Journeying with Joseph, part two

June 14th was a particularly rainy Sunday, I stood in the church service with a heavy heart. I tried to keep thanking God for somewhere to stay, some finances to come through but still the heaviness, like the rain, persisted. The only things I knew I had to do that day was 1) eat the free hot meal provided at the African Feast after the service 2) return the rental car God miraculously provided for me. Other than that I had no idea what was going to happen next. My situation may have seemed hopeless BUT I am rooted in God and deep within me, beyond my feelings of heaviness, I knew that God had me in the palm of His hand and He was going to do something.

I had attended a prayer meeting earlier that week where I met a lady who attended the church regularly, she was prompted by Holy Spirit to talk to me. We had a wonderful time of sharing and at the end she invited me to sit with her during the service. On that Sunday, she introduced me to a family, friends of hers, who sat directly in front of us. They seemed like nice people and even gave me a hug to say hello. They also invited me to sit with them as we feasted on beautifully prepared African food. We got to know each other a little but I was admittedly distracted as I was aware I had to return the rental car; being late incurred extra charges which I couldn't afford. As I said a brief goodbye, the family asked me where I was staying. This was the kairos* moment that Father God had prepared long before I was even born, all our days are written in His book (Psalm 139:16).

This family offered me a place to stay and even came to the airport to collect me after I had dropped the rental car off. I was filled with great relief, even in the pouring rain, I couldn't stop thanking God! What perfect timing. This family became my host family and if you have read previous blogs you will know of their generosity and kindness to me and how it is that God lead me to this particular family to serve them as part of my mission in Canada.

Before I left for Canada I attempted to establish some contacts by asking my friends if they knew anyone that lived there, or even if they knew where I could stay but nothing came from it. I had even emailed the particular church Holy Spirit had directed me to visit, asking them if they offered hospitality, I had no response. But after a little while I realised, I had no peace while asking. So I asked Holy Spirit why this was and He said, wait on Me and I will make the contacts for you, I will connect you. About two months after I arrived, I had an email from the church about my hospitality request saying, 'So sorry, I've only just seen your email, I don't understand how I missed it.' Isn't it interesting how God shuts the doors to the wrong path. That's grace. 

Genesis 39:2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

The sequence of the three acts of God in this verse are inescapably significant. 

First: the Lord is with Joseph, as a consequence...

Second: ...Joseph was a prosperous man

Third: the Lord placed Joseph in the house of an Egyptian master - not just any master but a significant man called Potiphar.

The context: Joseph has been sold into slavery by his brothers. He is bought by the captain of the guard of Pharaoh himself. The captain of the guard is called Potiphar, understandably in his position he would be a man of considerable wealth. However, Potiphar's wealth is not the reason that Joseph is prosperous. Regardless of whether Joseph was being clothed with the robe of many colours by his dad, Jacob, or being cast into a pit by his brothers or being sold into slavery, the most important thing about Joseph was not his physical location/circumstances but Who was with him. 

I have been in some sticky situations as I have journeyed with my Father, June 14th is just one example  of how you can come to a place with no apparent option: no finances, no accommodation, no food etc. Why does a loving Father allow this, it may not seem a loving thing to do to His daughter. One of the most beautiful things about my Father is His trustworthiness, His faithfulness. How can I truly learn about those aspects of His enduring love for me if I don't face situations where He can show Himself as such. When the going gets tough, we have an option, trust God. I can testify that in every situation, in each moment:

He is with me - just like He was with Joseph, He is with me always - this is my defining reality because in Him I live and move and have my being**. There is no detail in this life so small it escapes God's watchful eye***, after all He made every particle that makes an atom and it is Him that holds all things together****. A testimony: renting a car without a credit card is almost unheard of, unless you are me. I cut up my credit card years ago as prompted by Holy Spirit yet He has enabled me to rent 3 cars in the last year. When He said rent a car in Toronto, the first place asked for $1000 deposit, I didn't have it. Holy Spirit then led me to walk to each car rental office at the airport and on my third request, I had a YES. He is with me and I am learning to trust Him more each day.

He makes me prosperous - my every need is met and I am often overflowing with provision. Priska, my hostess, invited me to go to the store with her one Saturday and I happily said yes please as I needed some things and Father had provided the money for it. I chose what I needed and as a treat even got some decaf coffee for the nights when I want coffee but sleep too! I carried my basket of items to the cashier and Priska motioned for me to put everything with hers, so I did. As I got ready to pay her for my stuff, she said, please let me get them for you. We even got ice cream sundaes afterwards! He fills my cup to overflowing and He blesses us through each other. I am so grateful to You Daddy God, my Provider! 

He places me - I don't know what life is going to look like day to day, if we are honest we will admit that not one of us does. Even if we have day jobs and appointments, we cannot take anything for granted, only God knows what will happen because He has a plan for our lives. We are either in His plan or outside of His plan. Being in His plan doesn't mean everything is great all the time, there are valleys as well as mountain top experiences, both have value in conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ, our Lord. I am relieved, like Joseph was I'm sure, to be placed by God exactly where He wants us. There we will find His favour and grace and as a consequence God will bless the people He places us with, He will speak through us, act through us and impart His love through us. This was my mission with my host family and how beautiful it was to have this mission in a Jubilee year! It was their kindness that unlocked the doors to me fulfilling the mission to bless them.

