I am a child of the Most High God! It is because of His grace that I have fellowship and relationship with my Heavenly Dad. As Ephesians 2:1 declares, I was dead in my transgressions and sins. Still, He died for me! He chose me! He saved me! I grew up in a Christian home with incredibly godly parents and was exposed to great Christian leadership and examples from an early age. Each of these carried significant influence in my decision to accept the call that the Holy Spirit put in my heart. At the age of 9, I accepted His grace, through faith. I wanted the joy of the Lord and I wanted to spend eternity with Him. My Christian walk has been ultimately characterized by growth. I’m not yet who I want to be, but thank God I’m not who I used to be. There are 2 seasons in life that have proved pivotal in my relationship with the Lord.
The first was during my junior year of college when the Lord really exposed the depths of my heart and awakened me to a new life with Him. I grew up being in church every time the doors were open – Sunday school, bible drill, GAs, choir, youth group, VBS, and countless other things the typical “good Christian” might be part of. I realized later that while I did this out of obedience, it was more out of obedience to my parents and family. My walk with the Lord became characterized by rituals and less as a result of the Spirit working in me. I was so focused on doing things for God that I missed God altogether. I was bound by legalism and religion until the Lord broke me of this and opened my eyes to a real relationship with Him. I began a season of living life according to Natalie, and that failed miserably. During my junior year of college, the Lord began working in my heart and revealing Himself in new ways. He permeated and captivated my heart as I began spending time in His word and worshiping Him. I was in desperate need of being rescued from myself and from living a life according to a list of dos and don’ts. I needed a Savior and He came to my rescue. I was broken and as I sat alone in my apartment crying out to Him and rocking it out to Hillsongs and Rita Springer worship music. He answered. I am his daughter, I was bought with a price, the ultimate sacrifice, and He loves me (and you!) so much! I love Him so much!
The second occurred not much later in life, just short of 10 months ago. I was serving the Lord out of love for Him and desire to further His kingdom. He continued to show me more of His ways as I was growing in wisdom, in love with, and in knowledge of Him. Everything in life appeared fantastic. I was stoked one July morning at 5am as I jumped on a plane and headed to China for 2 weeks with a group of 20 God fearing strangers. God really messed with me while I was there by pushing me out of my comfort zone in many areas and challenging me to take the next step in my faith. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I needed to release any control that I still held on to in my life. That’s always scary, right? Picture this: You’re on the top of a mountain, overlooking a cliff. You can do 1 of 3 things. You can slowly tip toe to the edge and look over while keeping your whole body on the cliff, you can hold on to the cliff with part of your body while the other part dangles, or you can run and jump off and hope that something saves you. The Lord clearly spoke to me and said, “Natalie, it’s time to fully surrender – no more holding on with one toe or one hand (to the things that you want to control). It’s time to run and jump! Do you trust me to save you? Do you trust me?“ I did. I had no clue what was in store in the days and weeks ahead, but I knew I trusted Him. I joyfully answered His calling, knowing that His ways are higher and that His plan for me is absolutely perfect. Just days later, I was awakened early one morning by a loud knock on my door with news that would forever change my life. My oldest brother called my group leader because my dad had become very ill and I needed to fly home. At that moment, I sat on the front steps of a building in the middle of a communist country with my hands up crying out to God for wisdom, crying out for His will, and crying out for grace and mercy. My entire group cried with and prayed over me, anointed me with oil, and believed in the Lord for healing of my dad and safety in my venture home. I proceeded to travel 36+ hours across the world by myself, not knowing what I would be coming home to. His presence radiated through me like nothing I had ever experienced in my life. The Lord guided my every single step along the way. He saturated me with His presence, His peace, His joy, His love, and just HIM! It was all God, and none of me! We had a huge family gathering (45+) the night I flew in and we all interceded for my dad, laid hands on Him, quoted God’s promises from the Word, anointed him with oil, and believed for a miracle. The Lord showed up, as He always does, just not in a way that we with limited sight would have chosen. Three days after my return home, my dad had a major surgery. He was diagnosed with cancer and passed away 8 short days later. I’ve lost a daddy, a best friend, a Christian mentor, and so much more. My mom lost her sweetheart and best friend of almost 40 years. Yet, through this, I’m experiencing the joy of the Lord as my strength. I am experiencing the peace of God that transcends all understanding. I’m experiencing brokenness and refinement. I’m experiencing God!!! God is faithful! He promises to complete the work He began in me until the day of Christ Jesus – he’s not through with me yet! He’s showing me joy in the midst of suffering, perseverance and commitment, and just how full of grace and mercy He is. He is all of these despite our circumstances. He has given me a story of absolute hope. Although helpless, I am not hopeless. I no longer talk about how great His grace is based on something I’ve read in scripture, I’m a living and breathing example of it! Best of all, He has given me a love affair relationship with Him. He’s removed me so far from my comfort zone that I don’t even know where that is anymore. