My Sacrifice of Praise

As The Spirit Leads

2010-01-03T00:29:00.003-05:00

This is more to myself than anybody else. I am just feeling inspired. I once loved opening up and asking God to inspire me to write. I dont know how I fell out of it but I just did and I think it was either a season to step away; and we all have those...or it was when I started to take over in my own power. So, I cant promise much but I am going to try to blog again...as the spirit leads. It is a good exercise to not say anything I am not feeling led to say and to not say anything that is clearly "in the flesh" but to just ask God daily what He wants to say to me or through me. So here is to a new year and a new beginning and an effort to let go and let God. I have a feeling this can translate into many areas of my life and prove to be a tremendous opportunity to go up higher...God Bless All His Children.

2010-01-03T00:17:00.002-05:00

Happy new year! I can not believe how fast this year has gone by. So much has change from just one year ago. There is something special about this year. There has been so much change. Not only for me but for many. I believe it is just the beginning of Greater things. I believe this is a year that God is going to be seen in the lives of many people in mighty and powerful ways. This is a year of multiplication and a year of restoration...not just to the way things were but far better then we could have ever hoped for them to be. I want my eyes wide open and focused on God. So here is to a new year, a new season, a new beginning, a new time. My God bless you all beyond what you ever could have hoped or imagined.

More then you can imagine

2009-11-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

So much to say...where to start. Well...God in all his mercy has once again amazed me with his love and faithfulness. His blessing upon this family far exceeds anything I could have even thought to hope for. To share my testimony in a nutshell...Sept 29, 2008 My husband lost his job. He was just one of many in the housing industry feeling the pinch of the downed market. We at the time were in the process of buying our first home. Needless to say that had to be dropped and hope was deferred once again. Seemingly a pattern in our lives. The house we were buying was to include some furniture so we gave away our sofa the day before we found out that we lost our job. I would have to say that though Hope deferred was becoming a familiar pattern in our lives so much had changed and we had grown so much in our spiritual walk that what had changed was our response to this unfortunate news. Gods sovereignty and his hand on our lives was so sure and undeniable that we simply praised Him. We literally turned up the worship music and danced and praised in our empty living room. Without getting into great detail a beautiful woman of the lord showed up at my door the same day with a very generous gift. it was extremely humbling to accept but I knew that the Lord was showing me that He was providing and that He would continue to do so...And He did. The out pouring of support was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen or experienced. I felt so loved and provided for during that time. What had historically been the worst three months of my life year after year was set up to follow in that same pattern but did not at all. This year was different and different has continued to be what has followed. Old patterns have been broken and a new season has followed. Hope deferred has ceased and great hope has been she abroad in our lives and promises of God have been delivered upon in impossible circumstances. We remained in the hands of the Lord and enjoyed His perfect provision through October November and December. Every need was met we had nothing to lack. January 1st Mark started his new job. We knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was the right job even though in the natural it didn't look like it paying half what he was making before. Even though I knew that God had taken care of us all of those months I struggled with the reality that He would continue to do so now that we had taken this job. I knew He would but my flesh struggled with it. Each month one way or another our lack was met with perfect provision. The enemy did have his hand at mixing things up at strategic moments. We had our greatest financial crisis during War Cry. Our churches power packed youth camp that we heavily invested intercession for the Holy spirit to move in power in the lives of this generation of harvesters. I was devastated at the mess that I had made of our checking account over a miscommunication. Though I felt responsible and undeserving The Lord had it completely covered and it was resolved within days.
Upon returning from camp I felt directed to start looking or a house. This made no sense in the natural because we had only been at our new job for 7 months, had no savings and now had a major snafoo on our checking account. I did and the path it led us, put an offer in and was accepted August 11th. Held our breath during the financing process and finally exhaled September 4th when we closed on the house! Less then a year after Mark lost his job and we lost our "first house" We are now home owners and so eternally grateful it worked out this way. We love this house and where it is located so much more then where we had chosen last year. What we had chosen was Gods will in our lives and to praise Him in and for all circumstances trusting He was in control and knowing His promises. We are not only delighted and amazed that under our circumstance God would bless us so in in such supernatural proportions we continue to reap the blessings as my husband got a promotion on the same day we closed on the house and started his new position November 1st with a significant pay raise and even greater potential. We were also blessed with all new flooring and a brand new kitchen in our new house making it more wonderful then I ever could have hope or imagined would ever be mine. I stood in my house with its 1974 carpet and was delighted it was ours and a friend said to me...Be prepared to be blessed beyond your expectations and was she ever right.
This marks a change in our lives...Hope deferred no more! No more stolen promises. Our lives have been transformed by the love of Christ and we know for whom we live. There is no me in the equation. Our lives are about Him and His kingdom. We are no longer about what we want but what He wants. I pray that as you grasp the reality that this life we lead is not meant to be led by us but by Him and as we give it over to Him and diligently seek Him our that He will be found by us in the most amazing and fulfilling ways. So take your eyes off your circumstance and set them upon the one who made you. He will never leave you or forsake you and He will always Love you more then you can imagine.

