Come and See

“Come and see the works of God;  He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.”  Psalm 66:5

Father, we lift up the Deeper Still fundraising banquet this Tuesday.  Father, I pray for all who you have ordained to come to come and see Your wondrous works!   Father, we pray for those sharing their testimony to have peace knowing they are sharing Your awesome doing.  Lord, we also ask for every financial need to be met to continue Your glorious work.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

This Tuesday, six people will share their testimony of God’s redemptive work.  I won’t spoil the surprise, but these testimonies will be life changing for every single person in the room including the ones giving the testimony. 

I remember the first time I shared my testimony in front of a large group of people. It was at a fundraiser for a local pro-life group, the Hope Resource Center.  I remember trembling inside before going up to the podium to share.

 

The announcer called my name. Inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, I rose out of my seat and walked to the podium, my heart pounding in my chest.   Only a few steps were needs to reach the podium, but it seemed like a mile.  In reality, I had taken many steps not seen in order to be free enough to walk those few.

Again, I breathed.  The moment my feet touched the stage, I heard the Lord whisper in His love, “I am right here with you.”  Spiritually, I could see Jesus standing right beside me holding my hand.   Smiling at His loving hand, I open my mouth and shared my story.  I shared of His awesome work.  I shared the story of His redemptive love. 

The audience sat silent, taking in the presence of the Lord, breathing in His mercy and love.  

I may never know how my story impacted those in the audience that night, but I do know how it impacted me.   It may have only been a few steps to the podium, but stepping out in faith to share the works of God and His awesome redemption, was a huge leap to freedom.   The Lord says that we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony (Rev 12:11).

It takes courage to share our story.  However, when we remember it is actually His story of redemptive love and His story of His awesome overcoming work in our lives, it takes the pressure off us.  

Through the story of His redemption, not only do we help others become free, we actually overcome the enemy even more.  Our enemy doesn’t want us to tell our redemptive story.  He wants us to remain silent.  He knows that when our voices are freed, many lives will be impacted for the Lord’s Kingdom and not only that, but we will experience more freedom as a result. 

My heart is full of anticipation for those coming Tuesday night to the banquet, and those sharing.  May they come and see the works of God, the awesome doings towards the sons of men.

Why I Share My Abortion Story

“But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  1 Peter 3:15

Dear Lord, thank you for the hope that we have in Christ.  As Deeper Still’s fundraising banquet draws near, I pray the ones you have purposed to come will attend and  see the hope you have given.  I pray Deeper Still will always be ready in season and out to give a reason for the hope we have in you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I opened my email.  Inside was an email from someone who had read my story.

Her words were desperate.  The choice of abortion had stolen, and she ached with emptiness.  She longed for healing, but hopelessness dripped off her fingers as she expressed her pain and regret through words on a screen.

We spoke on the phone that day.  I pray the words the Lord gave me pumped hope into her hopelessness.  It was a divine connection.  God had ordained every word spoken or typed.  I pray she saw how intricately God’s loving hand was involved in her life.  God was reaching out to her to begin her healing journey.  This is our God.  This is our Father.  How He longs to fill us with His hope and healing and wholeness!

Our choice is whether we decide to take His hand.

She asked me a question that day.  

"Why do you share your story?"  

The words lingered in the air for only a brief second as I thought about this verse..."Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

"Why do I share my story?"

The answer surprising rolled right off my tongue as if I had rehearsed it over and over again...

My passion is to see women and men set free from the bondage of the sin of abortion or any sin.  I want to see my brothers and sisters in Christ living in freedom!  The enemy lies and tries to tie our identity to an event or a situation and straps us down with condemnation, guilt, and shame.  

The enemy lies to us about who we are and it makes me plum mad!  My heart is to see those wounded by abortion set free to be a voice of truth to spread light on the harsh reality of the destruction it does to women, men, and families.  

Abortion not only ends the life of a living child with a heartbeat, it damages the heart of those who make that choice in ways that globally affect their lives. Abortion hinders marriages, mothering, fathering, and other relationships.  

