We are going east

      I was going through some of my old website links and found my old myspace account. That season feels so long ago. I miss it. It's like an old bedroom that's been untouched with dusty shelves and pictures of what used to be. The anointing from those times still lingers when I go through old revelations, dreams, music, words of encouragement etc.
      My husband and I have been through so much. So much has changed. It's been really hard emotionally and spiritually. Though we still pursue God's presence and have an intimate relationship with God, it's not the same as it used to be. We have been shaken quite a bit and still haven't found that spiritual solid ground within the church. Who knows if we will ever return. We know God is pushing us to start an in house bible study fellowship. Many upon hearing that we may open our home up have already let us know they would want to come. The need is great. But will that turn into our full time church? We aren't sure yet. We'd like to join a church again, but we are so raw and broken. Many don't know all we've been through, we are pretty private when it comes to that. We don't want to discourage anyone with our brokenness.You'd think the Lord is preparing us for something bigger? I mean, we've never had a normal church experience, even in our youth. It's like He didn't want to wait and teach us these lesson gradually. We learned them fast and early.
      The Lord did give me a dream where we wanted to go west, but He blocked it and held up a sign  that pointed and said "EAST".  He wants us to go East the direction of the sunrise. It's a new day. A new season. The past is behind us. We have tremendous hope for tomorrow.
      I know the fire that once was ablaze will reignite again with the same strength as before. Seasons change and relationships change, the same goes with our relationship with God. But He is faithful to carry us through those times. That's why I'm not worried. I trust Him with our brokenness. He's been our strong tower.These years of bumpiness will prove to be the greatest spiritual muscle pumping workouts ever. The wind pushing against us will soon be the wind blowing us forward.

It still only takes ONE

     You are never too far gone, neither are your friends or loved ones. Sometimes when we feel we've strayed miles from God it can be overwhelming, "How do I get back?" or when we see our loved ones drifting farther and farther away from God it breaks our heart, "is it too late?" Without realizing it we have made "returning" to God something confusing - like a maze.

      Think about weight loss. People often say, "You didn't gain it overnight, so don't expect to drop the weight over night." or " It's much harder to lose it than to gain it." We carry this sort of mentality into all areas of our life. As if returning to something healthy, productive and fruitful is harder than slipping and will require days, months, years of striving.

        Thankfully God is not like this, so let's make sure we don't unknowingly make the road of return harder than it is. "No matter how many steps you take away from God, it still only takes ONE to get back."

      I'm constantly being made aware of how easily we assume God's relationship with us is like our relationship with other people. I mean, in a sense it is, but it's holy. God's not dysfunctional, hurtful, spiteful etc. He is good. And He does not require all the hoop jumping most of us knowingly and unknowing require in our relationships. In a sense He's easy going. He wants intimacy with us and is constantly beckoning us and chasing us down even in our running.

       If God stood still and let us run, then when we turned around to finally return, we'd have a long road to travel. But I believe God is chasing us and is right on our heels. So when we turn, BAM, He is right there in our face to embrace  us.

      Running from God and rebelling has many roads and consists of many steps, but no matter how many steps in the wrong direction we take, it still only takes one step to return. So don't allow the road of return intimidate you and postpone your repentance. He's only one step away.

Just One Drop by Jonathan Helser

When I look back at my spiritual journey there are certain things that stand out to me, things that changed my walk with God forever. One of those seasons is when I discovered Jason Upton and Jonathan David Helser. I'm so thankful God crossed my path with their ministries many years ago. If I used only one word to describe their music and ministry it would be: intimacy. If you don't have an intimate relationship with God, or if you desire more intimacy I encourage you to check out Jonathan's music ministry.

Voices & Echoes

"God's raising up voices not echoes" - Perry Stone

     More and more people are beginning to speak up about copy cat messages. One man even compared it to a radio station wearing out a song (perfect example). It seems God's speaking to many about this. He's spoken to me about it and I've often tweeted about it and encouraged others to spend time with God,listen for His voice, engage with Him, don't merely copy someones message. Develop a deeper relationship with God and allow Him to put a message in you.

       Today I heard a quote by Perry Stone, "God's raising up voices not echoes." This is exactly what the Holy Spirits been telling me and many others. The problem with this is that some think if you repeat what someone else has said you're echoing/copying them. This is not true. How many times has God spoken to you about something, then when you went to church the pastor is speaking on the same issue? Why is that? Is the pastor copying you? Are you copying the pastor? No. You're simply tuned into the same God. You are both filled with the same spirit, the Holy Spirit. 

