Power of a Testimony

It is with excitement, joy and amazement I send you this unusual jewel. This is the first official Gena's Jewels Mission outreach but I need to tell you how it happened. About three years ago my son Anthony set me up a twitter account which I haven't used since he set it up. Recently I got an email from a man in Africa. This is part of the email:

May this letter find you blessed in Christ. I am writing from West Africa and it is a blessing getting to you in the other part of the world. It is my prayer that you become a friend of me and the local church here. I got your email when I searching online and got into the web site and I know that it is God’s arrangement.

It was the unused twitter account (only God) he found gena's jewels. The gist of the letter was he and his small church are in desperate need of Bibles. We wrote back and forth a few times, easy for me not so easy for my new friend that had to walk about 6 miles to get to a place that has a computer then pay a ticket to use it.

I told him I would send some Bibles but had to wait for my tax return. I could not wait for Jessica (my youngest daughter) and I to be a part of Kingdom building for my sweet Jesus. We bought the Bibles and 10 pairs of reading glasses different strengths because Owen (my new found brother) said the strongest believers were very old and it was hard for them to see. Jessica and I packed up our box, prayed over it to arrive without the glasses breaking and mailed it off. As you can imagine it took a while for the package to arrive. What I didn't imagine was the letter I got when they did. This is what I want to share with you my dear Gems.

You are about to read the gospel come to life in the sweet/sad story below. Please take time to read it and my notes at the end.

Dearly Beloved,

Greetings in Jesus name. I am happy to let you know that the bibles and glasses you sent have arrived. I am short of words but I want to tell you that this bibles are greatly appreciated. God is aware of this great service and hand of fellowship you have extended to us and great is your blessings. Tears of joy flows out of my eyes as I opened and saw the wonderful bibles. I wish I could see you face to face to shake your hands but I know we shall meet in Heaven if not here on earth. We spent much time interceding for you and your church yesterday evening in our evening Bible Study. We are greatly blessed, Glory to God!

I pray that the Father shed His marvelous light upon you, as it is written: "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side." Isaiah 60:1-4.

Let me share with you about all we have been doing since the past two weeks. The Muslims quarters here again had much flooding. That area of town is valley so most times flood water destroys things there. The heavy rain that fell last Thursday killed 2 persons there and destroyed many buildings. I encouraged our church and few days ago we went to help in any way we could like removing debris and helping to stand some wooden building. We went again yesterday. Most of the Muslims are amazed to see us coming to help despite all the persecution from them. We tell many about Christ when necessary and many are won, six families. Again many Christians around us criticize us for doing this simply because the Muslims do not show sympathy of Christians but killed Christians around Nigeria. I know for myself, it is definitely challenging to love people who may be hostile towards us, but God calls us to love our enemies and He will supply us with the love to do it if we surrender to Him. For God is love. And we can only love because He first loved us. And His love is only made complete in us, when it transforms our hearts and outflows into every facet of our lives. (1 John 4:7-21). God has been showing me how He calls us to do what is impossible for man, because it shows us that we can only have victory through Christ alone. And the act of loving our enemies can be done through Christ. God is amazing, and He provides an endless source of love! We will continue to reach out in love to those Muslims because of the love of Christ in us.

My wife is on me serious to tell you of this because she loves this poor family and compassionate about them. There is a particular woman and her four children in this muslim quarters that we are assisting. This woman has given her life to Christ with her children. She told us that her husband abandoned her and her four children about four months ago when she gave birth to their last baby the man could not care for the children. She has to care for the children all alone. My wife and I are helping her for food items and medicine for the children and in other way we can. She is a respectful warm woman and needs helps. There is also her younger Sister who is 17 years old with her who did not appear in the picture I want to send to you. The area we would want you to assist her and the children in for clothing, shoes and maybe toys for her and the children with her younger Sister. As you can also see in the picture I’m sending to you they have no cloths and only use rags. Please look at the picture I send to you and send the cloths of children of that age and size. The first son is Ahmed age 11, Sunu male age 7, Kiamatu male age 5 and their baby about five months old and female. Her Sister’s name is Kudirath age 17, female. Please help send clothing items through us to this poor lovely family and God will bless you for helping them. The Sister’s name is Amari Suleman. She gave us her picture yesterday and hope you can see it. Buying cloths for them here is too expensive and no money.

