"Wait"... "Right"... "Love"
What do these words have in common?
2014... 2015... 2016
God gave me the word "wait" in 2014, "right" in 2015, and "love" in 2016.
Upon His promptings, these words have directed my prayer life and led me in ways I could not even fathom.
Need I remind you how the single word "love" led me to Namibia last year? One step of obedience led to another that sent me half-way around the world... and this one, lone step propelled me into the very task that has been set before me in the collaboration of Genesis Design, a ministry curriculum for children and youth in Africa about God's design for manhood, womanhood, sexuality, and marriage.
So, it wasn't any wonder when I heard God's still small voice whisper through the radio this past December. With 2017 just days away, I knew the Lord had a word stored up, ready to be revealed at any moment. That's when I heard it...
"Intentional"
As it was with the previous words, all I knew was that this was such a word for such a time as this. If I've learned anything over the last several years, it is that when God speaks, He speaks with purpose and intention.
For whatever reason, God has instructed me to be intentional in preparing for what lies ahead...
Intentional with my relationships, my finances, my time, my prayers, my gifts, my resources, my body, my thoughts, and my words.
Let's be real...
How many minutes of my day slip by without any care? How many words come from my mouth that are not pleasing to God? How many thoughts run through my head that do not honor who I was created to be?
It ought not be so!
We all have just one life to live...
Are we speaking love (Proverbs 18:21)?
Are we extending our hands and feet to be used by Jesus (James 1:22)?
Are we centering our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (1 Philippians 4:8)?
Beloved, there is so much at stake!
As I reflect on the task the Lord has set before me this season, I've fallen under the weighty conviction of my responsibility as a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 1:14). In writing and editing lessons for Genesis Design, a renewed hunger for deeper revelation of God's Word has washed over me with an urgency to handle it with the utmost care... and this takes being intentional with every word that flows from my fingertips.
Speaking on behalf of the Genesis Design team, we covet your prayers in this. No transformation or cycle-breaking in the AIDS-affected community, or to whomever the Lord wills to receive this work, will come from this curriculum without the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit in every word, every lesson, every teacher, and every classroom.
God is intentional and, being made in His image, we are to be intentional in seeking His wisdom, favor, blessing, and anointing in the work He has called us to do. We are nothing and can do nothing apart from God... but in Him and in His power at work within us, He is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
Amen?
----
Well, I suppose an update is in order. You never can be sure what state, country, or continent I'm on these days.... Carmen Sandiego ain't got nothing on me!
2017 began on the heels of back-to-back trips from Colorado, Namibia, Dominican Republic, Grand Canyon, and Kansas City. In January alone I found myself traveling from Kansas City to San Antonio to Baltimore. And somewhere between all that I even audited a week-long intensive class on Spiritual Warfare at Asbury Seminary's Orlando campus.
Upon my return from these travels, I began settling into a routine of weekly Skype meetings and lesson writing for Genesis Design. Our team is split across 3 countries (Namibia, Congo, and the USA) and though technology has opened doors in recent years we could only dream of, internet and power in Africa is still quite unpredictable. Regardless, we keep pressing on in the victory we have in Jesus. As it is now, we're able to proceed from our designated locations, but the three of us will most likely reconvene in person later this year... in Namibia? the states? I've stopped trying to guess where this journey will lead next!
On that note, I have some exciting news... Remember seeing this picture?
That's right... I'm learning French! Part of being intentional is attempting to learn the language of countries to which I'm being sent...
Say what?!
Yep... I'm traveling to France and the UK this spring! I'm still pinching myself! I will be accompanying Elodie, my new friend and fellow Genesis Design teammate, in presenting workshops and seminars on Genesis Design in various ministry settings throughout the northern region of France and "across the pond" around London.
The craziest thing is how the Lord has answered both of our prayers in this one trip... my desire to see Europe and her desire to not go alone as she did last year. Elodie and I are pretty much two peas in a pod, just born on separate continents and sent to different countries. I am so excited for what God has in store for these three weeks of ministry together as we share what the Lord is doing in and through Genesis Design.
---
Friends, I'm believing that we are going to see mighty and awesome outpourings of God this year. Everything inside me senses we're on the precipice of something huge. The Lord has stirred my soul with a yearning and cry for revival in our churches, nation, and world. Yet, if I'm wanting to see revival, it must start in me...
Flat on my face, intentionally seeking His.
Will you join me in making this 2017 a year of living intentionally?
"If not now, when? If not us, who?"
What do these words have in common?
2014... 2015... 2016
God gave me the word "wait" in 2014, "right" in 2015, and "love" in 2016.
Upon His promptings, these words have directed my prayer life and led me in ways I could not even fathom.
Need I remind you how the single word "love" led me to Namibia last year? One step of obedience led to another that sent me half-way around the world... and this one, lone step propelled me into the very task that has been set before me in the collaboration of Genesis Design, a ministry curriculum for children and youth in Africa about God's design for manhood, womanhood, sexuality, and marriage.
