Bulletin Board

Below you will find last month's prayer letter and the exhortations and reports of victory from many other prayer letters. Occasionally there will be special notices or information. For the current prayer letter click on Prayer Letter above.

Preparing God's People for Works of Service so That the Body of Christ May Be Built up and Become Mature

There are some reading this that know that on September 6th my husband and I had a drastic change in our life. It is what I see now as a detour and I can't be more thankful that God spoke to me so strongly and consistently by His Spirit and most all of the 23 people I asked to intercede for us did not only pray but even wrote or called to encourage us.

I first heard that "great grace would be upon us". I was to pray in faith for favor, wisdom, peace and provision. The hardest part would be that I was to daily trust Him and not be led by my emotions or reasoning. I was not even to entertain doubt but stay in faith knowing that Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I knew that as for me I had trusted too much in uncertain riches this last year and I had to repent for that.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Soon I heard from friends encouraging me with words like; "you are too blessed to be stressed." and praying the Word over me from 3 John 1:2 -

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

I then received three scriptures that spoke to the situation and what my response should be.

So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ Luke 19:13

"Help me, Father to be fearless as I face change and embrace it. My times are in Your hands."

I also was encouraged and knew in my heart that the Lord was with me. I had to not just believe this but act on it by realizing that no matter what I saw, heard or felt there was really nothing to be afraid of anymore.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I soon remembered the vision I had just before this year started and I saw the hand of the Lord lifting me to a higher and brighter path. I knew that when He showed me this He also knew what was going to suddenly happen in our lives on September 6th.

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:18-19

A few mornings later I heard a song that spoke about going from strength to strength.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
They make it a spring;
The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
Each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:5-7

That same morning a devotional came in my e-mail with this scripture that was just what I needed to hear.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5

That evening I was watching an interview on Christian TV that was very timely and it confirmed some of what I heard from the Holy Spirit that morning. I'm not sure who was interviewing him but Andrew Wommack talked about God being with us and as we walk by faith not our feelings and that we were walking in God's presence.

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. John 8:31

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

A reference of one of the above scriptures took me to John 14:15 - “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God... Isaiah 43:1b-3a

This also was a good one for those I was interceding for who were dealing with floods and fires.

When day by day I saw that so many were praying for us; the scripture that first came to my heart was James 5:16 - Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

The last two scriptures I received just before we started to see a breakthrough and our faith became sight were -

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15

I am so thankful that I had a place to run in my time of trouble. God truly is my refuge and as I was seeking and waiting on Him I knew that even this detour would not be wasted. I knew that God was preparing us for a new "faith adventure" (as my husband, Scott called it).

As part of the last days' holy remnant we must know God's heart toward us and that He will make known His plan for His people in the midst of chaos. We can be aware of what is going on around us but we know the importance of turning our attention to God and seeking His face. He will sustain us and meet all our needs. He promises to be light to us especially in dark times. No matter what the devil may be saying we can know that we have acknowledged our sins and what we had done wrong and Jesus, our high priest is now pleading our case. The enemy may say we are failing and falling but we have a blood covenant that shows us we will come through to victory by Christ's righteousness

Scott and my life has been radically changed. There was a major detour and there is no turning back to what was before. It hasn't been an easy 12 days but we have seen God's steps before us and heard His voice. We are praising Him and happy to give Him glorify for how much He has done and what He has shown us in so many ways. To God be the glory great things He has done!

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
“ This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

If you need prayer or have comments or ideas about this prayer letter please write.

We praise the Lord for those who have given a gift of any amount to this ministry. In the last year we have been able to help more of our own financially and also given offerings to ministries that continually feed us on the various groups. We look forward to see what our Faithful Father will do in and through the Spirit and Truth Ministries' family now and until Jesus comes. I am trusting our Lord to give each of you a year filled with answered prayers and all of His best.

* Bob * Charley * J * Jaime * Jay * John * Julie * Kim * Mason * Roberta * Vicky

* Audrey * Bailee * Barbara * Becky * Bob * Bonnie * billy * Cala Sue * Carl * Carolyn * Clair * Crystal * Dale * Doug * E * Ersinia * Faye * Frances * Greg * Gwen * Hilda * Holly * Jaime * Janie * Jason * Jay * Jessica * Joel *Jolly * Karen * Kathy * Linda-Sue * Linda C. * Linda * Lindy * Lolly * Lynn * Melanie * Mildred * Missy * Misty * Monique * Mother Duffy * Orma * Paul * Ralna * Randy * Richard * Robert * Sarah * Scott * Tim * Tina * Will

* Audrey * Becky * Bonnie * Brian * CJ * Crystal * David * Dean * Denton * Holly * Hubert * Jay * Jeff * Jennifer * Jenny * Julie * Kathy * Katie * Lauren * Linda C.* Linda * Lindy * Lou * Lou Anne * Melody * Paul * Pookie * Scott

* Cheryl * Chris * Ersinia * Jackie * Jeff * Jennifer * Katie * Lecresia * Levi * Lil * Linda-Sue * Monique * Paul * Robin * Steven * Wedonna

* Belinda * billy * Bonnie * Chris * Cindy * Deborah * Diane * Faye * J * Jay * Karen * Lecresia * Linda * Linda-Sue * Lindy * Melody * Paul * Rick * Rob * Robert * Robin * Sam * Sara * Scott * Sean * Sharon * Stan * Stephanie * Susan * Sylvia * Tammy * Tim * Tomas

* Audrey * Bola * Bonnie * Carl * Cheryl * CJ *Gail * Jennifer * Julie * Kathy * Kathy Q * Katie * Lecresia * Linda * Lindy * Lisa * Lon * Rick * Scott * Sean * Tina

*Audrey * CJ * Jessica * Jill * Kathy * Kathy Q * Katie * Kelly * Lil * Linda * Linda Lou * Linda-Sue * Lolly * Louie * Mary * Roberta * Scott * Sean * Stacey * Susan

* whether the American people are truly being represented with only 12 in the debt super committee. Are our states being represented in this commitee or is there taxation without representation? So is this committee unconstitutional? This is complicated by the President's most recent Jobs Plan. At the same time national poverty in the US is at a 28 year high. We need answers and less politics and more integrity.

* wisdom needed for leaders in the US government to make right choices for the American people and this nation's economy and to align themselves with Israel.

* for those affected by a severe drought in many counties of TX and the wildfires there.

* for the many affected by the recent hurricanes and flooding that hit the east coast of the US. Pray for those who lost loved ones, their homes and/or vehicles and possessions. Help those who are emotionally dealing with all the damage in their communities as well.

* concerning earthquakes in unusual places like in Virginia and most recently Vancouver.

* the Senators and Congress men and women to use wisdom and represent the people who elected them and not any special interest group that would want to buy their vote or promote their own personal agendas.

* for the water situation in Haiti and in other places of the world where clean, healthy water is needed.

* our leaders in government and the administration here in the US. Give them wisdom and pray for godliness and truth to be seen and experienced remembering that God is in control. May He be exalted! Look up! Know He rules and reigns no matter what we see, hear, think or feel.

* the financial systems in the US who have gone through a major downturn. Continue to pray for this country's economy which is also affecting the world economy

Pray about all we see in the news but don't follow after the media's influence. Seek God for truth and wisdom. Continue to pray for those affected by all that is trying to distracting us and steal our peace. Seek God and remember we belong to His Kingdom and Jesus is our King!

* the thousands who have been displaced and those who have lost loved ones or are wounded in all the world's wars and conflicts.

* the Senate and House - Republicans, Democrats and Independents will work together for the good of this nation and represent those who elected them.

* the human trafficking around the world and even in the United States that enslaves hundreds of thousands of mostly women and children (800,000 captured for enslavement latest statistic)

* for those who lost loved ones in war, the suicide bombings and any weather related disasters

* Pray for wisdom and help to protect children and even adults being abused, kidnapped, killed and in danger in US and around the world.

* Also pray for the unborn especially those facing abortions. Ask that those responsible for the lives of these babies will choose life!!! Also pray for the babies in danger in their mothers' wombs or fighting for their lives in incubators. They need us to stand for them

* President - Barack Obama * Vice President - Joe Biden * House and Senate Leaders including * Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton * Attorney General - Eric Holder * Secretary of Agriculture - Tom Vilsack * Secretary of Commerce - Gary Locke * Secretary of Defense - Robert Gates * Deputy Secretary of Defense - William Lynn * Secretary of Education -Arne Duncan * Secretary of Energy - Steven Chu * Secretary of Health and Human Services - Kathleen Sebilius * Secretary of Homeland Security - Janet Napolitano * Secretary of Housing and Urban Development -Shaun Donovan * Secretary of the Interior - Ken Salazar *Secretary of Labor - Hilda Solis * Secretary of Transportation - Ray LaHood * Secretary of Treasury - Timothy Geithner * Secretary of Veterans Affairs - General Eric K. Shinseki

* White House Chief of Staff - William Daley * National Security Advisor - Tom Donilon * National Intelligence Director - James R. Clapper * Federal Emergency Management Agency Director - William Craig Fugate * Chairman of Federal Reserve Board - Ben Bernanke * CIA Director - Leon Panetta * Director, Faith Based/Community Initiatives - Jay Hein * Director of the Office of Management and Budget - Jacob "Jack" Lew * Environmental Protection Agency Administrator - Lisa Jackson * FBI Director - Robert Mueller III * Director of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms - Kenneth Melson * Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman - Mike Mullen * Office of National Drug Control Policy Director - Gil Kerlikowske * Secret Service Director - Mark Sullivan * Surgeon General - Regina M. Benjamin * United States Trade Representative - Ron Kirk

* John Boehner, Speaker of the House * Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader * Eric Canter, House Majority Leader * Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader * Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader * John Kyl, Senate Republican Whip * Richard Durbin, Senate Democratic Whip * Kevin McCarthy , House Republican Whip * Steny Hoyer, House Democratic Whip

* Chief Justice John Roberts * Samuel Alito * Stephen Breyer * Ruth Bader Ginsburg * Elena Kagan * Anthony Kennedy * Antonin Scalia * Clarence Thomas * Sonia Sotomayor

Pray for all the Branches of the Armed Forces especially for the members who are fighting overseas or in harm's way

* Acts Ministries (FL) * Aglow International * Amazing Grace (TN) * Bellview Freewill Baptist Church (GA) * Calvary Chapel of Capistrano Beach (CA) * Captive Free Ministries (TN) * Christ Church (LA) * Faith Assembly (VA) * Faith Family Church (IL) * Family Christian Center (ME) * Faith Life Church (MO) * Faith Tabernacle (CO) * First Baptist Church of DeBary (FL) * Freedom Fellowship (TN) * Good Shepherd Episcopal (VA) * Harvest Church International (VA) * Haven of Praise (VA) * Heartland (TX) * Highland Church (NY) * Horizon Church (NC) * Immanuel Church (DE) * Joy Ministries (VA) *Jubilee Mountain Church (WV) * Kenneth Copeland Ministries (TX) * Living Word Fellowship (VA) * Middle Creek Church of God (TN) * Mountain Christian Center (CO) * New Covenant Church (TX) * New Direction Ministries and Worship Center (KY) * New Hope Fellowship Church (CO) * Open Bible Holiness Evangelistic Church (IL) * Outreach of Love (TX) * Prayer and Warfare Deliverance Group (VA) * Real Life Assembly of God (SC) * Sozo New Covenant Fellowship (GA) * Spirit & Truth Ministries (TN) * St. Paul Lutheran Church of Bulverde (TX) * The River at Tampa Bay (FL) * The Well (KY) * Times Square Church (NYC) * Victory Worship Center (VA) * West End Tabernacle (TN) * Word of Life Victory Center (FL)

SPIRIT &TRUTH MINISTRIES GROUPS, SPIRIT & TRUTH CHRISTIAN CENTER & THEIR MEMBERS

* Christ Centered Church * Christian Music Lovers * Christian Remnant * End Time Encouragement * Faith-Filled Fellowship * Reflecting Christ * Scripture Prayers * Simply United in Christ * Wave Dancers * Worship in Spirit and Truth

For the last month life has been even more challenging. So many things have been going wrong and after two weeks I decided to stop trying to figure out what was going on. I had to keep myself from getting frustrated and I daily prayed for more of Go'd grace, strength and wisdom. I did ask for prayer from those I knew would pray. A newer friend from Canada wrote right back and reminded me about our focus as believers. I realized that I did it again. I got wiped out by the waves of life because I lost my focus. I repented and then one Sunday in particular I heard from God through His Spirit, through the scriptures and songs for over five hours. I took notes because I didn’t want to forget any of it.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

What really spoke to me is that we are to shine as lights rather than complain or argue. J

I then remembered about others in the Bible who went through difficult times especially the Israelites in the wilderness.

nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 10:10

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9

I remembered how the Israelites complained about the manna and wanted meat instead. I also knew what happened when they got what they craved for.

They soon forgot His works;
They did not wait for His counsel,
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,
And tested God in the desert.
And He gave them their request,
But sent leanness into their soul. Psalm 106:13-15

Leanness of soul; who wants that? Not me. After I repented for using my mouth to talk about the circumstances and getting my focus wrong I asked the Spirit what I was to do next.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. James 5:13

Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:14-15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

I then went back to reading my devotions and even they continued to lead me in the same direction with these scriptures –

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ…1 Peter 1:13

Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!
For the LORD preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:23-24

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I prayed that God would help me to deal with the daily little things that frustrate me and sap my joy. I am not willing to give up any more joy.

The scripture that went with that prayer was Isaiah 49:3 also in the Amplified Bible

And [the Lord] said to me, You are My servant, Israel [you who strive with God and with men and prevail], in whom I will be glorified.

I too want to be not only a child of God and a friend of Jesus but His servant. I too strive with God and with man and oh how I want to prevail and for God to be glorified in and through me.

In the shower Holy Spirit continued to speak to my heart as I heard the words of a verse from the song I wrote, Lord, You Set My Pace in 1988.

Glory to You Lord of all
You chose me, though I'm weak
I answer to Your holy call
I patiently search and seek
For You are the only answer
For the loss of love and hope
So when I see a lost sheep drowning
I'll throw him Your rescue rope

Truly the words that spoke to me and that I needed to hear were “You chose me though I’m weak.”

The enemy may want me to see and dwell on how I failed but like Peter I did get out of the boat but I know now I lost my focus again and the waves wiped me out. Splash I was in the water again. J Oh how I want to be a wave dancer!

At first I was blind to this because in my mind I thought that I was getting up earlier to spend more time with the Lord, I was praying and I was worshiping more than usual. I hadn't stopped ministering either. It just felt like nothing I did was flowing and though I was moving forward it was like waling in quick sand. It was the accumulation of the fiery darts or maybe just testing that was so hard to continue to deal with.