We thank you because through you we have a testimony that God's love knows no boundaries, whether through earth or sea, His love stretches beyond all of that. " Have not I commanded thee Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever - Joshua 1:9" We believe that God will pour his love and abundance of blessings on His people who serve him with such humility and courage. Continue to aid and assist the people around you, as we remember that each and every one of us are made in the beautiful image of God, and thus all of us are creations of God, loved dearly by Him.

I have spent over one hour typing this message. I am not fast at typing. I wish I can share all about us with you. Thank you! 2 Thessalonians 3:1-Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. I wish you could visit us and see all that we are doing in Christ. Let us know.

Looking unto Jesus- Hebrews 12:1-2,
Brother Owen

If this letter didn't touch your heart grab the paddles and shock yourself! My first goal is to testify how amazing our God is and 2nd to share the love of God through a man to the Muslim people who are persecuting him and his people and 3rd to let you have an opportunity to help me send another care package or the privilege to pray for brother Owen and his family.
There have been a lot of changes in my world and the Gena's Jewels ministry has finally taken flight. I gave my ministry to the Lord in February 1992 and am beyond excited to see it coming to life in such a tangible way. My hope is to one day do full time ministry. To let people know that I feel like I'm God's favorite and my goal is to make everyone I meet feel the same way! If you would like to be a part of this just email me.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Jewel Gems.
In His Love,
gena

Words On A Page

I have had one of those tough months, just that constant pressure and stress of life. Having four children usually one of them may be going through something but this month all four of them were walking through a growth time. It’s hard to watch your child hurt and know they have to do this one alone and trust God. In the end you know it will be good but it’s the meantime that is challenging.
My heart is aching with the situation with my parents that seems to get worse instead of better. Just to update you, my older brother moved them to Albany New York in a less than desirable mobile home. Their care is less than adequate and although they are dealing with their own decisions it still breaks my heart. My father was cold in Florida I can’t imagine how cold he must be in Upstate New York. I felt robbed by my brother’s decision to take them against the wishes of myself and sisters.
If you’re a regular reader of Gena’s Jewels you know I have a pretty crazy family and have never had a nurturing relationship with my parents. You will also remember my mother has Alzheimer’s and while it was difficult watching her lose her memory we were actually having a relationship. It was like she was meeting me as a new friend and we were getting to spend time together. I felt like I had a relationship with her for the first time in my life. When I came to the house she was happy to see her friend that would take her to the store. I know that may sound weird but it’s how I felt. Now she is far away and can’t see me and has no idea who I am. When I call her on the phone she just babbles because she’s scared, feels alone and has no idea who she’s talking to. It’s like you mourn the death of your parent and they are still alive. It’s a very strange feeling, I know some of you can relate.
My younger brother has fought mental illness most of his life but when I saw him a couple of months ago he was doing great and looked better than I have ever seen him. Unfortunately the enemy has swooped back in and last I heard he is back in a mental facility, again heart breaking. Knowing how all this is affecting my sisters and niece is also hard to handle.
My very dear friend buried her first born daughter and although I know she is with Jesus I mourn the loss for her mom. Each time I talk to her I’m frustrated that I don’t have some magic thing to say that will ease her pain. She too lives far from me so I can’t even hug on her. I love you Jeanine.
I have been fighting migraine headaches which can cause grief when I’m trying to keep up with commitments. I have some other issues but I don’t want to overwhelm you so I think you get the point that I’m on emotional overload!
So here it is Saturday morning I have been up since 5 A.M. with a nauseating headache and I know I have to be at a meeting at 8 ugh! I think about cancelling I figure I can pick any of the above reasons for my decision but I gave my word and don’t want to let the group down.
I show up on time which was a surprise in itself. I looked pretty rough so a few sweet ladies asked if I was OK and offered to pray for me. Thank you Jesus for women who not only say they will pray but do! Part of the meeting is worship. Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t worship? I was drained and the thought of standing to sing and worship was a struggle. As the music began to play the following words were sung:

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
What could stand against?

