Robin left a comment asking what a Caleb Friend is.
A Caleb Friend is
...one who believes the impossible with you.
These friends are the ones who believe the Lord will give you the Promised Land--whatever that is promised to you by Him--no matter how big the giants are that stand in your way.
They have a different spirit about them, one of simple faith and undaunted passion.
These are the ones who jerk you up by your collar and shake you out of your pity party. They are the ones who stand over you when your heart is broken and you would rather walk off the battle field than stay there.
They are the ones who don't quit--even when you wish they would.
And when you cry, they hand you a few kleenex, listen patiently, and then say, "Okay, so the bully pushed you. Stop whimpering and go kick its butt. Your Daddy's bigger than it is."
Their phones work and are answered all hours of the night.
They rejoice in your victories.
They are not competitive but know you both have promises of God, and they will stand fast to help you realize yours.
They are the ones you want with you when you go into battle because they know Who controls the battle.
They are the ones who see the best in you and don't let you forget who you really are.
They are priceless...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Gratitude 5--Sunshine in the Midst of the Storm
Storms happen. It is easy to get caught up in the blustery wind and pyrotechnic display and forget the blessing of the rain puddles that call us to dance, splash, and laugh.
Today, I invite you to join me in a few puddles for which I am grateful:
1. Tennis--or some very untrained version thereof
2. Being a Sheep--Are you feeling sheepish?
3. For permanent markers so I can write on my forehead.
4. That my pants are getting too big.
5. That the scale finally acknowledged what my pants have been telling me for over a week now.
6. Caleb friends
7. Showers where the temperature is adjustable. Sometimes any shower is good. When I helped drill water wells, showers were good period, but last night, a warm shower was good.
8. Ibuprofen.
9. Comfortable tennis shoes.
10. For friends who laugh with me and aren't afraid to laugh at me
Today, I invite you to join me in a few puddles for which I am grateful:
1. Tennis--or some very untrained version thereof
2. Being a Sheep--Are you feeling sheepish?
3. For permanent markers so I can write on my forehead.
4. That my pants are getting too big.
5. That the scale finally acknowledged what my pants have been telling me for over a week now.
6. Caleb friends
7. Showers where the temperature is adjustable. Sometimes any shower is good. When I helped drill water wells, showers were good period, but last night, a warm shower was good.
8. Ibuprofen.
9. Comfortable tennis shoes.
10. For friends who laugh with me and aren't afraid to laugh at me
Feeling Sheepish
Yesterday my friend Debra posted a wonderful post--two of them actually--but one in particular helped me get refocused. It's title is "I Am A Sheep".
Her next post was perfectly focused, THE Shepherd.
Flock on over and read them both. :-)
Then I got inspired and wrote my own version of Psalm 23 as a comment. I hope it bless you if you, like some of the rest of us, are feeling sheepish right now.
--From this small sheep
Psalm 23
(as it has meaning in my life today)
The Lord is my Shepherd, and He provides me with everything I need.
He gives me rest in abundant places that are soft and gentle to my weary body. He leads me beside waters that refresh my soul without my being overcome.
He restores the very core of who I am and holds together my trust in Him. He leads me in the paths that are right and merciful because He is the perfect Shepherd and can do nothing less.
Even though I walk through dark places that I wish I could avoid, I do not fear the outcome or what might come my way because you are with me and make your presence known to me. Your rod and staff lead me to safe places and protect me from my own wandering ways. You are ever vigilant, and the enemy cannot reach me.
Nothing keeps you from meeting my needs and providing for me perfectly.
Surely your goodness and mercy will stay with me and you will hem me in by going before me and behind me all the days of my life, and I will be blessed with your presence always.
--personal paraphrase by Jerri Phillips
Her next post was perfectly focused, THE Shepherd.
Flock on over and read them both. :-)
Then I got inspired and wrote my own version of Psalm 23 as a comment. I hope it bless you if you, like some of the rest of us, are feeling sheepish right now.
