Stand.On.Your.Head.

This week we had the pleasure of hearing from Jim Stiers at the beginning of the week and from Mekiesha Smith again at the end of the week. Jim as a young man started YWAM Brazil and was once the president of YWAM. He is an amazing example of how we are to live our lives in obedience with God. Here are some quotes from this week:

Jim Stier:
"In this world, any kind of satisfaction we get; the price of that satisfaction will grow and grow, while the satisfaction will diminish."

"My depression was not a fixed temperment, just an emotional habit."

"We try to punish ourselves into purity, when in reality that doesn't work. Punishing ourselves creates inside of us an empty feeling, feeling ashamed, neediness, and our refusal to forgive ourselves. Guilt doesn't purify anything.
What works: Focusing on the character of God. As we focus on Him we begin to feel full, full of hope and God begins to purify us."

"Emotions make very bad leaders, but very good servants."

"Am I content to be a good "culteral" Christian with mediocre existents who is dried up, or am I going to endure the stretching and molding of God in my life?"

"Love is the constant sacrificial giving of ones self, regardless of return."

Mekeisha Smith:
"This God we have made and because we have made Him; because we have created HIm, He can never surprise us, never overhwlem us nor astonish nor transcend us." -A.W. Tozer

"Truth has the power to effect your life; but your perception of truth effects it more."

"We should not judge God's character by other people. One should look at the original"

"Many people believe they can't do everything, so sadly, they just do nothing."

"Where are we?! Because, God is not missing in action! HE is calling and we are not responding! We are allowing everything to distract us from the heart of God! When we do this we are saying "I don't care about others, and I don't want to feel the pain that others feel" As Christians, if we refuse to act in this world, people are left with no representation of Christ."

" People can watch horrible suffering and while they watch they will say "oh my god, that is horrible" and go back to eating there dinner."

"Condemnation is NO motivation, the only motivation we should have is God. We don't have time for condemnation, just conviction and CHANGE. Feel the pain, and then let if fuel you for service."

"We should be praying for a call to stay, because we clearly are called to go." -Keith Green

"May the Lamb that was slain recieve the reward of His suffering" -Moravian Missionaries who sold themselves into life long slavery so that they could minister to slaves (This was the last thing they said to there families as they were shipped off to the island to live as slaves and never see their families again.)"

As you can see we have learned SO much this week. Not only are we all convicted, but we are ready to act! I pray that we will REMEMBER all that is being taught to us. Now that I am aware of these things, I am held to an even higher standard, because I know the truth! I am praying for everyone back home, I hope you all are well! I love ya'll.