Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Life of an Apostle: Barnabas

Week Three here at IHOP-ATLANTA (http://www.ihop-atlanta.com/) and I am loving it!
My vision for the house of prayer is being greatly strengthened, I am growing in my leadership gifting, and falling in love with those I'm running with more and more. It is truly a privilege to give my life to night and day worship and prayer to the only One worthy of it, Jesus Christ. Sometimes I think about how 24/7 worship and prayer could be viewed as too much, excessive, or too radical, except for the fact that Jesus alone is worthy of it. It is the only reasonable response to His Beauty and Worth. That is how it happens in the Throne Room of heaven, day and night they do not cease to praise Him. God is raising up a generation of lovesick warriors and worshippers who will sit at Christ's feet like Mary of Bethany, hearing His word and beholding his beauty, and this part will not be taken from them (Luke 10:42). His Beauty necessitates a response.

I am in my last year of ministry school at IHOPU (International House of Prayer University). I am continuing to take classes though here in Atlanta for a semester through the e-school. Monday we had to turn in a group project concerning the life of an apostle in the early church. My group chose Barnabas. Thought I would share it with you as well. Let me know what you think!

To better explain the video, the first is a "worship with the Word" experience around the life of Barnabas. I chose 5 different scenes in his life that we spontaneously sang around, in an antiphonal style. It is supposed to be humorous, but also truthful regarding snippets of this powerful apostle's life. The second video is a brief oral presentation concerning some of Barnabas' journey in ministry.
May you be blessed!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Surprise!!

Today I was surprised...

I was surprised with a package from my sister! I happened to be gazing out the window when I see the postman walking to the door with a box. I open the door and grab it from him. Lo and behold, it was for me! From my sister. Puzzled and excited (it wasn't my birthday, or any special occasion) I open it and am filled with joy, excitement, and glee as I read the card and slowly go through every goodie inside the box! I couldn't stop smiling, filled with joy and excitement down to discovering the last item. I love surprises! I always feel like God set me up.

Can you imagine Him (humor me) saying this morning as I awoke and prepared for the day: "Today's the day!..She has no idea!..(to the angel) Michael shhh...I've got to see this!" He's sitting on the edge of His throne...elated with excitement, bubbling. He thought the whole thing up! There I am sitting and reading on the couch, not a clue. The one morning I happen to be home, and by the door...here comes the mail man...Can you imagine the excitement in God's heart as everything is unfolding? I can! God totally loves to surprise us, to show up in the big and small things. He's cheering us on, in the small things holding our hands and celebrating our small victories and the big breakthroughs. He's celebrating my sister and filled her with joy and love as she put the package together. He's been delighting in me, in both the big and small and He just loves...loves to reveal who He is to us.

Wherever you are...whether working through areas of offense in your heart, in a seemingly dry spell, feeling distant from God, wherever and whatever it doesn't matter...God's inviting you to know Him. He's not far. You can have as much of God as you so desire: Open your Bible, sing to Him, pour out your heart and ask for Him to open your eyes to who He is. He will. I love the God of surprises!
If you have any prayer requests feel free to leave them in the comment or email me.