Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Get up and get dressed!

Are we clothed in righteousness?
I for one am well aware of how easy it is to get caught up in the "hub bub" of the daily grind. It is so easy to give more thought to the bad attitude of the check out girl at Wal-Mart then to the attitude we are wearing.
I kinda have a little thing I do now when I realize I'm going that way. I stand up and point my finger down directly over my head till someone asks what I'm doing. Then I declare that I am pointing to the axis on which the whole world revolves! Eeiks! Try as I might I do forget that life is going on outside my little nucleus.
That little gal in the Wal-Mart check out line might have benefited from a word of compassion or encouragement. It is a matter of what glasses we put on in the morning. Are we looking at the world through our eyes or did we put on our spiritual glasses this morning? How can we be effective for the Kingdom if we cant see past our own face? Focusing in is a great tool of the enemy. If he can keep us preoccupied with our own woes we wont ever be useful in directing others to the Love of Christ.
God cares about every detail of your life. He has it all covered so we can rest it there and know that we can make ourselves available to the needs of others. How cool is that. No worries. It is so awesome to be able to be useful in ministering to others while God has complete control of the circumstances in your life.
This is how I am purposing to get through this time in our families season of transition. I have let go and am allowing God to realign us on the path He is laying before us and focusing out instead of in, it sure feels great and let me tell ya...The Blessings that are flowing forth are nothing short of miraculous.
Thank you Lord for the peace to rest in your capable hands. I desire nothing more then to be your servant. Here I am send me.

Friday, October 24, 2008

The storehouse

From provision to abundance...
For those who don't know what has been going on in our family. My husband was recently laid off from his job. It is not a good time to be working in the housing industry. Having a large family of eight we have always lived "hand to mouth" so to speak. Gods provision has been nothing short of miraculous the entire 18 years of marriage. To even begin to tell the stories of needs met over the years would be to long for this blog. What strikes me now is how totally undeserving we are, yet the Lord continues to pour out His mercies new every morning.
There has been many moments of fresh understanding in our walk with the Lord and recently we had a very interesting reaction to our lack. We have given more easily and freely without a second thought since we have lost our job then we did when we had a regular pay check. Before we always looked at what we knew was coming in and what we knew had to go out and we allowed that to control our giving. We left no room for the Lord to move in our finances. Yet whenever we had one of those crisis where we needed in abundance above what we knew to expect God would work in our lives and send perfect provision. We were not freely giving yet we did freely receive perfect provision. Now...without a paycheck and with things stacked up against us God in all His grace and mercy has freed our hearts from that fear of finances and we have fervently given of everything we have received and we are more amazed then ever at the abundance that is flowing from the Love of the Father. I find it so interesting that when you realize all that you have isn't yours anyway but a gift from God you can freely show your gratefulness by giving back to Him from your abundance instead of from your lack. I stand amazed at what He is doing in our lives. Yes, there are some pretty daunting circumstances looming before us. We choose to not set our eyes upon those things but to keep our mind stayed upon the Lord. Our hope and our confidence is in Him alone.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Isaiah 26:3-4

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

3You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

It is a choice we all can make...to keep our mind stayed on the Lord.

4So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

I have said many times myself "it's hard to trust in the Lord" Now I wonder why?

It is only because of unbelief that one would say that they Cant trust in the Lord...But why is it hard?

I believe I have come to a place where it is easy to trust in the Lord... it is hard to trust my ability to hear and properly do as He is leading. So, now it is a matter of growing in my relationship with Him that I may have more confidance in my ability to accuratly hear and obey.

The only way that will happen is by abiding in Him, soaking in His word and in prayer. Surrounding myself with wise council and filling myself with the things of the Lord. The less there is of the world and myself the more time and room there is to be filled with Him.

Something to think about...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

You Count! You Are God's Favorite Child!

