Tag Archive | authority

Painting By Faith

I don’t know what it’s like where you are, but my day today is chilly, blustery and spitting rain. Spitting is such an appropriate term, for it’s just little bits of water hitting randomly on your face, much like someone standing too close, excitedly talking.

I’m ok with today, but let me tell you about yesterday . . .

I have been painting the exterior of my house, and this is the third year! I have requested so much vacation time for this that my manager asked me if I was continuing the project or actually repainting my house every year. It feels like I’m painting the Mackinac Bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge in the country–spanning 5 miles over water. By the time they sandblast and paint the entire bridge, it’s time to start over. Yep, feels like I’m painting the Mackinac Bridge. If I had seriously thought about it, I probably would never have started such a daunting project, but I just dove in.

How hard could it be?

A year before my husband died, I came home from work to find him painting the house. “Why are you painting the house?”, I asked. “Oh, the snow blower must have taken some paint off the house.” How nice, I thought to myself, that he was right on it. It was looking great or so I thought.

After he died, I discovered I couldn’t wash the windows. They were amazingly dirty, all of a sudden, but I soon discovered that the air-seal between the double panes of all the windows around the back of the house had been broken; rendering them all cloudy, and no longer capable of being cleaned or to see through them.

The mystery continued as I began to notice a path of paint bubbling and peeling all around two thirds of the house, mysteriously though, only up to a certain height. Whereas, the original paint, though fading, was still tight and intact.

Finally piecing the story together . . .

There came the time that I could no longer ignore what was happening to my house and this is when I jumped in, without much thought, to tackle it. During the scraping process, along with the evidence of peeling paint, I could trace the path that my husband took in his painting process. The grain on those boards was severely raised, and then suddenly it dawned on me that he must have rented a power washer. Evidently he used a much too-powerful nozzle, which damaged the siding and took out all my back windows. He had made it around over 2/3 the house before noticing the damage that was done, or maybe he never noticed at all. I expect with that big bad tumor, deep in his brain, he had no clue at all.

So, I spent a lot of time sanding; trying to smooth the grain back down on the boards. They seemed great until I painted, and then it didn’t seem like I had done anything at all.

All that work for what?

Next, I discovered that it’s not a good idea to lean too far while holding a power tool. This ripped me right off the ladder when I was up at the peak of the roof. Yeah, I laid there awhile, prayed my way through, and learned the hard way not to ever do that again!

So, yesterday, they were calling for thunderstorms at a 73% chance. I had a lot of raw board that had just been scraped and sanded, and was determined that wasn’t going to happen before I got the primer on. It was supposed to start around 1:00pm. My prayer conversation with the weather started at 10:00am and in faith I started to paint. I looked at the weather app at 11:00 and their prediction changed to 3:00pm, same storm. I continued painting and telling the weather it wasn’t going to rain on my house. The black clouds came and went throughout the day and throughout the day I continued to command them to leave. Each time, the sun would return and the clouds would leave; meanwhile the weather app again changed the storm to 6:00pm and then to 10:30pm, while I continued to paint. Finally finishing at 7:00pm, I looked up at the sky, giving it one final charge . . . “You will not rain on my paint until it is dry!”

At 10:30 I took my dog out and it was pouring, hard!

I’d love to say I was all confident, after a successful day of commanding my way, but no, I had an active imagination of coming out the next day to see a milky-white primer splash all over my already painted siding. Did it have enough time to dry?

My faith wasn’t quite as bold at the midnight hour!

The thought of re-scraping and re-sanding all that work had severely deflated my confidence!

But the Lord put me out of my misery, when He assured me that everything is alright and the next thing I knew it was 9:00 am and I don’t remember the last time I had slept so sound and so late!

So, in the lightly-spitting rain, I went out to investigate, only to find that it was just as the Lord had said . . .

Everything is alright!

Thank you, Lord, for protecting my paint!

We had a major storm go through here a few years back. The neighbor across had trees uprooted. The neighbor to the side had their entire yard filled with branches and rubble. I walked out and picked up only two small branches, even though two of my trees are very old! I have experienced numerous incidences regarding weather, too numerous to list–we can rebuke adverse weather; declare and receive God’s protection.

