Purity from a Youth Pastors Heart

Ok so a few weeks ago I preached on Purity at Youth, for those that don't know my hubby and I are Associate Pastors at Celebration worship Center in Sulphur La. Our youth ministry is called 4:12 student ministries, from 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

I asked the Lord, what can I give my students that is practical and can help them understand my stance on not dating. I don't encourage my students to date, because of this very reason, The young people I have worked with over the 6 years of ministry, struggle to make time to study for big test at school, but can spend hours watching TV or on social networks.

The thing that I do not hear very often is that Purity isn't just a physical thing, its a heart issue.

We as pastors want to set our students for success but when addressing purity we usually address just the physical aspects of purity. (Don't do this and don't touch that)

When the core of the issue is Purity of the Heart.

In Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else for it effects everything you do!

The Lord spoke so clearly to me that I had to share it, this directy from my notes

"Guys and girls, the reason I say you’re too young to date, is because I know most of you don’t have the spiritual disciplines in place to combat your sinful desires."

It's not that most of our students don't want to remain pure, but for so long I think we've been addressing the whole purity thing wrong!

That is why we get so frustrated when they ask questions like Well, how far is too far?

But we're the ones focusing so much on the physical and not the inward purity where outward purity stems from!

We need to focus on setting up our students with the knowledge and understanding of spiritual disciplines.

Because you can stay pure physically but your heart and mind have already gone there, but Jesus says

²⁷ “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ ²⁸But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Purity of the heart is what matters most to God, because if it is in the heart it will be in the actions.

Our purpose as a Christian is to be like Christ, He spent 30 years preparing his heart and mind before God for 3 short years of ministry! Those 3 short years impacted our world like nothing else!

If you are reading this please be encouraged, I am not saying don't address the physical things of purity, but don't make it your focus.

The enemy can manipulate what you're trying to do by distracting your students to focus just on the physical and not on the heart of the matter.

When you have inward purity, your physical body aligns to it!

In closing, I used this analogy,

Proverbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

When silver or gold is being refined but fire the fire purges the impurities out of them, never to be picked up again.

The same can be for us, the more intimate we are with the Lord, He purifies us through this same purging of our sinful nature. It may not be comfortable, because we have to admit the deep dark sinfulness of our soul, but in the end we will be purified! (we don't ever have to pick them up again!)

The Lord knows our hearts, he may be directing us to a closer look into them so their isn't this separation in our mind, body, and spirit.

One more time, Purity of the heart is what matters most to God, because if it is in the heart it will be in the actions.

Adoption

Some who knows me well, knows I have always wanted 7 kids! My husband says he compromised for me with one, but I am working on him and so is the Holy Spirit!(lol) (Its not hard, he's melts with Aly Grace lol)

Lately the Lord has awaken this Spirit of Adoption in my heart like never before! The other night, we were at my in laws and Aly was roaming the house looking for Mr. Darcy (the kitty) she just adores him. We were all admiring her and laughing at all her cuteness, then my mother in law said one of the most profound and yet so simple of things "Every Child should be Loved, like we Love Aly!" Oh that struck a cord in me and my heart was even more burdened for all the orphans, the foster children, and the abused children all over the world.

I'm not exaggerating, my heart is so heavy, I weep thinking about how overwhelming the numbers are of abandon children there are.

To change emotions on you, I am angered.

There is no excuses, the Church as a whole has failed! We need to not continue to walk out our judgements through our abortion rallies and parades, we have to take action! If people opened up their homes to adoption, I believe along with many others that the "Abortion problem" alone in or country will be vanquished!

The practical where most of us get tripped up and where we stay, (I cant afford to adopt, its too expensive, I can barely meet my needs to add another one, the list goes on)

We're talking about a life, a life that has already felt neglect to the highest degree an at such an early age, a life that can completely be renewed, restored, and appreciated!

I have been researching adoption here in the US, and adopting Children from the state you live in is a roughly a 12 month process, paperwork and all. Going through the foster system to adopt is a lot cheaper, than going through other agencies if you are worried about the finances. Also anything you spend for the adoption is a tax write-off, and you will get it all back the following year. So finances cant be an issue, anymore!

I could go on and on, but just know, my heart is to encourage people who have room to make room! Make room in your hearts through prayer, and then make room in your home!

I have 2 adopted sister in-laws and 1 adopted brother in-law, we thought when we adopted them we would change their lives, and we did, they have a place where they belong, but most importantly, they broke us, made us more humble, more gentle and more kind! We will never be the same!

