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Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

www.tapestrylife.org | the Tapestry Life Devo
Posted on

Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

www.tapestrylife.org | the Tapestry Life Devo
Posted on

Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

www.tapestrylife.org | the Tapestry Life Devo
Posted on

Missions update

Missions update: Cambodia

It feels good to be back in Cambodia. As a random note, for some reason, every time i’m here I think of Christmas… yes, in 90º+ weather I seem to always be thinking of christmas carols.

The first week back in CAmbodia was a great time to meet other people and hear their stories of how they got to Cambodia and what they are doing here. I even met a man who has a similar story to mine! So it’s been good! After a week back in the capital I knew my time there was coming to an end, and I began my journey west. 

Yireh Rivera is on missions in Cambodia.  You can read more updates and the rest of her story at yirehuk.wordpress.com or check her out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yirehs-Missions/ 

Posted on

Not Just News 03-15-2012

To keep up with our news please visit www.tapestrychurch.com


Prayer and counseling ministry

If you need special prayer or ministry and you can't be at church on Sunday to have our prayer team pray for you on the spot, you can email letuspray@tapestrychurch.org.

If you need further counseling, deliverance or prophetic ministry, please simply let Lori know, lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org so we can schedule a time to meet with you 


Volunteers and future volunteers!

If you are interested in email distribution for the volunteer opportunities. please email lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org. You will be added to mailing list and kept informed about the volunteering opportunities with the Tapestry Church.

We Need your Help!
Would you like to become more involved in what is going on in church?

Do you have awesome managing abilities that you would like to put to the use?
Do you have passion for something and are looking for an outlet?
You might be just the person we need. We are looking for people who would like to take responsibility for specific ministry in church.
Here is who you can become:
1 – Missions Communications Coordinator

2 – Tapestry Book & Media Store/Library Director

3 – Sunday AM Welcome & Greeting Director

4 – Podcasting & Videocasting Director

5 – Outreach Director

If you are interested in any of these or think you could help somewhere else please email or talk to

Kiddos Helpers
The Tapestry Kiddos had an all time high attendance in past Sundays. We had 18 kiddos! With that said, we could use some help!
Please email joanyamashita@tapestrychurch.org if interested


Help Rebuilt Minot Schools.

We are collecting Box Top Labels to help Minot Schools in North Dakota and to help to bring the education to the children without the place to learn. For more information visit http://rallyminot.com/

See Rachel Rush or Zuzana with your Box Top Labels.


Online Giving

If you would like to contribute to our church, you can do it online, using paypal.

Link and forms are on our website;

http://tapestrychurch.com/?page_id=112

Thank you for your support


Detention Center Ministry

Are you interested in reaching out to some teenagers in need? 

If so, come to the Detention Center Ministry where we meet from 3:45 to 5:00 on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at The Noyes Detention Center, 9925 Blackwell Road, Rockville, MD 20850.  
For more information contact AdrienneLayton@tapestrychurch.org.  Come be stretched and blessed.

Fundraiser for our building

Missed the Sunday we gave a T-Shirt away?

Joined our community the year after a cool design came out?

Wanna collect them all?

We cannot live in the school for the rest of our lives,soon we will need to get a building. Here is our clever way of funding it. 

We will be selling all of our old shirts again. The cost is $10. 


Brown Bag Blog
If you have anything you would like to share regarding the brown bag outreach, we have a blog on the website called brown bag blog.  Email Adrienne at AdrienneLayton@tapestrychurch.org to share your testimony on the blog.


Events:

A two evening training in prayer ministry and prophetic ministry 

Thursday March 22 and March 29 at 7:30 PM 
Dustin and Lori's house
If you are interested, you will need to attend both trainings. 
For more information contact Joan Yamashita @joanyamashita@tapestrychurch.org or Ashley Shepherd at 
The Art of Marriage conference 
March 23 7-9:30pm and March 24 9am – 4pm. 
Cost $35
Deadline to sign up is March 11
The Art of Marriage® is a new one-and-a-half day video event. It consists of six video sessions and an accompanying manual that provides couples with projects to help apply the principles taught during each session. The Art of Marriage brings together some of the most respected and influential pastors and experts on marriage and family all in one setting. It also brings a fresh approach to a video event by weaving together some elements to help couples fully experience God’s design for marriage. If you are interested, please email lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org. Child Care will NOT be provided. 


