What Are You Up To?

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (HCSB)

I remember years ago doing a Bible Study called Experiencing God. It’s a wonderful study that many of you may have done; however, since I took it over 17 years ago, I don’t remember too much about it. Well girls, this mind just doesn’t have that much memory capacity, but the one thing I DO remember is something along the lines of: 

you want to experience God, go where you see God working and join Him. 

Hmmmm…. 

Do you want to experience God? I did! I still do! So, I can’t help but notice when I see Him doing things – I want to BE there! 

Wednesday night, I had that experience with a few other ladies in the Titus 2 class. I don’t know how or why but clearly what went on during our time together was a stirring of God’s Holy Spirit. The room did not shake, and there was no water turned to wine, but hearts were stirring, and His sweet presence was hovering about us. 

I don’t know what, and I don’t know how, but He is doing a fresh work. It all has to do with one thing……….prayer. 

Prayer. Last night we all talked about prayer. We had a very open and honest discussion on prayer and our attitudes (or lack thereof), hang ups and fears. We laughed, and we cried. For all my friends that were there, thank you for sharing authentically from your hearts. Thanks for your honesty. I believe our hearts were tender and moldable to hear from God and consider what His Word says about prayer. It was real. It wasn’t surface level “churchy” stuff…..can I say that? It was what only God can do. 

God was moving, and we were following His lead, and so there is much more to talk about next week! I can’t wait to see what God has in store, but I’m showing up to unite with all my peeps to experience what He is doing! I want to be a part! You are invited too! 

So, ladies…….I don’t pretend to know what God is up to, but I assure He is up to something, and the foundation of it is prayer. I don’t know if you are aware of what happens when God’s people begin to get on board with God’s call to prayer, but let’s just say some amazing things begin to happen. (Acts 2:42-47) So watch out!!! BUT I want to make sure you understand that we are NOT seeking a spectacle nor are we seeking to see wonders…..we are seeking the spectacular wonderful God of all creation!!!! When we unite in prayer our reward is HIM! Anything else is just further testimony of Him. 

My heart is passionate for all of you to get to experience Him too!

So….what are you up to?

Written by Amy Harris

Awaken: A Heart to Heart with God

This is an awkward blog post for me to write.  Over at my own blog, I've talked about the conference in passing several times.  Before the Valleydale women's retreat last year, God started repeating to me the word coffee in an unusual way.  And through that, I met Nikol because her blog is Coffee with Christ.  In the meantime, I was in the Beth Moore David study at church when God called me to write and to speak.  God had previously called me to ministry but I wasn't really doing ministry other than writing on my blog.  God had some things to teach me first.  Anyhow, I shared with Amy Harris that Nikol and I were being called to do some women's ministry together.  Through all of those events, we all discerned that God was calling us to write and to speak at the upcoming women's conference in January.  Nikol posted some great posts about it here and here.

Nikol and I are excited about the work God is doing and has been doing in us for almost a year now in preparation for this conference.  We expect God to move in mighty ways because we've been seeing Him move mightily already.  It started with Nikol hearing the word awaken, and then I thought we would look into men in the Bible who are literally awakened or had their eyes opened and that's how God showed us what material we are to teach.

The theme verse for the conference is "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?" (Psalm 42:2), because we believe God wants to awaken our unquenchable thirst for Him and that He is going to meet with us during the conference weekend.  We are excited to see what He does.  We hope ladies are awakened to His covering as we look at Noah, His voice as we look at Samuel, His presence as we look at Jacob, His battle as we look at Elisha, and His peace as we look at Jesus and the disciples.

 We will see how God promises us this:

"The LORD your God is with you (presence),
   he is mighty to save (battle).
He will take great delight in you (covering),
   he will quiet you with his love (peace),
   he will rejoice over you with singing (voice).”

Zephaniah 3:17

 
Make plans to join us for this exciting weekend!
January 20-21, 2012

We will have food, fun, 5 learning sessions, 4 breakout sessions (a chance to meet new people), some quiet time on our own, games, and worship, all while leaving the kids and housework at home for a few hours. 

Don't miss this opportunity to have a Heart to Heart with God!

Jamie Harper