Wherever

Okay God 'wherever'...wherever you want me to go. Kyle Idleman says in his book, Not a Fan, "Wherever? What about in your own home? There is the tendency to carry a cross and follow Jesus, but before we walk in the door of our own home, we leave the cross on the front porch. 


Instead of submitting, you stand up for your rights. Instead of serving you sit around. 


Instead of being patient, you are demanding. Instead of being encouraging, you are constantly critical.


Instead of being a spiritual leader, you are passive and apathetic in your own home. So how about there?" 


Wow. Called out. I am completely guilty. 


He goes on to say "If you are following Jesus wherever, he will take you toward a sinner that others dont want to be seen with. You will find yourself among the sick that others try to avoid. If you follow Jesus, expect to find yourself being criticized by some of the religious people in your life. If you follow Jesus you may find that your family thinks you're crazy...his did. You may find yourself being unfairly accused and unjustly treated by those in political office. Ultimately if you follow Jesus wherever, you dont just end up covered in his dust, you will end up covered in His blood."

"It is not within our power to put the divine teachings of God directly into the heart of another. We can only lay them on the surface of the heart so that when the heart breaks they are the first to fall in."

Priority

You know what I have been struggling with lately? To me it seems kinda weird but the more I have talked with people it seems to be pretty common and its something we dont talk about often.
I have been getting so envious of others when I am not in their top group of friends but they are in mine. Does that make sense? Such as with certain friends they are a priority in my life but I'm not in theirs. Im going to be completely honest it really hurts me. Sometimes I feel like I pour so much of myself into friendships but dont hardly get anything in return. It has been such a burden to me. I am tired of it. Its so heavy. And I will admit sometimes its the other way around for me. I dont appreciate enough of my friends.


I heard God say this to me:
"Whoa. Whoa. Mallory, Think about me.


This is the amazing thing about God. When He isnt a priority in my life, I am a priority in HIS eyes. He does not stop pursing me and loving me. He keeps giving of himself to me even though I dont acknowledge it or thank Him. Somehow we get the thought in our head that God owes us something when he doesnt owe us anything. We dont deserve it. Jesus already paid the ultimate price.


I want to make sure Christ is always the top priority in my life. Not giving half of me but ALL. Okay Lord, you can have me....even the deepest depths of my hearts. Its all yours.


So since I am suppose to be a complete reflection of Christ I will continue to pour myself into these type of friendships. Because Christ does the same for me.

I also have been lovin the Song King Of All Days by Hillsong--

In your surrender

As you lay down your life

You took up a sinners cross

And your live rescued mine

In this redemption

Love and mercy display

Lifting my eyes to see

That your truth never fails

Lord of the heavens

King of all days

Without you my world slips away

Redeemed by your mercy

Consumed by your grace

Now I live for you

I'm found in the arms of love

Your love it has saved my soul

I'll run to your arms of love

Your life's gonna lead me home

Glorious savior

In your light I am free

If things of this world will fail

Still you're all that I need

Lord of the heavens

King of all days

Without you my world slips away

Redeemed by your mercy

Consumed by your grace

Now I live for you

I'm found in the arms of love

Your love it has saved my soul

I'll run to your arms of love

Your life's gonna lead me home

(And) at your cross

I lay my burden

At your feet

Where your love covers

All I've done

Now I walk with you lord

I'm found in the arms of love

For your love it has saved my soul

I'll run to your arms of love

Your life's gonna lead me home

Time to be Bold

Between the radio going and dazing off in my own world it is so easy to take a wrong turn without recognizing it. I think it is time that I hit my brakes, slow down and pull to the side and make sure I am on the right path.

This past week the Holy Spirit has convicted me. I am not nearly as Bold for Christ as I should be. It's so easy to talk to my core group of friends about God and about their spiritual lives and while I am SO thankful for that and it's a huge blessing- I must do more to spread Christ. I'm going to be completely honest I only talk about God on a deep level with my core group of friends because I am scared of how others will respond. I don't want to step on others toes or offend them. Yes, I truly believe that we should lead by example- most of the time actions do speak louder than words.