I am not alone in this. Many have come to realize the authority that comes with living as citizens of the Kingdom. So, I urge you to live your life as a King’s kid, you are a child of the KING! But, I highly suggest you hire a professional painter–I don’t wish this sort of mess on anyone!

If you are not His child, what are you waiting for?

Receive Jesus into your heart today!

“Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.” James 5:17

“And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?’ And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?'” Mark 4:39-40

“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.” John 14:12

In Him We Thrive

May13

Friends of mine have been going through traumatic times lately. He is my former employer, which was many years ago; but over the years, he and his wife and I have remained good friends.

A couple months ago he had a stroke. . .

With the Lord and the hospital watching over him, he has come out of it in amazingly great shape. Thank you, Jesus, and many thanks to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses who took care of him. His wife, however, did not fare so well. Struggling while he was in the hospital, faced with the reality of what life might be without him, she developed a fear for her future and began shutting down. I was working heavily at the time and was unaware of the storm that was brewing until I heard from her husband one day that they were taking her to the hospital. “I’ve never seen anyone so thin.” he stated. I asked him to get back to me, but he didn’t and when my texts went unanswered, I was reluctant to intrude. Still busy with work and life, it was 2 weeks before I realized how much time had lapsed and I still didn’t know how she was. Just as I was wondering this, he texted. She is still recovering, has lost a lot of muscle and is in Hospice care in Chicago. He had sent a wrapped heart emoji with the recovering part which made me think she had suffered a heart attack, but my texts for more clarification again went unanswered.

Sunday, Mother’s Day. . .

I was going to have my church pray for her. We are a fervent-praying, God-seeking church–but during worship I began to pray. The Holy Spirit anointing dropped and enveloped me with such a Presence that I knew God was on it and no longer felt the need for more prayer. It seemed so settled, that afterward I even forgot to ask.

That afternoon her son called me. He filled in all the missing details. She didn’t have a heart attack, but they determined failure to thrive. Her oxygen level was so low she was near death. She was dehydrated, not eating and the doctors said she would likely die within 24-48 hours. I told him about the anointing and prayer, declaring that I don’t believe it’s her time to go. He was quiet. Realizing that this too could be an intrusion, to someone that had likely prepared in the midst of this whirlwind for her death, I softened my exuberance; explaining that I’m probably just not wanting to let her go. He encouraged me to call his dad, stating that he knew his dad would welcome my call, but later it received no answer.

The next morning I called again. . .

This time he answered, and when I asked how she was, he said, “Oh, Would you like to talk to her?”

Within 24 hours, the time she was supposed to die–God moved!

Not only did she not die–she is staying in a hospital bed at her daughter’s and at the time of my call she was out of bed and sitting in a wheelchair. She had eaten breakfast and the oxygen was off. Her voice was strong, cheerful and one would never know she had just hovered at the brink of death.

She said, “I had a cup of tea this morning with honey!”

WOW!

At the end of our conversation, I instructed her, “Tie your shoes, I believe you’re coming home soon.”

Her reply?

“I want to come home.”

Someday she will go to her forever home, but this isn’t the time. . .

Praise Jesus, He is causing her to THRIVE!

“And his name, by faith in his name, has made this man strong whom you see and know; and the faith which is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16

Though the world can be a scary place, we must not yield to fear. Fear is a spirit that will begin to take your life from you if you yield to it.

This is the time to anchor to the Rock!

He will keep you safe–Yield to Jesus!

♥ UPDATE: My friends are making preparations to come home! She is walking with a walker and has gained a little weight. This is essential, as her husband told me she had weighed in at 65 pounds when they made the decision to transfer to Chicago and Hospice. I can’t even imagine a 65# adult. It is an incredible miracle that she not only lived, but is in the process of complete restoration. Please keep them in your prayers. You may just say Lori’s friends and the Lord will know. He knows without you even saying that–He knows! –Thank you!

♥ Her husband also mentioned that he will be driving soon. Another miracle, as it was just 2 months ago when he had the stroke.

Praise God for His unwavering faithfulness! He honors our prayers–He honors His Word!

Hallelujah!

♥ALL GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!

Thank you, Jesus!