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world! I’ve run and jumped off the cliff and He is rocking my world! I’m driven by Eternity, I know that my redeemer lives, and I’ll stand with Him one day! Until then, it’s my longing to bring Him glory and serve as His ambassador.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
FREEDOM
I was troubled after receiving a message from one of my best friends about a girl that is experiencing such guilt and condemnation over the past. Naturally, I wrote a response to it, as detailed below. Oh man, if only we would simply cling to our Savior where there is love, joy, peace, and FREEDOM... John 3:17 says, "God did not send His Son (Jesus Christ) into this world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
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Guilt. Condemnation. Fear. Scarred. Those are feelings that overwhelm many unbelievers and even believers. I was one of them. I imagine that most of us have fit this category at one time or another. I came to know the Lord at an early age and I knew He was a God of love, but I didn't let that resonate in my heart. I felt unworthy and like a cracked pot that could never be used or filled with everlasting joy. I knew a lot about Jesus and I knew a lot about religion. It wasn't until the Lord broke me of religion and opened my eyes to a real relationship that I experienced true freedom. Freedom from all of these things that Satan places in our minds to make us feel like we just don't measure up or that we can never be good enough. Guess what? We can't! The great news is that we aren't expected to and we have a great Savior who did just that, He rescued us! It was then that the Lord began teaching me about His character and He began growing me and challenging me in ways I could have never imagined. He healed my brokenness, He covered my sins, He worked through my weaknesses for His glory, He shined His light in the dark areas of my life and made me whole. He put the missing pieces together. He washed my sins as far as the East is from the West. He made me a new creation through Him. He gave me new life. Without knowing the Lord and having an intimate relationship with Him, we cannot understand the freedom that comes from Him and the love that He showers us with. It's imperative that we know Christianity isn't about a list of dos and donts. It isn't about being good enough, trying hard enough, or being the greatest and best at something. It isn't about that and the Lord knew we could never attain that perfection. It is simple. It's about believing and having faith that the Lord is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. In Him is freedom from guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1). In Him is cleansing from all unrighteousness and purification from all of our sins because of His faithfulness (1 John 1:9). 1 John 4:18 shows us that fear has to do with punishment and that perfect love drives out this fear. God is that perfect love - He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus Christ, the flesh of God, to die for us. To take on every single sin that every single one of us has committed, are committing, or will commit. He did that to save us and to free us from our sin and from separation from Him. He wants us - our imperfections and all. This sums it up so perfectly: "He did not come to raise the living or touch the eyes of those who see. It was for the bitter and burned-out. It was for the unforgivable. It was for the failure, standing on the bridge, because the guilt's too high a price to pay to live." (Point of Grace - Come to Jesus) When we don't live in that freedom, we give in to Satan's tactics to kill, steal, and destroy. If he can take our confidence and make us feel unworthy, dirty, ashamed, worthless, used up, etc., then Satan triumphs and Jesus' death was in vain. What a tragedy if we allow that! Rise up. Take a stand against Satan NOW! NOW is the time to surrrender, to fully surrender. This just means telling the Lord, "I can't do this on my own. I've tried it and failed, many times. I'm scared to death, but I'm doing it afraid. I trust you to heal me, to cleanse me, and to make me whole again. I place my faith in you, believing that you sent your Son Jesus to die a painful death on the cross for ME. I believe that He is living now and that I can have a personal, intimate relationship with Him - the author of all creation, relationships, circumstances, everything!" It's that easy. Pray it. Believe it. Expect great miracles. Talk to the Lord just as you would a best friend or family member. He doesn't want/expect fancy language. He wants you to share your heart - your deepest struggles, your biggest fears, your insecurities and doubts, your triumphs, EVERYTHING. Nothing is too big or too small. You can trust Him with it all. You've given so many "worldly" things a chance...why not take a chance on Him?
