Are you aware that there is a local Christian television station that has recently been added to our area? There is, and it is Channel 47. It covers the Cleveland-Akron/Canton area. They have been in a Praise-A-Thon this week and they are on the air live right now. I believe this is a good place to plant a monetary seed. I have found that when things are tough or I am being stretched somewhere in my life that is when Holy Spirit prompts me to plant monetary seeds in good soil. I live my life with the grace of God and following through with prompting of Holy Spirit. A lot of times a person doesn't want to let go of something in their life, especially money. When you release an offering in faith I have and continue to know God as being faithful and true. If there is a dire need in your life then release what you have to allow God to get to you what you need. I have seen miracles in my very life with releasing money as a seed planted. The wisdom in all of this is to truly hear the voice of Holy Spirit as to where to plant the seed. Just try it once if you have never done this before. Plant with faith and step back and watch God fulfill.
Several years ago I was walking and I found $0.50 and I knew to pick it up because I just knew to do that. That very evening I attended a church service in which they were in revival. I was prompted to plant the $0.50 as an offering. That very evening I saw that $0.50 multiplied to $85.00 that was placed into my hands as I worshipped at the altar. People just kept coming up to me and placing money into my hand. I kept my eyes closed at the altar. When I returned to my seat and counted the money I was overwhelmed. I just knew that this church was moving in the Holy Spirit and I immediately found the pastor and placed a tithe into the hands of the pastor right off of the top, I released $10.00. I would sit at this church at times and Holy Spirit would flow through me via writing. Once I was shown that living water was flowing out of the altar there. This church has a beautiful carved crown of thorns that is above the altar. It was that sculpture in which I was shown the living water was flowing forth onto the people. I was recently blessed when I was at this church. The former pastor is no longer there but I was able to share with a man (that was there during the revival flow) there how this church so blessed me years prior. It was such a true blessing to walk into this church and for a few brief moments to be able to sit in the sanctuary and remember the great miracle God performed just for me. God is great all the time and all the time God is Great to me.
Trust me in this. Just stretch your faith once and stand in awe of what God can do on your behalf. TRUST TRUST TRUST
Friday, February 26, 2010
JUST STAND
It feels like an eternity since I last sat down at the computer to write. When you are in a battle it is best to just stand when you cannot do anything else. JUST STAND. That is where I am right now and I know to do nothing but stand and seek the Lord. I have felt a little void of writing for the last several days. I get an idea and then I have no release to write about it. I trust Holy Spirit that when the time to write is released in me I find myself at the computer doing just that, writing.
The past several days weather allowed me to walk and each day built upon the prior days experience for me to bring them all together for you today. Above all, that I write today or that you read today I feel impressed to tell you to JUST STAND. Sometimes that is the hardest place to be in your life, especially if you are a person that likes to do and is not of the nature to rest. Resting in the natural is important to our health, how much more important is resting in the Lord for your spiritual health?
The number two keeps coming across my path, two eagles to be more precise. When I walked the other day for the first time in my life I saw the bald eagle swoop past me and land in the field to my left. I could not see it once it landed but I was able to experience seeing it then ascend, actually fly into the eagle’s nest in the tree. The next day again I saw a bald eagle fly and land in the field but this time on the opposite side of the street to my right. I was not able to see where it landed and I did not see it ascend this time. I also saw the farmer that harvested the corn from the field a few weeks ago. On another day I saw two bald eagles perched on the same branch in a tree. Then on even another day there were two bald eagles perched in the same tree. One was almost at the top of the tree and another a few branches below. They both took off at the same time and this time one flew and landed in the eagles nest and the other perched on a branch of the tree where the nest is located. I saw the last one mentioned while walking as the snow fell.
I did a little research in my book about dream interpretation. I know you are thinking to yourself why? This was not a dream. Yes, it was not a dream but God does give us tools to help us and this is one of the tools used in this instance.
Eagle represents a leader and it states a prophet(true or false); to see from above; minister;
Tree represents a person or covering; leader, shelter
2 signifies divide; judge; separate; discern
Farmer is laborer; preacher, pastor; Christ; Minister
Farm is the field of labor; an area of ministry; the kingdom of God; the church
I was not sure of the explanation of 2 so I sought advice from someone that flows in the prophetic. I was told that two should not represent to divide or discern it is suppose to represent the two witnesses God & Jesus, I was also told that the eagle represents prophetic and if it referred to divide or discern two eagles would not be shown it would refer to a buzzard or hawk to represent that. I still did not feel peace with that answer. I know that is what I have been taught but I have to stretch my faith today and go with what Holy Spirit it showing me. Maybe He is going to use me today to kill one of those sacred religious cows today so to speak. Do you know what that means? It is an expression used in reference to always being told/trained something in the church and then to be revealed to you by Holy Spirit that it is not necessarily the way it has been explained to you. A great example was when Peter had a vision in Acts 10: "Around noon the next day, while Cornelius' men were on their way and coming close to Joppa, Peter went on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted to eat. While the food was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open and something like a large linen sheet being lowered by its four corners to the ground. In the sheet were all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told him, "Get up Peter! Kill these animals, and eat them." A voice spoke a second time, "Don't say that the things which God has made clean are impure." This happened three times. Then the sheet was quickly taken into the sky. While Peter was puzzled by the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house and went to the gate. They asked if Simon Peter was staying there. Peter was still thinking about the vision when the Spirit said to him, "Three men are looking for you. Get up, and go downstairs. Don't hesitate to go with these men. I have sent them."
Peter goes to speak with Cornelius Then this is what happens in Acts 10: 44-48 " While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came to everyone who heard his message. All the believers who were not circumcised and who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured on people who were not Jewish. They heard these non-Jewish people speaking in other languages and praising God. Then Peter said, "No one can refuse to baptize these people with water. They have received the Holy Spirit in the same way that we did." So Peter ordered that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for several days."
When you have been taught something all of your life and then you become filled with revelation truth and knowledge as you are in the word of God it can cause one to doubt. That is a natural reaction and let Holy Spirit speak to your heart about truth. I remember an instance of this happening to me when I was still a practicing Catholic. I was really reading the bible and it was as though I could not absorb it fast enough. I came upon a scripture verse in my New American/St. Joseph Catholic Bible that plainly showed me that there is no purgatory. Once you take your last breath on earth there are only two places you will spend eternity, heaven or hell. I remember becoming overwhelmed with this and I went to confession with this bible and the verse and I knew that I would be safe sharing it with Fr. because they are not allowed to share with others what was shared during confession. Let me tell you this, it was not much longer from that point in time that I was attending a bible-based teaching & preaching church that was filled with the Holy Spirit. That is the very church in which I learned so much about the bible and still do this very day. I love Catholics and I am very respectful when I attend a mass for a family function, etc. I do not partake in communion when I attend a mass because I am respectful of their practices.
Sometimes being a vessel for God to flow through can become a lonely job so to speak, especially when it comes to family. It is as though you are the arrow being shot into the dark. Do not give up hope because when you feel this the strongest it just means that your triumph it right around the corner. When I share these words with you I am also speaking them to myself.
Back to the eagles now. What Holy Spirit has shown me is this...The time in which we live in now is a time where people are literally running from here to there to receive words of knowledge/wisdom and prophecy for their life and the lives of those dear to them. Quit doing that. Not every person that professes to be "A Prophet" is a true prophet. Use discernment and test the fruit of the one speaking forth in your life. Remember, even the elect will be deceived in these last days in which we live in. You should not seek out words from others as a part of your ritual routine in your life. God will send them to you or you may be led to one now and then. The purpose of a prophetic word is to edify or uplift you the majority of the time. On occasion, one can be used to bring warning to your life. In each instance it should be delivered in love and not with harshness and anger. Remember, God is love. The purpose of the prophetic is to just be a confirmation to you of what something the Lord has already spoke to your heart.
The tree represents the covering over your life. That can be a pastor or a certain denomination in which you belong to. The covering is only as good as what you believe in the doctrine of that particular church. If you are waivering in any area or Holy Spirit is showing you something contrary to what the belief is of that denomination then you should seek counsel. First bring your concerns to one within leadership of the church and then seek beyond the walls of the church if your questions are not satisfied with the answers given to you. God may be trying to show you truth and if you do not receive the truth then you will more than likely shrivel up within that church and not come forth in the fullness you are called to come forth in. Does that make sense? If you choose to receive the revelation knowledge that God is showing you you will then be led to where you should worship and hear the word of God preached. I speak to you from my heart, that was tough for me to do at the time but once I decided to go where Holy Spirit was leading me I was then able to flow freely in the gifts inside of me and learn to temper the things that needed to be tempered and grow in the things that needed to advance in my life.
The farmer represents a laborer, preacher, pastor, Christ, minister. The farm is the field of the laborer, an area of ministry, the kingdom of God, the church. Seek wisdom and then just stand. It is in your time of being still that God can work with you the most. Once you receive clear direction and you hear the still, small voice of Holy Spirit then advance. It is nice to receive a prophetic word once in a while but why would you seek out the voice of a man or woman when the word of the Lord can speak to your heart. These have been the very best words ever spoken to me, the ones that came from Holy Spirit. You will not always have a pastor or prayer partner available to you when you need confirmation of something so trust in God and seek Him while He is able to be found.
Peace this day and remember, just stand.
