God, who do You say that I am?

This is so simple.  Yet so profound.  I dare you to do it (and am praying that God will open up some quiet time/space in your life to do it).

Simply write "God, who do you say that I am?"  at the top of the page and try to listen as He speaks.  Write down any words, phrases, pictures, song lyrics, or scriptures that come to mind.  Listen to the one and only opinion that Truly matters.  

And if you aren't hearing anything, that's ok - you're ok!  Maybe you could invite someone to pray with you and together listen to what the Lord may be saying (and I hope it goes without saying - but I'm happy to say it anyway - I would be more than HONORED to be that person. email me, we'll figure it out  diannacash@yahoo.com)

Surely there will be more to come. 

Prayer Night #2 - September 2019

Random assortment of thoughts for you tonite. 

1) It's been fun having the cafe open this week before and after prayer night.  A few of my favorite parts:

• Laura Lea's encouragement, kindness, presence and all-around awesomeness
• The coffee maker has been cooperating. 
• The uncommon generosity of one of the "most-talented-but-would-rather-remain-anonymous-doesn't-want-credit" bakers
• My delightful friend Katherine made a strawberry cake...the whole thing sold - piece by delicious piece. 
• The conversations at the bar.  Oh so similar to what used to happen every Sunday morning on the Africa Mercy.   Those conversations are life-giving and refreshing to me. 

2)Here are thoughts that were in my head and heart/what God was talking to me about tonite (some from worship, some from Colossians 3):

• Our God is WORTHY and TRUSTWORTHY
• Set your mind on things above.
• "Christ is my life."  Is He?  Is He truly my life?
• Pursue the things over which Christ presides (Col. 3:1 MSG)
• LET Christ's peace rule in your heart.  Allow it.  Let it.

3)And a little identity activity for you if you're interested: 

Sometimes the lies (from ourselves, from others, from the enemy) are so loud that we can't hear the Truth about who God says we are.  

2 questions to ask:

• What lies am I believing about my identity/who I am?
• What is God's truth in regards to that lie?

Take 2 cards/pieces of paper.  On 1, write the lie that you've been believing.  On the 2nd, write God's Truth.  Destroy the card with the lie (think lots of ripping or maybe even burning in a safe and smart way).   Take the 2nd card with you - every time the lie tries to creep in, read the Truth. Tell that lie to go back to hell where it belongs.  It's ok to talk dirty to the enemy.  He's a jerkface and a liar.  We don't have to be polite with him.  Read the Truth. Believe the Truth. 

Surely there will be more to come. 

Identity - a playlist

It's prayer week at CCC!  I really like prayer week.  Something significant happens when we intentionally come together with the purpose of hearing from God.  So much could be said here...but that's another post for another day. (I think I actually have a rough draft of a blog about prayer week at CCC...the what and the how and the such and such...)

In honor of prayer week I'm going to try (try!) to blog each evening...either an activity that could help us in our quest for true identity...or thoughts from the night....or, as is the case tonite, a helpful tool.

So...just in case you aren't able to make it to the prayer room at CCC and need a playlist of songs that remind you of who you are - of who HE says you are - here's one.  There's a variety of genres and artists...and the songs stretch over a few decades...so if you happen not to like one, just click on another one.  You may even want to listen with a pen in hand...jot down the words/phrases that stand out...draw pictures that God gives you.  Let Him remind you of who you are.  I don't think this blog is going anywhere...so feel free to listen to a song and then come back in a few days or a week and listen to another one...

I Will Change Your Name (Cross Ties)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyCAIA3mIMI

You Say (Lauren Daigle)

https://youtu.be/sIaT8Jl2zpI

No Longer Slaves (Bethel)

https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k

Who You Say I am (Hillsong)

https://youtu.be/lKw6uqtGFfo

Friend of God (Israel Houghton)

https://youtu.be/UI0cgUKMqRs

God Loves Me (Veggie Tales)

https://youtu.be/3ch239kCT3Q

Child of God (Vineyard)

https://youtu.be/cNeNGN2q-r8

More Than Conquerors (Rend Collective)

https://youtu.be/2p8_4NbrcKA

More Than Ashes (Tim Reimherr)

https://youtu.be/no9ZIOiAjhY

You are my Treasure (Chris Tomlin)
https://youtu.be/FVS3BLLQgh8

I Like Me (Kirk Franklin and Da Truth)

https://youtu.be/05lddfyhf3s

Come Out of Hiding (Steffany Gretzinger)

https://youtu.be/XFkDqQtfs0w

Refrigerator Art (Allen Levi)

https://youtu.be/JvIU9ZLKfjQ

The Anthem (Jesus Culture)

https://youtu.be/YIoZNqUQAGE

Fun fact: this last one is one of Nick's favorites...kind of like his fight song.

