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
Monday, October 6, 2008
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...
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
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.
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.
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
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
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Batter-up!
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.
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.
Practice what you preach sista
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
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
Sunday, September 28, 2008
"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord!"
(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
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
Friday, September 26, 2008
The author and finisher of our faith
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.
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.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The shelter of the Most High
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.
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.
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