**********
Guilt. Condemnation. Fear. Scarred. Those are feelings that overwhelm many unbelievers and even believers. I was one of them. I imagine that most of us have fit this category at one time or another. I came to know the Lord at an early age and I knew He was a God of love, but I didn't let that resonate in my heart. I felt unworthy and like a cracked pot that could never be used or filled with everlasting joy. I knew a lot about Jesus and I knew a lot about religion. It wasn't until the Lord broke me of religion and opened my eyes to a real relationship that I experienced true freedom. Freedom from all of these things that Satan places in our minds to make us feel like we just don't measure up or that we can never be good enough. Guess what? We can't! The great news is that we aren't expected to and we have a great Savior who did just that, He rescued us! It was then that the Lord began teaching me about His character and He began growing me and challenging me in ways I could have never imagined. He healed my brokenness, He covered my sins, He worked through my weaknesses for His glory, He shined His light in the dark areas of my life and made me whole. He put the missing pieces together. He washed my sins as far as the East is from the West. He made me a new creation through Him. He gave me new life. Without knowing the Lord and having an intimate relationship with Him, we cannot understand the freedom that comes from Him and the love that He showers us with. It's imperative that we know Christianity isn't about a list of dos and donts. It isn't about being good enough, trying hard enough, or being the greatest and best at something. It isn't about that and the Lord knew we could never attain that perfection. It is simple. It's about believing and having faith that the Lord is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. In Him is freedom from guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1). In Him is cleansing from all unrighteousness and purification from all of our sins because of His faithfulness (1 John 1:9). 1 John 4:18 shows us that fear has to do with punishment and that perfect love drives out this fear. God is that perfect love - He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus Christ, the flesh of God, to die for us. To take on every single sin that every single one of us has committed, are committing, or will commit. He did that to save us and to free us from our sin and from separation from Him. He wants us - our imperfections and all. This sums it up so perfectly: "He did not come to raise the living or touch the eyes of those who see. It was for the bitter and burned-out. It was for the unforgivable. It was for the failure, standing on the bridge, because the guilt's too high a price to pay to live." (Point of Grace - Come to Jesus) When we don't live in that freedom, we give in to Satan's tactics to kill, steal, and destroy. If he can take our confidence and make us feel unworthy, dirty, ashamed, worthless, used up, etc., then Satan triumphs and Jesus' death was in vain. What a tragedy if we allow that! Rise up. Take a stand against Satan NOW! NOW is the time to surrrender, to fully surrender. This just means telling the Lord, "I can't do this on my own. I've tried it and failed, many times. I'm scared to death, but I'm doing it afraid. I trust you to heal me, to cleanse me, and to make me whole again. I place my faith in you, believing that you sent your Son Jesus to die a painful death on the cross for ME. I believe that He is living now and that I can have a personal, intimate relationship with Him - the author of all creation, relationships, circumstances, everything!" It's that easy. Pray it. Believe it. Expect great miracles. Talk to the Lord just as you would a best friend or family member. He doesn't want/expect fancy language. He wants you to share your heart - your deepest struggles, your biggest fears, your insecurities and doubts, your triumphs, EVERYTHING. Nothing is too big or too small. You can trust Him with it all. You've given so many "worldly" things a chance...why not take a chance on Him?
