Identity in Christ

Aloha,

Each week in DTS (discipleship training school) a different topic is taught so this past week we learned about our identity in Christ and the things I learned last week are so important that I feel the NEED to share my notes with you! I can remember back to my Dts almost 2 years ago, this stuff is so important! Knowing your identity in Christ is so important!! 

Last weeks lecture notes:

When I said yes to Jesus I got access to the future "heaven" 

"Finding your identity in Christ is finding that first love again, discovering who you already are."

I am Yours, You are mine
And we'll be together forever

And you don't have to pretend to be something or someone your not.
Cuz I know you better than that, even better, even better than that.
Listen my Beloved.

I knew what I was getting into when I called you.
I knew what I was getting into when I said your name.

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. (Ephesians 1:7-10 MSG)

{Love, grace & overcoming sin}

• Without the structure and mind change of knowing your identity in Christ you will just be on an emotional roller coaster your whole life 
• Strongholds are "a house of thoughts" 
• Renee your mind back to the New Testsment 
• The way you are renewed is the transforming of your mind

When you feel the emotions like jealousy, anger, anxiety, worry, manifesting in your head..look back the the place in your mind where Jesus isn't there and you've believed those lies.Renewing of the mind!

We were made in the image of God from the beginning but then Satan tempted Eve in Genesis 3 saying we are separated from God

The world says:

You do something good/cool and then you will become worthy and accepted 

Jesus says:

I forgive you, I died for you, I accept you, I love you, FIRST, then you walk in that

When you harden your heart it gives less access for the Holy Spirit to convict you 

How do I apply taking down strongholds (lies) in my life?

• Start turning back to truth and stop believing those lies
• What I just did wasn't worthy behavior but I am still worthy in Christs eyes
• Overcoming sin= fear of God turns into loving God}
• Choose to believe Gods heart for us is restoration and redemption 

TRUTHS/ good gems 💎

1. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8) When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God..but what did he do? He pursued them, we in our minds separate ourselves from God
2. What sin is beyond the grace of God? NONE
3. When we sin, God still loves me
4. Sin hurts me and hurts others 
5. When you start to feel guilty about your sin, you miss out on grace, HELLO 
6. God doesn't cut us off from grace when we sin, we cut ourselves off (therefore renew your mind with truth) 
7. Start believing what has already been accomplished on the cross over 2,000 years ago (you are made alive in Christ) Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That's what Jesus did. (Romans 6:6-11 MSG)
8. Once we believe the lie that sin separates us we veil our hearts from God (not good)
9. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you 
10. Yes, sin has consequence BUT it doesn't cut you off from grace! We should be so in love with a jesus that we wouldn't want to sin
11. Church and pastors try to scare us away from sin but we are sinners because of the fall of man
12. My growth in God is up to me, only my wrong unworthy thinking can separate me
13. Jesus can't make you love Him, He's giving you a grace filled invitation to be with Him, because He is worthy
14. Sin= choosing to put your soul in a dangerous place
15. Say NO to flesh and access grace

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose Allie in him before the foundation of the world, that Allie should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined Allie for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him Allie have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon Allie, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him Allie have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that Allie who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him Allie also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14 ESV)

An exercise for the reader, replace Allie with you name and own this and declare this truth!

Seek wisdom, cry out for wisdom from God 

Friday- 

The power of influence (Satan's nasty little secret for taking over the world)

1. Government 
2. Education 
3. Religion
4. Media
5. Arts and entertainment 
6. Family
7. Business 

The only way to change culture is to create more of it. - Andy Crouch 

We can sit here and complain about things in our world that we hate OR we can do something about it, stir up your passions that Jesus gave to you!

Also I know I blogged like a week ago but I just wanted to say again how grateful I am to be here, to completely rely on God, working for a non-profit origination and not knowing how or where my staff fees will come each month is scary but awesome because every time my needs whatever they may be are met by God it proves time and time again of His faithfulness, that's all I have to say. 

Some of my life in the form of photographs;

A beautiful place, yeah that's where I live

You obey the love of Christ when you offer a helping hand. Galatians 6:2 {feeding the hungry}

This is Dan, no he doesn't always have weird facial hair

Emily! She came to visit me, I love visitors

Beauty, love, hands and feet of Jesus going to Bangladesh next month

Life is in the most dead of places

Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light

The crazy, beautiful, unique, loving DTS staff I am part of

Our identity in Christ

Daughter of the king

Ps feel free to ask me any questions about what I'm doing or anything, I love people and I love to talk/listen with people! 

A day in the life

Aloha everyone who stumbled upon my blog,

This past month almost since I last updated has been mind blowing, God continually proves himself faithful and that He is good, no matter what.

