It's quite amazing how many things you learn in FLAME. Not only are we blessed with the Spirit pouring out during morning worship time and prayer, but throughout the day.
As classes progress the Holy Spirit moves us with the truth. You become so focused and absorbed in the teachings that it seems the outside world disappears for a time. What a blessing it is to be able to attend the FLAME classes!
To also be able to connect with your fellow students on both personal and learning levels is wonderful. You are honored to see the movement of the Spirit within your fellow students and you experience such a close connection with them that you begin to establish lifelong connections.
How great our Lord is!!!! All praise and glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
The past few weeks have been a challenge. Some of the things that come up in Ministry are quite difficult to wrap our brains around. It is unbelievable the things that people will do to one another. In the past 5 weeks I have worked 12 to 15 hour days every day except for 2 days.
I just got back from Pennsylvania from my FLAME classes. Wow, what a week and a half! Just to give you an example of one day: Rise at 5:00 a.m. and have my private time with my Lord, get ready for the day, arrive at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast, 8:00 time for worship and prayer, 9:00 start classes, 12:45 break for lunch, classes end at 5:45 p.m., then dinner together until 6:45 p.m. Almost everyday we had to meet afterwards to work on our project until 8:00 p.m. or so.
Whew! They were long days, but so full of fellowship and learning about God's Word that they flew! Each day had an amazing revelation! We had a wonderful professor - Pat Bennett - thanks to him for his guidance in teaching us the deeper meanings to be found throughout the Bible.
I drove to PA alone and will not make that mistake twice. That is a brutal drive. It is 19 hours one way and the second day coming back I drove for 15 hours straight. Believe me, I am truly regretting it!
Yet, even in the midst of my body telling me that it hates me, I walk on faithfully to do my Lord's work. I still feel brain dead but the Lord fills my heart and soul with the desire and yearning to do His work. I'll just have to let the Holy Spirit do all the talking until I get my brain back - ok, so even then I need to just let go and let the Holy Spirit be in control.
It's difficult at times to relinquish control. We are wired to analyze and hold on to the reins, or so it seems. And yet, are we? God created us. Satan tries to control us, or convinces us to try to control our own lives. When does it become to much for us to handle? How much easier would it be to just step back and let our Lord and Savior take over? I know from experience that when I try to control my life it just seems to get further out of control. Yet every time I finally give it up to God, my life seems to settle down, I have peace. Seems like an easy decision, doesn't it?
Happy moments - Praise God
Difficult moments - Seek God
Quiet moments - Worship God
Painful moments - Trust God
Every moment - Thank God
I just got back from Pennsylvania from my FLAME classes. Wow, what a week and a half! Just to give you an example of one day: Rise at 5:00 a.m. and have my private time with my Lord, get ready for the day, arrive at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast, 8:00 time for worship and prayer, 9:00 start classes, 12:45 break for lunch, classes end at 5:45 p.m., then dinner together until 6:45 p.m. Almost everyday we had to meet afterwards to work on our project until 8:00 p.m. or so.
Whew! They were long days, but so full of fellowship and learning about God's Word that they flew! Each day had an amazing revelation! We had a wonderful professor - Pat Bennett - thanks to him for his guidance in teaching us the deeper meanings to be found throughout the Bible.
I drove to PA alone and will not make that mistake twice. That is a brutal drive. It is 19 hours one way and the second day coming back I drove for 15 hours straight. Believe me, I am truly regretting it!
Yet, even in the midst of my body telling me that it hates me, I walk on faithfully to do my Lord's work. I still feel brain dead but the Lord fills my heart and soul with the desire and yearning to do His work. I'll just have to let the Holy Spirit do all the talking until I get my brain back - ok, so even then I need to just let go and let the Holy Spirit be in control.
It's difficult at times to relinquish control. We are wired to analyze and hold on to the reins, or so it seems. And yet, are we? God created us. Satan tries to control us, or convinces us to try to control our own lives. When does it become to much for us to handle? How much easier would it be to just step back and let our Lord and Savior take over? I know from experience that when I try to control my life it just seems to get further out of control. Yet every time I finally give it up to God, my life seems to settle down, I have peace. Seems like an easy decision, doesn't it?
Happy moments - Praise God
Difficult moments - Seek God
Quiet moments - Worship God
Painful moments - Trust God
Every moment - Thank God
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Loving it Insanity
Okay, so you know how you sometimes commit to something and you're loving it - and yet you then take on a huge project which sounds so great but then you're halfway through and you realize that you really are insane for doing it? Yeah, okay that sounds pretty confusing but here's what's going on.....