This thought hit me with a great force this past week. The enemy would like you to believe that you are insignificant. That your vote doesn't count. What difference will it really make? One little vote from you. Your prayers don't count. Who are you anyway? You think that your pitiful little prayer is going to change the world...save a life...move mountains!
Sisters let me tell you what lies these are and I stand against these lies and firmly rebuke that false voice in your ear. You are important and your vote counts and your prayers are heard! You may tell yourself God is sovereign what difference will my prayer make...He will do what He will do. The Bible is full of Scripture telling us to pray. Why would God tell us to pray and even how to pray if it was not for a reason? All your prayers are heard and they all go on your Heavenly account. You are showing the Father you heart, your faithfulness, your love for Him and your love for the world that He loves. This is what he wants to see in us.
I am not trying to guilt you into being a prayer warrior. There are people who have a calling on their life to pray like no other. I respect that gift. What a special heart they have. My point in saying this is just to let you know that you are being robbed if you believe that your prayers are not powerful, important and significant. They are! Consider each word spoken in prayer...each word spoken of the father, a deposit into your heavenly account. A treasure they surly will be.
I see how this same thinking is keeping people from voting in this very important election. God cares about who you choose to put into the highest office of this most powerful country. Do not believe that He has already chosen and your vote doesn't count. You are showing your desire to hear what God is putting on your heart and taking part in telling God you hear Him and you are His servant...His obedient servant. He wants to see an obedient people. A people who cares about the people of this world. To not vote is to simply think you do not have a voice. You have a voice. Use it. It may be a vote for president of the united states of America but the results will affect the World. I would recommend praying for God to put before you the things that He wants to influence your vote and to protect you from the things that the enemy wants to use to distract you with.
Believe you matter. Believe you are heard. Know that there IS Power in your Prayers. Know that you are not without a voice. You can simply use your voice to make your vote or you can choose to reach farther and share this with your friends. Make Kingdom choices every day, in everything you do. You have to understand that you matter.

You are Gods Favorite Child!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

keeping our eyes and ears tuned into the Father

It has been a busy week. Mark has not found a new job yet but Gods provision has been great! Mark led worship at church this Sunday while our wonderful worship leader was on vacation. He did great! I believe that no matter what mistakes he may have made his love and heart of worship for the Lord is so anointed that it doesn't even matter. The average person would never even notice if a mistake was made.
We were talking about how deep his worship comes from and pondering if that ever fades for someone whose job is to lead worship every week. I think that would be high on the list of prayer concerns for any in the ministry. Knowing my husband that is not necessarily an issue but it's when you don't think that it's your problem that it can sneak in the back door.
Any way...it was a great growing experience and his heart is to serve the Lord in any capacity he is called.
As far as life in "Kentner Land"...
Mark wrote 5 adorable children's stories...he wants me to illustrate them...I'm thinkin that is a little bit out of my skill level.
Our hearts are totally ok with not getting our house. (thank you Lord)
We are taking each day as it comes and some are easier then others but we are feeling the insulation of prayers. We get our eyes on the world every now and then but are so quick to run back to the Folds Of His Robe as my dear Deb says.
I guess that is where I feel led to blog right now.

Oh how quickly we judge and become opinionated concerning other peoples lives. I am constantly reminding myself that I don't know the heart of the Father concerning other peoples affairs nor do they know of mine. Well meaning friends and Family are so quick to tell us to do this or that. And to question why we are or aren't doing this or that. I think my answer is that we are praying and we are doing what we feel the Holy Spirit is directing us to do. It is simply that I don't feel like I have it in me to have to justify every decision we are making and why. Not to say that if someone we respected as wise and welcome spiritual council were to come to us that we wouldn't gladly share and seek from them whatever they felt the Lord would have them impart to us. It is just amazing to me that everyone has an opinion and they expect you to head what they have to say. I guess in saying all that what I have learned is to not be so quick to give advice unsolicited not to judge people so quickly and to show understanding and compassion. I will go to someone if after I pray and I feel strongly the Lord is impressing on me to go. Being Spirit led in every aspect of our lives is the way we need to be. Now some would think that that is a bit over the top but I say it is what we should all strive for. We are to be transformed into the image of Christ. He did as the Father did. I wish I could say that I was able to do that all the time. Many times I realize that a situation came up and it never crossed my mind to give it to the Lord. That is my goal though and slowly but surly we are making progress.
I pray all of you are considering Him in all you do too. Even the small stuff. Some would say ...what are you a mindless puppet? but I say that would make me wholly surrendered and submitted to the Father. What about you?

Monday, October 6, 2008

Had to share this today...be blessed! I was!