--From this small sheep
Psalm 23
(as it has meaning in my life today)
The Lord is my Shepherd, and He provides me with everything I need.
He gives me rest in abundant places that are soft and gentle to my weary body. He leads me beside waters that refresh my soul without my being overcome.
He restores the very core of who I am and holds together my trust in Him. He leads me in the paths that are right and merciful because He is the perfect Shepherd and can do nothing less.
Even though I walk through dark places that I wish I could avoid, I do not fear the outcome or what might come my way because you are with me and make your presence known to me. Your rod and staff lead me to safe places and protect me from my own wandering ways. You are ever vigilant, and the enemy cannot reach me.
Nothing keeps you from meeting my needs and providing for me perfectly.
Surely your goodness and mercy will stay with me and you will hem me in by going before me and behind me all the days of my life, and I will be blessed with your presence always.
--personal paraphrase by Jerri Phillips
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Peace
This morning Debra and I talked, as we do nearly everyday, and she aked me if I noticed a difference in the atmosphere, like the tension and darkness had dissipated. I knew what she meant.
Leading up to this election, I have been in my prayer place early each morning, often spending 30 minutes or more praying for the election alone. I did not know how I would respond with these results. I responded differently than I expected. I thought I might grieve, crawl back in bed, at least cry uncontrollably for a bit. Instead, I looked at the results, thanked the Lord that He is maturing His army, and asked, "Now what?"
It seems rather simplistic, I suppose, and as I have received a myriad of emials from this well-known leader and that one, I realize they only use several paragraphs to say what I said in a few sentences--Well, that wasn't what I wanted, but I trust my God to handle it anyway. Now, I just need to listen to His voice and follow.
My job has not changed. My focus has not changed. My enemy had not changed. But most importantly, my God has not changed. And in that alone is my peace.
As is obvious from my post Gratitude 4, I am walking through a fire I never expected and have tried desperately to prevent for a long time. It was my own naivete' that said I could fix the problems that have brought me to this place. I could not even fix the symptoms little less affect the issues. In fact, if I am truly honest, I quite possibly made things worse in an effort to avoid the fall out that had to come.
And, no, I can't go into detail, and, yes, I am aware the people's minds roam and imaginations happen. I can't help that unless I choose to hide, and honestly, I'm tired of hiding. I don't see the benefit in it. It does not fix my problems, and it offers no glory to God. Rather the glory goes to God when we are honest about our desperation and need and others see Him meet us right where we are.
Where I am is a painful place with a lot of questions. And yet, I am in peace.
Why? Because God meets me where I am, and in Him is peace.
Peace is not a state of denial but a state of Truth.
It is the truth that God loves me and is with me. The truth is the desert is a place of purpose, not abandonment. The truth is He is not surprised and has been working to bring the ick to the surface so He can address it with the only touch that will make a difference--His own. The truth is...things that look overwhelming and crazy somehow come out making perfectly good sense when He is finished. The truth is I wouldn't have chosen this path because it looks so stinking hard, but He chose it because it is the easiest and most merciful.
The truth is God is God, and even when the waves loom high and big, He speaks peace.
Leading up to this election, I have been in my prayer place early each morning, often spending 30 minutes or more praying for the election alone. I did not know how I would respond with these results. I responded differently than I expected. I thought I might grieve, crawl back in bed, at least cry uncontrollably for a bit. Instead, I looked at the results, thanked the Lord that He is maturing His army, and asked, "Now what?"
It seems rather simplistic, I suppose, and as I have received a myriad of emials from this well-known leader and that one, I realize they only use several paragraphs to say what I said in a few sentences--Well, that wasn't what I wanted, but I trust my God to handle it anyway. Now, I just need to listen to His voice and follow.
My job has not changed. My focus has not changed. My enemy had not changed. But most importantly, my God has not changed. And in that alone is my peace.
