Tis the Season to be Jolly
no place for Merry, or Joy,
But lots for Holly.
Tis the Season
But not to Proclaim
Call it anything but by My Name!
Spin your wheels
And spend like crazy
Drink and party till all is hazy.
Enjoy the lights
Even put up a tree-
Give out presents to all but Me.
Seasons come
And quickly go
Time flies by before you know.
The lights will go out
The tree turn brown
So seek Me now while I can be found!
For I am the Way, the Truth,
And the Life you see,
All you desire is found in Me!
From Humble Birth
To Glorious King
I still desire just One more thing.
A gift from you
That only you can bring
Come my Love and wear My Ring.
Your heart I want for My Own
Your life surrendered
To My Throne.
I stepped from Eternity
into this Season and time
I came to ask you, "Please Be Mine."
© NEM Dec. 10, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Love Notes for You
All around you I am speaking. Everyday I send you messages. Yet you say, "I have no testimony, God is not doing anything in my life right now." Stop looking backwards and thinking that what I have done is so spectacular that I can not top that!
The day I intervened in your life and you recognized my wooing for the first time...was that not the most incredible day? Yet, I have many incredibles to share with you. Many "Oh my gosh," and "Take my breath away" moments. But you've allowed the mundane to ensnare you. You have been gazing so long at what is right in front of you, that you have stopped seeing it. Yes you heard me right! You are no longer looking with possibility eyes. You are not even seeing the little messages I have hand written and tucked for you through out the day. Tear yourself away from the worries, stress and cares that are mounting up in your mind and heart.
Let My Peace mount garrison over your heart and stand guard through out your day. Read my love notes with the eyes of your heart. "But where are they?" you ask. They are embedded in the everyday things. The bird's song is Me whistling happily as I spread the day out before you. The warmth of the sun is my tender caress on your shoulder. The blue of the sky is my smile hello. And when it is raining, I am simply clearing the air for you. The pristine of the snow, is to give you a glimpse of the snow white robe of righteousness that is yours through my Son. The parking place close by is my favor. So is the friendliness of the check out person, and the rearrangement of your schedule at work... and the list goes on and on each day.
You see, I am intimately involved with your life. Like a wise and good earthly parent watches for opportunities to teach their child through everyday experiences, and to bless them when they are not expecting it, I your Heavenly Father, am plotting ways to bless you! I am very vigilant to guard you, protect you, and to teach you My ways, so that you can walk in the paths of Blessings.
So tomorrow, look for My Love Notes, will you? They are tucked into unusual things and places, as well as found in My Word. Do not worry about tomorrow child. I am already there, and it is going to be grand! In Jesus the Best is yet to be, so trust in Me and watch and see.
Here's Looking at You Kid! Love, Dad (Abba)
Dear Abba,
Thank you for your love gifts strewn along my path. Thank you for anointing my steps to walk in the paths you have chosen for me. Help me to be a blessing and teach me to read your messages more clearly. You said if we ask for wisdom you would give it to us liberally and not upbraid us. I surely need your wisdom to know your ways and hear your voice. Open my eyes to see. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Journal your day of love notes and gifts from Him.
2. Write God a love letter back!
3. Ask Him for the deeper message behind the obvious in the gifts He left you.
The day I intervened in your life and you recognized my wooing for the first time...was that not the most incredible day? Yet, I have many incredibles to share with you. Many "Oh my gosh," and "Take my breath away" moments. But you've allowed the mundane to ensnare you. You have been gazing so long at what is right in front of you, that you have stopped seeing it. Yes you heard me right! You are no longer looking with possibility eyes. You are not even seeing the little messages I have hand written and tucked for you through out the day. Tear yourself away from the worries, stress and cares that are mounting up in your mind and heart.
Let My Peace mount garrison over your heart and stand guard through out your day. Read my love notes with the eyes of your heart. "But where are they?" you ask. They are embedded in the everyday things. The bird's song is Me whistling happily as I spread the day out before you. The warmth of the sun is my tender caress on your shoulder. The blue of the sky is my smile hello. And when it is raining, I am simply clearing the air for you. The pristine of the snow, is to give you a glimpse of the snow white robe of righteousness that is yours through my Son. The parking place close by is my favor. So is the friendliness of the check out person, and the rearrangement of your schedule at work... and the list goes on and on each day.
You see, I am intimately involved with your life. Like a wise and good earthly parent watches for opportunities to teach their child through everyday experiences, and to bless them when they are not expecting it, I your Heavenly Father, am plotting ways to bless you! I am very vigilant to guard you, protect you, and to teach you My ways, so that you can walk in the paths of Blessings.
So tomorrow, look for My Love Notes, will you? They are tucked into unusual things and places, as well as found in My Word. Do not worry about tomorrow child. I am already there, and it is going to be grand! In Jesus the Best is yet to be, so trust in Me and watch and see.
Here's Looking at You Kid! Love, Dad (Abba)
Dear Abba,
Thank you for your love gifts strewn along my path. Thank you for anointing my steps to walk in the paths you have chosen for me. Help me to be a blessing and teach me to read your messages more clearly. You said if we ask for wisdom you would give it to us liberally and not upbraid us. I surely need your wisdom to know your ways and hear your voice. Open my eyes to see. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Journal your day of love notes and gifts from Him.
2. Write God a love letter back!
3. Ask Him for the deeper message behind the obvious in the gifts He left you.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Heaven's Impact Through You
For each new Day that is dawning, I have already held it in my Hand before I release it to you. Soar my Eagle with Confidence that I am revealing and drawing you to new heights to see my face as never before. Know that my Glory is dripping down upon you and covering you each day. As you go through the day, Heaven's Impact is being made through you. Go Boldly! Soar Higher! Stand Strong! Never doubt, for you carry much clout! Love, Dad (Abba)
Photo courtesy of Sandy Warner http://thequickenedwordcommunity.com/cgi-bin/members/photogallery.cgi?categoryid=9990239559027r
http://thequickenedwordcommunity.com/members/full/MontageBanners/Impact.jpg
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Questions and an Answer
Have you ever struggled and mumbled and fretted because you are stuck in a rut and you don't know how to break out of it? Have you cried, pled and gotten angry with yourself because you are not where you want to be, or where you think you should be? (Never mind what others think, because it is real easy for others to sit in judgment of you when they have never walked a mile in your moccasins... I am talking about you and yourself alone.) Sometimes we are our own worst critic and enemy!
And sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to step beyond just beating yourself up and making some postive steps toward doing something to change yourself or your situation. Not that I am saying any of you do this, mind you. I am just sharing my own observations of life with Nancy.
And so when you are asking questions of anyone who you think may have some wisdom for you, but no answers seem forth coming, are you expecting to get an answer from the Source from which all good things come? After all , He is the Giver of good gifts!
Well I ask all this to make a confession... I've been stymied...Spirit streams seemingly blocked and my mind and spirit in a pretzel every time I thought of posting. In talking with my (earthly) Dad, he tried to reassure me, "the stream just got a little blocked up, it'll come loose, you'll flow again." I've been asking those who write, what to do... had just sent out yet another query to another Holy Ghost writer and then looked in my mailbox and found not an answer directly from those I'd asked, but an answer from HIM, of whom I should have asked most (my asking my friends was outward, inward I've been reaching to Him.)
Here is what I found- it is today's automated post from Brenda Craig's Journals of the Heart:
[4]
Ahh Daddy, help me to press in tighter and closer to you! For all my questions and seeking, help me to remember that it is YOU that I am really needing to hear from. Thank you for my brothers and sisters who encourage me and lift me, but Lord it is YOU that sustains me and maintains my cause and gives me wings to fly.
In obedience I prophesy to the dry bones and dry places in my own life (how much easier it is, to do this for others rather than for myself!) I speak moisture and dew of the Spirit come into those places! I call forth the very Life of God within me to come forth in vibrancy and power! I declare that I do have the ear and the tongue of the learned, and I flow freely in the the gift of writing that YOU Lord gave me from a young age. Now Lord I ask you to help me craft it, and use it wisely for You. And Lord I ask not only for myself, but for those who are struggling in ANY area of gifting and calling that You have put in them. I speak LIFE to them also and Divine multiplication. In Jesus Name. Amen.
And sometimes it takes a whole lot of effort to step beyond just beating yourself up and making some postive steps toward doing something to change yourself or your situation. Not that I am saying any of you do this, mind you. I am just sharing my own observations of life with Nancy.
And so when you are asking questions of anyone who you think may have some wisdom for you, but no answers seem forth coming, are you expecting to get an answer from the Source from which all good things come? After all , He is the Giver of good gifts!
Well I ask all this to make a confession... I've been stymied...Spirit streams seemingly blocked and my mind and spirit in a pretzel every time I thought of posting. In talking with my (earthly) Dad, he tried to reassure me, "the stream just got a little blocked up, it'll come loose, you'll flow again." I've been asking those who write, what to do... had just sent out yet another query to another Holy Ghost writer and then looked in my mailbox and found not an answer directly from those I'd asked, but an answer from HIM, of whom I should have asked most (my asking my friends was outward, inward I've been reaching to Him.)
Here is what I found- it is today's automated post from Brenda Craig's Journals of the Heart:
Arise, Prophesy To Your Dry Bones
Posted By Brenda On December 1, 2009 @ 2:00 am In Word of the Day | 3 Comments
Word of the Day
Beloved, the time of all times has come. The time has come for you to arise and shine. Time has come for you to arise and act contrary to what you see, hear and feel. There is no other way. I must remind you that it doesn’t matter how large or small the thing is you struggle with or long to see. All are important to Me. My power is available to bring forth life and purpose in all you long for. See though My eyes and you will endure till the end.
You must trust Me and My Word. I am asking you to dance among the dry bones of your life…dance among the dry bonds of unfulfilled dreams and desires. I am asking you to speak words of faith to them. I am asking you to have hope on this side of the Red Sea. Not one syllable of My Word given to you ever returns void.
“Dance! Speak!”
“Yes, beloved! You must dance and prophesy to your dry bones all I have ever said to you about them and they shall live (Ezekiel 37:3-5 [1]).”
Do not be afraid. I say your bones can surely live. You have all you need to accomplish this. You have Me. Your have My resurrection life flowing in and through you. You have the power to agree and see. Do not look down at the bones as Peter looked at the storm. Look up at Me—resurrection draws nigh.