Empowered Evangelism Conference with Robby Dawkins

March 30-31

VCF at the Barn, Landenberg PA

for more info email

patrickdkim@tapestrychurch.org


Women Of Faith

Date:March 31st 2012
Time:10am – 5pm (Doors Open At 9am)
Location:France-Merrick Performaing Arts Center, Baltimore
Fee: $59 Standard $79 VIP + $2 Processing Fee
To Register Go To:https://registration.womenoffaith.com/peo/auto_choose_ga.asp?area=6148 
For additional details and carpooling information contact: Ashley Shepherd
We need lots and lots of candy
Sunday April 1, 2012 after the service
Casserole Cook Off and Egg Stuffing Party
Bring your favorite dish and if you dare bring your best casserole and enter to win (we need 10 contestants) Together we will eat and stuff Easter Eggs!  We plan to fill and distribute THOUSANDS of Easter Eggs…please start bringing  candy over the next few weeks.  
Operation Easter Egg
Sunday April 8, 2012
After am service head over to Stoneybrook Park, 4105 Havard Street, Silver Spring MD 20906 for the hunt. 
HUnt starts at 3 pm, invite all  your friends.  We need as many people to help as possible for the outreach. For details or to volunteer for any part of OEE contact: su@tapestrychurch.org

Save the Dates
Robbie Dawkins May 11-12 Millersville Vineyard
Voice of the Prophet April 18-21

Posted on

Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

Posted on

Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

www.tapestrylife.org | the Tapestry Life Devo
Posted on

What’s Been Going On With MeŠ | Statement from PD

Hi Everyone,

So, it’s been a while since I’ve written. I have taken a few months of being quiet as I have faced some serious challenges. I don’t want anyone to read this letter for pity’s sake. I AM ON FIRE! GOD IS Stirring something up like I’ve not seen in more than a decade and if it can happen in DC, IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE!

So, here’s the deal. I want to apologize to many of you for not keeping in touch over the last few months, for seeming disconnected. I have been working through a few issues and I decided to be quite while I got things in order. 

On October 7, 2011, I had an event. This is after Robby Dawkins came and after GOD really started moving in the church. I was sitting at my desk at work where I still currently work a 40 hour work week. I was very stressed as I was in the middle of rolling out the new brand for the firm. This financial firm is an almost half-billion dollar financial firm. (We are fee only… the good guys). We manage funds for high net worth individuals having more than $1 million to invest and I had been tasked with the 13 month responsibility of rolling out a whole new marketing package, brand, name and more. Everything was going wrong with the different pieces and contractors. I was EXHAUSTED… I did not know I was also stressed with high blood pressure and in trouble.

My arm had started to hurt and shoulder as well as my neck a little where my artery is. Sometimes I was having intermittent fuzzy feelings in my arm and as my friend last night put it, “An impending sense of doom…”

The day before, I had told Lori (My wife), I think I need to go on a diet. If I am not careful, this stress is going to kill me…

I had no idea.

October 7, 2011, I was sitting at my desk while 10 issues arose and I could not see a way out. I had just walked into my boss’ office and said that we had to push back the go-live date. (THAT IS NOT A GOOD THING). I was a bit overwhelmed and panicked. I prayed. The pressure and stress only increased. (And remember, this is as GOD is doing so much GREAT stuff in the church).

All at one moment, I had a searing pain, I lost sight in both eyes and my arm was aching, I had the beginning of what was going to be one of the WORST headaches of my entire life and I was momentarily disoriented. Shocked, I yelled out to one of my co-workers, “I just went blind… I’m blind…” She got to me quickly and I stood up in darkness. I could not get my bearings. So, she said, “as soon as you can, you need to go to the break-room and take an aspirin.” I did. She may have saved me.

