Jesus, Friend Forever - by guest contributor Favor Mitchell

From creation, God’s intention has been to walk with us in loving community and friendship. Before having to leave the garden, Adam was walking with God in the cool of the day. Abraham was called a friend of God, as was Moses, who knew His ways while the children of Israel just knew His actions. David had such a relational connection to God that he was called a man after God’s own heart. We see beautiful snapshots of the type of bond we all were always meant to have with God in the Old Testament, yet somehow, humanity got into a distant, disconnected, taskmaster-slave mentality driven by what God is “supposed” to do and what we’re “supposed” to do in exchange. Enter: Jesus, the Game Changer! Jesus fully divine, became fully human  and fully connected to His heart to physically love on humanity and show us what we were always created for. He came to show us what heaven truly looks like and this, My Friends, is where we discover that heavenly perspective is a whole new ball game! He says,  "You think you know who God is?  Nah, let me show you!" "You think you know what leadership is? Here, let me show you!" "You think you know what friendship is? Let me show you!" He broke into humanity’s limited perspective, showing us the kingdom realities of what we thought we knew.  He does the same for us today and as He does this, I am acutely aware of how much I personally don’t know. In my personal friendship with God, I press in and ask questions when He does something beyond my scope of understanding.  I ask, “Jesus, how were you able to be so present and vulnerable with people that often misunderstood you?” Most recently, I’ve been wondering, “How were you able to be totally vulnerable with Judas, sharing so openly with him even though you knew he was the one to betray you? How were able to not change the way you loved him? Were you even a little tempted to leave a corner of dust or donkey poo on his foot when it was time to wash his feet?” Ultimately, the way I learn this type of love is by asking these questions and having this level of intimacy in the first place. As I learn that God never intended to be my taskmaster… I stop trying to be His. Our relationship moves past lists and demanding requests camouflaged as prayers and turns into something beautiful; a place where we can safely exchange with Him and Him with us. A place where we can see and know His heart, and open ours for him to see. Therefore, discovering that God “never called [us] servants…”( John 15:15, TPT) messes me up in the best way possible. We’re free to  participate in this everlasting friendship that grows, stretches, and deepens.

From Striving to Thriving - Living Wholeheartedly Through Sonship by Overseer Joel Pollard

Much of discipleship is about overcoming an orphan spirit and poverty spirit. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, to block our inheritance - this has been the enemy’s strategy since Genesis 3 and this is what Jesus came to save us from. Jesus came as a man and lived fully as a Son and as an heir. He died and rose again to give us ALL, in Christ, access to the same. Many believers have accepted Jesus’ provision of forgiveness, but are still living as orphans, disconnected from inheritance. In giving us life, Jesus restores our connection to God as Father. In giving us abundant life, He restores our access to inheritance. While on the journey of discovering who we are as sons and daughters, the answers are not found at the surface - they are found in the depths of our hearts and there is a Tour Guide who knows those depths better than anyone or anything; His Name is Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to lead us into Sonship. He works within us to restore our relationship with the Father. He speaks to us about who we are, whose we are, and the inheritance we have access to as a result of our identity as sons and daughters. It’s not an easy path, but as we choose to embrace the process of living wholeheartedly, we begin to realign ourselves to how God originally designed, created, purposed and destined us for.                                                        Love,                                                                Joel

