am in need of a resurrection..nicole sponberg

Just listening to this song and its amazing how powerful the words are. It speaks to the Christian who is struggling along the way, feeling far from God and numb to a point. A christian whose relationship with God is stale and on the verge of completely ceasing to be. Its a cry to God to show up, to reveal Himself in a new way. Its a call for God to touch a heart thats been wounded and fallen away from Him. Its a reflection of what God can do and a prayer for Him to start things afresh.

Here is a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t8Sk6cZ-PA

As I sleep I'm reminded the power God has not only found in redemption but through his love...

Alicia Britt Chole's Words to You...

This devotion was amazing so I thought i'd post it...

The journey back from collapse

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." 1 Kings 19.11

Elijah was absolutely exhausted.

He faced and defeated 450 false prophets. He climbed a mountain to earnestly intercede for drought-ending rain. He ran for twenty-five miles faster than the King's chariot. And now, in what should have been a moment of victory, wicked Jezebel sent word that she was planning to kill him.

That was it. He was done. The combination of post-ministry exhaustion and fear of man was just too much. Elijah ran for his life, "and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" (1 Kings 19.4)

Though few of us have faced several hundred prophets of Baal, we do understand extreme weariness. The stresses of work and finances, the strains of relationships and conflicts, and the realities of spiritual opposition leave us feeling fatigued. Add a crisis to that normal load, and we can collapse altogether.

How did Elijah journey from collapse to a place where he had the strength to obey God again? Typically to answer that question we turn to Elijah’s encounter with God on Mount Horeb. But even before his incredible mountain experience, Elijah was regaining strength in small and seemingly insignificant ways in the desert. How?

1. Elijah prayed. After running from Jezebel, an isolated Elijah plopped down under a scruffy tree in the desert and prayed. Yes, it was a pretty miserable prayer, but he was still talking to God and every little bit helps!

2. (and 5 and 9) Elijah slept. No instant cures exist for fatigue. Our bodies cannot be plugged into an outlet and revived in an hour. There are no substitutes for time and rest.

3. (and 6) Elijah was touched by an angel. When we are exhausted, God sends His messengers to us in many forms: the hug of a child, a call from a friend, the touch of a loved one. God’s arms are long enough to reach us, even in the desert.

4. (and 7) Elijah ate. Some of us wish we would lose our appetite! But for those of us who actually do, we must remember to eat. In his state of weariness, Elijah enjoyed angelic cuisine.

8. Then Elijah encountered God on the mountain. After a very long walk, Elijah arrived at Mount Horeb. God instructed him to, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."(1 Kings 19.10-11)

There Elijah saw a shattering wind, an earthquake, and a fire, "but the Lord was not in" them. During these three powerful events Elijah heard NOTHING which could have been a bit frustrating. So perhaps we should not be surprised when we hear nothing also. And perhaps we should be encouraged that in the midst of silence &mdash even when it is the last thing we want to hear &mdash something in the waiting still works to strengthen our souls.

God was in the gentle whisper. There God and Elijah exchanged the identical dialogue they had in the cave:

The word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." 1 Kings 19.13-14

Creativity runs low when we are exhausted. So Elijah repeated his previous response: "I have done my best but nothing seems to make a difference. I am all alone and some people would be happier if I were gone."

Elijah's words have not changed much from his prayer under the tree in the desert but his weariness has obviously subsided because when God gives Elijah directions, the prophet has sufficient strength to obey.

Certainly the concentration of God's presence on the mountain strengthened Elijah, but God's presence in the desert carried him there. In minute yet meaningful ways, God's presence was refreshing Elijah all along as he slept and ate, walked and prayed, was touched by angels and waiting for God to speak.

As we journey from collapse back to a point where we have strength to obey, let us be careful to not underestimate the desert. The mountain is amazing, but the desert is equally full of God's presence to refresh our lives.

Resting in God’s Truth...

• God can bring us back from collapse.

• That journey includes weak prayers, much rest, good food, long walks, and the touch of a few angels.

• In the desert as well as on the mountain, God’s exhausted sons and daughters will find restoration in His Presence.

my new book =)

I seriously encourage everyone to read Diamonds, Gold and War by Martin Meredith. Well maybe if you are into history, politics..anyway, its a great read. Its about South Africa and its colonial past, how Brits and Dutch found the diamonds and colonized the country....

I'm passionate about my dear Africa so I try to read what I can to improve my knowledge of it. It is the only way we can learn our history as Africans and break the psychological chains of colonialism.

hmm, just thoughts

There are times that this life becomes absolutely tough and the light at the end of the tunnel is out of reach, or so it seems. I have not only faced a hard year so far but one that has felt as if I was walking alone. Like the Footprints story, I asked God 'where were you when I needed you most? Where is the one set of footprints and your hands carrying me through?' There were dark days I couldn't handle and anyway, who said I had strength or ability to?

I started out praying through my storms, I cried out my sorrows to the Lord. I told Him to come and carry me. And then I waited. And waited. Did He show up? Yes, in the time I expected it? No, not really but in the time He saw as the perfect moment. I had walked away so far. I became the prodigal. I told God through my actions that He was not enough, I needed someone else. I could get what I needed elsewhere. This is what my actions spoke aloud.

After all this, I return to Him and declare that I was completely wrong and asked for forgiveness. I still need to work on my relationship with Him and build it once again but He took me back. I don't want to be stale, or mediocre.I want to thirst after God...even after I have been broken so badly. Its only Him that can heal me..Its only Him that can bear my pain, understand my sorrows and heal my soul. He only is the one who understands the language of tears.

I remember one time specifically as I sat in church listening to the Pastor then worship time came. I knew I had fallen deeply into sin and now had to face Him about it. I sat and just stared far past the choir and the pastor. The feeling I had was unbearable and all I could do was bow my head. I couldn't pray, I couldn't utter one word to God. I just put my head down and my tears just flowed down my face and I said nothing. Shortly after that moment, I dried my face and honestly felt as if God had already lifted the burden that lay so heavy on my heart.

It was amazing that I didn't even pray and He came. I finally understood the scripture that talks about the Spirit interceding for us when we can't pray. That was me, that was where I was....

Its still a struggle now but am working hard to see that the devil does not steal what God has given me and the relationship we have. I know I have given space to the devil because of my vulnerability but no more, I want no more of that. God is it...

Mamite Neu Cheiso in my language, kalenjin, means there is no one like Jesus. This is so true...

My Journey Begins ...

As I begin this blogging journey, I want to commit to it..It is more so for my own accountability and to share whatever it is my soul wants express.

So here we go. I am excited!