My right eye came mostly back but blurry, my left eye stayed dark. I took the aspirin and sat down at my desk thinking that I was too young to have a heart-attack or a stroke, so I needed to just chill out and rest and then I finished my work day after speaking to my ANGRY WIFE on the phone… Lori was ticked that I wouldn’t go to the hospital. (I just did not know). I tripped up the stairs on my left foot and my left arm from that day felt fuzzy, almost like it is not my own. I noticed I kept dropping things including my daughter once if I did not focus on what I was doing with the left hand and then there was the memory loss. Pictures with me in them were brand new to me. I did not have the heart to tell anyone and I simply prayed.

My left eye never fully recovered. I went home, started a diet, lost weight, rested, prayed, and never missed a step. I am down 30 pounds and I even continued to setup and teardown at church with the team which has been a part of my morning worship for 8 years. The LORD gave me the grace to roll out the brand successfully, thus boosting my career and allowing me a doorway to move more into ministry.

In December, I decided to get my eyes checked since my glasses obviously were not working anymore only to find that I had possibly had a stroke. I had lost half vision in my left eye with lasting damage and some kind of constriction and blockage that now the neurologists say that they cannot fix and will ultimately cost me the eye. Now I realized the reason for the issue with my left leg not lifting and catching on doorsteps, my left arm being funny, fuzzy feeling, numb and/or not even feeling like my own let alone dropping things and the lost memories.

My doctor was angry because he had never had anyone walk into his office and state, “Hey I think I may have had a stroke…” From there, they had many tests, MRI’s (6 now) and we found that I do not react well to contrast and that I possibly now have degeneration to the base of my spine, more issues with the eye, some problems with lesions on the brain. A large one on the posterior parietal lobe, more lesions on the frontal lobes, the onset of white matter disease and possibility of Multiple Sclerosis. We have a few more appointments and more neurologists to talk to and a possible last spinal tap.

Now, with that said, please do NOT feel sorry for me. Yes, this has been tough. However, GOD has been so good to me. I trust in the LORD with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Since 1993 this has been my life-verse.

And I am holding the hand of Poppa GOD through the valley where death’s shadow falls. His ROD AND STAFF have been such a comfort!!!! GGGRRRRR!!!!

And not only that, my life is getting into real order. I have lost the weight, gotten life insurances in order (thankfully before all of this came) along with passing much of my leadership responsibilities off to the leaders that I have now been mentoring and delegating to for many years. Ownership of the church is happening, our leadership is growing, and much is stirring. When I am tired, they pick me up now. When I hurt, they pray for me too. These guys are leading!!!!!

I am learning that where my ability ends, GOD’s CAPACITY KICKS IN! Where we end, GOD begins!

This is exciting! I want to be fully healed. I have seen GOD heal people of stroke damage and dance. I have seen people healed of cancer and various other diseases while I have prayed for them. I KNOW HE CAN DO IT! If HE is not healing me yet, there MUST BE A REASON and folks, I have learned that Poppa has the BEST REASONS for His little adventures. Yes, it is frustrating and I wake up with pain every day as well as I have lost abilities and capacities. I do not drive as much at night, I cannot drive at night in the rain, I cannot stay up as late. I get tired, my brain gets foggy and I have to rest. I cannot remember some things. HOWEVER!!!!! What has been replaced is much better! HOPE! JOY! PEACE! PATIENCE! and so much more!

I love every day more. And here is the kicker. Lori and I intentionally did not tell the church until after the New Year because the doctors had told us we should tell family and such for support. We waited, prayed and saw GOD prepare everything. Our church has been growing in revival for the last months and guess what?! Right as we told everyone, we were able to say, “And guess what, GOD has been moving in spite of this challenge for months, so GOD wants to keep moving…”

And HE HAS ONLY INCREASED!