Prepare Now For Later
An incredible friend shared devo below and it blessed me to the core. I am posting this for YOU. My prayer is that it fuels your hope, that this encourages you today, and that it gives you new perspective for whatever trials and tribulations you have faced, are facing, or will face.
If you haven't experienced the valley yet, you will. Prepare yourself now - don't wait until you're faced with the circumstance to determine your response to it. Joyce Meyer says, “Your problem is not as nearly as important as how you act when you are going through it." Study the Word, letting the Truth resonate in your daily thoughts, conversations, & actions. Ask for Godly wisdom and discernment that only He can provide, as He gives freely and abundantly to all who ask. Then, and only then, will you be prepared to fight against the enemy when he attacks.
Armor up NOW for these battles and count it all joy when you experience them. This doesn't require you to not feel anger, hurt, alone, abandoned, and full of questions with few answers. It does mean that you continue to worship the Lord through and inspite of this pain, the questions, etc. The Lord will heal you and He will bless your socks off. He will rock your world! I don't share this because of something I've read or heard, I share this because I've experienced it. I continue to experience it even now!
He is not surprised by anything that we face and He works ALL things together for our good and for His glory. ALL things, not some things. I'll leave you with this... "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." -Joshua 23:14
May the Lord bless you and keep you...
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My Utmost for His Highest (Devo)
The Explanation For Our Difficulties
"...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us..." - John 17:21
If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.
God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . .” (John 17:22 ). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?
God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” ( Matthew 26:42 ), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “. . . that they all may be one . . . .”
If you haven't experienced the valley yet, you will. Prepare yourself now - don't wait until you're faced with the circumstance to determine your response to it. Joyce Meyer says, “Your problem is not as nearly as important as how you act when you are going through it." Study the Word, letting the Truth resonate in your daily thoughts, conversations, & actions. Ask for Godly wisdom and discernment that only He can provide, as He gives freely and abundantly to all who ask. Then, and only then, will you be prepared to fight against the enemy when he attacks.
Armor up NOW for these battles and count it all joy when you experience them. This doesn't require you to not feel anger, hurt, alone, abandoned, and full of questions with few answers. It does mean that you continue to worship the Lord through and inspite of this pain, the questions, etc. The Lord will heal you and He will bless your socks off. He will rock your world! I don't share this because of something I've read or heard, I share this because I've experienced it. I continue to experience it even now!
He is not surprised by anything that we face and He works ALL things together for our good and for His glory. ALL things, not some things. I'll leave you with this... "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." -Joshua 23:14
May the Lord bless you and keep you...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
My Utmost for His Highest (Devo)
The Explanation For Our Difficulties
"...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us..." - John 17:21
If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.
God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “. . . that they may be one just as We are one . . .” (John 17:22 ). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?
God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” ( Matthew 26:42 ), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “. . . that they all may be one . . . .”
Purpose Driven Life Devo
This is so full of life, so full of encouragement, and so full of truth. Enjoy!
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PDL Devotional
"It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
Life is a struggle, but what most people don't realize is that our struggle, like Jacob's in Genesis 32:22-32, is really with God! We want to be God, and there's no way we're going to win that struggle, but we try anyway.
A.W. Tozer said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."
We aren't God, and we never will be. We're humans, and the times when we try to be God are the times we end up most like Satan, who tried to be equal with God, too.
We accept our humanity intellectually, but not emotionally. We give mental assent to the idea, but when faced with our own limitations, we react with irritation, anger, and resentment. We want to be taller (or shorter), smarter, stronger, more talented, beautiful, and wealthy.
We want to have it all and do it all, and become upset when it doesn't happen. Then, when we notice God gave others characteristics we don't have, we respond with envy, jealousy, and self-pity.