2009-05-25T16:57:00.004-04:00

It has been quite some time since I have blogged. It seems that all of my efforts were going to direct ministry. For whatever reason today I feel strongly led to write again. I was thinking about all that has happened and I was thinking about how the Lord speaks in seasons. We have come from a season of provision to a season of thanks giving...and I am not talking turkey. The reality of joyfulness, praise and thanks to God for all things and in all things is something that I know God wants me to live in right now. It is not just something that I will visit for a season but something that will transform me and how I live, how I look at others and How I commune with my heavenly father. The way this message was first brought to me in a new and profound way was through the teaching of Ben Goodman last year. I recognized the truth of what he was saying and a seed was planted. It wasn't long after that we lost our only source of income due to the "economic downturn" I have talked about this in greater detail in the past but for today's purposes I wont go deeply into that but to say... we made a choice that God was in the midst of the circumstances and we had to Thank Him for all that was taking place. The way He provided for our every need over the following three months was nothing short of miraculous. It was the most difficult three months October, November and December. We should have been a wreck but we weren't and it was truly all God. That peace that passes understanding. We got a job finally at the end of December to start January first. It was for a fraction of what we were making before but it was for a Christian owned and operated company. To us that was priceless and we knew God was just as capable to meet our needs then ad He was before. If is funny to me how I struggled that somehow we were going to have to do it now. The reality is that nothing had changed we were still in Gods hands and we still needed to trust Him and know our needs would be met. In a time when the cost of living is going up and up and up. Our cost of living went down. We found a Lovely house to rent for far less then we were paying before. and near people that we love and are enjoying being near. Thank you Lord. Our auto insurance was dropped by almost $100 a month. There were so many ways that our costs went down that all I can say is "Thank you Lord". In thanking Him when things were difficult I can now thank Him that they are better. I know soon I will be thanking Him because they are Great!
Very sad news just came to some friends of ours. They were filled with great joy and hope and expectation to soon be adopting a baby. The birth mother gave birth and changed her mind. I said OK Lord this isn't even my tragedy and I am having a hard time finding praise for this situation. Even when it is hard He wants us to praise Him. The only way we can do this is by knowing Him. If you know Him you can trust Him. If you trust Him you can praise Him. So I said thank you Lord that you know each person involved here and you know what is best for them. You know how to work in this situation and You are the only one who can provide comfort and healing. Thank You that You want good things for Your children and You will not withhold any good thing. Suddenly I knew that there was a reason for this. even in the pain I knew and had terrific peace that God was in the middle of it all. Even what the enemy may have meant for bad God will work out for the good. Just believe. Praise Him who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ever hope for. This is true and good and worthy of our praise.

What have you done for Me lately?

