hcfwomen

Hearing God – Part 1

May 1, 2014by hcfwomen2 Comments

What do you do when a face or a name pops in your head? Do you dismiss it, or do you ask God how you can pray for this person? It may sound silly, but I believe God is constantly speaking to us and pulling us outside of ourselves into relationships with others. One way is through our thoughts: God places different people in our thoughts that he wants us to connect with.

Sometimes all the connection we will make is in the spiritual, by praying for them.

It’s early Monday morning, and I awaken with a friend on my heart. As I begin to pray, I feel a deep burden for them and hear a specific scripture in my heart. I begin to pray that scripture over my friend and the peace begins to come in my heart. God prompts me to share this scripture with them so I write a quick text: “Thinking of you this morning, this scripture is on my heart for you…praying God’s abundant grace and peace over you today.” I think sometimes we complicate God. He speaks; we just need to learn to discern.

I love the way God speaks! It comes in different forms, but I find that God speaks primarily in 3 ways: through His written Word (the Bible), through others, and directly to us. All are important and all come through relationship. Our God is a relational God. The Bible says the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the Word of God in the flesh, and by his coming to the earth, he created a way for us to have a relationship with the living, breathing Word of God, and hear him speak directly to us—because now we can have an intimate relationship with him.

Hearing God is a matter of the heart, a positioning of one’s self. A hard heart can’t hear God clearly. Unless there are holes or cracks, nothing can get in or out. God wants to speak to us. He is looking for people who have a desire to hear him, to receive what he has to say, and to act on it. Hear me, this is not about more work you can do to hear God better. It is about a relationship. God wants to be pursued, and he speaks to those who eagerly pursue him. He is constantly pursuing us and drawing us to Him. When we turn and do the same, our hearts become open to hear Him. He says you will find him when you seek him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

This post was written by Tissie Beasley. To read more about her, click here. Stay tuned for Part 2 later this month!

Hospitality

True Hospitality

April 1, 2014by hcfwomen1 Comment

In her book Lifegiving, Tammy Maltby wrote, “The world wants us to believe that life is all about appearances. While the outer expressions of beauty and hospitality and friendship can and should have a wonderful appearance, true beauty is more than what the physical eye can perceive. It is not a façade covering over hurt, pain, and anger. Lifegiving is not done with an expectation for accolades. The motivations of the lifegiving woman are fueled by the inner life she is cultivating in the secret place with Christ Himself, the ultimate Lifegiver.”

I’ve been blessed in my married life to be around some of the most amazing women gifted in hospitality—true lifegivers! Out of their love for serving others they have shown me creativity, sense of style, magnificent recipes, and most of all, their joy of the Lord! It’s because of them that I work at discovering how to use a little ingenuity and creativity to share my love of colors, textures, and taste sensations with others. For me, the best part of hospitality is creating a moment to remember for those on the receiving end—a “life-giving moment,” if you will, that puts a spark of sunshine in someone’s day. My desire, first and foremost, is to be a blessing to others!

It is my belief that true hospitality begins in the heart. When I am asked to serve in some form of hospitality, I begin by asking myself: what is my motivation for taking on this task? If I am driven by my need for approval, then I will refuse until my heart is set right with Him. If, after a time of reflection, I am led to view it as an opportunity to serve others with joy and gladness in my heart, then I will accept. My desire is that, through my service, others will feel loved and richly blessed!

Be it known, I really do enjoy hospitality! Serving others brings my heart joy. 🙂

There are three “F” words I think about when I begin planning for an event or a home dinner party–Flowers, Fabric & Food! Many times I get inspiration simply from the fabric department! Colors, patterns, and textures will send my mind reeling with images of what food would carry out a particular theme, or what serving platters would most compliment the colors within the fabric. Also, I think about the season, and plan the menu accordingly, when possible. The next step is visualizing the dishes. How can I plate/serve these dishes in the most beautiful way possible to bring a smile to someone’s face? Sometimes I even lay in bed at night imagining how the table can be set up, platters laid out, and food arranged.