I am seeing that as a servant my heart has to change as well as my focus. I can’t be focused on my own comfort or what others opinions are. I am the Lord’s and so this is the attitude I need to cultivate.

Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Luke 17:9-11

As I was ready to praise and worship Him I heard more from the Spirit saying that if I wanted to go deeper with God to get to true resurrection life that I had to endure all the crosses in my life whatever they may be. I looked at my most reliable examble, Jesus.

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem...Luke 9:51

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

An area where I lack is that I don’t confess the Word out loud enough. I must speak Word confessions out loud for me to hear them when the enemy of my soul works overtime to condemn and distract me. Again this reminded me of our Lord, Jesus.

But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” Luke 4:4

Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. John 14:10

I started to speak outloud what I neded to hear from the scriptures. I started with this one -

I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. This world is not my home. I am an ambassador of heaven – God’s kingdom.

As I was almost done praising and worshiping God that Sunday morning Holy Spirit spoke to me to sing an older chorus this way –

As I finished singing the spiritual song, I Love You, I Love You You’re Everything to me I almost couldn’t finish it as I saw the Lord praying for me as He had Peter.

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:30-32

Satan wanted to sift me as wheat and Jesus prayed for me. Thattouched my heart very powerfully. I also saw clearly what the Lord had been trying to speak to me about when I was struggling at the point of frustration. He wanted me to examine mindsets I had held dear or ones I had for a long time. I admit I didn’t want to look at these as I was still delicate from all that had been going on for what seemed like a long time. He also had shared that I was going through a transition time and that I nor my ministry would be the same. I had to let go of the old to get to the new.

I’m beginning to see that what I am learning will be of help to others who are struggling and I will be used to strengthen those in my life. The picture isn’t completely clear or the puzzle pieces all in place but I am so thankful for all God’s Spirit spoke to me that day. I give Him all the glory!

Now eleven days later the circumstances are the same and I admit I still look at the the life waves to often. I am comforted by knowing that Jesus and others are praying for me. I also have made course corrections and am willing to make more. I am so thankful God speaks to us in the middle of hard times like these. Two scriptures that come to mind now are these -

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
For my soul trusts in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
Until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

This month the Lord has been talking to me by His Spirit and through the holy scriptures more than usual. With all the stress last month I continued to get up even an hour earlier to spend quiet time with the Lord. I am so thankful I did.

As I was seeking Him about what to write in this prayer letter, the Spirit spoke to me about telling about how He led me recently. I pray it will minister to you even though the subjects are quite varied. It will take too much space to type all the scriptures out. I will type out one or two and the other scripture references you can look up on your own.

I prayed, "As You lead me by Your Word and Your Spirit I pray I can follow and accurately represent You, Father God."

1. He first spoke to me about watching and waiting for Jesus appearing. (Hebrews 9:28, Titus 2:13, 1 Corinthians 1:7)

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.Philippians 3:20-21

2. By the Spirit He spoke to me when I was afraid of very heavy rains when it was still dark in the early morning. He said, "Don't look with your eyes but believe in your heart all is well." It suddenly got lighter outside and the rain stopped shortly afterwards.

3. I heard the scripture below which spoke strongly to me but also that the words unite my heart meant to give me singleness of heart.

4. When I was discouraged the Lord gave me many scriptures but I found the answer in this one.

Holy Spirit also reminded me of a medley of three spiritual songs - I've got a River of Life Flowing Out of Me , Spring Up O Well Within My Soul and Come to the Waters.

5. I heard these words in the early morning of July 4th - "do not charge this to their account." It reminded me of Jesus ans Stephen asking for those who were killing them to be forgiven. This showed me the heart we need to have when others hurt us.

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44-45

6. I meditated on how we are to not regard anyone according to the flesh. (2 Corinthians 10:3, Matthew 12:50)

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.2 Corinthians 5:16-17

7. After speaking to me about some personal areas of my life the Spirit went on to show me there is a right kind of religion.

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

8. The Spirit reminded me to come to Jesus and not just the Word. (Matthew 11:28, John 6:35, John 7:37-38)

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:39-40

9. The Spirit spoke to me to check the way I respond to others and guard my heart and mind. He told me to avoid situations that will pull me away from my "first love". (2 Corinthians 11:2-3)

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

10. On the 11th I read these scriptures and saw how forgiving and giving go together.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:37-38

11. Last week the Spirit spoke to me about a covetous person being an idolator. I was reading in Luke 12:15 and then looked up 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Ephesians 5:5

12. Again the Lord spoke to me aboout some personal things having to do with singing praises but also his favor, grace and loving kindness. He then reminded me about His new and living way or newness of life.

For in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;
Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Psalm 27:5-6

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God...Hebrews 10:19-21

This morning as I spoke to Father God about this prayer letter He reminded me of the importance of being contented and thankful even in the midst of adverse circumstances. (Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6-8) Oh that we all would think about this whenever we are discontent with what is going on in our lives.

So that is the last week or so of what the Lord has been showing me. I know He is showing so many of His listening children more and more in these last days.

Recently I had two weeks filled with stress, strife, distractions and disappointments. Life is calmer now but as I look back at all I dealt with I am humbled that I didn’t stand as strong in faith as I thought I would. I appreciated my morning time with the Lord in the Word, worship and prayer even more when life was so challenging. Last week as I was meditating on what the Holy Spirit was showing me I saw that my response to what was lost was similar to what I have seen others go through in the last year. The scriptures Holy Spirit first spoke to me while I was going through this last major life challenge were –

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 1 Peter 1:6-8

Though I was quieter and lest emotional I didn’t count it all joy or rejoice. I thought of mine and the other people in my life and our responses to loss which reminded me of these two scriptures.

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:29-31

for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.^[ Hebrews 10:34b

Do we choose to let go easily of all we have lost? Probably not. I saw more in the Word that convicted me. We as Christians are called to follow Jesus at all costs. We are not to look back and we are to take up our cross whatever it may be to follow Him. This cross will most likely be different for each of us.

And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him… Luke 14:27-29

But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:39

He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:25-26

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2

And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” (v5)

Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (v 9-12)

If God were to ask us to give our one our only most loved person or possession would we be as willing? I started to think about Jesus being first and what He said.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” John 21:15

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent…Revelation 2:4-5

Have we said we are the Lord’s disciple and that He is our first love without really understanding what that means scripturally? Of course we are not to actually hate our loved ones but we are to love them less than the Lord. At this point I was knowing I had to repent for loving others and even things the way I had.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…Acts 3:19

I started to study what it meant to follow the Lord in a much more dedicated way.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:2-5

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God John 6:66-69

I find that when someone is not in my life anymore or I have lost a possession or have become discouraged from losing something else; I may not cry or become angry like I did when I was younger but sometimes I just sit down not knowing what to do and trying not to think about all that is going on. These two scriptures encouraged me.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:8-10

In the last scripture I remembered how many times I had felt better when I have ministered to others while I was going through challenging times. There is always someone who needs to be encouraged. Prayer is wonderful but reaching out in love is putting hugs to those prayers.

What is our attitude when we have lost? Do we focus on what we lost or on what is left. I found an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving helps tremendously.

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

All of us have precious people and things we have lost. Some have lost parents, spouses, children and friends. Others have lost houses, jobs and businesses. Even those in ministry may have lost churches or ministries or the work we had done so diligently for years. Most of us will have our bodies and minds fail us as we get older. Where do we go when we suffer loss? Do we really go to the Lord first? Do we pray? Unbelievers may go to drugs or drinking or sex. Even Christians’ may mask the pain by working longer hours, shopping for things they don’t need or watching too much TV.

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:25-26

Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7-8

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem…Luke 9:51

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42

I have seen God so faithfully turn adversities and trials around so that I saw good come out of what I had endured.

And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28

BE MERCIFUL and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. Psalm 57:1

About a week ago I heard the song Have Thine Own Way Lord in my spirit and tried to remember the words. I found the lyrics and all the words ministered to me

Words by Adelaide A. Pollard Music by George C. Stebbins

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit 'till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

After singing and meditating on the hymn I read this scripture in the next week that continued the message Holy Spirit was speaking to me.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

I heard a part of a scripture that said "there is a way that seems right to man" and found it in Proverbs

There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

I thought "now that is encouraging" then remembering a similar warning in the New Testament.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

The scripture above we often quote to those who need to repent and be saved yet how often do we continue in worldly ways or the ways our flesh or emotions want us to go.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

We first have to want to leave our own ways or the ways we learned from family, friends, the world and even church leadership that are contrary to the Word either by taking away from the Word or adding to it. There can be no rest in a heart that is hardened, indifferent or rebellious. We need to be honest with God in prayer and allow Christ to change us by the Word and His Spirit.

From what I see is it is in abiding in Christ and knowing God and surrendering to His will that we learn to more fully trust Him. He is looking for relationships where He can completely envelop every dimension of our lives. His desire is to tabernacle, to stay and quiet us

LORD, my heart is not haughty,
         Nor my eyes lofty.
         Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
         Nor with things too profound for me.

Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
         Like a weaned child with his mother;
         Like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:1-3

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:10-11

Look at the words of Paul when he realized the importance of this deeper relationship and knowing Christ

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23

I more recently read in Hebrews 4 about God's rest. So many of us that minister work so much and even strive to do our best. How many Christians even church leaders do you know who have truly entered God's promised rest? When was the last time you even heard about entering His rest? Today's church needs to come to a deeper and more intimate knowledge of and love for God and His ways for in these are His rest.

Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
      In the day of trial in the wilderness,
       Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
      And saw My works forty years.
       Therefore I was angry with that generation,
      And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
      And they have not known My ways.’
       So I swore in My wrath,

      ‘ They shall not enter My rest.’”

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God Hebrews 3:8-12

I think since most of us don't understand the passages of scripture on God's rest we have skipped over them. Resting from our labor does not mean to stop working. I am seeing instead it means to stop the work of the flesh and sin. When we do this we then can enter into the eternal works which the Lord brings forth through us. There is no more turmoil caused through unbelief when we have been brought to a place of peace by faith. The strife rooted in unforgiveness is gone because of love. We are no longer fearful because we have learned to trust God and His ways. Our questions now are answered by His wisdom. This is a mind that has found God's rest.

We all have and even are experiencing testings here on earth. As we obey God in these hard times we learn how to deal with each circumstance we face. When we have come to know Him first and allowed Him to quiet our souls since we are not trusting what is fleshly anymore, we will hear what God is speaking to us much more clearly. So knowing God and His ways lead to His rest.

We need to be committed to our surrender to God. Learn to delight in being more vulnerable and available to Him. Oh to hear His whispers and be more given to the Spirit of God. I know I want to be His tabernacle, the one to whom He looks and is well pleased. He is seeking to create in our hearts a sanctuary for Himself, a place where He may rest.

Thus says the LORD:

      “ Heaven is My throne,
      And earth is My footstool.
      Where is the house that you will build Me?
      And where is the place of My rest?

       For all those things My hand has made,
      And all those things exist,”
      Says the LORD.

      “ But on this one will I look:
      On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
      And who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:1-2

What church program can compare with the life and power we receive through the Lord? Our efforts will never produce the rest or life of God. By spending more time with Him in prayer and waiting before Him we will experience His supernatural working in what we do.

As we give ourselves to God in return we will become a holy place where God Himself can rest.

How do we know we are yielded and humble? When God speaks we desire to obey Him out of love.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

He is looking for people who tremble at His word. The Spirit of God will rest upon these and they will become dwelling places for the Lord.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

If we know we are going our own way or even the way of the world or of other's opinions; it is time for us to repent. Repentance is so much more than mere words we say or promises we make to God. True repentance is a deliberate act of the will as we decide to turn around and follow God's ways instead of our own.

This morning a scripture that spoke to my heart was again found in Proverbs - the book filled with God's wisdom.

He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Proverbs 28:13

I looked at a scripture reference for that verse in my Bible and it took me to Psalm 32. I actually was brought twice to this same Psalm this morning. The whole Psalm will bless and minister to you yet I will just share a few verses here.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
         Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
         And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones grew old
         Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
         My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.  Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
         And my iniquity I have not hidden.
         I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
         And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.  Selah  Psalm 32:1-5

May we as Christians be able to allow the Holly Spirit to work through us as the Father worked through Jesus.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38

A little over a week ago I had just come through three weeks of continual life "waves". I wasn't wiped out but I was weary, clinging to the Lord and thankfully being kept by His Word and His Spirit speaking to me amidst the storm. The first of this month He had sent a huge "hug" in the way of hearing from thirteen friends in one day. Then a week ago Friday I heard from a special lady who is not only a friend but an intercessor who also was my maid of honor, Audrey. We spent hours on the phone and she shared much of what the Lord was ministering to her about the Jewish Feasts and scriptures on trumpets (shofars). In all of our studies the Lord had encouraged, strengthened and refocused me. It wasn't until that evening when I was ministering to another lady who had been struggling; sharing scriptures and what Holy Spirit was telling me to say to her that I heard the words, "rescue ropes". At first it reminded me of a verse in a song I wrote back in 1988 called Lord, You Set My Pace. The verse was -

The next day I was reading a "word" the Lord spoke through Bill Burns of Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, CO the Monday before. I hadn't read it on the day the e-mail came in because I was dealing with challenges and distractions. After reading it I was glad for the confirmation about the importance of rescue ropes especially in these perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1).

4/4/11:
In a vision I saw the Lord throwing rescue ropes to those who are bound, those who are stuck. And I heard Him say, so your are stuck--let Me help you. Take hold of that which I am giving you. Take hold of the life line and I will pull you out. I will bring you through. Take hold of that which I am offering. The name of this line is freedom, liberty and glory. Take hold. Hold fast because I am going to pull.

They called to you for help
       and were rescued.
    They trusted you
       and were not disappointed. Psalm 22:5 (NCV)

I will praise you, Lord,
because you rescued me.
You did not let my enemies laugh at me. Psalm 30:1(NCV)

They will call to me, and I will answer them.
I will be with them in trouble;
I will rescue them and honor them. Psalm 91:15 (NCV)

Answer us and save us by your power
so the people you love will be rescued. Psalm 108:6 (NCV)

I will make you as strong as a wall to this people,
       as strong as a wall of bronze.
    They will fight against you,
       but they will not defeat you,
    because I am with you.
       I will rescue you and save you," says the Lord. Jeremiah 15:20 (NCV)

In New King James Version of the Bible I only found a few scriptures using the word rescue/rescued

I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel.

Who remembered us in our lowly state,
         For His mercy endures forever;
And rescued us from our enemies,
         For His mercy endures forever;
Who gives food to all flesh,
         For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:23-25

      For He is the living God,
      And steadfast forever;
      His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed,
      And His dominion shall endure to the end.