PS: Even though I was water baptised as an infant I followed the prompting of Holy Spirit to be water baptised at church. I followed through with it and I recently came across the picture that was taken of me when I rose up from the water and the expression on my face is pure joy. TRUST TRUST TRUST
The past several days weather allowed me to walk and each day built upon the prior days experience for me to bring them all together for you today. Above all, that I write today or that you read today I feel impressed to tell you to JUST STAND. Sometimes that is the hardest place to be in your life, especially if you are a person that likes to do and is not of the nature to rest. Resting in the natural is important to our health, how much more important is resting in the Lord for your spiritual health?
The number two keeps coming across my path, two eagles to be more precise. When I walked the other day for the first time in my life I saw the bald eagle swoop past me and land in the field to my left. I could not see it once it landed but I was able to experience seeing it then ascend, actually fly into the eagle’s nest in the tree. The next day again I saw a bald eagle fly and land in the field but this time on the opposite side of the street to my right. I was not able to see where it landed and I did not see it ascend this time. I also saw the farmer that harvested the corn from the field a few weeks ago. On another day I saw two bald eagles perched on the same branch in a tree. Then on even another day there were two bald eagles perched in the same tree. One was almost at the top of the tree and another a few branches below. They both took off at the same time and this time one flew and landed in the eagles nest and the other perched on a branch of the tree where the nest is located. I saw the last one mentioned while walking as the snow fell.
I did a little research in my book about dream interpretation. I know you are thinking to yourself why? This was not a dream. Yes, it was not a dream but God does give us tools to help us and this is one of the tools used in this instance.
Eagle represents a leader and it states a prophet(true or false); to see from above; minister;
Tree represents a person or covering; leader, shelter
2 signifies divide; judge; separate; discern
Farmer is laborer; preacher, pastor; Christ; Minister
Farm is the field of labor; an area of ministry; the kingdom of God; the church
I was not sure of the explanation of 2 so I sought advice from someone that flows in the prophetic. I was told that two should not represent to divide or discern it is suppose to represent the two witnesses God & Jesus, I was also told that the eagle represents prophetic and if it referred to divide or discern two eagles would not be shown it would refer to a buzzard or hawk to represent that. I still did not feel peace with that answer. I know that is what I have been taught but I have to stretch my faith today and go with what Holy Spirit it showing me. Maybe He is going to use me today to kill one of those sacred religious cows today so to speak. Do you know what that means? It is an expression used in reference to always being told/trained something in the church and then to be revealed to you by Holy Spirit that it is not necessarily the way it has been explained to you. A great example was when Peter had a vision in Acts 10: "Around noon the next day, while Cornelius' men were on their way and coming close to Joppa, Peter went on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted to eat. While the food was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open and something like a large linen sheet being lowered by its four corners to the ground. In the sheet were all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds. A voice told him, "Get up Peter! Kill these animals, and eat them." A voice spoke a second time, "Don't say that the things which God has made clean are impure." This happened three times. Then the sheet was quickly taken into the sky. While Peter was puzzled by the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house and went to the gate. They asked if Simon Peter was staying there. Peter was still thinking about the vision when the Spirit said to him, "Three men are looking for you. Get up, and go downstairs. Don't hesitate to go with these men. I have sent them."
Peter goes to speak with Cornelius Then this is what happens in Acts 10: 44-48 " While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came to everyone who heard his message. All the believers who were not circumcised and who had come with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured on people who were not Jewish. They heard these non-Jewish people speaking in other languages and praising God. Then Peter said, "No one can refuse to baptize these people with water. They have received the Holy Spirit in the same way that we did." So Peter ordered that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for several days."
When you have been taught something all of your life and then you become filled with revelation truth and knowledge as you are in the word of God it can cause one to doubt. That is a natural reaction and let Holy Spirit speak to your heart about truth. I remember an instance of this happening to me when I was still a practicing Catholic. I was really reading the bible and it was as though I could not absorb it fast enough. I came upon a scripture verse in my New American/St. Joseph Catholic Bible that plainly showed me that there is no purgatory. Once you take your last breath on earth there are only two places you will spend eternity, heaven or hell. I remember becoming overwhelmed with this and I went to confession with this bible and the verse and I knew that I would be safe sharing it with Fr. because they are not allowed to share with others what was shared during confession. Let me tell you this, it was not much longer from that point in time that I was attending a bible-based teaching & preaching church that was filled with the Holy Spirit. That is the very church in which I learned so much about the bible and still do this very day. I love Catholics and I am very respectful when I attend a mass for a family function, etc. I do not partake in communion when I attend a mass because I am respectful of their practices.
Sometimes being a vessel for God to flow through can become a lonely job so to speak, especially when it comes to family. It is as though you are the arrow being shot into the dark. Do not give up hope because when you feel this the strongest it just means that your triumph it right around the corner. When I share these words with you I am also speaking them to myself.
Back to the eagles now. What Holy Spirit has shown me is this...The time in which we live in now is a time where people are literally running from here to there to receive words of knowledge/wisdom and prophecy for their life and the lives of those dear to them. Quit doing that. Not every person that professes to be "A Prophet" is a true prophet. Use discernment and test the fruit of the one speaking forth in your life. Remember, even the elect will be deceived in these last days in which we live in. You should not seek out words from others as a part of your ritual routine in your life. God will send them to you or you may be led to one now and then. The purpose of a prophetic word is to edify or uplift you the majority of the time. On occasion, one can be used to bring warning to your life. In each instance it should be delivered in love and not with harshness and anger. Remember, God is love. The purpose of the prophetic is to just be a confirmation to you of what something the Lord has already spoke to your heart.
The tree represents the covering over your life. That can be a pastor or a certain denomination in which you belong to. The covering is only as good as what you believe in the doctrine of that particular church. If you are waivering in any area or Holy Spirit is showing you something contrary to what the belief is of that denomination then you should seek counsel. First bring your concerns to one within leadership of the church and then seek beyond the walls of the church if your questions are not satisfied with the answers given to you. God may be trying to show you truth and if you do not receive the truth then you will more than likely shrivel up within that church and not come forth in the fullness you are called to come forth in. Does that make sense? If you choose to receive the revelation knowledge that God is showing you you will then be led to where you should worship and hear the word of God preached. I speak to you from my heart, that was tough for me to do at the time but once I decided to go where Holy Spirit was leading me I was then able to flow freely in the gifts inside of me and learn to temper the things that needed to be tempered and grow in the things that needed to advance in my life.
The farmer represents a laborer, preacher, pastor, Christ, minister. The farm is the field of the laborer, an area of ministry, the kingdom of God, the church. Seek wisdom and then just stand. It is in your time of being still that God can work with you the most. Once you receive clear direction and you hear the still, small voice of Holy Spirit then advance. It is nice to receive a prophetic word once in a while but why would you seek out the voice of a man or woman when the word of the Lord can speak to your heart. These have been the very best words ever spoken to me, the ones that came from Holy Spirit. You will not always have a pastor or prayer partner available to you when you need confirmation of something so trust in God and seek Him while He is able to be found.
Peace this day and remember, just stand.
PS: Even though I was water baptised as an infant I followed the prompting of Holy Spirit to be water baptised at church. I followed through with it and I recently came across the picture that was taken of me when I rose up from the water and the expression on my face is pure joy. TRUST TRUST TRUST
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Go With The Flow When Holy Spirit Changes Your Day Around, There Just May Be A Surprise Tucked Away For You.
I woke up today with one agenda and it was altered. I had an appointment scheduled today, I received a phone call letting me know it was rescheduled. You see, I could have pouted for the day or move on with what I had waiting for me to find today. I chose to say OK Holy Spirit this is your day and I yield to it. I was going to go and write. When I write I like to play certain music as I write at times. When I feel inspired by a particular song I will set it as repeat. I seemed to have misplaced my remote control for the CD player. You see, I needed that to allow me to hit "repeat." The very first place I looked was a deep side cushion of a chair. No, I did not find the remote there but guess what I did find? I made seven bracelets many weeks ago and there they were safely tucked away in a clear, sealed bag. I was so thrilled with that find that I thanked Holy Spirit because seven people will now be able to be blessed by them. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. Sure enough I found the remote right after that.
I am going to show you the three pictures I captured of the bracelets. The same seven bracelets just displayed in three different settings. I think I get this idea of using creativity in the way in which you display something from the days that I worked for Estee Lauder. I think I also get this flare from my mother, she is very creative. Of course, I get my creativity from the creator Himself. I tend to do the same thing when I present a cheesecake. You see it is not just how good something tastes you must capture the persons attention first with the way it is presented. Even a piece of very dry, bland cake can be presented in a way that will cause you to want to pick up a fork and taste it.
Be cautious for there are plots set up by the enemy to draw you in to his distraction. He knows just the right thing to draw you in and then if you are not wise in the things and ways of God you will be trapped. Why let yourself be put in a situation is which this can draw you from the plan of God for your life. Who influences your decisions in your life? I trust your answer is Holy Spirit. Even a spouse that is not truly walking with Jesus can cause you both to be off course. Why chance that when destiny is at stake? You do know that there are people that you have not even had the pleasure of meeting yet that will be effected by your destiny being walked out. Run with destiny, run ever so fast that satan will not even be able to catch up with you to try and trap you. Please know that when I refer to "destiny," that is God's plan for your life being fulfilled.
