Church Sunday

Hello friends,
I have been dying to post and I'm stealing a moment away from writing for a couple of retreats that I'm teaching for this fall. And- I'm posting from my cell phone which is very tedious! Be prepared for lots of spelling/grammar errors!

I just had to share a few updates with you on this glorious morning. First, say a prayer for my baby girl who is at church camp this week. I'm missing her really bad but I'm praying a Jesus encounter for her and all who are attending!

Second, the Drain's had a marvelous time worshiping Jesus Sunday. The Praise music just lifted me right to the Throne Room of His Majesty. The message from the Word was right on and just what I needed. Does that ever happen to you? It seems sometimes that the minister must know all the personal details of my life and prepares his message to speak to my needs. Although I know this isn't true- I love the way God can use someone else to speak to our hearts!

At the invitation time several people came forward (not sure but I think 4-5 couples). Most were placing membership at the church but one couple were making a confession of faith! Glory to God! It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen! The Sunday school class they had been attending led them to the Lord. How about that!! After they made their confession- they were baptized--here is where I lost it!

An elder (who was in their Sunday school Class) baptized the man first. After he was immersed his wife enters the waters where her groom (of 30 years on this Monday) was waiting for her. He, ever so gently, took his bride (now the bride of Christ) under the water and back up. They exited the water together in newness of life. Girls- I'm not ashamed to tell you- I sobbed during the whole thing. The joy on the faces of this couple was radiant. It was obvious they shared a deep love and respect for one another. Thirty years of marriage looked good on them! But, the Holy Spirit looked better! Praise the Lord!

That wasn't all! Next the children's minister brings a young boy forward who had been saved. He repeated the confession of faith loud and proud. Just like I love to hear it! Then this young man was baptized too! I had to hold myself back from breaking out into a praise dance right there in the aisle!

Next, an older lady had came forward for prayer. An elder prayed with her and then he turned to the congregation for intercession help. There was, as he described it, a life or death situation going on for a man in this ladies family. The congregation joined hands and we stormed the Throne Room of Heaven asking for deliverance for this man (whether he wanted it or not).

Honestly girls- I was completely spent by the time we left church but there is nothing on earth I'd rather pour forth my energy for. This was the church working as it should. I felt so blessed to be a part of it-even though I didn't know a single soul!

Thank you for allowing me to share with you! The rocks would cry out if God wasn't praised- He is worthy!

Say a prayer for me as I write this week!

Love to all,
Lori

God's Workmanship

Hello friends,
Long time no post! Allow me to share with you a verse I have been studying. It happens to be one of my favorites because it is filled with hope. I don't know about you- but I can use a daily dose of hope! Can't seem to get enough hope? Look to Jesus my friend. Here goes:

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10

I believe this verse overflows with hope. Here is why. First, you and I are a workmanship. And, not just anybodies workmanship- God's. We are created in the very image of the Creator. Take a momment and let that fact really soak in. Often times I skip over this reality. Something about me resembles Jesus. Now- I certainly fall very, very, very short of Jesus- but somewhere within there is a 'hint' of Jesus. That really excites me!

The word workmanship (based on my very little knowledge of the Greek language) is the word 'poiema' which means "poem, masterpiece, to make something new, with the implication of using materials already in existence, to make, to fashion". I love the idea that we are God's poem. He is working to create a masterpiece of poetry in each of us. Every line of our individual poem is unique. Sometimes the lines created in me have been more like a funeral dirge than a hopeful sonnet. That my friends is a part of the masterpiece.

What I love most about this word is 'the implication of using materials already in existence'. What a sweet reminder that God has given us everything we need to do the work he has called us to. The materials are already there- God is just working to fashion or mold them into what they need to be in order for us to fulfill our calling in Christ Jesus.

I wonder if you are growing weary in the work God has called you too. It is so easy to get discouraged but don't let yourself! That is exactly what Satan would want. Don't give in. Remember, God prepared this work in advance for you to do. He help you see it through until completion. Find your hope in him. Remember- "The One who calls you is faithful...".

Today, I'm allowing God to write a new line of my life poem. I'm not growing weary but stronger. I refuse to give in even when the going gets ruff! I'm trusting in the One who is faithful! I wonder what my new life line will read? Oh the possibilities with God!

Loving the One,

Lori

Isaiah 43

Hey there girlfriends,

Just wanted to drop a fresh reminder post for you today. Please enjoy a portion of Isaiah 43 from the Message:

"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You are mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end-

Because I am GOD, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. So don't be afraid: I'm with you."

I hope this is a reminder of how very much you are loved. I can't count the times I've felt like I'm swimming in rough waters or I've been between a rock an a hard place. How about you? If your there today- remember Jesus paid a huge price for you! He is YOUR personal Savior! He will never leave or forsake you! He would sell off the whole world just for you! What an amazing comfort the very thought of God loving us so much! I hope it brings a smile to your face today~

Blessings,

Lori