2008-12-10T08:06:00.003-05:00

Christ declares, "...without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This word nothing means: completely, totally nothing. It truly means less than nothing. It is a life of joy when we come to the place where we understand that it must be the work of the Spirit to advance the Kingdom of God. (Bobby Conner)

I read this this morning and felt like for the first time it meant more to me then just...I cant do anything for the kingdom apart from The Lord. It means that and so much more. It speaks to me about the reality that I would not even be here to take a breath apart from the Lord.
How does one walk through life day after day without gratitude to the one who gave them breath?
It is kinda funny to me to sit back and smile as people totally deny the very one who created them and the ground they walk on. It is as unbelievable to me as someone saying to their mother and father...You have nothing to do with me being here. It was a fluke. a sonic boom in the womb!
Just like life is created over and over and over again if evolution were true there would be many Earths but there is not. Just the one created by God. We are Created in the image of God weather we choose to acknowledge it or not...but one day there are going to be a lot of people feeling really stupid. The problem I have with that scenario is that I get no joy out of the thought that They are going to be in that position and worse and I did not have a part in trying to get them to see the truth. More and more it appears that these are the end of the end times. More and more I cant be sidelined in furthering the Kingdom of God. A simple question of where do you go to church is an open door to start to share with someone the love of their creator.

I never thought of myself as one who would just strike up conversations about God with people but I am not sure I like how that will sound on judgment day. Imagine all the people you ever had the opportunity to speak to in any way big or small standing before God on judgment day.
I don't know but that really inspires me to get over myself. Who cares if I look like a "weird-o" this life is but a vapor! That means we don't have long to make an impact. We have people around us every day that need to know the Love of Christ.

Can faith save? Does your faith demand Action?

2008-11-28T03:54:00.000-05:00

James 2: 14-26

14What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]?
15If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day,
16And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do?
17So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).
18But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.
19You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as [a]make a man's hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]!
20Are you willing to be shown [proof], you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from [good] works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?
21Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac?(C)
22You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.
23And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend.(D)
24You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].
25So also with Rahab the harlot--was she not shown to be justified (pronounced righteous before God) by [good] deeds when she took in the scouts (spies) and sent them away by a different route?(E)
26For as the human body apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from [its] works of obedience is also dead.

Ok so this is a little weird to go about your daily devotional this way but...
I woke up this morning a 2:22 AM!
I came out and decided to wait on the Lord. Really I came out and cried out to the Lord. I have such a need to tuck in tight under his arm and feel that Love and protection.

I was led to this passage of scripture and was drawn to what happened when I read the first part (vs 14)...the question, with the Last (vs 26)...seemingly the answer.

14What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no [good] works [to show for it]? Can [such] faith save [his soul]? ...

26For as the human body apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from [its] works of obedience is also dead.

THE THINGS WE DO ARE A TESTIMONY TO OUR FAITH. We need to let the things we do be governed and guided by the Holy Spirit. Not by the world and not by the flesh. We do a lot of things because it is expected or because we feel like it. Those are not works. The things we do because the Holy Spirit prompted us to and we are being obedient no matter what...those are works. Turning your car around and helping someone even if you are really wanting to get home. Giving someone the five bucks in your pocket even when you were thinking of Starbucks on the way home. Those are works. In order to do these things we need to be willing and able to hear and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I'm not saying that everything that the Holy Spirit prompts you to do will be a sacrifice.(though it sure seems like it!) In our maturity and as our faith Grows it can become a joy!
You do hear from the Holy Spirit you just need to recognize that that is what it is and yield to it. The more you do it the more you start to recognize His voice. The more you recognize His voice and obey those promptings the more Growth and intimacy you will enjoy in you walk with the Father. This is not always easy but I believe it is the mark of a righteous man.

My question would be...Do I have a faithful testimony?
My answer came in... (ok silly, I know! 2:22 am!)
22You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.

What am I doing that is requiring me to cooperate in faith? The things that we do in faith may not look right to the rest of the world. I say that that doesn't matter but is it true? Am I able to stand apart and look like a fool because I am doing what I believe by faith? I have been very challenged in this area throughout my Christian walk and very much recently. Our current circumstances have us not necessarily following the logical path. We are by faith following what we believe the Lord is telling us to do. Try telling that to someone who cares about you but is not a believer. Try telling that to a believer who was not in on Gods plans! Do you think that God will tell you to do something and let all your brothers and sisters in Christ know that it is ok...It is His plan for your life? I'll tell you the answer is no! Wouldnt it be nice if the Lord would just forward that memo to everyone?
Think about that when you start to tell others what they could or should be doing, when you criticize their actions because they make no earthly sense. We arent here to make earthly sence.
Yes, we need to seek wise council, but ultamitly the Lord is your only true council. If the people you are seeking for guidance are not praying and seeking the Lord on your behalf and willing to hear the God thing and not the Good thing you may not be getting good council after all.

