someone and they don't like it - rude, huh... well it gets better... read on
vs.22-24
"The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten" (are you kidding me) "After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks."
Pause here. I am a mixture of crying and laughing. So, they get stripped and beaten and then thrown into prison. Funny part is that they had the jailer to guard them carefully. I personally think it was because they were scared they would cast demons out of them... lol... ok - let's see how Paul and Silas do...
vs.25-28
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everybody;s chains cam loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison door open, he drew his swords and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
I am amazed, humbled, and challenged. Paul and Silas were beaten probably to the point where they could barley even move at all and they prayed and sang to God. Would we do that? Do we do that? Challenging - and I told you that the jailers were scared, and they had every right to be, what happened? Within Paul and Silas praises to God, their chains fell off. Another thing I think is interesting is that the jailer was going to kill himself because he though all the prisoners had left and Paul shouted, "No, we are all here." Paul could have just let the jailer die, but he didn't. That is humbling and amazing.
I share this because Paul and Silas continued to praise God through everything. It challenges me and I hope that it challenges you too. Praising God not expecting anything in return but having faith that He is faithful.

Encouragement straight from the Word of God - Ashley Powell

Where does our strength come from? From the Word of God! So today, I just want us to take some time and get encouragement and strength from the Word! As I read these passages, I am so encouraged. I know that during this time, we have grown more than we know. I also know one day, I will look back on this time in our lives and be so blessed to have done this fast with the bestest of friends ever! I know that I am stronger because of all of you and I could not have made it through this year without your prayers and support! Thanks - ok - on to devotions.... lol... ;) When I read this, I just got overflowed with joy and encouragement and I pray it does the same to you! ;) Study this passage and take it in -
2 Corinthians 6:1-16
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through the glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
reading on Chapter 7:4
"I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds."
.. but wait, there is more encouragement
Romans 5:1-8
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 8:37-39
"NO, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Can someone just shout for me... WOOHOO! AMEN! Wow, talk about strength and blessings. We are children of God... Who are we to sulk around in hard times? (I am talking to myself here more than anything) Jesus loves us!!! He has our best interest at heart! Even in hard times when we feel hopeless - there is hope... I know, I know - easier said than done!!!! It is easy on the days you 'feel' it, right!?!? I encourage us all to read these verses over and over and over and over... allow it to speak to our heart and pierce the depth of our spirit! We have the power to rule over darkness! Let us continue to stand together by the power of the Holy Spirit!
*Can I get a witness?*
much love - have an amazing day!

We Can Do It!

Positive Attitude is a Choice - 3 - Ashley Powell

What a week once again, right.... Pressing through all the 'life' lessons and finding the JOY in it all. Let's face it, sometimes it is just not that easy to do - or is it? I think one of the things that I am really challenged on is the CHOICE that I have in determining my state of mind. Who am I allowing to fill my mind and what am I letting in my mind. We all have bad thoughts, however, how long do we let them stay there? Do we quickly squelch them out with a positive thought or do we dwell on it making our attitudes following what we are thinking. This challenges me because you know I sometimes don't just move it out, I dwell on it, analyze it and pick it to death! I know none of you do that, right! ;) Anyway, what I am getting at here is focus.
Colossians 3:2 says 'Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things'. I don't know about you, but this is sometimes hard to do. What really matters is how I am serving God with my actions and attitude. Have you ever heard the statement 'Actions speak louder than words'? Our actions follow our attitude. What we focus on and allow to stay in our mind directs our attitude. Therefore, it is like a chain reactions. What is in my head effects my attitude effects my actions (weather positive or negative).
Hebrews 4: 12-13 "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account".
This verse makes me think. The person I am hurting the most with negative and ill thoughts is myself, which then spills over to others. It also makes me realize how to fill my mind with positive things is the Word of God! It is sharper than any double-edge sword. It can cut through the negative and allow us to be filled with positive. Another verse comes to mind:
Psalm 26:2-3 "Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth". Can we truly say this? Lord examine my mind and heart. He knows everything - Psalm 139:1-3 "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar, You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways".
So how do we have JOY (Jesus Over You)... It starts in your mind and heart! Controlling your mind and thoughts. And by far, I am no expert! I mess up all the time, however, it is something I strive for. For the Lord to take over and help me clear my mind so I can Focus on the positive and allow Him to fill me! It is an everyday Choice! What are you choosing to do today?
Today I will leave you with a commandment of the Lord Jesus = Focus on it over and over and let it sink in deep into your Mind, penetrate your Heart, to be followed through by your Actions! And experience JOY!
Matthew 22:37 "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.""

praise 2 - Ashley P.