Listen! Hear the distant whispers. Hear the soft rattling of your promises longing to be fulfilled. They are waiting for your voice to speak according to My Word—waiting to respond with faith to the hearing of My Word given to you.
Yes, they are waiting, not for you to dance as Miriam did after she crossed the Red Sea, but to dance before the way is opened. You are to be an example of one who calls those things that are not as though they are (Romans 4:16-18 [2]). This is called faith. Faith comes by hearing.
Beloved, what is faith hearing when you speak? Today is a day to speak life. Open your heart and be with Me and you will know exactly what to speak. I will give you a current Word…a current revelation on what you need to do to bring life to dry or forgotten dreams. I say, “Your dry bones will live!”… Read Complete Love Letter… [3]
“And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, You know! Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones and say to them, O you dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath and spirit to enter you, and you shall live;” (Ezekiel 37:3-5 [1] Amplified)
Prayer
Lord, the time has come to rise and shine with a heart of joyous praise, for You are faithful. Your love endures forever regardless of what takes place around or within me. I acknowledge Your loving-kindness and Your complete attention to even the smallest concerns of my heart. No matter what they are, from finding a parking space to matters of life and death, You care equally for them all.
Please show me where every ounce of fear would seek to hide and heal every wound giving place to said fear. Help me to dance on this side of the Red Sea. Help me to believe. Expose and then heal every hindering place within me and I shall be made new. Give me a fresh Word and I will proclaim it until victory comes. I declare with a heart of faith that I hear the whispers of Your voice over the rattling of dry bones. Faith will hear me speak Your Word and faith will come. The ears of faith are open to the Word coming out of my mouth. Resurrection life is not for some future day…it is for me right here and right now. I embrace resurrection life. I embrace the Living Word. I come into agreement and I live. My dry bones live. Amen.
Reflect and Journal
- Not only does He want you to speak, He wants you to dance in an attitude of praise. Can you hear His whispers over His rattling? Write the whispers of His heart and use them as proclamations capable of reshaping the future.
- Now that you have done this, what words of agreement has He given you to speak?
- Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, then faith must have ears and is waiting to have something to respond to. Reflect on this and ask yourself the question, “What is faith hearing when I speak?”
[4]Article printed from Journals of the Heart: http://www.journalsoftheheart.com
URL to article: http://www.journalsoftheheart.com/2009/12/arise-prophesy-to-your-dry-bones/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ahh Daddy, help me to press in tighter and closer to you! For all my questions and seeking, help me to remember that it is YOU that I am really needing to hear from. Thank you for my brothers and sisters who encourage me and lift me, but Lord it is YOU that sustains me and maintains my cause and gives me wings to fly.
In obedience I prophesy to the dry bones and dry places in my own life (how much easier it is, to do this for others rather than for myself!) I speak moisture and dew of the Spirit come into those places! I call forth the very Life of God within me to come forth in vibrancy and power! I declare that I do have the ear and the tongue of the learned, and I flow freely in the the gift of writing that YOU Lord gave me from a young age. Now Lord I ask you to help me craft it, and use it wisely for You. And Lord I ask not only for myself, but for those who are struggling in ANY area of gifting and calling that You have put in them. I speak LIFE to them also and Divine multiplication. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Open Letter Please Draw Me!
Abbi You've given me the privilege of prayer. The ability to write. The mandate to raise others up. You call and equip and strip off all that would cause men to see me rather than you. Yet I struggle to do these things. Passion burns yet I lag. Ideas come, yet I hesitate.
How long will I halt between two opinions? Yours which tells me I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, and my enemy which whispers to me, "Who do you think you are? What do you think you have to give? What makes you think, anybody wants to hear from you?" The words seep in insidiously, but Your Word rings louder with the mandate to GO! The oily accusations stifle my creativity and stun my sense of connectedness.
But that can only last momentarily. For you O Lord are my Shield and Defense. You alone have the right to interrogate me, and instead you encourage me to step out on the water! Instead you draw me to the fire to purify and strengthen me. Instead you pour cool water over me, reviving me and refreshing me. I am undone by Your gentleness. I am in awe of Your greatness. I am indebted for Your kindness. I am set free by Your sacrifice. O Lord. Have your way in me, through me and with me. May my life be spent for You. May I be a drink offering poured out upon others, in Your Presence. May I Lavish You with Love all the days of my life.
Thank you for the mandate. Thank you for the passion. Thank you for the ability. Most of all thank you for You. Your Presence makes all the difference, every day. Teach me how to stay in Your Presence. Oh I have been there, but teach me how to stay there. How to go deeper. How to move past the plateau of yesterday, into the revelation of Today. Take me deeper into You.
I say along with the maiden in Song of Solomon: Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. Song 1:4
I love thee. I long for more of thee. Draw me. Even as Peter said, "Lord if it is you Bid me come" and even as Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father except by me" and again "no man can come to Me except the Father which sent me draw him..." So Lord draw me and I will come.
How long will I halt between two opinions? Yours which tells me I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, and my enemy which whispers to me, "Who do you think you are? What do you think you have to give? What makes you think, anybody wants to hear from you?" The words seep in insidiously, but Your Word rings louder with the mandate to GO! The oily accusations stifle my creativity and stun my sense of connectedness.
But that can only last momentarily. For you O Lord are my Shield and Defense. You alone have the right to interrogate me, and instead you encourage me to step out on the water! Instead you draw me to the fire to purify and strengthen me. Instead you pour cool water over me, reviving me and refreshing me. I am undone by Your gentleness. I am in awe of Your greatness. I am indebted for Your kindness. I am set free by Your sacrifice. O Lord. Have your way in me, through me and with me. May my life be spent for You. May I be a drink offering poured out upon others, in Your Presence. May I Lavish You with Love all the days of my life.
Thank you for the mandate. Thank you for the passion. Thank you for the ability. Most of all thank you for You. Your Presence makes all the difference, every day. Teach me how to stay in Your Presence. Oh I have been there, but teach me how to stay there. How to go deeper. How to move past the plateau of yesterday, into the revelation of Today. Take me deeper into You.
I say along with the maiden in Song of Solomon: Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. Song 1:4
I love thee. I long for more of thee. Draw me. Even as Peter said, "Lord if it is you Bid me come" and even as Jesus said, "No man comes to the Father except by me" and again "no man can come to Me except the Father which sent me draw him..." So Lord draw me and I will come.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Like A Hammer
Your Word O Lord is like a Hammer
well timed, well aimed, precise in measure
Released with anointing and ease
Seemingly at your leisure
You strike a blow for victory
Your Word so very Active
You strike a blow for defeat
of all that would hold me captive
You chip away around the edges
with glancing blows ringing
sparks are lifting off a flying
while the enemy is cringing
Oh Holy Word of God
come and have Your way
Seed yourself inside of me
Till only Your Will has perfect sway
You are relentless
in Your pursuit of me
till your likeness
all shall see
Your Word Paints a
picture bold and strong
Bringing Life and Light
and Victory's song
Long may Your Word
a Holy habitation be
A refuge, a comfort
where in I meet with Thee.
NEM
well timed, well aimed, precise in measure
Released with anointing and ease
Seemingly at your leisure
You strike a blow for victory
Your Word so very Active
You strike a blow for defeat
of all that would hold me captive
You chip away around the edges
with glancing blows ringing
sparks are lifting off a flying
while the enemy is cringing
Oh Holy Word of God
come and have Your way
Seed yourself inside of me
Till only Your Will has perfect sway
You are relentless
in Your pursuit of me
till your likeness
all shall see
Your Word Paints a
picture bold and strong
Bringing Life and Light
and Victory's song
Long may Your Word
a Holy habitation be
A refuge, a comfort
where in I meet with Thee.
NEM
© 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Grace, Is it Sufficient?
I don't know about you, but I struggle sometimes. I struggle to get past myself. To shed flesh and flow fully in the spirit. I know others who struggle too. Struggle with hang ups and put downs and weaknesses of the human kind. Their hearts yearn to be great Christians, but their failings tell them they are not. The enemy whispers they are failures, consigned to always failing. He says they are phonies, only pretending. I wonder if Peter felt that way sometimes? Of John, the son of Thunder? I have hope that if the Son of Thunder can be transformed into the Apostle of Love, then surely there is hope for me!
I read what Paul wrote in Romans...how he struggled to do what he knew he should, but then didn't. And vice versa. I wonder, did Paul fly off the handle? Was he sharp tongued, or critical? Or did he always seem to put his foot into his mouth? Or was he viewed as being a bossy know it all?
Yet, for all his struggles, whatever they were, all the assaults of the enemy against him, the weight and care of the Churches upon him, when he went to Jesus, Jesus comforted him saying, "My Grace is sufficient for thee." Really? Grace? That is all? He didn't say, "My Blood, my sacrifice, my armour", but HE said, "My Grace." How powerful Grace must be, and how misunderstood and under utilized!
What is His Grace? Yes, it is unmerited favor to the sinner. But what is it to the saint?
Apostle Bobbie Jean Merck did a word study on this. Here then is her Holy Ghost definition:
"Grace: God's Ability. God's Efficiency. God's Proficiency. God's Power. God's Strength. God's Help In, Upon, With and Through ME!"
God is so good! Another meaning of Grace is Favour, graciousness and liberality. God is saying, My Favour is sufficient. Indeed, His favour surrounds us like a shield. His favour goes before us. His favour changes people's heart's and minds. It causes them to be gracious and liberal when they may have wanted to be stingy! Favour brings about promotion and benefit! Favour causees rules and laws to be changed.
2Cor. 12:9 But His answer was: My grace is all you need; power comes to its full strength in weakness-NEB
More than ever, then, I delight to boast of the weaknesses that humiliate me, so that the strength of Christ may enshrine itself in me. -Knox
Oh, so instead of letting my weaknesses confound and trip me up and cause me to shrink in and flounder, I should cast my care and my weaknesses on Christ who cares for me and gave Himself for me and Who gives Me his Grace to persevere.
So I beg to ask again, "Is Grace sufficient?" When it is His Grace, then the answer must be "Yes! His Grace is sufficient." So then, how do we appropriate this Grace? What does Eph. 2:8 tel us? "Yes, it was grace that saved you, with faith for its instrument." -Knox "It is not by your own action." - Goodspeed
Hebrews tells us this: Heb 4:16 (AMP) Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
J.B. Rotherham translated it thus: "Let us then be approaching with freedom of speech unto the throne of favour..."
We access this Grace and favor by Faith, same as we received Salvation. Mark 11:24 in the MEssage Bible says: "That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything."