I am praying for full healing. Until I have it. I HOPE and I live each day as if I am not promised tomorrow’s ability to continue on. I have had things happen that have slowed me down, but as I slow, I have found Satan hates it when I pray and praise and seek GOD for lost souls. So, that is what I have grown in. 

So, folks, what I am saying is this. GOD is moving.

HE is moving in spite of me.

HE is moving in spite of you.

HE is moving because HE loves HIS kids and it is HIS good pleasure. Grace is unmerited favor and mercy is getting what you don’t deserve. And both Grace and Mercy are falling on us again! It’s like a sweet Spring rain.

No matter what you face or what struggles you have I am writing today to call out hope in you. Please have hope. We fight a good fight. We will finish the race. I am proud of you and love you and am thankful to continue to walk with you and call you my brothers and fathers and sisters and mothers in faith.

d

Dustin Hedrick

Senior Pastor

Posted on

Bobby Conner: God’s Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits | FWDED From Fred Raynaud

Bobby Conner: God's Amazing Grace: Life Without Limits

Bobby Conner

Mar 9, 2012

As Believers, we are instructed to live our daily lives with true goals, aims, and divine purpose. We cannot achieve this unless we walk in God's grace.

What is the key to experiencing God's grace? Embracing our weakness!

God is not looking for strong people to help Him accomplish His work. The truth is that the Lord is looking for people who are weak enough to be used. We must remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). The key to experiencing supernatural, liberating strength is personal weakness.

Understand that personal weakness does not mean weak character or faulty Biblical knowledge. On the contrary, God is looking for a people who have come to the place where they have lost confidence in their fleshly power to accomplish the work of the Spirit. Only when we embrace the weakness of ourselves apart from Christ can we become strong and "graced" to accomplish things for the true advancing of God's glorious Kingdom.

This truth is clearly displayed in the story found in Psalm 107:23-28, which describes the strong, seaworthy sailors who made their living upon the high seas. One day, however, the Lord raised a stormy wind that blew away every last ounce of their self-confidence. They found themselves at their wits' end and cried out for the Lord's grace and help. Although they were skilled and experienced, the winds and waves of the sea convinced them of their dependence upon God.

Have you encountered the winds of change in your life? If not, you can be confident they are on their way!

Christ Jesus declares: "Without Me you can accomplish nothing!" (John 15:5). This word "nothing" means completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. Ours is a life of unspeakable joy when we come to the place where we understand that only the work of the Spirit can advance the Kingdom of God.

The Deposit of Grace

In other words, absolutely nothing you have ever done in the past and nothing you could ever accomplish in the future will match the unparalleled joy of letting Jesus live His life through you! God has exactly fitted for each of us a unique walk of grace. As we yield our wills and ways to the Holy Spirit's control, we begin to experience this walk of grace. Through yielding and embracing our personal weakness, we experience the abundant grace that enables us to accomplish all that God has assigned for us to do (see Philippians 4:13).

This deposit of grace is what makes the fire of passion burn so brightly in new Believers. They are overwhelmed with all that God is doing in their lives. Their happiness and excitement is contagious. Their entire life is ablaze with God's love.

As pastor, I was able to teach a new converts class, and my heart was always blessed by the joy of those who have only recently experienced the amazing grace of God. It is this same amazing grace that causes the light of contentment to dance in the eyes of mature Believers who have also learned to abide in God's glorious grace. Our life should testify to the ability of God's awesome grace to use us to accomplish great and mighty things for God's glory.

In short, we were saved by grace and must continue to live by grace: We cannot separate our daily responsibilities and activities from a grace-filled life. We are saved by grace and we are kept by God's magnificent grace!

The Body of Christ seems to understand much concerning the grace of God touching an unbeliever's life: It is only by God's grace that anyone comes to the place of repentance and salvation. However, we lack true understanding concerning God's ability of grace to operate in Believers' daily lives, thereby bringing them into a daily faith walk of radical effectiveness and extreme fruitfulness. Grace does not just change our mind, but learning to embrace our weakness and function through His strength alone has a profound, all-pervasive, transforming effect upon our lives. Grace is a powerful motivator, provoking us to reach higher and accomplish more for Christ and His Kingdom.

