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.

Who Are You Bowing To? (Spiritual Eyes to See)

April 01, 2020 by Jenn Baxter

Now, RIGHT NOW, is when many of God’s people are standing in front of a giant. Right now, everything we’ve ever talked about and sang about is being tested. Right now, there is a choice to be made. Do we believe God and His word? Or do we believe what we see and what the world is telling us?

Right now, we have a chance to shine. To stand out. To be SET APART from the world. Right now, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the peace, hope, strength, authority and FREEDOM that come with being in Christ. Not in theory, in REALITY.

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.

You Should Let Me Love You

November 18, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

One of the ways God speaks to me a lot is through music - specifically the lyrics of a song. I like to call it my “Holy Spirit radio.”

Often, He will wake me up first thing in the morning with a song on my mind that speaks exactly into whatever situation is going on in my life at the time. He will do it at other times of the day too, in the middle or prayer or even during my sleep.

It’s one of my favorite ways to hear from Him because it’s like I have my own personal Bumblebee.

So, when He started playing the Ne-Yo song, “Let Me Love You” in my mind the other day, I immediately went to look up the lyrics. I knew some of the ones in the chorus, but not the rest. And when I did… well, let’s just say, the waterworks began.

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.

How You Know You Need Healing (It's Not What You Think!)

September 03, 2019 by Jenn Baxter

I have a phrase that I like to say to my friend sarcastically from time to time… “Your issues are showing.”

I’ll say it to her when I can tell I’ve hit a sore spot. A hot button that’s attached to some deeper-lying issue. Completely devoid of a poker face, I can tell when I’ve hit one because instantly, her voice and demeanor will change.

It’s not just something with her though. We all do it, even though it manifests in different ways. For some, it’s anger and a hot temper. For others, it’s sadness and tears. While someone else might become anxious and afraid.

But, no matter what it looks like, the underlying cause is the same… our issues are showing.

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.