Jesus said, "MY Grace is sufficient for thee." Sufficient means to ward off, to avail, to be possessed of unfailing strength, to defend, to ward off. To be satisfied, to be contented.
His Grace avails for us. It defends and wards us. It satisfies us. To be possessed by Christ! Have we allowed Him to possess us? If we have, then His Grace fills us and posseses us and gives us unfailing strength.
Ahh, now we can begin to grasp the scripture in Philippians: "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me." Paul had made the transistion! We can too. His Grace IS sufficient. Shalom!
I read what Paul wrote in Romans...how he struggled to do what he knew he should, but then didn't. And vice versa. I wonder, did Paul fly off the handle? Was he sharp tongued, or critical? Or did he always seem to put his foot into his mouth? Or was he viewed as being a bossy know it all?
Yet, for all his struggles, whatever they were, all the assaults of the enemy against him, the weight and care of the Churches upon him, when he went to Jesus, Jesus comforted him saying, "My Grace is sufficient for thee." Really? Grace? That is all? He didn't say, "My Blood, my sacrifice, my armour", but HE said, "My Grace." How powerful Grace must be, and how misunderstood and under utilized!
What is His Grace? Yes, it is unmerited favor to the sinner. But what is it to the saint?Apostle Bobbie Jean Merck did a word study on this. Here then is her Holy Ghost definition:
"Grace: God's Ability. God's Efficiency. God's Proficiency. God's Power. God's Strength. God's Help In, Upon, With and Through ME!"
God is so good! Another meaning of Grace is Favour, graciousness and liberality. God is saying, My Favour is sufficient. Indeed, His favour surrounds us like a shield. His favour goes before us. His favour changes people's heart's and minds. It causes them to be gracious and liberal when they may have wanted to be stingy! Favour brings about promotion and benefit! Favour causees rules and laws to be changed.
2Cor. 12:9 But His answer was: My grace is all you need; power comes to its full strength in weakness-NEB
More than ever, then, I delight to boast of the weaknesses that humiliate me, so that the strength of Christ may enshrine itself in me. -Knox
Oh, so instead of letting my weaknesses confound and trip me up and cause me to shrink in and flounder, I should cast my care and my weaknesses on Christ who cares for me and gave Himself for me and Who gives Me his Grace to persevere.
So I beg to ask again, "Is Grace sufficient?" When it is His Grace, then the answer must be "Yes! His Grace is sufficient." So then, how do we appropriate this Grace? What does Eph. 2:8 tel us? "Yes, it was grace that saved you, with faith for its instrument." -Knox "It is not by your own action." - Goodspeed
Hebrews tells us this: Heb 4:16 (AMP) Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
J.B. Rotherham translated it thus: "Let us then be approaching with freedom of speech unto the throne of favour..."
We access this Grace and favor by Faith, same as we received Salvation. Mark 11:24 in the MEssage Bible says: "That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything."
Jesus said, "MY Grace is sufficient for thee." Sufficient means to ward off, to avail, to be possessed of unfailing strength, to defend, to ward off. To be satisfied, to be contented.
His Grace avails for us. It defends and wards us. It satisfies us. To be possessed by Christ! Have we allowed Him to possess us? If we have, then His Grace fills us and posseses us and gives us unfailing strength.
Ahh, now we can begin to grasp the scripture in Philippians: "I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens me." Paul had made the transistion! We can too. His Grace IS sufficient. Shalom!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Appetizers and Abuse, Yes. Abandoned? No!
NOV. 8TH, 2009
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
http://www.ninaastrom.com/node/51
Nina wrote this haunting, thought provoking song in 2008 to raise awareness for our persecuted brethren. It was featured on IDOP.com for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2008 and now here with her kind permission. Thank you Nina!
Please click the link to listen to the song. http://www.ninaastrom.com/node/51
She works closely with the Martyred Church.
Finnish recording artist Nina Åström
Nov. 8th is this year's day set aside to remember our persecuted brothers and sisters all over the world. Below you can click on links to get further information and ideas of how to participate and what you can do.
How many of the Body of Christ are already waiting at the hall of the Great Banquet? From the Martyrs of our fore-fathers who risked everything to follow Christ, to those who translated the Bible into an understandable language of the peoples of an earlier era and lost their lives for doing so, to the pastors and sheep found in today's climes hostile to any mention Jesus Christ.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give p and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the Living Christ within [who keeps us safe.] TLB 2Cor. 4: 8-10
Please visit the websites below. Some offer free materials. Some send out prayer alerts.
http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IDOP_2009_LP http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ http://www.persecutedchurch.org/ http://www.persecution.com/
Pictures taken from the websites, illustrating the plight of persecuted Christians.
Words to the song:
THE GREAT BANQUET © 2008 Nina Astrom
They came and took my husband, no explanations given
Later I was told he is an enemy of the state
Would you tell me; how can love and compassion be hostile; It just doesn’t make any sense
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
She is fifteen and belongs to Christ in a country
Where freedom in Jesus is a threat; so they rape her and beat her up
They want to break her down, ‘cause they think they can own her
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
This tiny home is full of people, we’ve come to fellowship
Bread and wine are passed on, we leave our burdens at the Cross
Suddenly the door flies open, rifles are flashing and gleaming
in candle light There’re shouts, commotion and chaos
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
How many of the Body of Christ are already waiting at the hall of the Great Banquet? From the Martyrs of our fore-fathers who risked everything to follow Christ, to those who translated the Bible into an understandable language of the peoples of an earlier era and lost their lives for doing so, to the pastors and sheep found in today's climes hostile to any mention Jesus Christ.
GOD
has not and will not abandon
the Persecuted Church,
let us not abandon them either!
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give p and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the Living Christ within [who keeps us safe.] TLB 2Cor. 4: 8-10
Please visit the websites below. Some offer free materials. Some send out prayer alerts.
http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IDOP_2009_LP http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ http://www.persecutedchurch.org/ http://www.persecution.com/
Pictures taken from the websites, illustrating the plight of persecuted Christians.
Words to the song:
THE GREAT BANQUET © 2008 Nina Astrom
They came and took my husband, no explanations given
Later I was told he is an enemy of the state
Would you tell me; how can love and compassion be hostile; It just doesn’t make any sense
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
She is fifteen and belongs to Christ in a country
Where freedom in Jesus is a threat; so they rape her and beat her up
They want to break her down, ‘cause they think they can own her
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
This tiny home is full of people, we’ve come to fellowship
Bread and wine are passed on, we leave our burdens at the Cross
Suddenly the door flies open, rifles are flashing and gleaming
in candle light There’re shouts, commotion and chaos
It seems that they’re really afraid of love
Afraid of the freedom that Christ gives
you can imprison me; but I’ll always be free
What I have can never be taken from me
I think they’re already serving appetizers at the Great Banquet
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Police Escorts and Apple Seeds
I was in our little town today running errands. On my way home I must pass by the entrance to the interstate and a couple of truck stops. There really isn't a whole lot of traffic on this road, except for travelers getting on and off the interstate and locals who live in the area.
As I came up the road, I could see a white county police car sitting along the right side of the road with its lights going, although there was no one pulled over. I kept to the left because a little further up, I'd make a left turn. So as I am now sitting at my light waiting for it to turn, I hear a siren behind me, I look up and over to see a black unmarked police vehicle some alongside of me and then in front of me and sit catty cornered( diagonally) int he intersection, effectively blocking all flow. And here come a white county police car flying up the road, iwth lights going and behind it 2 SUV's with dark tinted windows! It was obvious that someone was receiving a police excort.
I immediately said alound, "Abba, WHAT is going on? What are you trying to show me?" And this is what I saw/heard: "When you praya nd speak MY WORD, then I send the angels to escort that Word to its destination, just as you saw the police escorting those 2 vehicles."
Did I know who was in the vehicles? No. Do I know their destination? No. I was ot privy to that information. But God had ordered my steps so that I would witness the demonstration of what HE wanted to show to me.
Do I always understand everything that happens that I am praying about? No. Do I always know what is His will? Not in every instance! There are basics that we know never change: It is His will for all to be Saved ( but not all will choose to be.) It is always His will to Heal ( but not all will walk in manifested healing.) It is His will to deliver and set free, (but some will remain in their bondages.) I don't understand the whys and wherefores of how everything works and why some receive and others do not. But I KNOW HIS HEART is for good and not evil and so I trust HIS HEART, even when I don't understand the circumstances.
So when I pray His Word, I am sending His power and authority and His very life essence into those situations. Jesus said "My words are Spirit and they are life." God spoke through Isa. and said, "So shall My Word be that goeth forthout of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void, except it accomplish that which I please, and make the thing whereto I sent it prosper." (Isa. 55:11 Jewish Puplication Society)
I watched the police act in conjuction with one another. One was an unmarked car. Intercession is soemtimes liek that. We may not know what we are praying for, just a burden to pray. Without his lights flashing, I would have never known that car was police. When he got close enought ( he was directly in front of me) I could see the driver wore a brown uniform, that of our County Police, not the gray of the State Police. See, each branch has it's authority and delegated duties. And whatever was going on, these officers were performing their duty.
Our duty is to pray and believe. God will honor our prayers. He will take our miniscule faith and act on our behalf in ways we never would have dreamed of! Is it any wonder Jesus said, "If ye have the faith of a mustard seed..." a mustard seed is a very small seed. It does not matter how small the seed is, it matters if there is living substance inside of that seed.
Is your faith alive? Is is it living? God isn't asking you to have skyscraper faith, just LIVING faith. If the seed has died inside itself, it will rot in the ground and produce nothing. But if it has that spark of life, it will push its way through dirt and stones to reach the surface and the light and produce a harvest. You can count how many seeds are inside of an apple. But only God can count how many apples are inside each of those seeds!
You see it does not matter how many obstacles you face. How hard things look. If you have living Faith, you can make it! Speak the Word and attach Faith to those prayers. When you speak the Word, get a mental picture of a police escort... God has angels escorting His Word that YOU just spoke, to the destination that you sent it to! Once there it will go to work and do what only God can do. We can't change people's minds or hearts. But God can! God can change situations! He can wipe out judgements. He can do so much more than we often believe Him for!
So, how many apples are inside the seed You're planting? You may never know this side of Heaven! Just keep speaking the Word, planting those seeds and watch for the fruit to manifest. It has to manifest, because it is locked inside the seed, waiting to be relased. Release your harvest today! Plant some Godly seed!