Genesis 39:1-6

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down there. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

*Kairos, a Greek word meaning, the right time, an opportune time or season. 

**For Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28

***Psalm 121

****For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Journeying with Joseph, part one

The major theme of my time, thus far, in Canada has been: PUSH THROUGH. 

If you have never been on a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) bus you may not, like me, know how to exit the bus. Unlike other buses I've travelled on, when you get to your stop, the double doors don't automatically open. The first time I wanted to exit at a particular stop, I stood at the double doors waiting and nothing happened. I was confused. I did everything I knew to do, I requested my stop by pressing the STOP bell and behold the bus stopped but the driver didn't open the doors as I expected and I missed my stop. Thankfully the next stop wasn't too far away and I exited through the front door like I saw some other passengers do. The next time I travelled on a TTC bus, I made sure to watch as passengers exited through the rear double doors. I learned that if you want to get out, provided the green light above the door is on, you have to push the doors open. 

This feels like the most challenging season I've ever been in. I remember in the beginning praying relentlessly for a change, for an exit. I often go to the local library (thank God for libraries) where I do most of my writing and correspondence. I recall a day when I sat in my favourite chair and looked around the library searching for a sign of some kind to encourage me, my eyes fell upon a book titled EXIT PLAN. For a few moments, even for a day, it seemed there was an imminent release coming. That was months ago and I am still here. Does that mean the sign was false and my encouragement misplaced?  With the help of Holy Spirit and hindsight, I can now say, assuredly no. I may not have understood the sign (the book title) at the time because I didn't take the time to pray into it, as in my desperation I interpreted it for what I wanted it to mean, a literal and imminent exit plan. Perhaps Holy Spirit was saying, there is an exit plan... from the wrong perceptions that keep you in desperation, just push through and you will see as I see and be delivered from the overwhelming desire to escape so you can blossom where I've planted you. 

The good news is the desire to run from this season has left me. I am no longer desperate. I've learned that I need to push through to exit the bus and therefore get off at the right stop. A little while ago I was inspired by Holy Spirit to delve into Joseph's journey. I'm taking my time with it, lingering on aspects of his life that fascinate me, especially the glaring absence of any mention of sin in his life. It intrigues me that even when he was at his lowest (in the pit or in prison) there is still no record of him faltering in his faith in God. This spotless record is also true of Daniel and later Jesus, Who took on flesh for our sake and was tempted in every way, yet without sin. I believe Joseph (Daniel too) was a type of Jesus, a foreshadowing of things to come, after all everything in the Word points to Jesus Christ. 

Some hold the view that in sharing the dreams God gave him with his family, Joseph was prideful. This is in contrast with my reflections which instead brought to light his naïveté. 

Genesis 37:13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send you to them. And he said to him, Here am I.

If Joseph was operating in pride then surely he would not have so eagerly obeyed his father. Pride comes with friends like deceit and manipulation, and if Joseph was prideful he would have found a way to avoid going to his brothers because at the very least he would have known he was unwelcome and perhaps even in danger. In his naïveté, he went willingly. There is an interesting line in the song that King David sang as he worshipped God (when the Lord delivered him from his enemies and also from Saul), Psalms 18:26 with the purified You show Yourself pure...and again as Paul writes to Titus he says in Titus 1:15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. I do not see pride in Joseph, I do sense some immaturity and yes the naïveté. I do not believe at the time he received them, he could interpret the dreams God gave him, perhaps if he could, he would not have shared them. But for me there is a clear thread through Joseph's journey, his heart remained pure. But how did he remain pure? How did he not become desperate and falter, thinking God had forsaken him? How did he push through the extremely difficult circumstances that arose when he finally found his brothers with the flocks? 

Then God remembered Rachel and God listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son and said, God has taken away my reproach and she called his name, Joseph, saying, may the Lord add to me another son*. The name Joseph as we know it is derived from Yasaph, meaning, 'the Lord adds and he shall add' or 'he increases' - it is a future continuous type of tense. Joseph was a miracle baby, even his name testified to that. He would have known from his mother, Rachel, how long she had waited for him, how she struggled through years of barrenness, praying until the Lord opened her womb. Joseph was the fruit of Rachel's labour (of faith and literally pushing through to deliver him) and God's favour. Joseph knew:

1) he was a miracle

2) his birth ushered in a new season for his family, Jacob's time of labouring for Laban was over**

3) that he was wanted and loved

4) that his name was significant, he was named to increase, to become great

How does this help us today:

We are miracles: John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave He (Jesus Christ) power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Kingdom of God is that nothing is random, everything has purpose. We have been chosen by God to live in this time, in this hour. We have been birthed miraculously (born again) by our Father God to live a life of purpose, taking pleasure in Whose we are and therefore who we are. 

Our rebirth in God has ushered in a new season for our families: 

From the testimony of Lydia and her household as well as that of the jailer in Philippi, I believe God's salvation through Jesus Christ is not just for one but for all in a household.  