Some of you probably look at my social networking sites and probably think I'm on some extended vacation, oh that would be awesome right? I just get to do the Lords work in the beautiful island of Hawaii. DTS (discipleship training school) isn't just an extended summer youth camp. Here is a website of more information on the purpose of a DTS http://www.ywamdtscentre.com/dts/index.htm

Some of you are probably wondering what YWAM is, and considering this isn't just some part of a list of my life to cross off or just some 2 year commitment I should tell you more about this crazy life I live! 

Youth With A Mission is an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced "WHY-wham"), our purpose is simply to know God and to make Him known.

When YWAM began in 1960, our main focus was giving young people opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus to the whole world, according to His command in Mark 16:15. Today, we still focus on youth, but we have members (known as “YWAMers”) of almost every age and many of our short-term efforts have grown into long-term endeavors that have impacted lives and nations.

YWAM has a decentralized structure that encourages new vision and the exploration of new ways to change lives through training, convey the message of the gospel and care for those in need. We are currently operating in more than 1000 locations in over 180 countries, with a staff of over 18,000.

http://www.ywam.org/

Anyway, I'm out here in Honolulu serving Jesus and serving others, what we as Christians are called to do! 

I don't want this blog post to bore you or go on forever but I have a couple highlights and stories from this past month! 

• The other day we were doing market place evangelism (what you can do anywhere) a student and I got to talk to this girl who works at the McDonald's and built a relationship with her, then we got to pray for her! It's so awesome that we can take things we learn from church, lecture, the bible and apply them in our daily life! 
• Last Friday down in China town we get to walk around and share the gospel with homeless people, just sitting with them sometimes is all they need, just to be heard, to love the one right in front of you, that's what Jesus demands of us. 
• Highlight: getting to be a part of watching the DTS students find their identity in Christ, hearing the voice of God, learning to walk in authority and just all the joys that come with living in community. 

I truly love my life, I love where Jesus called me, I love what He called me to do. God speaks to all of us, seek Him today, ask Him, Jesus, what do you say about my life? What do you want me to do today to glorify You? 

Plans thus far: right now a DTS is going on, (lecture phase) and July 1st they leave for Bangladesh and since I am support staff I will be here, my summer plans are up in the air so far but I know for sure September I will be DTS staffing and leading an outreach team by December!! Thank you again for all your support and prayers, means everything to me. 

Also, if you are ever on the island of Oahu let me know and I would love to hangout with you! I love visitors and words of encouragement :)

Daughter of The King

I am a daughter of the King

Hello, everyone who is reading this post. I swear I start every post with an apology of not keeping you updated, well good news for everything this quarter as staff I have written down some goals and habits I want to form. Good habits! Good news! Here they are;

in·ten·tion·al  

/inˈtenCHənl/

Adjective Done on purpose; deliberate.

I want to be intentional in all things I do, my relationship with Jesus, with other staff, with students, with people not on this island, I want to be in communication with the people I love everywhere. 

Well, that is the main good habit I want to form, when I figure out the rest I will let you know.

The relationships we desire with Jesus after this quarter  

PERSONAL UPDATE: 

This last week was some what intense, I guess this is my blog so I can write whatever I want in it, so here I go..here is my heart. Not too long ago my boyfriend and I broke up, tears yes, lots of cookies yes, sad music yes, getting closer to Jesus YES. The last part I shall elaborate on. Lately I have been feeling so insecure in all aspects of my life, which sucks but it's a good thing because that gave me the opportunity to give ALL my insecurities to Jesus this last week. I said, "Jesus, you are so perfect, I am not. Jesus, you are mighty, I am not. Jesus you love me when I don't love me. Jesus you heal me, I cannot." Long story short Jesus is healing my heart and taking me on a journey with Him, He is showing me things that I couldn't see before. This last week we learned about the character and nature of God. Blown away by God yet again. This will be a weekly thing I can already tell. He is opening up my heart to love Him more. 

Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so could love You more
I want to serve You, my God
I want to give everything

{Jesus is reminding me that I have value, I have purpose, I am a daughter of the King.}

To choose joy is a daily thing. God;s joy is unimaginably powerful. He is God. When he speaks galaxies come into being. Like, woah.

YWAM HONOLULU UPDATE:

My role as DTS staff this quarter is support staff for the outreach that the students will go on in 2 months, and the nation they are going to this summer is the beautiful Bangladesh! I can't wait til Jesus sends me somewhere again, soon my darling he says. 

“It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone. To love someone the way Christ first loved us, to spread His light. This is the dream, and it is possible.”  - Katie J. Davis

“I am blown away that my God, who could do this all by Himself, would choose to let me be a little part of it.” - Katie J. Davis

Here are some picture of my life over here on the island; 

“We are not called to be safe, we are simply promised that when we are in danger, God is right there with us. And there is no better place to be than in His hands.” -Katie J. Davis

Sister visit, live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. - Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Friendship; beach; beauty; fellowship

Love,

daughter of the King

P.S- I love letters and such so here is my address if you feel so inclined to send me something :)

WE ARE IN HAWAII !!

I sincerely apologize for not updating everyone sooner!

