I’m in the middle of reading this book, and my heart is coming alive!!
Being in the Prayer Movement these past years, my heart has
increasingly grown connected to prayers for the 10/40 window, unreached
people groups, and the gospel being glorified amongst every tribe and
tongue. Something in me melts when I think about His glory covering the
earth as the waters cover the seas. I know this is the working of the
Spirit in my heart, for me to love and desire such things, because these
are not connected to the workings of the flesh- and oh the gratitude I
have to the Lord for that.
Over the past years I’ve heard tons of testimonies connected to
evangelism and discipleship, both good and negative. I’ve taken times to
go to the mall and talk to people about Jesus, and have tried to live a
lifestyle of a heart postured to hear and give way to the Lord in my
daily life in this area. Yet, I’ve often been perplexed on how to truly
give witness to Jesus in evangelism. How do I clearly explain
the gospel in one conversation? What IS the ENTIRE gospel? What signs
and wonders is God committed to? What happens if they DO accept Jesus,
they will need to be discipled and to be in a community of
accountability, and I don’t know how to direct someone in that?
These questions vexed me! One thing that I admit to being a
huge deterrent to my being tenacious in the place of evangelism and the
going out is how many I’ve known IN the church who are in such places of
rebellion and sin. I’ve known so many to give their hearts to
the Lord, and they are passionate and zealous for days, months, and even
years yet they go back to drugs, sex, and enslavement. These things
have caused me to ask many many difficult questions.
I’ve wept, I’ve interceded, I’ve tried and have mostly emerged confused and in some level of doubt or unbelief…
Well folks, as I’ve been spending the past months at IHOP-AC in a
deeper place of concentrated study of the word and the secret place,
I’ve had many of these things addressed. Then I picked up this book, and
it further addressed SO many of these concerns that I’ve really wrestled with.
I wanted to blog about this, because if you’ve found yourself in a similar place concerning the mission of the church, I really encourage you to read this book.
The PDF is free online, which I have put the link for at the bottom.
This book will challenge you in many ways, but it will also bring
immense and deep clarity into the how’s and the what behind evangelism.
Any thoughts are welcomed!!
Kirsten
PDF HERE
Friday, January 11, 2013
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Encounter Teen Camp
It's officially summer time, and hot as all get out!! I have been reminiscing about summers past these last few days. The last two summers I have had the privilege of going to my most beloved Romania. While I was there I and some others helped with a youth camp for a few weeks. Earlier this year, I was so sad when I considered this summer coming without a trip to Romania, yet the Lord is kind. I was invited this past week to be a core leader with IHOP's teen camp in about a month, and I am ecstatic about it. Not to say that it can by any means replace that longing I have to be in Romania, but it does curb the initial ache of not being able to go to camp there.
Please pray for us as we prepare our minds and hearts to serve these teens. Pray that the Lord would bring revelation to this generation, and that this week of camp would mark their hearts in a dramatic way. This is most definitely something to look forward to :)!!
Truly,
Kirsten
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I hope in Mercy
This morning I am thinking about the Babylonian Exile. It has been a year now since Chris died, as well as the death of many other things in between that time; the death of a vision, relationships, and people that I love dearly. I have often wondered how the Jewish Nation must have felt when being invaded, and to their surprise, defeated. I am sure many struggled with offense saying, ‘You promised, God, and now You have forsaken us!!’ Many probably resolved in their heart that the Lord was a liar, not even considering the warnings of the prophet Isaiah.
When I consider the events in my life over this last year, I feel as though I can relate to Israel. I think of hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters that have hit our globe recently, and consider the way it must have affected the people. There is a devastation that hits the heart of man when his life is invaded and exiled, whether emotionally, circumstantially, naturally, or forcefully. You lose yourself, shaken to the core, and the only thing that remains is the core of who you really are. The reality of your heart becomes exposed when the props are removed.
I like the way Mike Bickle explains growing older in the Lord. He communicated how when he was younger he often looked at people who had been saved for 30-40 years, and thought about how they must enter into the presence of the Lord so easily and their knowledge of Him must be so vast. He said ‘Now that I am getting on in years, I’m realizing it is more of a miracle that they have simply continued to say ‘yes’ to the Lord. They have experienced a hundred disappointments and a hundred failures, and they had to work through the bitterness, mistrust, and offense that naturally comes in those times to say ‘yes’ again to the Lord”
Among the defeats and invasions that are sure to come in life, I don’t want to lay myself in the dust to be trampled and held captive to the worldly grief that leads to death. Rather, I aspire to choose faithfulness as Daniel did. He was exiled and forced to serve in the king’s court in Babylon. Even through the insecurity of what was to become of Israel and the promises of God, Daniel lived a fasted lifestyle, remaining faithful to God. I love in Daniel 7 when he has the vision of God on the throne, I imagine what an encouragement it must have been to him. Like the Lord saying “It’s still on, I’m going to do all I promised!!”