Acts 16:25-34 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters***, so are we who have been saved. The term  firstborn, indicates there is more to be born, let us be encouraged as we wait in faith for our families to also know the Truth that sets free. In our acceptance of salvation in Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of heaven has come upon our families, our friends and our communities. Our faith in God for Him to do for our families what He has done for us is pleasing to Him, after all He has a greater desire to see our families saved than even we do. 

We are wanted and loved: John 3:14-17 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.

1 John 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are...

We are not condemned, even when we mess up, even when in my desperation to exit this most challenging season, I embraced feelings of abandonment and rejection, still He did not condemn me. In His grace He allowed me to stay and push through so His character could be more fully formed in me. In His mercy, He forgave me. 

We are destined for great things: John 14:12, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 

What works did Jesus do? Preach the Kingdom of God is near; heal the sick; cast out demons; raise the dead, give sight to the blind; turn water into wine and many more. Why? To show us the love of His Father, who is now our Father. We can do all the things He did and more, we now have the authority and also the power of the Holy Spirit. 

And what happens when we are in a season like mine when those works are not on the main menu, it may be on the specials board, but not on the main menu? A few weeks ago I went to a prophecy session at church, hoping for a meaty prophetic word - honestly, hoping that Holy Spirit would finally speak something to me with the word RELEASE in it - as I sat before two people I had never before met, this is a snippet of what Holy Spirit spoke through them: I see you as a worshipper, I see the core to your life is 'in My presence is fullness of joy', I see you in this season taking time away to be in the presence of God...I see Him giving you a sense of where you're going and the next step...I bless the worshiper in you. I see you dancing before the Lord, even when you are preparing food or going out, it is worship to God. I think of Mary who washed the feet of Jesus, she washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and wiped them with her hair, she took everything she had and worshipped Jesus. You want to give everything to Him, know that whatever you do, whatever you put your hand to, you're doing that.

Mostly I had been feeling ineffective, that I wasn't doing anything with purpose. Sometimes being called to the humble sowing of little seeds means the harvest isn't immediately discernible. The two kind people who took the time to search Father's heart for me didn't know anything about my season or my struggles or that I simply love to worship God. I have often prayed, oh Lord, use me in whatever way You have purposed, Your will not mine. And He is! And He is pleased with me, right where I am at, in every thing I am doing, no matter what it is. Some missions you get to do really exciting things and see mighty exploits of God first hand, in others, you get the green light to push through moment by moment as He forms His character fully in you, so that you are empowered to love as He loves and also trained to steward wisely the greater things that are surely coming. Joseph was convinced of who he was and the destiny that God had for him, no matter his circumstances. Father help us to be utterly convinced of Who you are and Your heart towards us, then we will truly know who we are and why we are alive in You for a time such as this. Amen.

* Genesis 30:22-24 ESV

**Genesis 30:25 ESV As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country.

***Romans 8:29 ESV For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Sowed $2.75, Reaped $100

I'm connected into a wonderful church here in Toronto, it used to be called the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, planted by John and Carol Arnott. It is now called Catch the Fire (CTF) and has, since the outpouring of Holy Spirit began early in 1994 (called the Father's Blessing), multiplied across Canadian borders into other countries. Their annual conference started on September 23rd this year with a rich line-up of speakers including John and Carol themselves; Steve Long; Duncan Smith; Marcus Lamb; Kenneth Copeland and Rheinhard Bonnke. I cannot remember when I first heard of Rheinhard Bonnke but I recall working through a set of DVD's designed by him for home group discussion when in Austria in 2007. I don't think I grasped the fullness of what he was saying, seeing it was all in the German language, but I do know I was moved to a greater faith in Father God by watching and learning from this mighty man of God. 

Later on, while in Wales, I connected with Rheinhard Bonnke's ministry, called Christ For All Nations, (http://www.cfan.org.uk) and through the leading of Holy Spirit was able to sow into their ministry of holding gospel crusades in Africa and beyond. Like Angus Buchan, Rheinhard Bonnke, is a simple, humble man who has believed God, simply preaching the gospel with the result of mighty exploits for the Kingdom of God. So far CfAN have led 74 million people (and counting) to salvation in Jesus Christ. Rheinhard Bonnke is now 75 years old, that's basically just under a million people for every year he has lived. Extraordinary. How can we not be inspired to be all God has called us to be when we hear of these great exploits. Jesus said, greater things than these will you do*. 

Looking back, it was a dream of mine to meet Angus Buchan (http://angusbuchan.co.za), you might have heard of this 'Faith Like Potatoes' man. He has hosted hundreds of thousands of men at Mighty Men's conferences in South Africa and around the world, preaching the gospel and seeing miracles of healing, not just for the men but for their families too. God orchestrated a divine encounter with Uncle Angus (as we call him) when I was on a farm in Worcester, England two years ago. I stood next to him, slightly awestruck, while the anointing he carries silently fell over me. Just a few minutes in his presence brought such sweetness. I was humbled that God would give me such a divine encounter! Not only that, I again met him last year in Northern Ireland when, through an unprecedented miracle of God, an orange lodge parade was cancelled for a two day preaching event in the middle of the town of Magherafelt. The farmer from Africa held nothing back in sharing God's heart for the people who came and many miracles of salvation happened. And with many people pressing in on him for prayer, we were again highly favoured to get an opportunity to talk to him and get prayed for too. From that high to another...seeing and hearing Rheinhard Bonnke exhort us in person. 