I was hearing the words but couldn’t seem to sing out loud. I literally felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. I ended up going outside to sit for a moment and regroup. Later I went in a side door and listened from a chair outside the meeting room. As I sat there the Lord said something very profound to me. He said,
“Gena it’s easy for people to fill churches and concert halls and sing songs of worship but unless you really mean them and believe they are true they are nothing more than words on a page”
Wow that hit home! It’s when we’re in the middle of the muck that those words become life to us. It’s not about getting a warm fuzzy when you sing them it’s about taking hold of them like a life jacket when you’re drowning.
He told me something else that was pretty powerful; you know He does that right? He said there were a lot of people that were supposed to be there that day but not all of them showed up.
Please hear me this is not a dis to anyone that wasn’t there I had to miss the first meeting so I know life happens, I’m talking about the not coming just because reason. The Holy Spirit said sometimes he doesn’t convict you or let the enemy make you feel guilty, it’s just you making a decision based on what’s in your heart. He told me many were tested and on this particular day I passed the test by showing up when I didn’t feel like it. I emphasize I passed the test that day I’m not always that obedient.
I sat in the foyer for a bit and meditated on His words then went back in and sang my worship song with a new found confidence.
Nothing in my situation had changed but I reminded myself that I believe My God is stronger than any other and if He be for me who can be against me? What could ever stop me? Nuttin honey :)
I have to share a testimony with you about this day too. In the morning I got a cup of coffee and I noted how hot it was. I really like my coffee hot. Later after one of the breaks I got another cup of coffee and I noted it was hot but not really hot like earlier. No sooner had I thought that a woman bumped into me and I poured my coffee all over my hand and upper arm. The first thing I thought was thank you Jesus that you cooled the coffee down if it were the morning coffee I would have had a serious burn. If my God is for me what can be against me?
Gems I want to encourage you to really search your heart when your singing praises to our King especially when you’re in the middle of a battle and make sure you’re not just singing words on a page. Let those words ring truth into your world.
Trust in your sweet Jesus He is greater, stronger, more awesome than any other and best of all He’s Our God!!!

