The REAL Epidemic: Christians Who Don't Know Jesus

December 12, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

If you’ve read the last couple posts/words He’s had me release, you’ll know there’s been a build-up to this and can see where they all sort of build upon one another (you can read the “What it Really Looks Like to Follow Jesus” post, “Strong Delusion” word and “What Do You Believe?” posts here.)

But, it wasn’t until now that He really began to put it all together.

As I shared in the post about following Jesus, He showed me how there is a big difference between knowing about Him and knowing Him. And how His Church has gotten caught up in systems, procedures and programs because they don’t know Him. Not really. Not like He wants them to.

Do You Have Oil For Your Lamp?

September 22, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

Recently, I heard the Holy Spirit whisper the words, "kerosene lamp."

Of course, my mind obviously went right away to the parable of the ten virgins (although, He had more to say about it too... I'll get into that first). If you're not familiar with the story, it appears in Matthew 25. And as always, Jesus tells the story to teach us an important lesson through an analogy.

Jesus Goes After the One...

September 17, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

You’ve probably read the parable before about the lost sheep. And how the man leaves the other ninety-nine sheep to go find the one that was lost.

But, this isn’t just a nice story. It’s the epitome of who God is. It’s a representation of the true heart of the Father and the unrelenting love of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

And I can attest to it because I’ve seen it first-hand time and time again in my own ministry experience.

Jesus Broke My Heart

August 12, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

The other day, Jesus broke my heart.

And it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

But, let me back up a minute.

It started a couple weeks ago, when He started speaking about me receiving His love. His unconditional love. We’ve been on a long journey, bringing me out of religion, perfectionism and a works-based mentality. He’s taught me about His grace, His sovereignty and His faithfulness.

It's Both!

May 29, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

In the past few weeks, I have seen something coming up again and again on social media in “Christian circles.” I tried to ignore it or at least not actively engage in it. But then, the Holy Spirit prompted me that this IS one of the things that needs to be addressed.

This conflict/argument/face-off between two sides in the prophetic world. And let me just say before I go any further, this applies to the WHOLE Body of Christ, not just those involved in the prophetic. So, don’t stop reading even if you don’t consider prophecy “your thing.”

It's Not About You! It's About Your HEART.

May 11, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

As a Jesus follower, I’m sure at some point, you have read the story of Abraham and felt the familiar feeling of awe and inspiration in regard to his faith. After all, we’ve been taught for years about his amazing ability to believe the Lord, even to the point of almost sacrificing his own son.

And while that is all well and good… what if I told you this whole time we were focusing on the wrong part of that story?

What if the most awesome part of that whole story wasn’t Abraham’s “unshakable” faith? But, something much more important? Not to mention, much more freeing for you and me?

It's Only Crazy Til It Happens - My "Crazy Faith" Receipt

April 08, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

If you followed any of the “Crazy Faith” series with Pastor Mike Todd at Transformation Church in Tulsa, then you probably already know what I’m talking about when I say “faith receipt.” If not, well… I’m about to tell you.

I have been dropping faith receipts for about the last three years. Ever since God first called me out of my “regular” life into what can only be described as a CRAZY journey with Him.

Even though I grew up “religious” (I now hate that word), then completely lost interest in all things God-related until I actually became saved/a believer 15 years ago, it wasn’t really until 3 (almost 4 years) ago, that I feel like my real relationship with God actually started.

The Coronavirus Post I Didn't Really Want to Write - A Word for the Church

March 16, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

I didn’t want to write this post or even plan to do so.

I have heard MORE than enough of the word “coronavirus,” between the television, radio and literally every single email in my inbox. And I honestly didn’t want to partake in the hysteria around it.

But, after having a conversation with my friend about it the other day, I knew I needed to transcribe everything I have felt the Holy Spirit saying to me prophetically about it. And as I continue to see emails coming through from churches and ministries that are stopping their gatherings and cancelling their activities, I feel the urgency even more.

God Cannot Lie: Do You Believe Him?

March 09, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

In the past few days, I have been watching a sermon series by Pastor Mike McClure, Jr. (PMJ) of Rock City Church called B!G. And the timing on it is definitely not a coincidence.

One of the main things God has been teaching me about recently is believing Him. Not believing in Him… believing Him. Meaning, believe He is who He says He is, believe I am who He says I am and believe He can (and will) do what He says He can (and will) do.

And that’s exactly what PMJ started his sermon with - God wants us to believe Him.

It sounds simple on the surface, but really, it’s something that the majority of us struggle with. Even as believers.

From Lack to Abundance: It's a Mindset Before It's a Reality

November 29, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

The Lord has been speaking to me about lack and abundance for a long time. A looooong time.

In fact, the poverty/lack mindset is one of the most difficult strongholds He’s had to break me out of. It probably shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise, since it is extremely prevalent among people of all ages, races, careers and income levels (yes, you can be a millionaire and still have a lack mindset).

Not to mention the fact, that I grew up in an environment of “lack.” Not saying that we were poor, because we actually did quite okay for ourselves. I was never without anything I needed (or most times, even wanted) and we lived a comfortable life. But again, you can have a decent level of comfort and still be in a lack mindset.

The Death of Comfort and Resurrection of Expectation: Lessons From Being Homeless

November 04, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

I am so excited and mind-blown right now that I hope I am able to rein my thoughts in to write this post. Oh and by the way, I am also technically homeless at the moment too.

So, how can I be so excited, expectant and full of joy when my physical situation appears to be so bleak?

To answer that completely, let me flash back a few years.

Can You Wait for the 2nd Marshmallow?

August 05, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

Have you ever heard of the marshmallow test?

It’s a psychological experiment originating in the 1960’s and 70’s that tests the willpower and effects of delayed gratification in children. Basically, a child is left alone in a room with a marshmallow on a plate. They’re told they can eat it right away… OR… if they can be patient and wait until the administrator comes back in the room, they’ll get a second marshmallow.

Double the pleasure, double the fun.

The results are fascinating. And quite often, hilarious. Seeing the children squirming in their seats, wanting so desperately to reach out and take a bite of the pillowy goodness. But, trying with all their might not to do.

The Myth of Control

July 24, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

I don’t know about you, but I love going on cruises.

Besides getting to see some amazing places and participate in lots of activities on the boat, I especially like the feeling of freedom I get while I’m on a cruise.

First of all, everything is paid for ahead of time, so I don’t even have to carry a purse around if I don’t want to. All I need is my little cruise I.D. card. Then, when I go to eat in the dining room, I can order whatever I want. In fact, I can order however many of whatever I want.

Does God Want You to Get Mad at Him?

July 11, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

Earlier this week, I was watching a video on YouTube and the person who was speaking made a comment about how it was better to approach God with a broken heart then anger.

Although I do agree with that sentiment overall - after all, we are called to have gentle, kind and self-controlled spirits - I don’t agree with it entirely. In fact, I would go as far as to say, there are some times when God wants you to get mad at Him.

Let me explain.

He is Doing a NEW Thing

March 13, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
-Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

I (like many of you, I’m guessing) had heard this verse from Isaiah many times before. It’s an encouraging image - God making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Every time I heard this verse and pictured the promises it speaks about, I always pictured “the way” and the “streams” to be visible blessings - health, financial provision, the release of something tangible. But, it wasn’t until the Lord revealed something to me recently that I understood this verse in a whole new way.

The Story Behind Iris Ministries

March 09, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

The story behind Iris Ministries… where do I even begin?

I guess the best place to start is with God.

For a long time in my life, God was just an idea. I couldn’t even tell you if I really believed in Him fully or not, because I honestly don’t think I even stopped long enough to think about Him to figure that out.