Tag: freedom in Christ

Operation God is Love

Leave a comment

We hit year 7 next month! Wow how time flies.

When I prepare bookbags and sammies for our homeless friends, I pray over each one that the person will feel the love of God, encounter God’s heart, and feel seen by God.

One man we met grabbed a bag and could not stop hugging it. I asked him why. He replied, “I am getting some good vibes off this bag.” He would not stop smiling and hugging the back pack.

I saw him months later riding his bike through the city. He stopped me. He said, “Thank you for my bag and the things inside. I have been reading what you gave me and it blessed me. Thank you!” Once again his face filled with a loving smile.

Love is this incredible force that says, “I see you. You matter. You are significant. Your life is not a mistake. You have infinite worth.”

I would love to tell you I am always excited to go. I am not. Sometimes I am tired physically, emotionally, or mentally. I think I have nothing to give here. Yet feelings are not truth. In those moments when we press past our comfort zone something magical happens. People encounter God’s love through us. God is simply looking for a partner, a conduit. He loves to love through us.

It’s not about me or the team. It is God’s love through us. If we can do it, anyone can do it. From the ones who say, “I thought no one cared and I planned to kill myself today,” to the ones who say, “Before you stopped me, I was on my way to shoot up on heroine,” to the ones who say, “I have not eaten in days.” There is Jesus walking amongst the least of them whispering over and over, “I see you and you matter. You were worth dying for and I LOVE you.”

So you set aside your feelings or even uncertainty about reaching out to strangers. You get low and sit with the hurting, broken, bruised, abused, victimized, forgotten, lonely. You wrap your arms around the addict, the prostitute, or the PTSD suffering veteran. You pursue honor for the ones who smell like urine, booze, or vomit. You hold hands with another human being and declare, “You have a friend in me.” You listen to stories, songs, and poems even. You wipe tears, and try to provide hope for the hopeless. You ask God to flow through you so someone encounters Jesus.

The sick are often made whole through His love and power. The suicidal change their minds. The addict finds comfort. The invisible are seen.

You see Jesus in the faces too ashamed to cross the threshold of a shiny church. You do what you can and sometimes weep because you wish to do more.

We cannot do everything. We can do something. If I can, someone who tests 78% for introversion, anyone can. Why? Because love compels us to do more than talk about problems. We become part of the solution. I believe the church, not solely the government is called to social justice.

Here is a snap shot of our team today! Youth to young adults out serving the least, last, and lost.

Operation God is Love #LoveLooksLikeSomeoneJesus

First Photo: Pinterest

Love,

Erin Lamb

Found of Operation God is Love

OperationGodisLove.org

Our Reactions to Evil Matter (Pursuing Authentic Christianity)

Leave a comment

Today I want to tackle reactions to evil in the world. When Jesus walked the earth there was evil, injustice, mistreatment of people groups, and he faced hatred/mockery/mistreatment.

We see Jesus responding in sternness to the self righteous (Pharisees) and the disciples. We see compassion for those who were lost and not claiming to be right with God.

Jesus also has a one up on us. He was sinless. Jesus was willing to die for the same people He rebuked sternly. He was willing to be mocked, beaten, and even killed for the UNGODLY! Jesus died for His enemies. If Jesus rebukes someone sternly, He is perfect in His assessment and without any sin.

We can sin in our attempts to deal with people and be puffed up in ourselves while doing so. “Oh, I think sister Susie is wrong, let me grab my bible and go point it out to her.” Is it wrong to try to help someone? No. Yet the bible tells us to make sure we don’t have a big mega plank in our eye before we go trying to pull a splinter out of someone’s eye. We are also told to be gentle. We can be gentle, direct, and not nasty. Is it wrong as a leader to address people? No. Yet if we do not love them, our words can be correct and in the wrong spirit.

It is a trap of the evil one to convince us that we are the Holy Spirit or Jesus. We point to God. We do not become God.

It is a trap of the evil one to respond in the same spirit as the evil of this age. We overcome evil with good. If someone comes at us crazy, it does not mean God gives us permission to act crazy.

God has tested this in my life over and over. It appears as weakness to some people. Yet I do not need to yell or act crazy because someone approaches me with ignorance, hatred, evil, or nonsense. We can rebuke and address in great love understanding that the spirits of this age blind people to the truth of who God is.

They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God,~2 Corinthians 4:4 (GNT).

Imagine going into a house and the lights are off and everyone is blind. Your method to help is to scream at them, “You are blind. You are in the dark!!!” Guess what, your screaming will not make them see. You can scream all day and it adds no value.

Imagine going to a graveyard and everyone is dead. You walk around screaming the Gospel at them. They can’t hear you! Dead people do not hear or see. The only reason a believer in Jesus can see or hear is because God opened blind eyes, deaf ears, and revealed Himself.

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins,~Colossians 2:13 (NLT).