        So, this got me thinking. What makes one a voice, and one an echo or copy cat? The difference between a voice and an echo is not a matter of content but source. Echoes copy and study other people. Voices spend time with God. The key is always source over content. This means voices may share messages without meaning to because they are spending time with the same God. But the source of the content is always God, not man.

     I know that when God inspired me with the title of my 2nd devotional several years earlier I had no clue so many things about "light" would be released in movies, books and music. To me it's confirmation that I'm on point with what I'm hearing from Him. That's one of the beauties of us tuning into Him. On the other hand, echoes see that there is a repeated theme being released and jump on board simply to be relevant and take part in what's happening, not because God filled their spirit with that message. 

Big difference.

In the middle of nowhere

    

         We can search, keep ourselves busy, and continually climb the world's ladder of promotion and still not know what God's put us here to do. Yet, time and time again I hear testimonies of people who were laid off, kicked out, and forgotten about one way or another. Having no next step planned their weary hearts roam in loneliness and despair. It's there they say they eventually discovered their purpose. A whole new road opened up to them.

        They didn't find what they were looking for at their job, in promotions, pay raises, big houses, new cars or friends. They found it when they felt forsaken by all else. I think my testimony is somewhat the same. In the middle of nowhere, we find our true selves. The person God created us to be.     

         I encourage you not give up if you feel dumped in the middle of nowhere. It's weird how this happens. Some situations feel as if people literally pull over, open the door, and kick us out without notice. That's happened to me. Emotionally shaken we look like lost puppies not knowing which way to go. Other times we follow God and the road literally leads to the desert, but why? It doesn't matter how you ended up in "nowhere", what's important to remember is it's there where some of God's most amazing treasures are hidden. Trust Him. Know He's trying to do a work in you. He's on your side.

          If you allow brokenness to run it's course, you will look back and rejoice. "Nowhere" will prove to be the best place you've ever visited. Brokenness can be our friend if we let it work and we don't run from it or self medicate it away.  Sometimes it's in the middle of nowhere that God chooses to wait for us. When we lay all we are down, all we have, our hopes and dreams and look to Him, that's when we find what we need.

Nowhere may prove to be somewhere life changing.

Great love

Angie!

         Do you watch American Idol? Wowzers! If you haven't heard Angie's original song check it out.

             Powerful, right? Look at the judges faces. The hit you feel when she opens her mouth is the the Holy Spirit.  And the judges were receptive to it. You'd think Angie would recognize her gift. She is a worshiper, and her voice is created to bring glory to Him. She may not want to sing worship songs, but she should defiantly stay within the Christian genera. Her voice brings healing to people and carries a spiritual weight.  

        Yet, as the competition rolls forward it seems she would rather be a sexy secular artist? Flash back to Katy Perry's beginnings? I hope not! I'm trying to believe the best, that maybe the American Idol producers are controlling her a bit and giving her bad advice? Or maybe she's not much of a leader and living in a house with the other contestants is rattling her a bit since she is without her spiritual support system? Maybe it's a character issue? Only God and Angie know what's going on. I'm personally tired of seeing spiritually gifted people throw it away for sex, money and fame. It's seducing and many fall prey to it.

        The goodness of God keeps chasing her down though. I wish I could find clips of each example to show you. You know God is desperately trying to get your attention and speak to you when Nicki Minaj (of all people) is telling you to stop being sexy and to go back to the way you were because she liked it. Wow! God can speak through anyone. These walls keep rising up to block her from traveling the road of compromise. I pray she sees and heeds these road blocks. God disciplines those He loves. It's His love trying to direct her steps.

           Angie you have the ability to reach people others may not. You have influence with and respect from secular artists. They actually enjoy and beg you to worship without even knowing it. Every song they praise you on is a worship song at the piano. Give them Jesus, they are begging for it. The raw passion they speak of is the Holy Spirit you gave them in the beginning. You have an open door to minister to a unique audience if you will take it and keep your eyes on Jesus. We are praying for you Angie, that you would walk the holy road He's paved for you.

         I ask other Christians to pray for her during this time as well. Whether she wins American Idol or not, her music career is bound to take off and she will be tempted to use her gifts in all sorts of ways. Pray she is sensitive to His voice during this vulnerable transition time. I've seen many Godly people sell-out during this time. I pray Godly women in the industry will scoop her up quickly.

