Rayni Risher

Dancing at the Crossroads

by Leave a Comment

Going through a time of transition can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Even if it is a fun transition it can cause stress as you manage all the details.

A couple months ago my husband was talking to someone about being at a crossroads in his life. The person mentioned that in Ireland people used to gather at the crossroads in the city to dance. I thought this was interesting so I looked it up to find out more.

“It was a type of social event popular in Ireland up to the mid-20th century, in which people would congregate at the large cleared space of a crossroads to dance; often to the accompaniment of a single accordion.” (Wikipedia)

After reading this I immediately thought, being at a crossroads in life is an invitation to worship God!

Being at a crossroads can feel like a blessing and a curse, can’t it? We can be filled with the excitement of all that is to come but often I think it’s more a time of experiencing waiting, fear, confusion, or fretting about making a decision. Sometimes it’s all of those emotions rolled into one giant emotional roller coaster.

But here’s the thing…either way, it’s a perfect opportunity to worship God!

Why worship?

Two reasons. First, no matter what is happening in our lives, God is worthy of our praise.

Also, worship breaks the chains that are binding us! And other people get to witness God’s powerful response in our life.

I love reading about Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were in a city sharing the good news about Jesus when some people got mad at them and started accusing them. It quickly escalated to a riot with the local authorities ordering that Paul and Silas be stripped, beaten with rods, and imprisoned.

As they both lay shackled in the jail cell, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, this is what they were doing:

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (vv 25-26)

Not only were Paul and Silas freed from prison but all the other prisoners were loosed, too! Those who witnessed Paul’s and Silas’ worship–and God breaking the chains–were deeply affected. As a result the jailer and his entire family believed in Jesus.

Just like in this story where God broke off physical chains, worshiping God breaks off the invisible chains of fear, anxiety, doubt, anger, and other negative emotions. And…not only are we set free, but the people around us who witness our worship and God’s response to it get to encounter God as well.

So…

+Are you at a crossroads in your life?

+Are you experiencing a difficult situation where you are tempted to turn from God rather than turn to Him?

I want to encourage you to worship God even if you don’t feel like it. Just try it and see what happens.

Worship isn’t just singing or dancing, it takes on many forms, but even just simple verbal praise to God is powerful.

This is one definition of worship I like as it relates to God:

“Worship is an active response to the character, words and actions of God, initiated by His revelation and enabled by His redemption, whereby the mind is transformed (e.g. belief, repentance), the heart is renewed (e.g. love, trust), and actions are surrendered (e.g. obedience, service), all in accordance with His will and in order to declare His infinite worthiness.” (Theopedia)

Worship is a choice. Always. Some of the times I’ve been most encouraged by God are times when the last thing I wanted to do was worship Him. But as soon as I start making myself thank and praise Him, it always snowballs from there and carries me to a genuine place of peace and encouragement.

Like the psalmist, sometimes we just need to tell ourselves what to do. “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

So, when you find yourself at your next crossroads, take a minute to dance!

(photo credit: National University of Ireland in Galway, 1891.)

 

 

 

 

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Hope of Wholeness

by Leave a Comment

I hear the church bells near my home begin to ring and hope sings out to my heart.

As we celebrate the first week of Advent, I’m reminded that Jesus is not just our hope for eternity, but He is also our hope moment by moment, day to day, no matter what we face. Hope for the mom who is sidelined by depression; hope for the man riddled with guilt and regret; hope for the orphaned child who has been abused. Hope for you and for me.

Jesus.

He is The Hope who was prophesied about for thousands of years…

“The people who walked in darkness 
have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—light! sunbursts of light! … For a child has been born—for us!
 The gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world.
 His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father,
 Prince of Wholeness.
 His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.” Isaiah 9:7-12

He is The Hope who became flesh when His light was born into our darkness…

“The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12

He is The Hope who reigns over eternity…

“I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: ‘Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone.’ … The Enthroned continued, ‘Look! I’m making everything new.’” Revelation 21:3-5

Even in the midst of our darkest night. Even in the depth of our deepest fear. Even in the wail of our devastating heartache. Even in the shadow of our darkest sin. Jesus reaches out to each one of us and offers us the hope of wholeness. The hope of redemption. The hope of healing. The hope of new life.

Hope sings out. Can you hear it?

 

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Renewed Passion Makes You Soar

by Leave a Comment

Last week someone asked me what to do if you have lost sight of what you’re passionate about. That’s a universal and important question, isn’t it?