Other fun facts: the kirk franklin one is probably my favorite on the list...and the veggietales one always makes me cry.  i LOVE that God loves us whether we've made all the right decisions or whether we've messed up in all the ways.  He really loves us.  That's our identity:  loved by God.

Surely there will be more to come. 

prayer night - friday night

Focus Verses: Ezekiel 47:1-12 and Matthew 5:13-16

My thoughts on the Ezekiel verses (and on the fact that this passage is at the core of Christ Community Church): I love the river! The river itself…the picture of the river…the concept of the river.  I really like it. 

God’s response: “Me, too!  I am in the River – that’s why it’s so enjoyable.”

As I read the verses from Ezekiel, I couldn’t get my mind away from these phrases:

V 1 – He brought me…

V2 – He brought me…

V 3 – He led me through…

V 4 – He led me through… (2 more times!)

V 6 – He led me back…

I’m not exactly sure who “the man” is doing the leading (I’m sure a host of commentaries or biblical scholars could give great insight to that…)…but as I read, I had the deep sense of the fact that Ezekiel was never alone – not once in the process did “the man” give instructions and walk off.  The man brought and led and led back…I love that we are not in this alone…we are not called to do this on our own. 

And then V11 stood out to me where it says “the swamps and marshes will not become fresh, they will be left for salt.”  And it was interesting thinking about that verse as I read Matthew 5:13 where we’re told “you are here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.” 

My thoughts:  the swamps and marshes feel like the hard parts of life – the things that are dark, murky, sinking, hard to navigate…but maybe those are the very places that places that house the salt…the salt that brings out the God-flavors of this earth….

prayer week - thursday night

We spent time looking at 1 John 3:1 – we were encouraged to consider and fully embrace our identity in Christ as God’s children.  And we looked at 2 Corinthians 2:4 – thinking about the fact that it is Christ’s love that compels us to do whatever it is that we are called by God to do. 

I spent some time making lists…lists telling me who God thinks I am…I really like lists – especially lists that are full of Truth and love and kindness and encouragement (and some challenge!).

As I thought about the phrase “Christ’s love compels us” these are the things that came to mind:  Christ’s love is our motivation…not the thoughts or desires of man.  Not the recognition or the applause.  Not the earthly achievement or rewards.  Not obligation or guilt or a lack of provision…or because it’s always been done.  Christ’s LOVE is why we do what we do…it compels us to be who He has made us to be. 

Can I make a suggestion? (“of course you can,” the silly voice replies, “you're the one writing this blog!”) Ask God who you are…ask Him to reveal your identity to you.  Listen as He speaks Truth over you and into you.  It’s His opinion that matters…and only His opinion that is RIGHT.

prayer week - wednesday night

last night was a bit different for me at prayer night....i felt like God was wanting me to spend more time praying for those around me and less time than usual asking Him for insight and writing things down in my journal.  so i prayed and  read verses as He prompted...  i ended up with an instruction from the Lord in regards to my children

we looked at Philippians 2:1-5 and Ephesians 4:6...in the Ephesian's verses it talks about being" humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, keeping the unity..." and i did feel like God was reminding me that He wants me to be these things with/for my children...and He wants me to LOVE them, deeply love them (that may seem like such an obvious statement...and really i guess it is pretty obvious, but it was a significant  reminder for me last night).  

Ephesians 5:1 "watch what God does and then you do it...like children who learn proper behavior from their parents, mostly what God does is LOVE you...keep company with Him and learn a life of love....extravagant love..."