Surrendering to Kindness by Pastor Susan Fochler

Growing up I picked up the message that love meant obligation and loyalty, not tenderness or affection.  So when I encounter someone with a kind and gentle heart, I find myself both pleasantly surprised and deeply moved.  I’m the one who’s always crying at the tender moments in a movie.  My heart has always yearned for such kindness, but it has been a journey to learn how to trust and receive what my heart truly needs. God’s Kindness Frees Us to Change Romans 2:4 describes the power of kindness: “It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance”.  He knows that the last thing we expect if we are struggling is to be met with understanding.  The world-and sometimes the church-would tell us to feel ashamed if we make a mistake, to expect rejection.  Frustrated parents and leaders in our lives have sought to motivate us with judgment or blame.  It doesn’t really work, but people do it anyway. Safe and Tender Arms of Love But God says, “if a change is needed in your life, come to Me and I will not only receive you, I will adore you and enjoy you.  I will listen and be attentive to you.  I may not agree with your perspective, but that does not alter in any way My profound affection for you.  I understand how situations and people have hurt you, and how much you need My help to move past them.  Just come to Me, and let Me come to you, and in My safe and tender arms of love all things are transformed.” Disarmed by Perfect Love Kindness opens up a space that frees us to be vulnerable and honest with our feelings without the fear of rejection.  God is so brilliant; He understands our hearts so well.  With His open arms of acceptance and tender eyes of compassion we can lower our self-protective walls and allow our true selves to be seen.  With one glance of His eyes, with an unveiling of His true heart to ours, we encounter unconditional grace.  When we receive tenderness and not judgment the need to guard ourselves dissolves.  We can step into that broad place of being seen and known as we really are. Come Hungry and Receive, Freely! The Prophet Isaiah encourages us to come hungry and open as God lavishes His unconditional love upon us.  His goodness and His tender mercies are-the only things that can truly satisfy our soul:  “Is anyone thirsty?   Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?  Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.  You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. Is 55:1-3 NLT His covenant promise to you is to pour unfailing, unconditional love upon you continuously, in every situation, no matter what the circumstances.  Come and receive what has already been paid for; the only condition He makes is that you open up your heart to receive and believe!                                                                 Love,                                                                       Pastor Susan

Knowing the True Heart of God by Pastor Brent Lokker

I gave my heart to Jesus when I was 12. I discovered on that day that Jesus was so much more than a historical figure who had done amazing things. He was alive and he loved me and gave his life for me. By God’s grace alone I was able to recognize him as my Savior, and so I began a journey with him that’s traversed more than 43 years. I wish I could say that because of my brand new life in Christ, I was completely done with my old ways and that I never made any more poor choices that hurt myself and wounded others around me. That just wouldn’t be true. The truth is, I’ve needed the grace of my Savior Jesus each of the nearly 16,000 days since giving my heart to him. In Luke 15:4-6, Jesus tells a story describing the true heart of God. It’s a story of a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep in the field to go find one who is lost. He paints a vivid picture of our heavenly Father’s heart who will go to any lengths to search for and find a wandering child of his. This story also conveys the joy of heaven (not punishing or shaming) when that lost one is brought back again. So just who is that lost sheep Jesus is talking about? As I’ve tried to convey, we all need a Savior each and every day of our lives. And what does a Savior do?  He saves us!  The Greek word for salvation (sozo) is not a “once and done” word, but it is an ongoing action of One who continually saves, delivers, sets free and makes us whole in every way imaginable. Jesus didn’t just save us at one point in our lives, such as when I was 12, Jesus saves us and saves us and saves us. Each of us is that lost sheep on more occasions than we even know. Every time we forget who God has made us to be as carriers of light and we allow the hiddenness and shame of darkness to creep back into our lives, we’re that lost sheep. Every time we cut ourselves down and get mired in discouragement, hopelessness and despair, we’re that lost sheep. Every time we refuse to forgive another, we’re that lost sheep. Every time we go back to trying to figure our lives out on our own, we’re that lost sheep. This description could go on and on but I’m sure you get the point. There is a Savior who is seeking you out at this very moment!  Respond to his love! Jesus, I need you! Carry me back to safe places. Tell me again why you died for me and why you chose me. Remind me how much you love me. You’ve always loved me! You see the treasure in me. You have good plans for me. I can’t do this on my own. Thank you for saving me and saving me and saving me. I choose to rest in your embrace of forgiveness and grace and love! Lean into this promise from Jesus to you: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  (Matthew 11:28-20, Message) What’s our response to such grace and kindness?  Love and gratitude to our sweet Father, our sweet Jesus and our sweet Holy Spirit. Oh, and there's one more response: the privilege and joy of carrying his heart of forgiveness and love to a whole lot of lost sheep out there who are looking for hope and needing a Savior just as much as you do. With Love, Brent