Recall the story of Daniel for a moment and how he was dedicated to the God of the universe. Do you remember how the king had a dream and he sent for scourers and magicians and astrologers to interpret his dream? And then Daniel showed up and asked the king if he would share the dream so Daniel could interpret it. Then Daniel went to his friends first to ask what he should do. Isn't that what we do - seek council from our friends about a matter... well follow me here... let's read the verses:
Daniel 2:17-18
"Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for merch from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon."
So then what happened? Let's keep reading...
vs. 19-23
"During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel PRAISED the God of Heaven and said:
PRAISE be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he know what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and PRAISE you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
So, what is the point? Well, when Daniel had nothing, he prayed. His life was on the line. Can you imagine? Think about it.. Daniel pleaded with God and God gave him a vision to the kings dream. Then Daniel PRAISED God and thanked Him for the vision.
I know it has been tough the past couple of weeks trying to figure out work, housing, and all the other things above on our plates... It get frustrating, confusing, and down right- wait what's the word - oh yea - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ugh... ugh... am I on it yet? Now I know that we are starting to 'feel the heat' from the lack of income and other situations. Well guys, I believe it is time to plead and praise! God is still God - He is still faithful - and He is still working. Let's stand free, throw up our hands and worship and praise the God who has always held us and kept us in the palm of His hands. Again, think about that for a moment... Think about God holding you in the palm of His hand. How does it feel? Embrace it! Enjoy it! Long for it! Jump for JOY in His hand! We can do it, guys! We are children of God, and He loves us - He will NOT let us down!
Power Verse:
Psalm 103 8-13
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;"
Go and enjoy the embrace of the Lord today! He is holding us!
Listen to the song on the song list Joyful Noise - :)

Praise and Worship - Day 1 - JOY - Ashley Powell

Wow, it is amazing how time goes by. We are in the final week of our fast. This week will will focus on giving God all of ourselves through praise and worship. I have to say it has been an interesting 6 weeks, and I think all of us can agree on that! Even the ones who I have talked to that are coming along side of the powell's and the marino's through this fast can say it has been a challenge and a blessing!
To jump start the week, I would like to focus on leaving behind our sufferings and turn our focus on the joy that God wants to fill our hearts with. Ready? I am! So, start by taking a deep breath in and think of the word joy. How do you picture it? Is it family, hanging out with friends, laughter, wrestling with your spouse, being at the beach, not being at work? For me, Joy means Jesus Over You (JOY). When we allow Jesus to take full control over us, we can experience the greatest joy!
Hebrews 12:1-3
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition form sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart"
I am not sure about you guys, but this makes my heart smile, and what a verse to read coming upon Easter. He did this so I would not grow weary or lose heart. Wow, it makes me think of how selfish and unappreciative I am sometimes! Lord, forgive me. He paid the ultimate gift for me - to bring me JOY, perseverance, and a strong heart. This week let us give back to Him what he has given to us! Everything you can think of that you have, give it back to Jesus - the One who owns it all anyway. He just gave it to us to 'bring us more joy'. Celebrate with me if you will - Let us worship the God of truth, JOY, love, and every good thing you can think of. Give ourselves to Him. It is time - release it all and gain the JOY He wants us to have!
Philippians 2:1-2
"If you have any encouragement form being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my JOY complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

Vision and Purpose - day 4 - Jacob Powell

If you thought this first exercise was hard, then you are not alone. I encourage you copy and print these questions out, so you can reflect on them during lunch break, or when you are away from the computer. Also, I encourage you to discuss them with a mentor or close friend that can help you refine the search with an outside perspective.

2. The clarity Question: Do I clearly see my dream?

A. I can explain the main gist of my dream in a single sentence.
B. I have spent many hours defining my dream in great detail.
C. I have written a clear description of my dream that includes its main features or objectives.
D. I could answer nearly any question about the what (if not the how) of my dream.
E. I have revised and written my dream more than once.