One of the ways we can help the world is by actually living a life that is a living testimony of the goodness, love, and power of God. I had several coworkers who were atheists, agnostic, or other faiths inquire about Jesus because of the way I acted at work. I did not bully them with the bible, point out everything they did that violated scripture, nor look down on them. I looked for ways to serve them, love them, and the topic of Jesus would just come up. One went to church because he said he could not figure out why I had so much joy. My Muslim neighbor said I was the only Christian he had encountered that did not mistreat him. One of my atheist coworkers hurt her back and because I did not mistreat her, she let me pray. God took all her pain away.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children,~Ephesians 5:1 (NLT).

The world has heard our sermons. Have they seen Jesus through us?

Do we respond to evil with the Spirit of Jesus? Do we see people God loves and desires to redeem? Or are we like the Pharisees, our hands are full of heavy stones and we are crying out to God to punish them? I will tell you sin alone is great punishment. Without Jesus, people will have ledgers marked with every sin. Do we care about their souls or just the way they treat us?

We also don’t need to beat people up with the bible. I saw this old movie years ago called Saved. It basically mocked Christians for hypocrisy and improper methods of evangelism. I have included a very short clip of the groups attempt to lead Mary back to Jesus. This involves beating her with an actual bible. The Gospel is Not A Weapon . It’s worth watching! It is about 5 minutes long.

I am not stating we condone sin.

I am not stating we condone immorality.

I am stating the way we deal with people can be part of the determining factors on whether they turn to Jesus or run from Him.

I am stating if we don’t live what we claim to believe it impacts the world. All of creation is groaning for sons and daughters of God to rise up and shine bright (Romans 8:19-23)!

We do have a small role to play. If we are hypocrites, hateful, only love people who are a certain way, then we demonstrate to the world that our God is that way. It misrepresents Jesus to the world.

Let’s look at what Jesus said (Luke 6:32-36 (AMP)

If you [only] love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend [money] to those from whom you expect to receive [it back], what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to receive back the same amount. But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your[heavenly] Father is merciful.

Expecting people who don’t know Jesus to act like Jesus, is like asking a person who cannot swim to compete in Olympic swimming. They can not. We cannot. Unless we have the Spirit of God we will not manifest the likeness of His character.

Honestly, I have met numerous people in my lifetime in churches who claim Jesus and look and act nothing like Jesus. I have had some of them yell at me, leave my fellowships, act hateful and nasty because I actually taught them what Jesus said. I could write a mega book on mistreatment from professing believers. Shouting “Praise the Lord,” on Sunday and gossiping about you on Monday. I will not even unpack the prejudice, jealousy, competing, pettiness, sexism, sabotage, and racism that I have encountered with professing Christians.

My point is as follows, to expect the world or people who do not know Jesus to flow in tune with God is unreasonable. It is also unfair if we (Christians) are not willing to submit to God to act in ways that actually look like God and then tell others they need God. It confuses the world when the Gospel we teach is not the Gospel we live.

How we react to evil is important. We do not condone it. We do not agree with it. We also do not stoop to low levels of conduct and act in ways unbecoming of Jesus to deal with it. If we were committing evil or out of line, how would we want to be treated? Would we want to be cussed out and condemned? Or would we want someone to say, “I love you and there is a better way?”

I love that even the rebukes of Jesus come because He longs for us to be right with God. Sometimes I think in culture its about us being right and not about the person being right with God.

Love is who God is and how He operates. I appreciate every rebuke and correction of God. Mainly because when God corrects it is to restore. When people do it, sometimes (not always), it is simply a critical spirit or pride. It lacks love, lacks compassion, and lacks tact. A critical spirit can seem like discernment, yet it’s not. God reveals to heal and so we can intercede or help. A critical spirit is rooted in pride and loves pointing out the flaws of others while rarely seeing it’s own flaws.

I am praying I walk in authentic Christianity. Rather than pointing the finger at others, I am asking God to help me walk out authentic faith. When people encounter me, I hope they walk away saying, “I want to know the God you worship,” not “Oh my gosh, get this person away from me. Whoever they worship must be a flake or a freak.”

I actually had a conversation with God Sunday about the way the church represents Him. I put myself in the shoes of someone completely unchurched. Would I desire Jesus just based on my encounters with believers over the years? Other than my parents and a handful of people, well, probably not. Yes, I have met some amazing people, yet as a whole (the summary of my life in Christiandom) have seen a culture that loves those who are already on the path better than the sinner. I would not feel comfortable as a way out there sinner coming into a community of faith. I would not feel comfortable as someone who was labeled liberal or alternative. I would not feel safe. How can I say this? Because I have spent my life in churches and seen the way “outsiders” are treated by a good chunk of people. The person can be a “get them saved project” or “be nice to them only at worship gatherings-ignore otherwise.” Gosh, I have encountered people who withhold love from other Christians because they go to another church or align with another political party. I have seen some pretty amazing believers too, yet as a summary-just my thoughts, we can do better.