First of all - I recommend that if you are going to take the FLAME courses do not try to schedule them all into your own neat little box. If you try this you will find out quite quickly that all your plans will go awry. Please take your time and understand that God's perfect plan for you is in place regardless of how quickly you feel you need to do everything. ** Yes, I plan to keep coming back and reading this myself **
I have the following classes that I'm in the midst of -
Evangelism and Church Health - have approximately 60 more hours of work to do prior to May 15.
Christian Education - have approximately 20 more hours of work to do prior to May 18.
Bible Study Methods - have to do my final project - an inductive study of John 13-16 - approximately 4 hours of work, but very intense.
Pre-course work for April classes - Read through most of the Old and New Testament and do the complete study guides for both. This requires at least 3-4 hours a day.
NOW HERE'S THE INSANITY PART - I decided to remodel my bathroom during all of this! Yep, I truly do think I've lost my mind. Even though I have a wonderful contractor doing it - Joe Yoder, Y-K Construction in Hayward - I still get to deal with everything that's going on.
And of course because that is not enough for SUPERWOMAN - I have also had a 21 year old that I hired to do yard work and clean up, another guy who is cutting down trees in the yard, and another guy who is painting my living room (requiring me to get everything out of the living room, hereby restricting me to a tiny space in my kitchen). TA-DUMMMMMMM - See I told you - SUPERWOMAN!
Oops - and everything else going on at the Church with Benevolence and many other things.
Here's the question of the day - How many hours are in a day????
So again - I'm Loving it / Insanity......
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ok - so 2 out of 3 isn't so bad....LOL.......
First of all - I recommend that if you are going to take the FLAME courses do not try to schedule them all into your own neat little box. If you try this you will find out quite quickly that all your plans will go awry. Please take your time and understand that God's perfect plan for you is in place regardless of how quickly you feel you need to do everything. ** Yes, I plan to keep coming back and reading this myself **
I have the following classes that I'm in the midst of -
Evangelism and Church Health - have approximately 60 more hours of work to do prior to May 15.
Christian Education - have approximately 20 more hours of work to do prior to May 18.
Bible Study Methods - have to do my final project - an inductive study of John 13-16 - approximately 4 hours of work, but very intense.
Pre-course work for April classes - Read through most of the Old and New Testament and do the complete study guides for both. This requires at least 3-4 hours a day.
NOW HERE'S THE INSANITY PART - I decided to remodel my bathroom during all of this! Yep, I truly do think I've lost my mind. Even though I have a wonderful contractor doing it - Joe Yoder, Y-K Construction in Hayward - I still get to deal with everything that's going on.
And of course because that is not enough for SUPERWOMAN - I have also had a 21 year old that I hired to do yard work and clean up, another guy who is cutting down trees in the yard, and another guy who is painting my living room (requiring me to get everything out of the living room, hereby restricting me to a tiny space in my kitchen). TA-DUMMMMMMM - See I told you - SUPERWOMAN!
Oops - and everything else going on at the Church with Benevolence and many other things.
Here's the question of the day - How many hours are in a day????
So again - I'm Loving it / Insanity......
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Ok - so 2 out of 3 isn't so bad....LOL.......
Friday, March 19, 2010
A new day
It is a new day! Praise God for every beautiful day we have here on this planet He created just for us!
It was difficult transitioning back into everyday life after I returned from attending my ministry classes. You feel lost, like something is missing. It actually took a few days to feel like I was home again. It's hard to explain, but anyone who has taken FLAME classes understands what I mean.
I have my next week of classes coming up at the end of April. I decided to go forward and take the classes even though my pre-class work load is outrageous. I'll have to step back from doing some things that I might have taken on, but I truly feel that God is leading me forward in this.
The last three days have been very hectic in trying to get studying done. I have had many appointments at the Church and am trying to keep up with phone calls, meetings, etc. - and then of course, making time for my dog and enjoying this stunning weather.
I'm also trying to get moving again and get the rest of this weight off. My goal is to do a few 5k's this summer. I have to lose about 15 pounds before I would feel comfortable and know that I won't harm myself. This will require doing at least 25-30 miles a week to get to the fitness level I need to be at.
I'm currently reading Exodus and "discovered" the following:
Exodus 13:16 - And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with His mighty hand.
now take a look at Revelation 14:1 - Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
(Praise God - and there before me was the Lamb! - Come Lord Jesus, Come!!!!)
Also see, Revelation 14:9 - A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives the mark on the forehead or on the hand, he too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath."
May God bless you!