Look What I Found
I have been connecting recently with some of my college friends and so I started searching for college photos. I did not find what I was looking for but I did stumble on these. There really was a season in my life when I created banners, prophetic artwork and hand held praise banners. I marched in a few "March For Jesus" parades. I created a banner for a friend of mine when he attended Oral Roberts University. The banner with the children in a circle in which they are surrounding three continents: Africa, Asia and South America was created for a children's ministry. For many years I daily prayed for these three continents and as Holy Spirit would prompt me to plant a monetary seed into a missionary's work for either of these three continents I would. I even planted monetary seeds into ministries that were doing work in these continents. Isn't God good? Even though I did not physically plant my feet upon the soil of these continents I still gave for the gospel to go forward. Praise God! I created a "Blessing Book" for a couple that I knew that got married. It was at the table where people registered as guests at the wedding. They had the opportunity to then write a blessing for the couple in the book. I am glad that I came across that because it just reminded me that I would like to have a blessing book at my wedding one day.
I was also searching for my debutante ball picture. I had a day filled with romance so to speak. I went to the show to see the movie, Valentine's Day. It was OK I would suggest waiting until it comes out on DVD to rent it. With me being disappointed in that movie I wanted to see a really happy, upbeat, romantic movie so I rented the movie "Enchanted." I like this movie because true love triumphs in the end. I know it is a fairy tale per say but there is quite a bit of truth interwoven in it. I think her big, beautiful, bridal/ball gown that she wears in the beginning of the movie reminded me of the dress I wore as a debutante. Except, mine wasn't full and puffy mine was sleek. My sister and I were very stylish in the style of dress we selected that was tailored for us. No high collars and long, stiff sleeves we had beautiful and elegant halter style (two different styles) dresses.
I was able to do a bit of witnessing yesterday. I had a doctor's appointment and yesterday was the day Holy Spirit wanted me to share the voicemail message my son left for me when he told me his thyroid was healed. I shared it with my Dr. I waited until his work was completed with me and then I played that voicemail message right there for him. I can share with him because he has seen my faith walk throughout the years. Do not be afraid to share what Holy Spirit wants you to share with others. OK. Why did I share with you today that I saw two romantic movies? I have no clue as to why I am sharing it but Holy Spirit knows why. He shows me and in faith I follow through.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Let Me Share A Brief Statement With You What A Friend Wrote
The internet really can be used as a great tool for witnessing when it is used in the right manner. I read this today and thought you may enjoy reading it. I did not write this a friend of mine did and we connected today after not seeing each other for a while. Just the statement in capital letters was written by my friend. The rest of the writing comes forth from me.
GOD DETERMINES WHO WALKS INTO YOUR LIFE...IT'S UP TO YOU WHO YOU LET WALK AWAY, WHO YOU LET STAY AND WHO YOU REFUSE TO LET GO.
It kind of hits you right in your heart doesn't it? That my friend is what we call free will. God will connect people but it really is our choice of whom we will allow to stay connected or set free so to speak. People will come and go in your life. Sometimes they are there your entire life and other times they are there for a season. Whatever amount of time they are in your life cherish the time spent with them because you just never know when the last time you say goodbye will be the last time you will have contact with them. When you look at it in that light it will cause you to do some soul searching. Suppose you met someone, a perfect stranger and you have no clue as to why you met. God knows why He connected you and for the purpose. More than likely, if it was God that did the connecting there is a greater purpose behind it other than a few nice pleasantries. No matter what the situation may be never forget that kindness and respect are the most important virtues to operate in.
A person can share everything with you and extend kindness towards you but it truly is your choice if you will ever even receive it first of all and then if you will return it. If you receive it you have been blessed. If you return it you will probably be more blessed than you can even imagine. I have a heart for people and more specifically, people that have been hurt by others. God has blessed me with having empathy and concern for others. That is why I can be an encourager because God instills this inside of me. Lately, I was reminded how important it is to reach out to others in an evangelistic manner. Every year the church that I attend has a Spring Seed Offering. It is usually a seed that is planted in the form of money and there are numerous testimonies that spring forth from this. This year our pastor will still have a Spring Seed but this year it will be void of cash seeds being planted. He wants the seeds that will be planted to focus on how many people we will reach out to with the gospel and to share the salvation message with them. As soon as he mentioned that at our vision meeting I was convicted instantly. I told him I needed to get a Chick tract back on my blog page. I am so sorry for the weeks it has been removed. If you read my blog during that period of time and I did not have the plan of salvation there for you to review, please forgive me. I wish that no person would perish in hell for eternity. Again, I am reminded of the day when it was as though the floor of my room opened up and I was able to hear the wretched screams that were filled with torment and horror that came from hell. You do not want to go there for eternity. As I write this it brings tears to my eyes because it was not good what I heard. I do not think that the Lord allowed that to happen to me to just skip through life carefree. He does tend to bring people into my life that have endured suffering of some sort. Sometimes they will disclose it to me and other times Holy Spirit will disclose it to me. Not always am I given details I just get feelings in general.
It seems to be that I can look beyond a persons pain or tragedy and see into their heart. When I am blessed to see this it is usually not for my benefit it is to let the person know that life is and will be good again for them. It is a true honor to be able to be the vessel to see God do His work.
I speak to all that have had a broken heart by either a person or a group or even a church. The best place you can be in your life it to chose to forgive them. Once you forgive then God can release you of the pain and suffering that incurred by the deep hurt. Once you forgive them then I suggest to you that you speak these words,"I break any ungodly soul ties between me and _________________ and ______________ and me. I draw a Jesus Christ bloodline between me and __________________and ____________________and me. I shut any doors that have been open to the enemy during my time of anger and hurt and I chose life this very day. Fill the areas in my life Holy Spirit that were filled with hate and anger with love and peace. I release this group of people or person or church to you this very day and bless them. In Jesus name I pray this and believe that it is done. Amen"
GOD DETERMINES WHO WALKS INTO YOUR LIFE...IT'S UP TO YOU WHO YOU LET WALK AWAY, WHO YOU LET STAY AND WHO YOU REFUSE TO LET GO.
It kind of hits you right in your heart doesn't it? That my friend is what we call free will. God will connect people but it really is our choice of whom we will allow to stay connected or set free so to speak. People will come and go in your life. Sometimes they are there your entire life and other times they are there for a season. Whatever amount of time they are in your life cherish the time spent with them because you just never know when the last time you say goodbye will be the last time you will have contact with them. When you look at it in that light it will cause you to do some soul searching. Suppose you met someone, a perfect stranger and you have no clue as to why you met. God knows why He connected you and for the purpose. More than likely, if it was God that did the connecting there is a greater purpose behind it other than a few nice pleasantries. No matter what the situation may be never forget that kindness and respect are the most important virtues to operate in.
A person can share everything with you and extend kindness towards you but it truly is your choice if you will ever even receive it first of all and then if you will return it. If you receive it you have been blessed. If you return it you will probably be more blessed than you can even imagine. I have a heart for people and more specifically, people that have been hurt by others. God has blessed me with having empathy and concern for others. That is why I can be an encourager because God instills this inside of me. Lately, I was reminded how important it is to reach out to others in an evangelistic manner. Every year the church that I attend has a Spring Seed Offering. It is usually a seed that is planted in the form of money and there are numerous testimonies that spring forth from this. This year our pastor will still have a Spring Seed but this year it will be void of cash seeds being planted. He wants the seeds that will be planted to focus on how many people we will reach out to with the gospel and to share the salvation message with them. As soon as he mentioned that at our vision meeting I was convicted instantly. I told him I needed to get a Chick tract back on my blog page. I am so sorry for the weeks it has been removed. If you read my blog during that period of time and I did not have the plan of salvation there for you to review, please forgive me. I wish that no person would perish in hell for eternity. Again, I am reminded of the day when it was as though the floor of my room opened up and I was able to hear the wretched screams that were filled with torment and horror that came from hell. You do not want to go there for eternity. As I write this it brings tears to my eyes because it was not good what I heard. I do not think that the Lord allowed that to happen to me to just skip through life carefree. He does tend to bring people into my life that have endured suffering of some sort. Sometimes they will disclose it to me and other times Holy Spirit will disclose it to me. Not always am I given details I just get feelings in general.
It seems to be that I can look beyond a persons pain or tragedy and see into their heart. When I am blessed to see this it is usually not for my benefit it is to let the person know that life is and will be good again for them. It is a true honor to be able to be the vessel to see God do His work.
I speak to all that have had a broken heart by either a person or a group or even a church. The best place you can be in your life it to chose to forgive them. Once you forgive then God can release you of the pain and suffering that incurred by the deep hurt. Once you forgive them then I suggest to you that you speak these words,"I break any ungodly soul ties between me and _________________ and ______________ and me. I draw a Jesus Christ bloodline between me and __________________and ____________________and me. I shut any doors that have been open to the enemy during my time of anger and hurt and I chose life this very day. Fill the areas in my life Holy Spirit that were filled with hate and anger with love and peace. I release this group of people or person or church to you this very day and bless them. In Jesus name I pray this and believe that it is done. Amen"
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Never, Ever, Ever Allow Fear To Stop Or Halt God's Plan For Your Life
If you have been in the kingdom any amount of time you have probably heard what the letters stand for the word FEAR.
False
Evidence
Appears
Real
Let me tell you right now that the concept of fear is generated from satan. God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. A good gauge or marker to give you a clue that you are right on target with God's plan for your life is if fear tries to enter into your life and cause you to doubt. By now you should know that I use examples a lot to illustrate a point or lesson learned. They seem to be from my own life and experiences that allows me the opportunity to use them to help keep you from walking into road blocks placed right before you.