I think we (I) can do better by abiding in Jesus (John 15:4-5). We can pray for revival all day, yet if we are not revived internally and begin to actually manifest Jesus, I do not think we will positively impact the world. I hear people chant, “They just need to get saved and come to the church.” Yet, how are we going to treat them when they get there? Is anyone going to mentor or disciple them? Is anyone going to genuinely love, invest, and treat them like Jesus would? We want these millions of souls to come to know Jesus and join our churches, yet have we learned to love the people already right in front of us?

Love is the highest standard. God speaks truth in love. The devil will tell the truth in the wrong spirit to hurt people or inappropriate times to create issues. If you don’t believe demons and the devil can speak truth, read the passages where demons cried out Jesus was the Son of God and He silenced them because it was not His time (Luke 4:41), or the slave girl who followed Paul around speaking truth from the wrong source (Acts 16).

Bottom line-we overcome evil with good.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good,~Romans 12:21 (CSB).

Love,

Erin Lamb

Insecurity is Not Humility

Leave a comment

Humility is a right assessment of oneself in relation to God. It is not self abasement nor “I am but a wretched worm.” It is not arrogance, “I am better than others.”

Jesus possessed humility and confidence. He could get low and wash feet. He could also stand in the synagogue and declare the words of Isaiah 61. He stated, “Today this scripture is fulfilled.” He stood bold and confident against the Pharisees. He did not shrink back and claim false humility.

The truth is, Jesus knew who He was in relation to the Father. When He prayed, it was with sincere confidence that God the Father heard His plea. Jesus is our model. Jesus is perfect theology.

I am pursuing doing a two day Confident & Free event because I believe God is raising up a company of believers who know who He is and know who they are in Him.

In Christ we are not less than nor better than; we are redeemed children of God. We are joint heirs. We are His workmanship created for His glory. Insecurity brings no glory to God! It is the flip side of pride.

False humility brings no glory to God, “Let’s pretend we are not who God says we are so others think we are humble.” God wants to free us of agreement with the devil. The devil approached Jesus and said, “If you are the Son of God.” Jesus knew who He was and responded in confidence, “It is written.”

Speakers for the Confident & Free Event will be announced this month! Whooohoooo! Instead of people coming to listen to me speak at 3-4 sessions a day for 2 days, I wanted to give others a chance to share their experiences with gaining godly confidence and freedom.

God has continued to press into my heart a need for people to see themselves as He does; not arrogant and not insecure. I sense and often see confusion over what it means to be confident and deal with numerous people in soul healing sessions who hate themselves, hide, feel bad about who they are, or a few have grandiose ideas about who they are. God intends we live in balance, and love ourselves in healthy ways. We love our neighbor AS we love ourselves.

We will have 7-8 speakers, 7 sessions, 2 panel discussions (you can ask questions), and a wonderful/intimate prophetic worship team.

The focus of day 1 is FREEDOM. Let’s break out of legalism, limiting mindsets, tear down religious strongholds, get the soul and body healed, dream BIGGER with God. I am carving out space for extended ministry time. Need healing, come! Our prayer teams would love to pray for your soul or body healing.

Day 2 is focused on confidence. What does it mean to be confident? Is confidence arrogance? What does it mean to be loving and bold? We want to talk about how to have an intimate relationship with God, hear and test His voice, step out of the boat with Jesus, properly understand and use authority, and share real testimonies of overcoming with Jesus.

The plan is to pour into those who attend. The mission is love. The mission is Jesus. The mission is getting people activated to move beyond just going to listen to someone else speak and do the works of Jesus. The works of Jesus are not just for some people or a select elite. It’s for every person who places their faith in Him!

In Christ you can see the sick healed!

In Christ you can share and preach the Gospel!

In Christ you can see people delivered from tormenting spirits!

In Christ you can love the broken!

In Christ you can make disciples!!

You can! You can! Oh yes you can!!

Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” We, those who follow and abide in Jesus, have empowerment by God to do even GREATER! If you don’t know Jesus, come, we would LOVE to share who He is and how much He loves you.

I hope you join us for two days of jam packed teaching, activations (you get to participate-not just watch us do the stuff), worship, laughter, giveaways, ministry time, prayer, equipping, mentoring, and hopefully answering some questions you may have!!

Come party with us for 2 full days and invite some friends. Right now tickets are discounted to $89. That is roughly $10-12 a session. We also don’t plan on taking up offerings-people can donate to a charity represented there or speaker, yet I won’t be passing the plate to cover event costs. You will also have an opportunity to hear about human trafficking and support being part of the solution.

  • When is it? May 17 and 18, 2019
    • Sessions: 9 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm (mid day sessions have more than one speaker)
    • Where is it? 1055 McNaughten Road, Columbus Ohio 43213
  • Use the coupon code: EarlyBird
    • When should you sign up: As soon as possible. Seats are limited and we are already at 18% capacity with registration opening January 1.
    • Who’s Invited: Everyone (yet we will not have childcare for this event). Come and bring your teenager or preteen.