So when I heard that he was one of the speakers at the CTF conference, I confess I didn't quite believe it. The reality of it had not hit home until the day before Rehinhard was due to speak, here's why: I had a return flight to the UK booked for September 10th. In the last two years of being a full time missionary, I have not used my return flight once, in it all I have learned that God has His plan and when I follow, even if I don't understand, His perfect peace accompanies me. Again, He told me to forego the flight, so I stayed. What a crazy but incredible way to live, just trusting that if Father says He will provide, you can take His word to the bank. Before this, I had no idea whether I was even going to be at CTF for the conference as my journey with God is to just take one day at a time. 

The church had asked for volunteers to help with various jobs during the conference, as a reward each volunteer received a free pass, which would normally cost $180. Once I knew I was going to stay, I asked Holy Spirit if I should volunteer and He gave me the green light. The form asked for my area of preference, I wrote: wherever you need help, I'm happy to help. I prayed that God would show the coordinator where He wanted me to position me. He did, I landed shifts on all four days...in the kitchen! Cooking and hospitality are my God-given talents and if I had stated my preference, that's exactly what I would have chosen. I was so grateful to have been chosen to help, not only that but in the very area I delight in. 

In the meanwhile, I had no money left. Whilst I've been here, Father God has from time to time, supplied me with money - this is used to bless others, to tithe, for transport and basic needs like toiletries - and the last lot I received had almost run out. I didn't have enough to get the bus to church to volunteer. The Sunday before the conference started, as we got ready to tithe, I thought about sowing the $2.75 I had left in my purse. I second-guessed that thought, wondering if I was being a money-martyr. That's a term I use for myself, as I can easily and very quickly give it all away! I doubted, which is unusual for me and ended up not sowing what I had. As the week progressed I waited, in faith, for finances to arrive and they didn't. Confused, I wondered why nothing had come in and thought this was another stretching of my faith. But I was not stranded. I had a choice, so I humbled myself and asked for bus tokens from my host family. They gladly helped me, thank God, in addition they and others gave me rides into and out of church. God had me covered, I had no problem being present to volunteer. Phew! 

There was an opportunity to sow on Friday night at the conference and this time I didn't need any prompting to finally give my $2.75. As I sowed the last of my cash I suddenly realised I should've done it last Sunday. Nevertheless, I had such joy in sowing it then and there.

Earlier that Friday, I met a lovely lady who was sitting outside at the picnic tables, I headed there after my shift to get some fresh air and sunshine. We chatted and Holy Spirit prompted me to pray for her. It was a divine moment. That same lady, led by Holy Spirit, came up to me the next day, the last day of the conference and sowed no less than $100 into me. She said, I felt yesterday that this was for you but I couldn't give it to you until today. Ah the timing of God! He gave me a second opportunity to sow the $2.75 and thank God, He enabled me to perceive it and grab it without the previous hesitation. That is the grace of Father God. I shared with my new friend how I had sowed the last of what I had the day before. A simple act of faith produces miracles. If I had sown in obedience that last Sunday when prompted to instead of entertaining money-martyr thoughts, provision would have come sooner! Lesson learned.

Rheinhard Bonnke was as fervent as ever as He spoke to us on that Saturday night. He said, among other things, there is no comfort in unbelief. It's true, when we have no hope, nothing to believe in, there is zero comfort in that. But when we have faith in God, He comforts us. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and with us, one of His roles is Comforter. You can listen to Rheinhard's talk here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ_Z3fTIy0U. I highly recommend it. You may be prompted to go out and buy a bow and arrow afterwards and frankly, I wouldn't blame you. This mighty man of God, along with all the others that fed us from their testimonies, by being vulnerably honest about their lives, refreshed me with renewed hope. It's what I needed and I thank God for every second of it, what a treat! 

Father God is our greatest Encourager. Ask of Him, He will connect you, teach you and enrich you through His Holy Spirit and through those in the body through whom His Spirit flows freely. Dream big!

*"Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works I do he will do also and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father." John 14:12 NKJV

The Love of the Irish

Warm raspberry and white chocolate scones, with lashings of real butter and a hot cup of tea, just one of the hallmarks of my time in Northern Ireland. As much I liked the scones (and the wheaten bread) the most memorable and meaningful thing that I encountered when I lived there, was friendship. It was not just meeting new people or the fun I had with them but the continual, intentional investment of time, prayer and affection that results in a deep rooted and growing love for one another. 

Walking with God means He makes key introductions along the way, leading to beautifully, rich friendships that reflect His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. You just never know who you are about to meet and why but as believers we can be confident that all through our lives, God will knit us into His colourful, vibrant family in interesting and surprising ways - knowing this, we can also partner with Holy Spirit to call forth these divine connections by faith. It was probably five or six years ago that I met one of the most beautiful women I've ever known at a healing conference near Surrey, outside London. It was a lovely day and I headed outside with my lunch tray, looking for sunshine - I got what I was looking for and so much more. 