Score for this section: _______________

3. The Reality question: Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?

A. I know what my greatest strengths and talents are, and my dream relies heavily on them.
B. My current habits and daily practices strongly contribute to the potential success of my dream.
C. I expect the realization of my dream to be one of the most difficult things I’ll ever do.
D. My dream is likely to come true even if I am unlucky, if important people ignore or oppose me, or if I encounter serious obstacles.
E. I am willing to pay any and every price needed to achieve my dream as long as it doesn't violate my personal values.

Score for this section: ________________

4. The passion question: Does my dream compel me to follow it?

A. I can think of nothing I would rather do more than see my dream fulfilled.
B. I think about my dream every day and often wake up or fall asleep thinking about it.
C. Even if I believed I could not completely fulfill my dream, I would still be excited about the pursuit of it.
D. This dream has been consistently important to me for at least a year.
E. When it comes to my dream, I display more initiative than I do in any other part of my life.

Score for this section: ________________

Vision and Purpose - day 1 - Jacob Powell

This week, we are journeying into our vision and purpose. Forgive me if each time I speak of our vision’s that I do not always defer it to God’s vision for us. I believe for those that are seeking and living in accordance with His good and purpose that His vision becomes our vision. So go with me…
It is truly interesting that we are going through some of the most difficult challenges that our families have encountered. If you break your arm, you have a cast made for it and you deal with it. If you are caught speeding and receive a ticket (unless you are Cheri), you grumble under your breath for a few days, you pay for it, and you move on. Yet in the book of Proverbs, it says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but happy is he who keeps the law” (Pr. 29:18). My soul longs and cries out for the vision of the Lord – a dream, purpose and vision!
Sometimes, I go to the kitchen and meander around, grazing for sustenance, I suppose. I walk this way, pause, and turn around and walk that way. The feeling of unproductive hunting overcomes me, and I think, “Why can’t I just know what I want before I even come into the kitchen?” It is such a useless feeling to be without clear direction. What did Moses feel like after he fled from Egypt and became a shepherd for 40 years? A number like that haunts me; to think that it is possible to wrestle through feelings, doubts, fears, and past scars for forty years is such a suppressive thought.
Can I confess something? I am in a wilderness unlike any I have experienced before. No, I am not necessarily complaining. Nor am I saying that God is far away. On the contrary, I sense His closeness in a new way. I am thankful for that. But the truth remains: questions such as, “what are you doing with us, Lord? Where are we headed? What is our purpose, specifically,” invade our minds.
Therefore, I am going to share with you a process, and I hope that you will join us this week on the adventure towards claiming a vision and dream – such a refreshing word! Each day, there will be simple questions that are not really that simple to fill. It is called the Dream Test, a passage from a book that a mentor of mine gave me this week. Enjoy…
“The first step in creating a useful map is knowing your starting point. Take the following test to help you make that assessment. Think of it as a way of writing, “You are here” on your dream map.
For each statement below, please respond by writing the number that best represents your current life (not where others think you should be, where you wish you were, or where you hope to be someday):
0- no
1- somewhat
2- Yes
1. The ownership question: Is my dream really my dream?
A. I would be the person in the world most pleased if I accomplished my dream.
B. I have publically shared my dream with other people, including those I love.
C. My dream has been challenged by others, and I still embrace it.
D. As I’ve gotten older, I have become more certain that my dream is really mine.
E. I believe that my dream is in alignment with the purpose of my life.

Score for this section: ______________________________________

Last call for Intercession

Today is the last day for our intercession topic and then we are on to purpose & vision, so lets get started.

I have stumbled on a passage in John 17 that unfolds the heart of the Master (Jesus). It's when Jesus is praying to the Father for himself, disciples and for all believers. As the prayer unfolds I found some key points that Jesus mentioned.

-Jesus prayed for the disciples protection. vs. 11,12 and 15 "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me...My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." Jesus prayed to Father with the power of his name and so should we. When we invoke the name that is above all names there is authority and power that attaches to our intercessions.