      He delivers and rescues,
      And He works signs and wonders
      In heaven and on earth,
      Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:26-27

When I saw so few references for the English word rescue, I looked it up in Hebrew and Greek and found that the words for rescue in Hebrew (yasa) are more often translated deliver and save.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
         You will stretch out Your hand
         Against the wrath of my enemies,
         And Your right hand will save me. Psalm 138:7

Do not say, “I will recompense evil”;
Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. Proverbs 20:22

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened,
      That it cannot save;
      Nor His ear heavy,
      That it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1

The LORD your God in your midst,
      The Mighty One, will save;
      He will rejoice over you with gladness,
      He will quiet you with His love,
      He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

The word rescue is translated in the New Testament GK (sozo) which we know to mean saved, delivered, healed, preserved.

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:23-27

The Holy Spirit spoke to me from this passage of scripture due to the many I knew who were in the path of recent storms and tornadoes this past few weeks.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:8-9

But He (Jesus), because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

I look back on the place that I was in when I received my last rescue rope. In this case a call from a friend who shared her love and the Word rescued me. At other times it has been someone praying for me or singing to me or hugging me. I have been sent many rescue ropes in the form of cards, letters or e-mails. Look at the fruit of the Spirit. All of these can be used to rescue those we love whether saved or unsaved.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.1 Thessalonians 5:9-12

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:7-9

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:15-16

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 1 John 3:17-19

You can see that whether you are busy or poor or discouraged yourself you can throw a rescue rope to another one who may be drowning or have lost hope. I know by experience that when I am sad or thinking everything is going wrong; I often am reminded of someone else who is going through a difficult time. I pray for them or send them an e-mail or card. Sometimes I have more money than they do and I send them money for food or gas. Even testifying how God has rescued you or used someone in the past to send a rescue rope can encourage another person who is struggling.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

Earlier this month (3/9), I was having my morning quiet time with the Lord when the Holy Spirit interrupted what I was studying. He can do that any time He wants to. It was as if He was saying "I'm interrupting your quiet time with God to tell you..." and then in a louder voice JESUS IS COMING! This was two days before the earthquake in Japan and tsunami reports and I hadn't heard anyone preach or even be led to scriptures on Jesus coming for quite some time. I did stop reading where I was in the Bible and asked what God wanted me to know. He spoke to me about the way I should be living if I really believe that Jesus was coming. He first took me to Titus.

Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. Titus 2:13-14 Amplified

There are two other places in the New Testament we are exhorted to be waiting for the Lord's glorious appearing.

That you are not [consciously] falling behind or lacking in any special spiritual endowment or Christian grace [the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in your souls by the Holy Spirit], while you wait and watch [constantly living in hope] for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and [His] being made visible to all.1 Corinthians 1:7 Amplified

But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. By his power to rule all things, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body. Philippians 3:20 NCV

I immediately thought how the Lord had actually commanded his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Promise from the Father. Though this was written about in Luke 24:49, it is more clearly expressed in Acts 1:4-5, 8 Amplified

And while being in their company and eating with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised, Of which [He said] you have heard Me speak. For John baptized with water, but not many days from now you shall be baptized with (placed in, introduced into) the Holy Spirit...But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.

As I meditated on on these disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit then and us waiting for Jesus coming now I started to sense the urgency of our being prepared. Not only waiting but watching and being ready. I also thought how this would change the priorities in our lives.

"No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows. Be careful! Always be ready, because you don't know when that time will be. It is like a man who goes on a trip. He leaves his house and lets his servants take care of it, giving each one a special job to do. The man tells the servant guarding the door always to be watchful. So always be ready, because you don't know when the owner of the house will come back. It might be in the evening, or at midnight, or in the morning while it is still dark, or when the sun rises. Always be ready. Otherwise he might come back suddenly and find you sleeping. I tell you this, and I say this to everyone: 'Be ready!' " Mark 13:32-37 NCV

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don't expect him!" Luke 12:40

Have you been reading in the Word and the Holy Spirit has been speaking to you about some correction or change you need to make in your life? Have you experienced an urgent call to be more spiritually mature; to grow up? Are you hearing a similar message from the Spirit to be looking up and being ready because Jesus is coming soon?

We are definitely in the end-times that is spoken about in the gospels as well as the epistles. I pray that each of us are listening to what the Spirit is saying to the church today. We are part of His Body and He is calling and wooing us. We have to forsake our baby ways and not be so distracted by the world's pleasures. I know in my life Holy Spirit has shown me ways to make more time for what is important to Father God.

Here are more scriptures I received in the last week as I was reading the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit's leading.

But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we do not belong either to the night or to darkness. Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 Amplified

But we belong to the day; therefore, let us be sober and put on the breastplate (corslet) of faith and love and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 Amplified

Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day —not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again. 2 Timothy 4:8 NCV

Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him. Hebrews 9:28 Amplified

So be patient, brethren, [as you wait] till the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land. [See how] he keeps up his patient [vigil] over it until it receives the early and late rains. So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near. James 5:7-8 Amplified

So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.1 Peter 1:13 Amplified

Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). 1 John 3:2-3 Amplified

More recently Holy Spirit spoke to me asking; "How should the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back affect you?" He then warned me not to focus on the rest of the world or even other Christians that I know. He asked, "What changes should you be making in light of what you have been reading this month in the Word about Jesus coming?"

I have learned from this special message from the Holy Spirit to be watching and waiting for the Lord's return. I need to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church so I must not be distracted so much by the world and be ready as the wise virgins were. We should examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. Those who are ready for Christ’s return seek to follow Him as Lord. I am sure God will show His family more in His Word and by His Spirit because of His great love for us.

Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected? 2 Corinthians 13:5

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.“ And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:1-13 NKJV

When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. Colossians 3:4

Kingdom Ways

The day after I finished last month's prayer letter I received the title for this one from the Holy Spirit. I laughed since I live on Kingdom Way. I also was led to read the scriptures below that were confirmed twice that same day and another time that week. I have never heard this far ahead about what I would be writing in a coming prayer letter.

You can read about the Emmaus Road account in Luke 24:13-35. I will be sharing parts of these scriptures as I recall what the Holy Spirit revealed to me.

The first thing I saw was that when these disciples talked about what happened and reasoned in their minds they were not able to see that it was Jesus who was walking with them.

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. Luke 24:14-15

This happens to us too when we depend too much on our natural minds, what others say or even our own opinions and feelings.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Jesus met them right where they were and took them through the scriptures telling them about prophesies about Himself. He did rebuke them though for their lack of faith.

Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:26-27

I don't want to be called foolish or slow of heart especially by the Lord. I want to believe that Jesus loved me so much He died for me and all that the finished work of the cross bought for me. We are blessed to have the Bible to read any time and the Holy Spirit to remind us about the prophesies and life of Jesus and all He said when He was here on earth.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

These disciples eyes were opened when Jesus broke and blessed the bread. Now they knew it was Him.

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:30-31

Jesus is the Bread of Life. I see that as we read our Bible with Jesus by His Spirit Who resides inside us and He will reveal truth and open the scriptures to us.

A Vision that Continues to Change and Bless Me

Just before the New Year began the Lord really blessed me as I was talking to Him about my anxiety concerning how our quiet time together was about to change. I was uneasy that after so many years of reading the Word and in various devotionals, praying and writing in my journal that I wasn't going to be up to the new way His Spirit had been showing me. He knew my heart was to please Him but when I experimented after Christmas with this new "path" it all seemed so strange to me. I even considered just going back to the comfortable way of spending time with Him in the mornings. I knew deep in my heart that the Holy Spirit had been prompting me that this change was the desire of the Father's heart. I had my eyes closed when suddenly I saw a bright light and the hand of what I knew was the Lord reaching down to me. It was as if He was pulling me up to a higher place. There was a bright path before me and I wasn't concerned anymore as I was assured that the Lord knew the way.

The next day I started on this new path and not just trying it. I made the step of faith and I knew that the Lord was with me and showing me what to do. The joy and peace I experienced was more than I had experienced before. God wanted me to do less writing in the morning and when I did write it wasn't to copy down the scripture but what the Holy Spirit was speaking to me from the scripture or a devotional or book I read. Just seeing His hand reaching for me to help me go the right way has been so comforting and encouraging in more ways than I first realized. I must admit when I am faced with other life changes and challenges so far this year I see 'the vision" over and over and right away I am not afraid, concerned or confused. Just seeing His hand and the bright path He is leading me on has been life changing and it is changing more than my morning quiet times with Him.

That first morning when I looked at a scripture calendar there was a Word for the month and it described my vision -

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

I believe that in these last few weeks I have not only learned so much more but my time with God has been such a delight. He's not only talked to me about this new way of being led by His Spirit but the importance of what we dwell on. My January journal is named "Walking on in humility, purity, simplicity and truth" because of another scripture I received that ministered to me greatly that first day of the new year.

He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. Psalm 25:9-10 NLT

I should have added that I was walking on in His Love because everything I read or heard was exhorting me about how much He loved me and that knowing this was going to mightily help all His children in these end times. Why? This is the scripture that He had me study.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19

I also am able to encourage myself in Him daily by speaking His Word when I get discouraged or feel pressure or life is challenging. I pray that you are experiencing a supernatural change in your Christian life, That You know that God loves you and that He is helping you no matter what you have been facing in life.

We all know that Jesus is the Way (John 14:6). I also have heard words of encouragement about a higher way. I read a confirmation that this higher way was God's kingdom way and that I was to think about heavenly things and not be discouraged by the ways of this world. This reminded me of my favorite scriptures in the Bible (Colossians 3:1-4) especially verse 2.

I received more confirmations that went with the vision - that I was to ascend on high and "live in the realm of heavenly experience". More was spoken about beginning to live the Christian life in a new and profound way - a glorious way. The Lord was also requiring self-restraint and not to give into negative thinking. Again I was exhorted to "rise and come up higher" and that the wind of the Spirit would move me and that the anointing of God's Word would perfect me.

My thinking is changing all the time and my joy level is so much more than it has been in years. I am so encouraged and expectant and that has changed my faith level as I pray. I am seeing some really awesome answers to prayer. I am so looking forward to what our Father is going to do in and through all His children this year. I know He is going to show us how much He loves us in a greater way than ever before. I pray that each of you will follow Him on the path He has shown you and not allow anyone or anything to hinder or distract you.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14

Growing in Faith

On my husband's birthday his best friend came by. The three of us got into a wonderful time sharing about faith and what the Lord was doing in our lives. We even were honest enough to tell about when we had not been as faithful as we once were. As we were talking I heard the Holy Spirit speak about our faith growing and I started to study in the Word about it. The next several weeks almost every time I read or heard a message the Holy Spirit showed me more about faith. It was like He was showing me the many facets or sides of faith.

We must always thank God for you, brothers and sisters. This is only right, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 New Century Version

I knew we have each been given a measure of faith yet why do some have great faith after many years of being a Christian and others have faith that is much like it was when they first were saved

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

The next Sunday I heard a sermon where Carter Conlon of Times Square Church was saying that we are living in a generation where the Lord is looking for faith. That we must believe the price that has been paid by the Lord Jesus on the cross. That sin has been dealt with and since we were born again the Holy Spirit has been changing us and making us more the way the Word says we should be. He ended praying that God would give us the faith to believe Him. Believe we will change and believe for our families and believe all the promises God has made. The believing heart gets the victory!

Mike Webb of Foothills Family Church taught about how faith begins where the will of God is known and that the majority of the church doesn't even know what He has provided for us in Christ The same day I heard Danette Crawford of Joy Ministries say how God tests our faith and that He is building in our lives. She said that we grow forward and that we need to develop perseverance. The scriptures she was referring to were -

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. James 1:2-4

The next day a word through Bill Burns continues about not only faith but our faith growing. Here is part of what the Lord showed him -

There are those of you who believe your faith is small and that your faith is insignificant and you've even prayed, 'Lord, increase my faith.' But, I say unto you, the faith of the Lord that is manifest in you in these days will become a greater faith than ever you have known. For you will be able to say that you no longer live by the measure or the lack of your own faith, but you live now by the faith of the Son of God, the faith that enables you to see beyond the veil and enables you to walk through the valley of vision. So I say, beloved, encourage yourself today for the work I am doing in you is ongoing. It is not a small work. It is not an insignificant work. It is a mighty work that you may even be unaware of. But in these last days the glory of the work I am doing in you will begin to shine forth as a light, a beacon to those who have no hope--a radiant light to those that shall come. (see web-site - http://ft111.com The Trumpet for 12/6)

* We are to believe what the Bible says over what we see and hear. Jesus said Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29)

* Look at Abraham in Romans 4:19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. Now some of us need to keep believing in our healing even when the symptoms of our body are crying out

I started reading about the times Jesus talked about great faith or what happened because of a person's faith.

Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick. Luke 7:7-10

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Matthew 15:22-29

And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:28-29

Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately. And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:47-48

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:18-19

I don't want to be like some that the Lord rebuked because of their unbelief or little faith. A scripture i ponder more often than others is -

And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7-8

We are to focus not only on what the Lord has done for us but what He is doing now. He is making intercession for us.

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

I believe we have overcomplicated faith as we have so much we read in the Word. i am seeing that if God's Word says that He has heard my prayer and if that Word has not departed from my eyes (I've kept my focus on the Word more than circumstances or anyone else) then I am going to see myself with more of what I have prayed for.

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24

There is so much to share of what I have learned this last two weeks. Here is a few more things you can check out in the Word and meditate.

* a few enemies that stop our faith from growing are persecution and complication. Even Christians are determined to live by tradition and in their own comfort zones. These often stop us from receiving God's Word.

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33

* we all have the temptation to get impatient and dig up the seeds of the Word we have sowed in prayer. The truth is we have to believe before we will see growth. We must choose to receive the implanted Word. That is only when the work begins. Whether we see it or not we are being changed on the inside. That is why we must persevere in faith and then we will actually see the change on the outside.

I will finish with a few notes I made on faith that spoke to my heart this past week and I pray these will minister to those reading the prayer letter as well.

* When we step out in faith, God increases our faith. Acting on faith brings more faith.

* In difficult times when we are sure to pray in greater faith, that is when our faith grows strong.

* I continually pray that i want to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). I ask God to give me strength to stand strong on His promises and believe what I read in the Word.

* Sometimes our faith seems small yet God will do the impossible. We can ask Him to increase our faith and He will give us boldness to act on what we believe.

* I know God takes the tiniest bit of faith we have and will make it grow bigger when we act on it.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

What a delight to hear the Holy Spirit yesterday morning about what to write in this month's prayer letter. First I heard the title and then this verse of one of my favorite hymns, Trust and Obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then I knew that I was to share my walk with the Lord this month. Finally I received these two scriptures -

But whoever obeys what Christ says is the kind of person in whom God’s love is perfected. That’s how we know we are in Christ. ⁶Those who say that they live in him must live the same way he lived. 1 John 2:5-6 GOD'S WORD translation

Verse 6 really caught my attention. Yes we are follower's of Christ but how many of us come even close to living the same way He lived. Though I have made many changes as the Spirit or the Word showed me something and God is still correcting me as is written in Hebrews 12; it seems I have so far to go and I have been walking with the Lord for 33 years in January.

