YWAM Update: Anointed for Discipleship

Here I am, coming from the New Imperial Hotel in Jerusalem. Yes, that is in Israel! The weather is hot (shorts and sandals weather) in the heat of Summer. While in the city there are cool breezes, however the moment you go out into the wilderness the protection leaves and you have to plaster yourself with sunscreen (or you'll get burnt) I am here as part of a Christian Tour around the Holy Land, joining a bible study school graduate on the Mount of Olives, Though we have been visiting many places in a very short amount of time, the trip is not rushed, God is still speaking very clearly. The biggest stresses we face are the oppressive environment (I really feel it in my devotions with Jesus) The whole thing gives me much quality analysis, and clarity to think of what is really important. I am really going to miss my family here, who I haven't seen for a few months, and who will part ways in a very short amount of time. I take that as being emotionally stable.

The most unexpected (yet not without a little regularity) is God has asked me to lead. Here's a little experience of how I'm feeling about it at the moment. I find myself in a precarious position, God asking me to persevere with all my heart but also, with loose hands, committing it all to Him. Did you know that God has a gift of leadership! Those who are gifted to lead, that people follow, even those that follow you do not know why they follow you, but they do so, even with silly ideas. That sounds like the leadership that God gives.

I want everyone to be released into the plans God has for them. Im excited, because we are about to head to church after this, I know that I will receive from God. In a way, that plan cannot be resisted, it is forced upon you, without a clue why? But because it comes from God, you obey. the thing that makes me believe it comes from God is because I want to submit, and I know that I will be protected if I choose what God has for me.

In my heart, I am excited, expectant, and know His love. In the same place that Jesus commissioned His disciples, this makes the whole experience very fulfilling as well.

I've really been overcome by peace while I've been here, and all that I've been learning has been useful for people to hear. For example. We have had today off, and I was sitting in the lobby in the hotel, when Julie-anna came through the doors, looking for someone to have lunch with. We went out for lunch at a very nice Deli (all Israeli ingredients!) talking about being in the center of the earth - and where we are from, the ends of the earth. What did we say? I wanted to share something with Julie. I want to be held accountable to all the dreams that I have. I'm kind of unsure, but that's because I'm taking a day at a time, God after all has the final say in the matter, that it's when I share with my friends my dreams that I realize what God has been planning all along. "Don't give up..." persevere. "commit all things to Him" He sees your heart. The reason that He brought me here is to affirm His love.

This is the city of peace, may God's peace be multiplied to you. Jesus can do anything. Did I tell you that God has a gift of leadership? For all our fears, and inadequicies, He says I am a leader and that's what makes all the difference.

I was hoping to be able to share this with you as it happened, God has given me my desire!