Don't kiss like Judas

The Bible tells us to greet one another with a kiss 1 Peter 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Recently I read that the early disciples would greet one another with a kiss of peace, the kiss sealed their collective commitment to the Lord for their new way of living. It was an unspoken rebuttal to the kiss that Judas Iscariot had placed on Jesus cheek the night of his betrayal. I don’t know if that’s a fact but I found it pretty interesting.
With that said this is one of those jewels that keep me humble as I share with you the junk God is still dealing with inside of me.
See what had happened was…
I volunteered to speak at a ministry I attend each week, however I totally forgot about it. It wasn’t until I was on my way to the place I remembered and thought to myself I will have to wing it. Now winging it isn’t always a bad thing for me because I usually try and let God lead my words BUT I’m usually prayed up before I open my mouth. I thought it odd that no one said anything to me on the drive over about me speaking but I didn’t want to bring it up since I felt bad I hadn’t remembered and would just act ready.
As you know when I mess up I like to go all out so prepare yourself. After we got to the site I saw a young man getting ready to speak and the leaders didn’t seem the least bit surprised that it was him and not me. Well I got on my high prideful horse and thought what the heck I’m supposed to be speaking. Mind you less than 15 minutes ago I didn’t even remember. You would have thought I would’ve been grateful that the Lord had my back but NOOOO, I got on a pride kick. I was listening to this young man speak and thought, is he even a member of this organization? Why is he speaking? I didn’t think it was the most inspirational message especially when he quoted a verse from James.
James 4:9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.
What kind of verse is that to say to people who were struggling? I would never have used that verse! What does that verse even mean??? James must have been confused or depressed when he wrote that.
This young man was on fire as he paced back and forth sharing God’s word and I was a total butt head not receiving any of it. Later that night I even poked fun of his speaking style to my friend. Not to his face of course cause that wouldn’t be nice....
When we leave the site we say an informal goodbye to one another but on this night this young man made a point of coming over and hugging me before he left. That was my first pang of guilt but I pushed it aside and gave him a Judas kiss goodbye.
I KNOW! I can’t believe I’m even sharing this with you, not gonna lie I’m pretty ashamed.
Well you know the Holy Spirit doesn’t let me get away with anything for too long. He loves me too much to not teach me a lesson. The next morning I go to a Beth Moore Bible study and as fate would have it, it’s on James. And guess which verse she’s talking about? You guessed it James 4:9!
Beth shared a conversation she had with her daughter Melissa. Her daughter was telling her she has no idea what kind of things people share on the internet so Beth decides to check it out. She Googled her name and was shocked at the things people wrote about her. She said the thing that hurt the most were the things her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ wrote about her. Things that weren’t true and if for some reason people thought it was true she couldn’t’ understand why they didn’t call or write and ask her about it. She said she expected to be ridiculed from the world because Jesus said to expect it but from fellow Christians it really shocked her. Beth went on to say that this is what the verse from James means. When we as Christians see sin or things that grieve the Holy Spirit it should turn our joy into mourning. Gena translation, we should be sad when people kiss like Judas.
Luke 22:47-48 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
UGH! That hit me right between the eyes. The Holy Spirit brought to mind my sweet brother that I had slammed the night before. It doesn’t matter that he didn’t know, God knew and worse yet I thought it. He let me know I didn’t speak that night because my heart wasn’t right, I had a pride issue. The Lord reminded me that I would have to keep pride in check especially since speaking is a big part of my ministry. That young man was right where he was supposed to be and little did I know he was speaking for me. My actions should have turned my joy into sorrow. They didn’t that night but they sure did the next morning.
Gems I share these stories with you to remind you that we all struggle with selfish thoughts as we’re growing. That’s the basis of the book of James, it’s a manual if you will on how to live your life after you accept Christ as your Savior. I heard a guy say being a Christian doesn't mean we stop sinning it just means we stop enjoying it.
When I left that night I should have given my brother a kiss on the cheek that represented peace and love and a mutual commitment that we are trying to live the way Christ showed us. It was a reminder to me to get myself in check every time I interact with another brother or sister in Christ. I hope it helps us all to make sure we’re not giving out a Judas kiss when we embrace one another. I pray it will remind us to give a kiss of peace and love xoxox