As is obvious from my post Gratitude 4, I am walking through a fire I never expected and have tried desperately to prevent for a long time. It was my own naivete' that said I could fix the problems that have brought me to this place. I could not even fix the symptoms little less affect the issues. In fact, if I am truly honest, I quite possibly made things worse in an effort to avoid the fall out that had to come.
And, no, I can't go into detail, and, yes, I am aware the people's minds roam and imaginations happen. I can't help that unless I choose to hide, and honestly, I'm tired of hiding. I don't see the benefit in it. It does not fix my problems, and it offers no glory to God. Rather the glory goes to God when we are honest about our desperation and need and others see Him meet us right where we are.
Where I am is a painful place with a lot of questions. And yet, I am in peace.
Why? Because God meets me where I am, and in Him is peace.
Peace is not a state of denial but a state of Truth.
It is the truth that God loves me and is with me. The truth is the desert is a place of purpose, not abandonment. The truth is He is not surprised and has been working to bring the ick to the surface so He can address it with the only touch that will make a difference--His own. The truth is...things that look overwhelming and crazy somehow come out making perfectly good sense when He is finished. The truth is I wouldn't have chosen this path because it looks so stinking hard, but He chose it because it is the easiest and most merciful.
The truth is God is God, and even when the waves loom high and big, He speaks peace.
God's Word is the Only One that Matters
Last night when I arrived home from my small group, I saw the news that Obama was voted in as President. I don't know that I can articulate the conversation the Lord and I had. It doesn't really matter anyway because He reminded me of a vision and word He gave me months ago. I shared it with a few friends then, and I share it with you now because I think it is pertinent and will encourage some of you.
As I was praying over the Democratic choice of candidates, He gave me a word for Hilary and told me how to pray for her. He also gave me a vision for Obama.
First, the Lord said the leadership of this country goes the way of the prayers of this country. Folks, that puts the power back in our hands.
Second, I saw Obama walking down one road, and the road forked. He took the right fork.
Did you get that? He took THE RIGHT fork. Our prayers or lack thereof determine the path of the king because our prayers and our faith release the power of the the KING.
I know it is easy to see this as chaotic, a defeat, and mortifying. I have said it before, and I will say it again, God is bigger than Barack Obama. The army that stands with us is greater than the army that stands against us. We are not defeated. We may not like the giant that stands before us, but it will still fall if we are faithful to stand in our authority.
I want to leave you with one last thought.
The Lord said the real warriors are the ones that stand—not because it looks like they’ll win—but because they believe in their cause too much to accept losing.
Keep standing.
Refusing to stand down,
Jerri
As I was praying over the Democratic choice of candidates, He gave me a word for Hilary and told me how to pray for her. He also gave me a vision for Obama.
First, the Lord said the leadership of this country goes the way of the prayers of this country. Folks, that puts the power back in our hands.
Second, I saw Obama walking down one road, and the road forked. He took the right fork.
Did you get that? He took THE RIGHT fork. Our prayers or lack thereof determine the path of the king because our prayers and our faith release the power of the the KING.
I know it is easy to see this as chaotic, a defeat, and mortifying. I have said it before, and I will say it again, God is bigger than Barack Obama. The army that stands with us is greater than the army that stands against us. We are not defeated. We may not like the giant that stands before us, but it will still fall if we are faithful to stand in our authority.
I want to leave you with one last thought.
The Lord said the real warriors are the ones that stand—not because it looks like they’ll win—but because they believe in their cause too much to accept losing.
Keep standing.
Refusing to stand down,
Jerri
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Gratitude 4--In the Darkness
When life is rosey and all is well, it is easy to be thankful. Gratitude often gets lost in falling in tears. However, even in the darkness, the goodness of God shines. Even in my darkness, I am grateful...
1. That broken hearts heal.
2. That Truth is still truth no matter how the circumstances look.
3. That His plans are good, and no matter what happens He can do great things with it.
4. That His love for me isn't dependent on my "keeping it together" and walking through this perfectly.
5. For people who have walked this road before me and stand along the way with an encouraging word, large hug, and a tear on their cheek, too.
