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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreSee, 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read More