Designing a table setting, for me, is a playful time! Not a time of dressing a table to impress, but rather dress to bless! For a table design I start looking for interesting items that may be lurking around the home or barn. From colorful collections such as toys (Hot Wheels, buttons, and marbles), to beautiful antiques, glassware, or the use of natural elements…I love it all! New and antique, simple or busy—It’s all beautiful in different ways.

For me, this verse describes true hospitality:
Romans 12:9a-11 “Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. ..Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

**Hospitality is about welcoming others, and showing them that they are valuable. What are some of the ways that you show honor and bring value to those in your life? What are some ways that you extend to them a welcome, and show that they are loved?

This post was written by Cristie Harrell. To read more about Cristie, click here.

P.S. For more amazing book recommendations on being a life-giving woman, check out our Bookshelf tab (or click here).

Scripture

Desiring Mercy and Not Sacrifice

March 15, 2014by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

“Go and learn what this means, for I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 9:13
“But if only you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 12:9

The Pharisees couldn’t get what Jesus was saying—first to “go and learn” and later “if only you had known.” With all their knowledge of Scripture, with all their rules, with all their duty and obedience, and with—in their mind—their righteousness, they could not understand this truth. Jesus’ words did not compute with their tradition.

Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we can have the same tendency to desire sacrifice more than mercy. What does this mean? We are bent on works because it’s more natural. It’s more natural to do than to be.

As long as I’ve been saved, I’ve loved the Word of God. I’m highly analytical and can spend hours reading scripture and commentary and translations and the original Greek or Hebrew meanings. But, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”

Knowledge without mercy is a dangerous state.

To know scripture is important, but before we can receive fully, before we can fall in love with God’s Word, we have to first fall in love with its author. When we are so filled by the love of God, His love and grace becomes a lens through which we can read and receive His Word.

Here Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6. The full verse is this: “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

The knowledge of God is not mutually exclusive to mercy. And while He desires mercy not sacrifice, He desires knowledge more than burnt offerings. Under the Old Testament covenant, God is not negating or replacing what must be done for atonement. We know from Romans 3 that in His forbearance, He passed over their sins, yes, but their account was not settled.

So why does Jesus not quote—in both places here—the full verse from Hosea? Is it because knowledge of God is no longer important? Of course not. The problem is the Pharisees had all the knowledge in the world.

But under the new covenant, we get to know God in a different way. Because of the finished work of the cross, we have a mediator, who is Jesus, and we have the Holy Spirit. And that revelation—when we believe in what the cross accomplished—that changes how we know God.

We, with unveiled faces, get to behold Him. And it transforms us.

How do we know God? We spend time with Him. What He desired then and now is a heart that loves Him and is loyal and faithful to Him…a heart that delights in Him and wants to be with Him—not a heart bent on doing or performing or actions or piousness. He desires that we know Him. That’s all. To know His character, to sit with Him and love Him, to be.

This post was written by Laura Brandenburg. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Trust

New Year, New Thoughts

February 13, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomen2 Comments

New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t keep them very well. However, at the beginning of the year, I was spending time with the Lord, and he gave me a word of this being a year of new confidence and boldness. He confirmed this continuously over the next couple of weeks through people in my life group, his Word, and just daily occurrences that used to make me insecure or anxious; I was now confident and relaxed. So, I am choosing daily to trust him; and I have been continuously blessed by this. This new season is not a result of a new year’s resolution; it is the result of the Lord’s faithfulness and hand in my life. This fact helps me know that this time, it is not changing; this time, I am changed, and am now seeing true freedom.

I wish that I could take the past few years of my life and have a “re-do.” I wish I would have been able to walk with confidence in who I was, and find myself secure enough to let people get to know me—flaws and all. I wish I could have been able to say, “This is who I am,” and welcome people into my life, instead of walking in with guards up and walls up.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with a group recently where I work. We were talking about life: what we go through and the importance of community. In that conversation, the point was brought up that God is in fact the author of our lives and stories, but he wants us to take an active role in those stories. I wish things would have been different, but the truth is, I could not have gotten to where I am now if it weren’t for my story. I do not like where I have been, but I would not change it because it’s how I can now prove the Lord’s sovereign grace and faithfulness. I believe I have come a long way; and this journey I have with the Lord only gets better.

