Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire

“We are always either drawing nearer to God or falling away. There is no holding pattern.”

“I discovered an astonishing truth: God is attracted to weakness. He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need him.”

Both of the above quotes are from Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, a wonderful book written in 1997 by Jim Cymbala. I heartily recommend reading this accounting of what the Lord is doing at Brooklyn Tabernacle Church. It is energizing, convicting, and is exactly what I needed to read.

We all want change. We look around at the state of the world, of people’s souls, and feel at a loss. God and God alone brings real change. And real prayer and humility and true love to those who are desperately hurting is the way that people see that Jesus Christ is real and alive and that He loves them without measure.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

Praying with you…..let’s pray and keep praying and then pray some more. Pray continually.

Lord, we humble ourselves before you. Forgive us. Cleanse us. Make us like Your Son through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to love, love without limit like You. Fill us with Your Spirit, for Your Glory, for this time.

Love, Lisa

A Blessing for St. Patrick’s Day

May you always know a love that shares

Their time, their comfort, their life and cares

Like someone who gave up his worldly ease

To return to a land of former captivity

To share the Love that knows no end

To set you free from guilt and shame

Patrick came back to Ireland so long ago

Out of love and calling did he go

E’en though he faced his painful past

No pain on earth could stop his task

And so today, my wish for you

To know the Christ that so loves you.

And just as St. Patrick once declared,

“The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

-Lisa Lyons, 2023

Image: Beautiful County Donegal, Ireland, Ed Lyons

Known Without a Word

Someone who really knows us, truly loves, actually helps

What we all yearn for

Searching through all the options, leaving a bigger hole in each dug pit

Running from Truth, feeling it is too strict, too archaic, made up

But finally surrendering to an unconditional, all-knowing, always present Love

Being known to Him without saying a word, He has always known

Jesus

Never again the same

Never again alone

c2023 Lisa Lyons

“Come, see a Man who told me everything I ever did.” – Samaritan woman after meeting Jesus at the well, John 4:29a

“They said to the woman, ‘ We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.’ ” – Samaritan villagers, after being with Jesus for two days and hearing his words. – John 4:42

A Rabbit Trail of Joy

I have recently stumbled onto the rabbit trail that is the Jesus music of the early 1970s. This was no doubt spurred on from the wonderful new film, “Jesus Revolution.” I didn’t become aware of contemporary Christian music until the 1980s, and so there is a whole catalog of sonic greatness out there to discover. And I have thoroughly enjoyed it…. the unbridled joy, the rawness of the recordings, the energy. I like the fact that they are not perfectly produced and engineered. They feel immediate, and very real. People excited about their new faith in Jesus. Here are a few gems I have been listening to. If you know of others to suggest for my rabbit trail listening pleasure, feel free to suggest! Have a blessed day! Lisa

Love Song, “Little Country Church,” 1972
Mustard Seed Faith, “Sweet Jesus Morning,” 1975
2nd Chapter of Acts, “Jesus Is,” 1971

*I listen to 2nd Chapter of Acts all the time but had never heard their early songs from the 70s. This is their first single; the lead singer is 13-year-old Matthew Ward before his voice changed, along with his sisters.

Postscript….If you haven’t seen “Jesus Revolution” yet, we heartily recommend it!

The Most Important Question of Your Life

“But what about you?” He [Jesus] asked, “Who do you say I am?” -Mark 8:29

You may have read this before, or heard it, maybe a thousand times.

But your true, real, considered deep in your mind and heart answer is the most important decision and answer of your life.

No over-exaggeration here.

Think about it.

Love and blessings to you all, Lisa