What it means to surrender. Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse for laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It may mean the exact opposite: sacrificing your life in resistance to evil and injustice, or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed. God often calls surrendered people to do battle on his behalf. It's not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is not putting your brain in neutral and giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind he gave you! God does not want robots to serve him. Surrendering is not repressing your personality. God wants to use your unique personality. Rather than being diminished, surrendering enhances your uniqueness.
C. S. Lewis observed, "The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because he made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."
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PDL Devotional
"It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God." - 2 Corinthians 3:5
Life is a struggle, but what most people don't realize is that our struggle, like Jacob's in Genesis 32:22-32, is really with God! We want to be God, and there's no way we're going to win that struggle, but we try anyway.
A.W. Tozer said, "The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us."
We aren't God, and we never will be. We're humans, and the times when we try to be God are the times we end up most like Satan, who tried to be equal with God, too.
We accept our humanity intellectually, but not emotionally. We give mental assent to the idea, but when faced with our own limitations, we react with irritation, anger, and resentment. We want to be taller (or shorter), smarter, stronger, more talented, beautiful, and wealthy.
We want to have it all and do it all, and become upset when it doesn't happen. Then, when we notice God gave others characteristics we don't have, we respond with envy, jealousy, and self-pity.
What it means to surrender. Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism, or an excuse for laziness. It is not accepting the status quo. It may mean the exact opposite: sacrificing your life in resistance to evil and injustice, or suffering in order to change what needs to be changed. God often calls surrendered people to do battle on his behalf. It's not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering is not putting your brain in neutral and giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind he gave you! God does not want robots to serve him. Surrendering is not repressing your personality. God wants to use your unique personality. Rather than being diminished, surrendering enhances your uniqueness.
C. S. Lewis observed, "The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because he made us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be. It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."
I'm off to the Philippines in 2010!
Dear Friends and Family,
These past few months have proven to be a season of surrender, of returning to my first love, and ultimately of growth. I’m learning what it means to daily live life driven by Eternity. I’m learning to take ownership of and be deliberate in my pursuit of Him. The Lord has broken me, yet He has filled me 10 times over. I’m experiencing the joy of the Lord as my strength. I’m experiencing peace that surpasses all understanding. I’m experiencing God!
The Lord is sifting me of anything in me not of Him and refining me to mirror His image, removing “me” altogether. After all, my goal is more of Him and less of me. I have a lot of learning and growing to do but as Joyce Meyer says, “I’m not who I want to be, but thank God I’m not who I used to be!” I am a living, breathing example of His faithfulness and grace. He’s birthed in me a story of hope and grace. I pray that my walk is characterized by growth, wisdom, and discernment. I pray for sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit and for an ever increasing burning desire to be obedient to it. He isn’t through with me yet…
What is the next step for me? I’m glad you asked. The Lord has quickened my heart to serve through short-term missions, and there’s been a stirring in my Spirit to serve overseas again this summer. In continuing with the abandonment of “my comfort zone,” I’ve opted out of trips through my church and family ministries. I’m partnering with a ministry out of Florida (www.btea.org) and teaming up with a group of young people from around the US to spread the Gospel and give life to the lost. Evidently I didn’t get enough of Asia last summer, so I’m going back. This time, I’m headed to the PHILIPPINES!!! What a dream come true!
Our team will serve as missionaries, “those who are sent to witness across cultures.” We will make a direct investment in the lives of literally thousands of Filipinos by straight up sharing the Gospel in schools, film showings, markets, and throughout the villages. We’ll be broken out into teams, traveling in jeepneys to various locations, and working with translators to present the Good News. How sweet it is to see lives forever changed when people “get it” – when the veil is removed and eyes are opened to the hope we have through our Savior, when joy and peace are discovered from the author and giver of all things, and when the love and free gift of salvation from our sweet Lord is accepted. I’ll also be visiting Uncle Dick’s home (http://www.btea.org/orphanage.asp), which is home to 49 orphaned Filipinos. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to work in an orphanage! I’m blown away by the Lord’s provision and timing in allowing me to serve in this capacity.