Name Change

You know how I love to share with you things I learn so here's today's treat. It's about names and what they mean. I am constantly amazed how totally organized God is and purposeful He is in everything He does, even the stuff that we think is minor. For instance, changing peoples names. Sarai and Abram are our examples today.
The person who had responsibility and authority over you was the one who named you which is why in Biblical times the father named the baby. It was the same for Abram. Abram was named by his father Terah, the one who had authority over him. When Abram left his father's house and headed out on his own God took responsibility and authority over him so changing his name indicated a change in authority from Terah to God. It's not unlike today when someone adopts a baby they usually change the child's name. It's a way of showing they are now the parent and have the right to name their new son or daughter.
Another interesting point is Abram in Hebrew meant exalted father.
Definition of exalted: raised or elevated, as in rank or character; of high station: an exalted personage.
So Abram could be considered top dog if you will or the big boss.
The name Sarai comes from the verb (sarar) meaning to rule, reign, be princely, govern.
In today's terms we would call Sarai a domineering woman. A woman who took control, to rule.
Whether it's Bible times or today we all know how hard it is to have two rulers living in one household. It can cause grief. We know it caused grief for Abram and Sarai because Sarai wanted a baby and she wasn't able to have one and it made her crazy. After years of trying she decides if she can't have a baby herself she'll have someone else do it for her. She tells her husband to sleep with her maid so she can get a baby. That's what I call domineering.
Genesis 16:1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar.3 So Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her Egyptian maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his [secondary] wife. 4 And he had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant; and when she saw that she was with child, she looked with contempt upon her mistress and despised her.
Isn't it just like us sometimes ladies we make something happen and then we're mad when it does...
OK, let's get back to Abram. We know God changed his name from Abram, exalted ruler to Abraham, father of many nations.
Genesis 17:4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5 No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
But how could he be a father of many nations if he couldn't have a son with his wife Sarai? (God worked all that out and if you want to know how read Genesis 17.)
The part I love is God didn't just want Abraham to be a ruler He wanted him to have the characteristics of a father. I know many leaders who aren't good examples of leading as a loving father.
Genesis 17:15 God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.
God changed Sarai's name to Sarah which means my princess.
God changed Abraham from big boss, main leader to father of many nations. He would still have a leadership role but it went from being exalted to being a father. And Sarai went from domineering and governing to my princess.
Is that not the most loving story ever. God could have changed her name to mean something to knock her down a few pegs or show her whose boss but instead He reminded her who she was, His princess.
Can you imagine even the conversation between husband and wife? It would have sounded something like this:
“Hey Miss Ruler what's for dinner?” to “hello my princess what will we be eating tonight?”
How many women would be less domineering of their husbands if they saw themselves as their spouses princess or better yet God's princess? And how many husbands would be less bullying if they understood their role of father, to protect and nurture.
We would have a whole new family dynamic don't you agree?
This is what God did for us in Christ. Jesus took responsibility and authority over us and allowed God to become our father.
I was a single mom a very long time before I married the second time and one of the hardest things for me was not making all the decisions on my own. Calling me domineering would probably be an understatement. Many single women I know now are very independent, rightfully so, however it makes it very difficult to allow a man to walk in his role.
It would have been a much easier transition for me if I felt like a princess and he felt like a father. Wish I knew then what I know now.
Anyway back to Abraham and Sarah. Once the roles were put in place the rest came to pass a year later.
Genesis17:21 But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.”
God changed their names, their hearts and their lives forever and He can do the same for me and you. Take time to ask the Lord what the role your living looks like and what He might want it to look like. Then give Him the authority to make some character changes in you. God loves you so much and He wants the responsibility to establish the covenant He has made with you.
Gems it's never too late to let God change your name.