Does this mean that I have reached perfection? Absolutely not! In fact, more growth will happen. It does mean that I know what it feels like to be in a place of internal captivity, brought on by not trusting or believing the Lord, and I do not want to go back there. Will I have moments where my flesh fails? Yes. But I trust in those moments that the Lord is faithful to his Word.

All of this to say: I am grateful for the journey, and for the valuable people He uses to speak to our hearts. I am also grateful for those people who are kingdom-minded and want to see us reach our potential in the Holy Spirit, and create environments to thrive in the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. I would not go back, but would not change my story, because it’s how the Lord works specifically in my life. It is good.

“I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rachael Montgomery is from Slaton, Texas. She is currently at Lubbock Christian University getting her Masters in Counseling. She wants to get her LPC (License of Professional Counseling) and work with children and adolescents. Rachael has a twin sister, and she loves coffee.

What kind of ministry are you most passionate about?
I have a passion for worship. I have a heart for seeing kids experience the Lord at a young age, and getting to know him early in life. Also, I have a heart to help facilitate children in learning who they are and their role in the kingdom early in life.

What is one quirky fact about you?
My wreck count is up to 6 with only 2 of them being my fault. 😉

Budgeting, Fruitfulness, Giving, Identity, Love, Trust

The Heart of Giving

January 22, 2014July 6, 2015by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

Over a year ago, God placed some specific financial goals on the hearts of both Derek and I, so that we could ultimately give to others. Since the very get-go of this journey, I hunkered down and decided to give my very best.

Recently, God revealed to me the true motivation of my heart in deciding to give my best. It came about when Derek decided that we needed to wait on purchasing something I’ve wanted for a while. We had the ability to walk out of the store with my “toy” in hand, but all I walked out with was a crummy attitude.

I knew the reaction in my heart wasn’t due to just being told “No.” There was a deeper reason for why I truly believed I needed that item. Not even just needed, but deserved it. God showed me that deep down the true reason of why I worked so hard in meeting our goals wasn’t the freedom to give to others, but the freedom to consume things on myself. Instantly my heart turned to repentance and an honest prayer came out: “God, I want to have the heart of a true giver.”

The next morning, God took me to 2 Corinthians 9:6-9, 11:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work…He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.”

God showed me that the theme of this passage isn’t finances, but it’s the heart of giving. Realizing this, I read it again. This time, the words grace, sufficiency and righteousness stood out. Understanding that my righteousness in Christ means I’m complete, whole and lacking nothing, and that grace (God’s ability or power) reigns through righteousness, the passage came alive. God says that when we give from a heart that believes in its true state of righteousness, he will make all grace abound so we can ultimately give to others.

If I give from a heart of lack, then I will be reluctant to give. I will want to keep my resources for myself so as to meet my own needs. If in that attitude I choose to not give at all, I’m saying no to more than just the giving of my resources. I’m saying no to grace abounding in my life and an increase to the harvest of my righteousness.

Whether it’s giving time to a friend in need, genuine love to those in our family, or full surrender to God in our moments of pain, we all have something to give.

This post was written by Abbie Kellum. To read more about her, click here.

Fruitfulness, Worship

Daily Worship

October 14, 2013December 28, 2016by hcfwomen1 Comment

When I called my dad for his birthday this year, he reminded me of something that a family friend had told me. He got a word from the Lord for me about worship. Dad said that this was biblically-based because of Romans 12:1—

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship” (TNIV).

I don’t often just stop and think about worship. There’s the obvious “worship time” during church, or even during my personal time with the Lord, but worship is more than that. Worship is how I live my life. It’s something that I do daily, consciously putting the daily activities of my life in the hands of the Lord. There are some obvious times that I feel compelled by the Lord to do something (usually something I wouldn’t ordinarily want to do) or in a burst of joy just thank Him in the middle of the day. But in what other ways do I express worship for the Lord?