So...what I am walking away with is that...
Our faith must demand action and it is not just the "busying" ourselves around the church volunteering for everything under the sun. That is good but is it God?
The works that make us friends of God are those things that He directs us to do. I believe we will stand before Him one day and have to account for those things. I want to be sure to have a faithful walk no matter what. I want to be sure to help, not hinder others from doing the same. I am sure we will be given lots of opportunity to ponder these things.

Lord, I pray for a willing heart, a yielding spirit, for eyes to see and ears to hear. I want thy Kingdom to come and thy will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I believe we have that opportunity if we are only willing and able to reach for it. Equip us, teach us, and guide our every step. Help me to not judge others by what they do or don't do. Let me see then as you do. Use me to guide others along on their journey of obedience and seeking your Kingdom on earth. I desire to be a friend of God. Your Word tells us that we were created in Christs image. Complete that work in us, transforming us into Christs image in all that we say and do. I thank you Abba Father for all your mercies in every form the come. I thank you for how you meet or needs and guide our steps. I long for you.
I pray that I will always say the things You want me to say and do the things You want me to do and go where You want me to go...and thats all.
Amen

Consider the time

2008-11-23T19:08:00.001-05:00

Wow,
Time can get away from us cant it? I haven't been online to blog in a few weeks. Even as I ponder that thought I am reminded how precious every day is. We need to spend our time sewing into the Kingdom of God. I have such an urgency to complete the good work that the Father has begun in me. I am aware now more then ever that I have a calling to fulfill. I guess I am a late bloomer. I wish I could say that I was this sure and this focused and this passionate when I was younger. Coulda, shoulda, woulda, is a colossal waste of time. Now I intend to press forward like there is no tomorrow. How glorious to know that there is always a tomorrow. It is a matter of where and how we will be spending tomorrow. For the believer we will be in heaven, but, sadly for the ones who never knew Him, eternity will be in the Lake Of Fire. Sure makes you have an urgency to sew into the Kingdom doesn't it? If we could just look at every person and remember they too were made in the image of Christ. To offer them any less then we desire to receive would be offering Christ Himself less. What a challenge.
I am so thankful every day for the privilege of knowing Him. He truly is my Abba Father. All I want to do is to be pleasing to Him and fulfill the calling that He has on my life. As some were call to be prophets and some evangelists etc I want to seek out with all my heart the part that God has for me to play and to do it to His glory. When I stand in front of Him in the throne room I want to hear Well done...
Every day I desire to know...what do you have for me today Lord. Sewing in, sewing out whatever it is,I pray I can be faithful and obedient. I thank Him for His Grace and Mercies. I wish I could say I get it right most of the time but to say some of the time would be more accurate. I just keep aiming higher...keeping my eye on the prize. I pray that you are inspired to consider your calling and the time you spend investing into Kingdom things.
Here I am...send me.

So, now what?

2008-11-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

I have had a lot of time to ponder the results of the election. Some condescending people make the comment that God is not republican. I realize that just because I believe that I voted the fathers heart does not mean that it was ever His intentions to give us what He told us to vote for. In stead of worrying that I somehow did not hear properly or I made a mistake I feel very strongly that I did as He wanted me to do. There is a reason for all this. I rejoice and thank God for all that He is doing.
It is a remarkable time in our nation to elect a Black president. I pray that he makes good choices and I pray that there is a unity like we have never known in this nation. I cant know what God is doing but I can rest in knowing that He is doing something. This is a real opportunity for us to do as the bible tells us and to pray for our elected leader. I have a sense that once in the White House and the weight of the world rests on Barack Obama's shoulders he will Cry out to the God of Heaven. That is my prayer. That the white house will be the Prayer House and we will have one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. It is a time for us to pray like never before for righteousness. To stand on our values in spite of what is going on around us.
It is a sad day when the majority of our country would vote against life. That is my hardest issue to come to terms with. Yes, there are other pressing issues but the sanctity of life is above all else, certainly above the all mighty dollar. People have made money their Idol... God will deal with that.
I long for the coming of the Lord. It is my desire to see a spotless bride waiting for the bride groom. I cant just keep my eyes on myself. Yes, I need to be a wise virgin and prepare the oil in my lamp. It would be wrong for me to neglect myself in the preparations. I just feel so strongly a call to encourage my sisters to prepare the oil in their lamp as well. This is a time to be looking outward.. in order to do that we need to take the time to look to God and allow The Holy Spirit to do His work in each of us. There is no question that the time is near. How do we want to be found on that day? It's a good thought to ponder.
I admitedly have a difficult time remembering that life goes on outside the four walls of my home. It is my prayer that that no longer be the case. So...I ask for eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart that cries Abba father. Here I am...send me.