My latest example is what happened to me yesterday and how I was redeemed today. What I published yesterday had another paragraph written in it that I deleted. The reason I deleted it was due to the fact that I was suppose to follow through with something yesterday and I let the words of another cause fear to rise up in me. I have shared with you on numerous occasions that the ladies I visit at the nursing home love to sing 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart" at the conclusion of my visits. I see smiles upon their faces. Holy Spirit nudged me to purchase a CD player for my friend and to take to her some praise/worship/preaching CD's. I purchased the player along with a CD. I even took it with me into her room last night to bless her with it. It was as I was walking in the facility I asked one of the employees if it was allowed and was it a good idea. Well, I was discouraged by the words spoken to me, that she would hate to see it come up missing one day. Not that it would happen but she has seen it happen before. I allowed those words to override the words of Holy Spirit that told me to bless her with it.
After church today I was going to take it back to the store until I felt nudged to go visit my friend again today. I was visiting with her and I told her what I had for her yesterday in the bag and that the worker suggested not. I then saw her roommate had a CD player also. I asked her if she would like it and out to the car I went to bring it into her. I set it up for her and she read the manual while I went to the car for CD's I had set aside for her. Oh my gosh, now I see why Holy Spirit wants it in their room. I played the various songs to let her know what was on each CD and to my surprise the woman that was not necessarily demonstrative started raising her hands to praise the Lord. My friend was so happy to see this. She kept encouraging her and the other roommate was singing along with the songs. Everyone was happy while the music played. At one point I felt the presence of God in the room. What a blessing it was to me. If you know anyone living in a nursing home never forget the power that music plays. Even to someone that was not necessarily raised in a charismatic setting, I found that they naturally raised their hands to worship Jesus. Do not underestimate the power of music. As the presence of God was in that room I reached for my anointing oil and asked if anyone wanted to be blessed with it. That was the best part of the visit. I was able to anoint and speak a blessing prayer over each one. It was that good that I said I myself cannot miss being blessed in this atmosphere, I then anointed my forehead with the oil that was still residue on my finger. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Do you see what I would have missed if I would have caved into the words of fear via the employee? Let me encourage you today that if the vision/plan is so big for your life that you may become puzzled at the thought of how it will come to pass, that is the first clue to let you know that it is not your plan but it is God's plan for you. Hold on to it with all of your might and do not let go for one day soon and very near you shall see it come to pass. In the meantime keep trusting and obeying the promptings of Holy Spirit and wait with expectancy. I am being shown a red rose that in an instants time went from the tightly closed form to the beautifully opened up form, it time lapsed in the matter of a second no waiting involved for this metamorphosis. Be encouraged and know that all things are possible to those that believe through Christ Jesus. What an exciting time in which we live in now.
False
Evidence
Appears
Real
Let me tell you right now that the concept of fear is generated from satan. God does not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. A good gauge or marker to give you a clue that you are right on target with God's plan for your life is if fear tries to enter into your life and cause you to doubt. By now you should know that I use examples a lot to illustrate a point or lesson learned. They seem to be from my own life and experiences that allows me the opportunity to use them to help keep you from walking into road blocks placed right before you.
My latest example is what happened to me yesterday and how I was redeemed today. What I published yesterday had another paragraph written in it that I deleted. The reason I deleted it was due to the fact that I was suppose to follow through with something yesterday and I let the words of another cause fear to rise up in me. I have shared with you on numerous occasions that the ladies I visit at the nursing home love to sing 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart" at the conclusion of my visits. I see smiles upon their faces. Holy Spirit nudged me to purchase a CD player for my friend and to take to her some praise/worship/preaching CD's. I purchased the player along with a CD. I even took it with me into her room last night to bless her with it. It was as I was walking in the facility I asked one of the employees if it was allowed and was it a good idea. Well, I was discouraged by the words spoken to me, that she would hate to see it come up missing one day. Not that it would happen but she has seen it happen before. I allowed those words to override the words of Holy Spirit that told me to bless her with it.
After church today I was going to take it back to the store until I felt nudged to go visit my friend again today. I was visiting with her and I told her what I had for her yesterday in the bag and that the worker suggested not. I then saw her roommate had a CD player also. I asked her if she would like it and out to the car I went to bring it into her. I set it up for her and she read the manual while I went to the car for CD's I had set aside for her. Oh my gosh, now I see why Holy Spirit wants it in their room. I played the various songs to let her know what was on each CD and to my surprise the woman that was not necessarily demonstrative started raising her hands to praise the Lord. My friend was so happy to see this. She kept encouraging her and the other roommate was singing along with the songs. Everyone was happy while the music played. At one point I felt the presence of God in the room. What a blessing it was to me. If you know anyone living in a nursing home never forget the power that music plays. Even to someone that was not necessarily raised in a charismatic setting, I found that they naturally raised their hands to worship Jesus. Do not underestimate the power of music. As the presence of God was in that room I reached for my anointing oil and asked if anyone wanted to be blessed with it. That was the best part of the visit. I was able to anoint and speak a blessing prayer over each one. It was that good that I said I myself cannot miss being blessed in this atmosphere, I then anointed my forehead with the oil that was still residue on my finger. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
Do you see what I would have missed if I would have caved into the words of fear via the employee? Let me encourage you today that if the vision/plan is so big for your life that you may become puzzled at the thought of how it will come to pass, that is the first clue to let you know that it is not your plan but it is God's plan for you. Hold on to it with all of your might and do not let go for one day soon and very near you shall see it come to pass. In the meantime keep trusting and obeying the promptings of Holy Spirit and wait with expectancy. I am being shown a red rose that in an instants time went from the tightly closed form to the beautifully opened up form, it time lapsed in the matter of a second no waiting involved for this metamorphosis. Be encouraged and know that all things are possible to those that believe through Christ Jesus. What an exciting time in which we live in now.
What Does A Worshiper Do? They Worship.
I wrote about the manifest/tangible presence of God yesterday. I am going to add to that today. I have found in my own personal life that there are other ways that God's presence can also touch your life. What I write about should not be a rare instance in peoples lives. It is a choice that you make. I chose to listen to praise/worship music so my mind and heart are saturated with praise. You see that is where it starts and then comes the testimony that enriches it. Do not be silent with sharing words of what God has done for you and your family. Look at sharing your testimony as another facet of worship. Yes, that is right. Never take the glory away from God with what He has done in your life and continues to do in your life.
I can be driving in my car or listening to worship music at home and I begin to thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed upon my life and it will bring tears to my eyes (as it is doing right now as I write about this.) As I write this now there is no music on it is the song that is in my heart today. It can be something as simple as the tears that well up in your eyes as you begin to think of all that He has done for you. It can be with the shout of the Lord at a church service when the glory of God fills the room. I can only describe it as this. This is not something I seek to do it just wells up inside of me. When the presence of God is strong in a church service it wells up inside of me and it comes forth with a simple word like Glory or Praise. I am trying to think of the right words to describe what actually happens to me. OK here's the example I am being shown. Think of a 2 liter bottle of pop, do you have that image in your mind? Great. Now shake that bottle of pop vigorously and then release the lid from the bottle and open it up to the air. What happens? It bubbles over right. Now, that only happens if it is not a bottle of pop that for whatever reason is flat. That is the best way to describe what happens to me. It is in the moment when the presence of God is near me that it begins to well up or bubble up inside of me and then it comes forth in the form of a word that comes out of me. I have found that the words most often coming forth out of me are: glory, praise and Jesus.
Just because a person is part of a worship team at church does not necessarily mean that they are called or anointed to sing. There are people all across this land that think they are suppose to be there but they are up there for another motive. Some are seeking fame and recognition. That unfortunately is reality. It is the worship leaders job to seek the Lord as to who has a pure and sincere heart for worship. You see, the anointing can be tainted by those that are there for the wrong purpose or motive. It is leaderships responsibility to know who they are placing up their on the altar or platform. It goes beyond the simple question of whether or not they tithe and attend church. Seek the Lord for more insight and He will show you if their lifestyle also lines up with the bible. I have been at church services in which the right songs are being sung and the people are praising God but something is off a bit and the anointing is not flowing like it should be. It is in those moments that I pause and ask the Lord to send in angels to act as a smoke screen so to speak. Like they are stationed there across the platform as a sieve to filter out the junk that is spewing forth from people that are singing but not living right.
This is very important to know, when you gather people to be a part of a praise team or choir and there are people not living the right life outside of church that junk in their life is now subject to the people in the congregation. Have you ever experienced this at church? You are worshipping and then all of a sudden a heavy feeling sort of comes over you. It wasn't there when you left your home or entered the church. It didn't happen until you started to praise at church. That can be one of the reasons. Now, I am not saying that is the only reason for that. The main thing I would check first is if I was right with God and that I did not harbor anything like anger or disdain for another in my heart. If you know that you are OK with the Lord and your fellow brethren then start seeking why this has happened to you. If I were a worship leader I would make it mandatory for each member to go through a deliverance. Deliverance sets a person free of all the junk that was built up in their life from the past and even their current situation. Not always is the current lifestyle the hindrance for the anointing to flow. They may be living a very clean life with the Lord and it is the former/past life (meaning pre-Christian, born again experience) that is holding them back. I implore worship/choir directors to help your members to attain all that they are to attain while walking their Christian life. Do not just gather to learn songs. Gather to teach them how to usher in the presence of God. It all starts and flows downward from the worship leader themselves.
Now, go forth and bring your anointing with you and your song of praise inside of you to your church service today and just see what the Lord will do. Do not slack off today and not attend church because it is a man made holiday today, Valentine's Day. Take the love inside of your heart today and share it with the family of God.