From personal experience which I know many of you can relate to, I work with people and students throughout my entire day. By the end of a really long day, it is hard for me to continue to be kind to those around me. But in the last couple years I’ve had to learn that I must give my day to the Lord. As I’m driving to school I pray for whatever situation I might encounter. I’ve even dubbed a song that I use to pray over my students this year! It’s amazing to see personalities and hearts change throughout the year, more than just academically.

I know that the people that I have relationships with–whether I am aware of it at the time or not–weigh the way that they approach situations based on other situations that they’ve had throughout the day. I have the opportunity to be a positive influence in their day, even if that means simply smiling, asking about their day, and actually listening.

Recently I’ve had to ask myself, Does the way that I convey myself around people actually reflect my heart? In some cases sadly, I would have to say that no, it doesn’t. But by focusing on God’s point of view in every situation, it helps me to tune my actions to match my heart. My words can be more than just rote conversation. Rather, it can be an uplifting encouragement that comes directly from the Lord! I pray that you can face the daily pressures of life and still experience the unique joys that surround you every day. God can surprise you! What ways does the Lord use to speak to you, even in the midst of the busyness of the day? I cannot wait to see what God does with the people around me as our hearts become more focused on worshiping Him!

This post was written by Hannah Dillard.

Faith

Having Faith in “The Gap”

October 1, 2013by hcfwomen4 Comments

This is a guest post from Laura Brandenburg, which was originally written for her personal blog, “Obeying the Call,” on August 19, 2013. She has given us permission to share it here:

I believe last December was the first time I ever publicly blogged about our journey with trying to get pregnant, and while I don’t explicitly blog or post about it often since then, I do talk about it a lot more because that experience for me was–in a word–freeing. I received text messages and fb messages from people I had no idea were on the same journey (or had been on the same journey) as me, and what I realized is that this is something people don’t talk about much. But when you’re in the midst of it, you need people to talk about it. And you need people to talk to about it.

So, here I go again… Yesterday, our pastor at Harvest preached on faith in “the gap”–that is, having faith for the time between when God says something will happen and when it actually happens. And he said something that really caught my attention–if you’re disappointed in the gap, then your faith is not in God. God does not disappoint. Isn’t that what His word tells us? That He is faithful; that He never leaves; that His hope does. not. disappoint.

I was floored by that. I keep thinking about how all week I’ve been so discouraged. In fact, my last journal entry started like this: “I should be hopeful… but instead, I feel burned out and discouraged. Why can’t I just be a normal person who gets pregnant the way normal people do?”

Do I know about “the gap”? Sure, I do. I’ve been in it for two years now. Every day I pray for hope renewed. Why is it harder this month?

I started to do something I’m not sure I’ve ever done during a sermon (yeah, during worship, but a sermon?). I started to cry. And not like little, cute, lady-like tears. Fortunately, Brad was almost done and was inviting people down to prayer, like every Sunday. And I am one of those prideful people who doesn’t like to go down for that–I’ll just pray on my own, thanks.

But as soon as the service was over, Hal pulled my arm–we need to go. My sweet husband who has seen it all in these last two years and who knows what I need better than I do sometimes and who loves me and lets me be just me. Tears spilling over, Kleenex in hand–I couldn’t even talk. Hal gave the short version, and the couple started to pray for us. My tears were quickly full sobs. I couldn’t believe it; I was sobbing in church.

“Just trust God.” “Just keep trusting God.” “Wait on His timing.” “His timing will be perfect.” Oh, the things people say. Really? Just trust God? Oh, okay. I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll start now. Why do comments like that irritate me so much? I know people mean well…and so I braced myself for grace, in expectation, as the couple began to pray.

But the couple who prayed over us was different. She didn’t pray any of those things–and she didn’t even pray for us to get pregnant. She prayed for my heart. She prayed for my disappointment. She prayed for hope. She prayed for everything I needed to hear.

Afterward, her husband spoke a word over Hal–over his father’s heart. And then they prayed for us again–as parents.