For better or for worse

2008-11-03T18:03:00.000-05:00

Wow...what we take for granted...
My husband and I were asked to council a couple. We gladly sat down with them and listened as they shared their heart. We love them so much and want to see them come to a place of oneness in the Lord that I guess we take for granted.
My husband and I have always shared a mutual love for Christ and we have always eagerly prayed together. We have easily agreed that what we desired above all things is to seek Gods will for our lives. We have enjoyed the oneness and peace in knowing that where the Lord guides He provides and that He alone is the opener and the closer of doors in our life. Being mutually submitted to each other and to Christ we walk in complete confidence that we cant go wrong. We are surrendered to Gods will for our lives so when something does not go as we wanted we can stand together and praise God for closing a door, we never blame one another. When one of us wants something but the other does not, we yield till we are brought to a place of peace in the Lord. We have never found ourselves standing alone on any occasion. I have certainly given in to a decision he made without really wanting to but never when I felt a strong witness in my spirit that it wasn't the Lord. I guess being able to discern when it is the flesh not wanting to submit and when it is the spirit not giving you rest is a huge hurtle. It comes from Love, trust, open communication, praying together and being submitted to each other and to Christ. I know the each other part raises a few eyebrows. But when you study the scripture it really is a beautiful thing. A woman is to submit to her husband which is a joy when the husband is loving his wife as Christ loves the church. How much did Christ love the church? Enough to lay down His life for her. I reason to say that if you are treating your wife in such a way that you probably care enough to be concerned with her feelings and concerns and opinions. When that kind of mutual respect is in a relationship the "s" word is really a beautiful thing.
I have to say...we have gotten to such a place with our relationship that I actually respect when my husband looks at me and says "I hear what you are saying but I have to insist on this". I can throw my hands up and say "ok then...I thank God if you are right and if you are not...it's your bad"
It is so easy and it actually happens so rarely. 99% of the time we can agree or let it go. Early in our marriage I remember begging him to just put his foot down. I would respect that so much more then pandering to me and letting me call the shots. That responsibility was never meant to be mine.
There truly is a safety in surrender to the one who God gave you. Just as we desire to surrender to God. As husband and wife we are supposed to be FOR each other as Christ is for us. If you feel like that is not the case I pray that you will start to pray about what steps you can take to come into that place of oneness.

Father, I thank You for my husband and the beautiful relationship we have. I thank You for the opportunity to minister to our friends and in turn be reminded how blessed we are. Lord, if it is your will that we should be an example to others in our marriage I am asking for an extra measure of protection around our relationship. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. In Jesus' name, Amen

Get up and get dressed!

2008-10-29T11:34:00.000-04:00

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.

The storehouse

2008-10-24T14:22:00.000-04:00

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.

Isaiah 26:3-4

2008-10-20T19:24:00.000-04:00

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...

You Count! You Are God's Favorite Child!

2008-10-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

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!

keeping our eyes and ears tuned into the Father

2008-10-14T19:44:00.000-04:00

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?

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

2008-10-06T11:02:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-10-06T09:19:00.000-04:00

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...

Can You Hear Me Now?

2008-10-05T07:36:00.000-04:00

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

Simply Love...(simple?)

2008-10-04T11:35:00.000-04:00

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

Running

2008-10-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

"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.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

2008-10-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

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.

Power of prayer

2008-10-01T22:37:00.001-04:00

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

2008-10-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

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

Batter-up!