Essential Ingredients for Grace

The Apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." Paul declared that the grace of God was not wasted upon his life, but he labored more because of the active grace in his life.

Although we are radically dependent on God's grace in all that we are and all that we do, we are still called to labor abundantly to advance God's Kingdom. This is one of the great paradoxes of the Christian life. It is only by and through grace that we accomplish anything, yet God expects us to labor diligently in His service. Charles Spurgeon once said: "Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened."

Just as diligent labor is required to extract all of the grace that God has given us, humility is required to obtain grace. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble'" (1 Peter 5:5).

Grace is promised to the humble. A great saint of years bygone, made this observation: "The moment humility announces herself she is already on her way out the door." If we would be truly humble, and careful not to usurp God's glory, always giving Him praise for what He is doing, I am sure we would receive more grace.

The Lord warned me once that the highest form of treason was to take the gifts and graces He has given leadership to win and woo the Bride to Himself, and use these gifts and graces to win the Bride to ourselves.

May each heart embrace the promise given in Psalm 84:11: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory." In this passage we see the true key to advancing God's Kingdom. It is by God's gift of grace that we are able to behold the glory.

Any good thing ever accomplished by mankind is the direct result of the anointing and impartation of God's grace. May we walk a grace-filled life in order to see the glory of God fill the earth!

Grace is an open door, which bids us to draw nearer to God. In Proverbs 8:17, 21, God declares, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me diligently will find Me… That I may cause those who love Me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."  This is an awesome promise and powerful incentive. We are called to find God. And when we find Him, He indeed blesses us with overflowing treasures.

We must never forget that God has great plans for His people. Hear His promise stated in Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' saith the Lord, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.'" It is time to open our hearts wide to God's grace and experience the good plans He has for each of us.

Waiting Upon God

The Lord desires to change us. He seeks to bring us up into His purpose. He waits for us to reach out to Him and knock on the door of His heart. Just as Esther had to approach her husband's throne, we too must prepare ourselves to approach God's throne. He, too, has extended His scepter. Now is the time grace has provided an open door in Heaven. Now it is time to approach the throne of God's grace to find favor and help during these days (see 2 Corinthians 6:2).

In Psalm 46:10 we are instructed to be still and know that God is God. Spending quiet time in the Lord's presence is necessary and carries great importance. It is as we wait upon Him that we are renewed in power and strength (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Each of us must find a special quiet place where we can shut out the cares of this world and get alone with God. Each day, we should come to our "set apart place" to worship, acknowledge His goodness and grace concerning us, and thank the Lord for His guidance and blessing upon our lives.

Great grace is released when we truly enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Make the time to praise the Lord and to bless His Holy Name!

As we take time to behold Him with an unveiled face, we are changed into ever-increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). In this place of quiet worship and prayerful reading of His Holy Word, there is a release of His grace, which produces "Spirit and Life."  His Holy Spirit flows into our being to build our faith and provide the "enabling grace" for obedience. It is essential that we set apart time each day to be in His presence.

Attending local church services is vital and not to be neglected, but this is no substitute for our devotional times alone with the Lord of Glory.

Being One with the Lord

Have you noticed in Luke 3:2 that the Word of God came to John the Baptist while he was alone in the wilderness? The programs of the "church" of that day were in full operation, yet John was called apart to be with the Lord alone.

So also today, there are those who are spiritually hungry and seeking something more, who likewise are being called apart to be alone with the Lord for a time of preparation. As a result of his being alone with the Lord, John came into a oneness with the Lord that could not have been accomplished in any other way.

When John was asked who he was, his response testifies to this experience. He said: "I am 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said'" (John 1:23).

Each one of us should come to the place where we also could make this statement, "I am the voice of one." There is an urgent need for this "voice" to cry out in the midst of the frustrations and perils of our present day (see Isaiah 40:3-5). We live in a world that must have the grace and peace of God.