My child, do not reject the Lord's discipline,
and don't get angry when he corrects you.
The Lord corrects those he loves,
just as parents correct the child they delight in. Proverbs 3:11-12

Our fathers on earth disciplined us for a short time in the way they thought was best. But God disciplines us to help us, so we can become holy as he is. We do not enjoy being disciplined. It is painful at the time, but later, after we have learned from it, we have peace, because we start living in the right way. Hebrews 12:10-11 New Century Version

As I was reading through the last month of my prayer journal; both the prayers and praises I was amazed at what the Lord showed me as we were walking together. I don't want this section of the prayer letter to be too long or overwhelming for those who are reading so I am asking Holy Spirit to help me pick the excerpts from the prayer journal that will minister most to you as you are going through your life journey.

A month ago it had been about week after our trip West and both Scott and I were still quite weary. I asked God to forgive me for carnal reactions to things that were going wrong or the various hurts in my life. I told Him that I knew He was the only one who could make the crooked places straight. I also wanted to stop being offended by others and totally depend on Him. Within a few days I was thanking Him for a breakthrough day enjoying more energy and making more progress in all I had to get done.

I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
      I will lead them in paths they have not known.
      I will make darkness light before them,
      And crooked places straight.
      These things I will do for them,
      And not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16 New King James Version

I saw my husband make really wise decisions even though he was still not feeling well. I also thanked God for showing me that I too often have great expectations in people who too often disappoint me. I said like Jesus that I wanted to forgive them because they must not know what they are doing.

Before long Scott also had more energy. Then I had a day when the Lord really showed me where I got off course. He pointed out that I have been looking too much at the adverse circumstances. That I was to walk more by faith.

He then showed me that I was responsible for loving and encouraging others even when they use and persecute me.

Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14 New Century Version

"People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be blessed. Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NCV

He reminded me again to trust in Him and not others. (Proverbs 3:3-5 and Micah 7:5-7) He also showed me that I should come to Him with hope and a humble heart even when I am hurting. I realize that He can be trusted and knows what is best but too often I allow my emotions "to slip out of gear" like my husband says.

Being afraid of people can get you into trouble,
but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe. Proverbs 29:25 NCV

Though I rarely have been an angry person God had showed me a few years back that the accumulation of hurt due to rejection, betrayal and neglect by others was really inner anger. These three scriptures spoke to me.

An angry person causes trouble;
a person with a quick temper sins a lot. Proverbs 29:22 NCV

The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Psalm 103:8 NKJV

Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Ephesians 4:31 NCV

I also saw an account when Jesus looked around at the religious people with anger. He was grieved by their hardness of heart and what did He do? He restored a man's hand to wholeness. (see Mark 3:4-6)

After seeing this I became determined to do good and have a right heart attitude when I get angry or experience inner anger caused by hurt.

Though we still were facing continual challenges, Scott got good reports back from his medical tests and found favor a few days in a row. Also our area had a tornado watch and we only got heavy rain and some wind although we saw on the news areas around us were hit much harder. Within a few days friends came by to encourage us and pray with us.

I faced my fears and willed to do some things I still didn't think I was up to out of obedience to the Lord. As my 60th birthday came closer I started to hear from so many and over a two week period mostly on my birthday I heard from close to 50 friends and family old and new.

During this time Scott and I had a day filled with strife. It was as if we couldn't understand what the other was saying. After it was over Scott and I talked more quietly and I saw where I see him and others with strong personalities too often through eyes colored by past rejections. The next day I was watching Danette Crawford of Joy Ministries and though she was teaching on the favor of the Lord she spoke about perceived rejection. I am still meditating on this that I know will be a major personal correction.

Again we were faced with a major surprise life "mountain" and the Holy Spirit spoke to me to cast down imaginations and to trust His will and timing. Again I was reminded to focus more on loving and giving than on receiving and being loved. Some positive signs in a relationship suddenly surfaced. I chose to thank God for new beginnings.

Within a few days the Lord showed me where I needed to ask, seek and knock more. I interceded for those who have been praying for and encouraging me. I had fellowship and even a Bible study on the phone with an old friend. A ministry called to pray with Scott. The Lord showed me to pray specifically about three important people in my life and every prayer came to pass as the Holy Spirit showed me.

We had another two challenges one right after another and when I started to feel depressed I chose to leave it all in God's hands and was reminded even what happened a few minutes ago is past and there is nothing I can do about the past.

I took serious the Lord's call to come up higher and be more led by His Spirit. He showed me that my routines and ways I have done things were my tradition and I had to be willing to try new ways as He led me. I still don't see how I can make such radical changes but I will trust Him. I was reading about renewing our strength in Isaiah 40 and saw that one meaning was to exchange strengths - my strength for His. That really spoke to my heart.

At the end of the month of walking much more intimately with the Lord I am resisting all depression, rejection, pain and so much that is not God's best for me. When I saw recently how broken I had become; I actually looked at it as a good thing. The potter made the broke or marred vessel over as He wanted to.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4 NKJV

There was so much more He spoke to my heart as we walked together. He showed me when there are just sparks in the dark that I was to look more at the light and there would be more light to see. He also reminded me that blessed are we who believe when we don't see. He spoke to me about the simplicity of faith and confirmed it through Mike Webb of Foothills Family Church in CA as I heard his sermon. God corrected me by showing me that I hold on too tight and sometimes do His part. He reminded me that He wants obedience more than sacrifice. I also heard a strong Word – “to hear and fear.” I knew that was about hearing what He says and fearing and reverencing Him.

I'll end with these three scriptures I received last night specifically for this prayer letter. I've been reading more in the New Century Version so I will share them from that translation of the Bible.

Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them." John 14:21 NCV

He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
for the good of his name. Psalm 23:3 NCV

But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways.2 Corinthians 11:3

I pray that as you have read about what the Lord showed me and did in my life as we walked together just in this short time has ministered to you or made you want to meditate more on what the Lord has been doing in your life lately. I thank Him for His continuing faithfulness and guidance!

And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.1 Peter 5:10 NCV

Having just traveled 5500 miles in 12 states to visit Scott's family was challenging and even humbling. We had no idea that this cross-country trip would be so much different than the one seven years ago make. I learned to not murmur and to thank God for the good when I needed mercy and endurance. There were blessed moments traveling as well as enjoying time with family and meeting three of the newest members.

Now after resting for a few days I see that there has been a pattern for the last 5 plus months of what I call life upheavals. Scott and I have endured more than changes since mid May. I would like to say that we are stronger than we were. It is humbling to admit that I am not the Christian I thought I was. I thought I could endure more and keep my joy but it hasn't happened most of the time. Even though I have been consistently in the Word and prayer and have ministered to from 25-60 people I have become discouraged and frustrated and even though I have a tendency to suppress my emotions I have vented to mostly Scott more than usual. I'm used most when I am transparent . I believe in emotional honesty though I know our emotions should be held in check and not be like a runaway train. Our Spirit should be leading.

So I am seeing how the circumstances of life can be humbling as can not passing the tests I thought I would. Scriptures that have really ministered to me as I have meditated on this are -

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.1 Peter 5:5b-7

He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
      But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
      The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
      And before honor is humility. Proverbs 15:32-33

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:12-13

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. Titus 3:1-3

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

One morning when I was praying I started talking to God but I really wasn't telling Him about how I was feeling in my heart about all that was going on. I soon saw He already knew everything about the various circumstances including my reactions to them. I saw how hypocritical it was to act as if what was going on didn't bother me. I'm still not in a comfortable or easy place. It is like being a pioneer in a new land. It will take awhile to get acclimated to this spiritual environment. I do know that God is greater than any of these circumstances or my reactions to them. I know He is still with me and keeping me and that I will get wisdom even as I walk this new land.

The devil has tried harder to get me down on myself and even has used scriptures and nightmares to wear me down. I have grown weary but I am learning that getting back to where I was before all these months of continual changing and diverse circumstances will take time. I will continue to seek God about how do do things in this new place and mostly in His way and strength.

I know there are those reading this who are going through trying circumstances and challenging tests. I pray that the Lord will show Himself strong on your behalf and minister to you where you need Him to work most. I pray also that your faith walk will be stronger everyday and you will continue to move forward on the brightest path God has for you.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:

“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:6-9

The title is all I have received from the Lord for this month's prayer letter so far. I am learning so much about myself after this last major course correction. Sometimes it is hard to know when to share personal things even though in the past God has ministered through me by being transparent. I can say that in my life now I am confused even though God is a God of order. I'm not understanding the circumstances or the continuing changes yet I do trust God. I have appreciated those who are praying. One friend said that God is in control and I know He is. Another said to hang in there and rest and I am also doing that even though I do what needs to be done each day. This morning I prayed on the phone with a local friend and she used this scripture in her prayer. Verse 5 especially spoke to me).

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5

Jesus is the Good Shepherd and I want to hear His voice and not follow the voice of a stranger.

One thing I do know and am clear about is that God does not want me to return to my routines or any former ruts. It is interesting to experience and watch others when they come to a new life direction that they have a tendency to at least want to go back to what is comfortable. This morning I was talking to Scott and he said that he believes the reason God isn't showing me what is next is because I need a time to decompress from all I was doing and dealing with for 40 days before this last major course correction. While I was meditating on the word decompress which means "to free of pressure or reduce or remove the pressure on"; the Spirit gave me some more words that aren't in the Bible. He said that my "equilibrium is off". Ok now what exactly is equilibrium? According to the dictionary it is "a state of balance between two or more opposing forces." It's true that I've had plenty of opposing forces lately yet I don't want to over intellectualize and figure all this out.

I should be just happy that I know that God is with me. I am writing down my thanks to Him daily for everyone and everything in my life as my favorite singer says she does in what she calls her gratitude journal. I also know I am not to go into what I call "ministry mode" which is where I pray for or encourage others without allowing them to know I am struggling. I also know with the Lord it is time for me to stop suppressing my emotions because He knows what is in my heart and on my mind and what I am experiencing. Recently He showed me it was hypocritical of me to come to the prayer closet as if everything was ok or pray for others without mentioning the pain and confusion in my own heart

I know changes and even upheavals are going on in many Christians' lives. Some are in their relationships, some have lost jobs or homes, others have changed churches and are trying to find a church home. I believe this is all preparing us for not only what is coming in these end times but also to realize we are not of this world. We are citizens of the kingdom. Too often even those who are truly devoted to God and Holy Spirit led have still been following some worldly ways or traditions of men. It is so easy to blend in with our families, neighbors, friends and those we go to work or church with. Maybe all this shaking is to really wake us. The Word talks about this happening in the church first.

Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now

“ If the righteous one is scarcely saved,
Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” 1 Peter 4:16-18

There are so many warnings against going back and even looking back in the Bible. I know the Lord has spent a lot of time talking to me about my focus. What has my attention? Am I looking at and following Jesus or have I become distracted? Two scriptures that Holy Spirit reminded me about a few days ago were these.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14

Then this morning He showed me how God looks at my heart and how our heart attitudes are so important. He showed me the difference that loves make and that when we love Him we are to respond in love to the love and acceptance He already has shown us. Yes it takes our decision but His strength to make obedience possible. This reminded me about abiding in Him.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:5

The love of God is awesome but we can't forget His goodness and that He works all things together for good for those who love Him.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4

So far I have confessed the sins of having a wrong focus and the joylessness I have experienced lately. I then acknowledged that I knew my heart attitudes have not been right and asked God to restore the joy. As I read the Word I will take steps of faith as a cheerful giver in hope that as I do the inner delight will return. By repenting I already know that the light is dispelling any darkness and the truth replacing all the lies I have believed. I'm glad I called for help and didn't just go back to an old rut or routine.

I know whatever direction the Spirit of God is leading me I want to make an impact for good by being a love-motivated woman of faith. I want to spend more time abiding in Christ Who is the Vine than in wrongly thinking I as a branch can produce good fruit.

Father, may those reading this be open to any new direction You are showing them and be willing to follow Jesus and Holy Spirit. I pray that You will keep us all going in Your direction for we trust in You.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

The first scripture I received from the Lord when praying about this prayer letter was -

There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

He then asked me if my heart was to do His will and glorify Him? Holy Spirit reminded me of a scripture about the heart of Jesus.

Scott and I have been seeking God's will about moving. The Lord had already spoken for months about us downsizing and in some cases we have. In this case we found that knowing God's will wasn't that easy. The Lord spoke to us about not being divided or double minded.

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mark 3:24-25

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

There are so many decisions we make that we can know God's will just by reading His Word. There are other times when we have to seek Him and trust we are hearing His voice. Examples of this are like when we want to know what college to go to, what spouse to marry, what job to take and where to move. It gets more complicated because when we want the answer is not always God's timing.

As Scott and I prayed and discussed moving this autumn we finally were able to simplify how to make the decision. Too often Scott's tendency to reason and mine to feel it was right or wrong got in the way. If we are asking God His will on something that is not clearly found in the Word; here are 9 questions we can ask ourselves as we also ask for clear direction.

6) Has God opened a door or am I fantasizing (believing something that isn't real)?

7) Do spiritually sensitive people in my life agree with what I am deciding or planning?

There are more things we learned. Though circumstances look like it is God remember satan is a counterfeiter. We must resist pushing doors open in our own strength. If there are more than one person involved; one person may see things differently than the other. We must resist the tendency to force our own way.

We know that especially in these end times it is vital to be in God's will. Something I have read and keep in mind that I first learned in one of Neil Anderson's books (though this is my paraphrase) is beware of how you build. You may reach the top of the ladder and find it is leaning against the wrong building.

All the finalities about us moving haven't come together yet but we believe and are standing in faith that the move will happen by October 1st. I pray if any of you are seeking God about His will about a decision you need to make that what Scott and I have learned will help you.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

I am so thankful that Holy Spirit spoke to me about this prayer letter last week when the changes and challenges of life were not so troubling. I am blessed to have had a short season of calm and relief before more life waves headed my way. I do know that not any of this will be wasted. I am learning so much in this season even though I am tired. I know to enter into God's rest I must abide in full surrender to His will. I've had to ask myself, "Do I perfectly trust His power? Am I squirming and trying to run or do my own thing or go my own way? Have I rested from my own works? It doesn't mean I stop working but I should stop fleshly works and sin. This is when God's eternal works can be brought forth through me or any of us.

* Chaos is caused by unbelief and will finally come to rest only by faith. I had to ask if I was trusting in what I was looking at or feeling or in God and His promises?