Barbie Breathitt: "The Revelation of Christ, Greater Works, and the Keys of Faith"by Barbie Breathitt Oct 6, 2008
Many of us are finding ourselves at crossroads in our lives - seeking God for the new. By seeking God for direction, we are given keys to enter new doors of opportunity for new beginnings. I was awakened at 2:57 AM, at which time the Lord led me to Psalm 25:7, "Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness' sake, O LORD."
The Revelation of Christ
He is taking all of us through the cleansing and purification process to perfect our character to hold a "greater works" anointing. His desire is to set us free from the grave clothes of the past that try to bind, hold, or hinder us from having the courage to move forward in faith to obtain the increase He has planned for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead after the stench of death had held him for four days. He is releasing power to free us from the sting of death.
He told Martha in John 11:25-27, "'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?' 'Yes, Lord,' she told Him, 'I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.'" She was given the same revelation as Peter - that Jesus was the anointed Christ.
The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead resides in us. It is restoring hope, casting new vision and causing our dry bones to come together to live again. He is forming an army of soul harvesters who will move in Kingdom power. The apostles and prophets of old laid the foundation of the Church. We are called to walk upon that firm foundation and demonstrate the fullness of the Gospel message with signs, wonders, and miracles following.
Peter was the first to receive the revelation of Christ. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asked several questions. First He asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" Secondly, He brought it home with a specific question addressed to each individual disciple, "...who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in Heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock (of revelation) I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven."
Keys to Open Doors
These keys are given to us to open doors in the realm of the Spirit, to tap into the overcomers anointing and to set captives free. These keys also enable us to lock doors so disease, poverty, lack, shame, doubt and unbelief can no longer access us or those we are sent to deliver.
The process of obtaining God's grace and favor is outlined to us in Matthew 7:7-8, which tells us to, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." We need to ask largely of the Lord and expect a great return of His provision. Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 3:7-8 tells us Jesus also "holds the key of David." "What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open. He knows your deeds. See, He has placed before you an open door that no one can shut. He knows that you have little strength, yet you have kept His word and have not denied His name" (paraphrased).
Because we have little strength but desire to walk in the character and nature of His name and keep His word, God is releasing angels to assist us in this time of transition. The angels know where the doors and gates are in the realm of the Spirit. Psalm 103:20-21 says, "Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure." As we learn to partner with the angelic realm we will become ministers of Heavenly fire.
Time for "Greater Works"
The 1950's healing revival demonstrated the awesome power of the Kingdom. We desire to see the healing anointing released in a greater dimension than was displayed in the 1950's healing revival. Psalm 90:16-17 says, "Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. And let the beauty (favor) of the LORD our God be upon us, and establish (confirm) the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands."
I asked the Lord when He was going to let His mighty works appear again. He responded with, "Whenever you begin to do them!"
God's Word states that there will be a generation that does the "greater works" because He has gone to His Father. We are that generation. Jesus is seated in position in Heavenly places and we are called to be seated in that same Heavenly place (Ephesians 2:5-7) to bring forth His Heavenly Kingdom on earth (Ephesians 1:17-23). Jesus only did the things He saw His Father doing in Heaven.
I believe that God wants us to learn how to connect with the realm of vision to see the things going on in Heaven and manifest them on earth. Jesus told us that He could do nothing of Himself but only what He saw His Father doing.
John 5:20-22, "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will."
Faith is the Key!
The key for us is to believe what the Word of God says is true. It will happen for us when we move in faith.
John 14:12-14 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
What desire has God placed in your heart to do? What great work do you need to ask Him for? Remember to ask in the name or character of Jesus, and He will do it for you!
God's breath to you,
Barbie Breathitt

not taking the bait!