6. For people who say, "Yeah, it is hell." And they don't minimize how hard it is.
7. For warriors who stand over me when I'm eating dirt on my knees trying to get my footing again.
8. For the ability to pray.
9. For friends who
--hug me while I cry,
--immediately get off the phone with one look at my face as I stand at their door late at night,
--pick up the phone when they've already fallen asleep,
--tell me it's going to be okay...and believe it
10. That God can restore anything.
11. For the faith that God has it under control and it really will be okay.
12. For the peace that this may not be what I expected, but God is not at all surprised.
13. That I can still sleep well knowing I'm a beloved daughte of the King, who is her Father's delight and the joy of His heart.
1. That broken hearts heal.
2. That Truth is still truth no matter how the circumstances look.
3. That His plans are good, and no matter what happens He can do great things with it.
4. That His love for me isn't dependent on my "keeping it together" and walking through this perfectly.
5. For people who have walked this road before me and stand along the way with an encouraging word, large hug, and a tear on their cheek, too.
6. For people who say, "Yeah, it is hell." And they don't minimize how hard it is.
7. For warriors who stand over me when I'm eating dirt on my knees trying to get my footing again.
8. For the ability to pray.
9. For friends who
--hug me while I cry,
--immediately get off the phone with one look at my face as I stand at their door late at night,
--pick up the phone when they've already fallen asleep,
--tell me it's going to be okay...and believe it
10. That God can restore anything.
11. For the faith that God has it under control and it really will be okay.
12. For the peace that this may not be what I expected, but God is not at all surprised.
13. That I can still sleep well knowing I'm a beloved daughte of the King, who is her Father's delight and the joy of His heart.
Prophetic Words the Lord Had Me Pray over Different States
The Lord gave me words to pray over different states today.
Florida—Come forth righteous tribes of Christ
Georgia—Peach State, produce fruits of the Spirit, be resplendent with them
South Carolina—You are no longer “below” anyone. You are not beneath. You are exalted. Come up to the heavens and sit with the King
North Carolina—You are not what people have said you are. You no longer have to live under those curses. Stand up in your true identity that the Lord declares over you.
Virginia—I looked at the map and one side of Virginia has mountains while the other doesn’t, and the Lord said, “No longer be divided. Be equals and with equal authority and passion take the hand of the instrument of my purposes.”
West Virginia—Mighty Mountaineers, this is the time to look to the mountains from whence comes your strength.
Michigan—The “thumb” of the US. You are an opposable thumb. Oppose the enemy. Oppose the one who wants to steal from you. Oppose the one who would destroy you. Oppose all the lies of the enemy.
Missouri—Let the Big River of the Spirit flow through you.
Ohio—Farmers, break up your fallowed ground and sow righteousness. You will be blessed in your wombs…in your fields…in your lifestock. Problems you are seeing in your climate that is preventing strong harvests will be broken and you will bring forth a harvest that can only be of the Lord
Illinois—There is much to come from you. Creativity abounds in you. Innovation is your gift. You will bring forth such things that the United States will look at you and say, “This is from Illinois?” They expect little from you, but I know who you really are and what lies within you.
Arkansas—You are known for being centered around a Little Rock. Now be centered around the boulder of my truth. I can build great things with Little Rocks. Many doubt your heritage and family lines, but I say I will bless you until all around you will be amazed at the blessings that pour forth from you and the good things that come from you.
Iowa—Swing State—swing wide the gates of heaven that the King may come in.
Colorado—My rain and snow go forth in season to bring about what I desire, to bring about a harvest. Receive the harvest. Turn to me. CLING TO MY WORDS that cannot return void, and see what I do for you.
Nevada—You are always seeking water. How to control it. How to have more of it. Turn to me and receive the never ending water. You cannot receive what you need through the economy of men. Come to me and get what man’s money can’t buy you and see if I do not give you more than enough in all areas.