Your Sister in Christ,
Margaret
It was difficult transitioning back into everyday life after I returned from attending my ministry classes. You feel lost, like something is missing. It actually took a few days to feel like I was home again. It's hard to explain, but anyone who has taken FLAME classes understands what I mean.
I have my next week of classes coming up at the end of April. I decided to go forward and take the classes even though my pre-class work load is outrageous. I'll have to step back from doing some things that I might have taken on, but I truly feel that God is leading me forward in this.
The last three days have been very hectic in trying to get studying done. I have had many appointments at the Church and am trying to keep up with phone calls, meetings, etc. - and then of course, making time for my dog and enjoying this stunning weather.
I'm also trying to get moving again and get the rest of this weight off. My goal is to do a few 5k's this summer. I have to lose about 15 pounds before I would feel comfortable and know that I won't harm myself. This will require doing at least 25-30 miles a week to get to the fitness level I need to be at.
I'm currently reading Exodus and "discovered" the following:
Exodus 13:16 - And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the Lord brought us out of Egypt with His mighty hand.
now take a look at Revelation 14:1 - Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.
(Praise God - and there before me was the Lamb! - Come Lord Jesus, Come!!!!)
Also see, Revelation 14:9 - A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives the mark on the forehead or on the hand, he too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath."
May God bless you!
Your Sister in Christ,
Margaret
Monday, March 15, 2010
First FLAME Classes
Wow - what a week! I can't begin to say how much my soul was touched by God!
Drove a total of 1,343 miles during the course of the week. The shortest day of classes was 12 hours, with the longest being 15 1/2 hours. Lots of prayer, and God providing His amazing strength, kept me going.
I can't begin to say how powerful it was to attend FLAME classes. I have taken 2 correspondence classes and have learned quite a bit, but nothing compares to attending FLAME classes on-site.
Every day begins with worship and praise with fellow ministerial students. There is no pretense, no caring about appearances - just praising God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength! Many were crying due to the Holy Spirit moving through the room, people falling to their knees or not being able to stand up from their chairs. You felt God so strongly in the room and you knew He was touching you deeply.
After praise and worship we went to prayer groups. In my group we had 9 ladies. The first day, due to not knowing each other, it was a little restrained. But believe me, by the end of the week we were hugging each other through prayer, and truly, deeply praying and loving each other with everything we had.
Wednesday night was a night I won't forget. We had a special communion service. God moved His mighty hand and the Holy Spirit was ablaze in the room. I sit here trying to type this with tears streaming down my face as I recall that night. When the bread was broken and the wine poured out for our Lord's forgiveness I broke down. Many of us could not even go up for a while, and even then you couldn't stand. I can't begin to say the full extent of this service.
I had two classes - the first part of the week was Bible Study Methods and the second half was Church Leadership. I was blessed with 2 wonderful Professors - both who truly loved to teach and open us to the passion they felt.
I loved Inductive Bible Study! How amazing to discover so much more in the Bible! I was actually impatient to return home and start studying my Bible this way. I would love to teach others how to do this type of studying.
Church Leadership opened my eyes. I never really thought of all the things you need to do. I've always been talented in management. Now I've learned that management is one thing - leadership is all together different. I can't thank Professor John Vernon enough for his teachings! What a wonderful teacher!
And then there was the food!!! Wow - if you could have seen the spread the wonderful, gifted brothers and sisters in the kitchen prepared for us each day! I can't begin to thank them enough for the wonderful food, the selections and then of course, the snacks throughout the day! It's going to take me a week to burn everything off.
I truly believe that everyone who takes FLAME should be required to take at least half of their Ministry classes in person. Your heart and soul are touched on so many levels!
May God Bless each and every one of you!
Drove a total of 1,343 miles during the course of the week. The shortest day of classes was 12 hours, with the longest being 15 1/2 hours. Lots of prayer, and God providing His amazing strength, kept me going.
I can't begin to say how powerful it was to attend FLAME classes. I have taken 2 correspondence classes and have learned quite a bit, but nothing compares to attending FLAME classes on-site.
Every day begins with worship and praise with fellow ministerial students. There is no pretense, no caring about appearances - just praising God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength! Many were crying due to the Holy Spirit moving through the room, people falling to their knees or not being able to stand up from their chairs. You felt God so strongly in the room and you knew He was touching you deeply.
After praise and worship we went to prayer groups. In my group we had 9 ladies. The first day, due to not knowing each other, it was a little restrained. But believe me, by the end of the week we were hugging each other through prayer, and truly, deeply praying and loving each other with everything we had.
