Forgiveness, A Pleasing Aroma

If you’re like me, you have to ask God every single day for forgiveness for something. And every single day, He forgives.

If you’re like me, you have to forgive someone else for something they did today that hurt you or for something done in the past that reared its ugly head today. Old offenses, even those we have forgiven before, have a way of breaking through to the present to hurt us again and need a fresh round of forgiveness.

If you’re like me, this constant forgiveness thing can seem like such a drudgery!

I’ve just realized I’ve been thinking of it all wrong!

I eat everyday. I definitely drink coffee and water everyday. I breathe all day and all night. There are many healthy, helpful, even vital things I do for me everyday. I need to think of my forgiving others as equally vital to my daily life as these things, because it is!

Forgiveness has been in a category for me like– going to the dentist, getting an immunization, washing dishes, doing laundry, taking out the trash....

Forgiveness belongs in a category like– smelling a flower, watching a sunset, hearing a child laugh, getting good news, seeing an old friend, getting a hug...

Or better yet like – winning the lottery and being able to share it with others everyday.

I meditated on some quotes that helped me come to this conclusion.  Listen to this one:

“The true Christian is like sandalwood
which imparts its fragrance to the axe which cuts it,
without doing any harm in return.”
-Sadu Sundar Singh

Kathleen Dillard says, "forgiveness isn’t natural– it’s supernatural, so we must ask God for His supernatural power."

Only God can turn doing work into giving gifts!

Written by Linda, The Colony, Texas

Linda pictured on the left.

The Journey to Re-Generation

This is a brief history of Chuck and Della. It's been such an amazing journey so far..

Even before we were married in 1991, we had a sense of God’s call on our lives. And it became apparent to us that He had something great planned for our lives.

Chuck became the music director at a church in Richfield for an internship that was required for his music degree in college. When that was completed he stayed on for another year. Richfield was the first church position that Chuck held. But it turned out to be more than just a college church job. It was the first place that Della and Chuck, together, found a family. The people of Richfield Baptist Church welcomed us and made us feel a part of the family. We had such an amazing time there, learning how to love the family God had blessed us with.

After a serious head-on collision that we escaped uninjured, we saw God’s protection over our lives and that we had been saved for a purpose. After being married on June 1, 1991, we began to explore what that meant for us in a deeper way.

We moved to Texas for Chuck to go to seminary. The first time we lived in Texas we were there for 8 years. Again, we found a home. This time it was at a church in the North Dallas area called Colony Park. Chuck ended up as the Worship Leader and Youth Pastor. As we look back over our time at Colony Park, we realize that this was training for where we are now and where we are headed. We grew up spiritually at Colony Park and our lives were totally ruined for anything other than God’s best for us: in family, in calling, in life, and in Him. God developed a heart for the Nations in us while we were in Texas. Through our youth group, He also gave us a heart for spiritual kids. God gave us friends, younger and older than us, that continue to walk out this journey with us today. We laughed and cried a lot together as a church and as a family. We were being trained for our future and we didn't even know it. This was more than a job, this was goodness revealed in family.

During this time, Della fell in love with a girl named Carolyn that was the foster child of some of our friends. This prepared her heart for her own kids and spoke about the adoptive children of the future. We watched our first two children, Josiah and Emily, come into the world, changing our lives forever. We will be forever grateful for our family in Texas.

In 1998 we felt that God was telling us to move back to North Carolina. God confirmed this through different ways. We packed everything in a truck and headed off across the country, only to return to Texas 8 months later, this time to Waco. We were a part of a missions training program at Antioch Training School. At the end of a year-long training time, we went with our team on an outreach to Berlin, Germany for 8 weeks. This was our first time to Berlin. On returning from Berlin, Chuck went to work as a manager for Starbucks Coffee. This allowed us to move back to North Carolina and make a living until God revealed the next steps. During this transition time we learned a lot about ourselves as we navigated through so many different opportunities, including helping with new church plants and leading worship in an already established church. It was during this time that we also had to say goodbye to our third child, JohnMark Elisha who was stillborn on January 14, 2003. This was one of the most difficult times of our lives; a time in which we came face to face with what we really believe about God and His goodness and His faithfulness. A time to really understand the depth of the importance of family and the depth of love God has given us to share. But the amazing thing about this time of sorting through our emotions and our grief was the way God kept revealing His love for us over and over. One of the most amazing ways was through a pastor and his wife, Bill and Karen. We decided to try a new church that was close to where we lived. The first Sunday we were there, Bill came up to us and said, “I really believe that God wants me to tell you just how much He loves you, your family.” From that point on we developed such a special relationship with Bill and Karen, and New Beginning Church. Family, again was being established with us.