* His love flowing through us will help remove all unforgiveness and end strife. Staying in forgiveness and love makes life so much easier.

* Seek God's wisdom. He has the answer and knows the truth. He sees all the angles of every circumstance. He's our Father and he knows best!

Just doing these four things I mentioned from the heart will let your mind be at rest and the waves even if they are still coming at you will seem less overwhelming.

When life is difficult it is definitely not time to stop listening to God. If we quiet our minds and emotions we will still hear Him speak in His Word and by His Spirit. It is not a time to go off on our own and figure things out and do what we think is best without consulting Him.

Do we really want hearts that go astray and become hardened? The truth is that we will find no rest when we disobey or rebel against God.

It's humbling but I had to keep telling God how much I needed Him and that I didn't understand and that I needed Him to show me the next step to take. Was I ready for any and all changes? Was I committed to the process of surrender?

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:11-12

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

I keep thinking it will be nice when God doesn't have to use adversity to reach my heart. Most of the time it is the enemy or my own or others choices that cause the problems I find myself contending with yet I have to admit that God allowed them. I want to stay vulnerable to Him; pliable and teachable so He can continue the work He has begun in this vessel.

Thus says the LORD:

      “ Heaven is My throne,
      And earth is My footstool.
      Where is the house that you will build Me?
      And where is the place of My rest?
      For all those things My hand has made,
      And all those things exist,”
      Says the LORD.

      “ But on this one will I look:
      On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
      And who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:1-2

God fearing is not a subject we hear about much even in our churches. We must honor and reverence Him and His ways. To me that means I say yes to Him before I say yes to anyone or anything else including my own agenda and comfortable routines.

So I pray I am responding more to God and less to my own emotions and even loved ones' expectations. I am learning more about His ways. My desire is to be more obedient. not in a legalistic way but because I love Him.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:20

We are to be His temple, dwelling place or habitation. My heart's desire is to make Him feel welcome and even at rest in my heart. I know I continually ask Him to forgive me for all the "clutter" I have allowed in there that has not been of Him. I want to have a clean heart with all the worldly and selfish things no longer crowding Him. I also tend to build walls in my heart not to keep God out but maybe to keep Him from shining the light on the mess that sometimes accumulates in there. Mostly it is hard to press past the pain and so I hate for him to deal with issues or past experiences that still hurt when He touches them. Oh that we could at last rest in His presence and stay at rest.

My prayer is that those reading this will learn from what I am going through and the lessons god has been teaching me. I also pray that you and I will want to hear what God said to Moses and humbly respond the way He did in the scripture below.

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. Exodus 33:14-15

This has been a stressful month though I still started my days with the Lord in His Word and praying. I must admit when more than three things are going on especially when I am out of my comfort zone, I get very stressed and this week most every day we have something new going on. On top of that, my husband reacts differently to stressful situations than I do and so dealing with one another's personality quirks has been challenging as well. At first I tried to encourage myself in the Lord and calm myself by quoting these three scriptures that Holy Spirit brought to my mind.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share...1 Timothy 6:17-18

Starting in a few hours as I am writing this now, my husband, Scott and I will be starting a new chapter in our life. After 22 years he is transferring his business to another company. This was an opportunity that came out of nowhere. After prayer, talking to one another, going to a lawyer and then all kinds of negotiations and fine tuning today is the day everything is officially transferred. Though Scott will still be doing training and consultant work we are seeking God for what He wants now that Scott is retired. (Yet as far the Lord and the ministry is concerned we want to be refired!)

Well back to my quest for peace. About two weeks ago no matter what I did the peace didn't seem to come so I called in my prayer partners and my friends to intercede. Just their immediate encouragement helped me so much. Little by little and day by day I received a little more peace and courage. I could hear the Spirit of God encourage me with four more scriptures and an exhortation from the Word to watch and pray confirmed by the last two scriptures included below.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Whenever I am afraid,
         I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
         In God I have put my trust;
         I will not fear.
         What can flesh do to me?
         Psalm 56:3-4

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...Ephesians 6:18

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Scott and I had prayed and believed this change of direction was God's will and we trusted He would shut the door if this was not His timing.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9-10

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

I also was encouraged by the Spirit of God to both enter into praise and worship and to use my prayer language more often during this transition time as we wait to walk into our "new beginning" and listen for His clear direction in the months to come.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:18-20

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵ What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 1Corinthians 14:14-15

As I was more at rest, more opportunities to minister kept coming. Some were asking for prayers, others wanted to talk and then pray and some came for godly counsel. These didn't add to my load because God gave me more grace and I felt His anointing as I obeyed Him and He touched others through me. It was an extra blessing.

There were many other lessons I learned but the purpose of sharing all this was so that you too will be encouraged when life and circumstances overwhelm you. I pray the scriptures and what I wrote will give you the courage to trust God in the midst of anything you are going through. In these end times there will be harder tests even for those who are Christians. I just received a quote from an end-time group in my e-mail that fits perfectly with what I am writing.

God by His Spirit will surely expose our compromises, foolishness, worldly-mindedness and evil desires. It will all be part of the working of His perfect will to bring His church back to Himself and on to holiness. I know we will experience a supernatural calm and rest that the world won't have. When the awful storms of chaos break out around us God will have those who are followers of His Son at peace; even when others hearts will fail them for fear. We will enjoy a peaceable, quiet rest. Any chastening as described in Hebrews 12 will lead us closer to our Bridegroom.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

A thousand may fall at your side,
         And ten thousand at your right hand;
         But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
         And see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
         Even the Most High, your dwelling place Psalm 91:7-9

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
         For my soul trusts in You;
         And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
         Until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1

The work of righteousness will be peace,
      And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
       My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
      In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places...Isaiah 32:17-18

Just one sentence a person reads can be life changing. That is what happened this week to start me on a new journey with God. When I read it I thought this can't be true but as I meditated on it I knew it was Holy Spirit fine tuning me again. What I read in a devotional was, "What you thought was your hour with God was really your hour with your habit." I could have felt condemned but I saw what was being said as it pertained to me. Almost all my life as a born again Christian I have gotten up early and written in a journal, reading scriptures and praying and reading in one or two devotionals. I know it has brought me closer to God but it was also routine; even though a good habit Now I saw that God wanted more. Then I heard this scripture -

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.1 Corinthians 13:11

I admit the idea of routines was started by my parents "to do" lists when I was a child. It was me though that turned lists into great expectations and perfectionism. Though I have been delivered from perfectionism, I think some residue may be left. The next day before I decided to make changes in my morning time I read in another prayer calendar about correct priorities, I wrote in my journal, "We have to be led by the Holy Spirit and have a clear knowledge of God's Word in order to understand what correct priorities should be." I definitely knew that this was another step of God's directing me out of my comfortable routines. I didn't yet have all the wisdom I needed to just go on and change things. I knew it wouldn't be any better to start a new habit in my own strength. I later read in a word of wisdom that came in an e-mail a few words that I applied to what I was now seeing - "Wait for My direction...Rest in My presence and be rejuvenated." Though I felt like I had done something wrong I soon knew that God was not upset with me for the many years of routinely reading the Word, praying and writing in my journal or getting wisdom from Christian devotionals. I did know though that any changes would have to be Spirit led.

It was necessary to take time to commune with God as I waited before Him." I thought of how I do that throughout each day as I go about what comes my way. I started to think that God may want that in my morning time with Him. Maybe I had missed His best or His quiet whisper because I was reading something He told someone else. This is not to say reading Christians books is wrong. I am sharing how the Holy Spirit has been speaking to my spirit and shaking me from routines I had held dear for years.

As I was waiting on God I thought and read about priorities. I wrote this in my journal, "A Christian's two most important priorities come directly from the Word of God - to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves."

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

I knew this wasn't as complicated as I was making it though it seemed like a major change to me. I simply had to be obedient to the leading of the Spirit of God. Again I was exhorted by a word that came in my e-mail through a pastor in Colorado. He helped with a puzzle piece that was missing by encouraging with these words, " Move with your faith today and move with truth...begin a fresh journey."

I knew what I had to do. I had to submit to God's will and make the necessary changes. This wasn't about just my morning time with Him but other times in my day where routine had been ruling me.

Due to hay fever and other life challenges I had gotten behind on my reading in the evenings. Life was getting harder as I tried to catch up. I felt the pressure mount and was getting overwhelmed and now after this correction I saw I didn't have to catch up. This was my own expectation not God's.

Suddenly this colored my vision about other things like the church. We too often think it is our ideas, programs, tracts that will bring the people in or get them saved but what we need is more of God. He wants to guide us but are we willing to repent and obey what He shows us to do and say. The unsaved are seeing too little of God and too much of man in the churches today. Our modern day churches are too often structured to please man and with worldly or self-promoting ways. Is God exalted; does He get the glory?

I then saw that all of this had to do with His children being hungry for more of Him.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

God by His Spirit was showing me how I personally could have more of God's presence in my morning time by laying down my own expectations and routines. The same is true in our churches. Are those who say they are hungry for more of Him ready to leave behind their comfortable routines and set out on a fresh Spirit-led journey to where God wants to take us personally and in the body of Christ. Don't we want God's Word to be living and powerful? I think those that are hungry are craving fresh manna...the bread of life.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:34-35

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

Over the years I had prayed let revival begin with me. It looks like I am getting the answer to my prayers.

My devotional journal for this month I titled, "Standing strong in faith and in the power of Your might." I had forgotten this when over a week ago as I was reading around 5:30am on the 8th and heard Holy Spirit speak to my spirit, "I want you to go from strength to strength." At the time I knew that I needed to stand stronger and to not faint or want to hide when I was rejected, neglected or persecuted because of my faith. I was thinking that the Lord was trying to deal with how I handle opposition especially in the church. I knew there was a scripture in the Psalms about going from strength to strength.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca*,
         They make it a spring;
         The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
         Each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:6-8

Fear not, for I am with you;
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you,
      Yes, I will help you,
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
         Whom shall I fear?
         The LORD is the strength of my life;
         Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

At this point I was beginning to see this wasn't about me being physically or even emotionally stronger but about trusting in the strength that was in Him. For three days in a row I got more scriptures to confirm what the Lord was showing me by His Word and His Spirit.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy. Psalm 59:17

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
         For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense;
         I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
         The rock of my strength,
         And my refuge, is in God. Psalm 62:5-7

I wrote in my journal after I read in Isaiah 40:31, "As I wait on You there will be a change... a passing on of change. The word translated renew is better translated from the Hebrew word halaph to change, pass on, exchange, replace, renew. So I wait on You with confident expectation knowing that for my weakness you will exchange Your strength. As I commune with You in prayer I begin to absorb Your strength. You impress Your mind and Your heart on my mind and heart."

But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This also brings a clearer understanding of what the Lord told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This morning I was worshiping as I sang You Are My Hiding Place and the end of the song also spoke this same message.

I was going to conclude and edit this message when I heard a sermon. The pastor was Carter Conlon of Times Square Church and he confirmed what the Lord is showing me with these words - "Jesus Christ is the only source of lasting and true strength in life for us. Invite the strength of God to flow through you to others." Later in this message Pastor Conlon spoke, "There is your strength" God says "I will open this banquet of truth to you. I will show you where the power is. I'll put in your heart a total other value system. I'll give you the power to love people that will cast the fear of man out of your heart." Just before the ending prayer there was more that spoke about our need of His strength. "When you agree with God you will find your sin covered, your failing covered and the power of the cross is coming right your way. God will be your strength in that area of weakness. That thing you felt you could never do you will start to do. The testimony of God will so explode in your heart. You will be singing "How Great is our God." Then in the prayer the service was ended with "these people have heard your Word and turned to You from something that was giving them weakness and sending them in a powerless direction. As we have turned to You, You have turned to us...Bless us that we might be a blessing. This is a brand new beginning for many. We thank You and praise You. Hallelujah!

So the message to me and through me this month is pray for, wait on and receive His strength. We are to stand strong in the power of His might and not our own. I pray this has helped any others who are struggling this month and need an infusion of God's strength.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 Amplified

I will end with a psalm that I have also sung as a scripture song that the Holy Spirit also reminded me about this morning -

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

For months I have been mentioning course corrections, changes and shaking that has been going on in my life. It is part of our continual refining and what a friend of mine calls fine tuning. I am glad that I am hearing continually from the Lord in the Word and through His Spirit yet I have found I have to trust Him a lot more because my understanding is not as clear. Though I see the ideal is to not add to or take away from the Word I find that the process of leaving traditions/religion and even teachings I embraced that now I don't see in the Word has been challenging. I am not as sure footed. I do know the foundation is Christ and am astounded by how many places the Word talks about preaching Christ. Here are just a few but there are many other examples.

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. Acts 17:2-4

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:27-29

Holy Spirit has been refining/ fine tuning my understanding about spiritual warfare. Too much of it was so complicated and I got to think if I tried this I would have the results of the seven sons of Sceva

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:13-16

I pray that I will be able to make clear what I am learning as I believe this will help others of you who don't want to neglect biblical spiritual warfare yet have gotten confused by all that has been taught in the modern day church.

First we must resist the enemy instead of just retreating and or hiding from him. I believe we will stand stronger when we really realize in our hearts that Jesus has conquered/disarmed satan; this is a finished work. We have continual power/authority in Jesus' name. I found out that many times authority and power was the same word in GK (exusia).

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:8-10

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18

Thoughts of unbelief will arise. These are only Satan's suggestions and we must choose not to listen. This is true when we have thoughts of discouragement. We must not entertain these for a minute. We have to see that for far too often we have been petting these "demons" . We must say in faith something like - "The Lord rebuke you, satan... I resist you in Jesus' name. Jesus You are my conqueror!"

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 9

I have heard it said before that when the enemy comes to the door let Jesus answer it. Well that is true. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith and it is His authority that will help us to overcome. So when the enemy makes his suggestions we are not to answer him or even let him talk to us. He is our enemy. We are not to treat him like a friend and let him have so much access to our mind, our emotions, our homes etc. So now at the first thought that I know does not line up with the Word I have come to realize that I must turn him over to Christ, Who is God's answer to him and his lies for all eternity. Satan is wise and cunning but his wisdom and tactics are not too much for the Lord.