There she sat, a right bonny lass, her deftly styled pixie haircut framing beautiful eyes. I asked to join her... turns out she was struggling with the same affliction I had been healed of, so she was eager to hear my story which she needed as encouragement for her own journey; we both knew God was at work. She said, you should come and visit me in Northern Ireland. I said, I'd really like to. We both meant it yet years passed and though we exchanged a few emails, we didn't make firm plans to see each other again but nothing is in vain with God, there is a time for everything. So when I found myself in England, living alongside another beautiful Irish lass (hoping it's contagious), I mentioned that I had a friend from her neck of the woods...turns out nearly everyone knows everyone, or their nearest relative, in Northern Ireland, so no surprises, they knew of each other too! Shortly thereafter I was on a God-assignment in none other than Northern Ireland and finally Naomi and I got to fulfil the desire of which we spoke of that day long ago. Our friendship blossomed as we got to know each other more, we spent time eating together, praying and encouraging one another along the path that God had called us to walk. Not only did she invite me into her home but she invited me into her heart, and so did her husband, Mark. They became wonderful friends who spoke prophetically into our lives, sowed tirelessly into us through prayer and also through finances, obedient to Holy Spirit's leading. Their presence was an oasis to me, being with them refreshed me and gave me great joy. I'll never forget their kindness, the key part God called them to play in my life in that specific season and how they obediently and with joy, played it. It was a glimpse of the Kingdom in its fullness. 

Then there was Steven and Lynette who lived about a 15 minute drive from us. They were already great friends with Deborah but having only met them once briefly, I hardly knew them. It didn't take long though as I cannot remember a time of feeling like 'I'm still getting to know them'. Just like with Naomi and Mark, God had it ready and waiting. All I had to do was walk in His will and by default encounter the safety and refuge that was Steve and Lynette. They welcomed me with open arms. Both of them did, in equal measure. I really enjoy long hugs, sometimes people want to pull away at that time when its usually deemed appropriate but sometimes I keep holding on. There's a healing in that affection, it's a mystery and I don't know exactly what happens but we're born to experience that kind of physical embrace and not just fleeting moments of it. Off course, being a single woman, you can't always do that with men and the propriety that comes with Christendom creates definite, if unspoken, boundaries. Yet with Steve, this was not the case, not then, not now. Lynette recognises that, as with her, one of Steve's gifts is affection, he is equipped with that certain aspect of Father's heart that embraces and there's healing and refuge and strength and love in it. She gives him room to spend his gift on her, their children and on others. I'm so grateful that they do not let jealousy or insecurity stand in the way of giving love away because it's a delight to be a recipient! No awkwardness, no-elephant-in the-room propriety, it's such a relief as it made me feel so welcome and it's what I really needed. 

Their home is the kind where you can open the fridge and help yourself, sleep over if you felt like it or put your feet up on the couch at any time of day. In that setting, we enjoyed many laughs and prayer times; welcomed Shabbat with praises and thanksgiving; celebrated birthdays; ate many plates of butter chicken and just enjoyed being with each other. They were available and we needed them to be. The result was that Holy Spirit filled us up and we experienced healings and received revelation, so we could get even closer to Father God. Fellowship is a key to experiencing heaven on earth. Jesus taught us how to pray, He said, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. As we pray in faith, hear the will of Father spoken though the leading of Holy Spirit and then do His will, we get to see heaven on earth. Sometimes doing His will is having an open door, welcoming people, hugging them and sharing your food with them. Sometimes it's giving them freedom to open your fridge door and help themselves, because whatever you have, you're willing to share. One of my love languages is cooking/hospitality, it is my gift to others. As a missionary, I sometimes get that opportunity and when I do have a kitchen to cook in and the freedom to cook as I want, what I want, it's wonderful! Steve and Lynette gave me creative license to do in their kitchen as I would have done in my own. I felt so at home, and when I go back there, I still feel the same way. 

This brings me to, what is for me, one of the most beautiful psalms of David*:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity. It is like the precious oil, poured on the head, running down the beard, on Aaron's beard onto the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord commands a blessing, even life forever more.

David writes of Aaron's head and beard. But we have a High Priest who is greater than Aaron, so David in writing this, prophetically speaks of something greater than the Aaronic priesthood, namely the Messianic priesthood. The oil represents the anointing of Holy Spirit, (for me, the pleasure of our Father) that is poured (not trickled, not drizzled but given without holding back) over Jesus Christ - and we know that whatever is His, is ours, because He shares freely with us** - and as it pours down His beard, it pours onto us, His body.*** 

True unity is loving one another. This brotherly, God-authored love is so powerful, that when we choose to do it, it is likened to the power of Holy Spirit, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. This unity enables the body (us) to act as the Head thinks, then we are one not only with our Messiah but also with each other. So here is the double portion, do you perceive it? When we choose to dwell together in unity, we get the same oil (power and pleasure of God) that is poured out over Jesus because we are one with Him, i.e. directly under His Lordship. The resulting effect is that we come into an even deeper, greater unity with our Head and also each other (e.g. the eye and hand respond together in obedience to the thoughts of the Head). Unity begets unity and that leads to Father's blessing of life forever more.

I have had the privilege of being a part of this good and pleasant unity in many parts of the earth but most especially in Northern Ireland, where turmoil and division have been a theme and dark cloud over the land and people for years, there is good news, Father God has turned the tide and the oil is pouring forth. 