God, please help me to LOVE my children well...to spur them on toward love and good deeds.  i long to be gentle and humble and patient...keeping the unity and bearing with them in the best possible way - as you bear with me.  please do what only You can - love my children through me.  i long to invest in them - Your Truth, Your Love, Your Life.  please have your way in my mothering...

prayer week - tuesday night

Phrases that stood out to me from the songs:
"drink of glory and wonder"
"lay back against you and breathe...feel your heart beat."
"pull me a little closer, take me a little deeper.  i want to know your heart..."

Psalm 105:2-4
"seek the Lord and His strength" -- not my own strength (there isn't much of that lately!).  HIS STRENGTH.  What does His strength look like?  refreshing, unexplainable, enough.  God lead me to Psalm 93:1 - it said "He is surging with strength."  YES!

"seek His face continually..."
my thought: we often find what we're looking for...
what i felt like were His thoughts:  "if you're looking for fault, fault you will most surely find...looking for people to make mistakes or someone to blame?  you'll find them.  are you looking for Me? looking for evidence of Me? looking for me to work?  you WILL find Me.  You'll most certainly find me when you're looking for Me with your whole heart (jeremiah 29:12).  Look for me as you go about your day...I am at work.  Look for me...I am right there - breathe me in...open the gifts I'm putting along the path for you...look for Me - you WILL see Me."

2 Timothy 3:16-17
thank You for loving me enough to correct me and to teach me to do what is right...You prepare and equip us to do every good work.  A father who doesn't care doesn't do anything to prepare and equip his child.  A father who does not discipline and does not teach, does not care/does not care.  So glad - so glad! - YOU do.

last 3 words -- restore. restoration. healing.  those words were in my heart and head...i felt a strong sense of God saying "I've got these things for you - for all of you..."

it's prayer week!!!

i've had so much that i've wanted to share through this blog...but today is not the day for that.  hopefully soon though!!  for now, here are thoughts/insights/verses from prayer night last night...i thought about adding further explanation - but decided to just leave them 'as is'....

Job 38

v36…I don’t even know what “the ibis” is…of course I didn’t give it weather wisdom – I wouldn’t have even thought to give something weather wisdom!  I’m so glad YOU did.  You thought of it all…things I take for granted.  Things I don’t even realize.  Things I’m not aware of.  You are such a good God.  A thorough God.  A thoughtful God.  A God who sees and provides and things of EVERY detail.

Thoughts on a deeper place of worship (what I felt like I was hearing from Him)…

“Worship with total abandonment.  No thought to man…no regard for who is around.  Keep filling your mind and heart and home with ME and with songs that remind you of Me…songs that draw your attention to Me.  I want ALL of your attention.  No division.  No separation -  all of your attention.  Hold nothing back."

Psalm 100

The words of worship:  Joy!  Thanksgiving!  Praise!

Other thoughts:

You are worthy!!  We certainly don’t even grasp exactly what that means…but you are worthy in every sense of the word – to receive blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, strength, wealth.

(random intro – I feel like the birds have been singing louder lately….and I just keep thinking, “they are getting louder in their worship…”)  We need to take our place as God-worshippers…the rocks will cry out if we do not.  Even now the birds’ songs are worship (and are getting louder)…our God WILL be worshipped!  Will you be among the worshippers?  We need to take our God-given place as God-worshippers…worship LOUD (this isn’t necessarily talking about volume!)…worship BIG…worship STRONG…Worship in whatever way He gives you.  It may or may not look like anyone else’s worship – and that’s ok!

John 4:23-24

From the msg:  “it’s who you are and the way you live that count before God…the Father is looking for those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship…”

words from Him:  "Be who I have made you to be, worship how I’ve made you to worship…not who the worship leader tells you to be…not who the person next to you tells you to be…certainly not who the world tells you to be.  Under My authority and following My leading, be who I have made you to be."

Matthew 6:6 - “find a quiet secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.  Just be there – as simply and honestly as you can manage.  The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace. 

Focus on Him, not me.    