I can be driving in my car or listening to worship music at home and I begin to thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed upon my life and it will bring tears to my eyes (as it is doing right now as I write about this.) As I write this now there is no music on it is the song that is in my heart today. It can be something as simple as the tears that well up in your eyes as you begin to think of all that He has done for you. It can be with the shout of the Lord at a church service when the glory of God fills the room. I can only describe it as this. This is not something I seek to do it just wells up inside of me. When the presence of God is strong in a church service it wells up inside of me and it comes forth with a simple word like Glory or Praise. I am trying to think of the right words to describe what actually happens to me. OK here's the example I am being shown. Think of a 2 liter bottle of pop, do you have that image in your mind? Great. Now shake that bottle of pop vigorously and then release the lid from the bottle and open it up to the air. What happens? It bubbles over right. Now, that only happens if it is not a bottle of pop that for whatever reason is flat. That is the best way to describe what happens to me. It is in the moment when the presence of God is near me that it begins to well up or bubble up inside of me and then it comes forth in the form of a word that comes out of me. I have found that the words most often coming forth out of me are: glory, praise and Jesus.
Just because a person is part of a worship team at church does not necessarily mean that they are called or anointed to sing. There are people all across this land that think they are suppose to be there but they are up there for another motive. Some are seeking fame and recognition. That unfortunately is reality. It is the worship leaders job to seek the Lord as to who has a pure and sincere heart for worship. You see, the anointing can be tainted by those that are there for the wrong purpose or motive. It is leaderships responsibility to know who they are placing up their on the altar or platform. It goes beyond the simple question of whether or not they tithe and attend church. Seek the Lord for more insight and He will show you if their lifestyle also lines up with the bible. I have been at church services in which the right songs are being sung and the people are praising God but something is off a bit and the anointing is not flowing like it should be. It is in those moments that I pause and ask the Lord to send in angels to act as a smoke screen so to speak. Like they are stationed there across the platform as a sieve to filter out the junk that is spewing forth from people that are singing but not living right.
This is very important to know, when you gather people to be a part of a praise team or choir and there are people not living the right life outside of church that junk in their life is now subject to the people in the congregation. Have you ever experienced this at church? You are worshipping and then all of a sudden a heavy feeling sort of comes over you. It wasn't there when you left your home or entered the church. It didn't happen until you started to praise at church. That can be one of the reasons. Now, I am not saying that is the only reason for that. The main thing I would check first is if I was right with God and that I did not harbor anything like anger or disdain for another in my heart. If you know that you are OK with the Lord and your fellow brethren then start seeking why this has happened to you. If I were a worship leader I would make it mandatory for each member to go through a deliverance. Deliverance sets a person free of all the junk that was built up in their life from the past and even their current situation. Not always is the current lifestyle the hindrance for the anointing to flow. They may be living a very clean life with the Lord and it is the former/past life (meaning pre-Christian, born again experience) that is holding them back. I implore worship/choir directors to help your members to attain all that they are to attain while walking their Christian life. Do not just gather to learn songs. Gather to teach them how to usher in the presence of God. It all starts and flows downward from the worship leader themselves.
Now, go forth and bring your anointing with you and your song of praise inside of you to your church service today and just see what the Lord will do. Do not slack off today and not attend church because it is a man made holiday today, Valentine's Day. Take the love inside of your heart today and share it with the family of God.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Mark 7: 34 Ephphatha
I fasted Thursday morning for breakfast. I was prompted by Holy Spirit to make for the first time, homemade cream of tomato soup and focaccia bread. I was then on a mission, I traded my chef hat in for a delivery person hat so to speak. When you least expect it you end up being the one that gets blessed in the midst of Holy Spirit work. I truly love this work and have a passion for reaching out to others. I do not share my experiences with you in a boasting manner please know this about me. I have a concern that others have a heart to reach out to help others, they just may need a few ideas along the way to get them started. Please know that what I share with you are not my ideas they are by the inspiration of Holy Spirit. I then act upon them. Remember, it is good to be willing and obedient when the voice and prompting of Holy Spirit beckons you forth to do a bit of kingdom work.
There may be a neighbor or a friend/relative in a nursing home/assisted living facility that needs a bit of company, along with a healthy snack to not only warm their tummy but your presence will warm their heart.
One of my stops Thursday was to the nursing home. I had a very pleasant visit with my friend and her roommates. As usual, at the conclusion of the visit all four of us sang 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' and then we clapped. I noticed that when we sing together for the brief few minutes we sing it brings smiles upon their faces. When I visited with her Thursday I reminded her of what happens when God is present during praise and worship. She remembered a particular song (as I shared with her an explanation) at church when she use to attend.
We were talking about the anointing and she was wondering why her hand began to ever so gently shake/quiver when I placed a particular object in her hands that day. We talked about this and I reminded her that when the anointing and the presence of God is somewhere or in something the manifest presence of God can come forth with this gentle shaking that flows through the hand(s.) I do not know if you ever have seen the tangible presence of God in praise/worship at church. I have experienced this several times. Not all the time. You are so caught up in worship and the presence of God is pronounced that the tangible presence actually flows through your physical body. I can only describe it this way, as your hands are raised in worship a gentle quiver begins to come forth through your hand(s.) It does not hurt or anything like that it just happens. You are not seeking it out or anything like that. I guess I would compare it to this...if you are a true worshipper and your heart is right with the Lord and He knows you are sincere. That you are not looking for anything or asking for anything from God you are just there worshipping Him with all that you are, in that moment of reaching your hands upward as a sign of surrender to Him it is as though He reaches to you and you become blessed with His presence. This has not happened for quite a while to me until recently it happened the other day. Maybe God is about to do something really big in this region and He is calling forth the worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth?
I placed this certain object in her hands several times throughout the visit and when it was held in her hands that tangible presence of God was evident. When I would remove it from her hands the gentle shaking/quiver would stop. This object was so anointed with the presence of God that she felt compelled to place this object on her aching legs, her heart area and her forehead. I can only describe it like this. Throughout the years she has been my Holy Spirit barometer so to speak. When I would write and share it with her her reaction would be my confirmation that God was in it so to speak. When I would share with her something not so good without letting her know what the total situation was she would also confirm to me that I was right with not feeling comfortable with something or someone. I knew things were not of God when she would get a not good feeling and she would always motion her hands as if she was shooing something away from her that signaled to me that it definitely was not of God and to be cautious. The Lord really does use her in this capacity.
On Thursday evening my pastor taught the church on the word "Ephphatha." In Mark 7:34it states: "And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him Ephphatha, that is, Be opened." He shared with us to be opened to your greatness. Let Jesus be seen and felt and have access to Jesus and the people access to Him. Since I am sharing briefly about this openness I feel inspired to also write and share with you how I was taught about "resting in the spirit." Several years ago while I was still a practicing Catholic I would attend a monthly healing service after one of the masses. A dear husband and his wife would call you up onto the altar (this was after the church service concluded) and you would share with them your prayer need. As they would be praying with me I would find myself ever so naturally and gracefully falling backward. Someone would be there to catch me so to speak as I would fall backward and then I would lay on the altar floor. I asked her one day why this happened to me and what was it. She explained it ever so beautiful to me with the selection of words she chose. She said there are times when the Lord wanted to minister to me and as I would lay there it was called "resting in the spirit." It was time that the Lord wanted me to rest in His presence. You have probably heard people say that a preacher pushed them backward and that is why they fell backward. I am here to tell you that that has never been my experience.
There is nothing wrong with the tangible presence of God being a part of a church service. The demonstration and true presence of God will be the thing to draw in unbelievers. To be able to experience the Lord will cause even the hardest heart to break the solid shield/barrier around their heart. To expose the tender heart that is just waiting to break forth. Do not have fear of these moves of God, as long as there is order in the church service and things are not running crazy it is OK to allow Holy Spirit to have His way in a church service. So, do not judge others when they speak of this or if you have the occasion to see this happen. It is in those moments while the person in resting (in the presence of the Lord) on the floor that there can be great healing taking place in that persons life. I share these things with you so you have knowledge. If it is the case that you do not fall backward and you remain standing at the altar, the Lord can still heal you in that position also.
If I, being a former Catholic girl raised in a pretty mainline religion, in which I followed rules and protocol, can be taught that there is a world out there that exists beyond the secure walls of religion, surely you too can be open to experiencing God in a way that you may have never known before. I extend an open invitation to you to seek the Lord while you still can and He will direct your path and don't forget to lean not on your own understanding for He will direct your path. Let God be God and you be a willing vessel that He can flow through you as He would best flow through you. He knows you for He created you and He knows your personality and the talents that are inside of you, let Him flow.
There may be a neighbor or a friend/relative in a nursing home/assisted living facility that needs a bit of company, along with a healthy snack to not only warm their tummy but your presence will warm their heart.
One of my stops Thursday was to the nursing home. I had a very pleasant visit with my friend and her roommates. As usual, at the conclusion of the visit all four of us sang 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart' and then we clapped. I noticed that when we sing together for the brief few minutes we sing it brings smiles upon their faces. When I visited with her Thursday I reminded her of what happens when God is present during praise and worship. She remembered a particular song (as I shared with her an explanation) at church when she use to attend.