Later the same year we went back to Germany to help with a summer outreach. It was this trip that we met a couple from England, Nigel and Karen Rivers, and by "accident" saw the house in Berlin that we would some day live in. Over the next two years we developed a friendship with Nigel and Karen, while continuing to grow with our church family in North Carolina. During this time we also spent a lot of time getting to know our own extended families again, celebrating holidays and birthdays with each other. By 2004, God had made it clear that we were to join Nigel and Karen in moving to Berlin. This year taught us a lot about provision and trusting in God’s voice. With no sign of a place to live in Berlin, we decided to put our house on the market and make our way to Berlin. It was in early 2005 that Nigel and Karen called to tell us that God had provided the money to allow us to purchase the house that we knew God had been speaking to us about. Not long after this, we welcomed Micah to the world, celebrating with such joy the gift God gave us in Micah. So in July 2005, with 3 kids (Micah only 4 months old), we moved to Berlin. God really used this time of transition to show us once again how valuable our relationships are, with family and friends.

What we didn't know about Berlin was that it was to be our 7 year boot camp to prep us for Los Angeles. We learned what living in community is really all about, the hard times and the good times. Our vision to raise people up and send them out was solid, but the way that played out was not as we had imagined. We were blessed through supernatural provision with a huge house that we began working to renovate. Meanwhile, trying to learn German and function in a foreign culture with a whole new set of rules taught us flexibility and focused us in on listening to God's voice in a new way. We were spread all over the city for our first 4 years there, involving ourselves in different ministries and building relationships. We did not know why we never could stay involved with just one ministry or group for very long, and we began to question our own commitment. We seemed like an odd fit for a country that valued staying committed to a particular group or church.

In 2007 we experienced the birth of our fifth child, Benjamin. When he was 2 weeks old, he contracted RSV, a virus that is deadly to newborns. After Jesus literally raised him from the dead through Chuck's quick fatherly instincts, Benjamin and Della spent 10 long days in isolation in the hospital. This again showed us the value of the lives of our children.

In 2009 God connected us with the BURN 24-7 ministry. Through this, we were able to extend 24-7 worship and prayer to the city of Berlin. All those years of disjointed ministry were brought together in unity through worship and prayer. And, God began to send us other groups from all over the world to participate. One group in particular called "The World Race" was used by God to show us who we were really being trained to be. In fact, they recognized us as spiritual parents before we even understood that role. God filled our hearts with deep love for these people and we didn't understand why. But, God's love is supernatural and undeniable. He was calling us out into who we are now. He has called us to lead people into an understanding (within family) to their rightful place of leadership. Berlin was the final stage of training for us, and after 7 years, and an established ministry that continues to reach people to this day, we left the city in July 2012. Our plan at the time was to launch a BURN in Dublin, Ireland.

After 6 months of intense travel throughout Europe, meeting with other leaders of Burn 24-7, we headed back to the USA in 2013 for 6 months of rest and to visit with our partners and family. During this time, we heard God speak that we were not to return to Europe permanently and that we were needed here in the United States. God reminded us that our desire to be agents of change in culture, combined with our gifting as spiritual parents, had put us in a unique position to care for other people who would influence and change culture all over the world. After some time, He confirmed to us that Los Angeles was and is the gateway of communication to the world. That is where He wanted us to be, to provide an oasis for those He had already given to us, and to extend that to others He would lead to us. A place where people could come and learn to be a son or daughter. A place where no one would be seeking after them for anything. A place of rest and of knowing Jesus' love. This oasis was not just a place, but our home and our family. God had been showing us through the years the importance and strength of our family. He had been breaking us down and building us up all at the same time.

So, He sent us out from our family and friends in North Carolina. He told us to go to Los Angeles and He would provide a house for us to create this oasis of His love. To train people up and send them out to every area of the world. To care for spiritual orphans and to train others to be spiritual parents. So we came, and we have been here since December 2013, walking out Re-Generation.

That's our story and we are sticking to it...

Written by Chuck & Della, Los Angeles, CA

www.re-generationnow.com

Trust Within

One month ago today I left for a mission trip to Ukraine that changed my life forever. My team and I went to the TB centers for children, a TB center for adults, a special needs center for adults , a refugee camp, a mental institution, orphanages, and churches to bring unconditional love and healing prayers. Every day was beyond amazing as we became His hands and feet. I was in awe. Every day somehow topped the previous day and I can not even explain that in words. However, I do know that is how amazing our God is. With our team unity, love, and compassion, we were as one, as we brought signs, wonders, and miracles to each day that God unfolded for us. Each day was a true gift from above!

