"Imitate Me"

Do you sometimes wish you had a mentor - a spiritual mom or dad who could help you navigate your Christian life? Are you a new believer yearning to serve God but not sure what that looks like? Are you, like me, a longtime believer and still feel like you need a mama and a papa?

Paul fathered many churches. In the days before internet, phones, mail service, and airplanes, it was difficult for his “children” to have access to this man they so depended on to teach them truth and bring them life, love, direction, and hope. But Paul surrounded himself with friends he had mentored who would travel with his letters to the churches he fathered to bring his words of encouragement and instruction.

With what he had at his disposal - a pen, a paper, and a scribe, Paul revealed his heart, his character, and his wisdom from the Lord. In words full of revelation and humility, he assured his readers then and now that the gospel was more than mere words and knowledge. The gospel was the very power of God and would only be understood and received when demonstrated. God anointed Paul’s letters with spiritual wisdom, and Paul and his friends demonstrated this kingdom of power whenever they were among the people. There was healing, deliverance, people were set free, and the enemy was defeated.

“Imitate me," he taught. Who in your world could you imitate? Who in your world might imitate you? Like a baby learns to walk by watching his siblings… or drive a toy truck by watching his dad...we learn by imitating those who have learned before us.  Find mothers and fathers. Be mothers and fathers. It's the way of the Kingdom of our good God.

Even though you have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:15,16

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power – 1 Corinthians 4:20

Spring Has Sprung...Looking to Life

When my children were growing up in our Gore Pass mountain home, we often were eager to find every first sign of Spring. When you live in an area where snow falls from October to May, even a brief, warm, interlude brings such joy and excitement.

So, as March turned into April, I would listen for the soft songs of the redwing blackbirds; venture outside in the sun to see if I could feel a warm breeze on my face; and follow the flight of Mountain Bluebirds as they came home to build their nests.

One sure sign of Spring were the Pasque Flowers that would pop up all over our yard, even through the snow. We always had a prize for the child who would find the first Pasque Flower.

Just like we search for signs of Spring, we also need to keep our eyes focused on the good in each day of our life. God’s desire for us is to think about the good and to ignore the bad.  Our life will deal some hard blows. It is part of being human in this world. But when we remember the One who conquered all and has our hand in His, we can be confident that we can rise above the mire. As we declare God’s goodness – giving our attention to His gifts of Spring and life – we defeat the plans of negativity the enemy uses to keep us down. It’s just like God to give us weapons of joy, laughter, and worship – easy for us but terrifying to the devil. God is so good!

I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. – Romans 16:19.

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My St. Patrick's Day Miracle

Angel Kisses

The wind howled as the snow piled up on the dark highway, blinding the young driver who strained to see beyond the headlights. Interstate 70 remained open just for her as she maneuvered the ambulance through the storm. My husband sat next to her, encouraging her, and I sat in the back, hooked to machines while an EMT kept me awake till we got to St. Anthony Hospital in Denver.
That was 10 years ago today – St. Patrick’s Day – when a car accident tried to take my life.  Highways were closed and Denver was at a standstill with accumulations of 6 feet of snow in some areas.

While in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit in a daze of shock and morphine, I remembered driving alone, falling asleep, careening off the highway, and tumbling end for end through a rancher’s field – all the while hearing someone who wasn’t there telling me “you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay.” Though my vital signs dipped, I had no feeling of not being okay. Loved ones waiting at the hospital prayed. Soon the surprised doctor would mention something about the prayers working.
The ensuing days and weeks were met with painful healing, therapies, and efforts to overcome a concussion. Other life events threatened my sanity. But slowly...surely...the wholeness returned. I was "okay." I was alive. I would see my children grow. I would hold and hug my grandchildren.

Today, I am still certain I was miraculously saved. Not only that, but I was saved for a purpose. Hence, I now have a fun goal to live out the dreams God has placed in me. And I am so blessed by and thankful for my friends and family who I, in turn, hope to bless in the years I have left.

So...do I now know my destiny...my purpose? Well, I'm closer. I believe it has everything to do with my dreams. And it also has to do with communicating three simple, profound words. GOD IS GOOD! Jeremiah 29:11 (What dreams has God placed in you?)
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The CIA of the Kingdom of God

There are many accounts in the Bible that reveal a powerful Kingdom Central Intelligence Agency staffed by agents commissioned by God to foil plots against His people.

In one account in Acts, God sent a boy who overheard the plan of 40 men to kill Paul. The boy told Paul, Paul had him ushered before the ruler to tell him, and soon an army of 70 horseman, 200 soldiers, and 200 spearmen were dispatched to usher Paul to safety in another town.

