by
Thomas on Wednesday October 21, 2009
I want to position myself to receive the love of God ... and say to Him, "bring it on!"
How do I do this?
- Availability - spending time in His word, not being too busy to receive.
- Fasting - choosing to forgo distractions or compulsions that substitute for God's love .. even good things. Trade the better for the best.
- Requesting - asking Him to give me more of His love
- Persevering - not taking no for an answer, continuing to ask, being patient and not becoming discouraged
- Lingering - when I experience His love in my heart or understand a new facet with my mind, I linger in that place, not moving on until I have to. Then I return to that same place as soon as I can. Like Daniel (ch. 7), I "keep looking".
- Thanking - I thank God for visiting my broken heart with HIs fiery love ... then ask for more!
Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is advancing forcefully, and forceful men lay hold of it."
Join me in forcefully laying hold of all the God has for us!
by
maricela on Monday October 05, 2009
...healthy!plants from our community garden
and a healthy member's cute foot. guess who.
...funnylaughing at a funny prayer...prayer: help matt to love scrabble
...relationala place to make friends, and clap hands. and sing. and hug.
Elana, the super artist with Mari. notice similar hair do.
...prayerful!praying for Ben's eyeballs.
...preciouswe love Jesus and his church...his Body!
by
Michael on Friday October 02, 2009
Let my heart be good soil, to receive the seed You would sow. Protect it from the birds of the air. Go to and fro - search me, oh Lord, patiently pulling up every weed that would smother it’s life. And like leaven, let it spread and work all through me. Let the roots run wide and burrow deeply, till my heart is Yours – till You have it completely.
Let Your love, oh God unfold within me – may it grow in momentum till my heart is inclined to love as You love, till it’s every tendency is bent on compassion and no struggle or tempest can turn back the tide of this love’s inertial force.
Father,
I recognize that the source of this love is not from within me
I understand how easily my own intention is turned back by trouble, confusion and apathy
I believe that from the smallest beginnings, despite weakness and uncertainty,
You can grow great things.
Create, where it would not otherwise be, that same heart that is in Christ Jesus
And in Your mercy, grant that it would guide me, move me, and change me.
by
Matt LaCour on Wednesday September 23, 2009
It has been exciting for me to experence some rain in Austin.It has been years since it has rained this much.With the new season of weather we are excited about the new season God is bringing Austin into.At AHOP we feel encouraged and renewed in our pursuit of God.We also feel like there are new things going on in our ministry.
AHOP is looking for a permanent home.A place for us to work and live together as a community.The youth ministry is also growing as we pursue reaching youth throughout the city.This weekend we had a group of youth pastors come to AHOP to meet and talk about how we can all work together to reach the youth of Austin.We committed to 4 things.1.Have an annual youth pastor prayer retreat where we can come together prayer and plan how to reach the youth of Austin.2. Have an annual youth prayer rally where youth from around the city can come prayer and meet each other.3.Havemonthly prayer and fellowship times around the city for youth pastors.4.Start encouraging youth prayer meetings at high school all over Austin.
New things are coming in Austin and we are excited.But also reslute to pursue the heart of God.
by
Thomas on Wednesday September 16, 2009
This Saturday culminates months of God's activity to connect youth pastors. AHOP has a vision of a movement of youth pastors in Austin similar to what's happening on the UT campus with college ministers -- collaboration, united prayer, and vision for reaching the seekers. On Saturday, youth pastors from around the city will meet at the Seabrook Center from 10am - 2pm to pray together, and decide on initiatives to pursue in a united fashion. Let's be praying for God to do a mighty work in our high schools and among our youth pastors .... and stay tuned for the results of the meeting!
Grace to you from Jesus,
Thomas
...playful