Passion for life, work, relationships and ministry is so important because it helps drive us forward with hope and excitement. So when we feel like we’ve lost sight of our passion in any area, it can be hugely discouraging and even crippling.

Regaining Passion
I best way I know to regain passion is to connect with Jesus. He is the source of life and He is the author of all the passions, desires, dreams and gifts in us. God’s the originator of every promise in His word and the creator of every wonderful plan He has for us.

Even King David, who was called the man after God’s own heart, got sidetracked, tangled in sin and discouragement. In Psalm 51:12 he says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” David asked God to restore his joy of simply being saved. And when his joy was restored I believe his passion for life was also restored.

Remaining in Christ
For me, remaining in Christ, staying intimately connected with the source of life and passion, is the main way I stay rejuvenated and passionate. How do I stay connected? Reading the Bible daily, prayer, worship, going to church, fellowshiping with other believers, listening to sermons online. Reading testimonies of what God has done in and through other people and remembering what He has done for me. These are all a huge part of remaining encouraged and invigorated.

I’ve realized that the more I am intentional about seeking God, the more I am filled with peace, joy, passion and direction.

Also, having a vision or revelation from God for what He’s called you to do, what you’re working toward–having goals–is so important. A few months ago God gave me a huge new passion for a specific type of ministry and showed me several goals to work toward with it. Because of that I have had so much new passion and excitement as I’m working, knowing that God is leading me. If you don’t have a vision of what God wants you to work toward—in life, relationships, job, ministry, etc.- ask God to give you vision! Proverbs 29:18 says that without vision the people perish.

Waiting While We Wait
In April we talked a lot about waiting on God and I am reminded that I need to wait while I wait. What does that mean? While we are waiting for a promise or dream or healing or renewed passion—or whatever it is we are waiting for—it’s so important to spend time “waiting” on God. Seeking Him. Being still before Him. Or we could call it waiting with God.

In Hebrew the word “Qavah” means “wait”. And we see this word in a well-known verse in Isaiah 40:31.

“Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”

Qavah is a verb, which means that waiting is an action. Waiting on God is an active pursuit. And qavah also has some other interesting definitions:

To twist, stretch, bind together; the tension of enduring. Endure, remain, to expect.

Other Bible translations translate qavah as “trust” or “hope” in place of “wait”. And yet when we wait on God doesn’t He fill us with trust and hope? And while we’re waiting He’s stretching us spiritually, and binding us beautifully to Himself as we surrender to Him.  It can be difficult but we have to endure in that waiting to reap the treasure He has for us from the experience.

A Couple Other Thoughts
I think God always wants us to feel passion toward Him and with what He gives us to do. But sometimes I believe God lets our passion wane for certain things because He’s moving us on to something new. (I’m not talking about covenant relationships you’re in, i.e. your marriage). But there may be other areas or interests that God will lead you away from and will give you fresh passion for the new thing He’s preparing for you.

Or it may even be that you need to take a step back, for a time, from the thing you’ve lost passion for and let God renew that passion.

Another possibility could be that your expectations haven’t been met because God has another plan, but your loss of passion comes from disappointment. Ask God if that’s what has tanked your passion.

Part of that discerning comes from waiting on Him and sensing His loving guidance in every area of life.

So today, whatever it is you’re waiting on, remember to wait with the Author of Life and ask Him to renew your passion. He will. He really will.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

While You Wait, Remember to Live

by 2 Comments

If God has given you a promise, a deep desire, a dream…don’t let anyone laugh at it or kill it.

That includes you!

When we’re waiting for something to come to pass it’s easy to start second guessing our own dream. Is this really from God? Am I just full of it? Did I make that up?

When I’m asking myself those questions I know I need to continually surrender that dream, that hope, that desire to God and let Him work in His timing.

If He’s given you a promise it will come to pass.

And just as I was reminded from Jeremiah 29 recently, God is specific in His timing.

In Jeremiah 29 God has the prophet send a letter to the Israelites who were exiles in Babylon. The Israelites were there of their own doing, from failing to change their lives after many warnings from God. And they would remain in exile for 70 years. God tells them that up front.

All the Israelites wanted was to go back to their homeland. But for 70 years they would be waiting to return.

Waiting.

And yet in the midst of their waiting God doesn’t tell them to just sit around and mope, lost in a dream of the future.

No, He tells them to live their lives!