I'll Second That

I had an interesting conversation with my friend Paige yesterday. I was giving her the latest update on the awesome things my sweet Jesus is doing for me (giving my testimony) and she told me about a teaching she heard on the word testimony. I was really intrigued by it so now you will hear it :)
The word testimony from the Hebrew translation:
Word Origin
from ud
Definition
testimony
Original Word: עוּד
Transliteration: uwd
Phonetic Spelling: (ood)
Short Definition: admonish A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat
WOW to duplicate or repeat! I had no idea that was part of the meaning of the word testimony. This is why you need people smarter than you so you can learn important lessons. I'm not taking credit for being that person I'm just repeating it.
I have always thought of giving my testimony as praising God for what He's done or is doing in my life and I'm sure you have thought the same. To me it's always been one of those Christianeeze words (not sure that's a word) However I never thought of giving my testimony as a negative expression but I guess it could be.
If I were to testify things like, I never get ahead, I never have any money, I will never have a baby or spouse. I will never lose weight or get a job or buy a car. You get what I'm saying. These are the testimonies your making or speaking over your life. So if the words of my testimony can duplicate or repeat I'm just speaking the same bad stuff over me again and again. Interesting thought hu?
Now if we flip that to, God always works things out for me or meets all my needs, loves me unconditionally, gives me favor in all situations etc. Same process. My testimony will repeat or duplicate because that's the Hebrew meaning which is the meaning God intended for it to be. Paige said something else I really liked, she's like that. She said in this teaching she learned you could hear a persons testimony and receive it or duplicate it in your life as well! I'm diggin that.
Before you write me off I want you to think of some of the phrases we hear and use like birds of a feather flock together, it takes one to know one, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Why do we say those things? It's because we see the same results or traits in one person as another. They repeat the same behavior or characteristics so we lump them together. Am I right? They have the same testimony.
OK so now that we are on the same page with Paige ha ha couldn't resist.
I want to give you my most recent testimony.
As you know I do assignments for the Lord and some pay and some don't so I rely on God to take care of me and my family. How He does that each month is NEVER the same which took some getting used to. One of the many things I love about God is He loves to show off and I love to be blessed. It's a win win.
So it's the 30th of the month and my rent is due on the 1st and I need 250 more dollars to pay it. I'm laying in my bed just reminding God of the date cause you know He might be using the Hebrew calender and it's not the same as ours. I remind Him He needs to pay the bills and He reminds me He's got it so I go to sleep. The next morning my phone rings and it's my sister who I just recently reconnected with telling me she's coming to see me and by the way she has $250.00 she needs to give me. Amen
A few days later my car insurance and other small bills are due. I have no debt so it's just my living expenses the Lord needs to cover. My insurance is going to cancel in 4 days and I can't wait to see how God is going to handle that. Did I mention He's a show off?
My daughter Amanda and my friend Cathy and I decide to go to a local flea market and just walk around. As I'm getting ready to leave I'm looking for a small purse to carry, among the many purses I own, and think to myself it would be nice to have a small purse to carry my keys and glasses in. I didn't need a small purse and I wasn't praying for one it was just a thought that went through my head. OK so we are at the flea market (not the best products but it's a day out and I don't have money to spend on this particular day) I'm looking around and come across this little black leather purse and I think this is exactly what I want. It's only a quarter so I buy it. I get home that night and take out a black sharpie to color in the worn spots, put my stuff in it and go off to church a happy camper. The next morning I'm taking my stuff out of it and I open a little zipper part, you know the lipstick compartment, and what do you think I find???? Two crisp brand new One Hundred dollar bills! Thank you Jesus the bills are paid!!! I love that it was in the lipstick compartment cause where do you put lipstick? On your lips, it was like Jesus was meeting my needs and also giving me a big ole kiss right on the lips. That “big ole” comment is for you southern gems xoxo.
Ya know if I had money to spend that day I may not have bought that purse. It was really old and worn and if I was going to buy one it would have been a newer one. God used my circumstances to be grateful for a 25 cent purse having no idea there was a treasure inside.
Gems my testimonies are the same every month and they come straight from the Bible.
Matthew 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Gems if your walking in obedience and trusting God He will do what He testifies and He will duplicate and repeat it everyday!
Think about what your testifying. What's coming out of your mouth? Do you want it to continue? Do you want your friends or loved ones to accept your testimony and repeat it in their lives?
I pray you will listen to the words that come out of your mouth. I pray you will share the awesome things God is doing in your life with others. Both the hard testimonies of trials and tribulations to encourage others and the praise reports that come from those trials. I'm giving you permission to 2nd my testimony I have shared with you today to duplicate and repeat it in your life! Make your testimony a positive one!

