Koinonia

Today was such a refreshing reminder of where our joy comes from! The joy of recollection, the joy of fellowship, the joy of partnership!  My day was brightened from the start by the company of Sam Johnson at church this morning! His car had chosen to take a break for a few days, and with Jordan and Teddi out of town, we set out to find a way to koinonia.  Outcome? Victory.  The college group addressed a theme that has been appearing at various ways and times in my life as of late... Lord, give me strength to wake up, take heed, and let not my heart be hardened. Bo spoke again on the beauty that comes from walking together in fellowship, under one banner.  Life is not a journey we are supposed to travel alone. We have the opportunity- and the responsibility-  to turn our focus away from our individual glory, and even growth, and concern ourselves with the advancement of the kingdom! Growth will come when, putting full confidence in the Lord's ability to triumph His cause, I work for the glory of One.  Donny Martin, Alyssa's old youth pastor, used 1 Samuel 14 to illustrate where our confidence comes from:

⁶ Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few. ”

⁷ “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

We can have confidence without pride, and overcome all insecurity by fighting for the side that already possesses the victory-- through no works of our own.

Advancement of the kingdom rises from princes laying aside their crowns, for a time, to wash feet.  

Canaan

Praise God for promises fulfilled! The lines have fallen for me in good places.  I, through no song I've sung or deed I've done, have been allotted a portion to dwell with people who bring me joy!

My cup runneth over.

For three weeks I have danced, eaten, laughed, huddled, prayed, and rejoiced with five girls who are a piece of my inheritance! 

Indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 

 Lord, instill and cultivate a hunger and thirst for Your nearness in the heart of this home.  Thank you for being the cornerstone, the foundation, the rock on which we find rest.  May broken, lonely, lost, and searching hearts pass through the doorposts of this dwelling and encounter You.  Deliver restoration.  May they reenter the world as citizens of it no longer, but as children of the living God! Whole, valued, claimed, and satisfied in You!

Eyes fixed on You, we'll endure.  Give us the courage, the strength, and the impulse to intercede for each other daily, as long as it is called today.

Teach us, Great Teacher, how to serve.  How to wash feet.  How to lay down our lives every day. Every minute. Every breath. 

Seek us, Shepherd Savior! We will recognize Your voice!

Thank you for my home.  A land flowing with milk and honey.  My Canaan.

Psalm 16:6

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance! Psalm 16:6

Feed My Sheep

Audrea Joy Sprinkle, do you love Me more than these?

"Yes Lord; You know I do."

Feed My sheep.



Audrea Joy Sprinkle, do you love Me?

"Yes Lord; You know I do!"

Tend My sheep.


Audrea Joy Sprinkle, do you love Me?

"Lord, You know everything;  You know that I love You."

Feed My sheep. 



For hunger is deep.



And after saying this He said,


Follow Me.