What a privilege it is to be part of this! YOU can be part of this, too! Will you please join me by covering me in prayer? Specifically, pray that I will not be so focused on the trip that I miss out on opportunities here and now. Pray that the Lord will prepare me now (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) for what is to come and for the circumstances that I’ll be faced with while there. Pray against any scheme and opposition that Satan has in thwarting this venture. He’s already working overtime, but he does not get the victory in this! Pray for the safety of our team, for team cohesion, for financial obligations, for authenticity and humility in our hearts, and for a deeper love and hunger for the salvation of the Filipino people.
As with any mission trip, the financial costs are high. However, the rewards are higher….ALWAYS. For those of you who feel called to it, this is your chance to invest in the Kingdom. Not everyone can physically go, but everyone can sow directly into the Kingdom through financially supporting those of us who do. Your dollars directly enable me to share the Gospel and to be a tool used to change where people spend Eternity. That’s a pretty heavy calling that we as Christians are required to live out. Would you like to sponsor me in this endeavor? You can make a tax deductible donation in the following way:
*To make an online donation, follow this link: http://www.btea.org/shorttermsupport.asp , select Natalie Goodson, and follow the steps to complete your secure online donation.
*If you’d like to make a donation by mail, please make all checks payable to BTEA (with my name on the “for” line) and mail to BTEA at: 8834-F Goodby’s Executive Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32217
So, why am I going on this trip? Why should you support me in prayer? What’s the benefit of you supporting me financially? What impact will this have on you, on me, on those I minister to? Check this out: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, Philippians 4:19, Malachi 3:10, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, Psalm 112:5-7, Matthew 6:19-20, Romans 1:16, Mark 13:10, Luke 10:2, etc.
"There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb… “(Revelation 7:9) “Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8) What a day of rejoicing that will be!!!
Often times we dwell so intently on reaching the American Dream that we altogether forget to live! We get lost in the “things” of this world and in search of wholeness, happiness, and whatever we think will fill the void that we have in our lives that we miss the only One who was ever meant to fill it. My prayer is that for those of you reading this letter, that you’ll be encouraged and blessed. I pray that you’ll allow Him to fill you with His joy and peace. I pray that you’ll find rest in Him. I pray that you’ll find hope through Him. If you don’t know how, ask me.
The Lord continues to rock my world and reveal himself to me in new ways. He has rescued me, He has permeated my heart, and I am captivated by Him.
Love,
Natalie Goodson
*~*I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)*~*
These past few months have proven to be a season of surrender, of returning to my first love, and ultimately of growth. I’m learning what it means to daily live life driven by Eternity. I’m learning to take ownership of and be deliberate in my pursuit of Him. The Lord has broken me, yet He has filled me 10 times over. I’m experiencing the joy of the Lord as my strength. I’m experiencing peace that surpasses all understanding. I’m experiencing God!
The Lord is sifting me of anything in me not of Him and refining me to mirror His image, removing “me” altogether. After all, my goal is more of Him and less of me. I have a lot of learning and growing to do but as Joyce Meyer says, “I’m not who I want to be, but thank God I’m not who I used to be!” I am a living, breathing example of His faithfulness and grace. He’s birthed in me a story of hope and grace. I pray that my walk is characterized by growth, wisdom, and discernment. I pray for sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit and for an ever increasing burning desire to be obedient to it. He isn’t through with me yet…
What is the next step for me? I’m glad you asked. The Lord has quickened my heart to serve through short-term missions, and there’s been a stirring in my Spirit to serve overseas again this summer. In continuing with the abandonment of “my comfort zone,” I’ve opted out of trips through my church and family ministries. I’m partnering with a ministry out of Florida (www.btea.org) and teaming up with a group of young people from around the US to spread the Gospel and give life to the lost. Evidently I didn’t get enough of Asia last summer, so I’m going back. This time, I’m headed to the PHILIPPINES!!! What a dream come true!