God really brought my intercession to a whole new spiritual level that was extremely intense and powerful. I did more weeping, travailing and birthing then I ever have in the past. It was beyond amazing to be used by God! Not only did I intercede throughout the day, but every night God woke me up from 3:00am to 6:00am to intercede more and download His heart to me. Two nights I stayed up for the entire night after God time and He gave me super natural energy so that I never missed a beat. This time was beyond precious to me. Not only was I honored, but I was elated with the depth of intimacy we had together to change atmospheres. He downloaded messages for me to write down, deep intercession for His people, visions and words of knowledge that allowed me to be a vessel for Him in a more powerful way then I had in the past. I grew spiritually more in the ten days on this mission trip then I did the entire year.

One of the many amazing, powerful things I learned on this trip, that I believe God wants me to share with you, is to trust Him with all that you have. I learned in the most difficult of situations, through things that, in the natural,  were mind blowing and intense, to show up with trust in Him. I had to empty myself daily of all flesh. He gave me this revelation and wisdom. There was one situation that brought me to a stand off … “Will I really have full trust that God will show Himself strong within me.”  I received understanding of this at a deeper level when He asked for my full trust when we visited the mental institution in Ukraine. This is when I received a true, deep revelation of trusting Him. I was declaring and decreeing for the healing of a man that had a blank, lost stare…he was completely dead within. I was compelled and led by a deep compassion and a deep love that caused me to reach deeper then I have ever gone within myself before. I cried out loud with tears running down my face for God to completely empty all of my flesh, every last debris, to bring His glory and healing love to this man. “I can do nothing with out you!” This act and cry from every part of my being changed me and did something deep inside of me. I still can not put it into words to this day. I was forever changed. 

This brought me to a new heightened level of trust in Him that is off the charts. I want to convey to you what God had shared through me for the people of Ukraine. I believe God now wants me to bring home this same message to you. His message was not just for the people of the Ukraine, but for all His sons and daughters. I believe God was telling me that He sent our team there to help ignite the burning ones that will then carry this beautiful country to restoration and fullness in the healing of the lands, restoring the hearts of His people back to the Father.  He told me that I am helping to build up an army that no darkness can hold down and the gates of hell will not prevail. This coming army will break every chain…break every chain!

God has not forgotten you, and has heard your cries. He is asking you to trust Him with all that you have, to enlarge your trust, and give Him everything you have.

I believe God is saying:
“I will not forget you.  I will not forsake you.  I will heal your hearts and your land for my Glory.  I will fill the earth.  I will restore the land and the hearts as beacons that shine with my Glory for all to see.  I will not be mocked.  My love casts out all fear, all trauma, all pain.  I will stand with you.  Trust me.  Join me as one,  to bring healing restoration,  peace,  love,  and joy to the hearts of my people.  I am asking you to trust me with the very trust that was taken from you.  I am asking you to dig deep in your heart to find that which you have buried, that was shot down by the darkness, and allow it to rise up, restore and resurrect within your own hearts and trust me to pull you out by my own hand.  Allow me to reach down into the darkness that runs so deep and allow me to pull you out to prove my love that runs so deep.  So I may heal you and your land.  I need you to stand in the gap for this country.   Trust me. Trust me.  My power and glory will rise up as a beacon of my love.  Your trust will break every wall down and every chain will be broken.  It will no longer have a hold on you.  The light will be birthed and it will be my Glory as a sign to you…
-Well done my faithful, good servant.  Your Father is well pleased.
-Your trust beholds the highest honor
-Your trust destroys all barriers
-Your trust allows me entry into your hearts and into your land
-Try me, test me
-Let us boldly, as one at the foot of the mountain, having an encounter with the King of Kings, speak to this mountain and it shall be moved.  Allow me that trust so my Kingdom come, my will be down on earth as it is in heaven.
-I ask you to rise up with me
-Hold your chin up high
-You are my beloved
-You are my children, my sons and daughters of the most high
-Be proud
-Be strong, for it is I who lives in you
-Take your place in my Kingdom at my right hand.  Come to the throne room and take your place that I died for, your inheritance to my Kingdom as my beloved children.  You have all power, all authority with the Christ Jesus that lives in you.”

Trust in the Lord with all your strength, with all your might, and lean not on your own understanding.

This message from God speaks deeply to my spirit and it is a treasure from above.  I pray and hope this will be encouraging to you and your walk with God as it is to me!  I know this is just the beginning to the levels of intimacy God has for us to walk in by day and in the cool of night with Him.  My cup runs over…

Written by Nancy, Prior Lake, Minnesota 

Let's Here it for The Boys: The Value of People

Men are people too. 

Sounds like an idiotic, redundant statement, but it seems to be one that many women forget. 