    Godly confidence is for everyone!!

    Love,

    Erin Lamb

    Founder/Owner/CEO of Lamb Enterprises LLC

    (Authoring, Publishing, Events, Masterclasses, Mentoring, Soul Health, and Wellness)

    #Confidence #ConfidentandFree #JointheParty

    God & Mental/Emotional Health

    Leave a comment

    Mental health is such a buzz word in the news. When mass shootings happen, people are quick to point to mental illness. I believe it moves beyond just mental impairment to emotional issues which link to spiritual issues. The spirit, body, and soul (mind, will, emotions) are connected.

    Part of what I do is help those who suffer from deep emotional/mental wounds or impairment. This morning I shared with my online community a testimony from a session this month. I hope to raise awareness and help others.

    God & the Dissociative Person (Multiple Personalities)-Testimony of 11 Alters Coming Together To Make Someone Whole.

    I don’t do SOZO or regular deliverance. I state this because people ask, not to downplay anyone else’s methods. Most of the people who see me have been severely abused to the point of fracture/forming a split that holds their painful memory/trauma. These parts of them are quite real. You can scream, command, throw scripture at them, say be whole and they remain right where they are. Why? They have a purpose. They were created out of gross trauma or abuse to hold the painful memories for the person so they can function. The issue arises when these dissociative parts are not healed and their negative emotions are not healed.

    Over the past few years I have seen numerous people. The best candidates are normally the ones who do not know me. The best results come when a person can be transparent without fear. Of the 2% who claimed feeling worse afterwards (1 out of many stated this) or little breakthrough-they knew me. So I learned to only do sessions with people who know me if God led, otherwise source them out to a mentor. I believe 95%-98% is better than 0% or the ~25% breakthrough with cognitive therapy.

    I was given permission to share this testimony.

    I had someone who had struggled their entire life feeling disconnected, hearing voices, struggled with connection with God and others. The person was wounded at a very young age and then repeatedly assaulted as they grew up. They grew to believe they were the reason predators targeted them. They also were told their beautiful exterior was the reason for the assaults (this is a lie). The first soul wounding at age 4 opened the door for future assault. Evil intruders then worked to attract more assault in the future. If you have no grid for the spiritual world, understand there are angels and demons. Demons are evil and work to bring death, destruction, pain, abuse, and make bad things worse. The 4 year was exposed to things through a neighbor kid. This brought fear and terror connected to molestation. Fear was activated, never dealt with, and worked to bring more of what the 4 year old feared. One split in personality became 11 splits in personality.

    Each split/alter had it’s own pain, trauma, and negative emotions attached. During the sessions God was invited into all the memories. I do not do guided imagery. I ask God to pull forward memories. One by one we encountered different hurting parts of the person. Once the parts were healed of their pain, deliverance occured. Anything attached to those parts was commanded to leave. We then walked through the process of integration.

    The person reported after the 10 year old was healed they felt they could connect with God in ways they had not been able to before. The voice they kept hearing left. They felt free and the feeling of disconnection was gone. Once certain memories were healed, God revealed the web of other memories and lies that broke off their life. The person had gone through regular deliverance, self deliverance, and SOZO. They still had 11 personalities at work (alters) and two head spirits (#1 Fear, #Rejection). There were still demons operating in the person’s life. Why? If they are feasting on a soul wound/alter, they are not going anywhere until you get the soul healed.

    The person reported they felt integration and it brought clarity, freedom from voices, hope, joy, and they started experiencing breakthrough in the natural. Things that were delayed opened. The home was more peaceful. They experienced peace and freedom from believing everything was their fault. They recovered their voice. A voice that was locked up during abuse. They reported freedom after seeing things from God’s perspective. God hates abuse and His revelation of love is powerful.

    I have heard people say, “Jesus did not do soul healing,” I disagree. The very presence of Jesus is healing for people. To touch a leper-outcast is healing from rejection. To stop for a Samaritan woman and treat her with kindness is healing. Women were not highly respected and Jesus demonstrated honor. The bible says Jesus did so many great things the volumes could not contain them. Instead of focusing on what Jesus did or did not do, I recommend asking the Holy Spirit to partner with us to help people. Jesus did not fly in airplanes or ride in cars, yet we do. It would be silly to say, “Well, Jesus never rode in a car or on a plane, so I won’t either!” God invites us into relationship. The Bible reveals God, and gives us a blueprint. We are then to abide in relationship with God. We don’t violate the word, we also don’t limit God to a time of riding donkeys and wearing sandals.

    This person stated they stepped into a new level of freedom. They stated they often felt they were lost inside themselves and could not put the pieces together. One by one each part was healed, delivered, then integrated. They stated they never felt whole before. Today they do.

    God loves to heal. God is good. It’s His heart to make us whole.

