No imposters, No pretenders!

Posted on December 7, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

When our children were small it was easy to tell them when and how to be on guard. Correction with protection went hand in hand. We kept them safe! Then they grew up… and we had to trust them to their own decision making, conscience, and wisdom. We hoped everything we taught had stuck.

The same went for spiritual guidance. We told them all we knew to be true, every treasure we personally had discovered, and the greatest Joy we’d ever found- Jesus! But even in being as vulnerable as possible, our little flock had to decide for themselves. Who were they going to follow? Each an independent thinker, and experimental-adventurer, they’ve taken their own route to find what life has to offer.

Jesus warned His sheep, that all potential shepherds should be evaluated by their fruit: words sifted, actions weighed. Strong caution was advised: No imposters, no intruders!

So, I pray daily that our little sheep raised for God: will listen only to the Good Shepherd. Never follow an imposter‘s voice. And never be deceived by a pretender.

John 10:1-11

1 “I tell you the solemn truth, the one who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 

2 The One who enters by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep. 

3 The Doorkeeper opens the door for Him, and the sheep hear His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. 

4 When He has brought all His own sheep out, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they recognize His voice. 

5 They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not recognize the stranger’s voice. 

…8 All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. 

11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” –Jesus 

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Lonely places, hard times

Posted on December 6, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

In 1985 I moved to San Francisco alone to dance full-time with their ballet company. Fresh out of high school, my dream was finally coming true. I had trained with them in summers prior, but this would be more permanent. 

3000 miles away from home, I lived in a studio apartment on Market & 8th. Paying bills, riding subways, grocery shopping for myself – was all new. Each day was a learning experience in city life survival. All I really cared about was getting to class 4 blocks away! And of course my next part in San Francisco Ballet’s productions.

My daily walk downtown took me through the park behind City Hall. It were literally full of people living everywhere: on the grass, sidewalks and benches. I had never seen anything like it. Early morning and late at night I stepped around and over people to get to my building’s door.

I did not know what to do about this bazaar world around me. I was heartbroken at what I saw. My successes and failures began to pale in comparison. Compassion for humanity grew, but so did the reality that I could not change this… so I prayed. A lot.

Those 16 months in California were some of my most difficult. A deep dependency and friendship grew with Jesus. I told Him everything. He became my best friend – a friendship that’s stayed with me all these years. How thankful I am now for that rough time. His mercy, grace, protection, and listening ear convinced me, life was so much bigger.

He did not leave me self-absorbed, He sought me out and shook me up! God’s true love, seeks to better us… make us more like Jesus. Sometimes that only comes through lonely places, and hard times.

ForGlorySake! -Anna

San Francisco 1985

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Training my faculties

Posted on December 6, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

How I love a good Biblestudy with DVDs and workbook. Hearing  about all the treasure a seasoned Christian found in one of God’s books feeds my soul. 

“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have trained their faculties for the distinguishing of both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14

Lessons learned while digging are solid food. Daily training is the practice schedule. And a sharpened mind that distinguishes good from evil is my reward! 

I also love podcasts by pastors that lead churches in big cities. Portland, OR – New York, NY – Los Angeles, CA… to name a few. Unapologetic teachers who stand firm on scripture in the face of great opposition.  These are like the pastors of Pergamum.

“I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to Me.” Revelation 2:13.  

Inspiring!

Sadly it seems more and more rare to find the whole truth being taught at church. Pastors who do not shy away from uncomfortable passages… awkward chapters… and convicting verses. But oh, how we need them to challenge and train us to maturity! We need them to clearly state what God says about hot-topic social issues.

For some time, my prayer and fasting has centered on “clarity.” For the Church to distinguish rightly good from evil using the lens of God’s Word.  To live by God’s standards when it’s not popular. To boldly stand for truth even as the culture tells us “that’s dumb.” And to do it all with extravagant love.