These past two weeks have been a huge transition time, growing time, learning time. I am so excited for this season and coming seasons of my life. Being DTS staff is such a privilege to me. I have the opportunity and the blessing to live in community with young people who are on fire for Jesus, and I get to disciple students and send them off to the nations and share the gospel! How lucky am I!? 

Thank you everyone back at home for all your support, I honestly could not have made it out here without your prayers and support. 

What have I been up to since I have been down here in Honolulu? Well, that is what this blog is all about.

Since I got here I have been prepping for the April DTS which actually officially started two days ago. We had a fantastic rain free beach day! This quarter we have 7 students, 5 girls and 2 guys, 4 girls as staff and 2 guys! This is my ohana {family} and I love them so much already! All of them!

Prior to the April quarter starting, as staff we did some staff training/bonding which was so awesome. I love my staff here, they are all beautiful, supportive and amazing. I can't wait to live life these next couple months with them. Establishing this place, YWAM Honolulu as my home is something I am really working on, knowing I am here for a good while is exciting but scary, so that is one of my prayer points, that I could settle in comfortably and really be seeking God in this season. 

Here are some pictures of my life; {ENJOY!}

{my beautiful staff team}

{my roommate, Yela}

{lover of the sea}

COME AS YOU ARE~ is the theme of April quarter, and the school verse is "He who calls you in faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24"

Tomorrow, (Sunday) we are taking the students up to the beautiful North Shore for a school camping trip where we will have the first couple days of lecture on the beach! Cary Solima will be teaching on hearing the voice of God, I am insanely stoked to see the students come together and experience Jesus as a school. I am falling in love more and more with these students and Jesus. My prayer is that I see Jesus in all the students. 

"My heart will sing no other name, but Jesus." 

Drink the wild air

 8Den I hear my Boss tell,

“Who I can send?

Who goin go fo us?”

An I tell,

“Me, I can go,

Send me.”

{Dis, da Hawai`i Pidgin bible}

Tomorrow I board my flight back to where it all began, Oahu. The beautiful island where Jesus declared me worthy and more that enough. These last few months I have put 100's of hours into working and doing odd jobs to raise support, also a BIG HUGE thanks to my city, who has financially supported me so generously, I knew when I started this journey I couldn't do it alone so this is my thank you family and friends post for being here for me and keeping me somewhat sane. Don't worry I won't be gone too long, we can use computers to keep in touch and you can always send me letters. Keep reading my posts for updates and keep on shining! 

Blessings,

Allie 

Restless

Still my heart, hold me close
Let me hear, a still small voice
Let it grow, let it rise
Into a shout, into a cry

'Cause I know You're more than my salvation
Without you I am hopeless, tell me who You are
You are the keeper of my heart.

{small update}

It is now 3:41 in the morning and I am restlessly waiting to A go to work and B get home to take a nap. At the end of the week my church is having a youth conference (UG Conference) and I couldn't be more excited to see lives of young people devoted to Jesus and to worship with my brothers and sisters. Not this coming Friday but the next, (Good Friday) I will be having my going away party at Anthem coffee shop down in Tacoma, come by and say hello and hangout for a bit. The next day I hop on a plane God willing a flight opens up that day to Honolulu, Hi where I will be spending the next 2 years on and off.

{last full week at Starbucks}

{last time seeing snow for a while}

Also, this is super random but I forgot to share with you guys about how my funding has been going! Since you probably asked and I just forgot to share, here it is, about 2 weeks ago I made a slideshow of my experience in both Hawaii and Nepal and some man was so moved by it, I later got a notification that $500 was added to my paypal! And from then on the money started to pour in again! I just recently got back from a trip from my grandmas and she more than blessed me with funds and goodies! Every time I start to doubt God, He reveals Himself in the most powerful and beautiful ways in our lives. 

My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you

bind them on your fingers, write them on the tablet of your heart

Proverbs 1&3

Blessings, Allie

Love will set me free

Hold fast my people and sing 
Through peace and through suffering 
All for the joy that it brings, to be free 
It's gonna cost us everything 
To follow one Lord and King 
True love endure everything 
To be free. 

"Hold fast like an anchor in the storm 
We will not be moved."

That was a lyric from one of my favorite songs, The Resistance by Josh Garrels. As most of you know I am leaving in 25 days, March 30th actually. But before I go here are some important dates. 

March 21-22nd is my churches United generation conference. {STOKED}

March 29th is my "grand send off" which involves all my awesome good looking family and friends showing up to Anthem coffee & tea located in Tacoma 

March 30 is my last day in Washington friends. 

March 31 is when I arrive in good ol Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu to start my 2 year commitment at YWAM Honolulu. Oh what joy it brings me just typing that.

 If you would like to chat or hangout before I leave, I would seriously love that! Please call me or text me!! (253) 709-7005 I couldn't imagine doing this without all my friends and family in the 253, you are all seriously so special and importnat to me!

Blessings,
Allie Metcalf