    If you would like to learn more, I would love to have you in our Freedom from Trauma webinar this Saturday December 1rst, 11am EST. Sign me up!

    Warmly,

    Erin Lamb

    Photo credits: Pinterest

    Freedom is Here! 🕊🗝🔑

    Leave a comment

    Hey blog buddies

    I  just returned from Cambodia doing missions with my not for profit initiative Operation God is Love. We saw so many amazing and beautiful women and children rescued from human trafficking.

    On each outreach I thought, “What can I do to make a difference in the lives of women and children deeply impacted by exploitation”?

    I cannot do everything, I can do something. So can you!

    Have you ever wondered what you could do to change a life?

    Maybe it seems the problems are too big and the solutions seem so lean. Where do we even start? I know I have had those thoughts. Let me tell you that you can change a life! You can partner with those helping others.

    I decided to take some of the proceeds from the sales of our Limited Edition collection and donate to the charity we worked with in Cambodia. They have educational programs for children and women, as well as job training for women.

    The literacy rate is only 37% in Cambodia; I met so many beautiful children at risk who simply want to go to school and learn to read. Education is a way to prevent exploitation. Without an education, children and women are more prone to be lured into human trafficking.

    I would love your help! Your purchase helps a child or woman get an education. Lamb Enterprises has already donated to Extreme Love’s education program and I long to do more.

    While in Cambodia, I took 6 gold freedom key necklaces and offered them to women rescued from trafficking. As these keys were placed on the ladies, there was a declaration spoken over their destiny! You should have seen the joy on their faces.

    Will you join me in doing something about the problem? I will donate 30% of profits to the Extreme Love Education Fund. You may also donate directly to them by going to ExtremeLove.com.

    Every time you purchase a Freedom Key you will be helping someone else!

    Let’s end modern day slavery!

    Rescued Woman Wearing a Gold Freedom Key

    Each woman received a unique gold key and chain to wear.

    Limited Edition Key Collection

    Our antique and gold freedom key collection will be around until we sell out.

    You can snag yours today at Empowered & Free Shop.

    Warmly,

    Erin Lamb

    Founder and CEO of Lamb Enterprises LLC

    Cambodia Bound!

    Leave a comment

    I believe God has a heart for every person on this planet! I believe many of us are called to go and share the heart and love of God with the Nations. Some of us will sow financially, some will pray, and many of us will go.

    When I was a kid, God started speaking to me about the Nations. I had no idea of what that would entail. I was simply happy God was speaking to me. I kept those journals and dated the things I sensed were God. He spoke to me about many countries. I have been to South America, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and I am embarking on an adventure in Cambodia.

    Operation God is Love which is my not for profit initiative here in the United States will be partnering with Extreme Love Ministries in Cambodia. Extreme Love helps to rescue women and children out of human trafficking. Human trafficking is modern day slavery where women and children are sold for forced labor or forced sexual immorality. It impacts over 40 million people. The average age of a victim is 12 years old. 80% of the victims are female. Some are as young as 4 or 5 years old.

    Extreme Love works to prevent, rescue, provide recovery and aftercare, provide employment, free day care and education. What they are doing in Cambodia is remarkable. We are excited to join forces with them for a few weeks.

    I strongly believe the words in Isaiah 61 are for our generation! People say the 20-30 year olds are doing nothing. I disagree. My team is comprised of quite a few what they call Millennials. It’s for every generation! I see a diverse, multi generational, multi denominational, cross cultural army rising up to destroy the works of darkness!

    We cannot do everything! We can do something. These women and children are being pulled out of darkness and exposed to the greatest love they can ever know-Jesus!

    The mission is love!

    Love looks like someone, Jesus.

    The mission is Jesus.

    Pray for us as we travel, share God’s love, enter into brothels to witness/rescue, go to the slums to share God’s heart, hug the hurting, pray for the abused and hurting! I am believing God for miracles. I am bringing a team of 9 people from the USA and South Africa.

    If you wish to find out more about Extreme Love or donate to them, please go to Extreme Love Ministries.

    If you wish to donate to Operation God is love, click here Operation God is Love. OGL focuses on street ministry, street evangelism, ministering to the poorest of the poor and immigrants at the free clinic, and overseas missions. We have been serving for almost 7 years.

    Cambodia photos courtesy of missionary Cathy Cupp.

    Love in Christ,

    Erin Lamb

    Founder of Operation God is Love

    Instagram.com/OperationGodisLove

    Facebook.com/OperationGodisLove

    Why God Made Women (Addressing wrong ideas about female creation)

    2 Comments

    Weekend Devotion: God Created Women in His Image to Be a Source of Strength & Power Where Men Are Weak. Her Divine Design Was Not Maid, Slave, Blindly Obeying Man’s Desire, Nor Lust. Ezer Kenegdo is Poorly Translated As Helper.

