The Real Lord's Prayer

"And now Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world...I am praying for them..And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, I have guarded them, that they may be one, even as we are one...I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one..Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth..I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

John 17

Some of the last words of Jesus before leaving earth were devoted to praying for mankind..but not that we would do well and prosper period, but that His witnesses would be bound together so that the world would know who he is. What a challenge to the church. Be about Christ, or be found fighting against the advancement of His Kingdom and against the belief of His future followers. If our unity (or lack thereof) within the body of Christ affects others' belief in His identity, then surely the church has some priorities to re-assess..

"and may they forget the channel, seeing only Him."

Greetings From CHICAGO

After sending a few mass emails in order to answer the question "how are things in Chicago?!?" I figured I would just start a blog..I'm not sure just how consistent with it I will remain..stay tuned!


My move from the suburbs of Philadelphia has been such a testimony of the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord. I decided to leave Philadelphia Biblical University (located in the burbs) in order to attend Moody Bible Institute in the heart of downtown Chicago. Let me tell you..the location is definitely my favorite part so far. Sure my profs and friends are wonderful, but it is mostly through the city that God has begun to instruct my heart on how to become more like His...


As I look out my window I can see straight to the streets, where the homeless roam and the violent rage. Yet, even at a dignified Bible school, I am no different than they. I suffer from that same syndrome called the depravity of man. And the one and only thing that I can boast of is a work and a power within that I deserve no credit for. For this is the work and power of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


I find myself excited to be here and to share this gift that was given to me..


One of my friends at PBU would encourage me with the words "Liann, excel still more". These words have stuck with me for their beauty and significance. There is something about pursuing righteousness that is so difficult, yet so hope-filled at the same time. Especially in this modern age of so much thought and confusion I often find myself swimming in questions and wrestling with wisdom's fine lines. It's sometimes so exhausting just to be! Yet, the Spirit-filled life is a life not lived in vain. And so, for the Kingdom's sake, I excel still more.