If you can adopt in your heart, God will make a way for all of the rest!!

We don't have a whole lot of money but we have 2 bedrooms and someone gave us a whole new bedroom set for free, I now have no excuse, there is always and extra bed in my home!!

Aly turns one

What a sweet day it was. You could see her excitement when she looked at all her decorations, the monkey theme, the lanterns, and her friends with a place to play! Surprisingly she didn't mind the huge tutu I made for her to wear, she still got around and into everything. My parents came up from Florida, and had a time getting up here. Flight cancelations, late flights, and full flights, but finally they arrived, 2 am before Alys big day! God was faithful in his timing, every doubt came into my head, but it trusted I'd have our girl back in time for her party, and sure enough a day later than expected she was here! My parents were exhausted, it was a crazy long day at the airport, but they kept reassuring me Aly was so good, Aly was so calm, and just relaxed. So far, this sweet blessing who went from 5 lbs to 22 lbs in a 12 month period is so beautiful from the inside out. She cries when I cry, or anyone cries, it worries her if one of her aunties or uncles our getting in trouble. She's so sensitive and totally aware of peoples feelings. You all may think I'm crazy to think all of this of a one year old, but it's true. I pray for wisdom and continual guidance that I will raise a strong, gracious, sensitive, and very loving woman, who by her Grace she will change the world!! It was a beautiful Day and a day I will never forget! Thankful to God for my beautiful blessing in Aly Grace! Many, many, more birthdays to come! Thankful for the friends and family who made that day so sweet, and so memorable! Aly Grace Hagerty, I love you!

Remember what He said

Were in Louisiana!

We are settling in, learning the ropes, and how to get around.

The lakes, beaches, and humid air, make me feel a lot closer to home

Aly loves being outside and so do I. The last time we took her to the beach, she decided she really liked the taste of sand. The advice I had received from other moms was to let her taste and she can see it doesn't taste good, but not to my child, she licked every grain of sand of her tiny little fingers. So who knows how they digested or how "fiberous" they were for her, but she didn't not mind at all.

We have found a nice size townhouse, and the people in the church have really just blessed us and provided most of our "shabby chic" mismatch furniture :)

Oh this season of stretching, has been more than we have ever felt (financial, mentally, physically, relationally)

The greatest however has been financially. We had some savings that we were finding ourselves to be very dependent on, saying things like "well we have savings" instead of trusting in the Lord will make a way, and provide.

At the Louisiana district council last month, George Wood was the speaker and spoke on

Mark 4: 35 -41

Jesus says to the disciples let's cross to the other side of the lake. Jesus was sleeping, when a fierce storm came and was taking over the boat. The disciples woke him up shouting " teacher don't you care that we're going to drown?

Jesus woke up in verse 39 and rebuked the wind and the waves and everything stopped, there was a great calm.

In verse 40 he asks the disciples why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?

The disciples were terrified and asked themselves who is this man?, even the wind and waves obey him.

The first thing that the Lord spoke to my heart through this word was that He Said, We are going to cross to the other side of the lake.

He told them before he laid down, we're gonna cross over to the other side.

WHEN JESUS HAS TOLD YOU SOMETHING, REMEMBER IT, BELIEVE IN IT, AND TRUST IN HIM!

The Lord has called us to Sulphur, LA, for a direct assignment, to see a city and state changed by the Gospel. We don't see all the details, but we know the Lord said so clearly to come and our job is to remember what he said, and Trust in it!

We need to keep our focus on the word and not the circumstance in front of us.

Then the Lord revealed to me that his disciples were fisherman, a little rain storm wouldn't worry them, so this must have been a pretty serious storm that scared every little ounce of faith out of them that they ran running to Jesus, assuming he was wanting them all to drown (vs 38).

WHEN YOU FAITH IS VERY LITTLE DUE TO GETTING BEAT UP BY THE STORMS OF LIFE, REMEMBER WHAT JESUS SAID and THAT IS WHAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH!

My prayers haven't been fixed my circumstance, they have been enlarge my faith to see through the circumstance.

The circumstances can get you down if that's where your focus is, be careful even in your prayer life.

Your circumstances can be discouraging and hardly solid, so don't stand on your situation, stand on the promises, stand on the word that was given to you!

When Jesus woke up he took care of the winds and waves (the circumstance) right away, and then asked the disciples, why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?