The enemy's plan is to keep God's people locked up in silent defeat, bound in chains to keep them from fulfilling all God called them to do.  The enemy doesn't even have to do much to accomplish his goal.  When God's people agree with the lie, they will keep themselves bound.

God says in His Word, "And you will know the truth and the Truth will set you free." John 8:32

I share my story to share the truth that God not only forgives all sin, He removes all sin (Ps 103:12).  I am not identified by what I have done or not done.  I am identified as a child of the Most High God.  I am His beloved.  I am His handiwork created in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10).  I am the righteousness of God in Christ (Rom 3:22), a new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

The more voices spreading the truth of abortion, the more hope we have for this atrocity to end and those wounded to find healing and freedom, which in turn leads back to spreading of Jesus's love and grace. It is a beautiful cycle!

The cycle of freedom is compounding!  

We need your voice.  Will you share your story?  It might be scary at first.  But then, it isn't.

And the more you share, the freer you become and the more freedom wins and the enemy is

defeated.

"And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony." Rev 12:11  

Take a breath.  Then, take God’s hand and a step towards freedom. .

There is freedom and healing.  Your sin is not your identity.  It is not who you are.  You are His.

You are why I share my story.

One Stone Away

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God.” Psalm 42:11

Father, the immensity of abortion can be overwhelming.  The culture of death in our society seems so big and insurmountable.  Our efforts even seem as if we are only throwing small stones at an enormous giant. Yet, this is not your first giant rodeo and small stones are exactly what You used to defeat the foe.  Lord, thank you that nothing is too big for you.  What seems as a giant to us is only one stone throw away from being overcome.  We ask for You to throw the stone.  Father, we hope in You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Only a boy named David.  Only a little sling. Only a boy named David, but he could pray and sing.  Only a boy named David.  Only a bubbling brook.  Only a boy named David and five little stones he took. 

The Deeper Still team gathered in a room to pray.  In a circle we lifted up our nation and the world crying out for the lies of abortion to be brought into the light and for those who advocate it to clearly see the truth.  The voice of pro-choice shouted loudly as it ranted from the pages of an article read by Karen Ellison. It’s voice reminded me of another…

“And the Philistine [Goliath] said, ‘I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.’” 1 Sam 17:10

There are voices shouting in the world defying the living God and the armies of His people.  These voices cause many to shrink back in fear.  The fight seems too big, almost unconquerable.  Intimidation is their intent. 

However, there was only a boy who could pray and sing. 

   

As we gathered in the room that night as a team, worshipping and praying, it occurred to me that we were much like David.  We were small.  We only have a little sling.  We only have these stones.  BUT WE CAN PRAY AND SING. 

David’s battle wasn’t won with the weapons he fought with but with the courage in His heart and belief in His God.  The battle was won long before He ever stepped foot onto the battlefield.  The battle was won way back in the sheep field through years of singing and praying. 

When we were singing and praying, we were slinging a stone into the air.  Every time we cry out to the Lord with our voices, we are one stone throw closer to victory.

 

David refused to remain silent in the battle.  He spoke up for truth.  He didn’t let the voice of the enemy be the only voice heard.  He shouted back at the giant…

“But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.   This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand.”  1 Sam 17:45b-46a

We declare, as David did, to the giant and all others that are listening that God is our hope.  With our voice we will stand for life and truth.  And we will keeping singing and praying knowing we are only one stone throw away from victory.   

Resting in Hope

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope…You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” Acts 2:26, 28

Father, we ask for the hearts of the participants of Deeper Still to be made glad, for their tongues to rejoice and for them to rest in Your hope.  Father, we ask for You to show them the paths of life and fill them with the fullness of Your joy in Your presence.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

My eight year old daughter, Sarah, and I were walking together the other day.  We circled the track raised above the gym while her brothers played basketball below.  Just walking and talking.

As we talked, she shared how she was glad she was the only girl in the family.  She explained that if she had a sister, she’d have to share her daddy at Father/Daughter dances and date nights.  She loves her daddy.  And she likes having her daddy all to herself. 

Then, the conversation took a bit of a different turn when she changed direction and said, “BUT, if I had a sister, I would like to have a big sister already grown up. “

My heart toddled as her statement lingered in the air.  I wanted to tell her, but knew the timing wasn’t right.  What could I say?  All I could say to my sweet eight year old girl through a genuine smile was, “Yes, that would be nice.”