But hear this: God requires more. Much more.

We have been given the task to carry the name of Jesus. I admit often times I let Him down and instead of lifting Him up higher and higher I drag Him around as if it's a burden. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 "the burden I give you is LIGHT!" We are so blessed that the creator of the Universe chooses to call us His children!

"It is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called his name!" -1 Peter 4:16.

I have missed sharing the good news of Christ with so many people. This week I have been so disgusted with the ways of sin and I become disappointed in myself for not looking out for their best interest and not speaking Christ into their lives. I am challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and seek out the lost people. To be BOLD in asking about their spiritually life and about God. There are so many people that are in great need of a Savior and I cant hold back any longer. So I am turning my car around and going back to get the people I simply just waved at or ignored and picking them up on the bandwagon of Christ.


I am saying Yes, to you Lord, to wherever you lead me. I am completely yours.

True Friendship

Friends. I would say have many friends. Sure, I have plenty of people that I could hang out with. Plenty of people that I could laugh on and on with.

But heres the problem...
How many of those people are actually my true friends? Sadly, Not Many.

Lately my eyes have been opened to the emptiness of friendships.

I want friends that will be there when I need them.

Friends who I can text and tell them I need prayers and I know they are one their knees before the throne of God.

Friends to be truly happy when I'm happy. [I am so bad at this. Too often do I shatter others joy because I am so selfish and I want that happiness for myself.]

Friends who, when I'm walking through a dark path, dont just watch me but rather step into the darkness with me and lead me to the light.

Friends who I can pray with. Not just saying "I'll pray for you" (side note: How often do we say that and never actually do it?) Hearing others pray is one of the most encouraging things.

Friends where it isn't awkward to talk about God. Where Abba God is at the base of our conversations.

Friends who dont talk about eachother behind their backs. (I see this too much.)

Friends where I dont have to worry about the bad jokes or decisions they are going to make.

Friends who are constantly speaking truth over me.


Im so thankful that God has placed a couple people like this in my life and it is such a blessing! I say these things not only for what I crave my friendships to look like but also to preach at myself. I like to say that I try my very best to be this type of friend. But I fail at doing so. Often times I let myself get busy and worry about me me me instead of my friends. I want my friendships to be Full instead of empty. Overflowing with God's grace and goodness.

"This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." -John 15:12-13
I have read this verse probably more times then I can count. I dont think Love each other in the same way I have loved you. part has ever clicked. Jesus calls,no commands us to love the way He has loved us! His love for us is so vast. His love for us is unconditional and never-ending. That means that I should love others even when they do wrong to me. Forgive what seems to be unforgivable. Enveloping others in love in times of heartache. Putting others above myself.

I pray that I can be a true friend and really love just as Christ has loved me.

I am a Woman of God

Last night I saw courageous. Great great movie. It was about what God wanted for his sons. This sparked the interest in my mind of what does God want for his Daughters? What was his intent for us? What does being a woman of God look like?
I'm starting a journey to figure out what The King of Kings really wants for and from his daughters. I'm excited to see what God will reveal to me! I found this last night and it is just beautiful.

I am a Woman of God.

I am capable, intelligent and virtuous woman.
I am far more precious than jewels and my value is far above rubies and pearls.
Strength and Dignity are my clothing and my position is strong and secure.
I open my mouth with skillful and godly wisdom.
The bread of idleness, gossip, discontent and self-pity I will not eat.

The beauty of the world is vain but my beauty comes from reverently fearing the Lord.
Each day I will focus on the present knowing that God's grace is sufficient for every task.

I surrender all disappoints, fears and misunderstandings to the Lord.
Forgetting those things that are behind and laying every sin and weight that easily entangles me, I press on to the high prize of being a Woman of God.

