Going through the motions...

The Motions
By Matthew West

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

Present Weakness & Resurrection Life

I get tired...a lot. In my body, in my mind, in my heart and yes, even in my spirit. The tiredness sometimes has a seemingly physical pain to it.

Do you ever do something for so long, that one day you think "why am I even doing this?" The initial zeal and original meaning to what you've been doing has faded into the background and forgotten about.

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." [Matt. 26:41]

And then that small spark comes into your mind, a whisper to your heart...the Holy Spirit speaking to you, quietly reminding you "remember, this is why I called you".

You have to stop and step back and reevaluate all that you've been doing for so long to really put into perspective what it is that God has set you on course to do.

Go back to the first thing you know for certain the Lord said for you to do. Then ask yourself, "Am I doing this?"

If you're not, don't panic (that's what the enemy wants you to do) - just pick yourself up (let Him help you), brush yourself off, and take that next step forward...often times, that is a step of faith.

I know, it can be scary. The unknown usually is. But I also know, that step is worth taking. I know without a doubt that where I'm going is far better than where I've been.

I can't see where I'm going. I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. I'm not the best navigator, I have to have physical landmarks to be able to know where I need to go, not to mention being directionally challenged in many cases. I take detours to get around road construction only to find myself running into more road construction. But thank God, He's the one navigating this journey, not me.

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [2 Corinthians 4]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Transgenerational Blessings

I had found this newsletter a week after it was delivered in my inbox. Wow! What a refreshing reminder! I wanted to post it as an encouragement to all of you. - T



Transgenerational Blessings
Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones
Streaming Faith Newsletter

The character qualities of Joseph are revealed in Genesis forty-five. Joseph refuses to retaliate against his brothers, but rather he sets his family up for a breakthrough blessing. He transitions his family out of famine and lack into abundance. He changes their economic status; Joseph positioned his family to receive a bailout package.

This stimulus package not only stirred their economy as a family, it repositioned them for transgenerational wealth. The concept of transgenerational wealth requires generational planning. This is how many ethnic groups in developing countries have failed future generations. The lack of sacrificing present luxuries for future needs breeds a lack of integrity for stewardship.

Unfortunately, even we in the West have embraced the same careless principles. These principles are robed with sophisticated degrees and approved by celebrities, accepted by popularity and executed by government.

God's original plan for families has always been to establish a channel for His goodness and mercy of transgenerational wealth to flow through. This one act of transgenerational wealth would position Jacob's sons and his son's sons to come into their inheritance of the Abrahamic covenant.

The transgenerational blessing of the Abrahamic covenant holds neither expiration date nor limitation of abundance nor scarcity of favor. The covenant of transgenerational blessings vetoes and dismantles the most restricted and hostel decrees and legislations of the day.

The Egyptian government owned Hebrew slaves, which was the judicial custom of the day. Yet Pharaoh promised them the best land of Egypt and the very fat of the land. Oh my God, it gets even better in Genesis 45:18 which states, "And bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land." (New International Version)

When the scripture refers to the fat of the land, it means the choicest produce of the land. The God, El Shaddai, not only gave these slaves descendant land, but He also gave them the most fertile part of the land for future re-production. This land allotment of fertile soil positioned them to become financially self-sufficient through cultivating the best orchards and vineyards.

Even globally today, the Israelis provide the world's best vegetation produce and vibrant flowers. Because of Joseph's loyalty and display of integrity to Pharaoh and his commitment to the transgenerational covenant, the favor of God was transferred from him to future tribes. They were able to develop a business that the sons of Jacob could inherit and pass on to their sons; this is a covenant example of transgenerational blessings. It is a promise to every believer that through us, the nations of the Earth shall be blessed.

You have within your spiritual loins: job promotions, college education, houses, businesses, and career opportunities that have been provided by God through you for your family. Everything that God has predestined for you and your family has already been deposited in you.

You are a courier of transgenerational blessings.

The ministry of Dr. Patricia Bailey-Jones has created a tremendous impact for more than 25 years in over 100 countries around the world, bringing deliverance and salvation to countless thousands through Master's Touch Ministries, a mission outreach that has headquarters in North Carolina, Los Angeles, and London, England. For more information about Dr. Bailey Jones, log onto www.mtmintl.org

Eternal Thoughts

As everyone is now aware via television, radio, and newspapers, three very famous, and very influential people passed from this world. Many people are mourning their "legacy". Many people are mourning their "talents". Many people are mourning the loss of their "friend". But it has me thinking some rather deep thoughts this morning. As they passed from this fleeting world, did they enter eternity with Jesus? Ultimately, that is the only thing that matters.