What a challenge! I definitely need more training…

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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1+1=3 ❤️❤️❤️

Posted on November 16, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

What a picture of prayer Jesus gave us! As believers gather together and pray, He is right there with them. He said as we lift anything up, God hears and will answer.

” Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” -Jesus. Matthew 18: 19-20

So are we causing God to move by our prayers? Or, are our hearts coming in line with His Will, as we pray? An age-old question that only God will be able to answer someday… I believe, our Father is always working on behalf, of His children. Are we paying attention? He is always speaking, but are we listening? He always has a plan, but are we willing to let go of our’s for His?

My sweet friend and prayer-partner agreed with me on this: It doesn’t seem to be as much about moving God with our prayers -as by prayer – God moves us toward His way of thinking. His timing, His ideas, He opens our eyes to His will as we again and again bring a need before Him! ❤️

Even when I pray for someone else’s suffering… I don’t know exactly what they need, what God is doing in their heart. All I see is pain or chaos and struggle and I want it gone. God however, may have bigger plans, so I pray with open hands that His Will be done. And listen of course for direction in more tangible support.

Prayer is a wonderful, joy-filled life of anticipation, trusting God for the next good thing! Since nothing is impossible for Him, today might be the day of healing, salvation, rescue, or change. To see His glory in what I’m praying over. Either way He loves us! He hears us and he’s with us.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Good Grief?

Posted on November 16, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

God said, Not too murmur, grumble and complain- this just isn’t for His children.

  • Don’t murmur: “How long must I bear with this evil congregation that murmurs against me?” Numbers 14:27
  • Don’t complain: “And do not complain…” 1 Corinthians 10:10
  • Don’t grumble & argue: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world” Philippians 2:14-15

Ok, no complaining… but groaning is good? -the aching, longing of the soul.

  •  “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now.”Romans 8:22
  • “Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”Romans 8:23
  • “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.” Romans 8:26

Just what is everyone to groan about?

  • …Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair. James 4:8
  • ‭“Sorrow is better than laughter, For when a face is sad (deep in thought) the heart may be happy [because it is growing in wisdom].” Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7:3‬
  • “For sadness (over sin) as intended by God to produce a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret… but worldly sadness brings about death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

I see that God encourages me to grieve and groan over sin in my own heart and those I love… remembering the battle IS won and the enemy HAS BEEN DEFEATED! Yet He does not want me complaining over daily trials He uses to mature and grow my faith. I pray for eyes to see the difference and for all those around me to find Victory in Jesus! 🙌🏽

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Keeping It Balanced

Posted on November 14, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Working out is essential, my hormonal equilibrium and mood depend on it. Not to mention bone health and muscle tone. But finding the balance is tough!

I swing from seasons of running to seasons of weight-lifting… cardio to core-work. Whatever I focus on seems to allow weakness in another area. Ahhh, how to keep all the plates spinning??

Spiritual strengthening feels similar. Prayer is an absolute, yet so is reading scripture. Biblestudy with a teacher is helpful, but also worship in community. Serving at church is beneficial, but then time away to rest is important. Lots of areas… so little time.

I discovered over the years that different seasons have brought different opportunities and going with what’s available right now has brought me peace. Just like my daily exercise regime that changes depending on where I am and how much time I have… so my spiritual food – daily bread varies a bit.  quiet-time.

Some days quiet time is quick and light. Other days my schedule is easy and I can study and learn for hours. Podcast in the car, audio Bible while I mow, pray and fast alone or serve day with other women… The point is, I purpose to find a way. To connect with God busy or not, at home or away. He’s top of my scheduled and I’m open to connect.

He will feed me, because I come. Nothing anxious, just consistent. Growth happens. He is faithful.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Morning is Coming!

Posted on November 11, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Day turns to dark,                                                                                                                                           the traffic piles up,                                                                                                                                         warm car,                                                                                                                                                                and soft talking.

Red, yellow, burnt orange,                                                                                                            Leaves rush past,                                                                                                                                         Full moon, cold air,                                                                                                                                     Dark night.