“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14
I believe this is something to be learned in our hearts, amidst all the trials, set our minds on the throne, just as Daniel’s vision. Our hope is in His mercies that never end (Lam 3:23-24), our hope is in His promise to return and redeem(Hab 2:3, Ps 130:5-7), our help is in the name of the Lord (Ps 124:8)!!!
When I consider the events in my life over this last year, I feel as though I can relate to Israel. I think of hurricane Katrina, and other natural disasters that have hit our globe recently, and consider the way it must have affected the people. There is a devastation that hits the heart of man when his life is invaded and exiled, whether emotionally, circumstantially, naturally, or forcefully. You lose yourself, shaken to the core, and the only thing that remains is the core of who you really are. The reality of your heart becomes exposed when the props are removed.
I like the way Mike Bickle explains growing older in the Lord. He communicated how when he was younger he often looked at people who had been saved for 30-40 years, and thought about how they must enter into the presence of the Lord so easily and their knowledge of Him must be so vast. He said ‘Now that I am getting on in years, I’m realizing it is more of a miracle that they have simply continued to say ‘yes’ to the Lord. They have experienced a hundred disappointments and a hundred failures, and they had to work through the bitterness, mistrust, and offense that naturally comes in those times to say ‘yes’ again to the Lord”
Among the defeats and invasions that are sure to come in life, I don’t want to lay myself in the dust to be trampled and held captive to the worldly grief that leads to death. Rather, I aspire to choose faithfulness as Daniel did. He was exiled and forced to serve in the king’s court in Babylon. Even through the insecurity of what was to become of Israel and the promises of God, Daniel lived a fasted lifestyle, remaining faithful to God. I love in Daniel 7 when he has the vision of God on the throne, I imagine what an encouragement it must have been to him. Like the Lord saying “It’s still on, I’m going to do all I promised!!”
“I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13-14
I believe this is something to be learned in our hearts, amidst all the trials, set our minds on the throne, just as Daniel’s vision. Our hope is in His mercies that never end (Lam 3:23-24), our hope is in His promise to return and redeem(Hab 2:3, Ps 130:5-7), our help is in the name of the Lord (Ps 124:8)!!!
‘ “For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the LORD, your Redeemer. “
Isaiah 54:7-8
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the LORD, your Redeemer. “
Isaiah 54:7-8
Monday, March 28, 2011
I'm in the last week of my internship here at IHOP-ATL. It's been a good run, to say the least. The Lord has lavished His kindness on me in a different way then He has ever before. I feel like I am just now getting to know Him, but I recall feeling that way alot in my life. It must be because He is unsearchable :)!I am grateful to have gotten to know the other interns better, and to have gleaned from the leaders here. During our internship we were privileged to participate in the 5 year anniversary and the leadership conference as well. I feel a bit spoiled by it all!!
The next chapter is going to be a busy one, before I can come on staff here, but I believe His grace will see me through it!
Truly,
Kirsten
Thursday, December 16, 2010
An Excerpt
I have been reading 'The Last of the Mohicans' sporadically over the past few months. Unlike most books, I find I want to take my time. This book isn't so much about the story as it is about the eloquent choice in words and arrangements for me. Something has been lost in our modern day literature; a richness. It's a difference between Hershey's and old fashioned fudge.
Towards the beginning of the novel there is a part in which a few Indians guiding two rich women and a young gentleman. The Indians are interested in what the youths talents or trade is, and they respond with music.
" 'Tis a strange calling!" muttered Hawkeye, with an inward laugh, "to go through life, like a catbird, mocking all the ups and downs that may happen to come out of other men's throats. Well, friend, I suppose it is your gift, and musn't be denied any more than if 'twas shooting, or some other better inclination. Let us hear what you can do in that way....
...The air was solemn and slow. At times it rose to the fullest compass of the rich voices of the females, who hung over their little book in holy excitement, and again it sank so low, that the rushing of the waters ran through their melody, like a hollow accompaniment. The natural taste and true ear of David governed and modified the sounds to suit the confined cavern, every crevice, and cranny of which was filled with the thrilling notes of their flexible voices. the Indians riveted their eyes on the rocks, and listened with an attention that seemed to turn them into stone. But the scout, who had placed his chin in his hand, with an expression of cold indifference, gradually suffered his rigid features to relax, until, as verse succeeded verse, he felt his iron nature subdued, while his recollection was carried back to boyhood, when his ears had been accustomed to listen to similar sounds of praise, in settlements of the colony. His roving eyes began to moisten, and before the hymn was ended, scalding tears rolled out of fountains that had long seemed dry, and followed each other down those cheeks, that had oftener felt the storms of heaven than any testimonials of weakness. The singers were dwelling on one of those low, dying chords, which the ear devours with such greedy rapture, as if conscious that it is about to lose them...."
pg 54
What simple beauty! I felt this passage have the same effect on me as the music did on the young scout.