Since my childhood, I've been overhearing conversations (or been forced to be in a conversation) where men are berated and over-generalized to the point of disgust and distain.  It is dehumanizing.

And yes, I know some men that live up to what I've heard.

But, I also know a lot of amazing guys.  Men that are strong and weak and powerful and sensitive.  Men that laugh and cry and hurt and rejoice and seek hard after God's heart.  I know men who are willing to go anywhere and do anything for Jesus because they love Him so much.  I know men who will gladly give their lives for many or for just one.  I have often been brought to tears over their love and dedication for the gospel, and from their compassion for people of the world. 

I have also been brought to tears over the oppression of such Godly men. It is a pattern  that is becoming a problem.  And, it comes through the mouths of women.  It comes through slander and a presumption that men are genetically wired to be mindless, irresponsible oafs.  The slander is born out of bitterness from hurts and over-generalizations that women too easily justify.  And, I get it.  I'm a girl too.  I've been mistreated by men before.  And, I've counseled many other women who have been abused and oppressed.  But, I'm not talking about social justice here.  I am talking about crushing the spirits of a people group by stating the idiocy of their gender as a whole because of the crimes of some.  I can assure you that the rights of women are not furthered by crushing all men with verbal sledge hammers.

It may seem subtle, but don't be fooled into thinking that this constant stream of negativity is not heard by the guys.  I have seen (up close) the hurts that come from this negative onslaught.  These words become deep-rooted problems among men and boys who are struggling to find their identity.  I have heard testimony from men who are pre-defeated as they embark on their quest to discover their identity and purpose among God's army.

You know the conversations and statements I'm talking about.  The ones that put limitations, demands, or gross generalizations on guys.  The ideas that spew the disgust that all men are idiots and perverts.  I don't need to write out all the conversations.  My point here is to help women realize what they are doing. Girls have to stop spitting those curses over the men for which we are crying out.  It is a deadly venom.  It is a manipulation with a tragic result.  Male-bashing is verbally castrating men, while inciting innocent women to anger and bitterness.

How is a boy or a man supposed to know his true identity in Christ, if women are constantly undercutting them for their faults (real or assumed)? The grace and love that girls demand from men is not being given by the women making the demands.  Somewhere in a desire for equal and fair treatment, in a desire to be loved and cherished....a cry has turned sour and many women are missing the fact that they are tearing down and putting limits on other PEOPLE.  Remember them.  Don't forget that the guys in your life are people too.  Is it fair to deny them the love, support and encouragement that we desire?  How can we expect a group of people to rise and walk and pursue Jesus' heart when we continue to kick their very legs out from under them?  We can't expect them to be strong and healthy leaders and lovers while degrading and discouraging them.  Jesus sees the value of them as people, as His own children.  We must as well.

No man can find his identity in Christ if he is constantly being told that his identity should be what women say it is, rather than serving them in order to show the Father's heart to their hearts. 

Can you imagine the change that would occur if we truly served men, encouraged them, were faithful in action and in speech, lifted them up, and spurred them on to discover God's heart in more and more intimate ways? 

Anger may rise up because I used the word serve.  But wait...isn't this what Jesus asked of true, powerful leaders?

While I wasn't talking about it before, I've realized in the course of writing this, that social injustices can only be corrected at the very heart of mankind. One's worldview must change and that changes in the heart.  We can only change men's hearts if God gives us access to them.  Jesus gave us the key to unlocking this door into people.  It is to become the servant of all.  Men and women. This is where true power lies.  If I want to be the kind of person, mother, wife, and friend that is powerful in all areas, I need to serve and love and care for anyone Jesus loves.  To serve people is to serve God.  Men are people too....even those men who say or act as if I am less than who I know I am. 

In light of this information...I'm issuing a call to start a new army.

This army will value people and will go after them no matter who they are and no matter what the cost.  This army will feel this value of people so strongly that they will seek to love, serve, forgive and rescue others with a reckless abandonment that the world has yet to see.  This army will go to the places and people the church has chosen to overlook.  This commitment will mean an extreme death to self.  This death will include our rights, our reputations, our time, our finances.  There is no room for entitlement in your heart or trash talking from your mouth when you are consistently sacrificing yourself on the altar so someone else can know Jesus's love and His identity for them.  Wouldn't you want to be lavishly loved with this extreme force? This army will give it all over and over again to see ALL PEOPLE lifted up into His arms and thrust forward into their real destiny.  This army will not cripple itself by speaking curses against its own people.  This army will speak life.  And, we have the assurance of God Himself that we will win.

You should enlist.

Written by Della, Los Angeles, CA
Read more of her writing here.