Worship allows us the pleasure of focusing on Him – not on us…we were never meant to focus on us so much. 

ccc prayer week - friday night's thoughts

tonite's scriptures: Matthew 25:14-46

thoughts/impressions:
we don't have to be AFRAID of disappointing God. That line of thought should just not be a part of the process of deciding to follow Jesus

CCC is brimming with my sheep! You are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, giving beds to the homeless, giving clothes (and heaters!) to the cold, visiting those in prison and those who are sick.

What are you saying to us?
"don't live cautiously - in living cautiously, you're trying to protect and preserve your life - that's My job!! throw caution to the wind as you DO what I've called you to do...not foolishly or carelessly....but with wisdom...and unrelenting TRUST that I am in control. Since I am in control, you do not have to be! Let go of the control...the sooner you admit that you can't do this, the better - cause that's when I can step in and make your life better than you ever expected. My freedom is UNLEASHED, UNCAGED, SET FREE in your surrender. It's not defeat to surrender - it's actually utter VICTORY. It's not weakness...it's strength. My Victory and My Strength - 2 things that I generously share with you."

ccc prayer week - thursday night's thoughts

i love love LOVE love LOVE what the Lord was doing tonite....that was a beautiful time of sharing!!!!

tonite's scripture: Luke 14:15-33

here's what i wrote down: come on in, the foods on the table...it's ready - just waiting for someone to partake...available for anyone...those who miss out may not even realize that they're missing out - and they certainly don't realize what they are missing out on...but those who partake -- WOW! -- they know the deliciousness that the table holds - the unending feast...the feast is available - but God's not going to beg people to come...he'll keep looking, continue inviting...

2 questions came up that i feel are for all of us: 1)what excuse are you giving God? 2) what has He gotten ready for you & is now inviting you to come to?

Then i asked "what are you saying to us?"

His response: "come. eat of this feast i've prepared for you...and not only that - enjoy the fellowship and the fun of the party. this isn't a dull gathering of boring people and boring topics - it's a rip-roaring joyful celebration -- music & dancing, laughter...and, of course, delicious food. come to this party i've planned for you...i know you can come up with dozens of excuses not to attend - please don't do that! come...taste of my goodness...experience my delight in you. you'll be glad you came...you'll never be the same..."

(i've gotten the feeling over and over this week that the general consensus of people is that following Jesus/losing your life means no more fun and that it means a boring and dull existence -- but God's been saying just the opposite...He intends for it to be exciting!)

Then i asked "what are you saying to me?"

His response: "rest in knowing i've got you. i see that your preference is me - that's good! i'm going to take care of your house & cars & jobs...i've got it all figured out - your job is to delight in me daily. watch as i provide. i've got a plan...it's good and rich and exciting and FULL OF ME."

excited to see what tomorrow night holds.

ccc prayer week - wednesday night's thoughts

scripture: Genesis 1:26, Genesis 2:18, 1 John 4:7-12, Deuteronomy 6:4-9

words for the youth (and really for all of us - but especially for the youth) -- "I am a God of Truth - listen to ME as I tell you who you are. The world's voice is loud - mine can be louder if you'll tune your ear to hear it. Your true identity is in ME - and is SECURE in me...nothing can separate you from My love - no dumb decision or fad...no rebellion or disobedience. I LOVE YOU - I am for you - I am the ONLY One who will not let you down."

deuteronomy 6:6 (ish)(i can never quite tell with the message)(talking about the commands of God) "...get them inside of you and then get them inside your children..."
james 3:13 (ish) "...it's the way you live, not the way you talk that counts..."

the word CONSUME was a part of my time with God tonite...felt like He was saying that He wants to CONSUME us - every part of us...our lives, our hearts, our minds....and as i thought about the word "consume" it very much ties into "dying to self" -- when things are consumed they no longer exist...

one other thing that i feel like God shared with me ties into something that was said earlier this week about encouraging one another..."a primary way of loving one another is encouraging one another - the words we say to one another and about one another are life bringing of death bringing - causing life and health and growth...or contributing to breakdown and darkness. James 3:10 (ish) "with our tongues we bless God. with the same tongues we curse men and women He made in His image...this can't go on!."

ccc prayer week - tuesday night's thoughts

tonite's verses: matthew 16:13-18 (same as last night!) and matthew 11:28-30

as we transitioned from worship to listening i simply wrote down something that keith prayed "...expecting to hear." i was praying about that and asking God to speak...and telling Him that we were waiting in expectation to receive the gifts that He has for us....immediately all of this started coming - i could hardly write fast enough...(got the impression it was for all of us...not just me!)