Being Changed by God's Love - Rich Oliver of River Revival Network

For this week's encouraging email, I was drawn to share this piece by Rich Oliver.  Rich and his wife Lindy oversee The River Revival Network.  The pastors of Blazing Fire have their ordination through this network.  As you read this, consider how you've grown, how you've changed over time because of God's love and interactions with you.  And then, please express your gratitude and wonder!  Russ Fochler

I Am Better by Rich Oliver I love how God is always helping me grow.... When I get angry with someone or frustrated with their actions, I find myself taking a moment and talking to God. What begins as my pleas for justice or complaints of criticism or cries of pain ends with me contemplating things that I could have done better, ways I could have reacted in love, ways that I carelessly spoke out of turn... Usually, I am humbled and silenced by how much I still have left to learn. It's so easy to get caught up in the moment. Pride can flare up in a flash. Emotions can cloud good judgment. A perceived slight builds into a quest for retribution. All too quickly I can slip back into behavior that I know is not reflective of who I am in Christ, and Holy Spirit begins working in me.....again! God is showing me that I am better. I don't have to give into pride, I don't have to react in turn, and I don't have to inflict pain just because I am hurting. I am better. I am better because God loved me enough to send His Son. I am better because His Son chose to die for my sins. I'm better because when I chose to accept His Son as my Savior, I received forgiveness, love, redemption, and His Holy Spirit! On top of that, I am counted as a joint heir with Christ, I am a victor not a victim, I am a overcomer not overcome! I am better. As this better person, I can respond in a better way to the world around me. I don't have to sink to the level of the world around me. I don't have to make hasty decisions that leave lasting scars. I'm not always the victim, but in the Power of the Holy Spirit, I can be victorious in every situation. NO, it’s not always easy. NO, I'm not all the way there yet. Sometimes it literally hurts to swallow back that smart retort or respond in love to anger. But knowing God is happy with how I'm living and understanding how love can change any circumstance is helping me grow. Knowing that I can do in HIM, makes me want to do it all the more. God's growing me... and I love it! Rich Oliver

The Relational Gospel by Pastor Russ Fochler

“The good news of a new relationship with God through Christ is transforming persons everywhere I have been, as it has been transforming you since the very first day you acknowledged God’s unconditional love.” "Because of his (Epaphras') report we constantly pray for you, asking that you may graspGod’s intentions for you both in your head and in your heart, so that your lifestyle will please God, your efforts in ministry will be productive, and your understanding of who God is will continually enlarge. We want you to become aware of that vast strength which springs out of your relationship with God so that you will have steadiness and to be able to endure anything with joy and then you will thank God our Father who makes us adequate through our participation in a community of transparent people. He has released us from the confusion and meaninglessness of a closed life and has opened us up so that we participate in the authority of his Son.”  Colossians 1:6, 9-13 The Heart of Paul by Ben Campbell Johnson There is so much yummy goodness in this passage!  I spoke about this and more last Saturday night.  You can listen and also find links to the exercise handout and the slides here:  https://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/the-relational-gospel-russ-fochler/ In this email, I want to focus on what are called "relational circuits".  When our relational circuits are "on", a lot of things work better.  When our relational circuits are "off" - we experience what Paul called "the meaninglessness of a closed life".  Learning to recognize when they are "off" and helping them to be "on" again will change our life.  Signs your Relational Circuits are off: I just want this problem, person or feeling to go away. They need to change, shut-up, get fixed, etc. I don’t want to listen to what anyone has to say right now. I’m done. Your mind is “locked onto” something negative and upsetting. I don’t want to be connected to anyone right now. I just want to get away.  (flee, fight, freeze, vs staying relational, calm and connected) I get aggressive, interrogate, judge and try to change or fix others. I'm more focused on the splinter in their eye, rather than the beam in mine. When your Relational Circuits are on you can: Use all your senses Be flexible (instead of rigid) in your thinking Be self-reflective Attune (be in sync with another person) Use willpower Be open and interested in what others think, feel and say Regulate emotions Work with others to reach understanding Focus & shift attention One very important way to help your relational circuits come back "on line" is to intentionally practice gratitude for several minutes (the longer you savor gratitude, the better).  This works for our connection with God, and also with people.  We practiced interactive gratitude last Saturday.  Here is a link to that handout. Every time we sing worship songs from our heart to Jesus and Father God, we welcome our relational circuits to be on and connected with God. As a young man, Jim Wilder (co-author Joyful Journey, The Life Model and other books) read through the Bible and summarized what he saw as the 3 most important truths to live from: Talk to God about everything Do nothing out of fear Love others deeply When we're experiencing a "mutual mind" with Jesus (the mind of Christ), we can discern the thoughts from God by His Shalom associated with those thoughts. "Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always."  Philippians 4:6-8 The Passion Translation                                                                      With gratitude,                                                                                    Russ Fochler