-Jesus prayed for unity amongst his followers. "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." vs 20 & 21. The result of this kind of praying is so that those around us in our daily lives will believe. When unity happens, the church grows. Think of the Acts 2 church, it says, "Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common...And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:43-47

-Jesus' desire is for us to be with him where he is. v24 We are wired to have relationships and friends spend time together. Just think the perfect Son of God has invited us to hang out. Pretty cool!

-Lastly, Jesus prayed that Father God would be made known through the church. "I have made you known to the, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." This can be hard to wrap our heads around, but through this Jesus' is wanting us to be full of God's love for him and others. This love is the proof! "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us." 1 John 3:19-20

So if intercession seems like a big unknown hopefully these passages will help bring to light Christ's heart for intercession. Thanks for reading and God Bless, Aaron

Intercession 102 by Aaron

Last time was a foundational day about intercession. Remember intercession means to “plead or make a request in behalf of others” and from the passage in Matthew I pointed out how physical posture and frequency can impact intercession. Today I want to use a passage in Exodus 17 to point out our roles as intercessors.

To set the stage, Moses has now lead the Israelites out of Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, God provided manna and quail and also water from the rock to meet their needs and the Israelites are now about to be attacked by the Amalekites.

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, and one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

The the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.’

Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. He said, ‘For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD.’” Exodus 17:8-16

So how does this passage relate to intercession? Remember that intercession is to “plead or make a request in behalf of others” and the roles of Moses, Aaron, and Hur were physically doing intercession for the Israelites while in battle.
The Lord chose for there to be a team effort to win the battle against the Amalekites. With intercession, we are a part of a team effort. You personally and maybe alongside others agree with our high priest (Jesus Christ) and present these requests or intercessions to God through the Holy Spirit. What’s even more amazing is that God wills it to be done this way!

Application to our lives right now: Who are the people in your life you feel the LORD is leading you to intercede on their behalf? Write it down and stick it in places you frequent like your car, bathroom mirror, your Bible, by your television and or computer monitor.

Thanks for reading and one last thought, as you intercede, picture yourself holding up the arms of the one you love so they can reach the throne of Lord.

Intercession 101 by Aaron

Intercession 101:
Well this is our 4th week in our rotational fast and we are going to focus on intercession. It’s a powerful yet simple concept meaning to plead or make a request in behalf of others. So basically our focus has now shifted purely from me to those around us.
The first passage that I want to look at is a familiar passage that I can easily identify with. It is found in three of the Gospels so feel free to look at this passage from all three versions. Also, as you peruse the passage you see it’s not really an intercession passage but rather one of pleading for themselves. Look past that to see some of the practical sides of how it applies to intercession.

Matthew 26:36-46
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.’
He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’
When he came back, he again found them sleeping because their eyes were heavy. So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour is near, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!’”
*Also found in Mark 14:32-42 and Luke 22:40-46

Now just some quick thoughts to point out and then to let you get to interceding.
1) Notice Jesus first action when he began to pray. “He fell with his face to the ground and prayed.” Jesus new his response that he would give to his disciples; “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” In other words, don’t try to intercede for people when you are laying in your nice cozy bed or couch because many times your intentions to intercede for the one you feel led to pray for may end in a one hour nap! Trust me it happens all the time if you know what I mean.
2) Jesus prayed for the same things over and over again. Sometimes when interceding it’s not a once and done issue. Many times it takes frequent prayer over several days.

A Servants Perspective - Jacob Powell

Today is the last day of our focused attention on purity. To be honest, I was not very sure what to expect this week. But what the Lord revealed was much more than I could have imagined. Purity is a more a state of being, than an action. To enter in, we must go through the cleansing process. Do you feel that you have been sitting at the Table and are waiting for the next course? Maybe we just need more wine… I am not so sure that is the solution.

Can I share one more thought about John 2:1-11? It is a one liner that is so profound. “When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom…” (2:9, NAS). Look again. Read the words between the parentheses – “but the servants who had drawn the water knew.” Once again, John is intentional about his wording. I do not believe that he was carelessly inserting this fragment. So what was he saying?