As I came up the road, I could see a white county police car sitting along the right side of the road with its lights going, although there was no one pulled over. I kept to the left because a little further up, I'd make a left turn. So as I am now sitting at my light waiting for it to turn, I hear a siren behind me, I look up and over to see a black unmarked police vehicle some alongside of me and then in front of me and sit catty cornered( diagonally) int he intersection, effectively blocking all flow. And here come a white county police car flying up the road, iwth lights going and behind it 2 SUV's with dark tinted windows! It was obvious that someone was receiving a police excort.
I immediately said alound, "Abba, WHAT is going on? What are you trying to show me?" And this is what I saw/heard: "When you praya nd speak MY WORD, then I send the angels to escort that Word to its destination, just as you saw the police escorting those 2 vehicles."
Did I know who was in the vehicles? No. Do I know their destination? No. I was ot privy to that information. But God had ordered my steps so that I would witness the demonstration of what HE wanted to show to me.
Do I always understand everything that happens that I am praying about? No. Do I always know what is His will? Not in every instance! There are basics that we know never change: It is His will for all to be Saved ( but not all will choose to be.) It is always His will to Heal ( but not all will walk in manifested healing.) It is His will to deliver and set free, (but some will remain in their bondages.) I don't understand the whys and wherefores of how everything works and why some receive and others do not. But I KNOW HIS HEART is for good and not evil and so I trust HIS HEART, even when I don't understand the circumstances.
So when I pray His Word, I am sending His power and authority and His very life essence into those situations. Jesus said "My words are Spirit and they are life." God spoke through Isa. and said, "So shall My Word be that goeth forthout of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void, except it accomplish that which I please, and make the thing whereto I sent it prosper." (Isa. 55:11 Jewish Puplication Society)
I watched the police act in conjuction with one another. One was an unmarked car. Intercession is soemtimes liek that. We may not know what we are praying for, just a burden to pray. Without his lights flashing, I would have never known that car was police. When he got close enought ( he was directly in front of me) I could see the driver wore a brown uniform, that of our County Police, not the gray of the State Police. See, each branch has it's authority and delegated duties. And whatever was going on, these officers were performing their duty.
Our duty is to pray and believe. God will honor our prayers. He will take our miniscule faith and act on our behalf in ways we never would have dreamed of! Is it any wonder Jesus said, "If ye have the faith of a mustard seed..." a mustard seed is a very small seed. It does not matter how small the seed is, it matters if there is living substance inside of that seed.
Is your faith alive? Is is it living? God isn't asking you to have skyscraper faith, just LIVING faith. If the seed has died inside itself, it will rot in the ground and produce nothing. But if it has that spark of life, it will push its way through dirt and stones to reach the surface and the light and produce a harvest. You can count how many seeds are inside of an apple. But only God can count how many apples are inside each of those seeds!
You see it does not matter how many obstacles you face. How hard things look. If you have living Faith, you can make it! Speak the Word and attach Faith to those prayers. When you speak the Word, get a mental picture of a police escort... God has angels escorting His Word that YOU just spoke, to the destination that you sent it to! Once there it will go to work and do what only God can do. We can't change people's minds or hearts. But God can! God can change situations! He can wipe out judgements. He can do so much more than we often believe Him for!
So, how many apples are inside the seed You're planting? You may never know this side of Heaven! Just keep speaking the Word, planting those seeds and watch for the fruit to manifest. It has to manifest, because it is locked inside the seed, waiting to be relased. Release your harvest today! Plant some Godly seed!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Will you Won't you?
Brenda Craig - Josephs coat The dreamer from Passion TV / Richard Boyd on Vimeo.
As you listen to this let yourself be be wrapped in a different mind set, a different mental image than the one you have had. Listen as she asks the question it's not about who so ever it is about will you be a "will"?
Reminds me of a tv show I watched as a child. It was called Wunda Wunda and it aired on KING TV out of Seattle, WA. Wunda Wunda was a gentle show. Everything was gentler back then! She had a flower in a flower pot and his name was Wilting Willie. She would sing a song about Willie, because he had a penchant for drooping. Will he, won't he? Will he, won't he stand up today? Will he, won't he? Will he, won't he, what do you say? Will Willie stand up today or won't he? We'd all guess and sometimes he'd stand up all perky and tall. Sometimes he'd stay all bowed over the rim of the flower pot. Kind of like us sometimes. Things come at us and sometimes we stand tall and strong, rooted in Christ, and His love for us. Other times we allow the enemy of our souls to bow us over with his weights of depression and oppression and negativity.
Hmm, will we be "Wills" today. Whosoever will..can taste of the marvelous Grace of our Lord. Whosoever will can walk in their Prophetic Destiny. The question is, " Will You?" Watch the video for a shot of encouragement and a boost to be that "Will" that DOES!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Great Literature
Today during prayer my heart was heavy and my mind kept going to
George Orwell's book "1984." Have you read it? You should. It was required
reading when I was in school xx years ago! It should be required reading
right now. (download it here: http://www.msxnet.org/orwell/ )
I was thinking and praying about recent appointments in our government and the personal beliefs and lifestyles of these appointee's. Killing babies up to 2 or 3 years old... advocating sexual orgies... basically wanting to rewrite our laws to suit their beliefs. Just as the push has been on for many years now to rewrite our history to wipe out any references to the Christian Foundation on which this country was founded. And suddenly, I was reminded of the Orwell book.
Here is a Quote from "1984": "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."
Here is a brief overview: Nineteen Eighty-Four (also 1984), by George Orwell, published in 1949, is a novel about the totalitarian régime of "the Party", an oligarchical collectivist society where life in the Oceanian province of Airstrip One is a world of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance, public mind control, and the voiding of citizens' rights. (Wikipeidia)
The language of the civilization was called Newspeak, which always said
the exact opposite of what was really meant. The media was all government controlled, indeed camera's and tv's were everywhere watching and pouring forth the government's "doubletalk." TV's were hardwired into every home to
monitor and constantly tell you what to think, feel and do and how to do it.
Daily, things were rewritten to cover up any failings of "the Party." So if yesterday something was good, and today it was broadcast as bad, the people
would gulp down the dribble and believe what they were told. There were "Thought Police", to deal with "thought-crimes" and hidden microphones, and informers that permit the Thought Police to spy upon everyone and so identify anyone who might endanger the Party's régime; children, especially, are indoctrinated to spy and inform on suspected thought-criminals — especially their parents.
For a book written in 1949, it is chilling for today! In an essay Mr. Orwell wrote this about the book: " The scene of the book is laid in Britain in order to emphasize that the English-speaking races are not innately better than anyone else, and that totalitarianism, if not fought against, could triumph anywhere."
Some have embraced today's leadership, even suggesting that he/it is their Abe Lincoln, their "messiah," to free them from mediocrity and prejudice, giving them a voice, a place, and meaning in this life. My heart grieves for my beloved friends,and brethren, those who have bought into this lie, thinking it does not matter about the other things like the doctrines and party and personal beliefs that are being held and perpetuated by theses "leaders."
I have friends from many nations and I have spoken with many ethnicities. I am always shocked at the prevalence of inner beliefs in America that leads some of them to believe that they are somehow being put down. They should try living in Pakistan or India! Or worse yet, some in other lands, thinking that they are less than anyone else simply because of their color, their ethnic origin and background. So let's address it at it's core.
Does prejudice exist? Oh, you betcha it does! It exists in men and women whose hearts are black with sin and hatred! Does not matter the color of their skin, it is the color of their heart! I have heard and seen this laced in the attitudes and actions of many in Africa, as well as many here in America. I remember when I encountered it in Africa where I was given a lovely African name..but it was from a "lesser tribe" so I was told by well positioned ministers that I should take as my first name, one that is from the "ruling tribe of power and prestige." I adamantly refused!
I saw it again in a totally different country where two opposing tribes were vying for the presidency. When the sitting tribe won, there was massacres and bloodshed for months amongst several tribes against each other. It was an excuse to openly declare what had been smoldering in their hearts for months and years against one another.
When I took my first missionary trips, it was to the Indian Reservations, right here in America. I saw first hand how marginalized they were and how many people (mis) treated the Native Americans. I also saw the apathy, lack of integrity, and selfishness amongst themselves, and the excuses given for such behavior.
I saw how the leaders had bought the lie of the Casinos, thinking it would make all of them rich. And amidst poverty and rampant alcoholism sat these "glittering whores," beckoning to the unsuspecting, polluting the hearts and land and filling the coffers of those sitting in leadership, but rarely bettering the lives of the ordinary "brave."
I encountered it in Texas years ago against the Hispanic community...
Oh, I know I am stepping on toes, and hitting nerves here. But it is time for us to stop swallowing things whole and turning a blind eye to glaring truth to believe seductive lies instead.
Our Equality is found in and at the Cross and NO WHERE ELSE! Jesus alone is the Great EQUALIZER. If we would REALLY BELIEVE the TRUTHS taught in the Bible... and then, act on them....
America has been and still IS the greatest nation on the earth, but where do you think the Fore-Fathers got the beliefs they penned not only into words, but into law? It was from a deeply held belief in the Bible and the Sovereignty of God Almighty!
It was when Abraham Lincoln received Christ into his heart and life that he arose to become the liberator of the slaves, the re-conciliator of the states and the most beloved Statesman of all time!
There have been factions in the past and in the present that would try to bring division into the Church, that would try to stir up latent poison lying in the bosom of mankind placed there by the arrows of deception, ignorance, fear and hatred. How sly is the enemy of our souls, how pervasive his trickery and deceit to try to infiltrate the Church of the Living God!
How vigilant- NOT VIGILANTE, must be the watchmen of the Lord, to sound the alarm, to speak the Truth in Love, to stand for Righteousness and to continually keep a check on our own hearts against anything that would pollute and give entrance to the enemy.
May God help us! May Love Bind us together as the TRUE Church, bought with the BLOOD of JESUS, Washed with the water of the Word that says; "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
The Bible is not only "Great Literature" it is TRUTH and that TRUTH has and continues to change mankind, only as WE allow it entrance and freedom to do so.
I pray Lord that YOUR WORD have that free course.