I am strong in you, Lord and in the power of your might.
God, you are my Father and I am your precious daughter.
Jesus, you are my bridegroom and I am your beautiful bride.
I am created in your image, a picture of your love.






Beautiful Girls, Dwell on these things.

Isaiah 55:8

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.'"
-Isaiah 55:8

My plans are far different from God's. Upon the arrival to San Quintin we were notified of a tragic accident. One of the tween boys (Issac), who was deaf and mute, was hit by a car and passed away on the way to the hospital. My mindset was changed. My plans for the next day were changed. My prayer was changed. Going to church sunday I entered into a place of mourning and sorrow but yet there was peace. You could tell the people of the church were rooted in God and were trusting in HIM. The church became a place to cry, a place to heal and a place to be loved. It was incredibly beautiful how all of it took place. Preachers from all the churches in Baja came to show support for Issacs family and for the chruch family of San Quintin. I wish thats how it is here in America.

Sunday afternoon I was called to something bigger than myself. Mr.Lee asked me to go with him to help get ready for the funeral/wake for Issac. Why me? Its something I have never done. I truly believe that was how God wanted me to send peace and comfort to this family. We wanted it to be beautiful for Issac. He was an exceptional kid. We went and got pure white flowers and royal blue fabric for them to be placed on. At the end of the day I was exhausted and in great need of God's strength.

Over the course of sunday evening and Monday I heard God whisper "Follow me." I prayed that God would open my eyes to the things unseen. The very next day I had the oppurtunity of going with Jason Bybee on Benevolence. It was a smaller group which I love because it is more intimate. The first house we went to the spirit of God was ever so present. A lady was in bad need of crutches and medical attention to her foot. Luckily a girl that was with us had medical experience. We had a new mission for the day, to find crutches for this precious lady. We found some but they were too tall so some of our wonderful Dads worked magic and made them the perfect height. It gets better. As the day goes on we met a lady named Francessca. She has been having problems with her ex-husband. He is trying to get her to move out of her house and has gotten a lawyer involved. All because he wants the money. We shared tears with her and prayed over her. Join me in praying that God with intervene in this situation. In the afternoon everyone was going to the soccer game but I felt called to visit more homes and spend time with these people. They have so much to teach me. So Jason and 3 others plus a translator set off to the home of Maria. She is a single mother with the cutest little boy named Aaron. The more we talked with her we learned that she has been struggling with the decision to be baptized. She is scared that she will mess up and she doesnt want to end up like her dad who has an alcohol addicition. Jason talked with her for over and hour and i really believe she was encouraged and one step closer to making the best decision of her life. Overall, this was my favorite day because Gods presence was everywhere.

I crave for the simplicity of life that abounds in Baja. Though they dont have much material things they have something that is priceless. They have a faith that isnt shaped by the world's view. They truly know what it means to be a church family. In the midst of their brokeness they come as they are and handle their struggles together. That is something that I miss the most along with the precious children. I long to hold one of the precious kids in my arms, they are so loving.Their sweet smiles fill me with joy. By striving to bend lower and lower (previous post) this year I got the most out of it. I pray that if its God will he will lead me back there.

True Reflection

If you are anything like me when you hear someone say "Be Jesus", "Be the image of God" I think loving the unlovable and being nice to everyone. Those things are true but it is so much deeper than that.

The other day in class I was thanking one of my teachers for being respectful of her students and she said, "of course! Do some teachers not respect you?" I said, "No, therefore if they cant respect me I will not respect them." She responded with, "Jesus stills respects those people." Whoa. So true. I was thrown back by her comment and it was very eye opening.

Personally, when someone hurts me or throws my heart on the side of the road I get mad and I dont want to talk them ever again because of the pain they have caused me. If someone hurts me and they dont realize it I start waiting for an apology and hold anger against them till they have realized it. How many times could God do that to us? Every day God could forget us and say you have hurt me so many times that im done with you. I will not love you anymore. Go on your way. Or he could easily say you still havent apologized for that one night or that one sin so im done pursuing you and hold anger towards us. Here is the thing, He doesnt do that.