First, who were the servants? Most of the time, I read the word ‘servants’ in scripture and pay not attention to it. I have developed a sense of biblical ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. But understand that the servants played a significant role in Hebrew history. Consider Numbers 31 as we think about the servants in John 2. After going to war against the Midianites, the priest Eleazar and Moses were instructed to divide the plunder into two parts: one part to the men of war and the second to the congregation. Then they were to “levy” a tribute on the soldiers that required them to offer up a small portion of their spoils of war. This was called the heave offering. “The persons were sixteen thousand, of which the Lord’s tribute was thirty-two persons” (vv. 40). This gives us some insight to into the history of servant-hood in the ancient Jewish culture. Isn’t it interesting that the people who served in the Sanctuary were primarily from pagan cultures? Ok, fast forward. Mary said to the servants to listen and do whatever Jesus told them to do. So, there were servants at the wedding feast. Why? Where did they come from? Could they be generational servants? Are you making the connection? Now, the master of the feast drank the wine and did not know where it came from. He did not really even care; he was just happy that the party would go on. But… the servants knew where he came from. Why was that so important to John, that he would include that in his depiction of this story?

Maybe he was implying that the servants did take notice. Or maybe, he was making an additional reference to the teaching of Jesus, “Those that wish to be first must be last…” In this position of service, a person would be the lowest of all guests; but they were the only ones that knew from where the miracle of wine came from (besides Jesus’ mom, and His disciples). How significant!! Perhaps our take away is that people are watching. Our motives, our actions, and our words are all elements that point to the maker of wine – life. Perhaps we are to remember that to be first, we must be last; only there, in that humble position, will we be able to see what is truly going on.

“Bless our eyes and our hearts with your truth. May we act in a way that reveals your love and nature. Amen”

Isn't It Ironic - Jacob Powell

I’m thinking of a song. Let’s see if you can guess it by some of the lyrics,
“Isn't it ironic ... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought ... it figures”

Maybe you know, or maybe you are just lost. The artist is Alanis Morissette, and the song title is, “Ironic.” What does this have to do with purity? As you may have already guessed, this is my week to share the devotional thoughts. The times spent in preparation have been so encouraging and challenging. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to share during this particular week. But, here is the irony. Over the past few days, I have discovered a rare and horrible truth: I have the shingles. Don’t worry; you can’t contract them by reading this post. I am 26, and have the shingles. Here’s to stress, right?

Ironically enough though, the bible talks about such skin conditions. Consider this passage from Leviticus, “Any person with a serious skin disease must wear torn clothes, leave his hair loose and un-brushed, cover his upper lip, and cry out, Unclean! Unclean!' As long as anyone has the sores, that one continues to be ritually unclean. That person must live alone; he or she must live outside the camp” (13:45-46). If you could see me, you would notice right away that my hair is not brushed. I am not so sure about the “torn clothes” bit, since I am broke as it is, and messing up my good clothes would result in buying more later on. “Covering” my upper lip sounds interesting. Do I need to get one of those mouth guards that look like adult sized pacifiers? Or, maybe I should just walk around with my bottom lip covering my upper lip. But try doing that and yelling “Unclean, unclean!” It more resembles a comedic sound from someone like Jim Carry, than a serious social warning. The last stipulation scares me the most. Do I really need to live by myself? I am not sure that Holly Springs has a cave that is designated for those “unclean”. So, maybe I will take up residence in our crawl space. It’s nice enough; even has a light bulb so I can see what is crawling over my body at night. Who would’ve thought that impurity produces loneliness? Being away from my family seems like such a lonely, undesirable thing. And yet, if I lived in a different place, in a different time, I would be experiencing just that – loneliness.

The Lepers described in Luke didn’t ask for their skin condition. It just happened to them. But I believe that it paints a great picture of the results of impurity. When we are living outside of the natural purity that God intends for us, we separate ourselves. Once again, in Genesis, the man and woman ate of the “tree” and first noticed that they were naked, became ashamed, and hid from God. Impurity causes separation, and as a result we cover our actions with layers of impurity. Luke 17:11-19 tells a story of ten men with leprosy that approached Jesus, and asked for mercy. Keep in mind that they were lonely - isolated from ‘healthy’ family and peers. Jesus knew that by interacting with the leper’s, he risked being unclean, in accordance with the Jewish law. But, he stops and helps them anyway. In this story, the only man to give Jesus thanks and praise for being healed was a Samaritan – an outsider. Jesus did not play favorites. He restored community and health to those that were sick, regardless of religious affiliation. Jesus Restores. Do you or someone you know need restoration? What part are you going to play to ensure that those that are unclean are cared for and restored?