"...and I do have gifts for you...yours for the taking - just receive them! there's no need to "pay" me anything or feel that you owe me in any way for these gifts. what do I want from you in return? I simply want you to enjoy the gifts -- enjoy me! enjoy the time you get to spend with Me...it's not My desire that your time with Me be dull or boring...I intend just the opposite -- excitement at every turn - discover what "exciting with Me" is to you! ...I give Truth that cannot be explained by man - that's exciting! Security like nothing this world can offer - that's exciting! ...so many exciting gifts that may not seem so exciting...but My gifts are more than the best Christmas morning can hope to offer...better than the most extravagant of birthday celebrations. this is all certainly something that I must reveal to you - and I WANT to reveal it to you...but you've got to give Me your eyes - you've got to let Me transform your vision - to see things like I do (that's a gift! receive it!)....some of the gifts I have for you: freedom!!! knowing/identity (you knowing Me, Me fully knowing you), peace, joy, security...the gifts you need most -- but think are intangible and un-gettable...you can't often see them so you don't fully live in them. please don't forget to receive the gifts - the priceless treasure gifts!! gifts that are better than anything this world can offer."

after a friend mentioned that Jesus' action verb in Matthew 11 was "give" i thought God was going to ask me to share all of that with "the group"...and then 2 other ladies aluded to receiving as they shared....but i never felt like i "had" to share (and that's about the only way i'll voluntarily take the mic -- if i feel like God really wants me to share!! i like "anonymous"/the "safety" of sharing through this blog so much better than attention).

the other thing that I feel like God was highlighting was the fact that if we are to "come to Him" it's going to be an intentional move towards Him...a purposeful step OUT of/away from me/my life....a purposeful step towards Him. The "rest" isn't going to be able to settle on us if we continue at our frantic/frenzied pace...(got the picture of a butterfly...it doesn't "light" on fast moving people...only people/objects willing to be still!!)

He's got such good gifts...may we receive them...and even more importantly, receive Him!

ccc prayer week - monday night's thoughts

can i just first say that i LOOOOOOVE that we have prayer week at CCC. i LOVE that we set aside time to come together and listen - and i love that it's not just limited to prayer week - that we have crave multiple times each week. i love our church...i love the God who leads our church...and i'm thankful for the man God has chosen to lead our church!!!!

tonite's verses: matthew 16:13-28

there were 2 main thoughts that i wrote down tonite:

1 -- in response to the verses about God revealing things (not man revealing) and having in mind the things of God ad not the things of man, i felt like God was saying (a call to action of sorts - tangible, practical action):

"it's a mind thing -- it's about taking every opportunity to fix your eyes and mind on Me and My son. put up reminders, set alarms, intentionally set it up so that your mind is drawn to Me...on your hand, in your car, in your kitchen, in your bedroom - in every room for that matter! -- as simple as putting up a post-it, as elaborate as a painting...whatever it takes, fill your life with reminders of Me and My presence. it's hard to hear from someone you never talk to or think about...it's hard to follow someone you aren't looking for."

2 -- "a gentle shift in thinking" (that's the phrase He gave me...but, honestly, it doesn't really feel like "gentle" is the right word!! it would be a radical shift for some...a hard and rough shift for some...but now i'm interpretting and questioning instead of delivering...i'll get back to what He said instead of what i'm thinking!!!!) --- our lives are not ours to manage - they are HIS to give...His to order...just like it's HIS money - we are to listen as He lets us know how they (our lives & our money!) are to be spent...we are stewards of what He has given us - the time, the resources, the money...it's all HIS...not ours.

excited about the rest of the week.

prayer week - thursday night

I came in last night wondering…wondering if God would speak. I was thinking, you’ve said so much already this week….will you speak again? Why do I wonder that?! He’s got so much He wants to share with us…and even if I don’t “hear” anything, just being near Him and giving Him my full attention does more than I can even comprehend.

verses: Ezekiel 47:6b-9 and Luke 4:16-19

I ended up in Isaiah 55 (I kind of kept trying to read elsewhere but He kept bringing me back to it)… around v 3 it says, “listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words.” I said “God, I would love to hear some life-giving, life-nourishing words.”