God keeps pursuing me when I dont reflect him in the best ways. He still loves me. He still wants the best for me. When I havent asked for forgivness yet, he makes me white as snow. He never leaves when I dont do my best for him. Praise God for that.


Abba God,
Transform me to be more like you and I mean really like you. Take every part of my life and my thoughts and consume them. Overcome my flesh and fill me up with you. I want to be a true reflection of you.

"Let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am Holy; you be Holy." -1 Peter 1:15-16 (MSG)

My Inheritance

Yesterday, I had the oppurutnity to do something that was far bigger than myself. I spoke in Girls chapel. This is something I have always planned on doing but not until my senior year. God had some other plans. Abba placed in me this passion and told me I needed to tell more girls about it.
I had a few weeks to prepare and let me tell you though it wasnt easy. Satan was completley against me because he knew I was doing something to advance the Kingdom of God. Satan constantly whispered lies to me Nobody wants to hear what you have to say. You arent really passionate about this. Its too much trouble to let this happen. Give up now. Do you really believe in that big and powerful God? I wasnt going to let Satan win, I fought against the lies and prayed fervently for God to speak truth over me.
The day finally came and God filled me up with HIS spirit and I'm completley convinced it was Him who was talking through me. I asked everyone to bring their bibles so they could follow along with me. We camped out in Genesis 25:29-34:
"Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!”
Esau is starving. He has a big appetite. Just as in our lives we all hunger and crave for something. Maybe its acceptance, Maybe all you want is to be loved, Maybe all you desire is winning, Maybe you just want to be recongnized. We look to the world for all of this things when God already gives them to us. We can stop seeking. HE accepts you just the way you are. HE Loves you with an everlasting love and there is nothing you can do that could make him love you any less. God wins. HE has already won the ultimate battle for us. God reconizes you. For the things you do for his kingdom. He calls you by name. Appetites are never going to go away. They are never fully satisfied. Its like going to your favorite restaurant and eating your favorite meal and you are so stuffed that you say you are never eating again. Then 3 hours later you are looking in the pantry.

"31Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.So Esau despised his birthright."

Having the birthright is a big deal. There are 3 things taht come along with having the birthright. If you had the birthright you got a double portion of the inheritance. You also got to be the judge of the family after the parents were gone and also with it came a sense of blessing. As I was reading this I thought who does that? who sales their birthright for a bowl of stew? You do. Everyday we trade our inheritance from God for something that we think is more important. Such as gossip, we are too worried about knowing the latest news or spending more time with your boyfriend than you do God or having sex with your boyfriend or cheating, because you want to do good on that really hard test or lying or wanting to be envied even for our faith. I think one that I struggle with is spending more time on facebook than with God. Satan does a great job of making these things look good and makes us think they will fill us but it is just a cheap imidation of the real treasure.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." -1 Peter 1:3-5 HCSB

Dont trade your inheritance ftom God for a temporary bowl of stew because you have no idea how God may use you to change the world. Think of the day when finally reach home and you are in the presence of God in all its glory and you see Jesus face to face. You run and embrace him and he embraces you. He looks you in the eyes and says "Well done my good and faithful servant." What a beautiful reunion it will be. So I ask you what is in your bowl of stew? Whats keeping you from God?
I played the song My inheritance by Ronnie Freeman
The response was overwhelming. So many people came to give me hug and feed me words of praise and encouragement. Today I recieved an envelope full of cards from some of the middle school girls.

God assured me that his voice was heard. Its not because of anything I have done, but because of who God is. This is the power of Christ in me. I am merely a hole in the flute that God breathes through. I have only stood along the shore of God's beauty and goodness.

I'm not trading anything for the inheritance of God because he is my very great reward and nothing compares to knowing and loving Him.