George Orwell's book "1984." Have you read it? You should. It was required
reading when I was in school xx years ago! It should be required reading
right now. (download it here: http://www.msxnet.org/orwell/ )
I was thinking and praying about recent appointments in our government and the personal beliefs and lifestyles of these appointee's. Killing babies up to 2 or 3 years old... advocating sexual orgies... basically wanting to rewrite our laws to suit their beliefs. Just as the push has been on for many years now to rewrite our history to wipe out any references to the Christian Foundation on which this country was founded. And suddenly, I was reminded of the Orwell book.
Here is a Quote from "1984": "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past."
Here is a brief overview: Nineteen Eighty-Four (also 1984), by George Orwell, published in 1949, is a novel about the totalitarian régime of "the Party", an oligarchical collectivist society where life in the Oceanian province of Airstrip One is a world of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance, public mind control, and the voiding of citizens' rights. (Wikipeidia)
The language of the civilization was called Newspeak, which always said
the exact opposite of what was really meant. The media was all government controlled, indeed camera's and tv's were everywhere watching and pouring forth the government's "doubletalk." TV's were hardwired into every home to
monitor and constantly tell you what to think, feel and do and how to do it.
Daily, things were rewritten to cover up any failings of "the Party." So if yesterday something was good, and today it was broadcast as bad, the people
would gulp down the dribble and believe what they were told. There were "Thought Police", to deal with "thought-crimes" and hidden microphones, and informers that permit the Thought Police to spy upon everyone and so identify anyone who might endanger the Party's régime; children, especially, are indoctrinated to spy and inform on suspected thought-criminals — especially their parents.
For a book written in 1949, it is chilling for today! In an essay Mr. Orwell wrote this about the book: " The scene of the book is laid in Britain in order to emphasize that the English-speaking races are not innately better than anyone else, and that totalitarianism, if not fought against, could triumph anywhere."
Some have embraced today's leadership, even suggesting that he/it is their Abe Lincoln, their "messiah," to free them from mediocrity and prejudice, giving them a voice, a place, and meaning in this life. My heart grieves for my beloved friends,and brethren, those who have bought into this lie, thinking it does not matter about the other things like the doctrines and party and personal beliefs that are being held and perpetuated by theses "leaders."
I have friends from many nations and I have spoken with many ethnicities. I am always shocked at the prevalence of inner beliefs in America that leads some of them to believe that they are somehow being put down. They should try living in Pakistan or India! Or worse yet, some in other lands, thinking that they are less than anyone else simply because of their color, their ethnic origin and background. So let's address it at it's core.
Does prejudice exist? Oh, you betcha it does! It exists in men and women whose hearts are black with sin and hatred! Does not matter the color of their skin, it is the color of their heart! I have heard and seen this laced in the attitudes and actions of many in Africa, as well as many here in America. I remember when I encountered it in Africa where I was given a lovely African name..but it was from a "lesser tribe" so I was told by well positioned ministers that I should take as my first name, one that is from the "ruling tribe of power and prestige." I adamantly refused!
I saw it again in a totally different country where two opposing tribes were vying for the presidency. When the sitting tribe won, there was massacres and bloodshed for months amongst several tribes against each other. It was an excuse to openly declare what had been smoldering in their hearts for months and years against one another.
When I took my first missionary trips, it was to the Indian Reservations, right here in America. I saw first hand how marginalized they were and how many people (mis) treated the Native Americans. I also saw the apathy, lack of integrity, and selfishness amongst themselves, and the excuses given for such behavior.
I saw how the leaders had bought the lie of the Casinos, thinking it would make all of them rich. And amidst poverty and rampant alcoholism sat these "glittering whores," beckoning to the unsuspecting, polluting the hearts and land and filling the coffers of those sitting in leadership, but rarely bettering the lives of the ordinary "brave."
I encountered it in Texas years ago against the Hispanic community...
Oh, I know I am stepping on toes, and hitting nerves here. But it is time for us to stop swallowing things whole and turning a blind eye to glaring truth to believe seductive lies instead.
Our Equality is found in and at the Cross and NO WHERE ELSE! Jesus alone is the Great EQUALIZER. If we would REALLY BELIEVE the TRUTHS taught in the Bible... and then, act on them....
America has been and still IS the greatest nation on the earth, but where do you think the Fore-Fathers got the beliefs they penned not only into words, but into law? It was from a deeply held belief in the Bible and the Sovereignty of God Almighty!
It was when Abraham Lincoln received Christ into his heart and life that he arose to become the liberator of the slaves, the re-conciliator of the states and the most beloved Statesman of all time!
There have been factions in the past and in the present that would try to bring division into the Church, that would try to stir up latent poison lying in the bosom of mankind placed there by the arrows of deception, ignorance, fear and hatred. How sly is the enemy of our souls, how pervasive his trickery and deceit to try to infiltrate the Church of the Living God!
How vigilant- NOT VIGILANTE, must be the watchmen of the Lord, to sound the alarm, to speak the Truth in Love, to stand for Righteousness and to continually keep a check on our own hearts against anything that would pollute and give entrance to the enemy.
May God help us! May Love Bind us together as the TRUE Church, bought with the BLOOD of JESUS, Washed with the water of the Word that says; "there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all."
The Bible is not only "Great Literature" it is TRUTH and that TRUTH has and continues to change mankind, only as WE allow it entrance and freedom to do so.
I pray Lord that YOUR WORD have that free course.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Searching for the signal
Have you ever been out of range with your cell phone? Or in range but something is interfering and blocking the signal? Often in my office at home, my cell phone goes crazy, as it flits in and out of roam looking for a signal.
Sometimes we are like that too! We wander from the path the Lord has laid out for us taking side trips that end up in brambles, scratched up and confused. Or else, we are on the path, when suddenly and inexplicably we drop the call and the phone shows no signal is getting through.
Do you know what block the signal for you? What takes you off track? More importantly, what have you decided to do about it? Or have you decided? Or are you bogged down in a quagmire, struggling to get free? Sometimes it is a quagmire of our own making, other times it is of others making, but when you are in it, all your attention is on that and it is so hard to hear anything, but the "schloop", "squish" and "mwaahck" as the goop pulls and clings to you as you move.
I want to remind you, no matter where you find yourself today, whether on track or sidetracked, Jesus is still THE WAY and He will guide you safely along.
Psa 40:2 (AMP) He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.
If the signal has grown dim and weak and you seem not able to hear clearly, don't fret. Instead, revert to that trust that a child exhibits when it is upon its' mother's breast. Ps. 131:2 (BBE) See, I have made my soul calm and quiet, like a child on its mother's breast; my soul is like a child on its mother's breast.
If the foundation is strong, then the whole will stand agaisnt the storm... our foundation must be finalized in this; Jer. 29:11(Multiple translations) For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, a future of success, not of suffering, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for, to give you a future and a hope. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you!
Allow Him to lift you out of that quagmire. Allow Him to whisper softly to your heart. Still yourself and believe that HE IS, and He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. Let Him reward you according to His loving kindness and mercy, not according to your harsh self reprisals. If you've missed it, say so, humble yourself and repent and let Him lift you up. If you are tired, He IS your rest. If you are frustrated, He is your rescue and relief. Whatever you have need of hear His voice declaring firmly, I AM ! I am the One who loves you, the One who sees ( El Roi) the One who hears, the One who created you and planned you and desires you even now, even in the quagmire. Won't you give ME what I desire most? Won't you give me your heart?
Sometimes we are like that too! We wander from the path the Lord has laid out for us taking side trips that end up in brambles, scratched up and confused. Or else, we are on the path, when suddenly and inexplicably we drop the call and the phone shows no signal is getting through.
Do you know what block the signal for you? What takes you off track? More importantly, what have you decided to do about it? Or have you decided? Or are you bogged down in a quagmire, struggling to get free? Sometimes it is a quagmire of our own making, other times it is of others making, but when you are in it, all your attention is on that and it is so hard to hear anything, but the "schloop", "squish" and "mwaahck" as the goop pulls and clings to you as you move.
I want to remind you, no matter where you find yourself today, whether on track or sidetracked, Jesus is still THE WAY and He will guide you safely along.
Psa 40:2 (AMP) He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.
If the signal has grown dim and weak and you seem not able to hear clearly, don't fret. Instead, revert to that trust that a child exhibits when it is upon its' mother's breast. Ps. 131:2 (BBE) See, I have made my soul calm and quiet, like a child on its mother's breast; my soul is like a child on its mother's breast.
If the foundation is strong, then the whole will stand agaisnt the storm... our foundation must be finalized in this; Jer. 29:11(Multiple translations) For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome, a future of success, not of suffering, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for, to give you a future and a hope. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you!
Allow Him to lift you out of that quagmire. Allow Him to whisper softly to your heart. Still yourself and believe that HE IS, and He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. Let Him reward you according to His loving kindness and mercy, not according to your harsh self reprisals. If you've missed it, say so, humble yourself and repent and let Him lift you up. If you are tired, He IS your rest. If you are frustrated, He is your rescue and relief. Whatever you have need of hear His voice declaring firmly, I AM ! I am the One who loves you, the One who sees ( El Roi) the One who hears, the One who created you and planned you and desires you even now, even in the quagmire. Won't you give ME what I desire most? Won't you give me your heart?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Birthday Blessings
Today (Sun Oct. 18th) has been a glorious day. I celebrated another year.
I had calls and cards. I was given some precious
heart gifts that money can't buy.
God has been so good to me. So faithful in every way.
He has showered me with love, with strength and health.
With precious family and friends.
With purpose and calling and His giftings and anointing.
Although I have walked with Him for a long time, I can't forget from
whence I came and to where He has brought me and to where He has called me. Even as I reflect on this, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
I exhort you Run the Race! Keep your place. Do not slack your pace.
Seek His Face. Arm yourself with His Grace. Be abased yet remain unfazed. Count the cost, say it's worth all loss and cling to His cross. Lift Him high. Reach for the sky. Press for the Prize, Keep the Son in your eyes! Hear the shouts of the glorious cloud of witnesses round about. Neglect not the cries nor pass them by, the ones lost and undone, it's for them this race must be won.
Take care how you run. Glorify the Son. Amen.
I had calls and cards. I was given some precious
heart gifts that money can't buy.
God has been so good to me. So faithful in every way.
He has showered me with love, with strength and health.
With precious family and friends.
With purpose and calling and His giftings and anointing.
Although I have walked with Him for a long time, I can't forget from
whence I came and to where He has brought me and to where He has called me. Even as I reflect on this, Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
I exhort you Run the Race! Keep your place. Do not slack your pace.