Jason Upton- 2012 Winter Jam

Obedience, success or both

         Is it possible to be in God's will and not be "successful" as the world labels success? Yes! We must do what God asked us to do even if that means walking alone. As it's commonly known, "What's popular is not always right, and what's right is not always popular." We can't determine whether or not we obey God based on people's applause. What if we never get man's approval? Are we never to obey God? Will we stand before God or man on judgment day? It's in our best interest to obey God.
        Often times people become insecure when they move into what God's asked them to do and they find no one cheering them on. They think because they are obeying God that man will rejoice, but this is faulty thinking. Many times the opposite is true. We must remember this, lest we hand our baton to the next runner to finish our race.
       I believe God will make a way for us to accomplish His will for our lives. This does not mean that man will make a way for us or even celebrate us. For some reason in America we are hooked on being famous. Our goal even in the church seems to be becoming famous. If God's will for us does not lead to fame we pout, have a pity party and even throw in the towel. And yet, there are people all over the world doing spiritually important things and we will never know their names or see their faces.
       If your ideas of success means "fame" then you may miss out of God's will for your life and the role He's planned you to play in this world. Only a select few become famous. This does not mean they are better Christians or more loved by God. It's simply the path He's chosen for them. And I bet many who are famous will attest, it come with a price too. It's not always so glamorous. There is stress, heartache and struggles.
       The point is, obey God, and leave the ending to Him. If He takes you down a road of popularity, great. But if He takes you down a quiet back road that no one knows about that's great too. Our main goal should be maintaining intimacy with Him. Everything else is minor.

Sex, Love and Fairytales

Books, books and more books

     What's next? I have many books I'm working on. Several in their infancy, others several years old. I find myself jumping around depending one what inspirational wave I'm riding on each day. I have two published discipleship devotionals that contain short, quick-read articles. I love quick- reads.
     Most people don't read and wont spend money on books unless it's Harry Potter, Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey. I'm the same way, though I don't read any of those book, I'd rather spend my time reading my Bible or something about prophetic ministry, dreams or the Holy Spirit.
     My point is, nothing is more annoying than getting a five page long devotional in your inbox. Who has time for that? I love that my devotionals are quick and to the point. I even read that making paragraphs shorter helps the reader to read more quickly and gives them a sense of accomplishment, which encourages them to keep reading. They may feel less overwhelmed when seeing a page of words when it's broken down into shorter paragraphs. I always take this into account in my books. I even had a dream that I was to write short articles like this. Very encouraging!
       I have a third devotional in the works. I'll eventually join all my devos together and form a year long devotional. I'm also working on several non-devotional books, but those take time and much more studying. The time of their release is in God's hands. As we know, He has a time for everything and He will not be rushed nor held back. There is peace knowing this.
         So, that's what's next. If you haven't read my devotionals you can purchase them on my personal website http://www.AmberRoseNewman.com . They've gotten a lot of good reviews, and are great for new Christians, and those wanting to grow.

Forgivness

   The more I grow and interact with the world around me, the more clearly I see how forgiveness is the key to everything. Some of us are easy going, others of us are extroverted or introverted, some of us live life with hidden rules others have to abide to be in our good graces, others of us have no rules at all etc. We are all different. Not only are we different but some of us live out of opposite extremes - we are an ocean apart. Yet, God placed us all here and now. He expects us to get along and love each other anyway.

I forgive you:
for not understanding me
for offending me
for being different
for living life in a way I dislike
for using words I'd never use
for having those friends
for watching those shows and listening to that music
for going to that church
for having a different personality
for blah, blah, blah,
And the other person is saying, "Yea and I forgive you for being offended by all those things." (ha-ha)

      We build walls over stupid issues, yet important (important only because we allow them to get in the way). Even though life is not about us, we tend to hold resentment over the most self absorbed things, like, "We don't click." Forgiveness is key. Many times we use these petty offenses to righteously justify our distance with some people. But there is nothing that "righteously justifies" shutting people out of our lives. Again, forgiveness is key.
      Ask God to reveal to you who you've shut out, lifted your nose too, ignored and felt justified about doing it? Then once God gives you their face, ask Him to show you what is it about them that's caused you to be cold. After that I challenge you to forgive them. Let them off the hook. See them with fresh eyes.We need to look a little deeper within and pay attention as to why we build these invisible walls if we are ever to mature into spiritually healthy vessels God can use. Some of the ones that need our love the most are the ones we are shutting out.
        Maybe just maybe the enemy has planned the whole thing, so the two of you wouldn't connect, because he's looked ahead and sees you could do great things together. You never know.

Light my fire

      When we are on fire we help others catch fire. Have you ever felt defeated? When I'm feeling defeated the best remedy is to find someone who is on fire. Just as a lit match can light a candle wick, so we are to one another.