Our team will serve as missionaries, “those who are sent to witness across cultures.” We will make a direct investment in the lives of literally thousands of Filipinos by straight up sharing the Gospel in schools, film showings, markets, and throughout the villages. We’ll be broken out into teams, traveling in jeepneys to various locations, and working with translators to present the Good News. How sweet it is to see lives forever changed when people “get it” – when the veil is removed and eyes are opened to the hope we have through our Savior, when joy and peace are discovered from the author and giver of all things, and when the love and free gift of salvation from our sweet Lord is accepted. I’ll also be visiting Uncle Dick’s home (http://www.btea.org/orphanage.asp), which is home to 49 orphaned Filipinos. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to work in an orphanage! I’m blown away by the Lord’s provision and timing in allowing me to serve in this capacity.
What a privilege it is to be part of this! YOU can be part of this, too! Will you please join me by covering me in prayer? Specifically, pray that I will not be so focused on the trip that I miss out on opportunities here and now. Pray that the Lord will prepare me now (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) for what is to come and for the circumstances that I’ll be faced with while there. Pray against any scheme and opposition that Satan has in thwarting this venture. He’s already working overtime, but he does not get the victory in this! Pray for the safety of our team, for team cohesion, for financial obligations, for authenticity and humility in our hearts, and for a deeper love and hunger for the salvation of the Filipino people.
As with any mission trip, the financial costs are high. However, the rewards are higher….ALWAYS. For those of you who feel called to it, this is your chance to invest in the Kingdom. Not everyone can physically go, but everyone can sow directly into the Kingdom through financially supporting those of us who do. Your dollars directly enable me to share the Gospel and to be a tool used to change where people spend Eternity. That’s a pretty heavy calling that we as Christians are required to live out. Would you like to sponsor me in this endeavor? You can make a tax deductible donation in the following way:
*To make an online donation, follow this link: http://www.btea.org/shorttermsupport.asp , select Natalie Goodson, and follow the steps to complete your secure online donation.
*If you’d like to make a donation by mail, please make all checks payable to BTEA (with my name on the “for” line) and mail to BTEA at: 8834-F Goodby’s Executive Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32217
So, why am I going on this trip? Why should you support me in prayer? What’s the benefit of you supporting me financially? What impact will this have on you, on me, on those I minister to? Check this out: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, Philippians 4:19, Malachi 3:10, Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, Psalm 112:5-7, Matthew 6:19-20, Romans 1:16, Mark 13:10, Luke 10:2, etc.
"There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb… “(Revelation 7:9) “Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Revelation 4:8) What a day of rejoicing that will be!!!
Often times we dwell so intently on reaching the American Dream that we altogether forget to live! We get lost in the “things” of this world and in search of wholeness, happiness, and whatever we think will fill the void that we have in our lives that we miss the only One who was ever meant to fill it. My prayer is that for those of you reading this letter, that you’ll be encouraged and blessed. I pray that you’ll allow Him to fill you with His joy and peace. I pray that you’ll find rest in Him. I pray that you’ll find hope through Him. If you don’t know how, ask me.
The Lord continues to rock my world and reveal himself to me in new ways. He has rescued me, He has permeated my heart, and I am captivated by Him.
Love,
Natalie Goodson
*~*I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)*~*
I'm Baaccccckkkk!
Wow, it's been a while! I fully intended to continue writing and sharing about my overseas travels and about what the Lord has been up to here in Birmingham. With my dad suddenly passing away only a few short days following my return home from China, I put my blog writing aside. It's now been 9 1/2 months and I'm still not sure if I'm ready to begin this again, but I'll give it my best shot.
I've written a few things these past few months, so I'll begin by posting what I already have.
Bear with me. ;)
I've written a few things these past few months, so I'll begin by posting what I already have.
Bear with me. ;)
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