“Restore our hearts today, oh Lord. Have mercy on us. Bring us community when we are lonely and health when we are sick. May we hear the words today, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." Amen.”

The wedding - by Jacob Powell

Well, it’s been a couple of days since the last posting. Remember that we have established our central focus around a wedding feast, portrayed in John 2:1-11. For this time together, I would like for us to consider the essence of the wedding itself.

It is here, at this small town Galilean wedding, that Jesus performs his first miracle, or if you are John, His first “sign”. Once again, Mary (mother of Jesus) is there, along with many other family members and friends. It is a party. Sometimes, our monastic theology restricts our understanding of Biblical text, by limiting our interpretation of certain events or thoughts as mere metaphor or allegory. While I believe that there is truth to that, sometimes we need to see and experience the text for what it is. In this passage, we are reading about a wedding. One of the most significant aspects of the traditional Jewish wedding was to join together those who were pure, into a pure and sacred covenant. It was not a legal bond that would wipe away or erase past moral failures. As ‘church’ goers, isn’t it easy to look at situation where a friend is living with his girlfriend, and feel uncomfortable – almost ashamed? So, we encourage them to get married as soon as possible. When they finally do get married, we breathe this sigh of relief because somehow, this one act – this ceremony – has erased their immoral past. The marriage context that John speaks of was not that. We can read in the Torah the Jewish law that speaks of stoning a woman for sexual immorality. The spiritual and natural way of valuing one’s physical and mental being was to be pure. King David (2 Samuel 11), had sex with another man’s wife, tried to cover it up (unsuccessfully), had the man killed, and married the woman because she was pregnant. Notice that out of 27 verses that describe this story, only two are spent describing her time of grieving and marriage to David. Where was the celebration that John speaks of? In fact, David wrote in a psalm, “You’re the One I have violated, and you’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil” (Psalm 51:4, The Message). He speaks of violating the pure order of living – mainly with Bathsheba. Genesis 2:25, “The two of them, the man and his wife, were naked, but felt no shame.” Did you catch that – “no shame?”

The bride and groom of the wedding had something going for them – no shame. People did not celebrate impurity and the violation of the law. They partied for days - danced, ate, drank wine, and laughed – because the couple exhibited a life of purity. It was a value that was established from the beginning. Once the two were married, they would be conducted to their honeymoon. This was no limo escape. Led by the light of torches, they would be guided through the streets along the longest course possible so that people could shower them with praise, blessings and gifts. It would be the equivalent of an Olympic athlete winning Gold, walking through the streets of his hometown, being showered with flowers, endorsements, and praise. It didn’t stop there. During the following week, the honeymoon, people would stop by there home to encourage and bless the new couple. The community honored their purity pre-marriage and their purity in marriage. It is natural and easy to celebrate what is right – pure.

This purity is applied to our whole lives. Let us consciously and intently seek out purity in friends, our community, and ourselves in order to celebrate the significance that such a life brings.

“Lord Jesus, help us today to operate in our relationships, our business dealings, and with ourselves in Purity. Give us the joy to celebrate the significance of a committed life in Christ – that might feel no shame! Amen.”

"Harmony" by Jacob Powell

What are we searching for when we are seeking purity? Really – think about it. If you have a hard time wrapping your mind around the formulation of an answer, then you are not alone. Many people, including myself, have the candid ability to sense when something is wrong. Do you remember the last conversation you had with a friend or close family member that you walked away from and thought, “Something’s not right?” We shouldn’t feel weird or neglect this sense; it is a natural part of our created being.

Imagine you are at a concert. The conductor stands up in front of the instrumentalists, all armed with their weapons of choice – trumpets, violins, a marimba, flutes, etc, and with the stroke of his hand, the individual members begin to play in unison. The soft tones and melodic flow seem right to the ear; it is pleasing. Suddenly, and without warning, an out of tune note zings from the midst of the orchestra. You hear it. It bugs you. Naturally, you understand that it is not right. It is not good.