There are many others in those parts that welcomed me, fed me, prayed for me, sang and praised with me and encouraged me. The love of Christ in the hearts of those whom He has called His own, that I had the opportunity to meet there, is strong and continuing to grow. My prayer for those who stand in faith in that land and indeed all of the UK is, come Holy Spirit! More! I bless you a thousand times as much as you blessed me, may every need you have be met by our faithful God and may you see waves of revival hit your shores. Amen.

Though I have not written of all of you (aye, perhaps there's a book in it), I say thank you to each of you who impacted my life with the greatness of the Living God, whether it was a visit; a movie ticket; a hug; a testimony; prayer; a meal or coffee; a prophetic word; money; a car; fuel; a surprise birthday dinner and picnic; a tour around Belfast or even a smile, it all caused my faith in Father to increase and revealed more of His character to me. Keep going my friends! I love you, it is an honour to know you all. Catch the fire Ireland!

*Psalm 133 ESV

**John 16:12-15

***Colossians 1:18 NLT

Something afoot in the heavenlies

As I walked along the tree lined streets last week, Holy Spirit asked me, did you notice the season is changing? I had noticed as the temperature had dropped about ten degrees. But when He said that to me, as always with Him, there is something deeper. As I walked, I started to take note of the details: some of the edges of the leaves were turning brown and others yellow, some trees were bearing an abundance of red berries that created a mush on the path as they fell. Summer was indeed giving way to autumn. The natural points to a higher reality and as I pondered these changes, I knew God was saying, there was a change in the season for me too. 

On Monday last week, this was what I saw in the sky and what Holy Spirit said about it:

I had a return flight to the UK booked for last week, it had been booked three months ago. I have learned over the last two years of travelling with God, that a paid-for return flight does not necessarily mean you get on it. As with everything I have to enquire of Holy Spirit for direction, for His guidance. Friends were praying for me too. Most of the feedback I got personally and also from a couple of friends was for me to stay in Toronto. Additionally and most importantly, I had God's deep peace about staying. It's much easier to take a step of faith when you have God's perfect peace. 

The day before the flight, walking to the bank, I stopped to take note of the sunset and the cloud formation (as you can see God speaks through everything including the clouds), I noticed something peculiar but couldn't decipher it. So I asked Holy Spirit to make it clearer to me. Walking back the same way, the clouds had moved and formed, no less than, a maple leaf (the symbol on Canada's flag), I call that a sign. It was the seal on the guidance I asked for and I knew I was to stay. Father God also gave peace to my hosts so they also did not feel it was time for me to leave. Phew! Not out on my butt yet, a GREAT relief. My hosts are my friends and also believers; they hear Holy Spirit, so their peace was another confirmation for me to stay on. A change of season didn't necessarily mean a change of country.

As I sought Holy Spirit to reveal more of Father's heart to me for this new season, I also asked him for more fellowship, people I could sow into and vice versa. The week before my flight was booked to leave for the UK, the church advertised A School of Champions which is geared at familiarising attendees with the core church values. I felt a strong prompting to go to it, yet, it was scheduled for after my flight was to leave. So I asked Holy Spirit for specific confirmation in that if I heard the word 'champion' then I would know it was His will AND I would also know I shouldn't get on that flight. Days went by and 'champion' did not pop up anywhere. As I walked past the maple leaf cloud formation in the sky, I asked God why He didn't confirm my specific request like He does for others. He said, because you're not others. I knew that He was encouraging me to have faith and simply trust His prompting, so I registered for the school. An extra amazing thing was that it was gratis, yes totally free! We didn't even have to pay for the book. What a delight.

That night, just before bed, scrolling through my news feed on Facebook, I spotted a post that said, WORD FOR TODAY from Sandi Krakowski, it said: The focus for this season for many of us is transition, the word signifies going from one place to another. We must look and anticipate forward and not look back. To look back during a season of transition is like driving through busy traffic with your rear view mirror as your focus. We can't do that, we must TRANSIT: go from one place TO another. Oftentimes the midstream is very challenging. It can cause is to fear forward and fall back. But don't let that happen, RUN forward...don't fall or fear back. You have God's DNA in you! You are a champion who digs deep into relationships but digs lightly into locations. The richest life you and I could ever live is one fully awake with child like anticipation as God leads! Woohoo! We're in transition! Say goodbye to one place, say hello to a new place! Get a core group of deep relationships around you but where you lay your head at night really doesn't matter. It is who is with you that is important. GOD is with us, He is cheering us on! Happy transition season to us all! Happy birthing to many of you! Some of you are pregnant with a new season! A new beginning! HAPPY transition! 

I highlighted the word champion for the context of this blog. God did confirm it after all! The thing is I have been praying that I would hear the still, small voice of Holy Spirit more clearly day to day and I would, accompanied by peace, instantly obey. Off course there are times like with the flight that I need to be accountable and ask for confirmation especially from those praying for me. But God was answering my prayers of hearing and obeying by giving me a strong prompting to go the School of Champions and I truly felt it so actually I didn't need another confirmation. But He gave me one, after I obeyed, anyway! Ah, I love my Abba. 