    This weekend speaking on ending modern day slavery. 80% of the exploited are women; 50% under the age of 16. Part of the issue is women are viewed as objects to serve the pleasure whims of men, instead of people to be loved.

    Eve was NOT created to be Adam’s play toy or slave. Ezer Kegnedo which is poorly translated into English as helper, means an equal but opposite complement that is strong, provides power, where the other is weak.

    God did not tell Eve, “It is your job to please this man and serve him. Be sure to obey him and follow him.” He told both Adam and Eve both to have dominion on earth (see Genesis 1). Both were created in the image of God.

    The fall of mankind produces a fracture in the male female relationship. God did NOT say, “I want your husband to Lord over you.” He said, “Because of your choice (eating the fruit), your desire is going to be to please your husband (be a people pleaser essentially), and because of your choice he will seek to lord over you.” It was NEVER God’s design for men to dominate women nor treat them like sex objects or slaves or servants.

    Jesus stated the greatest among you will be your servant, when the disciples were fighting over who would be the greatest (Matthew 23:11). The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28).

    God created relationships to flow from love! Love does not seek someone to meet it’s selfish whims. Love seeks to serve. Paul told husbands to love their wives the way Christ loves the church. Love comes to give, serve, invest, empower, help, celebrate….love is NOT a consumer that uses people like Kleenex. What is so radical about Ephesians is people ignore Ephesians 5:21 which says “Submit (be willing to yield to what honors God) to one another out of reverence for God,” and “Husbands love your wives the way Christ loves loves the church (Ephesians 5:25).

    The focus is wives submit to your husbands which in study I found is not in the orginal text as written. Wives submit was added based on what translators felt would fit. It was submit to one another, likewise for wives. Wives were already forced into submission in the culture.

    Paul emphasized husbands treating their wives the way Jesus loves the church. Jesus makes the church a coheir, serves the church, prepares a place for her, adds value, treats her as a part of Him, nourishes the church, takes care of the church. This was RADICAL because men in the culture treated their wives like property and walking reproductive organs. The guidance of Paul for men was radical. Women were not treated as coheirs the way Jesus treats the church. Yet thousands of years later you still see hyper focus on women be submissive and little on men submitting (Ephesians 5:21) and loving the way Jesus loves (Ephesians 5:25, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:8). Paul said without love we are just making noise and we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13).

    I truly believe one of the ways we can end some of the horrible crimes against women is to stop teaching that women are just supposed to submit to the desires of men. Women are not children created to aimlessly follow men. Eve was created because it was not good for Adam to be alone. Adam had a need. Adam had a problem. God provided someone who was created to be a source of power and strength where he was weak. They were to complement each other.

    God even refers to Himself as an Ezer to mankind. He provides strength where we are weak.

    When women are viewed as people not walking reproductive organs created for man’s pleasure, I think things will radically shift.

    When lust is addressed as anti God and sin, and we help people get delivered, I think things will radically shift.

    When love enters the hearts of people, and people are seen as someone to love not an object to use-things will shift.

    When the adult film industry loses clients (it fuels human trafficking), things will shift.

    When young girls are taught they are not pleasure pods created to please men, but created to be loved as a person not a service-things will shift.

    When “boys will be boys” is removed from our vocabulary as excuses for poor behavior, things will shift.

    When we address the things God spoke about relationships instead of hyper focusing on women submit, things will change. God created women to be a source of strength and that had nothing to do with her ability to please him physically.

    Women were created different from men on purpose! Women have the ability to use both sides of their brains in ways men tend to be single focused/minded. Each gender is gifted and adds value to the other. The brain of a woman in complex and different. It is not inferior.

    My prayer is we (culture) get to know the heart and love of God. Love fulfills the law because love does no harm to it’s neighbor (Romans 13:10)! Love does not sell people or use them for their body or forced labor. Love does not treat people like servants. Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants; I call you friends (John 15:15).”

    Love comes to serve. Love is pure. Love comes to honor God.

    Having the desire for physical intimacy is not sin; desiring to use people, get those needs met outside God’s design, seeking to be pleased instead of love…that is selfish and sinful.

    People were created by love (God), to be loved, then to love. Without love, it’s not God. God is love (1 John 4:8). Those who do not love, do not know God.

    Lust is not love. It is selfish and greedy. It comes to be served, not serve. It comes to consume, not give. It comes with demands, not a heart to honor. Jesus came and took the lowest place. He did not boss the disciples around, “Serve Me peasants. I am the King. I am the Lord over you.” Nope. He washed feet. He gave the disciples an invitation into relationship and led them by love. Leader=servant of others in the eyes of God. The leader is the one who sacrificially loves. Jesus laid His life down for the church. Jesus did not boss people around. He loved them.

    May we see people the way God does. Women were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). I won’t even touch on how 50% of the victims of human trafficking are under 16 years old. Some are as young as 3 or 4 years old. Children are being sold for forced labor or illicit sexual acts. It is beyond disturbing. Men were not created for lust. Men were created to love like God. Love does NOT harm children.