Today is a new day. I cling to Lamentations 3–that because of His great mercy, we are not consumed. Sometimes I feel consumed. But in His great mercy, He saves me. Again and again and again.

Yesterday, Brad said that faith is not imparted; it’s implanted. I choose to keep my heart soil fertile, to let His word nourish deep, to heal the disappointment, to renew hope. I choose, and I know this.

I have learned to trust in His goodness, to breathe deeply in His peace–that I can trust Him because He is good, and I say it to myself over and over: He is good. Again. He is good. Again. He is good–and I can trust Him.

Fruitfulness, Women's Retreat

What If We Were Real

September 20, 2013by hcfwomenLeave a Comment

There’s a song by Mandisa that says:
“What if I share my brokenness,
What if you share how you feel,
What if we weren’t afraid of this crazy mess,
What if we were real?”

I’ve been wrestling with this one. Because life is messy, and it doesn’t always turn out the way we planned.

When I was growing up and went to church camp as a young girl and a teenager, I would tell God that I’d do anything, go anywhere for Him. I would ask for Him to take my life and change my heart.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’m learning that sometimes actually following God with all my heart is very painful. Something that sounds as “easy” as healthy relating, or forgiving, or embracing a new season, or surrendering…can be excruciating.

And here I thought I was going to be a missionary across the ocean for the rest of my life…Learning to be vulnerable with the people I live with right here is much harder. Learning to get in God’s truth about me, and be open because I know who I am—even if I might be wounded again…even though I am terrified.

So, what if I’m not “perfect”? What if I don’t measure up in the ways that I think I should?

What if I’m just quirky, emotional, creative, and compassionate? What if I’m the one who loves hot tea and crocheting and singing in the car with the windows down? What if I’m the one who loves standing in the rain, looking at the stars out in the country, and worshipping freely? What if I am far from perfect, but beginning to walk through this season of healing, and learning to be grateful and embrace every moment—no matter what it looks like?

What if I am—what if you are—the one who is healing, learning, loving, forgiving, embracing, rejoicing, interceding, and opening up?

Yes, it can be messy. Yes, it can even be painful. But, it is freeing. And it’s so worth it.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I’d like to take this time to make a shameless “plug” for the upcoming Life Giving Women’s Retreat. 🙂

Coming to the Women’s Retreat can be intimidating for many. Most probably think at one point or another, “The last place I want to be is spending a whole weekend with a couple hundred other women!” But from the smiling faces that greet you at the door, to the kind room leaders, to the creative ones who decorate the tables so beautifully, you know that this is femininity expressed as you’ve never seen it before. Here, you are encouraged to be real, to be yourself, to laugh out loud, to cry, to be embraced, and to feel inspired.

Every year at the Women’s Retreat, I come away in amazement at the kindness of women. It is a place where you will be challenged to be open and vulnerable, but it is also a place of healing. You will build friendships and be blessed in ways that only godly women can bless other women.

So, choose to take courage, step out, and discover what your heart looks like—as a woman. Please, take the plunge this year—come to the women’s retreat! You can register online by clicking here.

This post was written by Heather Dillard. To read more about her, click here.

Family, Fruitfulness, Identity

Agelessness in the Kingdom

September 14, 2013by hcfwomen1 Comment

God is not confined to time or space, nor are those who dwell in His kingdom here on earth. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was between twelve and fourteen when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. John, the beloved disciple, was only fourteen or fifteen when called to follow Jesus. Abraham was ninety-nine when he was told he would become the father of nations. Moses, Joshua and Caleb were in their eighties when called to serve our God. John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary entered the room, expectant with Jesus. King David was still in his teens when God chose him as a future king of Israel. Billy Graham is ninety-four. Beth Moore is fifty-six. I turned seventy last Sunday (September 8, 2013).

OUR NUMBERED DAYS
I was surprised to learn that it was Robert Louis Stevenson in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde who first coined the phrase “my days are numbered,” and not God. I searched for that phrase in four different translations and could not find it. What I did find was that God knows the number of hairs on my head. Also, I discovered where the psalmist prayed, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12, NIV).