 

But, what my heart wanted to express was…

Sarah, you do have a sister already grown up.  Her name is Kori Danielle.  She would have been twenty years old now.  She is in heaven.  She never had a chance to live.  And I’m so sorry you don’t have that big sister here.  I wish you did.  But, someday you will get to meet her in heaven and I know you will be the best of friends. She loves you so much.

But, I couldn’t say that.  Not yet.  A time will come when I will tell her and my boys about their big sister.  I will tell them about my “choice” and apologize through tears.  But that day is not yet. 

And someday we will be reunited again in heaven and Kori will run to me with open arms.  But not yet. 

There was a time when it was too painful for me to think about my daughter in heaven.  There was a time when I completely blocked her from my memory or thoughts because I just couldn’t go there.  The Lord used Deeper Still to heal that broken area of my heart.  I can’t say I don’t ever get sad thinking about my daughter in heaven.  That wouldn’t be true.  There are times my heart does still grieve.  But, I couldn’t even think about her before and now I can.

Now, I am free to think of my beautiful 20 year old daughter in heaven.  I can think of her and smile.  Someday we too will walk and talk and I will share all about her sister and brothers with her.  Someday.

  

But for now, I can just picture her at Daddy/daughter dances in heaven dancing with her heavenly Father and be filled with joy knowing she is fully and completely loved.  She loves her Daddy and dancing with Him.  She loves her mommy as well. 

 

And that is why I can rest in hope and be glad.   

Only Ask {And Praying for Bolivia Trip!}

“Only ask, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.”  Psalm 2: 8

Father, You said, “Only Ask.”  Lord, we ask for You to send Deeper Still to all the nations.  We ask for the healing message of Your Gospel to go forth through Deeper Still to all the ends of the earth.  We ask for the truth of abortion to be known and for the abortion wounded to be freed.  We ask for You to give us the nations for Your inheritance.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

I opened my email.  In my inbox that day was an email from a lady in South America.  She was desperate.  Her heart was broken over having an abortion.  She had read my other blog, Living Free in Him, and had read my story and about Deeper Still.  She pleaded through her words for help.  She asked if there was a Deeper Still where she lived in Guyana, South America.  I sadly had to tell her there was not. The closest involvement of Deeper Still was in Ecaudor, 2200 miles away.  Same continent, but not exactly next door. 

My heart was broken for her.  All I could do was encourage her, share the truth of God’s love and grace, and pray.   

One thing Deeper Still has been praying for years is to expand to reach more people like her, desperate for healing. 

Well, this coming week, Karen Ellison (the founder of Deeper Still), Carla Martin and Sharon Kinder are all heading out on the first international Deeper Still Mission trip with Life International.  To say we are excited, is quite an understatement!  They are traveling to Bolivia, which is also in South America! 

We have asked the Lord to expand Deeper Still to the North, South, East and West to reach the abortion wounded, and to see this prayer beginning to be answered is exciting! 

The great commission is to go into all the world and preach the Good News (Mark 16:15).  Deeper Still started with going into its community, which is part of all of the world, and it is so amazing to see how God is expanding its borders into more of the world.   My prayer is that someday when we get an email from a lady desperate for healing, whether in Guyana or Uganda, Deeper Still will be there to bring the message of Good News. 

Please join us in praying for Karen, Carla, and Sharon as they travel to Bolivia to share the Good News of healing and freedom with Life International. 

  

With a Nature Like Ours

“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”  James 5:16

Father, we thank you that the fervent prayers of the righteous avail much.  We thank you for hearing the prayers of Deeper Still and answering.   We ask for you to meet every need of Deeper Still in 2015 and to do above and beyond all we can think or imagine in setting the abortion wounded free.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Someone recently shared with me how she was praying for something but didn’t think her prayers would be heard because of the verse above.   She went on to explain that she was not righteous.  She had a sinful past, so how could her prayers be effective based on the verse above. 

Perhaps you have held a similar thought before.  If so, may you find freedom in what I also shared with her.