My eyes devour this literature in slow greedy raptures...
Towards the beginning of the novel there is a part in which a few Indians guiding two rich women and a young gentleman. The Indians are interested in what the youths talents or trade is, and they respond with music.
" 'Tis a strange calling!" muttered Hawkeye, with an inward laugh, "to go through life, like a catbird, mocking all the ups and downs that may happen to come out of other men's throats. Well, friend, I suppose it is your gift, and musn't be denied any more than if 'twas shooting, or some other better inclination. Let us hear what you can do in that way....
...The air was solemn and slow. At times it rose to the fullest compass of the rich voices of the females, who hung over their little book in holy excitement, and again it sank so low, that the rushing of the waters ran through their melody, like a hollow accompaniment. The natural taste and true ear of David governed and modified the sounds to suit the confined cavern, every crevice, and cranny of which was filled with the thrilling notes of their flexible voices. the Indians riveted their eyes on the rocks, and listened with an attention that seemed to turn them into stone. But the scout, who had placed his chin in his hand, with an expression of cold indifference, gradually suffered his rigid features to relax, until, as verse succeeded verse, he felt his iron nature subdued, while his recollection was carried back to boyhood, when his ears had been accustomed to listen to similar sounds of praise, in settlements of the colony. His roving eyes began to moisten, and before the hymn was ended, scalding tears rolled out of fountains that had long seemed dry, and followed each other down those cheeks, that had oftener felt the storms of heaven than any testimonials of weakness. The singers were dwelling on one of those low, dying chords, which the ear devours with such greedy rapture, as if conscious that it is about to lose them...."
pg 54
What simple beauty! I felt this passage have the same effect on me as the music did on the young scout.
My eyes devour this literature in slow greedy raptures...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
waking up early
Have you ever seen the sparrows fly from bush to bush?
Or the white cat basking in the sunlight amongst the spry?
Have you ever smelled the bread factory at 7:43?
Yes, it smells the best at 7:43, and it's morning.
Have you ever seen the beauty of a village in the rising sun?
It's so much that the tired flees from your eyes.
Have you ever seen the messy frock of hair on top of the corn stalk?
They laze out of their beds in slow patience.
Have you ever taken a bus to go down the mountain?
You can see fog from above, feeling closer to God.
Oh, but have you ever seen Bazna in morning?
Yes, then you'd know what I'm talking about.
Or the white cat basking in the sunlight amongst the spry?
Have you ever smelled the bread factory at 7:43?
Yes, it smells the best at 7:43, and it's morning.
Have you ever seen the beauty of a village in the rising sun?
It's so much that the tired flees from your eyes.
Have you ever seen the messy frock of hair on top of the corn stalk?
They laze out of their beds in slow patience.
Have you ever taken a bus to go down the mountain?
You can see fog from above, feeling closer to God.
Oh, but have you ever seen Bazna in morning?
Yes, then you'd know what I'm talking about.
Friday, August 6, 2010
just paper
"These incidents made the youth ponder. It was revealed to him that he had been a barbarian, a beast. He had fought like a pagan who defends his religion. Regarding it, he saw that it was fine, wild, and, in some ways, easy. He had been a tremendous figure, no doubt. By this struggle he has overcome obstacles which he has admitted to be mountains. they had fallen like paper peaks, and he was now what he called a hero. And he had not been aware of the process. He had slept and, awakening, found himself a knight." --The Red Badge of Courage
I find that I can relate to Henry Flemming (the youth) in this book. I feel, now more then ever, that my life is like a battle front. Barbaric, inhumane, struggling for survival, wearisome, wounded, and death in plain sight surrounding me.
I had my rifle at the ready at your funeral.
My head throbs and pulsates, reminding me of my wounds.
I move from front to front, and it all looks the same; death, dead, decay.
Yet, there is an origami sun in the sky,
eloquent clouds sewn into the soft blue mass,
water rippling in the same direction as always,
and the wind who faithfully combs my hair into tangles.
I do hope these Mountains before me will fall like paper peaks, I don't have will to fight those as well. So I'll throw little mustard seeds at them until they topple to the ground.
after all, they're just paper.
I miss
I want
I am needing
Oh, You are still good to me, Dad!!
I want to rest, and awake a victor!
I had my rifle at the ready at your funeral.
My head throbs and pulsates, reminding me of my wounds.
I move from front to front, and it all looks the same; death, dead, decay.
Yet, there is an origami sun in the sky,
eloquent clouds sewn into the soft blue mass,
water rippling in the same direction as always,
and the wind who faithfully combs my hair into tangles.
I do hope these Mountains before me will fall like paper peaks, I don't have will to fight those as well. So I'll throw little mustard seeds at them until they topple to the ground.
after all, they're just paper.
I miss
I want
I am needing
Oh, You are still good to me, Dad!!
I want to rest, and awake a victor!
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