2008-09-30T15:41:00.000-04:00

My Darling husband has two job interviews set for this week and a few calls out on his behalf.
Way to go honey...you just keep your eyes on the Lord and walk on water. Keep praying friends. I appreciate it more then you know.

2008-09-30T04:23:00.001-04:00

God is Good All the time!

Practice what you preach sista

2008-09-30T04:22:00.000-04:00

Well my friends...God is so good the way He can allow you to minister to your own need with out even knowing it. My darling husband lost his job this Monday. It seems that along with that we have also lost the dream of owning our first home. Well...at least the one we had under contract. We were scheduled to close on October 21, just before my big 40th birthday. This time of year is notoriously bad for me. I was thinking that this year would be the exception. As I start to even entertaining this line of thinking I feel it dragging be down so now is when we give a sacrifice of praise!

Thank you Lord that you allowed this to happen before we got into that house. You are so merciful. Thank you for all you are doing in our Family. What a testimony we will have as you reveal your plans for us through this difficult time. I praise you for always having us in the palm of your hands. I praise you for being delighted as we put on our worship CD's and sang and danced before you last night. I can't thank you enough for the wonderful friends who are praying for us and who have had a timely word for us at such a time as this. I praise you for touching their hearts. Please bless them exceedingly and abundantly above all they could ever hope for.
Lord...I know the plans you have for me are better then any I even know how to have for myself. I thank you for continuing to pour out your mercies new every morning. I thank you for the strong character you are building into my children as they seek you for understanding. Thank you for their child like faith that ministers hope to me in their simple prayers. As Ethan prayed...Lord, I wish for a new job for daddy today and a new house that's better then the one we had. (or something like that...he's 5...Its hard to get his vernacular down! lol)
Know our hearts Lord. Hope deferred makes the heart weak but my hope only lies in you, every moment of every day.
No weapon formed against us shall prosper and I thank you for the comfort that knowing that brings but I also get a sense that this is not a scheme of the enemy though I am sure he will try to capitalize on it! I just truly feel like this is all about you lining up your plans for our lives. We don't want to step outside of that ...not even for a second. You know all of our needs and I thank you for all the ways you plan on meeting them. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Father for all you are and all you do and continue to do even though we don't deserve it. Thank you for our family, friends and joy in you! We love you Lord this day and always.
Amen
Oh! And thank you for the way you allowed for our broken computer to come back to life just long enough for Mark to get his resume updated and e-mailed to that company you directed him to on the way home yesterday! You Rock! Amen

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord!"

2008-09-28T07:57:00.000-04:00

(We have a big God, and our children are going to have more than enough to proclaim the Gospel in power. We may go through seasons and crises, but I feel God is saying, "Don't camp in the crisis. We are just passing through." We are going to speak to the storehouses, and the goodness of God is going to bless us. Stay in His presence, and declare over your children, over America, and every place that the enemy has tried to declare lack: "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord!")

I read the above this morning in a message from Mahesh Chavada. I was so blessed that I had to share this.

How easy it is to "camp out" in our crisis? OHHHH SOOOOOOOO Easy! Believe me...I know from experience. And for those of you who never do this...will you be my friend? I need to surround myself with people who can help keep my feet on the path the Lord has set before me.
Seriously though...I have been very blessed with wonderful people in my life who go above and beyond in exemplifying Christ. I want to be like them. I want to step into the promised land. Not wander in circles for 40 years wringing my hands.

We must keep our eyes on God and remember that the promises He has made are true and they are for me and you. It is an important part of finding peace in this crazy time we are living in.
Fear is not of the Lord (like we have never heard that before) I'm not talking about "fear of the Lord" I'm talking about that ucky, yucky fear that paralyzes us and renders us useless for the Kingdom of God. That fear that keeps our eyes on ourselves and blinds us to all we are in Christ. That is the boring and predictable Game of the enemy. Laugh at him my friends. Give a sacrifice of praise in all things because you know who you belong to. Doesn't it feel good to know you are on the winning team? When we are seeking Gods will in our lives daily, when all we do is surrendered to His will above our own, we can rest in knowing that even when things don't go our way that they are still His way. I for one do NOT want to step outside of the will of My Abba Father. I do not want to miss anything He has for me. I do not want to be left the way I am.
Be encouraged...The Lord is with us and promises to reign victorious!