I first asked if she was still living in the sin or if it was in the past, just to clarify.  She answered that it was in the past and that she had asked for forgiveness. 

Habitual sin does hinder our prayers and separates us from the Father (1 Peter 3:7).  But, as soon as we go to Jesus, confess our sins and turn away from them, we are in right relationship again.   If you happen to be reading this and know there is an area of unconfessed habitual sin in your life, confess it, renounce it and cast it off (Acts 3:19-20). 

My prayer is for you to understand your position in Christ and the power you hold in Him.  Your righteousness has nothing to do with you.  It has everything to do with Jesus.  Because of the blood of Jesus, you have been made righteous (2 Cor 5:21). 

If you are in Christ, there isn’t one thing more you can do to be more righteous than you are at this very moment. 

And your prayers are heard and answered not because of who you are, but because of who He is. 

In the next verse, James 5:17-18, it says, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours.

Elijah is often viewed as some sort of super hero because of the miracles God performed through him.  However, he was just a man.  In fact, he was just a man with a nature like ours, a sinful nature like ours.  He struggled with sin just like we do.  He had a flesh just like we do, and his prayers were powerful and effective. 

There is a reason God put the example of Elijah following James 5:16.  And there is a reason the Lord pointed out that Elijah had a nature like ours.  Friends, your prayers are just as powerful and effective.  Yes, Elijah was amazing, but he was also just a man.

Your righteousness has nothing to do with you and everything to do with God.   He has already made you righteous through the blood of Jesus.  There is not one man more righteous than you.  Not Billy Graham.  Not your pastor.  Not sister so-and-so on the prayer team at church.  You are righteous and your prayers are effective and avail much.   

Half the Story

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Romans 6:23

Father, I thank you that because of the blood of Jesus Christ we don’t have to pay the wages of our sin.  I pray for you to bring people in the path of  Deeper Still  who need to hear this truth.  I pray for those who are walking around with shrouds of shame to be released into new life and grace in You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The phone rang.  On the other end was a sweet person I had just briefly met the day before.  Her child was sick with a serious diagnosis.  As we spoke, she stated her grief in that she believed her child’s sickness was a result of a past sin.  Shame covered her as a shroud, wrapped up tight with no room to breathe in grace.

 

She went on to explain that the wages of her sin was death, so her child’s illness must be the result of her sin. 

My heart sank.  How could this person be brought up in church and believe this lie.  What about the second part of that verse?  Of course, that is just like the enemy to use only half a scripture to torment those who belong to the King.

 

What the verse actually says is:

“For the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”   Romans 6:23

That is a one big BUT you don’t want to leave out!

 

How many Christians are living out their Christian walk with only half the story? Can you do much with half of anything that requires the whole?  Can you use half a computer?  Or half a phone?  Half a lamp?

When it comes to the Word of God, we need the whole. 

Similarly to the person mentioned above, it is common for post-abortive men and women to fear retribution for their sins.  They fear God will strike them or their children in punishment.  That is simply NOT OUR GOD.   Our God is a God of mercy.  And mercy triumphs over judgment.  Every. Single. Time.

Some may point to the Old Testament to argue otherwise.  The Old Testament wasn’t under the blood of Jesus.   We entered into a New Covenant when Jesus took our death penalty for our sins.

Jesus paid the price for our sins so we could have eternal life.  When one is in Christ, one is covered by the blood of the Lamb.  He has already paid for ALL sins and we are forgiven.  Jesus Christ paid the price we should have paid. 

   

He is our Redeemer and Savior.  He is our Life, Peace and Healer. 

If you are only holding half an ice cream cone, you are missing the best part. 

We walk around half alive with a shroud covering our new life in Christ because we are missing half the message. 

The story needs to be told.  The whole story needs to be heard.  He wrote it for our ears to ring with His Truth so loudly that the shouts of the world and the enemy would dim in comparison. 

If you have any fear of retribution for past sins, my prayer for you today is to hear the whole story.  May truth unwrap the shroud that has kept you bound.  May God’s all sufficient grace breathe new life into you and make you whole. 

Don’t miss out on the best part.