Wednesday night was a night I won't forget. We had a special communion service. God moved His mighty hand and the Holy Spirit was ablaze in the room. I sit here trying to type this with tears streaming down my face as I recall that night. When the bread was broken and the wine poured out for our Lord's forgiveness I broke down. Many of us could not even go up for a while, and even then you couldn't stand. I can't begin to say the full extent of this service.
I had two classes - the first part of the week was Bible Study Methods and the second half was Church Leadership. I was blessed with 2 wonderful Professors - both who truly loved to teach and open us to the passion they felt.
I loved Inductive Bible Study! How amazing to discover so much more in the Bible! I was actually impatient to return home and start studying my Bible this way. I would love to teach others how to do this type of studying.
Church Leadership opened my eyes. I never really thought of all the things you need to do. I've always been talented in management. Now I've learned that management is one thing - leadership is all together different. I can't thank Professor John Vernon enough for his teachings! What a wonderful teacher!
And then there was the food!!! Wow - if you could have seen the spread the wonderful, gifted brothers and sisters in the kitchen prepared for us each day! I can't begin to thank them enough for the wonderful food, the selections and then of course, the snacks throughout the day! It's going to take me a week to burn everything off.
I truly believe that everyone who takes FLAME should be required to take at least half of their Ministry classes in person. Your heart and soul are touched on so many levels!
May God Bless each and every one of you!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Off to FLAME Classes
Good morning everyone! Saturday I leave for my first FLAME classes (besides the correspondence classes I'm taking).
Just to give you an idea of the intensity of the class schedule:
I had to read a book a week and write a paper on 3 out of the 4 of them.
Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday thru Friday. On Wednesday night there is a special communion service at 6:45 (this means a 12 hour day). We can only hope that our teachers do not give us homework for that night.
The first day of class we are tested on our knowledge retained of the books we read.
Wow - it's going to be a busy week!
Please keep me in your prayers during this week. Most of you do not know this but I have a spinal disability. Please pray that my back will hold up this week! If I don't attend all the classes I don't pass. I'm walking forward with full faith in God that He will sustain and strengthen me as He always does. Let His perfect will be done!
I'll be writing an overview of everything upon my return. May God Bless each and every one of you! In the Holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - onward Christian Soldiers!
Just to give you an idea of the intensity of the class schedule:
I had to read a book a week and write a paper on 3 out of the 4 of them.
Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday thru Friday. On Wednesday night there is a special communion service at 6:45 (this means a 12 hour day). We can only hope that our teachers do not give us homework for that night.
The first day of class we are tested on our knowledge retained of the books we read.
Wow - it's going to be a busy week!
Please keep me in your prayers during this week. Most of you do not know this but I have a spinal disability. Please pray that my back will hold up this week! If I don't attend all the classes I don't pass. I'm walking forward with full faith in God that He will sustain and strengthen me as He always does. Let His perfect will be done!
I'll be writing an overview of everything upon my return. May God Bless each and every one of you! In the Holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - onward Christian Soldiers!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
What a beautiful day!
What a beautiful day! It is so beautiful outside! God sure did well, didn't he? As we look around and smell the crisp, clean air, watch the birds flitting around and listening to their songs, as we see the amazing blue of the sky we wonder how anyone could ever question that there is a God. How amazing are your works O Lord!
I just signed up for my April classes this week - oh my goodness, what have I done?! I found out that on top of the four classes I'm trying to do right now I also have to do a complete study book on the Old and New Testaments. This is not just a normal study, but an indepth one - duh this is a Ministry class..... Okay, so on from there : )
Yesterday I spent 8 hours between helping someone find a place to live, shoveling snow for one place and meeting the plumber there only to find out that it was un-inhabitable, then to the Church to check messages and return calls, then back to pick up the person and take them to another place to fill out a rental application and check out the apartment, then back to the Church to return more calls, then - oops forgot lunch was in there somewhere - then on and on. And that's not including the 2 hours of class work I also did.
Today I've really cracked down and got in about 6-7 hours of class work - reading and doing tons of highlighting, typing up lessons, etc. I can't believe how much you can learn in such a short period of time. The only difficulty I'm having is that God keeps speaking to my heart so it is taking me quite a while longer to get through everything. I love that He is striking me deep within - it only reinforces how He wants me to truly absorb everything so that I can do His work better. Right now I'm working on the following classes: Evangelism/Church Health, Christian Education, Methods of Bible Study and Church Leadership/Management.
There are times I'm so exhausted that I don't feel like I have a brain left. It always seems that the more tired I get, the more satan attacks. I have found a perfect way of deflecting these attacks - prayer! What an amazing concept - lol! I was so tired the other day driving home that satan began attacking me. I prayed that God would kick satan out of the car and away from me. My prayers were not answered right away so I kept praying almost all the way home. Finally about 3 miles from home God delivered me.