What Do You Reflect?

I had something really exciting happen last week. Some of you may have heard but for the rest, I had my first paid speaking engagement! I was so excited about it I posted an announcement on Facebook! The Lord told me years ago I would be a crier for Him. When He first said it I thought he meant crier like crying and I wasn't totally thrilled. The Holy Spirit went on to say I would cry out the gospel to lost and hurt people. I liked that plan better.
I have been speaking for quite some time whether at small groups in my home, at my church or when asked to meet with groups at other churches but it has always been on a volunteer basis. I'm not complaining it's just what it has been. My hearts desire however is to have speaking be a way I make a living. Those of you who know me know it's the shutting up I have the problem with :)
I'll get real here with you. These are some of the thoughts I have when I'm dreaming big. It would be nice to actually drive to see someone or a group and know I have enough gas in my car to get there. It would be nice to have my people call your people and set up a lunch appointment. It would be nice to have a microphone sometimes so I'm not screaming at people. It would be nice to have someone carry in my table, chair, sign and books instead of me so when I get up to speak I'm not sweating my face off. It would be nice to have my hair and nails done before I speak or have someone do my makeup so when I'm wearing lipstick it doesn't look like I just ate spaghetti sauce. You know what I'm saying.
I have been speaking into peoples lives for over 20 years and have never given up the dream of doing this for a living. I need you to follow me here because I'm not bragging I am truly beyond humbled and honored anytime the Lord let's me speak into one of His children's lives.
With that said, I gotta tell ya Gems I was so excited when I got a check for speaking and was able to put gas in my car for the next appointment. I hope it's the beginning of more opportunities to do what I love and get paid for it.
Gems, I'm not unlike any of you that dream about my future. I dream of speaking to larger crowds and having more financial blessings.
There are so many people out there hurting and needing to hear a word from God, He needs all of us to do our part. This got me thinking about Jesus and a verse in Matthew.
Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Read it again from the Message Bible
Matthew 9:36 Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd.
Jesus felt compassion for the people, His heart was broke when He looked over the sea of people that so desperately needed a Savior. That so desperately needed Him. Because He is Jesus He knew exactly what each person was suffering with or from. He knew every tear that was shed and every harmful word that was spoken to EVERY person in that crowd! You can see why His heart would be breaking.
Honestly I could not bare to know all that hurt at once. That can only be handled by Jesus but, it would still be great to be used by God in a large setting. Like Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore, no I'm not comparing myself to them but hey you might as well dream big right?
Today however, I had an experience that reminded me of something very special. How very important it is for intimate moments with people. I had the privilege of giving a word of encouragement to a beautiful woman today. As we sat and drank coffee together God revealed things to me to share with her. These were things only He would know about. It was a way to show her that Jesus not only saw her wounded heart, He also wanted to speak to the exact location of the wound. The place that we become experts at hiding. A place we would never share in front of a bunch of people we don't know.
Because there wasn't a large crowd and I wasn't up on a stage we were able to have face to face, eye to eye contact. For just a moment I could see into her soul and she could see the eyes of Jesus looking back at her. Let me explain that.
This is part of a verse in the Bible where Jesus is speaking to His disciples,
Matthew 9bAnyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
The people were saying they had never seen God and Jesus responds with the above verse. I started really thinking about His words and hoped that verse was true about me. Since Jesus now lives in me I should be able to say, If you have seen Gena, you have seen the Father. I should be a reflection of Jesus.
So when I'm looking into the eyes of someone who is hurting they can be looking back into the eyes of the Father.
You try it.
If you have seen (your name here) you have seen the Father.
That is some powerful stuff right there.
I say all this Gems to tell you there is nothing like one on one contact with another person and allowing your self to be the reflection of Jesus to them. To hold their hand, cry with them, pray with them, hug on them. These things can only be done when your right in front of someone.
I'm not disqualifying being taught and encouraged in a large arena I'm just saying both are just as important. So if God decides to move me in that direction and I can make a living speaking GREAT! If He decides to leave things just as they are I can honestly still say GREAT! If He decides to do both, hey I'm a meat and potatoes girl that's great too.
I want my main goal to reflect Jesus to others. To be able to say “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.”
Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

No Jesus, No Peace

I have been thinking lately about God telling us to pray Peace for Israel. I have been doing that but it seemed odd to me that God would tell me to pray for peace. When I read the Bible there is not much peace for Israel. In Revelation there is more war prophesied, to the point God tells the Israelites when they see certain signs to run for the hills and hide in caves.
I felt like my prayers for peace were against the word of God, for what He has planned, so I asked Him about it.
The Holy Spirit gave me a very profound answer. He started His answer by asking me some questions.
What is one of the names of Jesus?
Answer: Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What was the problem with Israel when Christ came?
Answer: They didn't believe He was the son of God so they didn't accept Him as their Savior.
Romans 10:1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelite is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness 4 Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
You see I was praying for peace as in war but I am now praying for the peace of God through His son Jesus Christ. Perhaps that's what God means. I should be praying what Paul says in the above verse, that they (Israelite) may be saved. The only true peace we can have is through the Holy Spirit which we receive when we accept Christ.
God is all about peace through unity . He speaks of it often in the Bible.
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
We have all kinds of denominations but God said there would be one rock that He would build His church on. This message came first to the chosen children of Israel. When it was not completely accepted it was made available to the Gentiles, the rest of us, but God's heart is always for His children Israel and that none should perish.
God has a lot to say about us having peace that comes through unity.
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
John 17:23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Funny I don't think much has changed since the beginning of time. God is still trying to get all His children together in unity and peace. I believe we are supposed to pray for the peace of salvation for Israel. Pray for when the end times come that we will be a unified body of believers. This could be a prayer for all denominations not just the Jewish people. We are all one body.
1Corinthians 12:12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Ephesians 1:10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
The final word the Holy Spirit gave me was “pray for peace for Israel. ”
Gems I thought I would share this teaching moment I had with the Holy Spirit. I hope it will encourage you to pray and maybe help you as it did me to understand why we should pray for peace for Israel. The peace that passes all understanding.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

No Jesus, No Peace, Know Jesus, Know Peace