Why are you afraid?, he's asking don't you remember what I said "we're gonna cross over the lake"

He doesn't tell us every detail we might face, but he assures us where we're going!

Do you still have no faith?

"Faith without works is dead, without faith in something, (a word, a dream, a promise from the Lord) you won't work for it, if you don't remember what it is!!

Keep it in the forefront of your mind so when situations arise, your got your word, you got your dream, you have your promise.

I don't feel Jesus was coming down on them, he was teaching them, preparing them for when he wouldn't be there in the flesh, that faith is trusting without seeing the whole picture.

In ministry and in life in general, SOMETIMES THE SEASONS YOU GO THROUGH AREN'T NECESSARILY JUST FOR YOU,

because the very next thing Jesus and the disciples faced as they crossed the lake was a demon possessed man who lived in the cemetery and couldn't even be restrained by shackles and chains. He was set free from all the demons that were inside him and it was a witness to the whole town.

You will face trials right before your breakthrough!!

The little discomfort Zac and I have experience through our budget shrinking and shrinking (emphasize the shrinking lol) and not having everything we want and being truly satisfied with what we need, is all worth it!

When a soul is saved, a soul is made right again, and the ones that are just learning about it all, its worth it.

Viewing ever opportunity as a chance for someone to get to know Jesus and having their lives be changes for eternity, is all worth our temporary discomfort.

The promise, the word, the dream you may have from the Lord is yours to go after, go after it with all the strength and faith you have and all that will increase as things come you way, but most importantly never forget what He has told you!

It takes faith to step out, but it takes trust to know God's got your back!

You're not through with me yet

It is so surreal to be in Florida, My home town, and in warm weather.

You never realize the affect an experience has on you until your out of it, for me that is true for so many things.

For instance, relationships I've had with all different kind of people shape how I communicate, how I trust, and how ultimately love.

From living in Alaska, I find myself craving sunlight and wanting to be in it every chance I get because subconsciously I think I won't see it for 8 months. I think I am wasting a beautiful day and another nice day is very unlikely.

In seasons of transition, (feels like these last 6 years) constantly moving, constantly changing, constantly feeling the need to settle and make roots but feeling like I have no where to set down my stuff (all of my stuff).

For me, I catch myself keep looking back, how could I have done this or that differently, wishing I was more open or honest, or trusting, or appreciative. (the list goes on)

But then I am reminded of the sweet whispers of "you're right where I want you to be", "trust me, I see all things, I know whats ahead, NOTHING SURPRISES ME!

The only constant things I cling to, is your promises, your love, and that you have called me and anointed me to proclaim the good news to the poor, you have sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Is. 61:1-3

I know what the Lord has done for me,

I don't want to keep looking back at what has happened or what I could of change, There isn't enough time and it is a waste of time, but I need to keep moving forward, I don't want to be like Lot's wife. (its not worth looking back) pillar of salt is not my future :)

I know the good work he has started in me, he will continue, he won't leave me dry and one day I will be made perfect in his sight, but until then I am going to keep moving forward, and only look at my past experiences thru the eyes of wisdom and knowledge, not in regret!

Its a waste of time to stay in your regret, choose to learn, and make changes.

So for all the experiences, relationships, and seasons that have come and gone, and that are to come, please know, I am thankful, I'm sorry, I'm learning, and I will only continue to learn and be better!

I am excited for what is to come, a lot unknown, and a lot still to dream.

I am going to keep dreaming, keep moving, and keep focus on the important things!

So thankful, you're not through with me yet.

Whenever you start focusing on how someone has hurt you, remind yourself of God's grace. (stay humble, stay true)

I don't want to obsess about anything but about how great your love for me is.

Thankful for your grace, and thankful for your love, for it endures forever! Amen

Encourage Encourage Encourage!

This morning, I was reminded no matter how long you are at a place to stay focused on the purpose of why you're there!

My husband and I are Youth Pastors our passion is to create an atmosphere where all people can encounter God and be changed by his presence!

My heart was heavy this morning for all the students that have ever gotten on my nerves or annoyed me.

This may sound silly but the Lord reminded me that "always encourage, because your encouragement will never be forgotten."

So many of us hear discouragement and if you're like me, any mean comment stays with me until I personally let them go, it doesn't matter how many nice comments come after or before.