The need today is not new-fangled methodology, but rather a turning aside to stand in the manifest presence of the Lord, to be prepared as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" of our day.

May it be stated of us, as it was of the disciples of old, that it is apparent that we have been with Jesus. This and only this will make the changes that must occur if we are to reach this hurting world with the message of God's redemptive, transforming grace. We must be radical reflectors of His life.

I heard about the testimony of a preacher who, toward the end of his life, was asked what he would do if he had his life to live over again. He said he had spent seven years in preparation for 45 years of ministry. Instead, he would spend 45 years in preparation for seven years of ministry. It is very important how we begin, but it is far more important how we end.

The Lord is seeking to bring us to the end of our abilities so we can tap into His ability. This requires that we recognize His presence and turn aside to stand before Him. Only then will we be enabled to become the expression of His voice – a voice crying in the wilderness of our day. The most noble quest of our day is to seek HIS presence. The presence of the Lord will make all the difference! Prepare for His presence!

www.tapestrylife.org | the Tapestry Life Devo
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What’s Been Going On With MeŠ | Statement from PD

Hi Everyone,

So, it’s been a while since I’ve written. I have taken a few months of being quiet as I have faced some serious challenges. I don’t want anyone to read this letter for pity’s sake. I AM ON FIRE! GOD IS Stirring something up like I’ve not seen in more than a decade and if it can happen in DC, IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE!

So, here’s the deal. I want to apologize to many of you for not keeping in touch over the last few months, for seeming disconnected. I have been working through a few issues and I decided to be quite while I got things in order. 

On October 7, 2011, I had an event. This is after Robby Dawkins came and after GOD really started moving in the church. I was sitting at my desk at work where I still currently work a 40 hour work week. I was very stressed as I was in the middle of rolling out the new brand for the firm. This financial firm is an almost half-billion dollar financial firm. (We are fee only… the good guys). We manage funds for high net worth individuals having more than $1 million to invest and I had been tasked with the 13 month responsibility of rolling out a whole new marketing package, brand, name and more. Everything was going wrong with the different pieces and contractors. I was EXHAUSTED… I did not know I was also stressed with high blood pressure and in trouble.

My arm had started to hurt and shoulder as well as my neck a little where my artery is. Sometimes I was having intermittent fuzzy feelings in my arm and as my friend last night put it, “An impending sense of doom…”

The day before, I had told Lori (My wife), I think I need to go on a diet. If I am not careful, this stress is going to kill me…

I had no idea.

October 7, 2011, I was sitting at my desk while 10 issues arose and I could not see a way out. I had just walked into my boss’ office and said that we had to push back the go-live date. (THAT IS NOT A GOOD THING). I was a bit overwhelmed and panicked. I prayed. The pressure and stress only increased. (And remember, this is as GOD is doing so much GREAT stuff in the church).

All at one moment, I had a searing pain, I lost sight in both eyes and my arm was aching, I had the beginning of what was going to be one of the WORST headaches of my entire life and I was momentarily disoriented. Shocked, I yelled out to one of my co-workers, “I just went blind… I’m blind…” She got to me quickly and I stood up in darkness. I could not get my bearings. So, she said, “as soon as you can, you need to go to the break-room and take an aspirin.” I did. She may have saved me.

My right eye came mostly back but blurry, my left eye stayed dark. I took the aspirin and sat down at my desk thinking that I was too young to have a heart-attack or a stroke, so I needed to just chill out and rest and then I finished my work day after speaking to my ANGRY WIFE on the phone… Lori was ticked that I wouldn’t go to the hospital. (I just did not know). I tripped up the stairs on my left foot and my left arm from that day felt fuzzy, almost like it is not my own. I noticed I kept dropping things including my daughter once if I did not focus on what I was doing with the left hand and then there was the memory loss. Pictures with me in them were brand new to me. I did not have the heart to tell anyone and I simply prayed.