We were talking about the anointing and she was wondering why her hand began to ever so gently shake/quiver when I placed a particular object in her hands that day. We talked about this and I reminded her that when the anointing and the presence of God is somewhere or in something the manifest presence of God can come forth with this gentle shaking that flows through the hand(s.) I do not know if you ever have seen the tangible presence of God in praise/worship at church. I have experienced this several times. Not all the time. You are so caught up in worship and the presence of God is pronounced that the tangible presence actually flows through your physical body. I can only describe it this way, as your hands are raised in worship a gentle quiver begins to come forth through your hand(s.) It does not hurt or anything like that it just happens. You are not seeking it out or anything like that. I guess I would compare it to this...if you are a true worshipper and your heart is right with the Lord and He knows you are sincere. That you are not looking for anything or asking for anything from God you are just there worshipping Him with all that you are, in that moment of reaching your hands upward as a sign of surrender to Him it is as though He reaches to you and you become blessed with His presence. This has not happened for quite a while to me until recently it happened the other day. Maybe God is about to do something really big in this region and He is calling forth the worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth?
I placed this certain object in her hands several times throughout the visit and when it was held in her hands that tangible presence of God was evident. When I would remove it from her hands the gentle shaking/quiver would stop. This object was so anointed with the presence of God that she felt compelled to place this object on her aching legs, her heart area and her forehead. I can only describe it like this. Throughout the years she has been my Holy Spirit barometer so to speak. When I would write and share it with her her reaction would be my confirmation that God was in it so to speak. When I would share with her something not so good without letting her know what the total situation was she would also confirm to me that I was right with not feeling comfortable with something or someone. I knew things were not of God when she would get a not good feeling and she would always motion her hands as if she was shooing something away from her that signaled to me that it definitely was not of God and to be cautious. The Lord really does use her in this capacity.
On Thursday evening my pastor taught the church on the word "Ephphatha." In Mark 7:34it states: "And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him Ephphatha, that is, Be opened." He shared with us to be opened to your greatness. Let Jesus be seen and felt and have access to Jesus and the people access to Him. Since I am sharing briefly about this openness I feel inspired to also write and share with you how I was taught about "resting in the spirit." Several years ago while I was still a practicing Catholic I would attend a monthly healing service after one of the masses. A dear husband and his wife would call you up onto the altar (this was after the church service concluded) and you would share with them your prayer need. As they would be praying with me I would find myself ever so naturally and gracefully falling backward. Someone would be there to catch me so to speak as I would fall backward and then I would lay on the altar floor. I asked her one day why this happened to me and what was it. She explained it ever so beautiful to me with the selection of words she chose. She said there are times when the Lord wanted to minister to me and as I would lay there it was called "resting in the spirit." It was time that the Lord wanted me to rest in His presence. You have probably heard people say that a preacher pushed them backward and that is why they fell backward. I am here to tell you that that has never been my experience.
There is nothing wrong with the tangible presence of God being a part of a church service. The demonstration and true presence of God will be the thing to draw in unbelievers. To be able to experience the Lord will cause even the hardest heart to break the solid shield/barrier around their heart. To expose the tender heart that is just waiting to break forth. Do not have fear of these moves of God, as long as there is order in the church service and things are not running crazy it is OK to allow Holy Spirit to have His way in a church service. So, do not judge others when they speak of this or if you have the occasion to see this happen. It is in those moments while the person in resting (in the presence of the Lord) on the floor that there can be great healing taking place in that persons life. I share these things with you so you have knowledge. If it is the case that you do not fall backward and you remain standing at the altar, the Lord can still heal you in that position also.
If I, being a former Catholic girl raised in a pretty mainline religion, in which I followed rules and protocol, can be taught that there is a world out there that exists beyond the secure walls of religion, surely you too can be open to experiencing God in a way that you may have never known before. I extend an open invitation to you to seek the Lord while you still can and He will direct your path and don't forget to lean not on your own understanding for He will direct your path. Let God be God and you be a willing vessel that He can flow through you as He would best flow through you. He knows you for He created you and He knows your personality and the talents that are inside of you, let Him flow.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Let Me Encourage You To Keep Blessing Others. When You Least Expect It You May Come Across One Of Those You Blessed.
I really must share this with you today. Keep your ears tuned to the direction of Holy Spirit and He surely will direct your path. I had errands to do again today but no distance in travel to achieve them. They were all local. I knew I had to stop at a local store to pick up an item before I could go and complete an errand on my list. Sure enough as I was in line at the checkout counter I ran across a very kind woman that I helped plan her daughter's wedding several years ago when I was an Event Coordinator. We struck up a conversation and she reminded me that she still has a book I gave to her, she said it was a Thomas Kincaide (not sure of the spelling, he creates the beautiful paintings) book. Do you see my point in the title I wrote today? I did this blessing act probably five or so years ago and this woman still remembers that kindness today and that she still has the book. Do not underestimate the power of God when He calls you to bless someone. That simple gesture(that you may think it is) could be just the thing a person was crying out for in their life at the very moment you come across their path to bless them. Again, I was going about my day and gathering what I needed to get to the post office today, thank you notes and little care packages to send off to those that the Lord placed upon my heart. Some of them contained buckeye candy that I made for the first time. You see, it does not have to be huge gifts, trust in Holy Spirit and try it. Send out a package to someone today and let them know that they are a blessing in your life. It can be something as simple as a Christian card with a scripture verse inside of it. While you are at the store selecting the very card let Holy Spirit guide you as to which card/bible verse is just the very one that person needs to hear. I can guarantee you this...more than likely the person that receives the card will somehow tell you it was just what they needed to hear.
When I arrived back home I checked the mail and sure enough there was a card for me from my mother. A Valentine's Day card with a few bucks tucked inside to go and enjoy a breakfast, amongst a few other things like two recipes she thought I would enjoy. You see you did not know this, earlier yesterday I wanted to go out for breakfast and then I debated if I really wanted to spend the money on that. There is a place in town that makes very good Belgian waffles and I could have stopped there today but I tend to rationalize things a lot. I try to use this as a rule of thumb if there is something I really like, do I really need it or not is what I think to myself. On this thought today I thought to myself I could really just drive to a store that carries the Belgian waffle mix that I like and then I can come home and make some. Even at that I decided that I really did not want to drive 15 minutes away to get the mix and then have to come home and make them. I guess I really won't have to debate this today if I choose to go out for breakfast.
It really is a very good waffle. You can even order 1/2 a waffle if you choose. This is the very restaurant where an older gentleman treated me to breakfast ( I did not know it until I went to pay the bill) as a kindness/blessing to me because I struck up a conversation with him. I found out that he recently lost his wife that he loved very much and I could see he was struggling with it. It was around Easter time last year and I suggested to him that maybe he should attend the church that she use to attend for Easter and he could feel a bit nearer to her that day. He told the owner that he wanted to pay for my breakfast because I was kind to him.
I did not start out my day that day seeking a complimentary breakfast, I started my day out as a willing vessel to reach out to those that need a touch of kindness from Jesus through me. I did not have to have the conversation or continue it but if you train your ear and heart to hear pain in a person's voice/story you will have empathy and let them share with you. Sometimes it is OK to just be the listener right? Other times it really is OK to have dialogue too. I really must tell you this, when that gentleman paid for my breakfast that day it was the very first time I ever experienced that. You always hear about those type of stories and up until that point they were just stories to me. Now, I can say that I experienced that myself.
When I arrived back home I checked the mail and sure enough there was a card for me from my mother. A Valentine's Day card with a few bucks tucked inside to go and enjoy a breakfast, amongst a few other things like two recipes she thought I would enjoy. You see you did not know this, earlier yesterday I wanted to go out for breakfast and then I debated if I really wanted to spend the money on that. There is a place in town that makes very good Belgian waffles and I could have stopped there today but I tend to rationalize things a lot. I try to use this as a rule of thumb if there is something I really like, do I really need it or not is what I think to myself. On this thought today I thought to myself I could really just drive to a store that carries the Belgian waffle mix that I like and then I can come home and make some. Even at that I decided that I really did not want to drive 15 minutes away to get the mix and then have to come home and make them. I guess I really won't have to debate this today if I choose to go out for breakfast.
It really is a very good waffle. You can even order 1/2 a waffle if you choose. This is the very restaurant where an older gentleman treated me to breakfast ( I did not know it until I went to pay the bill) as a kindness/blessing to me because I struck up a conversation with him. I found out that he recently lost his wife that he loved very much and I could see he was struggling with it. It was around Easter time last year and I suggested to him that maybe he should attend the church that she use to attend for Easter and he could feel a bit nearer to her that day. He told the owner that he wanted to pay for my breakfast because I was kind to him.
I did not start out my day that day seeking a complimentary breakfast, I started my day out as a willing vessel to reach out to those that need a touch of kindness from Jesus through me. I did not have to have the conversation or continue it but if you train your ear and heart to hear pain in a person's voice/story you will have empathy and let them share with you. Sometimes it is OK to just be the listener right? Other times it really is OK to have dialogue too. I really must tell you this, when that gentleman paid for my breakfast that day it was the very first time I ever experienced that. You always hear about those type of stories and up until that point they were just stories to me. Now, I can say that I experienced that myself.
Let Me Share With You Yesterday's Adventure That I Had.
Why does the Lord use me lately in the midst of snow storms? I am beginning to see the fullness in this. Holy Spirit challenges me lately when it seems to be on days in which we are experiencing snow storms. Yesterday was one of those days. I knew I had to head to North Olmsted but before that I had to venture to a country store. I arrived at the country store to find out that they did not have in stock the items that I needed. I was quite surprised at the condition of the roads in which I travelled on yesterday, they were pretty clear. I finished all of my chores yesterday and I asked Holy Spirit at the beginning of my day's journey why He would send me out in this weather? I kind of expected to hear the answer that I heard...That I am to have no fear or back down because of weather when He calls me forth to do something. It is all part of my learning/grooming process. If I am not obedient in small promptings how can I be obedient and not miss His nudging when it comes to the bigger opportunities? The safest place to be is in the cleft of the rock so to speak. That means that you are working with Holy Spirit and not against Him. You will at times miss the mark but that is also part of the learning process. In those moments you just ask forgiveness and move forward and hopefully you learned from that experience.