So, it wasn't any wonder when I heard God's still small voice whisper through the radio this past December. With 2017 just days away, I knew the Lord had a word stored up, ready to be revealed at any moment. That's when I heard it...
"Intentional"
As it was with the previous words, all I knew was that this was such a word for such a time as this. If I've learned anything over the last several years, it is that when God speaks, He speaks with purpose and intention.
For whatever reason, God has instructed me to be intentional in preparing for what lies ahead...
Intentional with my relationships, my finances, my time, my prayers, my gifts, my resources, my body, my thoughts, and my words.
Let's be real...
How many minutes of my day slip by without any care? How many words come from my mouth that are not pleasing to God? How many thoughts run through my head that do not honor who I was created to be?
It ought not be so!
We all have just one life to live...
Are we speaking love (Proverbs 18:21)?
Are we extending our hands and feet to be used by Jesus (James 1:22)?
Are we centering our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise (1 Philippians 4:8)?
Beloved, there is so much at stake!
As I reflect on the task the Lord has set before me this season, I've fallen under the weighty conviction of my responsibility as a steward of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 1:14). In writing and editing lessons for Genesis Design, a renewed hunger for deeper revelation of God's Word has washed over me with an urgency to handle it with the utmost care... and this takes being intentional with every word that flows from my fingertips.
Speaking on behalf of the Genesis Design team, we covet your prayers in this. No transformation or cycle-breaking in the AIDS-affected community, or to whomever the Lord wills to receive this work, will come from this curriculum without the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit in every word, every lesson, every teacher, and every classroom.
God is intentional and, being made in His image, we are to be intentional in seeking His wisdom, favor, blessing, and anointing in the work He has called us to do. We are nothing and can do nothing apart from God... but in Him and in His power at work within us, He is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
Amen?
----
Well, I suppose an update is in order. You never can be sure what state, country, or continent I'm on these days.... Carmen Sandiego ain't got nothing on me!
2017 began on the heels of back-to-back trips from Colorado, Namibia, Dominican Republic, Grand Canyon, and Kansas City. In January alone I found myself traveling from Kansas City to San Antonio to Baltimore. And somewhere between all that I even audited a week-long intensive class on Spiritual Warfare at Asbury Seminary's Orlando campus.
Making new friends in Namibia
Reconnecting with the sweetest of old friends in the DR
Hiking with my sister into the Grand Canyon for Christmas
IHOPKC's OneThing 2016 conference in Kansas City
A New Year's walk with my Aunt Denise and dog cousin, Belle, in Missouri
Spending time with my Great Aunt Phyllis and Faith Christian Center in Dilley, TX
I've been able to greet the newest addition to the Ferguson clan in "Birdland," revisit my alma mater and dear friends from university days ("College Park, Bubba Sparxx!"), and I was even able to help celebrate my Papa's 81st birthday in Central Illinois.
Miller Fionn Ferguson, born January 31, 2017
Fearing the Turtle since 2004 with the very first person I met at UMD and my senior year roomie
Gathered around the birthday dinner table... all 22 of us and STILL counting!
Upon my return from these travels, I began settling into a routine of weekly Skype meetings and lesson writing for Genesis Design. Our team is split across 3 countries (Namibia, Congo, and the USA) and though technology has opened doors in recent years we could only dream of, internet and power in Africa is still quite unpredictable. Regardless, we keep pressing on in the victory we have in Jesus. As it is now, we're able to proceed from our designated locations, but the three of us will most likely reconvene in person later this year... in Namibia? the states? I've stopped trying to guess where this journey will lead next!
Genesis Design Team- me (USA), Sylvia (Namibia), and Elodie (Congo)
On that note, I have some exciting news... Remember seeing this picture?
Faulty CD player in the car? You learn to improvise on 7 hour road trips
That's right... I'm learning French! Part of being intentional is attempting to learn the language of countries to which I'm being sent...
Say what?!
Yep... I'm traveling to France and the UK this spring! I'm still pinching myself! I will be accompanying Elodie, my new friend and fellow Genesis Design teammate, in presenting workshops and seminars on Genesis Design in various ministry settings throughout the northern region of France and "across the pond" around London.
The craziest thing is how the Lord has answered both of our prayers in this one trip... my desire to see Europe and her desire to not go alone as she did last year. Elodie and I are pretty much two peas in a pod, just born on separate continents and sent to different countries. I am so excited for what God has in store for these three weeks of ministry together as we share what the Lord is doing in and through Genesis Design.
---
Friends, I'm believing that we are going to see mighty and awesome outpourings of God this year. Everything inside me senses we're on the precipice of something huge. The Lord has stirred my soul with a yearning and cry for revival in our churches, nation, and world. Yet, if I'm wanting to see revival, it must start in me...
Flat on my face, intentionally seeking His.
Will you join me in making this 2017 a year of living intentionally?
"If not now, when? If not us, who?"
Woohoo, so many exciting things happening! I love hearing about all God is doing through you!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I can hardly believe this is my life... though I still await the fulfillment of desires God has placed in my heart, He continues to answer others in the most beautiful of ways! I can't wait to see you in person soon!
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