    Here are some organizations you can support who are addressing human trafficking.

    International Justice Mission (ijm.org)

    Extreme Love (extremelove.com)

    A21 (A21.org)

    And there are so many more!

    I will be speaking this Sunday at 10:30am on Ending Modern Day Slavery.

    You may watch the live stream from Vineyard Christian Church Live Stream.

    May you and I be the change we wish to see in the world!

    Love,

    Erin Lamb

    https://www.empowered-free.com

    Facebook.com/erinlambauthor

    New Courses & Teaching Materials Coming

    2 Comments

    New classes and educational courses are coming!

    Mobile Masterclasses: You can invite the soul health Masterclasses to your area. This course is designed to give you tools to help abuse victims, those who suffer from deep soul wounds, Post Traumatic Stress, and dissociation. Many of the people who go through the class get personal breakthrough during the 3 day course, such an added bonus.

    We received a 5 star rating from those who attended the course in June 2018. We continue to receive reports of people freed of symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress and dissociation.

    Masterclass Student Binder

    Masterclass Clinical Time

    What are some of the reports from Masterclass? Glad you asked. 😉

    “This course was so amazing! I feel that I received both breakthrough and healing of so many wounds that have totally been life changing!”-Survey Monkey Response

    “Yes set free from fear, anxiety, worry, from lies that I wasn’t loved. Seeing Jesus during worship hugging my parents was huge for me, very freeing how much he loves them.”-Survey Monkey Response

    “During the time of worship and self inner healing I had a memory healed that I’ve revisited for over 10 years. Finally the ground where it happened was worked up and the place no longer exists!”-Survey Monkey Response

    “Yes, my relationship with my husband has majorly improved. I am more aware of my own soul wounds and now I have tools for healing. Thank you Erin!!”-Survey Monkey Response

    “Through the weekend, Holt Spirit showed me several traumas resulting in disassociation and sickness.”-Survey Monkey Response

    “Ok I have another report…I wrapped up a second session around 8pm tonight. This client is the reason I enrolled in the masterclass. She has suffered PTSD for a very long time and we had hit a wall with standard Sozo. Today was our first opportunity to use the new tools I learned in MasterClass. She was completely set free from PTSD today! We identified the root and everything fell into place! By the time we finished the Deliverance portion of the session, that evil spirit was begging to get out of her! I am on Cloud 9! This has been an amazing day!!!”-LS (Masterclass Student)

    Basics Online Course: You will be able to take the courses online at your pace! No need to even leave your home. The basic class is a prerequisite to the Masterclass for those not already involved in inner healing. I cover what the soul is, how the soul operates, how the soul is wounded, the basics of soul healing.

    Teaching Series: You will be able to purchase and download the Confident & Free teaching series and other teachings. I cover topics such as identity & authority, the confidence of Jesus, how insecurity limits, overcoming rejection and trauma, and so much more.

    Check out Empowered & Free for details on upcoming events, courses, and teaching tools.

    We want you to live confident, empowered, and free!

    Courses cover topics such as: identity, recovering from abuse/rejection/trauma/post traumatic stress, building godly confidence, thriving instead of surviving, overcoming insecurity, and more.

    You may also stay up to date on the next books! I hope to finish

    Killing Insecurity next. Insecurity is limiting; Jesus is the cure.

    Love,

    Erin Lamb

    Weekend Devotion (God Wants Relationship) 

    2 Comments

    Photo: Nay Crumors 

    Morning Devotion: Knowing God (intimacy with God) is the most important thing…Not church attendance, tithing, church affiliation, serving, or being entertained. God is after personal, intimate relationship. 

    Being with God, knowing God, trumps doing for God. Being is to lead to doing with the motivation to love God and others. 

    When intimacy with God and knowing His heart and character are removed from Christianity you end up with powerless religion. 
    We can spend our lives in church, paying tithes, doing Christian stuff, having great worship, and go to hell (totally miss God). How can I say this? Well, it came straight from the mouth of Jesus. Read Matthew 7:21-29, Matthew 25:31-46. 

    Religion void of relationship leads to idolatry and oppression. The Pharisees had religion not relationship with God. 

    Mankind without connection to the Vine (Jesus) yields no good fruit. See John 15:4-5. There is a form of godliness in religion void of transformative power and genuine agape love. That’s why the Bible was used as an excuse to kill millions of Native born Americans (First Nations people) or enslave Africans (deny them any human rights) or abuse women and deny them equal rights. So many horrific things have been done under the mask of “Christianity,” yet Jesus made it very plain. He stated, “You will know My followers by their agape love.” See John 13:35. 

    Love fulfills the law because it does no harm to it’s neighbor (Romans 13:10). Love is holy and without any sin, including selfishness the most destructive sin. Love involves freedom and equality. Love is not rude nor full of mean sarcasm. Love builds up. Love gets low to serve not seeking to be served. Love has no prejudice. Love honors even the dishonorable. Love seeks the best interests of others. Love possesses humility (others matter). Love does not seek to dominate, control, hurt, harm, abuse, use, or harass others. 