In Genesis 1 and 2, the Story begins with seven measures of the most incredible examples of nature harmonizing with its creator. Light burst into the midst of darkness. Life is breathed into animals. The Spirit hovers over the face of the waters. Man, Adam, was created and commissioned to “tend and keep” the soil of the garden (Genesis 2:16). Notice that God did not say, “Pray often, and sings songs that have 3 verses, a catchy chorus, and a tag.” The responsibility of worship was to tend and keep the creation, because the creation was sacred; it was pure. As a result, man was operating (living) in harmony with the Creator. And God’s response was, It is good!
Jesus seized the moment at the wedding feast in Cana and took water – our symbol of purification – and turned it into wine. Ok, can I ask a dumb question? Why wine? Is John trying to tell us something about the significant purpose of Jesus’ life here on earth? Stay with me; it is about to get exciting. Once again, in Genesis 2, the text states that before any plant had sprung up or any herb developed from its seed form, God had to create someone to work the ground. But what happened before man was formed from the dust of the ground? A mist came up from the ground and watered the whole face of the earth. Then life began to spring up. Water… converted to life giving properties so that man would live in harmony with creation and the Creator. Where does wine come from? Grapes. Where do grapes come from? Seeds. Is Jesus saying, “By turning this water into wine, I am doing more than just providing joy for the feast? I am reminding you that I am the one that is going to restore harmony – PURITY – to My creation through a new covenant. Do you not see that I am creating like “We” did at the beginning of things? Take this wine... It is good.” Perhaps purity is not a series of actions. Perhaps purity is merely living in a way that is in harmony with God’s order. To be pure does not require a supernatural miracle. We simply need to make the choice to live in a way that reflects all that is good.

“Papa, help us to experience the harmony that comes when we live in purity. Give us peace, as we celebrate your created goodness in our lives. Amen”

"Wash your hands" by Jacob Powell

(Make sure the read INTRO to the week, which is posted below. Thanks! Enjoy.)

But then, there was six; six, very large, stone water pots. Stop. I want you to imagine the pots – the look, the feel. Now look inside. What do you see? I see water – a symbol of life and purity. I also see a Jewish ritual of purification that has survived for centuries. The water in those water pots represented the first element that permitted access to the festival. Water was the back stage pass – no exceptions. Those jugs, holding nearly 30 gallons of water apiece, provided the source of cleanliness for all those that were about to eat and drink. The process was simple. First, the hand is held upright so that the water runs down towards the wrist. Second, with the hand pointed down, the water is poured from wrist to fingertips. Third, the opposite fist is used to scrub the palm of the wet hand. Repeat process and then wash the feet. Once you have completed these steps, you are considered clean, and can partake in eating and drinking. If you do not go through the process of purification, then you are unclean, and cannot experience the meal – the abundance that is provided by the host. Did you catch it? Do not move past it too quickly. Not only did the guest do this at the beginning, but they also did this ritual between each course during the meal – the abundance provided by the host.
Maybe you long to be at a setting like this with our Maker. Can you imagine the opportunity to laugh, eat and drink, and dance in His presence? The very thought is warm and exhilarating! You can see the activities. You can hear the sounds, and smell the fragrances of the feast. But there is one thing in the way – water. Or maybe you have entered the wedding feast, but are in between courses. The server is waiting for something before he places the plate in front of you. He is waiting for your interaction with water. I encourage you today to take sometime to wash away the filth from your hands, which are givers of life or death. Wash the dirt from your feet, which bring the good news of salvation. I can see Jesus anxiously waiting with an awkward smile, as if to say, “Would you wash your hands already? The party is about to begin.”

“Purify our hearts, Oh Lord, that we may receive the bread and wine of the festival meal – the abundance, and enter in to celebrate with joy, in Your presence. Amen.”