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1b-2

I am seeing how vital it is to not trust in my own thoughts but to ask for the mind of Christ. Also we need to know that it is the enemy who gives us the spirit of fear. It is not of God and we must resist it and other spirits contrary to the Holy Spirit with the blood of Jesus and through His all prevailing name.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18

The Holy Spirit just showed me more to go with what I have been sharing. We are I pray taking up our individual crosses and fighting the good fight of faith. Too often when bombarded with hellish thoughts and nightmares we can actually feel unclean. We too often listen to these mental invasions thinking they are our thoughts. We must ask for Holy Spirit to help us know how to deal with the enemy's tactics and free us from any bondage. Holy Spirit's still small voice guides us and empowers us in the midst of these battles. There are many causes that we believe these accusations from the enemy in what ever form they take. It can be due to our past or feelings of rejection and we also live in this world during times when the wicked one is out to entrap many with his lies and schemes.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:25-27

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (KJV says imaginations for arguments)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

There is one verse in the Old Testament and four verses in the New Testament that seem to be always in my heart and I keep before my eyes. I pray them to be true in my life and in the lives mine touches

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Galatians 4:18-20

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Now read this portion of scripture about the parable of the sower asking Holy Spirit to reveal if you are allowing the devil to hinder your harvest. God's refining and fine tuning is God's best for us so we need to choose to say yes to Him and no to any other voices that are vying for our attention that conflict with His Word.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:11-15

So much has happened since I last wrote. I was called to fast for those in desperate need in my life as well as seek Him personally. There have been answers and I praise God for His faithfulness. I was also humbled by how hard it was to fast for an extended amount of time. In my twenties and thirties I did this much more easily. Then less than a week after the fast was over I dealt with the worst and longest hormonal symptoms than I have had in years. I sadly did get frustrated and weary. I would like to say how I triumphed and overcame but in truth I was clinging to the Lord and asking for more grace and mercy to be able to persevere. I am glad that I continued with the fast and endured the ever changing and debilitating symptoms. I learned so much about pressing on and enduring. Below are the scriptures that helped me to not just sit down and believe these life challenges were impossible for me. I had eventually told my soul, "It is possible. God is with you and helping you." I knew I had to have faith in Him and His promises and trust in His strength and wisdom and grace.

If you are in a difficult place or God has called you to something that it seems like you can't do, I exhort you to yield to Him and don't give up in the trial. He knows the way and He can keep you on the path He has for you. Keep walking, don't turn back or get stuck by believing the lies of the devil or even your own flesh.

So here is what I heard Holy Spirit speak to me in this season. I call them reminders or course corrections. I am writing the words together with the scriptures in the order I received them.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Philippians 3:12-15

“ For yet a little while,
      And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
      Now the just shall live by faith;
      But if anyone draws back,
      My soul has no pleasure in him.”

But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:37-39

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:23-24

I know it will be worth whatever we must endure when we see Jesus! I was reminded of the lyrics of a song that I heard a long time ago. If I could remember the melody I believe I would also remember the name of the song and at least who sang it. The words are - "It will be worth the waiting; the anticipating when we see Jesus!" Let us like Paul be able to say -

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Even before 2010 started I knew the Lord was talking to me about praise and worship. As I changed what was the guest room back to my office after Christmas I knew God wanted me to gather my praise and worship tapes and put them all in one tape rack. Holy Spirit had been speaking to me about singing psalms and choruses that I had learned when I was a new Christian.

He had brought up this scripture when I had been seeking Him a few days earlier.

I knew the Father was wanting me to really know that my foundation was secure not built on anything other than Christ and the teachings of the apostles and prophets.

This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise. Isaiah 43:21

Again I was hearing that praise and worship was going to be an important focus in 2010.

In December I had been learning about the need to be more thankful especially in the midst of troubled times. I had heard a sermon about how when the world sees God's people praising Him and at peace and joyful in the midst of difficult circumstances it would minister to them and they would want to come to the Lord.

You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah Psalm 32:7

I also read a ministry newsletter that talked about that we too often sing and rejoice when the answered prayer comes. Even those who don't know God can do that. I meditated on this and then realized the Lord would be more pleased if we sang songs of faith and victory before the answer comes. This would glorify Him and others would also see that we trusted Him no matter what it looked like. Here is a quote from the newsletter I mentioned by David Wilkerson that really confirmed what I was starting to see.

"What the world hungers for is the sight of a Christian who is being deeply tested - someone who is in trouble, his back against the wall, with no way out - yet he sings. He doesn't complain of his situation. He trusts not in man nor in circumstances but in God."

Today so many are in fear but we have God who is with us in these times of testing. He can be trusted.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
         For my soul trusts in You;
         And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
         Until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1

Praise the LORD with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Psalm 33:2-3

I loved this because I worship God weekly with my omnichord which is like a harp to me. The sound is so peaceful and it reminds me of how David played the harp for Saul when a distressing spirit came upon him.

And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.1 Samuel 16:23

He has put a new song in my mouth—
         Praise to our God;
         Many will see it and fear,
         And will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

I will sing a new song to You, O God;
On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You...Psalm 144:9

Then on the 10th of January Holy Spirit interrupted my worship time talking to me about different areas of my life and ministry. I knew I had to stop singing and write down what He was saying or i would forget some of it. Most of these were personal course corrections that I may write on at another time but again it was during praise and worship that He spoke so clearly to me.

On the 14th I was born again for 32 years. I took a spiritual gifts test that day and saw that my top gifts were still pastor/shepherd and leading worship but this time also giving. I then re-read a recent word from the Lord through Marsha Burns at Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, CO that spoke about giving being an act of worship.

I speak to you about your giving, and many of you, My people, have allowed your tithing to be no more than religious duty. Beloved, I want you to give as an act of extreme worship. Give with thanksgiving and joy, for it is My desire to honor your spirit of generosity, and it is My delight to open the windows of heaven and pour out My blessing upon you, says the Lord.

Again He was expanding what I had known about worship from reading the Word and singing to Him all these years. Last night I was reading in an older book called Praise and Worship...in Earth as it is in Heaven by Anne Murchison. These scriptures spoke to me as I read -

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:15-21

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh...Philippians 3:3

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

The author clarified that Psalms was a hymnal and should be used for instruction, example and encouragement. This brought me back to me spending more time not only reading the psalms but singing them. She then talked about the subject of Davidic praise and worship and Jesus being the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Revelation 5:5). Judah in Hebrew is Yhudwdah which means "celebrated; praise to God." The root means to revere or worship with extended hands.

" Praise overcomes the enemy. Praise overcomes our flesh (carnal, ungodly desires). Praise and worship brings us into right relationship with the Lord and the rivers of living water begin to flow forth from us in abundance"

This year I want to sing songs of faith and victory before I experience or see the answered prayers come to pass in my life and in those loved ones I intercede for. I pray that you too will sing songs and worship God in every way the Holy Spirit shows you.

Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:1-2

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

I have been weeping a lot as I read e-mails or think about those suffering physically, emotionally and financially. It hasn't been easy to cast the care. It doesn't seem enough to pray for these or even give what I can of what I have been blessed with.

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:1-7

So as I meditated on what I can give to those who are at the point of losing hope, grown weary and are giving up, I thought I can give them the Word and the fresh manna that the Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning. First I read from from Lamentations 3:19-23 -

Remember my affliction and roaming,
      The wormwood and the gall.
       My soul still remembers
      And sinks within me.
       This I recall to my mind,
      Therefore I have hope.
      Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
      They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.

I then thought of these scriptures I had heard twice this week from two different pastors.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
      Because the LORD has anointed Me
      To preach good tidings to the poor;
      He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
      To proclaim liberty to the captives,
      And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
       To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
      And the day of vengeance of our God;
      To comfort all who mourn,
       To console those who mourn in Zion,
      To give them beauty for ashes,
      The oil of joy for mourning,
      The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
      That they may be called trees of righteousness,
      The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3

I thought of a scripture that encourages my heart and one I often use to encourage those who minister in any way.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28

Do not trust in a friend;
      Do not put your confidence in a companion;
      Guard the doors of your mouth
      From her who lies in your bosom.
       For son dishonors father,
      Daughter rises against her mother,
      Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
      A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
       Therefore I will look to the LORD;
      I will wait for the God of my salvation;
      My God will hear me. Micah 7:5-7

Sometimes we begin to feel sorry for ourselves. I recently heard about a way to look at this that I never thought of before. A pastor said that when we feel sorry for ourselves we've forgotten what God has done for us and all the prayers He has answered. We then may become bitter and act as though He actually owes us and this makes it impossible for Him to be gracious to us. I sure have never seen how a "you owe me" attitude toward God and others can cut us off from His grace. I repented for times when I have looked inward for far too long or even let these thoughts get into self-pity.

During my morning devotions I read this quote from the Worship Bible about the importance of our focus - "We who were self-centered have to be completely changed so that we can shift our attention outside of ourselves and become able to worship Him." Raymond C. Ortland. This doesn't go for just those of us who are too self focused but also those who think too much about what we are going through or how unfair we believe we have been treated. We need to look up and out more than in.

As I was worshiping this morning I sang this song and I know that you can't go wrong by believing these words and saying I will turn my eyes on You, Father no matter what I see or or feel or think.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

from Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Words & Music: Helen H, Lemmell, 1922

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Have a blessed and safe Christmas and even if you can't be with loved ones know that Jesus is with you. He will never leave or forsake you. If your need is on this list someone at this ministry is praying for you everyday.

Last week I didn't get much sleep but one early morning I heard the Holy Spirit speak these words - "How Shall We Then Live?" I thought this had to do with a survival dream about the end-times I had earlier. As I meditated on what was being said I then heard the reprimand that we can't live as we always have; that times have radically changed. I prayed and these scriptures came to me about what we must do in these challenging days.

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:40

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. Mark 13:32-33

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Luke 12:37

We must do business until Jesus comes. We just don't sit and wait for the rapture. We are to endure and persevere.

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ Luke 19:12-13

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”. Luke 21:28

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

This next scripture is very timely as the modern church still has so much religion that complicates and confuses us and too often distracts us from being Christ-centered.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. Mark 7:7-9

making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13

We also must have oil which is representative of being filled with the Holy Spirit like the wise virgins.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:6-13

I then meditated on the actual words the Holy Spirit spoke to me, "how shall we then live?" and couldn't find them in scripture but I did find a scripture with a similar message.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness...2 Peter 3:11

I know that in these end times everything that can be shaken will be shaken and so we must learn how to live in times that are not stable.

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Matthew 12:25-28

I know that for the last year God has been seriously weaning me from the world. He first told me to not watch the news much as the truth was not being reported but opinions and that His Word was the truth. We are to not be like those in the world. Heaven is our true home. Jesus spoke about this as he prayed for His disciples

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. John 17:14-18

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.1 Peter 2:9-12

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.1 Peter 4:1-3

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven.... Colossians 1:21-23a

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:8-10

There are so many scriptures about us not being like the world and not loving it but here are three more that we should meditate on

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1John 2:15-17

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.1John 5:4

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.1 John 5:19-21

This may be a lot to consider. We each are dealing with our own life trials and challenges. I have seen more financial, relationship and health prayer needs in the last few months and not only more but they are more urgent too. Some are fainting and others clinging to God like never before. I don't see many who are standing strongly now. We do need to stand on the Word and to put on the whole armor of God but we also need to ask for prayer from those who we believe will really intercede and pray in faith knowing all things are possible with God and that He can be totally trusted no matter what is going on in our lives or in the chaotic storms around us. Jesus is still speaking, "Peace be still."

You will keep him in perfect peace,
      Whose mind is stayed on You,
      Because he trusts in You.
       Trust in the LORD forever,
      For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4

I am praying you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. No matter what you are dealing with there is so much to thank Father God for. Give Him thanks with a grateful heart!!!

This month I didn't have to seek the Lord about what He wanted me to minister about. It became obvious as I read the Word and listened to several pastors and teachers. There is no way that I can cover all the scriptures on the mouth, the tongue, our words, how we speak and our confession but I will include many scriptures. They will be in various translations as I studied them. Some of what I have learned is that we can undue what you have prayed about in faith with words of unbelief.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 NKJV

For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. Matthew 12:37 Amplified

As believers we shouldn't speak like the world. What comes out of our mouths is the result of what we hear, read or watch. We also become like the people we spend the most time with and too often we can even speak like they do.

There are many ways we can use our words in a wrong way. We can lie, curse, use our words as weapons or brag.

The Lord will stop those flattering lips
and cut off those bragging tongues.
They say, "Our tongues will help us win.
We can say what we wish; no one is our master." Psalm 12:3-4 NCV

Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. Psalm 64:34 NKJV

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. Matthew 15:17-18 NKJV

You are snared by the words of your mouth;
You are taken by the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2

We need to examine what we are saying and then make them work for us instead of against us. We can listen to what we are saying and our lives will turn around.

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10 NKJV

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 NAS

We can choose to have our words agree with what is in the Word and be more consistent at doing this. We need to say the same thing when we are talking to our friends that we pray to God in our prayer closets. We can stop talking defeat, failure, sickness and lack. Listen to Holy Spirit as you read these other scriptures from Proverbs, the book of wisdom and a few other places in the Word.

In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
      But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
       ³ He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
      But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:2-3

In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
But the lips of the wise will preserve them. Proverbs 14:3

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:2

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23

A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Proverbs 18:20

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Colossians 3:8

For my mouth will speak truth;
Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:7

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 12:18

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26

word/words

The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. Proverbs 12:6

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

I pray as you have read these scriptures and searched your own heart that Holy Spirit showed you some areas where you can improve in the things that you say. We can be more like Jesus. Look what was said about His words in Luke 4:22 - So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Recently I was reminded about how we have been redeemed from the curse of the law. Jesus has redeemed us from the curses named in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. I had to ask myself if I have I truly believed this? Or have I allowed worldly or my own carnal ways to distract and deceive me from God's truth.

It wasn't difficult to know what God wanted me to write about this month. I started seeking Him early. I knew the topic would be on the love of God. I first heard a message by Keith Moore called He Loves Me. That was my first confirmation. Then that night I went on-line to watch a video of a recent sermon by David Wilkerson at Times Square Church in New York City. Though it was called Reaching the Lost in Uncertain Times, it mostly talked about us loving one another as God has loved us.

And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26

I remembered that early the same morning I had read in a devotional by Neil Anderson about how God loves us not because we are loveable but because it is His nature to love us. The next day I Joyce Meyer wrote in a book I was reading to be more "quick to love and slow to judge."

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Later in the day I was cleaning the kitchen and turned on my Ipod and the first song that came on was My Father's Love from the Vineyard CD My Redeemer Lives. I have been studying daily the course I am taking on Christ-likeness and what do you think the next subject that same day was on? The Perfection of Love. Even when I met with my neighbor Jackie that evening for our worship, study and prayer time, the first song on the worship video, You are my World which we hadn't used for worship for weeks just happened to be God So Loved. I never had so many confirmations about a subject I was to study or write about.

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love Ephesians 3:16-17

We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,
         In the midst of Your temple.
According to Your name, O God,
         So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
         Your right hand is full of righteousness. Psalm 48:9-10

The love of God and His love expressed through us must be very important to Him. Of course it is. Look at what Jesus says are the greatest commandments.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

Some of the things that I learned from the various teachings, sermons, devotions and scriptures I trust God will minister to you and have you look to see if this is an area in your life where Holy Spirit is making a correction or at the very least an improvement.