Another account tells about Paul on a ship at sea that was tossed and destroyed by a terrible storm. Miraculously, all 276 men aboard survived, including Paul. In both accounts, Paul was assured by angels of the Lord that he would survive, and, in the second account, he was told none of the men on the ship would be lost. Paul trusted God. There was never a doubt. That trust overcame fear and gave him boldness to take risks. His total obedience to his destiny and fearlessness of death enabled him to move mountains of oppression sent to defeat him and his message.

The lesson? God’s plans for you have an anointing of protection. His CIA officers are standing guard. Sometimes they are angels. Sometimes a young boy. Sometimes friends. Sometimes you (for others)! He even sends His own outstretched hand. Our good God is strategic. His plans for us will be accomplished. We need not fear. (See Psalm 91.)
My book "Tapestry - The Divine Design For Your Life" - is now available! Click here to order!

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt

If I believed, as some do, that God “sends” crises to teach us…  then maybe I would indeed doubt His goodness. But I don’t believe that. God does not send what He does not have. 

"Golden Lining"
Does your life glisten with hope?
Prophetic Photography by Christine Tracy

There is no sickness in Heaven. Nor evil. His will is "on earth as it is in Heaven."

There is an enemy that seeks to discourage us from faith in God by throwing death at our doorstep through crisis, tragedy, loss, and illness. His plan is to steal, kill, destroy and deceive us into believing his lies. He's a powerless twirp when we don't believe his lies and instead declare God's promises over us.

I know my God promises to take what was meant to harm me and turn it around for my good. He promises that what was stolen will be restored. He assures me that no weapon formed against me will prosper. He tells me all things work together for my good. And He puts His arm around me and reminds me that nothing can separate me from His love.

I know Him. I know His ways. I know His word. I am a witness to His love and faithfulness to His children.

I can tell you that I know, without a doubt, He is good.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.

His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

You can now pre-order my new book, Tapestry - The Divine Design for Your Life.

Click here! www.christinetracy.tateauthor.com

Bold and Creative Love

Sedona, Arizona
Photo by Christine Tracy

Did you know Paul the Apostle liked talking to the “New Agers” of his day? He did. He was not afraid. He was creative. 

The story goes that this group loved to discuss new ideas and philosophies. They were eager to hear Paul's news. I can picture Paul, brilliant and with the Holy Spirit as his guide, pondering how to reach these people with the message of Christ. Paul looked around and noticed there was an altar “to the unknown God.” That was it. That was what he would talk about.

I think Paul actually loved the challenge. Boldly he followed the leading of the Spirit. Boldly he opened his mouth and taught about this God they honored with an altar but did not yet know.

God loves all people. He loves the ones who don't know Him yet. He loves his Church – even those that are, like the Pharisees, walking in judgment and condemnation and bringing great pain to Him.

The veil is about to be lifted and truth will prevail. The Church, the Bride of Christ, the love of God Himself, will walk in purity and love. It will be  the goodness of God that will lead people to repentance in this great revival.

Are we ready? We, His children, filled with His Spirit, are the carriers and purveyors of His goodness. Love - not fear, not condemnation, not judgment - but love will open doors to let the truth prevail.

Not a Silent Partner

Prophetic Art by my
friend, Gary Rowell

“You just love your child and let me take care of the rest.” 

This was a response to my prayer of distress as I wondered how I would deal with a child of mine. It was Papa God’s response. I “heard” it in my head and it was more real than any word you could audibly speak to me. Sure enough, I held my tongue and focused on love and guess what? God showed up and my child was forever changed.

Do you know He is always with you? Holy Spirit – God’s very spirit – walks with you when you are a follower of his Son, Jesus. He wants to partner with you in everything you do – work, fun, ideas, art, relationships, everything. If you ask Him, He is ready to answer. For example, other times He has spoken to me:

"Chris – Get the book done and off your computer and I’ll take it the rest of the way." He did.

“Prepare the field, – just put the pieces together for this event. You don’t have to control it. I will do the rest." And He did.

"Just take your camera with you and watch. I will show you what to shoot." And He always does.

“Take the Prosperous Soul Class" (a class at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry that teaches about Kingdom wealth) "so I can bless you financially and you will know how to handle it.” We did and He is blessing us.

“Pray for that person and I will heal them.”And He did.

“Tell that little girl with the deformed face she is beautiful.”And I did and He showed her His love through me.

God wants to partner with us. We are both important to the outcome. It isn’t about us doing everything. It isn’t about Him being able to do everything without us. He wants us to partner with Him to advance His Kingdom on earth. He will show us and tell us how.

He is so good!

My book, "Tapestry - The Divine Design For Your Life," is now available for pre-order! Go to:  http://christinetracy.tateauthor.com