Practicing The Prophetic

This summer I had the privilege to participate in a mini women’s retreat held at Julie and Dusty’s home. Nicole Cade, a Foursquare pastor and friend of Julie’s, taught on prophecy. After the evening teaching we broke into groups and practiced praying and listening for words of prophecy. It was an encouraging time and since we were “practicing,” I felt no pressure to be “perfect”.
Following the retreat I read a story in the Bible as suggested by Nicole. In Numbers 22 & 23, the story of Balaam reveals that a prophet can speak only as the Lord speaks. In John 14;10, even Jesus says He spoke by the Father’s authority. I also reread the story of Ezekiel prophesying over the dry bones in Ezekiel 37 where God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones and God gave them life again.

Later that month, my husband, Mark, and I planned to join his mom, dad, and family in southern Oregon for a reunion. I had been looking forward to it all summer. At this time the fires broke out in southern Oregon causing bad air quality throughout the region. People were warned to stay inside. Some in Mark’s family have asthma and it looked like the reunion may be canceled. People were disappointed, myself included. News and weather reports brought no hope of things clearing up in time.

I began to have a strong impression that God was telling me that He would allow me to prophesy over the geographical area for clear and healthy air. I knew that I could only do it if God was doing it, and I believed He was. So I did. I spoke clear, healthy air over the area. I had the opportunity to tell family in an email that I was praying and believing God for the provision of good air. Everyone decided to take the chance and meet and hang out indoors if necessary.

The day before we left the air was a bit better. When we got there, there was a bit of haze but so much clearer with only an occasional smell of smoke. It evened rained at one point. The air cleared so much that we had NO issues for the entire four days, and were able to do everything we had planned outdoors. Someone in the family remarked at how well everything had turned out, and to think-we had almost canceled! I really felt that God was glorified and my faith was strengthened through this experience.

God is good!

Darla Beardsley

Worthiness

Last week a pastor friend of mine defined his ministry as “comforting the afflicted, and afflicting the comfortable.” Though most of us would prefer more comfort and avoid any disruption to it, recognize the value in leading people to places of discomfort with the intent of growing our capacity for greater relationship with God and others.

This past Sunday I kicked off a series of messages intended to explore the topic of WORTHINESS.  A definition for Worthiness can be expressed as “a belief that you are worthy of love and belonging.” Wrestling with our sense of worthiness is all too common.  Human beings are born with a deep-seated desire for life and vitality that connects us to a greater sense of purpose and existence. Unfortunately we are also all too familiar with various sources of pain and brokenness that leave us feeling less loved and less connected.

As part of our service, I showed a riveting video from a 2010 TEDtalk called The Power of Vulnerability by Dr. Brené Brown. In the days following this talk to nearly 500 people in Houston, Texas, the video went viral and has now been viewed over 1.5 million times (see link below). As a researcher and psychologist, Brown shares how her study of people has led her to discover an uncomfortable and vulnerable nemesis known as shame. She goes on to express the debilitating influence shame plays in hindering a person’s ability to see themselves as worthy of love and belonging. Yet, for us to unlock our own sense of worthiness, we must come to terms with our limitations and imperfections.  She goes on to share how vulnerability can be a powerful tool that can open us to a greater measure of acceptance and connection.

“I think shame is lethal. I think shame is deadly.

And I think we are swimming in it deep.”

- Dr. Brene’ Brown

In a moment of personal vulnerability on stage, she shares how this discovery caused a “spiritual awakening.” This lead her to pursuing a year of professional counseling that helped her get a grip on the importance of vulnerability and its role in becoming a wholehearted and thriving person.

I believe Dr. Brown’s discovery has a wonderful way of unearthing the beautiful message of worthiness found in the life and teaching of Jesus. Viewing the gospel through the lens of God’s relentless affirmation of His love, acceptance, and forgiveness is message everybody should hear loud and clear. It’s good news and it’s for every man, woman, and child.  This truth is both comforting and afflicting.

As we continue to explore the topic of Worthiness, I pray that God would help us better understand the disabling power of shame and the enabling power of vulnerability that can set us free!

Good is the News!

Pastor Dusty

Though Troubles Come

Why is it we are often surprised or discouraged by life’s challenges or difficulties? Isn’t it amazing how we can be enjoying a blissful “high” one moment only to be reduced to a sniveling “low” the next as we wrestle with doubt or worry over some unforeseen circumstance? Pure craziness!!
Maybe not unlike you, I am relieved to know that Jesus solved the conflict between God and me, and has given me the gift of the Holy Spirit to navigate life. Unfortunately, this does not include immunity for all future trouble or conflict in this earthly experience. For our benefit God allows pain, trouble and discomfort to aid in the building and strengthening of the person who is surrendered to His leading. While reading James chapter one this week, I was challenged to cultivate a new attitude toward these trials, and to let God mature me and help me become stronger and more complete in my faith.

This week I pray that you too will find a reservoir of help to guide you through your difficult or challenging times. May you become “mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:4b – The Message)

Looking to Him,

Pastor Dusty Johnson