1) If we know God then we know love. He is love and we need to walk in love. God is not impressed by how much we know but how much we love. He knows who loves Him.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

I believe that since God is love that it must be the very atmosphere of heaven. We will bask in the love of heaven.

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. “For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. Deuteronomy 11:18-23

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

3) Do we really believe that God loves us? Many of us face seasons in wilderness experiences that last far longer than they need to be. I see how vital it is that we know God loves us. Look at this Old Testament scripture -

“Nevertheless you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God; and you complained in your tents, and said, ‘Because the LORD hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Deuteronomy 1:27

Do we believe what the Bible says about God or what we feel or have been told? We need to know for ourselves how much God loves us and how much He loves others too. He loved us when we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) and he knows the number of hairs on our head.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-8

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

3) We are to follow Jesus and to be like Him. Look how much He loved us and He still is interceding in heaven. I believe that Father God wants us to reveal the character He sees in Jesus to the world today. We are His body and we know that God was well pleased with Him.

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17:5-6

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:34-35

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.1 John 4:17

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:17-18

Shouldn't we also be choosing to stand in the gap instead of finding fault and accusing like the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10)? We need to remain merciful and in agreement with the heart of God. Like Jesus we need to be crying out, "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they do." It isn't easy to be different; to pray when others are fault-finding or cursing and to let love be perfected in us in the midst or our suffering and life's conflicts.

I believe God is still looking for an intercessor to stand in the gap. Are there many who haven't hardened their heart and will care and go to Him in prayer for the rebellious, the mean, the lying, the corrupt , the complacent, the self-indulgent, the worldly, the carnal and so many more.

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Remember how Abraham stood in the gap for Sodom asking for even ten righteous in that city so it could be spared (Genesis 18:26-33)?

The enemy may use the ones we are praying for to come against us. We can choose to not give our hearts to frustration and bitterness over this. Jesus bore much heartache from betrayal. There was a time when everyone betrayed Him.

Do we really love enough to truly know Him and obey Him? We must want to be made into the house of prayer that is His and the Father's desire.

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:21-24

Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” Mark 11:17

but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Hebrews 3:6

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:17-18

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

The Lord has been revealing His ways to make my path easier. I want to share some spiritual experiences that I pray will help you as they have me. A few weeks ago I was about to do a project that should have taken ten minutes but everything went wrong. There were obstacles no matter what I tried and I found myself getting frustrated and on the verge of reacting in anger. Suddenly I heard Holy Spirit speak to me to call for the fruit of the Spirit I needed. I called for patience and peace and my attitude changed and I even felt joy in the midst of the task. I knew this wasn't a one time quick fix. This revelation would change me forever and it is. I find myself calling forth the fruit of the Spirit often.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did Romans 4:17b

I will list the fruit of the Spirit below and other meanings in the Greek. Then we will look at what we deal with in life's challenges and when we can call upon the fruit needed.

* peace - eirene - peace , harmony, safety, reconciliation in a relation, quiet, rest

* patience - makrothymia - patience, forbearance, internal and external control in a difficult circumstance, longsuffering

* faithfulness - pistis - faith , trust, assurance , fidelity, faithfulness, actions based on trust

Now when do you call on these spiritual fruits? Let us look at some times we need to call on these most.

* peace - when we have feelings of agitation or frustration or there is strife, conflict in our life

* goodness - when we are tempted by evil, corruption , dishonesty or want to hurt someone

* faithfulness - when we want to be disloyal or are acting deceitful, untrue or untrustworthy

Now I believe you know in your heart that this can't work if you really don't want to change. You can't call for joy if you are determined to stay sad and discouraged. I know that Holy Spirit will help you if you want these fruits to be evident in the situations where you need them. He sure is at work changing me.

I was then reminded that I am in God's presence. That is His presence is with me. My favorite singer wrote in her last letter to me about the importance of His presence in her life and I had been meditating on it. earlier this month. I remembered what Moses said in Exodus 33 (see below). Knowing God's presence is with me is both comforting and empowering yet I must yield and submit to Him and also resist the enemy and his lies.

Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. Exodus 33:13-15

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

I pray that what I was shown this month will be as life changing for you as it has been for me.

Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:4-6

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:7-8

A week ago I knew I would be writing about hope. So many I was praying for needed it more than ever and every time I read the Bible hope seemed to be the theme. It wasn't until a few days ago that the Lord showed me something about faith that I needed to see that was hindering answers to prayer in particularly one area.

One week this month it seemed that there were five people in my life that were in the trial of their lives. I prayed fervently yet had a hard time casting the care because I so wanted to make all the pain/frustration go away for these that I loved so much. Then I saw how the Lord worked in these very difficult situations. Hope had been restored.

Yet I know others who have given up even praying in certain areas of their life. I ask God that what I wrote to the Lord in my journal will help them.. If this is your prayer/heart's desire talk to the Father using your own words or even some of mine but personalize it for yourself.

Father, I want to be a person who refuses to to stop hoping no matter what happens in my life. I know I must hope in You and believe for the good that will be in my future. I want to think and talk more positively and expect good news. I know that a positive attitude will relieve the pressures of life. I choose to put a smile on my face.

Abraham hoped in faith. I want to be like him instead of my heart getting sick by hope being deferred. This only causes depression, despair and discouragement.

Positive believing opens the way for You to work Your will in my life. Walking with You includes agreeing with You. Your thoughts and plans for me will be even better than I have hoped.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor (trouble) as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. Hosea 2:15

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
      But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;
       For surely there is a hereafter,
      And your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be.He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Romans 4:18-22 Amplified

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].1 Corinthians 13:7 Amplified

And yesterday morning the words from the chorus of the song Whispering Hope that I heard my favorite singers Guy and Ralna sing on one of their CDs also added to my thoughts on hope -

"Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice, how welcome...making my heart in its sorrow rejoice, rejoice."

Now for what I learned about the need for faith when we pray. I knew this in my head and my heart in most cases yet there are areas where I was in hope more than in faith. I then read about how Abraham interceded about Sodom so that it wouldn't be destroyed.

Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? Genesis 18:22-23

Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. Genesis 18:32-33

I suddenly saw how I had gotten discouraged because so few seemed to be standing for God. What I read and see on the news seemed so horrible and who was standing for truth, for God' s people, for Christian rights, for the unborn etc. I knew there had to be ten and then I wrote this in my journal -

True faith obtains Your promises. Through faith which works by faith and by love we grow even when we think we are weak. In Christ we are made strong. faith shuts the mouths that try to devour us with their words of discouragement and fear.

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions...Hebrews 11:33

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God... Ephesians 2:8

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6

I will stand for truth and there are others who will too. Evil enters through our negligence and will leave through our diligence

* Do I see this nation or even Your church entrapped in sin? Then haven't I fallen from faith about them?

I prayed to see the harvest, and hear the call of the Spirit and be open to the emerging, unified church, Christ's bride. I know that in the midst of darkness that God is sending His brightest light.

I spoke to God about shining His light in my heart to show me places where it wasn't pure or had been divided. I asked that my heart will be united with His holy army that is being raised up in this hour. He knew I didn't want a heart that promoted division in His church and among His people. I knew I had more than hope than i had before and that God would help me to have strong faith for where He has placed me -

* for the body of Christ where I live and on the Internet in the various "communities" I am part of

* for the nations (as I have been praying for them by name for a few months now)

I know that God loves all of these even more than I do and will turn their hearts back to Him. We need to intercede and He will draw them.

Each morning I pray for the Holy Spirit to birth the Christ life in those who don't know Him and bring the promised fullness of the Christ life, the abundant life into those who already do know Him. I pray that Holy Spirit will release the light of the glory of the gospel in every situation, that Jesus will be exalted in every life and that the destinies of those who belong to God will be fulfilled. I ask that His anointing that was on our Lord Jesus Christ would break the yokes of sin, ungodly relationships and anything else that stops us from following Him. I pray also that we will stand strong and steadfast, unconditionally loving as He loved and speaking His Word over the lives of those who touch my life (which includes you if you are reading this). I pray that Holy Spirit would work in me and touch through me and keep us on God's brightest path as we are watching and waiting for the rapture and meeting our Beloved Lord Jesus in the air.

I have had four rapture dreams and always as I rise up toward Him there is no joy or freedom like I ever known here on earth and these are just dreams not the real thing. Jesus is coming soon and I pray His bride will not only be ready but be hopeful and faith filled.

Caring is wonderful when expressed toward others yet how many of us are taking too much care for ourselves. This is true for many Christians. Instead of looking up and out there is still too much unnecessary inward searching. "What is in it for me? When do I get mine?"

Are we really trusting God to take care of us in these end times? Jesus talked about the importance of denying ourselves and following Him

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

We must leave our own interests to follow Jesus as the disciples left their nets.

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:24

When we say, " no" more and more to self-care we are letting God be God in our lives.

I am reminded of the story of the man who fell off a cliff and kept grasping for branches and as he held to the last branch he looked up and prayed for help and the voice from heaven said, "let go. ' Then the man responded, "Is there anyone else up there?"

How often when we are waiting on God do we end up trying to work things out for ourselves in our own strength and our own time? And why is it so hard to cast the care on God as we are encouraged to do?

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.1 Peter 5:6-7

Self-seeking is not of God yet we all do it and many don't even know to repent for doing this.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

We are even instructed to be self-controlled and self-control or temperance is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians3:23)

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

One of the ways we know that we are in perilous times is that people will not only be lovers of themselves but without self-control.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

This week as I sought the Lord about this letter I was led to the word carnal. As I read the scriptures with this word I saw that carnal was about self-preservation and being fleshly and independent even rebellious toward God and His ways.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:6-7

I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 1 Corinthians 3:2-4

I've heard the term carnal Christian and that really doesn't seem a true description of one who would follow the Lord. How can we follow Him and still be carnal?

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3-5

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

We can become more selfless and put others and especially God before ourselves. It is a choice but it won't be easy.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Why are we part of the body of Christ? Aren't we God's family? Doesn't a family take care of one another, spend time together, encourage and serve each other? Sadly in too many church services we truly feel left out and alone and not a part of a family at all. We aren't known, accepted or encouraged as we should be. We've become accustomed to receiving and not giving; being served and not serving. We have learned to do our own thing and even church denominations and others who gather together have different visions and ways of doing things rather than centering on God's purpose of us being built together as Christ's body with only one Head.

I will end with a scripture I looked up in many translations this month. It was a scripture I heard Holy Spirit speak to me one morning early and I had to find where it was. I wasn't sure why I heard it but I can see it goes well about the attitude we need to have which is far from self-seeking and self preservation. It is so much more like Jesus, our Lord and Master.

Servants don't deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do. And that's how it should be with you. When you've done all you should, then say, "We are merely servants, and we have simply done our duty." Luke 17:9-10 Contemporary English Version

There has been so many changes and even shaking going on in believers lives. Tests have been harder too. Some have been dealing with circumstances that affect their health, relationships, their work and this of course affects them emotionally, mentally and eventually spiritually. Early one morning I was reminded of this scripture -

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...Philippians 1:6

Too many of us are looking back or think of how we wanted our lives or each situation to turn out. Do you have regrets about what could have been? Some I know even seem to be stuck. They are not moving forward and they certainly don't want to go back to where they were hurt in the past. I want to give you a hand up as the Holy Spirit ministers through me.

You can press forward. You are a work in progress. What was or what you see or feel now is not the final outcome. We are God's workmanship and He isn't done yet

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28

Not long ago I was singing a song I used to sing when I was going through my longest and most difficult time back in the mid 80s. Even then I loved to listen and sing Christian music. I was on the praise and worship team at my church for several years. I can't remember the words exactly of this song but the way I remember them I believe is pretty close since I couldn't find the lyrics in any songbooks or when I did a search on-line. The chorus goes something like this -

That is exactly what is going on now. I may have mentioned this before but Holy Spirit showed me a wrinkled wedding dress a few years back. He asked me how I was going to get the wrinkles out and then proceeded to answer His own question. He said, "by heat and pressure."

If you are reading this I believe you are at least a believer. I pray that you will continue in the faith and are awaiting the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, so you will certainly be His bride.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27

Two years ago the Lord pretty much commanded me to not look back or around to what others were doing or not doing. I was at a point of fainting and this was the way He used to strengthen me and keep me pressing forward. At first it was an act of my will to obey Him because I love Him but now I am more passionate and fervent as I pursue the depths of all God created me to be and do. Focus was another key. I had to keep my eyes on Him and to meditate on His Word day and night.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.
Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:11-12

I had to knock on every door of opportunity as it came. Some opened but others slammed shut.

Too often we limit our lives because we stop progressing. The work Father God is doing in us is ongoing. It is a process and we are to grow and mature. We don't want to stay babies by wanting our own way or by agreeing with worldly ways. Satan is called the god of this world.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.1 Peter 2:1-3

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Let go of all the self-talk you express like, "What is wrong with me? I should do better and be better and be farther along than I am." Start focusing on how far you have come even thanking God for salvation, for health, for a new day, for your loved ones. Even on the worst of days you can thank Him for waking up, that you have food to eat or that you can hear the birds singing.

What we all become is determined by our daily choices. We are taking steps toward our destiny. I have decided to respond spiritually rather than react emotionally. I have learned that allowing my emotions to lead is a very bad idea. It becomes like a runaway train and it never ends well.

Pleasing people or even being self-indulgent is no longer a goal or even something I want to be a part of. I want to please the Father and be as Christ-like as possible. I know that God already loves me. He loved me even when I was a sinner but by obeying Him is the way I show I love Him.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.1 John 2:5

I will praise the name of God with a song,
         And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull,
         Which has horns and hooves.
The humble shall see this and be glad;
         And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. Psalm 69:30-32

When a man’s ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:8-9

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Well now you know more about pleasing God. Your motive is not to get Him to do something. You want to show Him how much You love Him because He is your Father because He sent His son to earth and because of the finished work Jesus did on the cross.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

I know I am checking my thoughts, my motives, my attitudes because I know I am His and I want to represent Him well. We are an expression or a reflection of the Father as Jesus was when He lived on the earth. Watch Jesus. He said or did nothing unless the Father told Him. Look at some of the things He said about that.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. John 17:4

Yes Jesus is our standard. I know that can be intimidating yet we can make steps toward being all we can be for Father God because we love Him. We all can read the Word, listen to the Holy Spirit and yield to Him in obedience.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:6-8

So I exhort you to come out of your comfort zones, say yes to what God is speaking to you by His Word and His Spirit. Repent when you are convicted of a sin or some way you are walking that is not in line with the Word. Forgive others and yourself too. Align your thinking and your speaking to what the Word says about that. These are all choices that must be made often and not just once when you accept Jesus as your Savior. I want to daily choose the abundant life. We can each make a difference for His kingdom in our time left here on this earth. We are His representative; His ambassadors. The Bible says the Lord's disciples will be known by their love. Have courage because we can do this!