Idaho—You have been known for producing a staple food. I want to be your staple food. Some of you have received me on occasion, but you are still hungry. I want to be your everyday food.
New Mexico—Some of your ancestors have touched me. They have known me in small amounts. You are hungry for the mysteries—the mysteries are Christ. Come forth that I may pour out on you water, fountains of water for your dry lands. Lands that produced nothing, lands where there was death and barrenness will pour forth water and food. No longer will people need to pour into you but they will come to you for your overflow.
North Dakota and South Dakota—No longer be known for your badlands. You are a good land. No longer look up to men (Rushmore) but instead look up to me and see if I do not hear your prayers, pull down the walls that have blocked blessing, and restore to you promises I have made that you have held in your hearts but have lost hope for.
I anointed each state on my map with oil and prayed over it. I encourage you to do the same.
Blessings,
Jerri
Florida—Come forth righteous tribes of Christ
Georgia—Peach State, produce fruits of the Spirit, be resplendent with them
South Carolina—You are no longer “below” anyone. You are not beneath. You are exalted. Come up to the heavens and sit with the King
North Carolina—You are not what people have said you are. You no longer have to live under those curses. Stand up in your true identity that the Lord declares over you.
Virginia—I looked at the map and one side of Virginia has mountains while the other doesn’t, and the Lord said, “No longer be divided. Be equals and with equal authority and passion take the hand of the instrument of my purposes.”
West Virginia—Mighty Mountaineers, this is the time to look to the mountains from whence comes your strength.
Michigan—The “thumb” of the US. You are an opposable thumb. Oppose the enemy. Oppose the one who wants to steal from you. Oppose the one who would destroy you. Oppose all the lies of the enemy.
Missouri—Let the Big River of the Spirit flow through you.
Ohio—Farmers, break up your fallowed ground and sow righteousness. You will be blessed in your wombs…in your fields…in your lifestock. Problems you are seeing in your climate that is preventing strong harvests will be broken and you will bring forth a harvest that can only be of the Lord
Illinois—There is much to come from you. Creativity abounds in you. Innovation is your gift. You will bring forth such things that the United States will look at you and say, “This is from Illinois?” They expect little from you, but I know who you really are and what lies within you.
Arkansas—You are known for being centered around a Little Rock. Now be centered around the boulder of my truth. I can build great things with Little Rocks. Many doubt your heritage and family lines, but I say I will bless you until all around you will be amazed at the blessings that pour forth from you and the good things that come from you.
Iowa—Swing State—swing wide the gates of heaven that the King may come in.
Colorado—My rain and snow go forth in season to bring about what I desire, to bring about a harvest. Receive the harvest. Turn to me. CLING TO MY WORDS that cannot return void, and see what I do for you.
Nevada—You are always seeking water. How to control it. How to have more of it. Turn to me and receive the never ending water. You cannot receive what you need through the economy of men. Come to me and get what man’s money can’t buy you and see if I do not give you more than enough in all areas.
Idaho—You have been known for producing a staple food. I want to be your staple food. Some of you have received me on occasion, but you are still hungry. I want to be your everyday food.
New Mexico—Some of your ancestors have touched me. They have known me in small amounts. You are hungry for the mysteries—the mysteries are Christ. Come forth that I may pour out on you water, fountains of water for your dry lands. Lands that produced nothing, lands where there was death and barrenness will pour forth water and food. No longer will people need to pour into you but they will come to you for your overflow.
North Dakota and South Dakota—No longer be known for your badlands. You are a good land. No longer look up to men (Rushmore) but instead look up to me and see if I do not hear your prayers, pull down the walls that have blocked blessing, and restore to you promises I have made that you have held in your hearts but have lost hope for.
I anointed each state on my map with oil and prayed over it. I encourage you to do the same.
Blessings,
Jerri
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