My left eye never fully recovered. I went home, started a diet, lost weight, rested, prayed, and never missed a step. I am down 30 pounds and I even continued to setup and teardown at church with the team which has been a part of my morning worship for 8 years. The LORD gave me the grace to roll out the brand successfully, thus boosting my career and allowing me a doorway to move more into ministry.

In December, I decided to get my eyes checked since my glasses obviously were not working anymore only to find that I had possibly had a stroke. I had lost half vision in my left eye with lasting damage and some kind of constriction and blockage that now the neurologists say that they cannot fix and will ultimately cost me the eye. Now I realized the reason for the issue with my left leg not lifting and catching on doorsteps, my left arm being funny, fuzzy feeling, numb and/or not even feeling like my own let alone dropping things and the lost memories.

My doctor was angry because he had never had anyone walk into his office and state, “Hey I think I may have had a stroke…” From there, they had many tests, MRI’s (6 now) and we found that I do not react well to contrast and that I possibly now have degeneration to the base of my spine, more issues with the eye, some problems with lesions on the brain. A large one on the posterior parietal lobe, more lesions on the frontal lobes, the onset of white matter disease and possibility of Multiple Sclerosis. We have a few more appointments and more neurologists to talk to and a possible last spinal tap.

Now, with that said, please do NOT feel sorry for me. Yes, this has been tough. However, GOD has been so good to me. I trust in the LORD with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Since 1993 this has been my life-verse.

And I am holding the hand of Poppa GOD through the valley where death’s shadow falls. His ROD AND STAFF have been such a comfort!!!! GGGRRRRR!!!!

And not only that, my life is getting into real order. I have lost the weight, gotten life insurances in order (thankfully before all of this came) along with passing much of my leadership responsibilities off to the leaders that I have now been mentoring and delegating to for many years. Ownership of the church is happening, our leadership is growing, and much is stirring. When I am tired, they pick me up now. When I hurt, they pray for me too. These guys are leading!!!!!

I am learning that where my ability ends, GOD’s CAPACITY KICKS IN! Where we end, GOD begins!

This is exciting! I want to be fully healed. I have seen GOD heal people of stroke damage and dance. I have seen people healed of cancer and various other diseases while I have prayed for them. I KNOW HE CAN DO IT! If HE is not healing me yet, there MUST BE A REASON and folks, I have learned that Poppa has the BEST REASONS for His little adventures. Yes, it is frustrating and I wake up with pain every day as well as I have lost abilities and capacities. I do not drive as much at night, I cannot drive at night in the rain, I cannot stay up as late. I get tired, my brain gets foggy and I have to rest. I cannot remember some things. HOWEVER!!!!! What has been replaced is much better! HOPE! JOY! PEACE! PATIENCE! and so much more!

I love every day more. And here is the kicker. Lori and I intentionally did not tell the church until after the New Year because the doctors had told us we should tell family and such for support. We waited, prayed and saw GOD prepare everything. Our church has been growing in revival for the last months and guess what?! Right as we told everyone, we were able to say, “And guess what, GOD has been moving in spite of this challenge for months, so GOD wants to keep moving…”

And HE HAS ONLY INCREASED!

I am praying for full healing. Until I have it. I HOPE and I live each day as if I am not promised tomorrow’s ability to continue on. I have had things happen that have slowed me down, but as I slow, I have found Satan hates it when I pray and praise and seek GOD for lost souls. So, that is what I have grown in. 

So, folks, what I am saying is this. GOD is moving.

HE is moving in spite of me.

HE is moving in spite of you.

HE is moving because HE loves HIS kids and it is HIS good pleasure. Grace is unmerited favor and mercy is getting what you don’t deserve. And both Grace and Mercy are falling on us again! It’s like a sweet Spring rain.

No matter what you face or what struggles you have I am writing today to call out hope in you. Please have hope. We fight a good fight. We will finish the race. I am proud of you and love you and am thankful to continue to walk with you and call you my brothers and fathers and sisters and mothers in faith.

d

Dustin Hedrick

Senior Pastor