Seek His Face. Arm yourself with His Grace. Be abased yet remain unfazed. Count the cost, say it's worth all loss and cling to His cross. Lift Him high. Reach for the sky. Press for the Prize, Keep the Son in your eyes! Hear the shouts of the glorious cloud of witnesses round about. Neglect not the cries nor pass them by, the ones lost and undone, it's for them this race must be won.
Take care how you run. Glorify the Son. Amen.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Matters of the Heart (part 2)
Circumcision. This involves the most tenderest and delicate of care,
for it involves some very private parts that have much emotion, self worth,
and a host of other feelings attached.
Circumcision of the Heart. Hmm, it is the same!
The cutting away of fleshy parts to keep disease and sickness out.
To mark and consecrate and set apart your very being for the Lord.
What matters to our hearts matters to Him.
And so He comes to circumcise and cut out the infection, clean the wounds,
cut away the excess, remove what will impede and block and choke...
to make tender and pliable again what has grown cold and stiff-perhaps from injury.
He comes with Healing in His wings, with a Song for the Wounded,
with Hope for tomorrow, Peace for right Now and Wisdom for everyone who asks...
And He whispers to our Hearts..lean in close to hear; whispers of Love, whispers of Grace,
Whispers to take us to that new place. The slightest whisper from His lips will put all to right,
will cause us to see things in a brand new light. Come Lord, whisper my name... draw me to yourself... cut away those things in my heart, until only You remain.
for it involves some very private parts that have much emotion, self worth,
and a host of other feelings attached.
Circumcision of the Heart. Hmm, it is the same!
The cutting away of fleshy parts to keep disease and sickness out.
To mark and consecrate and set apart your very being for the Lord.
What matters to our hearts matters to Him.
And so He comes to circumcise and cut out the infection, clean the wounds,
cut away the excess, remove what will impede and block and choke...
to make tender and pliable again what has grown cold and stiff-perhaps from injury.
He comes with Healing in His wings, with a Song for the Wounded,
with Hope for tomorrow, Peace for right Now and Wisdom for everyone who asks...
And He whispers to our Hearts..lean in close to hear; whispers of Love, whispers of Grace,
Whispers to take us to that new place. The slightest whisper from His lips will put all to right,
will cause us to see things in a brand new light. Come Lord, whisper my name... draw me to yourself... cut away those things in my heart, until only You remain.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Matters of the Heart (part 1)
What Matters to our heart matters to His. Even the smallest of details.
I can hear Him say... "Won't you give them all to me? uhh-uh now. Leave them there!"
"But, Lord! But what about...? "
"No buts allowed, this is all about trust. Do you trust me?"
Hmm, DO I trust you Lord? Help me to do so more.
So, what matters to us-our heart, matters to Him.
Question is, "does His Heart matter to us?"
I'll leave you to ponder that, and be back tomorrow,
Lord willing with some more "Heart Matters..."
I can hear Him say... "Won't you give them all to me? uhh-uh now. Leave them there!"
"But, Lord! But what about...? "
"No buts allowed, this is all about trust. Do you trust me?"
Hmm, DO I trust you Lord? Help me to do so more.
So, what matters to us-our heart, matters to Him.
Question is, "does His Heart matter to us?"
I'll leave you to ponder that, and be back tomorrow,
Lord willing with some more "Heart Matters..."
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Transparency
I love how God talks through everyday things to draw our attention to Himself. Take for instance my cat Callie. (We have 3 cats actually Inky, Callie and Dude!) Callie just would not leave me alone the other morning. It was my day off and I wanted to sleep in a bit. Nothing doing! She kept coming in and yowling and mewing and batting my hand with her head to pet her! Now mind you, Tom had already fed her, so she wasn't starving by any means! She got as close as she possibly could to me, purring so loudly she could be used for that "white noise" used to drown out undesirable sounds! After much petting, she happily snuggled up with my hand on her, content to be by my side.
This set me to thinking and talking to God and my lovely bridegroom Jesus. Sometimes I just want to feel His hand upon me. I "know" He is there, but I need to know His touch! Need to feel His hand upon me. I thought about how insistent Callie was for me to pay her attention. she wouldn't take no for an answer. And how woefully neglectful I am to the lover of my soul and yet HE waits patiently longing for my company and my voice calling to Him. I thought too how deep in my heart I CRAVE His touch, His voice, to be in the intimate one on one with Him and how I too want to snuggle up close to Him! And yet I run. Yet I lag. Yet I push aside meaningful moments in favor of demands of the day that in retrospect could wait or be ignored totally. Sometimes I don't understand me! I long for Him and He longs for me.
So what holds me back? What keeps me from rushing into my lover's arms? Sometimes it is the mental image of all my day to day mistakes. My sharp lilt in answering a frustrating person on the phone. Or my procrastination at getting chores done... or the way I fret over things instead of just trusting. But I am growing... and He is wooing me ever closer!
Just today as I struggled with putting something into His hands that could have a huge impact on my future if it turns out badly... I distinctly heard Jesus say to me, "So, my Blood isn't enough to cover you in this?" My response was , "I know your Blood covers my sins, but this decision is in the hands of people who see my past mistakes and who rate and compare my productivity to that of others..." And He said, "That is where my Favor comes in. Trust my Favor upon you. Trust My Goodness to you. Your failings are under My Blood. Now trust the people you deal with and who deal with you into My hand of favor and mercy. "
You know, no matter how things turn out, I'm in His hands and so,
all is and will be well.
Prov. 21:1 Like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of Yahweh, who turns it where he pleases. (Jerusalem Bible)
Turn my heart Lord, that it is always towards you and never looking away. Even when I think to hide, come calling for me like you did for Adam in the garden, for I really don't want to hide from you. Besides which there is NO hiding from You! Those filthy rags of self righteousness that we (I) tend to draw around ourselves (myself), trying to make us look good, trying to cover up our own sense of inadequacy, inferiority, and lack- Those filthy rags are a stench in your nostrils, when You've already provided garments pure, clean and sparkling white for us to put on. And yet we so often (I so often) try to do things myself, working so hard at a losing battle! Finding it difficult to just trust in Your Grace and just accept Your Love and not put on ourselves (myself) the same "quotas" or "figures of productivity" that the world judges us by.
Lord, I "know" all these things, yet they still creep in, trying to crack a whip over me and fill my heart with fear, fill my mind with self recriminations, pollute my very soul that you took stripes to make whole. Ah Lord, wash me fresh with the water of Your Word, minister Your Truth again to me by your Precious Holy Spirit. Jesus, come hold me close and remind me again of my worth that is not found in any earthly measurements. And thanks for sending Callie just now to come jump into my arms even as I am typing, begging to be petted once more. I get the message! I think I'll turn off this computer and come be with You!
This set me to thinking and talking to God and my lovely bridegroom Jesus. Sometimes I just want to feel His hand upon me. I "know" He is there, but I need to know His touch! Need to feel His hand upon me. I thought about how insistent Callie was for me to pay her attention. she wouldn't take no for an answer. And how woefully neglectful I am to the lover of my soul and yet HE waits patiently longing for my company and my voice calling to Him. I thought too how deep in my heart I CRAVE His touch, His voice, to be in the intimate one on one with Him and how I too want to snuggle up close to Him! And yet I run. Yet I lag. Yet I push aside meaningful moments in favor of demands of the day that in retrospect could wait or be ignored totally. Sometimes I don't understand me! I long for Him and He longs for me.
So what holds me back? What keeps me from rushing into my lover's arms? Sometimes it is the mental image of all my day to day mistakes. My sharp lilt in answering a frustrating person on the phone. Or my procrastination at getting chores done... or the way I fret over things instead of just trusting. But I am growing... and He is wooing me ever closer!
Just today as I struggled with putting something into His hands that could have a huge impact on my future if it turns out badly... I distinctly heard Jesus say to me, "So, my Blood isn't enough to cover you in this?" My response was , "I know your Blood covers my sins, but this decision is in the hands of people who see my past mistakes and who rate and compare my productivity to that of others..." And He said, "That is where my Favor comes in. Trust my Favor upon you. Trust My Goodness to you. Your failings are under My Blood. Now trust the people you deal with and who deal with you into My hand of favor and mercy. "
You know, no matter how things turn out, I'm in His hands and so,
all is and will be well.
Prov. 21:1 Like flowing water is the heart of the king in the hand of Yahweh, who turns it where he pleases. (Jerusalem Bible)
Turn my heart Lord, that it is always towards you and never looking away. Even when I think to hide, come calling for me like you did for Adam in the garden, for I really don't want to hide from you. Besides which there is NO hiding from You! Those filthy rags of self righteousness that we (I) tend to draw around ourselves (myself), trying to make us look good, trying to cover up our own sense of inadequacy, inferiority, and lack- Those filthy rags are a stench in your nostrils, when You've already provided garments pure, clean and sparkling white for us to put on. And yet we so often (I so often) try to do things myself, working so hard at a losing battle! Finding it difficult to just trust in Your Grace and just accept Your Love and not put on ourselves (myself) the same "quotas" or "figures of productivity" that the world judges us by.
Lord, I "know" all these things, yet they still creep in, trying to crack a whip over me and fill my heart with fear, fill my mind with self recriminations, pollute my very soul that you took stripes to make whole. Ah Lord, wash me fresh with the water of Your Word, minister Your Truth again to me by your Precious Holy Spirit. Jesus, come hold me close and remind me again of my worth that is not found in any earthly measurements. And thanks for sending Callie just now to come jump into my arms even as I am typing, begging to be petted once more. I get the message! I think I'll turn off this computer and come be with You!
Praises to The King
My heart overflows as do my eyes. For God is so very good.
Psalm 45:1 (YLT) To the Overseer. --`On the Lilies.' --By sons of Korah.
--An Instruction. --A song of loves. My heart hath indited a good thing,
I am telling my works to a king, My tongue is the pen of a speedy writer.
Psa 145:16 (GW) You open your hand, and you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 104:28 (GW) You give it to them, and they gather it up.
You open your hand, and they are filled with blessings.
Psalm104:33-34 (TJB) I mean to sing to Yahweh all my life.
I mean to play for my God as long as I live.
May these reflections of mine give HIM pleasure,
as much as Yahweh gives me!
Psalm 45:1 (YLT) To the Overseer. --`On the Lilies.' --By sons of Korah.
--An Instruction. --A song of loves. My heart hath indited a good thing,
I am telling my works to a king, My tongue is the pen of a speedy writer.