“This is the Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel’s God, to all the exiles I’ve taken from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and make yourselves at home. Put in gardens and eat what grows in that country. Marry and have children. Encourage your children to marry and have children so that you’ll thrive in that country and not waste away. Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare.” (Jeremiah 29: 4-7, MSG)

God also reminds them that He has a specific timing in bringing them back to the place they long to return to.

“As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29: 10-11, MSG)

So, while the Israelites are waiting for that specific word of God to take place they are also living in the present.

Getting married. Building homes. Raising kids. Working. Worshiping God.

Sometimes when God plants a dream in our hearts, or gives us a specific promise of what is to come, we can get tired in waiting for it to come to pass. But be encouraged today that God knows the desires of your heart.

And even better, He knows the plans He has for you.

They’re good plans. Plans of hope and a future. Also know that when God wants to open a door He’ll do it in the best possible timing. Though the completion of the promise lingers…wait for it.

Like Sarah and Abraham had to wait for God’s promised child. Like Joseph had to wait for the prophetic dream God gave him to be proved true. Like Ruth had to wait for a new husband and a new life.

They all lived in the “now” as they waited. And they surely weren’t disappointed.

That seed that God has planted may seem dead and buried in the ground. But often when you least expect it, He’ll bring it bursting through the dirt with a little green sprout at just the right time. 

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Partnering with God

by Leave a Comment

[Guest Post by Paula Friedrichsen] It takes perseverance to enter a season of sustained breakthrough, and it takes “continued perseverance” to go one step further and press into your destiny. Perseverance means “steady persistence in a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.”

The way to adequately maintain the perseverance needed to press into all God has for you is by “partnering with the prophetic.” Partnering with the prophetic involves hearing the Word of the Lord for your life—and then walking in faith, patience, preparation, and perseverance until that word is fulfilled. There’s an interesting example of this scenario found in the book of Esther.

Wicked Haman had devised a murderous plan to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. Through the courageous actions of Esther and her uncle Mordecai, the plot was foiled. However, what I find interesting is the fact that King Xerxes’ edict, “granting the Jews the right to assemble and protect themselves” was issued on “the twenty-third day of the third month”… yet the appointed day for this conflict wasn’t until, “the thirteenth day of the twelfth month” (over seven months later!).

If you think about it, in reality the entire situation changed the moment the king wrote that edict. But the Jews didn’t actually see the effect of that edict until many months later. The Jews had to “partner” with the King’s word. First of all, they had to believe the word. Then they had to exercise patience for that word to come to pass. Next they had to prepare for the conflict even though it was many months away. And eventually they had to persevere against their enemies in the day of battle. In the end, they had to partner with the king’s word to see it become their destiny.

And we must do the same. We are called to partner with the prophetic words the Holy Spirit gives us. We begin that partnership by pressing into our breakthrough and refusing to give up no matter what comes against us. Destiny is interwoven with breakthrough, and breakthrough will often precipitate destiny.

Here’s what the sequence looks like when it comes to partnering with the prophetic:

  • God speaks to you.
  • God confirms His Word.
  • It takes root in your heart and becomes an unshakeable thing which is dear to you.
  • You begin to speak about it, pray about it, and plan for it.
  • It is repeatedly substantiated in different ways.
  • The enemy comes for it (which in-and-of itself is further substantiation of its validity).
  • You fight for it with faith, patience, preparation, and perseverance.
  • In the fighting for it, your dream and destiny are refined and defined—and the roots grow deep into your heart and mind.
  • With deep roots, your dream and destiny are free to begin to flourish and thrive.
  • You step into it! You won’t be denied. You won’t be swayed. Fear of man and fear of failure cannot stop you. It is yours!

I’m not sure where you are along that journey—but be encouraged that God rewards tenacity. He’s seen you stand your ground when you have felt like giving up. He’s seen you stay obedient to His directives, even when they didn’t make sense to you. He’s seen you continue to press into your destiny and calling, even when others put you down or doubted your ability to rise to the top.

He’s seen you persevere through unfathomable difficulties and hardship with a smile on your face and worship on your lips. Be encouraged that God sees and God knows—and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Your new day is coming like the dawn! It’s going to be bright and beautiful, and it’s going to be worth each and every sacrifice you made along the way!

Paula Friedrichsen is an ordained minister who lives with her family in California. This article is an excerpt of her latest book, “A Season of Breakthrough: Four Strategies to Living a Life of Sustained Freedom”. To find out more about Paula’s ministry visit www.PFMinistries.com

 

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Subscribe