These famous peoples contributions to our world entertainment culture has molded us as a society. You hear a phrase and you think of that person. You hear a clip of music and instantly you are transported back in time to a memory of your childhood. They brought a lot of good to our lives...and I'm sure a lot of grievances as well. But what shape was their soul in?

Generations will rise up and time will pass, and these famous people will either be epitomized or forgotten. This is the trend of all people through all time. Just read the Bible. There were many many people mentioned in the Bible only by the description "a certain man" or "a certain woman". They weren't named by name because the things in their lives had little or no impact on the bigger picture. Then there were those that were mentioned by name who changed the course of history (Jael, Ruth, Joshua, Caleb) and there were those who were so impacted by God and our Lord Jesus that they were given new names (Abraham, Peter, Paul).

It saddens me to hear of the things that one of these famous people were accused of (even caught in the act of doing perhaps). He was apparently a confused and tortured soul. He seemed to be conforming to a way that seemed strange to us. He seemed to be searching for something or Someone...but did he ever find what or Who he was looking for? In those last moments, did he confess of his sins, of his wayward life, and give his heart to the only One who could give him everything? I don't know. No one may ever know. These things were between only two people, this famous person and the Almighty God.

So I contemplate today...Do I want to be remembered for the good things I did (works) or the bad decisions I made and was forgiven of? Or do I want to be impacted by the All Powerful, Ever-Encompassing, Almighty Jehovah Jireh God? Will I be a person that will take that change and let others see this Light that shines from within? I don't know if I'll be remembered once I am gone from this world. I don't know if I'll have a legacy to to leave. But when I'm walking those streets of gold beside the crystal sea, with my Saviour by my side, nothing that I say or do or am on this earth will matter other than did I do what He asked of me.

I'll Be There...

You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there

I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there

I'll be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, I'm so glad that I found you
I'll be there with a love that's strong
I'll be your strength, I'll keep holding on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be there to protect you, with an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and I'll be there

If you should ever find someone new, I know he'd better be good to you
'Cause if he doesn't, I'll be there
Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah
I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there

(Just look over your shoulders, honey - oo)

I'll be there, I'll be there, whenever you need me, I'll be there
Don't you know, baby, yeah yeah

I'll be there, I'll be there, just call my name, I'll be there...

...do you hear the calling -- Lord SEND ME!

"TWO WEEKS IN AFRICA"
By Caedmon's Call

Johannesburg to Capetown,
the plane had barely touched down.
She was taking photos for the friends back home.
This was always where she felt her heart belonged.
She was finally here,
the sky was bright and clear.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

Johannesburg to Houston,
she came home on a mountain.
But school was starting, things kept moving on.
Before you knew it, seven years had gone.
She found a picture of her, standing, smiling,
arms around the starving kids.
She swore not to forget,
she swore not to forget...

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

And if we follow our dear sun
to where the stars are not familiar.
Faces turn to numbers,
numbers fall like manna from the sky.
Why, oh why? Oh Father, why?
One village in Malawi now has water running pure and clean.
One church alive in Kenya's full of truth and love and medicine.

We put the walls up, but Jesus keeps them standing.
He doesn't need us, but He lets us put our hands in.
So we can see, His love is bigger than you and me.

(Two weeks....)
And we all can feel the calling,
(Two weeks....)
to make the world a little smaller.
And so a girl got on a plane,
for two weeks in Africa.

...Beautiful Collision

Beautiful Collision
by DCB

The heart breaking makes a sound
I never knew could be
So beautiful and loud
Fury filled and we collide

So courageous until now
Fumbling and scared
So afraid You'll find me out,
Alone here with my doubt

Here it comes, a beautiful collision
Is happening now.
There seems no end to where You begin and there I am now
You and I collide

Something circling inside,
Spaciously you fly
Infinite and wide,
Like the moon and sky
Collide

Here it comes, a beautiful collision
Is happening now.
There seems no end to where you begin and there I am now
You and I, collide

Yeah Yeah Yeah

Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Collide
Here it comes, Here it comes now (You and I)
Here it comes, Here it comes now (You and I)
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now
Feel it coming on, Feel it coming on now, Here it comes now
Here it comes, Here it comes, Here it comes now