Psa 145:16 (GW) You open your hand, and you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 104:28 (GW) You give it to them, and they gather it up.
You open your hand, and they are filled with blessings.
Psalm104:33-34 (TJB) I mean to sing to Yahweh all my life.
I mean to play for my God as long as I live.
May these reflections of mine give HIM pleasure,
as much as Yahweh gives me!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
This is the Day
I had a dream this morning. Very interesting. It was me, my sister and "K" one of the young married ladies from my church. The 3 of us were in my car and I was driving. I had to take "K" to pick up a prescription for her child. She wanted me to take a short cut. It was a dirt road! But there was a fence across it, so I couldn't.
As I was driving, the song came over the speakers ( not sure if radio or cd) This is The Day (the wedding Song by Scott Wesley Brown. I love that song and said so, "K" was just hearing it for the first time. My sister said, "This is my church's FAVORITE song."
I woke up shortly thereafter and the song was just playing in my spirit.
Here are the words to the song and what I got out of this dream:
This is the day
That the Lord hath made
And I'm so glad He made you
With each rising sun
You are here by my side
You are more than a dream come true
Oh to have you, to hold you
To love you, to pray
To share with, to care with
To hold hands and say
This is the day
That the Lord hath made
And I will rejoice I will rejoice I will rejoice with you
This is the day
That the Lord hath made that you and I are one
Love's mystery is unfolding today
Written for us in the Son
Oh for better, for worse
For rich or for poor
Each day that passes
I'll love you more 'Cause
This is the day
That the Lord hath made
And I will rejoice I will rejoice I will rejoice with you
This is the day aaaay
This is the day aaaay
This is the day aaaay...
This was Jesus singing to HIS Bride and when my sister said "This is my church's favorite song" God was saying that about HIS Church! The driving and errand was our everyday living and having relationship with Him in the everyday stuff. The shortcut was forbidden because there is NO SHORTCUT to get into relationship with HIM, and the prescription is the WORD. It is life and health to all our flesh.
The Words in the song:
1st verse Jesus is speaking of His Love and longing.
2nd verse is 2 fold- 1. is our Salvation Walk maturing into intimacy and
2. The Wedding feast of the Lamb.
The "for better or worse" is HIS commitment to us- no matter how we are doing, no matter the state of our soul realm or spiritual walk-
He will love us more than our sins will pull us down. His love will bring us back to Himself. And as we mature, as we grow in intimacy, He rejoices with us, not just for us, in us and through us, but WITH us, for it is HIS DESIRE ALSO to have this intimacy with us!
This is the Day... the day I the Lord have made. I made it to spend with you. To have you and hold you, to hear you say you love Me too. To share with and bear with as you grow in Me. Yes I do, I watch you grow and watch you flow and smile and say: I love you more than you'll ever know, come away with Me my love, I'll teach you to fly!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Day of Global Prayer for Jerusalem
Psalm 122: 6-8 Douay-Rheims Bible (1899)
Psa 122:6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
Psa 122:7 Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
Psa 122:8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee.
I had forgotten until a friend reminded me it is Today! The GLOBAL DAY of Prayer for Jerusalem! 175 Nations are participating! (Of course this doesn't mean I shouldn't pray everyday, it is just a day to join in knowingly
with brethren across the world.)
Here is a link:
http://www.daytopray.com/
Abba we lift up Jerusalem before your Throne of Grace. Lord we pray for the Peace and protection of Jerusalem and also Israel in the Name of Jesus.
Be their Standard and Banner and go before them Lord. Set the boundaries and cause them to escape from all their enemies. Bless them Lord. Prepare a table before them in the presence of their enemies and cause them to be exalted as a Nation. Turn their hearts to You. Stop the cycle of war set against them. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Psa 122:6 Pray ye for the things that are for the peace of Jerusalem: and abundance for them that love thee.
Psa 122:7 Let peace be in thy strength: and abundance in thy towers.
Psa 122:8 For the sake of my brethren, and of my neighbours, I spoke peace of thee.
I had forgotten until a friend reminded me it is Today! The GLOBAL DAY of Prayer for Jerusalem! 175 Nations are participating! (Of course this doesn't mean I shouldn't pray everyday, it is just a day to join in knowingly
with brethren across the world.)
Here is a link:
http://www.daytopray.com/
Abba we lift up Jerusalem before your Throne of Grace. Lord we pray for the Peace and protection of Jerusalem and also Israel in the Name of Jesus.
Be their Standard and Banner and go before them Lord. Set the boundaries and cause them to escape from all their enemies. Bless them Lord. Prepare a table before them in the presence of their enemies and cause them to be exalted as a Nation. Turn their hearts to You. Stop the cycle of war set against them. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
How to Receive A Word Given
The Word of God instructs us to believe God's Prophets and we will prosper.
However, there are things that we must do on our part. First we must pray and ask the Lord to make our hearts fertile soil. Next pray for revelation and understanding of the Word. Not every Prophet is your prophet, and not every Word is meant for you.
But Apostle Bobbie Jean Merck made this statement: If you can believe it for your self, you can receive it, even if it was meant for somebody else! Discern the Word given by the Spirit of God. In other words you must check your preconceived notions and traditions of man in order to receive from God. All Words must line up with scripture. But just because it doesn't say it verbatim, does not mean the Word is unscriptural. Example is the word "Rapture" which is not in the Bible, but the word "Catching Away" is. An example of someone receiving something that was not specifically for them is the Greek, who was a Syrophenician woman with a sick child. (Mark 7: 26-30) Jesus told her plainly he had only come to Israel at that point. But she persisted and kept believing and her son was healed.
If you look for a "quick fix" or a "formula " to work, no Word of God is going to work for you. And then you are going to be mad at the Prophet who gave it. But if you do your part- make sure you are obedient to the written Word, have no hidden sin in your heart or life, and have an ongoing relationship with the Author and Finisher of your Faith, then you will be able to receive the Word with gladness and see it manifest.
With that said, now, I want to give you some direction & some background on the Word I posted on the blog recently. Tithing and giving are not being replaced by a willy-nilly get rich or get out of debt wish. I know for a fact of people who are tithers and givers and are in circumstances that are NOT of their own making. And then there are folks who kinda got themselves into a mess, but have repented and are trusting God to get out of it. But sometimes people can get into a situation where they feel like they "deserve" the mess they are in. And so a stronghold is set up.
Strongholds are anything that keep you bound, keep the Word from manifesting in your life. Some are demonic, some are bad choices or wrong thinking that you keep making over and over. But if you give it to God and truly repent and let Him come in and change you and help you, those strongholds have GOT to GO!
God is God. He chooses who or what to use and how to use someone. He used a donkey to speak to Balaam and Balaam was a prophet! God isn't going to seek your permission to bring you a Word. Jesus didn't seek permission to visit Israel. He just came in the fullness of time. Sometimes your "due season" may surprise you! And the way it is ministered may surprise you. Jesus didn't fit anybody's cookie cutter of how a Messiah "ought to be." So you best check your paradigms at the door and let God be God and let Him speak and move on your behalf as HE sees fit.
Receive the Word of the Lord and let it work in your life and for you and through your life and watch how HE will prosper you!
However, there are things that we must do on our part. First we must pray and ask the Lord to make our hearts fertile soil. Next pray for revelation and understanding of the Word. Not every Prophet is your prophet, and not every Word is meant for you.
But Apostle Bobbie Jean Merck made this statement: If you can believe it for your self, you can receive it, even if it was meant for somebody else! Discern the Word given by the Spirit of God. In other words you must check your preconceived notions and traditions of man in order to receive from God. All Words must line up with scripture. But just because it doesn't say it verbatim, does not mean the Word is unscriptural. Example is the word "Rapture" which is not in the Bible, but the word "Catching Away" is. An example of someone receiving something that was not specifically for them is the Greek, who was a Syrophenician woman with a sick child. (Mark 7: 26-30) Jesus told her plainly he had only come to Israel at that point. But she persisted and kept believing and her son was healed.
If you look for a "quick fix" or a "formula " to work, no Word of God is going to work for you. And then you are going to be mad at the Prophet who gave it. But if you do your part- make sure you are obedient to the written Word, have no hidden sin in your heart or life, and have an ongoing relationship with the Author and Finisher of your Faith, then you will be able to receive the Word with gladness and see it manifest.
With that said, now, I want to give you some direction & some background on the Word I posted on the blog recently. Tithing and giving are not being replaced by a willy-nilly get rich or get out of debt wish. I know for a fact of people who are tithers and givers and are in circumstances that are NOT of their own making. And then there are folks who kinda got themselves into a mess, but have repented and are trusting God to get out of it. But sometimes people can get into a situation where they feel like they "deserve" the mess they are in. And so a stronghold is set up.
Strongholds are anything that keep you bound, keep the Word from manifesting in your life. Some are demonic, some are bad choices or wrong thinking that you keep making over and over. But if you give it to God and truly repent and let Him come in and change you and help you, those strongholds have GOT to GO!
God is God. He chooses who or what to use and how to use someone. He used a donkey to speak to Balaam and Balaam was a prophet! God isn't going to seek your permission to bring you a Word. Jesus didn't seek permission to visit Israel. He just came in the fullness of time. Sometimes your "due season" may surprise you! And the way it is ministered may surprise you. Jesus didn't fit anybody's cookie cutter of how a Messiah "ought to be." So you best check your paradigms at the door and let God be God and let Him speak and move on your behalf as HE sees fit.
Receive the Word of the Lord and let it work in your life and for you and through your life and watch how HE will prosper you!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Financial Straight-Jackets being broken off
Saints.
I see, in the spirit, financial straitjackets holding people back in this day. This has been confirmed by more than one source. This morning I am on fire about this and God has given me some direction about it. It is to that end that I send this email. He told me to speak to the principalities and powers that put these jackets on His people.
I speak to the institutions that put these straitjackets on people right now and I declare that these people are not deserving of being bound in their finances. I speak to the principalities right now and I take the authority I have in Jesus to declare freedom.
Strongholds must fall and these jackets be loosed. I speak to the authorities over these straitjackets in the mighty name of Jesus and I tell you loose the bonds! Loose the strings that are keeping them bound. Unties the key strings that they can be free.
I speak to those who are bound. Rise up and shake off the bondages as Samson did. As you rise up the spirit of the Lord will rise with you with healing in His wings.
Shake of the apparent and take hold of the invisible. Today is your day.