Intro for week Three: Fast for Purity by Jacob Powell

John 2:1-11 (our cornerstone for the week)
Recently, I was reading a story that is told in the Gospel of John. There was laughing, excitement, anticipation, familiarity, and joy. Like any good story, there was also a problem, climax and a resolution. It was a wedding feast. It was not just any wedding. The people, the place and the miracle performed are historically important to our faith.
Like any proper Jewish wedding, the ceremony was held on a Wednesday. We also know that the Mother of Jesus was taking part in this festival. In other writings that did not make it into the New Testament, additions to this story are added; primarily, Mary was the sister of the mother of the Bridegroom, and that it was possible that the bridegroom was John himself, the one writing this account. I am not saying this was the case; just food for thought. The point however, is the invitations had already been sent out. Jesus was on the list, but he didn’t come alone. We learn from previous verses that by the time that Jesus arrived at the party, he had with him five disciples. This posed a potential problem. Consider planning a meal at your home for some neighbors. You are expecting 8 guests, and have worked that day to make sure that everything is just right – that you have enough bread. Two minutes before the hour, the doorbell rings. “ahh… our guest”, you say to yourself. Unlike our family, they are actually known for being on time. When you open the door, you see not only the eight invited guests, but also five others. Imagine the feeling of “preparation” panic. What do you do? More than likely, you smile and invite everyone in, slip a concerned glance to your “invited” guests, and make do with what you have. Near the end of the meal you discover a problem- the wine is gone.
In the Jewish culture, hospitality is essential. Remember the passage that talked about the man who has need in the middle of the night and persistently knocks on his neighbor’s door? Taking care of your friends, family, neighbors, etc, is certainly no joke in this culture. To have run out of something as essential as wine would have been humiliating for the Bride and Bridegroom. As some religious leaders were known to say, “Where there is no wine, there is no joy.” (continue with the days devotion)

Healing (3/2/10) by Cheri

Tuesday 3/2/10 Joy and Peace: Wow, what an amazing week! I think it is so amazing as we seek God the more we find him. It makes me think of when you get a new car, all the sudden you notice that make of car way more than you did before. I feel like that with the Lord, as he works in us on something, we become more attune that in others. Today I want to close the healing week devo's with scriptures of joy and peace. I hope this week has allowed you to process and pray through healing and what that means for you and your relationship with the Lord. I pray that joy and peace will fill our hearts and lives. As we read these scriptures, let us thank God for the great work he is doing! Find an outlet today that brings joy to your heart, whether it's calling a friend or loved one or watching a funny movie.

"But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits." Psalm 5:11

"To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for The spirit of heaviness... Isaiah 61:3

"I have told you this so that you may be filled with My Joy, yes, your Joy will overflow." John 15:11

"For I will turn their mourning to Joy." Jeremiah 31:13

"In Your presence is fullness of Joy!" Psalm 16:11

Starting tomorrow, Jacob will be sharing with us. The focus will be on "Purity." I will be posting his devos on here also so you continue to be a part!

Healing (3/1/10) by Cheri

Physical Health: Ok, so this one I wrestled with including or not. After really thinking about and re-reading scriptures about healing, I felt I would be leaving out an important part if I did not: Good Medical Care and a healthy diet of food and exercise. God works his miracles in many ways and through many people. Several scriptures mention oils, herbs, fruits and even dirt used as tools of healing. Luke 5:31 says "31) Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Like Ezekiel 47:12 says "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing."

How often do I avoid going to the doctor/dentist for the fear of having to have something done or something being wrong or having to pay alot? How often do I eat too much or devour too many sweets because I am bummed, stressed, or lack self-control? I can't help but to see in my own life how these things and my walk with the Lord intermingle. I think of when Aaron and I had our miscarriage. Here we were dealing with something from a doctor's perspective that is a common occurrence, but for us emotionally and spiritually was devastating. Why would God allow this? Is there something wrong with me? Did we not have enough faith? These are just a few of the questions that began to run through our minds. I found myself withdrawing physically, not wanting to do anything. Food was either a comfort or something to avoid because I could control that. But as I continue to go back to Lord, I feel his love and comfort, calling me to rest in him. Allowing him to heal me physically, emotionally, spiritually. I also think about the what ifs? What if I would have continued to withdraw, especially from Aaron? We would not have the blessings of Amaris and Samuel. What if I would have continued to not eat or eat too much? I would facing new battles.

Do I think I have mastered the meshing of physical health and spiritual health, oh no, I believe it is like an onion. I have to continue to allow the Lord to work through all the layers. So today as you have read this I pray the Holy Spirit has brought things to your mind of your emotional/spiritual ties to your physical health. I know that encompasses all different kinds situations and emotions, so I pray that God would meet each of those in the intimate and personal way only he can do!

Here are a few related scriptures:
Mark 2:1-12, 5:21- 43; John 9:6-7; Proverbs 17:22