Too soon we say goodbye, 
I miss you before you’re gone,
I remember, I don’t forget,
Pray and weep and wait.
 
Fragile life, Sovereign God, 
I CAN trust Him 
Perfect love, oh perfect love, 
Fear is gone gone gone.
 
In Your timing,
In Your way,
You will answer,
Complete all things.
 
Full moon cold air, 
Dark night,
but Morning is coming, 
And we all will awake!

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14

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Carry Each Other’s Burdens…

Posted on November 9, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

During my husbands bout with cancer, I can’t tell you what it meant to us to get a message that someone was praying. To think, a total strangers or friend who heard about David’s colon cancer, stopped and prayed and then let us know.

Whether for healing or strength or peace, I felt those prayers. Everyday, messages came and everyday I knew I would be given just what I needed for that 24 hours. Paul had a similar story of suffering and comforting:

“But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he comforted… because he* reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” -Paul. 2 Corinthians 7:6–7

Someone caring. Someone longing. Someone mourning, for you in your situation. It brings a sort of relief, and an actual rejoicing. You are not alone. Others walk with you, even for a moment. They bear a little of your burden.

God did not create Adam and leave him alone, He gave him a helpmate – Eve. Genesis 2:18 “I will make a companion for him who corresponds to him.” And through that… a family… and through that a community… and through that the Body of Christ. We humans need each other!

Do you know anyone struggling today? I encourage you to send them a quick text, a card, or some message. It means so much. It did to me and I’m sure it will to them. More than you know.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

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Exercise the Will

Posted on October 18, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Everyday I have choices: how long to linger in bed, what to wear, how much coffee to drink, even whether to have a good attitude. As I consider my “to do” list, I can either allow it to overwhelm me, or I can exercise my will and just get going.

“But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” – Paul. 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12

Do the next thing – is a motto I live by. Instead of making long lists or strategizing how to do something… I just do it, while asking God to help. I tend to fly seat of my pants, but I’m more flexible this way, if not a tad hap-hazard. He always gives me enough strength and energy to see it through. Like the blessing in Deuteronomy,

“Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be. There is none like God, O Israel, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in His majesty.”- Jacob. Deuteronomy 33:26

I can (at the very least) choose an attitude: to obey God, be willing to serve, and live at peace with all men. I can set my will for joy and hopefulness …or sullenness and defeat. I can choose to look at what God has already done …or the prayers that have yet to be answered.

These are my daily exercises. And God encourages me with 100’s of His own I will verses throughout the Bible. He promised over and over, “I will,” and then He did it.❤️ These challenge me to flex my own will-muscles and make good choices.

I will walk by faith. I will remember God’s valiant deeds. I will trust Him today. Yes, I will.

ForGlorySake! –Anna

 

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Feed the Soul

Posted on October 16, 2019 by For Glory Sake!

Soul food is usually high calorie, high carb, full fat and sweet! Hits all the no-no’s on any diet list, but it tastes good and makes me feel so wonderful at the moment. Now I’m hungry…

Sometimes my soul is depleted and hungry in a different way. I need rich food that only comes from one True Source. A romantic movie, a toe-tapping song or a good art project just won’t suffice. I need God’s WORD!

When I feel that ache inside, sorta undefined and distracted, an almost dry, empty, uninspired absence. That’s when reading Words of God really fills me up. I plug into a New Testament letter or rather book of the Bible– and feast.

Listening is great too because I can cover more ground while I get other things done.  It gives me a different prospective. To cover a whole book is like receiving a letter written just to me. Personal, tailor-made. I get the entire message start to finish.

Imagining the time period it was written, shows me how similar people are today. I try to think of the audience that heard these words for the 1st time. Sometimes I try to listen through a loved-one’s ears, wondering what would stand out to them, what might make them cringe. Then I pray for them.

God’s Word is so alive, so fresh, so today! When I feel dull anywhere – soul food is all I need.

ForGlorySake! Anna

“Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening!” 1 Samuel 3:10

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