The school was a rich time of learning and growing, it wasn't just people explaining to us the culture and values of the church, these were people who have lived it and have real-life testimonies to tell because of it. Their sharing and the practical application times were a catapult into healing and restoration for many of us attending. Among other things, we practised using our prophetic gifts to bless one another. I asked God for something for the person next to me and I got a picture of a guitar, I asked him if that meant anything and he said, yes, I'm learning how to play the guitar. Then Holy Spirit expanded that he would get closer to the rhythm of Father's heart through his journey of learning to play the guitar. Love it when He speaks so clearly! 

So I got to sow prophetically, through prayer and sharing my testimony with a few people there. Father God was answering my prayer for more fellowship. If that's how the new season starts off then surely there is more to come! I'm so grateful to God.

This last Sunday in worship at church (which was wonderful) these things came to me:

1) I was promoted to pray out, forget the former things, behold I do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it.

2) I saw the word SHIFT, just like that, in big block capitals. After worship, the speaker opened their message saying, there is a SHIFT.  Yay God!

The same day we were preparing to celebrate Rosh Hashana which is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, ushering in the new biblical year, 5776. A wonderful, humble man at our church felt God lead him to host the Feast in a mall where he worked. I had no means of getting there and I really wanted to go. A few days earlier a kind friend invited me to go with her and even offered to give me a ride home too (which was quite out of her way). Yes please! I was so grateful, I even got a delicious lunch and more rich fellowship too. What an abundance poured out over me! I'm so thankful to God. So we went and celebrated with great blasts of the shofar, praise and feasting on Father's presence. One of the pastors at the Feast prayed out Isaiah 43:18-19: Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I do a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

This verse has been a key word to me this year, as Holy Spirit has highlighted it to me over and over again, even that very morning.

The pastor continued to pray and said, there is a shift in seasons and an open door stood before us. 

On Tuesday this week as I lay soaking in God's presence, I saw a door before me, a great light was behind it and as I approached it, it opened.

I pray in this new season that for all, including me, who are standing in faith for the new things that Father God has planned for us, that we will keep standing. I thank You Father for all You are doing, may our eyes be opened to perceive it, thank You for all the confirmations and the ability to bless others, may we take every opportunity presented to us. Strengthen us to run our race with perseverance keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising it's shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.* Father, refresh us with new hope, help us to put on the garments of praise and to stay in the flow of Your Holy Spirit listening out for His prompting and teaching. We are so grateful to You and give you all the glory for this new season and all that is in it. 

*Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Journey to the Falls

Ever looked at a map and dreamed far off places you'd like to visit? I first learned of the Great Lakes in high school (in South Africa) and being a dreamer, my instant thought was, I want to go there. But it was just one of the numerous silent desires suspended in my heart, I had no real hope of ever going there. 

Fast forward 20+ years, even in a time when I have discovered real Love* and been equipped with real hope, I had all but forgotten that desire to visit the Great Lakes and behold the majestic Niagara Falls. But God. 

In 2013, God gave me a vision in which I saw myself being in the USA and also Canada. In May this year, as I journeyed in faith hand-in-hand with Father, I found myself in upstate New York - I had been in the USA for nearly 3 months by then so a part fulfilment of the 2013 vision. I was very close to the Canadian border and wondered if I would go there. Indeed it was to be as Holy Spirit led me into Canada for the first time, specifically to Kingston, a lovely town which is on one of the Great Lakes! Yes, I got to see Lake Ontario with my own eyes. It was a wonderful few hours on a warm Spring day and I felt loved in each moment I spent there. God had remembered my heart's desire and not only that, He had fulfilled it. I shared my delight with my mom and she suggested going to Niagara Falls too but I was only in Canada for a few hours and the Falls were on the far west side of Lake Ontario so that was not possible then, but I began to hope...

My first view of Lake Ontario...

I was resting in the UK after my mission in the USA ended and was also asking God, what next? I try to have a blank page when asking these questions so I have no expectations and am open to whatever Holy Spirit shows me. Still, I wasn't expecting Him to say, Toronto! Canada again, so soon, it seemed my few hours in Kingston was just a foretaste. As I was preparing to leave for Toronto, I took some time apart to seek God for anything He wanted to share with me to equip me for my stay in Canada. He gave me a vision in which a lady I would meet, would say to me, 'you haven't been to Niagara Falls?! Well, I'll have to take you there.' I journaled it and thanked God that He would raise up a friend for me and also that I would have some company when that dream came true. It's always nice to have someone to ooooh and aaaah with!

I have been in Toronto for nearly three months and in that time I have been tempted a few times to book a day tour to the Falls. I was surprised to pick up a pamphlet in the foyer one Sunday, there was even a tour operated by someone at church. For me it was a sign, God was saying, it's on it's way. Every time I had funds available, asked Holy Spirit if the money was for a Niagara Falls day tour but I had no peace, so didn't book. He had a plan and I had to be content to wait on His timing.

Then about two weeks ago, the mother of my host family, knowing of my desire to see the Falls, suggested either joining a day tour that was being organised for some church visitors leaving that Sunday OR going with her to Niagara Falls. She had no idea about my vision months earlier. This, I knew, was the moment I stepped into the dream becoming a reality, I chose to go with her and her children. 