    There is a huge difference between someone who claims God and someone who knows God. The one who knows God grows to resemble God (1 John 4:8). Some of what we call Christianity is not about Jesus at all. It is traditions of men and void of God’s love, purity, and power. 

    God invites us to know Him. All the other things flow out of knowing God. If I am intimate with God, I will want to give. If I am intimate with God, I will grow more loving. If I am intimate with God, I will want to fellowship with other believers. If I am intimate with God, I will want to serve. If I am intimate with God, I will want to share the Gospel. If I am intimate with God, I will humble myself and serve others. If I am intimate with God, the fragrance on my life will draw others to Him. Our strength lies in intimacy with God. 

    Love, 

    Erin Lamb 

    Saturday Devotion (The Gospel According to Jesus)

    Leave a comment

    Photo Source:Pinterest 

    Weekend Devotion: The Great Falling Away, What is the Gospel, The Prodigal, and Salvation. Looking at the words of Jesus (He is perfect theology). 

    I have been thinking about prodigals and those who do not know God. I have also been thinking of those who believe they know God, yet what they have is religion not relationship. I started thinking about all the people told to simply pray a prayer to be saved (Jesus never did this) or told baptism and church membership saves them, and then live independently of God. When facing God, some will have an interesting awakening. 

    The revelation will come that God is better than anything created and the words, “Depart from Me I never knew you,” will sting. 

    How could a loving God reject someone? 

    God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. The choice is set before everyone-choose life, choose the Son, follow Him, do what He says. God extends the invitation, mankind rejects God. 

    I personally do not believe in once saved always saved. Why? I find scriptures that speak of those who fall away (Matthew 24:8-9), those who turn their backs on God, those who practice lawlessness and do not care for others being cast into the darkness (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:31-46). 

     “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].’~Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23). 

    And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he who endures until the end shall be saved~Matthew 24:12-13. 

    And the longest passage comes from Matthew 25:31-46.

    There is such a burning in my heart for every person to have a personal awakening and relationship with God. 

    The Role of the Disciples of Jesus

    The Church is to reveal to the world the heart, nature, compassion, and goodness of God. 

    Jesus revealed the Father and the world came to know God. 

    The Prodigal

    The prodigal had to come to his senses. He thought what the world had to offer was better than the Father. He was wrong. 

    The prodigal traded royalty for a pit. He gave up paradise for something far beneath his destiny. 

    The devil works overtime to convince people life on earth is all there is. He shouts, “Live it up,” knowing life independent from God leads to destruction. 

    The Spirit of This Age 

    The spirit of this age blinds people to the truth of who God is, how good God is, and offers temporary pleasures that never, ever satisfy. They leave people empty, broken, wounded, confused and on a death march to hell with the devil. 
    Even the spirit of religion blinds people to the truth of the Gospel. 

    The Gospel is… 

    • God so loves the entire world (every people group, both genders, every ethnicity).
    • There is no racism or sexism or hierarchy of people/genders in God’s heart (1 John 4:8, Revelation 5:9). 
    • God empowers both men and women to have dominion on earth and do the works of Jesus (Genesis 1:28, Galations 3:28). 
    • God so loved the world He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16).
    • Sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). The death penalty was on us all (Romans 5). 
    • Jesus paid for all sin on that rugged cross. So whosoever shall believe on Him and follow Him will be saved (John 3:16). Jesus invited people to follow Him (relationship).
    • He (Jesus) was born of a virgin, died for all sin, and was resurrected on the third day with all power in His hands (Matthew 1:18, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:4, Matthew 28). 
    • The same power that raised Jesus from the dead came on believers at Pentecost (Acts 2). It is available to every born again believer (Acts 1:8). 
    • Repentance (changing our mind about sin), accepting Jesus by faith and making Him Lord creates radical transformation in our lives. 
    • The old is passed away and the new comes (2 Corinthians 5:17). 
    • As far as the east is from the west, that’s how far our transgressions are removed from us (Psalm 103:12). 
    • We are crucified with Christ and it is no longer we who live, it is Christ who lives in us (Galatians 2:20).

    My continual question on the street, in the market place, even at church is, “Do you know (have personal, intimate relationship) with Jesus?” 

    Papa help us to know you, really know you. I pray for any person reading this devotion to have an encounter with you. I ask for radical encounters of your love, peace, joy, and wisdom. I pray for any not following Jesus to have a heart that turns to you. Let not one perish. Every spiritual scale fall off their eyes. Every bondage be broken. Every lie be seized. Holy Spirit of truth come and saturate us all. Come Lord Jesus and reveal yourself to each one. Breathe on us. In Jesus powerful name. Amen. 

    Love, 

    Erin Lamb