Discount: New Book

Until April 12th you can get $5 off my new book, "Living As Children of Light" by entering discount code "S2WF4M47" when checking out. http://www.AmberRoseNewman.com/

Worthy of Affection

Love endures long

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 AMP

Discouragement

   Discouragement. We all experience it. But when we have a relationship with Jesus, the King of Kings He knows exactly how to encourage us. For me, God always sings a song to me. Either as I sleep a song plays over and over, or when I wake up a song comes to me, or in prayer one bubbles us and the lyrics always blow my mind because they hit perfectly.
     Well last night my hubs dreamed my eyes were candles and he kept trying to light them but my tears kept turning them off. I prayed about his dream and "Light in Your eyes"  by LeAnn Rimes began playing in my spirit. Seriously, only GOD knows our hearts and ALWAYS has the perfect words. There is so much comfort knowing God sees me and knows me like no one else. He's such a great father, an amazing King and I will worship Him all my days. 

High School Roles

       I've spend years in church and what I've learned is that the role you had in High School will probably be the same social group you will be drawn to in life, including church. You may not believe me but ask those you consider friends in church. I bet they were in the same group you were in while in High School or reflect your same experience.
        Were you popular? I bet your buddies in church were too. Ask! All the popular people still have the same personality and are still drawn to each other, and acting just as preppy as ever. I'm not saying they are mean, I'm just saying it's the same. The same thing goes with everyone else. This is why there is such a cast system in church. This is why I was drawn to psychology and sociology. I see things differently. I notice things like this. I'm not being judgmental in my blogs. I shed light on these things in hopes that unity will prevail.
         Many times we don't know why we don't click with someone or why we are drawn to others. I'm speaking for myself as well. I was not "popular". I've always had a unique group of friends. I hung out with a little bit of everyone, but never really clicked with the "popular" people. I found myself not clicking with certain people at church and didn't know why. But then I realized who they were. They were the "popular" kids. The personality is still the same. When I realized what it was I was able to change and try and stretch myself for the sake of unity. It's not that anything was wrong with them or me. We just didn't click. We could both mature and grow in areas to help unity.
           Maybe you are "popular" and don't know why you don't click with someone. Well I'm telling you, it's probably because they fall into a different group which is most easily seen in high school where the cast system is more accepted, easily seen and less taboo. You see, in High School the group you fall into is more obviously because jocks have jackets, band people carry their instruments to and from school, cheerleaders wear their outfits and so forth, gothic kids wear black, rockers have the chains and spikes etc. Who we were was more clearly seen outwardly. As we get older most of us all begin looking the same for the most part, but our hearts, our personalities are still in those groups.
          I remember this one lady snubbed me at church. It was odd. I was like "okay?  You work with me!" She was nice but as I got to know her I realized she was a "popular girl". She's a grown women and yet still carries that with her. I could say hi to her but she was not going to address me first. She was drawn to the fashion forward, yuppy and those who were just as desperate to keep and maintain popularity. All her friends in church, her group, were all the popular kids in school too. Interesting, right? My tone in this blog is not one of judgment but fascination, so please don't read me wrong.
         There are these unseen social groups we fall into that stop us from truly embracing and loving each other the way we could if we recognized them. Who we were in high school is usually the social group we will fall into as an adult. As a church, though, we should work at ripping those walls down so we can all love each other better. That means dropping our prejudices and allowing people to be who they are and loving them anyway. The only one who knows our heart is God and ourselves. Lets take an honest look and ask what part we can play to promote unity.
         For me I had/have to stop the knee jerk/eye roll reaction I have to a preppy personality. I'm being honest. Many times we do  this to people without realizing it because we've done it so long. The hardest part is being honest with ourselves, after that it's easy. I know you just like me want to love people well. We only need to see what's hindering us and move it out of the way. :-)

Leaving Church?