It really is quite fun and an adventure when He sends me forth. I can describe it almost like a treasure hunt, you may wonder why I chose that comparison? The reason being that you hear the small, still voice that gently guides you from one location to the next and so forth. When I arrived at home I had the best surprise awaiting me in the mailbox. A piece of correspondence from a friend. Words of encouragement to me that this person received when they prayed for me. This friend also blessed me with a gift. The important part of this was that my friend also followed the voice of Holy Spirit the other day when He prompted this person to write me a note of encouragement. Reminding me that when praying for me they were shown me standing in the boldness of the Lord and to not allow the enemy to tell me any differently. They were right, I was reminded that the boldness my friend spoke of comes forth when I sit down at my computer to write what I write for you to read.
Just because I was home for the evening did not mean that my work was done for the day. I had to gather items that need to be mailed and delivered to family and friends either as an act of thanks or for Valentine's Day well wishes. My godchild will be going on a mission trip this Spring and Holy Spirit prompted me that very evening to create four bracelets for her to bless children with. I did and they are each unique. I just know that the particular children that will receive them will love them also. You see, while you are going about your day doing the Lord's bidding He is also having others do the same in their lives and when you least expect it the blessing comes upon you and runs you over so to speak. Do not forget that when you are blessed to take the first portion and listen to the Lord as to where it will be planted. I did and I love the work that I do. When I have a day like today it makes me yearn for the day when I will be able to do this all the time.
Do not be afraid of stepping out in faith when Holy Spirit prompts you to. I can only describe it like this...at the end of the day when you lay your head upon your pillow and reflect the day that you just experienced, a gentle smile will come forth on your face and your heart will be overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord and His love. Why would you not want to step out in faith as Holy Spirit leads you so you too can also experience this? It truly is fun and such a marvelous adventure when you are sent on a Holy Spirit journey. Strive to cultivate hearing the small, still voice of Holy Spirit and you will look back and wonder why you did not do this sooner than now.
It really is quite fun and an adventure when He sends me forth. I can describe it almost like a treasure hunt, you may wonder why I chose that comparison? The reason being that you hear the small, still voice that gently guides you from one location to the next and so forth. When I arrived at home I had the best surprise awaiting me in the mailbox. A piece of correspondence from a friend. Words of encouragement to me that this person received when they prayed for me. This friend also blessed me with a gift. The important part of this was that my friend also followed the voice of Holy Spirit the other day when He prompted this person to write me a note of encouragement. Reminding me that when praying for me they were shown me standing in the boldness of the Lord and to not allow the enemy to tell me any differently. They were right, I was reminded that the boldness my friend spoke of comes forth when I sit down at my computer to write what I write for you to read.
Just because I was home for the evening did not mean that my work was done for the day. I had to gather items that need to be mailed and delivered to family and friends either as an act of thanks or for Valentine's Day well wishes. My godchild will be going on a mission trip this Spring and Holy Spirit prompted me that very evening to create four bracelets for her to bless children with. I did and they are each unique. I just know that the particular children that will receive them will love them also. You see, while you are going about your day doing the Lord's bidding He is also having others do the same in their lives and when you least expect it the blessing comes upon you and runs you over so to speak. Do not forget that when you are blessed to take the first portion and listen to the Lord as to where it will be planted. I did and I love the work that I do. When I have a day like today it makes me yearn for the day when I will be able to do this all the time.
Do not be afraid of stepping out in faith when Holy Spirit prompts you to. I can only describe it like this...at the end of the day when you lay your head upon your pillow and reflect the day that you just experienced, a gentle smile will come forth on your face and your heart will be overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord and His love. Why would you not want to step out in faith as Holy Spirit leads you so you too can also experience this? It truly is fun and such a marvelous adventure when you are sent on a Holy Spirit journey. Strive to cultivate hearing the small, still voice of Holy Spirit and you will look back and wonder why you did not do this sooner than now.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
This Was Written In 1996
11/13/1996
I started to attend a bible study for the first time; it was not affiliated with the Catholic Church. This prayer I composed for the bible study.
Dear gracious and loving God we ask of you this evening to extend your grace upon us this evening. Enlighten us through the working of the Holy Spirit. Fill our minds and beings with your ever-loving and gracious presence. Allow each and everyone of us to remove our egos and opinions from this hour or so. To let us become filled with the love and presence of the Holy Spirit. Inspire our minds, touch our hearts, open our ears to the words that are spoken this night. Bless us with wisdom, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Let some of us become inspired by the words of Scripture, let others of us become filled with the words of the Holy Spirit. As you become inspired and you feel a tugging at your hearts to share the inspirations bestowed upon you, open up to the others amongst you this night. And always, we give praises to God the Almighty Father.
Years prior to this date, I purchased a prayer card from the Lourdes Shrine in Euclid, Oh. I would say this prayer repeatedly and this night I prayed it with our small group at the closing of our 2ND session of bible study. I changed it to the plural form; it was composed in the singular form.
Oh Holy Spirit, beloved of our souls. We adore you. Enlighten us, guide us, strengthen us, console us. Tell us what to do, give us your orders. We promise to submit ourselves to all that you desire of us and to accept all that you permit to happen to us. Let us only do your will. Amen.
I started to attend a bible study for the first time; it was not affiliated with the Catholic Church. This prayer I composed for the bible study.
Dear gracious and loving God we ask of you this evening to extend your grace upon us this evening. Enlighten us through the working of the Holy Spirit. Fill our minds and beings with your ever-loving and gracious presence. Allow each and everyone of us to remove our egos and opinions from this hour or so. To let us become filled with the love and presence of the Holy Spirit. Inspire our minds, touch our hearts, open our ears to the words that are spoken this night. Bless us with wisdom, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Let some of us become inspired by the words of Scripture, let others of us become filled with the words of the Holy Spirit. As you become inspired and you feel a tugging at your hearts to share the inspirations bestowed upon you, open up to the others amongst you this night. And always, we give praises to God the Almighty Father.
Years prior to this date, I purchased a prayer card from the Lourdes Shrine in Euclid, Oh. I would say this prayer repeatedly and this night I prayed it with our small group at the closing of our 2ND session of bible study. I changed it to the plural form; it was composed in the singular form.
Oh Holy Spirit, beloved of our souls. We adore you. Enlighten us, guide us, strengthen us, console us. Tell us what to do, give us your orders. We promise to submit ourselves to all that you desire of us and to accept all that you permit to happen to us. Let us only do your will. Amen.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Look What I Found In Todays Snow Storm. Something I Could Not Find In The Last Snow Storm.
Well, I do love a good challenge don't I! Today was the day that I had to drop my daughter off at the airport for her to head back home. I was on a mission after I did a few errands. I learned how to make split pea soup earlier today. I was pleased with the way it turned out. After I completed my errands and I was heading home it began to snow. I was up against the clock both with it still remaining daylight and that too much snow would not begin to accumulate for the mission at hand. Today was the day for whatever reason that I was to trek over to the high school stadium and find the brick that I made a donation for and had the very words inscribed upon it many years ago. Remember, I wrote about it weeks ago when we had the last snow storm and I spent time outside in the midst of the storm to no avail that day. Well, another storm was clearly beginning to converge upon our community and I was not in my winter coat today. I walked across the football field and began to hunt for the marker stone. Again I cleared the snow off with using my feet as the makeshift broom so to speak. And to my sweet surprise I was not out there very long when I found the marker. I quickly took a few pictures and I was on my way home.
On my journey today I was playing praise music in the car and I just love when Holy Spirit drops one of those sweet statements of encouragement in me. It is when you least expect it that He will capture your attention and bless you. I believe this happened today because earlier in the day when I was walking I shared with Holy Spirit that I was willing to let go of something and that I was perfectly at peace with it also. It was later in the day that He assured me to not let go of it. I felt for a brief moment almost like Abraham when he was willing to let go of Issac. Once he let go and God saw his true heart the ram suddenly became apparent to him and his Issac was set free so to speak.
It seems to be that when you are least expecting something or not looking for something that is when God can move in and show Himself strong on your behalf and in your life. Why do you think that is? I believe it is for the mere fact that God will truly get all of the glory in the situation or circumstance in your life. You see, when you are seeking and looking for something it is so very easy and tempting to put people and situations in your life that will allow you to create what you were seeking after. When you are not looking or seeking it is God that brings the people and circumstances into your life because He is the ultimate creator. He creates out of nothing. Who then gets all of the glory? You are right if you answered God.