I speak protection over all of the givers, the financiers, and the paymasters. The blessing of the Lord is upon you. I speak protection to all those who have helped this ministry now or in the past. I speak recovery for all that has been stolen or hidden away from you. I speak a 1000 fold blessing on all that have been providers during this time and in the future
In the mighty name of Jesus.
Pastor Rusty Bowles
Church of the Latter Rain
1456 Beltline #139
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Don't Relent until You Have it all Lord
IS my heart yours Lord?
May this be our heart's cry. May our hearts really belong to Him...
Don't relent until You have it all. All of me Lord... come be the flame upon my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3spvQYlB-I
Friday, September 25, 2009
Unequally Loved
My friend Prophet Gene posted an exhortation on Being Unequally yoked and then God had me comment on it. Below is both posting and comment.
I call my comment Unequally loved...
http://prophetgene.blogspot.com/2009/09/yoked-unequally.html
The word talks some about equality in Yoking. There is such a thing as being Unequally yoked. Now, that's not a bad thing if in the yoking one is strong where the other is weak and vice versa. But, in faith, in ethics, in convictions and in vision, the yoking must be equal. That's true in marriage, in Ministry, In Business and even in intimate friendships. If you are unequally yoked, one will draw on the other. That will cause deterioration. You have seen the woman with a heart towards God become entangled unequally with someone who took them into deep sin. In business where a partner yokes with someone who is unethical. In ministry where the vision is to elevate man above GOD. I just had a negative experience in becoming nearly unequally yoked with a man in a business relationship where it would have been parasitic. I'm not interested. Sometimes you have to know when to hold em, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run. I didn't run, I just walked away.
-Gene
Good for you to recognize and desire God over mammon. God will honor that. Another Word about Unequal Yoking from a different view. That of Christ married to the backslider. That of Christ and the Bride of Christ and then we look at ourselves and if we are HONEST, we see our flaws our downfalls, the sin that so easily besets us... and YET Christ our Lover woos us, YET HE comes to us again and again... Yet He tells us ( if we have ears to hear) How beautiful we are...How much HE loves us, desires us, sees us as we yet do not see ourselves. Talk about unequally yoked! And yet He stays.
Kathy Trocolli sings a song called Stubborn Love. Oh may we not just be recipients of His Stubborn Love, but may we be CARRIERS of it, infecting many!
I call my comment Unequally loved...
http://prophetgene.blogspot.com/2009/09/yoked-unequally.html
The word talks some about equality in Yoking. There is such a thing as being Unequally yoked. Now, that's not a bad thing if in the yoking one is strong where the other is weak and vice versa. But, in faith, in ethics, in convictions and in vision, the yoking must be equal. That's true in marriage, in Ministry, In Business and even in intimate friendships. If you are unequally yoked, one will draw on the other. That will cause deterioration. You have seen the woman with a heart towards God become entangled unequally with someone who took them into deep sin. In business where a partner yokes with someone who is unethical. In ministry where the vision is to elevate man above GOD. I just had a negative experience in becoming nearly unequally yoked with a man in a business relationship where it would have been parasitic. I'm not interested. Sometimes you have to know when to hold em, know when to fold them, know when to walk away and know when to run. I didn't run, I just walked away.
-Gene
Good for you to recognize and desire God over mammon. God will honor that. Another Word about Unequal Yoking from a different view. That of Christ married to the backslider. That of Christ and the Bride of Christ and then we look at ourselves and if we are HONEST, we see our flaws our downfalls, the sin that so easily besets us... and YET Christ our Lover woos us, YET HE comes to us again and again... Yet He tells us ( if we have ears to hear) How beautiful we are...How much HE loves us, desires us, sees us as we yet do not see ourselves. Talk about unequally yoked! And yet He stays.
Kathy Trocolli sings a song called Stubborn Love. Oh may we not just be recipients of His Stubborn Love, but may we be CARRIERS of it, infecting many!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Unity In The Community Celebration
Pastor Rusty Bowles (my Dad!) was asked to pray and open the annual meeting for Unity in the Community, in Garland, TX.
That meeting was tonight with many different churches/denominations in attendance. Here in its entirety is the prayer that Holy Spirit led him to pray.
May the convicting and confronting power of Almighty God flow to everyone who reads it. May we drop our petty differences, our likes and dislikes, our traditions that build barriers instead of bridges of understanding. May we each be confronted with things in our own hearts that do not line up with TRUTH; if there be pettiness, smallness of mind, jealousy, competition, insecurities, fears, prejudices, doubt and ugliness of attitude. May we run to the Cross and tie ourselves to HIM who bore our sins and took away our reproach and shame. May we lay aside selfish ambition and self promotion for KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT instead. May we be GOD MINDED and not "me-minded. " Help us to seek not just your face or your hand of blessing, but to seek your heart. Let us Love in Word and in Deed.
Let it begin with me. Amen? Amen!
"Invocation for Unity In The Community Celebration"
9/20/2009 6PM
Mount Hebron Baptist Church
As a sign of unity would everyone please stand and join hands
Father as we humbly come before you to seek your face, help us to be of one mind and one spirit. We are reminded of that awesome day of Pentecost recorded in the second chapter of Acts when your disciples came into one mind and one accord, tremendous power was released and your church was birthed. Help us now to join hand in hand and arm in arm to come together to see our community grow in unity. Father let this not be a mere function or just a joyous meeting time. Release it to be a new birthing and new beginnings for all involved as you bring every church represented here corporately under your guidance and direction. We may each see your diamonds from different angles and catch fleeting glimpses of different reflections but permit us the grace to step back from our position of close focus and see the entire gem. Let us be truly joined in the Spirit not just in word where we come together annually to profess something and then promptly forget our reflection as we leave here. Burn into each one of us our brother’s concerns, problems, strengths, hopes and fears. Help us Lord Jesus to lift each other up in Your kingdom for it is Your kingdom and not ours. We humbly call on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct everything that goes on here tonight. Every word, thought or action is given over into your excellent care. Speak to our hearts and cause us each to answer the call from the throne to love one another and by that demonstrate that we are your disciples. We come from different backgrounds and cultures but permit us to be of one heart as the mind of Christ is formed within us. Father, grant us temperance with one another, forbearance in all things and your love flowing through these earthen vessels. We, as humans, cannot do this by ourselves as evidenced by the many arenas in our nation and the world where your love does not abound, but with your love and guidance all things are possible. King of the Universe accept our prayers and petitions on this day of unity and help us O Lord Jesus to be what you have ordained and established us to be in this hour. Cover us with your precious blood and let us be an example and witness to other communities, cities and municipalities that unity is not only possible but desirable in order to move forward in this hour of trial and struggle in our nation. We plant this seed in fertile ground and with your help we will see it grow, blossom and produce much fruit. We consecrate this solemn assembly under Your mighty hand while under the covenant in your blood and in the precious and mighty name of Jesus our Lord we pray.
AMEN AND AMEN
That meeting was tonight with many different churches/denominations in attendance. Here in its entirety is the prayer that Holy Spirit led him to pray.
May the convicting and confronting power of Almighty God flow to everyone who reads it. May we drop our petty differences, our likes and dislikes, our traditions that build barriers instead of bridges of understanding. May we each be confronted with things in our own hearts that do not line up with TRUTH; if there be pettiness, smallness of mind, jealousy, competition, insecurities, fears, prejudices, doubt and ugliness of attitude. May we run to the Cross and tie ourselves to HIM who bore our sins and took away our reproach and shame. May we lay aside selfish ambition and self promotion for KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT instead. May we be GOD MINDED and not "me-minded. " Help us to seek not just your face or your hand of blessing, but to seek your heart. Let us Love in Word and in Deed.
Let it begin with me. Amen? Amen!
"Invocation for Unity In The Community Celebration"
9/20/2009 6PM
Mount Hebron Baptist Church
As a sign of unity would everyone please stand and join hands
Father as we humbly come before you to seek your face, help us to be of one mind and one spirit. We are reminded of that awesome day of Pentecost recorded in the second chapter of Acts when your disciples came into one mind and one accord, tremendous power was released and your church was birthed. Help us now to join hand in hand and arm in arm to come together to see our community grow in unity. Father let this not be a mere function or just a joyous meeting time. Release it to be a new birthing and new beginnings for all involved as you bring every church represented here corporately under your guidance and direction. We may each see your diamonds from different angles and catch fleeting glimpses of different reflections but permit us the grace to step back from our position of close focus and see the entire gem. Let us be truly joined in the Spirit not just in word where we come together annually to profess something and then promptly forget our reflection as we leave here. Burn into each one of us our brother’s concerns, problems, strengths, hopes and fears. Help us Lord Jesus to lift each other up in Your kingdom for it is Your kingdom and not ours. We humbly call on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct everything that goes on here tonight. Every word, thought or action is given over into your excellent care. Speak to our hearts and cause us each to answer the call from the throne to love one another and by that demonstrate that we are your disciples. We come from different backgrounds and cultures but permit us to be of one heart as the mind of Christ is formed within us. Father, grant us temperance with one another, forbearance in all things and your love flowing through these earthen vessels. We, as humans, cannot do this by ourselves as evidenced by the many arenas in our nation and the world where your love does not abound, but with your love and guidance all things are possible. King of the Universe accept our prayers and petitions on this day of unity and help us O Lord Jesus to be what you have ordained and established us to be in this hour. Cover us with your precious blood and let us be an example and witness to other communities, cities and municipalities that unity is not only possible but desirable in order to move forward in this hour of trial and struggle in our nation. We plant this seed in fertile ground and with your help we will see it grow, blossom and produce much fruit. We consecrate this solemn assembly under Your mighty hand while under the covenant in your blood and in the precious and mighty name of Jesus our Lord we pray.
AMEN AND AMEN
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Fire Fall
Let the Fire Fall,
rain from Heaven's Throne,
cleanse my heart and
make it Your Own!
Selfish dreams
no more for me,
Only your Glory
I want to see
I've turned my back
and walked away
on everything
called Yesterday.
For YOU alone
I crave to know
Let me hear
Your Heart's Flow.
Call to me
and I will run
Our lover's Journey
Had just begun!
rain from Heaven's Throne,
cleanse my heart and
make it Your Own!
Selfish dreams
no more for me,
Only your Glory
I want to see
I've turned my back
and walked away
on everything
called Yesterday.
For YOU alone
I crave to know
Let me hear
Your Heart's Flow.
Call to me
and I will run
Our lover's Journey
Had just begun!
©
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