     Before reading this please read the blog I posted before this one. It's a link to an article from Charisma.
       Now since you've read the article lets move forward to my blog and thoughts. I love this article. It's my hubs and my heart. The Lord asked us to start a bible study in our home for this reason. So many loving people who are discouraged about church (building) but still want fellowship - a safe place to share life with other believers.
       It's easy to demonize those who leave church but it's not an accurate view of those who leave. Many are God fearing and loyally in love with Jesus. Plus, demonizing them and calling them names is only going to push those who left farther away, proving in their minds/hearts why their leaving to begin with. 
     A few people commented on this article on Facebook saying those who left must not know Jesus or they must be focusing on the perfection of the pastor and not on Jesus and etc. But I don't think this is the case. Many I've talked to are discouraged about the people in church. They can't connect or break through. The New Testament is full of wisdom on how to get along and grow a thriving community of faith but you hardly hear pastors teaching on it. The apostles were no stranger to this. Much of the New Testament we read about them teaching people how to get along. It seems in today's church the normal people are leaving because of the misbehavior and unbalanced behavior of those within that never get corrected because everyone else is suppose to get over it. But the apostles did not have this attitude. So why do some of today's apostles exhibit this "toughen up" solution?
       Anywhere you have a group of people there will be issues because we are all different, but the key is allowing people to be open and honest so peace can be made. All to often people leave because they didn't feel safe enough to express their hurt either because of a lack of intimacy or a "get over it attitude" by those in the church. Unresolved issues cause people to pack up. Maybe the church is more focused on numbers and fame then on really touching people's lives and getting their hands dirty? If we are to help people and promote and thriving church fellowship our hands will have to get dirty sometimes.
        The bible says if we put in the work we will reap the benefits of a thriving community within our churches. But anytime someone mentions something that's tripping up the ultimate goal of unity they are told to toughen up, get over it and then they are isolated... so they leave. It's almost as if having a fake image of unity is more accepted then truly working toward the real thing. 
        People go to church for fellowship, family and connection and when they are lonely they won't stay. Church goers will say, "You have to go to church, you need accountability and relationship etc" but those who left are like, " I never got any of that at church just more rejection. What are you talking about?" You're either in or your out. Those who are in don't understand why those who are out feel the way they do and vise versa. The experience is quite different depending if your in or out. For this reason we can't be judgmental about people's experiences because each can be true at the same time.
       Sadly all to often if you are out and end up leaving you are then called rebellious. Rebellious is a word used to control those who don't fit our agenda. Many are tired of the social games, cliques, agendas.. and they simply want Jesus. How is this rebellious? I believe these small home churches the article mentions are God sent. I call them safe houses. They gather those who have been scattered and help heal their wounds.
       Another issues that's causing people to leave is charismatic abuse. I've heard so many heart breaking stories, experienced some and witnessed some. It's really turned us off from many charismatic places, which is unfortunate. I am spirit filled, but someone of the forcefulness of the charismatic movement has traumatized many including myself. That's why I believe my hubs and I would provide a safe place for fellowship within our home because we know what it's like on the other end.
    It's not surprising that within the comments the article received on Facebook how the attitude many face within the church surfaced. We express hurt and open our hearts about what's pushing us away and some still comment with flip quick remarks like, "Here's a simple solution: follow Christ.." Most people in church know to follow Christ and to look at Jesus. To say this simply proves that some don't want to be bothered. They are satisfied and don't want anyone messing up their perfect experience. The truth is as the article mentions this is a huge issue and many are leaving the church (building). Obviously, the flip remarks and the "just get over it attitude" is not a solution. Another poster said about those leaving church, "Perhaps, it is because the people in question are not truly Christian."  and a lady responded, "Not necessarily true. I have left church but not God. The churches I have attended are either dead and irrelevant, or too crazy charasmatic. Real bible teaching is practically non-existent. Fellowship...what fellowship! I've attended church (several different ones) for over 10 years and have no one in any of those churches I am in contact with. Cliques and groups rule. Not interested." I'd have to agree with the ladies response. How are we going to again demonize those who leave by saying they are not Christians? Instead we should look in the mirror and ask why are they leaving? Switching churches is hard, it's not fun. If people are leaving there are reasons. It would be wise to listen to those reasons, pray about them and see if God would have a solution or better way for us next time.
    Several people who commented got it right, in my opinion. They said, "Are they really leaving the Church? Or are they leaving traditional religion, manipulating organizations in search of a deeper truer relationship with God. Some are being called into "New wineskins." and " I think the heart of the article is not that people are leaving "church" but many are 'becomeing the Church" more in small simple fellowships then in big buildings... more like the original "Church"...
      I don't want anyone who reads this to think I'm against church (building) because that's not true. Even in our Bible studies I'll always encourage people to find a church or be faithful at the churches they are in. There are lots of great churches out there but no perfect church. Remember churches are hospitals for the hurting and everyone is welcome, therefore you will not always have the experience you hope for all the time. The key is having leadership that addresses issues, builds bridges and creates an atmosphere were hurt is safe to expose and be healed. The question is not if you will get hurt it's when. And when you do does your church promote healing,forgiveness and unity? Or does it sweep it under the rug, tell you to toughen up, and act careless to things hindering fellowship?

Why Are So Many Christians Quitting Church?

Why Are So Many Christians Quitting Church?