Open Doors by Pastor Brent Lokker

By Brent Lokker & Michaela Thompson This past week I shared about how our beautiful and powerful King Jesus opens doors wide in front of us to be able to step through with Him. You can hear that message here on podcast: https://blazingfire.podbean.com/e/our-lord-jesus-opens-doors-brent-lokker/. In the message, one of the doors I mentioned that Jesus opens for us is the one to healing the deep wounds in our hearts. Michaela Thompson had this wonderful insight to add: It’s interesting that you spoke on Open Doors last night, since Papa has been bringing back to my remembrance some of the first promises He made to me. He promised to heal my heart, but it has to be His way. It's funny how we think we know what that means when we first hear it, but in reality there’s a continual unfolding of revelation that unpacks this truth. His WAY now takes on more than repentance from sin (my first interpretation) and basic obedience. His WAY now encompasses my whole life's journey regardless of how I got here, which is something I've been having a difficult time accepting and embracing.  So what is one of the open doors that Jesus has opened for me that no one can shut? Obviously, it's the healing of my heart, but that is so very vague. The open door is deep, deep rest for my soul - this is my life's message, which encompasses so very much. It's freedom from anxiety and fear, freedom from feeling the weight of my world upon my shoulders.... feeling like I am completely alone in this life. I have an open invitation to step into and abide in His pure love for me.... that He just likes me for me, that's it - there's nothing for me to do. This is so very difficult to hold onto.... the tendency to return to performance and achievement as a means of finding value and worth is strong.  We say it all the time, that “Papa loves us just as we are,” but this can be so very hard to grasp on the inside. So, the invitation stands for me to go deeper into this peace, into His rest, into His love and His care for me. I get to go deeper into trust, into leaning upon my Beloved. I get to perform and achieve things because I am already loved and accepted as an overflow of His life in me and the unfolding of who I am in Him in this world. The fact I can do nothing at all and still be good with God is crazy. Papa has invited me to take dance lessons... couples dance lessons (like ballroom, west coast swing, etc., anything with a partner). He wants me to learn to follow. My initial internal response was "I know how to follow! I'm sensitive to the Holy Spirit!" - and yes this is true, but there is so much more for me! So, I’ve taken a few lessons and I’m beginning to understand why He wants me to do this. ("Ohhh! There’s a whole other level of following and sensitivity that I haven’t experienced yet!) Here is one nugget I’ve learned so far: As a follower, I need to be committed to keeping the momentum of my movement going in whatever direction the leader sends me until I receive another direction. There’s a deeper level of trust involved that Papa is getting at with me, because I find that I want the security of knowing all the steps from beginning to end. But there’s no trust in that, because regardless of what my leader does, I would already know what I'm supposed to do. See how I’m getting my sense of worth from my performance?  It’s true I can't dance if my leader doesn't know how to lead and it’s also true he can't lead if I don't follow and am second guessing him all the time. I can get in my head instead of simply staying present and this is just not how couples dance works. And there’s no rest in trying to know all the steps ahead of time either, because then I have to remember what's coming, which keeps me from simply staying present with my leader in the now and enjoying the moment. There's a deeper level of rest in simply feeling the direction my leader sends me. All these insights are aspects of the open door I’m walking through with Papa.  So what open doors are in front of you? Ask for Papa’s help to walk through them. He’s all about taking you to good places in your life and He’s all about doing it with you!