I admit, at first glance it was all a bit surreal to me, a kind of pinch-me-I'm-dreaming moment. It took a little while to let the pounding waters of reality penetrate my half-awake mind. But they did! As I gazed at the waters that flowed unabated, thousands of clear blue-green litres per minute, I was in awe of God, His power and majesty and I was very grateful. I had great joy as the spray of the Falls plastered us; the tour boat carried us as close to the horseshoe falls as was safely possible. 

As I gazed at the wonder before me, I heard these words, Psalm 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls, all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. 

Sometimes life can seem so overwhelming, like circumstances are swallowing us up. The psalmist knew something of this. Those crashing waters of Niagara Falls are beautiful to watch yet deadly if you're swept up in them. In the midst of a dream, like this one, coming true, you may find yourself, like me, still contending for the greater promises to manifest. I did not consciously pray about going to Niagara Falls, I did not harbour a constant longing for it for years as I do for some other things. It was a silent prayer of the heart from many years ago. Yet, God heard and He chose to make it a reality. Where does that leave us with the things we are praying in faith for, sometimes for years?

The psalmist goes on, thank God, he doesn't remain churning in the waters. In the midst of feeling swept up in what seems like hopeless circumstances, we can STILL have hope, verse 8 says: By day the Lord commands His steadfast love and at night His song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.

Day and night God is with us. While He is making one desire come to life, He is working on the others He has planted in our hearts. Our enduring faith is pleasing to Him.** Keep going! The last verse of that psalm says: Hope in God for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.  

Look for His hand in each day and continue to ask for the little things as well as the big things. When you see His hand at work, even in the minutiae, allow yourself to be encouraged that we are one step closer!

If Father was working behind the scenes to make Niagara Falls possible, imagine what else He is working on... 

* 1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God for God is love.

** Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God for whoever comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Peace in Prayer

Could it be that the very thing you are currently contending for, is the very thing God wants to give you?

Some times, in certain situations, I have felt like this: God has placed me here to face these things and I need to figure out how to navigate my way through this terrain. If someone had to ask me: do you believe that God brings you into a situation and then leaves you to it? My immediate answer, would be, no! Emphatically, no. Why? Because my theology tells me, He is with me always, He will never leave me. Additionally my experience has been that Holy Spirit helps me daily. So if I believe that He will never leave me then I cannot also sometimes believe He will leave me. So there appears to be a pothole on this road because my belief clearly does not, in every situation, translate into faith that says: where He has placed me, there He is with me EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY. 

One of the most wonderful things about my Father God is that He knows all things, He knows what was, what is and what is to come. When He calls me into a certain season, He knows exactly what the path is like, the ups and downs, the twists and turns, it is impossible for my all-knowing God to be surprised. So, when I hit the boulders on the road, I may be surprised but He is not. I have to remind myself of this, dare I say, glaringly obvious fact! Why? Because I have sometimes found myself contending in prayer for things that I feel are right to contend for but I also feel I have to work to get God's agreement on it. The latter part of that statement is a pothole in my mentality, which in turn governs how I approach God in prayer (trying to convince Him), leading to frustration and ultimately hopelessness.

I am learning that when I lock into a need in my midst, e.g. I sense someone's need to be valued because they lack revelation of who they are to God and in God; the very fact that God has placed me within discerning proximity of that person (nothing is random in the Kingdom of God) means that He already wants to meet that need. Here is my pothole filler: I do not have to convince Him to meet the need, I do not have to plead or pray with an attitude that says, You're just not hearing me because I don't see You doing anything (this very second). I'm realising that the very thing I'm asking Him for, on behalf of someone else, or even myself, is the very thing He desires to give me. He brought me into this situation because He has equipped me with the discernment to gauge the need and meet it, through co-labouring with Him. Father God is confident that I will turn to Him when I get to the twist in the road I didn't see coming, I will see the need and in faith, I will ask Him for help. This gives me such a peace when I do ask! I hope it does the same for you. 

Why ask if He already knows what is needed? Father God invites us to ask. As a man on earth, Jesus pioneered an intimate, deep, loving and fulfilling relationship with Father God, out of that He fulfilled His beautiful purpose: to reconcile us with His Dad, Who is our Dad. Jesus tore open the curtain to that secret place He had with His Dad so we could enter into the same intimacy. What He has with Abba, we also have: an invitation to approach Him with confidence! We aren't coming before a God who wants us to perform in prayer or convince Him of our needs rather we have a compassionate, loving Father who is waiting for us to talk to Him about whatever is going on...and once we're done talking about our part, we wait for Him to speak. In the dialogue, an exchange happens: we receive beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of heaviness. That's good news!

This leads me to: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess 5:16-18 

Rejoice always: He has overcome the world for us, once for all, there's nothing to be afraid of.

Pray without ceasing: in faith, with peace and confidence that He knows those prayers you are going to pray: He will equip you with the words through Holy Spirit. He is able and willing to answer those prayers in His appointed time.

In everything give thanks: knowing He has you in the palm of His hand and He is aware of every detail of your life and the circumstances surrounding you: He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4).

Let us approach our Father with peace and confidence, rejoicing in His abiding presence, in the full knowledge that He cares deeply for each of us and has confidence in us to call on Him, wherever the road holds, He will help us navigate it.