Just Give Me Jesus with Ann Grahm Lotz

The Just Give Me Jesus was held on March 20th the day we arrived back home. I had been planning on going but then my friend Laura had text-ed me to let me know that she wouldn't be able to attend since she was under the weather so then I was torn do I go or should I just stay home. I looked up what time it was supposed to start which was 8:30 am which I didn't get home until 2:00 am that morning. I asked Ray what should I do? He said "You've been wanting to go so just go to bed now so you will be able to get up in the morning". Who says husbands don't know best.

I got up early about 6:30, ready and out the door by 7am. As I arrived at the Bi-Lo Center realized I didn't have any cash to pay for parking. Found a Bi-Lo grocery store and bought some breakfast bars so I could get cash back. Now, on my way to back to find parking, needless to say I found a really good spot and backed in with the truck. As I got out of the truck I was a little nervous because I was all alone. I knew some of the women from my church were there. I stopped and asked the information booth if there was special seating for churches or etc, knowing probably not since the conference was FREE. The lady said "I'm sorry its opened, you can sit anywhere". I said "thanks anyway". I decided to walk around the arena before the conference started thinking I would see someone I knew. Even went to the bathroom and no one I knew was there. So I made my way into the arena trying to find a seat. I saw everyone together, mothers/daughters, friends, relatives and there was just me. I made my way in and had no idea where to sit. I kept walking up and down the stairs to try to find a seat without interuppting anyone then a worker was very helpful and found me a seat. Before the conference started I read through my program.

It began with Fernando Ortega with the worship. I can't remember the first song he played but it made me feel so alone and mad. I was mad and hurt that I was all alone at this big event and I couldn't share it with anyone. But as I starting thinking this conference was meant to learn and this is what I had been looking forward to.

Ann began her first session, Jesus is our savior, John 18-19. Here is Ann's outline for those who weren't able to attend:
I. He went to the Cross for Anyone
A. Even those who have betrayed him
B. Even those who have attacked him
C. Even those who have denied him
D. Even those who have rejected him

II. He hung on the cross for everyone
A. He suffered physically
B. He suffered emotionally
C. He suffered spiritually

III. He died on the cross for you
A. His death was substituted for yours
B. His death is sufficient for you

Here is my notes

Why am I crying?
Why do I feel down?
Why am I not happy?

I have so much why am I crying and not happy.

Matthew 16
-be willing to take up the cross
- need to give it all to God (problems)
- God is trying to get me closer to him but why am I not wanting it

Nails
Ann talked about the nails that Jesus had in his hands in regards to our everyday lives. For instance: you had a bad day and when you come home you take it out on your family. Or your finances, career (you want one but don't know what it is), relationships (struggle with communicating with one another by being far away). She is trying to tell us even though we struggle with these we need to take it to the cross.

She asked the audience if they would surrender everything to him by holding up something white. Here is what I wrote on my white paper.

Lord I surrender it all to you.
I surrender my insecurities.
I surrender my career pathway.
I surrender my worries and fears.
I surrender my relationships.
I surrender my finances.
I surrender myself.
I pray that you will cleanse me and me me whole again. I pray that you will mold me and shape me into the person you want me to become. I pray that I will have peace and joy in my heart. I pray that when I may be down I recognize it and will turn to you in prayer and guidance. God, please be with me, help me, guide me and lead me where you want me to be. You know what I'm good at please help me focus on what that is and go in that direction. I keep feeling I need this job or that job to make me feel good and I realize today that's not the best thing because I still feel not wanted in the end. Please God, please use me and push where you want me to be. I want to be somebody no just someone. Lead me and push me out of my comfort zone. You know what I can handle and do. Please let my eyes see what that is. There is times I feel like time is wasting away and I'm getting further away from what I'm supposed to down on this called earth.
God I surrender it all to you. In Jesus Name I pray Amen.

Then Ann showed us how to study the bible. Here is her steps to learning to listen to God's voice.

1. Read God's word
feel free to underline, circle or otherwise mark text if it will aid your study and only read one paragraph at a time.
2. What does God's word say?
Make a verse-by-verse list of the most outstanding, obvious facts. Do not paraphrase, you don't want to put words in Gods mouth.
3. So what does God's word mean?
-What spiritual lessons or principals can be learned from these facts?
4. Now what does God's word mean in my life?
-Rewrite the lesson from step 3 in the form of a personal question.

We did Luke 9:10-17

Step 2
10. They reported to Jesus what they had, they took them, then withdrew them.
11. Crowds learned about it and followed them. He welcomed them, God spoke to them and healed.
12. Send the crowd away and surround the villages and countryside and find food.
13. You give them something to eat. We only have 5 loaves.
14. 5,000 men, have them sit down.
15. Disciples did so
16. 5 loaves and 2 fish looking up at heaven he gave thanks.
17. They ate and were satisfied.

Step 3
10. Obey, have faith, report fully, talk to God and remove distractions.
11. Putting their needs before Gods needs. God is welcoming and never tired.
12. The disciplines were selfish, focusing on the problem not trying to solve it.
13. Listen and obey, do as God says even though you may think your not capable.
14. Fellowship, when we have problems God breaks them down.
15. Be obedient
16. Give thanks
17. Need to be thankful and remember God is in control.

Step 4
10. Am I obeying him?
Am I having faith in him?
Am I willing to give him everything?
How can I meet with Christ every day?
11. Am I putting others first before my needs?
12. Am I being selfish?
13. Am I listening?
14. Am I telling others about God?
15. Am I obedient?
16. Do I give god that thanks he deserves?
17. Do I have faith?

Then there was Jill Briscoe who spoke on prayer. How to pray?
Here is her steps:

I. A look Above
II. A look within (sorry prayers/confession)
III. A look forward (she had us pray for a family member whose dream had died)
IV. A look abroad (praying for your country, she had us pray for 2 women 24yrs, 27yrs in Iran that are in prison for telling people about Christ. They had 12 different homes that they would do bible studies and try to reach out to tell others about Jesus. They were turned in by their own family members. She told us one of them is really hurt. Please pray for them.

Thoughts
-Remember each day is a gift.
-Live your life to the fullest.
-Strength will rise as wait upon the lord.
-We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.

I had such a good time and learned so much. Hope my readers can learn a little from what I wrote.