Day Twenty Five - Home
At this time of year I always review my commitments and responsibilities, passions and plans in the context of the turning of a new year and any unfolding dynamics in my marriage, my motherhood and my life personally.
I did ask myself, my husband and a few friends those questions lately and i think it is super healthy and helpful to do.
I am passionate about the local church, and not just mine. It is not because I am a pastor either. It is because I honestly believe ‘she’ is the hope of the world. So anything I can do to strengthen her, then I am all in.
I am convinced that when humanity longs for a homecoming it’s a woman’s touch that calls people ‘home’ to the House of God.
Your feminine heart and strength SCREAMS ‘welcome home’ to all those who are still to come.
I see a picture of these ‘daughters of Z’ fighting for more than land – it was for a sense of HOME FOR THE GENERATIONS TO COME.
Even the dialogue they were in amongst the leaders, priest and congregation was a momentary picture of what was to come in local churches all across the earth.. where women take their place and stand for what is right and just.
So I have a few thoughts today on making the house God has planted you in feel like home – both to you and those who are to come…(and if you are already completely planted and flourishing then I pray this would still encourage you)
1.Home is where your heart is – is your heart here?
(when I say ‘here’ I mean wherever ‘here’ is for you in your local church)
First of all is YOUR OWN HEART here? Are you becoming known – not just for what you do but who you are!!
You can be ‘here’ without being here – some of you haven’t wanted to trust again, but you are doing amazing, a fighting to become brave hearted. Some of you still have walls up and the problem is – no one else can let them down for you.
Your journey – your testimony is needed here – all that God has brought you through is needful for someone else to learn from. There are so many other people on the other side of your obedience to open your heart and connect here.
Don’t isolate – you cant do that when its your HOME & your family.
And be real – I know it takes time – but so many people move ‘houses’ because they are not prepared to deal with issues and get real!!
2. Respond to the invitation to ‘Make yourself at home’
When you first come into some on elese’s house they say to you – make yourself at home and show you around.. have you been shown around? Do you really know all the various aspects to this home? The different ministries? .. in our church I tell people – every church news ad is an INVITATION TO YOU. No one else can do it for you once you have been told ‘to make yourself at home’. Or maybe its time you helped someone else find their way around. Think about this for 2021
3. The maternal heart brings a sensitivity to God
Without women rising up in the House of God and throughout our communities I believe that humanity is missing out on seeing the other part of Gods heart expressed on the earth. The worship, devotion, inclination and tenderness to God you bring SHIFTS ATMOSPHERES!
4. Prodigals return home
There are promises all through out the Word about restoration and reconciliation and it all happens IN THE HOME. Prodigals return to a HOME – not to a HOUSE. Let us not be like the older brother – lets open our arms and prepare for their return – we have been waiting for you! No judgment, condemnation, criticism – get ready for it! Lets extend the same grace extended to us. Women can be carriers of this grace.
5. The maternal heart gathers generations to learn from one another.
A generation – a company of people drawing breath at the same time! I love this! Our church is so generational. We have gorgeous people in their 80s that see it as their absolute God-given responsibility to embrace the younger of this generation. And we see it as our responsibility to empower them to do so – with all their wisdom and life – lessons, because what they are is YOUNG SPIRITED. There lies the difference – they are not going to say ‘back in my day’ – because today is their day.
What is the story of your life that is being passed on? What inheritance are you bringing to make the house you are planted in like HOME? What does it look like this season, serving and contributing through a pandemic?
True legacy lies in nurturing within the next generation a passion for their spiritual home.
Maybe it is time to boldly lean in with all your heart to the place of your planting.
Love you girls x