We all must realize that sometimes God will answer our prayers quickly and then other times He really wants to know how much we need/want His help. Are we just shooting up a quick prayer and then getting on about our day - or do we truly, deeply, from our soul pour out our deepest needs. Do we then turn, with that same deep passion, to prayer for our loved ones, for the lost, for the hurting? If you don't, then why not? God wants a close relationship with us.
Psalm 18
I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
I just signed up for my April classes this week - oh my goodness, what have I done?! I found out that on top of the four classes I'm trying to do right now I also have to do a complete study book on the Old and New Testaments. This is not just a normal study, but an indepth one - duh this is a Ministry class..... Okay, so on from there : )
Yesterday I spent 8 hours between helping someone find a place to live, shoveling snow for one place and meeting the plumber there only to find out that it was un-inhabitable, then to the Church to check messages and return calls, then back to pick up the person and take them to another place to fill out a rental application and check out the apartment, then back to the Church to return more calls, then - oops forgot lunch was in there somewhere - then on and on. And that's not including the 2 hours of class work I also did.
Today I've really cracked down and got in about 6-7 hours of class work - reading and doing tons of highlighting, typing up lessons, etc. I can't believe how much you can learn in such a short period of time. The only difficulty I'm having is that God keeps speaking to my heart so it is taking me quite a while longer to get through everything. I love that He is striking me deep within - it only reinforces how He wants me to truly absorb everything so that I can do His work better. Right now I'm working on the following classes: Evangelism/Church Health, Christian Education, Methods of Bible Study and Church Leadership/Management.
There are times I'm so exhausted that I don't feel like I have a brain left. It always seems that the more tired I get, the more satan attacks. I have found a perfect way of deflecting these attacks - prayer! What an amazing concept - lol! I was so tired the other day driving home that satan began attacking me. I prayed that God would kick satan out of the car and away from me. My prayers were not answered right away so I kept praying almost all the way home. Finally about 3 miles from home God delivered me.
We all must realize that sometimes God will answer our prayers quickly and then other times He really wants to know how much we need/want His help. Are we just shooting up a quick prayer and then getting on about our day - or do we truly, deeply, from our soul pour out our deepest needs. Do we then turn, with that same deep passion, to prayer for our loved ones, for the lost, for the hurting? If you don't, then why not? God wants a close relationship with us.
Psalm 18
I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wow! What a task the Lord has set before me!
A few months ago the Lord called me to be His servant. I was to sell my business, my home and become a Minister for Him. Wow! What a task the Lord set before me! I eagerly walked forward and answered His call.
After about 2 weeks I started having doubts and wondering if the Lord really had called me so I asked Him for complete and total confirmation. Be ready when you ask for confirmation - He will definately give it to you! I am completely certain now (still had been but you know how satan works) and am running forward to do His work.
Several weeks ago a lady from California called and said she wanted to purchase half of my business! Wow, when the Lord says sell your business He really means it! I just shipped everything she purchased yesterday. Praise God for His blessings!
I have decided to write this blog on my walk to becoming a Minister for God so that you may share my highs and lows. Yes, I will have lows - satan is alive and well (for now....come Lord Jesus, come) and is roaming to and fro and wrecking all kinds of havoc. Satan loves to target those the Lord has chosen and is constantly testing me. I'm really not kidding about that! I have been attacked so many times and just constantly pray for deliverance. Thank you Lord for always being at my side ready to sweep satan out of my path!
WORD for the day: Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, "Do not fear, for I will help you."
After about 2 weeks I started having doubts and wondering if the Lord really had called me so I asked Him for complete and total confirmation. Be ready when you ask for confirmation - He will definately give it to you! I am completely certain now (still had been but you know how satan works) and am running forward to do His work.
Several weeks ago a lady from California called and said she wanted to purchase half of my business! Wow, when the Lord says sell your business He really means it! I just shipped everything she purchased yesterday. Praise God for His blessings!
I have decided to write this blog on my walk to becoming a Minister for God so that you may share my highs and lows. Yes, I will have lows - satan is alive and well (for now....come Lord Jesus, come) and is roaming to and fro and wrecking all kinds of havoc. Satan loves to target those the Lord has chosen and is constantly testing me. I'm really not kidding about that! I have been attacked so many times and just constantly pray for deliverance. Thank you Lord for always being at my side ready to sweep satan out of my path!
WORD for the day: Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand, and says to you, "Do not fear, for I will help you."
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