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18

These little trips through the Word led by Holy Spirit have been intriguing. I thought I would be writing on not being lukewarm and then I got into revering and fearing the Lord and then into praying for revival and this morning I was stopped in my tracks by a sentence in a new devotional by Joyce Meyer. I have been studying on this off and on all day.

"Dividing the sacred from the secular causes us to live disjointed lives where we always rush through the things we see as mundane in order to get to the spiritual activities we feel God is pleased with."

She then suggested that if we come to the realization that we have lifted all our life up to God it becomes a prayer, a type of living intercession. Wow!

It's true I don't want to be lukewarm and I want to revere and fear the Lord more yet by living a life that is wholly consecrated to God is key, isn't it?

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men...Colossians 3:23

God looks at our hearts. If we do an activity with a godly motive we are not self centered but wanting to exalt God. An example is to eat healthy, exercise and dress nicely so we can look and feel our best. Not to glorify ourselves but to glorify God.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

As I read these scriptures I saw that I do separate my life into different parts. My Word, prayer, worship and study time is for God. My cleaning house and being available for my husband is for Scott. My writing this prayer letter, posting to groups, discipling my neighbor and e-mailing is mostly for ministry. You get the idea. I started to think of everything as for God's glory and if there were things in my life that were not appropriate for Him then ideally they should be removed. This will make more room for the things that will glorify and honor Him.

I then studied about glorifying, honoring and exalting God. I first looked at what Jesus said and did .

Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. John 7:16-18

Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. John 8:49-50

We can be more Christ-like. We can also glorify God by being an undivided church at least in our hearts and minds.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:8

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:38

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:8

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

We can change but will we? Do we love God more than our own comfort? Will we say yes to Him or to our own flesh and what others ask of us? I want to be like Paul who said -

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

We who are His body and the beloved bride of Christ will be without spot or wrinkle but we must be willing to do our part.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.1 John 3:2-4

This will be like a puzzle to put together as I write this prayer letter. For over a week Holy Spirit has been reminding me of scriptures and almost every book I read adds to what I believe the Lord wants me to write. The first scripture I heard was in Revelation and part of what Jesus spoke to the church at Ephesus in Revelation.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

I have been thinking of Jesus as my heavenly groom lately. I know He is coming for His bride. As a soon to be bride we must be faithful to our groom. He is our first love. One of my favorite scriptures speaks of us even as His virgin.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

How often do even the most devoted Christians say yes to others and no to what we know the Spirit of the Lord is prompting us to do. I want to be even more devoted to Him and immediate to be obedient when I know He is speaking to my heart to do something. Would a bride do anything less for her new earthly husband?

I was then doing dishes and heard a preacher on TV talk about the economy and how the Bible had the answer. He said something like we don't want to lose our things - our houses, cars etc. He then told us to go to this scripture.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

I do get up and read the Word and pray first but I know I can put God first in other ways too.

One morning recently I heard Holy Spirit speak to me about the commandments that Jesus talked about. He then said what is the first commandment? I knew what it was but then opened my Bible to the passage and meditated more on it.

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. Mark 12:29-30

I knew that honestly I didn't love Him as He was asking of me. He spoke to me about having a divided heart and being double minded all too often. I don't get into condemnation when the Lord corrects me like I used to because I know His correction is always what is best for me. I truly love His corrections now. Can't we all improve on loving Him and by following whatever He is showing us in the Word and by His Spirit?

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
      Nor detest His correction;
       For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
      Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

Yesterday I was working on the study that I have with my neighbor on Mondays and there was another comment made on a first. The author was talking about who we go to when we are in trouble and exhorted the reader to learn to go to God first. Yes, He can use others and anoint them to help us but isn't it best to head to the Secret place or to the throne in time of need?

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15

Notice this promise has conditions. Verse 14 says we must set our love upon Him to be delivered and we must know His name. I will later touch on the names of God and Jesus as Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning.

After reading the Word I was catching up on a book I had been reading that I hadn't read for several days. In it I found more about God being first. I read about how the enemy entraps believers and seduces them into having good things take the place of God in our lives. The author even said God needs to be first in our lives. Holy Spirit seemed to fill in the blanks as I read. He showed me how idols can truly be good things like our families, our work, our home or even a church or ministry. I saw how the enemy divides and then conquers. Yes, he divides families, friends and those in the body of Christ but he divides our heart and mind and we cooperate with him because we don't see what is truly happening.

There is a question that Elijah asked that is Very relevant today - “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” (from 1 Kings 18:21). We can replace our "pet" idol for the name Baal. Our little gods can maybe satisfy a little while but it is only God who hears our prayers and can truly satisfy our lives long term actually eternally. It is time to become whole and change our divided hearts and double minds.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Then I heard Holy Spirit talk about hallowing the name of the Lord. There are many names for God and Jesus. I will touch on just a few of them. God is called Elohim our Creator, Adonai, our Master, El Shaddai, the all sufficient one that is more than enough. He also has many names that go with Jehovah meaning I AM.

So Jehovah Shalom (Isaiah 9:6) is the I AM who gives peace * Jehovah Rapha is the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26) * Jehovah Jireh - the Lord who provides (Genesis 22:14) * Jehovah M'kaddesh - the Lord who sanctifies/makes holy (Lev. 20:8) * Jehovah Shammah - The Lord who is ever Present (Ezekiel 48:35) * Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6) * Jehovah Nissi - The Lord who is our banner and victory (Exodus 17:15) * Jehovah Rohi - the Lord our shepherd (Psalm 23:1) * Jehovah Sabaoth - The Lord of the hosts (1 Samuel 1:3) * Jehovah Gmolah - the Lord who recompenses (Jeremiah 51:6)

There are other names for God. Jesus also said, I AM * the resurrection *the way * the truth * the life * the light of the world * the bread of life * the door of the sheep * the good shepherd * the true vine.

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58

I truly believe that whatever the need we have that God and Jesus' names will meet that need. In the Lord's prayer we see that God's name is to be hallowed. The Greek word is hagiazo which is used in other places in the New Testament to mean to sanctify, set apart, make holy or honor as Holy.

Though I just started studying this I know that when we put God first we will give Him honor and hallow Him. As I study His names and their meaning I know He will be to me even more than He is now. I know many of you reading this need Him to be your Healer and others need Him to be their peace. As we put Him first and hallow His name our Christian walk becomes stronger and we are more blessed so we can in turn bless those He brings into our lives. Let's not keep Him waiting and put Him first place in our hearts, in our minds, in our days and may He truly be our First Love.

Last month I started sharing about all that I am learning about the church according to the New Testament. I wrote about how surprised I was that the modern church and even the church starting less than five hundred years after Jesus was crucified changed but not according to God's plan.

As the church we are to be God's family. We are to be brothers and sisters who share this new life in Christ. We are also called to love one another and bear each other's burdens.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

Many churches today cater to those who are self-serving and materialistic. They sadly run more like a business than a family and the pastor more like a CEO. In the New Testament even those who guided and guarded their brethren were easily accessible to them. There were loving households of faith; communities of believers who had personal relationships with one another.

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-17

The church today is far too complex. It is more business-like than spiritual. God intended it to be a close-knit, bonded community of Christ-like and compassionate brothers and sisters - a family centered on Jesus Christ alone. Our Lord longs for His bride, the church to be pure and not forget the simplicity that is in Him and His teachings. Holy Spirit will remind us of what Jesus taught.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

Isn't that what we are looking for? I've heard many say they want to return to simplicity and to be part of a nurturing and caring church family.

Today we may have exciting praise music, sermons with many points and almost every kind of program for all ages and interests but are we a community that functions as a close-knit family. Isn't it love that is to be how others will identify the Lord's church?

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Church leaders are to oversee and direct. According to the New Testament they were elders meaning that they were more spiritually advanced yet just older brothers. They were sometimes called shepherds for they were to instruct but also guard the flock from spiritual predators. Oversight of the church was shared. We see churches were planted and the elders came from within each church. We are to follow biblical examples rather than modern day church plans that are thought up by men.

It was a group of elders not one man who oversaw the early churches. You will see this in Acts 15:2-6, 21:17-18, Titus 1:5, James 5:14 and in many more places). These elders were men of proven character who were servant-leaders. They were examples to the flock and they were as fathers to them.

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.1 Peter 5:1-3

This won’t be a Christmas message even though I pray that Jesus will have first place in your heart this Christmas and always. I want to write about the church that the Bible talks about. I have been studying about the early church in the Bible. I have read in Acts, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. I have been writing extensive notes and mediating on what I am learning, actually relearning. We think that the church we go to or what we have come to know as modern church must be what God wanted, right? We’ve become comfortable with what we have learned from pastors and teachers and even our parents and grandparents. We need to ask ourselves were we taught tradition or the truth?

I want you to know my heart. What I will be writing is out of love and not judgment. I have gone to church most of my life. I have been a born again Christian for almost 31 years. My husband and I have had home churches and even had a church in two different towns believing we were following the Lord. Now after much prayer and study I resign from what has been known as the modern organized church. I am still part of the body of Christ and will promote Christian unity which I have always loved to do.

Whether you are a young Christian or mature, in an organized church or not, I want you to ask the Lord to reveal the truth to you. He knows the path He wants to take each of us on. I am going to share my path and what I see is the Christ Centered Church. I am finally at peace with being different as Caleb had a different spirit as he followed the Lord fully. After studying for almost two months now on the church as is described in the New Testament I see that it doesn’t resemble the organized modern church much at all. Jesus is to be the Master Builder and the Head of the church, after all we are His body. We are to be one body without all the divisions and without looking to mere men as the head of the church. The elders described throughout the New Testament were mature men who guided and guarded the church but were part of the group of believers not over them.

You may remember that my quest started when the Holy Spirit showed me that worldly or shallow Christians or those content in traditional churches were for the most part satisfied with where they were. They wanted to blend in or fit in and not rock the boat. He then told me that He would be pouring His new wine into new wineskins. I then read in Acts and 1 Corinthians 11-14 about the early church. I was shocked to see how far we have strayed from God’s original intent. I know that right now he is calling those who want to shed their man-made traditions concerning what they had learned about the church in other places than the Bible. He is looking for a people who will hand the church back to the complete mastery of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Never forget that the Biblical church belongs to Christ and not to us. If we retain our old yet comfortable “wineskins” how will we receive the new wine of the Spirit?

Let’s look at a Christ centered church meeting. Every member is to express Christ with our Holy Spirit endowed gifts. The purpose of our meetings is mutual encouragement or edification.

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:26

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

In church meetings we are to all participate in the building of the Body. Too many today fear trusting in the leadership of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide their services so we have substituted with pastors and teachers we look to instead. Yet in the New Testament example we don’t see one leading and the rest following him. We should all have a shared responsibility to pass on to one another what we have received of the Lord in our individual times of prayer and Bible study. Sadly the modern day church has too often instilled the notion that the congregation should stay spiritual babies and not participate in the services but be passive receivers. It is now time to reclaim the ground lost and be believing priests.

We are to express Christ’s fullness. Of course His fullness cannot be expressed by just one person. He is to be formed in each of us not just a pastor, teacher or prophet. None of us know it all or have all the spiritual gifts. We need each other.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:7

He shall judge the world in righteousness,
         And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
         A refuge in times of trouble.
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
         For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:8-10

When I named my journal this month I had no idea what life would be like. The words now look prophetic -

Obey the truth. With patient persistence do good. Continue in the faith grounded and steadfast. Turn from self-seeking and self-will.

I needed to follow these wise words through windy and bumpy roads. At times I wanted to sit down on the sidelines. While seeking God about this month's prayer letter, Holy Spirit again encouraged me to share some of His private leading. Again hurt, betrayal and loss turned to anger and then sadness like the autumn leaves changing colors now. It is amazing how the Lord led me. First I went to Colossians 2 instead of Colossians 3. It wasn't a mistake though. In verse :22 I was meant to see the words "doctrines of men" and in the next verse "self-imposed religion and false humility". The center column reference took me to Titus 1:16 about those who profess to know God

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15-16

In the past week I have forgiven those who have hurt me and turned from things that have been said or done to me. I read 1 Corinthians 13 about the way God loves and we should love others. On a day when I wanted to be protecting myself from life's pain I heard Holy Spirit speak three scriptures to my heart. I've underlined the parts that ministered most to me.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:10-11

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24

I saw my foolishness for praying that the pain and suffering would end. I knew instead of running from the cross I needed to embrace it. I remembered the millions who are persecuted in countries where Christians are considered second class citizens and many are beaten, raped and murdered.

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Matthew 5:11

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

God knew we would be in this generation when the love of many is growing cold, violence is increasing, people love themselves and the world more than God and so many are being deceived, defiled, discouraged and distracted. I started a biblical study about spirits that are contrary to the Holy Spirit. So far I have found spirits of infirmity, heaviness and lying, unclean, evil and deceiving spirits. Also a spirit of the world. Too often those who call themselves Christians side with the world instead of the kingdom of God.

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:16-17

“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:29-34

I have heard some prophetic words for the coming year. We are to abide in the Lord's love and that we are cycling into the restoration of all things. These are for those who are true followers/believers of Christ not for those who just say they are His but have no spiritual fruit..

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:23-24

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:7-10

We are living in troubling days. So many are suffering in this world. I am sure you know this from watching the news and even in your own lives when you go to the gas station and food store. In just the last few weeks the DOW in the stock market fell over 800 points, the gas has gone up at least $1 a gallon (much more in some places), we have had a hurricane that has devastated many on the coastline of LA and TX and flooded other states where rain has been falling for months. There is so much more that people are contending with and this week in my life I have heard about a man suddenly dying of a heart attack, a motorcycle accident that involved a pastor friend of ours, we have had someone close to us deny the Lord and even curse God. There have also been quite a few changes and course corrections all summer for Scott and I. I am so thankful for the Lord's keeping power. I have had nights when I have slept little, warring with the enemy of my soul who tries to convince me his lies are truth. Through it all God has been so faithful and has helped me to resist all that is coming against us.

I have found that in times of stress and so many adverse circumstances that singing praise and keeping an attitude of gratitude is vital. These two scriptures that I have read more than once this week confirm to me that especially in these times we much choose to thank the Lord and to praise and worship Him.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
         And into His courts with praise.
         Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
         His mercy is everlasting,
         And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:14-16

The phrase "sacrifice of praise" stood out to me. I know in my own life I often put on praise and worship music when I am struggling or feel sad. As I sing along I end up entering into the worship and my mood changes almost right away. Yet we know that we must make the choice to praise or pray or read the Word instead of allowing the trials and our own feelings pull us down.

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what