I woke this morning and I know that I was praising in my sleep and praying in the spirit in my semi consiousness. But it was just a matter of moments before the enemy was right there to escort my thoughts into the land of the helpless and selfpittying. I said "no thanks I think I'll take the Chariots today!" Wow...imagine...the power to choose. I know these are pretty soft choice in light of what others are suffering but hey! I'll take the lesson here so maybe I wont have to go there. The kids missed the bus...so I drove them. No biggie. As a matter of fact I was really Blessed. We sang Lord I'm Amazed by You. You want to put a smile on your face...drive down the road singing that song accompionied by your 5, 7 & 9 year olds belting it out right along side you...And meaning it!
Yesterday was a bit more challanging to make better choices and I didnt do nearly as well. Before church I had to peel my 9 year old off my 5 year olds back because he didnt want him to play the keyboard for whatever reason. The squeeling went right through me and I got very reactionary. So...not even out the door and I was already apilagizing for not being less than gentle. Then I explained that the sound that he was causing to come out of his brother should have been a good indicator that he was doing something wrong. In our house there is liberty and justice for all. If one of the kids takes a liberty to do something that another doesn't like they will happily bring down justice for all! As I think more seriously at why that is I beleive a great deal has to do with consistancy. I really need to pray for God to open my eyes to this truth. If I tell child A not to bang on the keyboard one day but I fail to tell that to Child B the next then child A will take care of it for me. Can I just go on record saying its hard to manage six kids. In some cases there is a fairness issue there in their eyes yet in another obedience is what counts. Just because I said no to you one day does not mean I have to say no the next. This has really gotten off on a tangent...so off of parenting and back to my life in Christ.
A small victory happened yesterday when we were loading some stuff into my mom van and my nine year old thought we were through. Without looking he jumped up and with his full weight pulled the back hatch down...on my head! Can we say ouch? Yes we can, but, it is what I didnt say and what I didnt do that was the victory! I hate to admit it but that normally would have sent me into a fit of anger. I would have blasted my poor child and probably sad a few choice words. For whatever reason I put my hand on my head and spoke in toungs! LOL. Just kidding. What I did do though was realize right away that there was a choice here. It was an accident. Just the fact that it happened was hard enough on my child with out me making him feel any worse. Yes, it ruined my mood till the motrin set in but I got over it and didn't hurt anyone in the process. I'm sorry if people can't associate with this but I am a very real and honest person who's life mission is to become more like Christ. It is a tall order but I like to think I am making progress!
I am not "all that" and I have by no means "arrived" nor do I want to deceive anyone into thinking I have. What good does that serve. It is not ok to use that as an excuse to embrace my imperfection. I dont want it. But I do accept it and move on knowing that another chance is right aroung the corner. God forgives! He still wants us even after we totally missed the mark.

We had an excellent teaching yesterday about the prodigal son. It was an angel that I had not looked at befor but it really ministered truth to my spirit. I wont try to repeat it because I wouldnt be able to but I will give you the Stephanie interpitation.
How far does one have to go to be a prodigal? Any amount of stepping outside of the fathers covering is still stepping out and no matter how far we step out we are always received back with rejoicing! Always! The picture I have is of someone standing in a storm just drench...rode hard and put up wet. And then someone who has the umbrella right in their hand yet they hop in and out from under it like it is a game. I venture to say that they are in the most danger. The one who is out is aware of the fact that they are out and when they come back I feel they will come back in full force! They will fully embrace the grace and mercy shown to them. The one who is in and out probably doesnt recognize that they are in trouble and those around them probably dont see it as any big deal either and they can spent their whole life that way. I pray that God will show me the areas in my life where I get outside of His covering and as I work those things out in my life (or He works them out of me!) that He will welcome me back with rejoicing. Praise God for turning our mourning to rejoicing with singing and my sorrow to dancing.
Well...a little scattered today but what canI say...

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Can You Hear Me Now?

Gods confirming words, Gods comforting words...how awesome is He the way He writes so many songs and they come together to harmonize in my ear. All delivering the same message. I love the way a timely word from a friend can line up exactly with the words I read in my study and be repeated by my husband who has been gone over night yet to find the same tone repeated again and again. I know I can be thick headed at times but even I see that this is God speaking to me. It is just one of the ways we learn to hear Him though. Some times I think He whispers so we have to purpose to hear Him...really press in in to catch the softly spoken words. Other times it may actually seem like He is shouting. (I like that ...maybe I am just used to being spoken to that way...lol) Seriously though...I do notice that we become used to hearing a certain way. When my babies were infants I could tune in the sound of even their breathing. I knew the differing sounds of their cries. As they got older I could completely shut down the whining and pleading with them inches from me while I was in thralled in conversations with friends. I have literally had friends stop and tell me ...do you want to answer him? My answer...no...he knows the right way to get my attention. Well God knows the right way to get my attention but we do also want to be careful not to get distracted and let the whining drown Him out. Today I really purpose to tune in to my Heavenly father. I dont want to miss a word...weather it be read from the Bible or seen in creation, spoken from a friend or heard over the airwaves. Once again I ask...Lord Give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart that cries Abba father. Amen

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Simply Love...(simple?)

Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice. I read a message this morning, reminding me that God is not angry at me nor is He punishing me. God does not want me to feel guilty or ashamed. He wants me to know His love and to experience the joy of knowing Him. I Love, Love, Love that! I have an insatiable hunger for the things of the Lord. I crave his manifest presence in my life more then anything else imaginable. I know that God is developing in me a heart for Him and Him alone. I wish I could say that I have arrived but I still let the world get the best of me far to often. If asked what I really want this side of heaven ...What would I say? What would you say? How do I really want to be living here on this earth? Where do I want to be?
The only thing I can think of is to say I want to be right where God wants me to be. Doing what God wants me to do and saying what God wants me to say. I would want to have such a close relationship with the Lord that that would be an easy thing for me to know and do. My best step in that direction would be studying the Bible. Learning from what He did give me. The Bible shows me that God is Love. Help me Lord to walk in that kind of Love. Understanding all of the character of Love and living it I believe is a huge part of receiving all that God has for us. Everything else would follow. This is what I am praying for. This is what I believe God would have me do. I repent of the many many ways where I fail to show love. Forget fail to show love. I just simply have not cultivated a heart of Love. There are people I Love and there are people I love to hate! That is wrong...forgive me Lord and help me to see all people the way you do. I believe to do this I also need to pray for discernment. Lord Help me to discern good from evil and also help me to respond appropriately. As you are working these things out in me I pray that I will just simply be obedient to do as you are directing me. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that cries Abba father. Amen

Friday, October 3, 2008

Running

"Come running" I feel like the Lord is saying to me today. I woke up and realize what poor sleep I got last night. The first things on my mind are all of those things that set my heart racing. It is obvious that these things are out of my control but not outside Gods knowledge and ability. I really am having to try hard today to rest them there at His feet. We have the entire weekend ahead. I get a sense that the Lord desired to minister to us and the enemy would love to keep us from being able to receive it.
Today of all days I am purposing to sit at the feet of Jesus. I know he is my all. Be blessed today as you go about your day. I appreciate your prayers so much.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Great is Thy Faithfulness

God in all His mercy has blessed us with a beautiful gift from one of His servants and we are very thankful and humbled. I am excited that Mark has an interview on Monday. May Gods will be done. What I was trying to say yesterday was: How glorious is the power of prayer. We have had a peace and a calm that under these circumstance can only come from knowing Him and from answered prayer of faithful saints. People who don't even know us have prayed for us and paid a price to do so. There is a lot of resistance from the enemy and I can only imagine it is because God is on the move in our lives and the enemy is not happy. Please do not be deterred. We are determined to keep our eyes on the Lord and are looking forward to celebrating Gods Goodness as we are moved through this difficult time. Today when I got on my knees I was struck with the reality that we are not only seeking provision. That is not what this is all about. We live to serve God and we strongly feel that He is positioning us to walk in our Kingdom call. There has to be more then just a new job. God has a purpose for all He does and we go willingly wherever He leads. I pray that as He reveals His desire for us that we will be faithful and obedient to go willingly where He is leading. I pray that He will Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. The hardest thing in all of this is trying to hear and discern My Heavenly Fathers voice.
I have a hard time with being still. I pray that God will speak to me in a new and powerful way. I look forward to sharing more as God shows His faithfulness to our family. In all things we give thanks. Praises to you God for you tender mercies.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Power of prayer

Satan just ate my post! Boy it was anointed! Well...from my heart to yours. May God Bless it weather you got to read it or not!

Thank you

I guess we can call this "day 2" of the new year. We find ourselves not really sure what to do. There are some things that need to be addressed and we haven't gotten a clear word yet on exactly how. It is very important to us to not go on auto pilot and fail to seek the Lord for each step on this journey. It is so hard to find a balance in what is just simply the "good thing" and what is the "God thing".
As important as that is it is also paramount to us to have a thankful heart. That can be a challenge. Thank you God that we are jobless and have no clue how we are going to feed our family or where we can live? Well....not exactly.
Lets try: Thank you that we are all healthy well and able with Your help Lord to move froward seeking your will for this family. Thank you that this happened before we closed on that house. Thank you that we have our brothers and sisters in Christ praying on our behalf...many of whom I wont even know till we are with you in eternity. Thank you for eternity. It is not all about this life in this place but about how we will spend eternity. Thank you that we can determin that now, by how we choose to live here and now. Thank You that You are here to help us choose well. Thank you for my son who is playing his guitar and singing worship songs to you as I type this. Thank you for helping me find my praise ever Day and in all circumstances.

I love you and live for only You Lord.
Amen