Why fret and worry about things in your life because your worrying can cause you to miss hearing from Holy Spirit. It is easier said than done. Do you agree? I believe that that is the hardest thing to control when you are going through things in your life. To keep your mind and heart clear of worry. Does not the bible tell us to not worry about tomorrow for there is enough to worry about the day at hand? Or something to that effect. I was blessed today with the simple things in life like loving my daughter and being able to take her to the airport. Letting her try split peas soup before she left today and teaching her how to make the Italian salad dressing that I make when I make salad. It was kind of fun. She asked me how I learned how to make it. I told her that my mother always made it that way and I believe both of my grandmothers did the same. She joked with me and said we should bottle and sell it. If I would have allowed worry to take control I would have missed out on some great stuff today. Not only once did Holy Spirit speak to me but He spoke a second time to me today with more words of encouragement. I just love those golden nuggets that drop in your lap so to speak. The only appropriate way to end this writing today is with the words that are etched upon the marker stone:
TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Greatest Of These Is Love
Yesterday was a day filled with mixed blessings. As I attended a funeral I was handed the most beautiful pink rose. I was able to hold onto it for a brief period of time and then I was to release it as I placed it upon a coffin as a symbol of a farewell to a very dear person. As we were walking into the church for the service the sun was shining outside and it was as though the bitter cold weather broke for us to fulfill the days agenda.
Even in situations in which you may be the outsider so to speak God can use you to bring life, happiness and comfort to another. That is what He is looking for. How easy it is for you to do this when you know and love someone in your life. Are you willing to extend this life, happiness and comfort to another that is not in that category? Let me share with you a few scriptures that address God's love for us. A love that has to overlook our sin-sick bodies that have been covered with the blood of His only Son, Jesus. When we are seen through that light so to speak we are beautiful to Him just as the beautiful pink rose that I held in my hand for a few brief moments in time.
John 17: 22-26: "I have given them the glory that you gave me. I did this so that they are united in the same way we are. I am in them, and you are in me. So they are completely united. In this way the world knows that you have sent me and that you have loved them in the same way you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given to me to be with me, to be where I am. I want then to see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the world was made. Righteous Father, the world didn't know you. Yet, I knew you, and these disciples have known that you sent me. I have made your name known to them, and I will make it known so that the love you have for me will be in them and I will be in them."
Romans 8: 37-39: "The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation."
Ephesians 2: 4-8: "But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God."
1 John 3: 16-18: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God's love be in that person if he doesn't bother to help the other believer? Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words."
When I looked up the meaning behind the color pink in my banner chart of colors it states this: Right relationship, compassion, joy. Is that not what each and everyone of us that claims the name of Jesus and are called Christians should have in their hearts and operating in their lives? If it is not operating in your life then you should stop and take a moment to examine your life and see where/when it stopped operating in your life. For, those that confess to be a Christian and they do not operate in love is causing the cause of Christ to be tarnished. Repent of your coldness of heart and renew your spirit with the Holy Spirit. I have a little heart-shaped plaque that my mother gave to me and it states, "Let Your Heart Guide Your Soul." Do not let it be the other way around OK. For your heart is where Jesus reigns and your soul is the fleshly part of yourself. If Jesus is truly reigning in your life then the fleshly stuff can be subsided a bit. Imagine what happens when it is the reverse...all hell breaks out so to speak. Trust in the Lord your God and lean not on your own understanding and He will make your crooked paths straight. Let me share with you a writing I did in which it talks a little bit about the paths you walk on.
WHEAT FIELD PROPHETIC 6/8/08
As I went walking I walked aside an expansive field of wheat that is growing. The Lord had me observe that as the wheat grew to waist high no matter how far the field was in the distance you could see the weeds that grew in the midst of this expansive field. Not a lot but there were enough scattered amongst the wheat to cause your eyes to see them. As the wheat grows in a normal growth pattern the weeds are higher than the wheat’s growth which allows you to spot them and point them out easily.
Another facet the Holy Spirit brought to my attention there were paths within this field. You could vaguely see them if you were close enough to see one and then follow it with your eyes, but only to a point. Therefore, you were not able to see the paths in their fullness or the pattern that was created.
The Holy Spirit is showing me that as the church continues to grow it is very obvious of the weeds or those that are planted within the church that their sole purpose is to try and thwart the move of God. The larger the church grows the more obvious they become and it is the churches responsibility to find them and correct them in love so as to allow them to make a choice to turn from their wicked ways and join the move of God. If they choose to not turn around then the church must deal with them so as to not allow them to move forward and try to thwart this.
That is why it is most imperative to seek the Lord while there still is time and to come up higher & higher & higher, etc. with the Lord. For when you are high up with the Lord you are then able to see the fullness of the paths that have been created and those that see can then be led to where they need to go, for the church to be able to see the path of this move of God. When you are up high you can then see the fullness of everything, the field of wheat, the weeds, and the path or paths and you will know what to avoid. If you would have taken that wrong turn here or there you would then be off of the path, but when you are high up with me saith the Lord I can show you things and direct you so as to not be off of the path.
I also saw two dead birds on the road that I walked alongside of this field. That is to represent that the enemy is here to steal, kill, and destroy and when you are a far distance away from the dead carcass on the road you are not able to see it until you approach it within a distance that you are capable of viewing it.
That is why it is imperative to be up higher & closer to Me saith the Lord of Hosts so as to not fall into the snares of the enemy and by the time a person comes along and discovers you-at that point it is too late the damage has already been done.
Watch careful and pray hard both in your own language and in the Holy Spirit and most important-rest in Me so as to not be taken by surprise by the enemy saith the Lord.
Even in situations in which you may be the outsider so to speak God can use you to bring life, happiness and comfort to another. That is what He is looking for. How easy it is for you to do this when you know and love someone in your life. Are you willing to extend this life, happiness and comfort to another that is not in that category? Let me share with you a few scriptures that address God's love for us. A love that has to overlook our sin-sick bodies that have been covered with the blood of His only Son, Jesus. When we are seen through that light so to speak we are beautiful to Him just as the beautiful pink rose that I held in my hand for a few brief moments in time.
John 17: 22-26: "I have given them the glory that you gave me. I did this so that they are united in the same way we are. I am in them, and you are in me. So they are completely united. In this way the world knows that you have sent me and that you have loved them in the same way you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given to me to be with me, to be where I am. I want then to see my glory, which you gave me because you loved me before the world was made. Righteous Father, the world didn't know you. Yet, I knew you, and these disciples have known that you sent me. I have made your name known to them, and I will make it known so that the love you have for me will be in them and I will be in them."
Romans 8: 37-39: "The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties. I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation."
Ephesians 2: 4-8: "But God is rich in mercy because of his great love for us. We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God's kindness that saved you.) God has brought us back to life together with Christ Jesus and has given us a position in heaven with him. He did this through Christ Jesus out of his generosity to us in order to show his extremely rich kindness in the world to come. God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God."
1 John 3: 16-18: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers. Now, suppose a person has enough to live on and notices another believer in need. How can God's love be in that person if he doesn't bother to help the other believer? Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words."
When I looked up the meaning behind the color pink in my banner chart of colors it states this: Right relationship, compassion, joy. Is that not what each and everyone of us that claims the name of Jesus and are called Christians should have in their hearts and operating in their lives? If it is not operating in your life then you should stop and take a moment to examine your life and see where/when it stopped operating in your life. For, those that confess to be a Christian and they do not operate in love is causing the cause of Christ to be tarnished. Repent of your coldness of heart and renew your spirit with the Holy Spirit. I have a little heart-shaped plaque that my mother gave to me and it states, "Let Your Heart Guide Your Soul." Do not let it be the other way around OK. For your heart is where Jesus reigns and your soul is the fleshly part of yourself. If Jesus is truly reigning in your life then the fleshly stuff can be subsided a bit. Imagine what happens when it is the reverse...all hell breaks out so to speak. Trust in the Lord your God and lean not on your own understanding and He will make your crooked paths straight. Let me share with you a writing I did in which it talks a little bit about the paths you walk on.
WHEAT FIELD PROPHETIC 6/8/08
As I went walking I walked aside an expansive field of wheat that is growing. The Lord had me observe that as the wheat grew to waist high no matter how far the field was in the distance you could see the weeds that grew in the midst of this expansive field. Not a lot but there were enough scattered amongst the wheat to cause your eyes to see them. As the wheat grows in a normal growth pattern the weeds are higher than the wheat’s growth which allows you to spot them and point them out easily.
Another facet the Holy Spirit brought to my attention there were paths within this field. You could vaguely see them if you were close enough to see one and then follow it with your eyes, but only to a point. Therefore, you were not able to see the paths in their fullness or the pattern that was created.
The Holy Spirit is showing me that as the church continues to grow it is very obvious of the weeds or those that are planted within the church that their sole purpose is to try and thwart the move of God. The larger the church grows the more obvious they become and it is the churches responsibility to find them and correct them in love so as to allow them to make a choice to turn from their wicked ways and join the move of God. If they choose to not turn around then the church must deal with them so as to not allow them to move forward and try to thwart this.
That is why it is most imperative to seek the Lord while there still is time and to come up higher & higher & higher, etc. with the Lord. For when you are high up with the Lord you are then able to see the fullness of the paths that have been created and those that see can then be led to where they need to go, for the church to be able to see the path of this move of God. When you are up high you can then see the fullness of everything, the field of wheat, the weeds, and the path or paths and you will know what to avoid. If you would have taken that wrong turn here or there you would then be off of the path, but when you are high up with me saith the Lord I can show you things and direct you so as to not be off of the path.
I also saw two dead birds on the road that I walked alongside of this field. That is to represent that the enemy is here to steal, kill, and destroy and when you are a far distance away from the dead carcass on the road you are not able to see it until you approach it within a distance that you are capable of viewing it.
That is why it is imperative to be up higher & closer to Me saith the Lord of Hosts so as to not fall into the snares of the enemy and by the time a person comes along and discovers you-at that point it is too late the damage has already been done.
Watch careful and pray hard both in your own language and in the Holy Spirit and most important-rest in Me so as to not be taken by surprise by the enemy saith the Lord.