KINGDOM FAMILIES
I am fortunate to be part of a church that teaches God’s kingdom on earth is multi-generational, and trains its members that not just men, or women, but families are being called to rise up and become Kingdom Families to reach the lost and dying in our community. I am blessed that I am, at present, being taught that age is no excuse to “retire” in the kingdom of God.

MUCH TO BE DONE YET
One of my dearest and closest friends recently remarked, “There is much to be done, but little time left for us who are beginning the eighth decade of our life.” I knew how she was feeling and shared a similar battle in my mind. “Sweet friend, only God knows when that day will be for us. In the meantime, let us be on with it.” She unreservedly agreed.

This post was written by Linda Hutcherson. To read more about her, click here.

**In this post, Linda mentions HCF’s Kingdom Families, which teaches parents how to raise kids and teenagers who follow after God with all their hearts. We will be having two Kingdom Families conferences soon, one at the Plainview campus for those raising children, and one at the Amarillo campus for those raising teens. Click on these links for more information and to register.**

God's Presence, Worship

That Face to Face Place

September 5, 2013by hcfwomen1 Comment

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (Psalms 100:4 NKJV)

We’ve probably all heard this verse or even sung it in Sunday School as kids. What a simple yet profound instruction: this is how you get into the presence of God Almighty, who has provided a way for us to meet with Him face to face. Be thankful…praise Him…bless His Name, and you might just find yourself front and center with the Throne, face to face with the King of Kings.

While this is a worthy goal of our worship, to enter in and just experience His Presence, to give Him the glory that He deserves, I think that there is something more.

There are so many things about God that I don’t fully comprehend. There is so much of His awesomeness that I’ve yet to grasp. But I do know one thing: There’s always more.

In Old Testament times seeking an audience with the king meant taking your life in your own hands, or more accurately, putting it in the King’s. If you wanted to enter into the King’s presence, you would come in, kneel before the throne, and wait. In the few seconds that I’m sure felt like an eternity, the King would either raise his scepter, a signal that permission was granted to approach, or leave it down, at which point you would be taken away and promptly escorted to your own execution.

Thankfully we don’t serve a King like that. We serve a King that gave up everything He had to give so that we could come before Him–boldly, with confidence, accepted–as his kids. But you know, because He’s made a way to freely come, I think sometimes we have a tendency to lose the reverence, lose the awe of the encounter. We come in, not focused on meeting with the King, but thinking about our last fight with our spouse, or lunch plans, or whatever. And guess what–we’re human. We’re called sheep numerous times in the Bible, and I don’t think it was a compliment. So I’m not here to send anyone on a guilt trip. If so, I’d need to be the first to pack my bags.

But think back to that Old Testament picture. Someone seeking an audience with the king had a pretty important matter to discuss. He must have had a worthwhile case to plead; one worth risking everything in the hope that the king would intervene. And I bet you my last dollar, he came in knowing what he was going to say.

A while back a friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer. It came as quite a shock as she was a young mom who was vibrant and healthy. The Sunday following that news, my worship took on a whole new meaning. I had decided I was going to fight for her with everything I had. Those weren’t just songs that morning, they were weapons. They were launch pads for faith to be unleashed. I had the enemy in my crosshairs. It was an incredible time of worship!

It might not be a friend with cancer. It might be a lost family member, or a marriage on the rocks, or a physical illness, but we ALL have circumstances in our lives where we need the King to intervene. We all have places that are totally beyond our control (and probably more than we care to admit!) And we all have instructions for coming face to face with the King. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks, bless His Name, enter boldly. But then what?

Worship is a powerful mixture of Spirit and Truth. When we align our hearts with the truth of God’s Word, something happens. Faith happens. When that faith is focused on a specific target, it paves the way for the miraculous. And when we get to that face to face place, let’s not take it for granted. Let’s know why we came. Let’s ask the King to act and see if He doesn’t delight to respond.

This post was written by Becca Wilhite. To read more about her, click here.