So as the body of Christ, I want to encourage you this morning to stay focused on the purpose, share of your encounter with God and live it out. Let our lives be a love song to the world, sharing who Christ is and what he has done for us, all of us!!

So for those who are getting easily frustrated with some of people you encounter in your area of influence, stay focused remember we don't know what their home life is, we don't know what has been spoken over them.

Holy Spirit side note- A lot of people act out what has been spoken over them, because they have heard it so much they claim it as their Identity-

So speak life, and encourage, encourage, Encourage!!!

I don't know about any of you, but for all of the students that I have had the privilege to crossed paths with, My heart is for all of them to succeed, be healthy and live a life glorifying Jesus Christ!

My season with them maybe short, but I hope what I leave with them is eternal!!

Fasting

As I gear up to start my first big 21 day Daniel fast, I find myself focusing more on what foods I can't eat, then the purpose of my fast, I am creating a place of intimacy with my heavenly father to give a clear sense of direction and purpose for Zac and I for 2011.

I am desperate for a clear sense of direction, to hear God's voice more clearly as his daughter and for my family. I am hoping for a total change of lifestyle, that I will have so many sweet encounters with Jesus that going back to my everyday routine won't be appetizing to me.

I couldn't go back to sleep after Aly was up for a feeding so, I was thinking about my fast and I was reminded of this book I read my freshman year of college in my Christian Spirituality class, Celebration of the Disciplines, Richard Foster. He begins the section of fasting

“In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the Golden Arches and an assortment of Pizza Temples, fasting seems out of place, out of step with the times. In fact, fasting has been in general disrepute both in and outside the Church for many years. What would account for this almost total disregard of a subject so frequently mentioned in Scripture and so ardently practiced by Christians through the centuries?"Two things: First, fasting has developed a bad reputation as a result of the excessive ascetic practices of the Middle Ages. ... Second, the constant propaganda fed us today convinces us that if we do not have three large meals each day, with several snacks in between, we are on the verge of starvation. This coupled with the popular belief that it is a positive virtue to satisfy every human appetite, has made fasting seem obsolete."

He goes onto say

"Throughout Scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. It stands in distinction to the hunger strike, the purpose of which is to gain political power or attract attention to a good cause. It is also distinct from health dieting which stresses abstinence from food for physical, not spiritual, purposes. .. That is not to say that these forms of ‘fasting’ are wrong...but their objective is different from the fasting described in Scripture. Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes."

This has has helped remind me to get my focus off of the food aspect, and more on being spiritually focused, because I know that if I don't acknowledge my struggle of being food focused now when I begin my fast tomorrow the enemy will gladly use my own weakness against me. Any thought that comes in my mind that takes my focus off my spiritual purpose to fast, I will know it's not from God. I know through this fast, breakthroughs are going to take place!

This articulates my heart and excitement for fasting,

"It is sobering to realize that the very first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with the question of motive (Matt. 6:16-18). ... Fasting must forever center on God. Once the primary purpose of fasting is firmly fixed in our hearts, we are at liberty to understand that there are also secondary purposes in fasting. More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. ... We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. ... Fasting reminds us that we are sustained ‘by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’. Food does not sustain us, God sustains us. Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God."

This is the purpose of my fast, to reveal what hinders or covers up anything that separates me from God.

My Prayer for myself and everyone that is encouraged to fast, is that the primary purpose of fasting is firmly fixed in our hearts. God is the center.

Fasting is a personal short-term sacrifice for long term spiritual benefit. The little we do through our sacfrice, God surpasses by one encounter with him. He makes it all worth it. We serve a good God, who always goes the extra mile to be in relationship with us.

Working with young people, one of the questions I am asked the most frequently is "How do you hear and know God's voice, followed by how do you know its real?"

My answer is always begins with, once you make an effort to go after God through prayer, worship, and fasting, God always speaks and always answers. To have any relationship it takes work, same with God! Go after him, when you seek, you will find, and when you find, you will love. With seeking God there is always a reward for your heart, mind, and spirit! Unlike any other relationship, seeking out peoples affections could lead to broken hearts and frustration, if not reciprocated, but with God that is never the case. Why would the God of creation, teach us how to have relationships in his word and not follow through. His desire for us is to be close to him, have pure relationship with him, and take what we have learned and live it out unto the world.

I hope my scattered thoughts make sense and my heart for true fellowship with my Father is at the core of this blog. I am so excited for all the breakthroughs and spiritual growth, that is going to take place in my life and my relationship with God, through fasting.