I am sooooo very hungry for His manifest presence in my life daily. I'm not just satisfied to enjoy a worship service once a week. The greatest thing is I have finally learned that it is mine. Every hour of every day He is with me. His comfort is at the ready whenever I am weary or fearful. His provision has never let me down. We may feel shaken but when everything settles down we will see that God had us in the palm of his hand the entire time. So No camping trips my friends...keep running the race.

Be supremely blessed today and always.

Lord, thank you for reminding us you are near. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear and hearts that cry Abba Father. Amen

The author and finisher of our faith

2008-09-26T09:05:00.000-04:00

Exodus 14:13b "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today."

I feel like the winds of change are blowing through the lives of many believers. There is so much that we can be anxious about. Today I pray for the ability to keep my eyes on my Heavenly Father who has the ability to accomplish all these things for me today. Thank you Lord for the knowledge that no amount of worrying and toiling will change to outcome. You can be trusted and are worthy of all my praises. Though I do not know the outcome You do and I know the plans you have for me...It is Oh SO GOOD!
I give thanks to the Lord, My God and King for His love surly does endure FOREVER.

Be blessed today my friends.

The shelter of the Most High

2008-09-25T18:35:00.000-04:00

I have just found myself waking from a spiritual slumber and I hadn't even notices that I had drifted off to sleep. I guess we should call it a cat nap. I was pressing in like never before. I was experiencing breakthroughs and revelations almost daily then ever so subtly I was succumbing to the stresses of my life and I wasn't waking with praises on my lips. How easy it can be to get lost in yourself. I wasn't praying as fervently or being as disciplined about my devotional time. God was at best getting my leftovers. But God in all his goodness and tender mercies put just the right people in my path to draw me closer once again.
I realized how very much I was missing my spiritual friends and mentors only after I had them back. The enemy wants to keep us from those people. He wants us to suffer and fall deeper into selfish despair. I encourage you friends. Recognize the beauty of relationships. God created us to not be alone. There is a good reason for that.

Ecclesiastes 4

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

When you feel life and all of its tribulations weighing on you, first seek the shelter of the Most High. Sometimes that is hard to do...that is why we need our spiritual counselors. They will be faithful to direct you to the only one who can help. Be a good listener and put away criticism and judgment. Just be a tool in the Fathers hand.

A little story:

Yesterday I had to go to church to get registered for a class. When I got there I discovered that the class facilitator was sitting down with each individual and inputting their information into the computer. My thoughts quickly went to...This can take all night...I have things to do. Then it was...she could have done this over the phone. But as I proposed to not let bitterness take root I realized that I could visit with a friend I had been missing. Once we were all registered an other good friend asked my friend and I to pray for her because she was anxious about some coming changes. We took each others hands and came before the Lord together and it was so amazing. It was like the Holy Spirit just rained down on us. I walked away last night praising the Lord for bringing me there and allowing me to minister to my friends and in turn be ministered to. It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone. I wouldn't have happened if I was still tending to those roots of bitterness. I am human...yes I had the wrong thoughts but becoming mature in Christ just means that we make adjustments more quickly then when we were younger in our faith.

We should never fail to seek the shelter of the Most High but in case we do at least we can have a "plan B". The more you don't want to be bothered, the more you think you need some alone time, the more you need to pick up the phone and call your friends. Who else will listen to our fears and concerns and then wrap their arms around you and redirect you to the Lord.

I have been blessed with some wonderful wonderful women in my life. I thank God for them. I want to be that to others too.

Lord, I thank you for your tender mercies in every form they come but today I want to especially thank you for my friends. For all of the blessings I have received because of their faithfulness let me in turn be there to minister to the needs of others. Here I am ...send me.

September...New beginnings

2008-09-24T18:22:00.001-04:00

I am excited to be in this season of New beginnings and even more excited to be able to share all that God is to me and all that my amazing Abba Father does in my life and for my family. I pray that others are blessed and encouraged and even challenged to go deeper with Christ through what they read here. Its your inheritance....take it!