His response (it was for me…but it applies to all of us…just insert your name...they are certainly life-giving, life-nourishing words)

“I am with you, dianna. I am for you. I care about you. I know you – I do know your going out and your coming in…I know the innermost parts of your heart and mind – I treasure you – I value you. I have time for you and I love hearing your thoughts. Your security is in me. Your adoration is for me. Your heart is mine. I love taking care of you. Enjoy the moments, dianna. Enjoy the day to day. Find joy knowing that I am with you. I’ve made a lasting covenant commitment with you – sure, solid, enduring love.” (that last part was another part of Isaiah 55, around v 3)

As I read the verses from Luke these were my thoughts/impressions: we are the poor, the prisoners, the blind, the oppressed. The river is not something “they need” – it’s not something we’re taking “to them”…the River is very much for us.

I said “that seems really obvious, God.”

He said “it is obvious – but just because it is obvious doesn’t make it any less My Truth. Sometimes you need the obvious stated very obviously.” (I was smiling at this point…I think I even chuckled out loud…though I’m not much of a chuck-ler….)

More thoughts/impressions: it’s not “us and them” – it’s just ALL US – in need of forgiveness and grace and healing and wholeness. It’s not “us in the church” and “them outside the church” it’s all “us” – sinners…rebels…needy sheep…unkempt…untidy…unrighteous… undignified… unable… undeserving… understood (what a sweet word to end on!).

My favorite quote from tonite – from a man sharing about how God has delivered Him from drug addiction – “I can’t whoop him (the enemy) but He (God) can whoop him.” Amen, brother!!!

I won’t be at prayer night tonight…the kids and I are heading to Warrenton to see my family and celebrate some birthdays. Excited to be going…but I wish I could be in 2 places at one time. Prayer week never ceases to be special.

prayer week - wednesday night

Verses: Ezekiel 47:1-12, John 3:16-17, Romans 6:11, Matthew 9:35-10:1

The note on the handout said "take note of the various verses in (in the Ezekiel passage) that highlight the movement of the River. The emphasis is on the fact that God is already moving. It's His mission, His plan - not ours. He takes the initiative and invites us to move with Him."

I had barely finished reading that when my mind was consumed with the question "then why in the world are we so quick to take matters into our own hands? why do we gravitate towards our own way? why do we rely on ourselves??"

As I was asking that, God gave me a picture in mind - it was a picture of a couple dancing...but the woman was demanding to take the lead (i'll go ahead and preface this by saying, this has nothing to do with a woman's place or role or submission or anything...don't go there :)). In the picture, the woman was trying so hard to take the lead from the man -- but she really just needed to let the man lead the dance...He's capable of leading! The dance would be so much more beautiful if the One leads and the other lets Him lead. It was an awkward picture to watch...an awkward battle of the wills as both were trying to lead.

(the picture didn't "continue" but i'm curious what the Man (weird to reference God as 'the man') would have done had the woman absolutely refused to let him lead...would He find another partner to dance with? would He just sit down and let the woman dance on her own? I have no doubt that, if this is indeed a decent analogy, God as the Dancer is never going to stop loving us or give up on us...but if we are refusing to follow His lead, wouldn't He move to someone who is willing to let Him lead?)

I ended up spending most of my time reading from Matthew 9 and 10...the time went far too quickly! here are the ideas that God had me thinking about:

--from v 38 -- Jesus says to pray for harvest hands (harvest is plenty, workers are few) -- the very next verse (10:1) says "the prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered." talk about quick!!! it was neat to read it like that.

--skipping on down to matthew 10:38-39ish "if your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you can forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and Me." i can forget about myself because He is thinking of me. i have the freedom NOT to continually be thinking of myself...His thoughts for me and about me and in regards to me are ENOUGH.

One of the questions on the handout said "What is God saying to us as a church in terms of moving with Him in the world?" His response to me: "Let Me lead. Do nothing in your own strength." That seems simultaneously far too simple and far too complicated.