Later, this same day, I was walking my dog on the public paved trail. We were almost back to the car when a shadow spanned over me blocking the sun. I saw the huge black wings imprinted on the cement and knew that bird was after my dog. He was very close. I looked up at him and pointed my finger and said, “You will not take my dog.” The eagle raised up, circled and came in closer, very close! Looking up, I pointed again and said, “I have authority over you and you will not touch my dog! His shadow covered over me. I pulled my dog in close and said, “I don’t abide under your shadow. I abide under the shadow of my Father’s wings–be gone in Jesus Name!” He immediately flew off and when I reached the car, just moments later, looking up at the sky he was nowhere to be seen.

Praise God for the authority He has given us, in His Name!

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust'” 91:1-2

“Protect me from harm; keep an eye on me like you would a child reflected in the twinkling of your eye. Yes, hide me within the shelter of your embrace, under your outstretched wings.” Psalm 17:8 TPT

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.'” Genesis 1:26

Hey, That’s Mine

May10

License is given for you to take hold of that which the devil has stolen. Be it family and friends, or belongings of life, he has no right–lest you be in strife–that is his only authority.

Should you give him priority–

Repent

Turn again to the Word and receive your cleanse.

Do not stay in strife, if you value your life.

For strife will lead you straight downhill. It binds the heart, right from the start–puts blinders on the ‘eyes’ who see; a deception that binds those who are free.

“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.” Proverbs 20:3

“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

Repent and lay hold of the gift you’ve been told–that of authority.

For he has no right to the children’s delights. Bind him–take back what you see.

Say…

Give it to me!

“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.” Luke 9:1-2

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'” Luke 10:17-20

“Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18

Fear Be Gone!

Jan4

There are those who fear the future–they fear that what they ‘don’t know’ may come, and they are afraid of what that ‘might’ be. Others fear what they know to be, and of what they see.

But what you may not realize is that fear is a spirit.

When one believes something, contrary to My Word, it releases faith for that to come to pass in their life. This release of faith ‘opens a door’ and gives opportunity for you to be tormented by fear.

I do not put fear upon you, Satan does.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 KJV

“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil.” II Thessalonians 3:3

“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.'” Isaiah 41:13

But again, he does not have that power over you unless you open the door and invite him, by believing and confessing that which is contrary to My Word.

I have given you authority over all powers of darkness. Nothing shall by any means hurt you.

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’ And he said to them, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'” Luke 10:17-20

Command fear to leave.
Submit to My Word–believe the Truth; resist the devil and he will flee from you.
To be ignorant of My Word is to make yourself vulnerable to the unknown.

Commit to My Word, just as you have committed to Me. For when the unknown becomes known, you will not only realize, but utilize the authority I’ve given you and from you the devil will flee!

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, fear not! behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.'” Isaiah 35:3-4

“Behold, I will make of you a threshing sledge, new, sharp, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff; you shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. And you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.” Isaiah 41:15-16

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

“–and lo, I am with you always, to the close of this age.” Matthew 28:20b

The Choice Of Freedom

Oct9

Freedom is a choice.

“Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32

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

I have already paid the price to set you free. You have likewise been given every tool needed to appropriate this into your life. Have you opened your toolbox lately? Ever? Dust it off and come along.

Find My Word.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.” John 1:1-4

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” John 1:14

It is your most valuable weapon–a force greater than the most powerful gun on earth. When used correctly–spoken rightly, and with authority, you will stop every evil force right NOW in a moment of time. Can you do that with a gun?

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

Can you bring to life with a gun? My Word in your mouth can. My Word is a living force; it is My Life written for you and when eaten–placed as authority in your mouth, you propel My Life force forward to heal, restore, break the bonds of wickedness and so much more; always more–that is My Word.

“–‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to him who finds them, and healing to all his flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

“Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.” John 8:51

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” I Peter 2:24

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Heaven If You Will

May18

There has been sunshine in your life, heartache and gladness; you find that even in your day you experience many emotions that vary along the way. And, I too, experience many emotions, yet I remain constant, even; this is what I would like you to take notice of and to follow. To remain even–steady; cautious, yet boldly stepping forth in faith. Joyful, yet watchful–prepared.

Your adversary is always out there looking for an avenue to strike, but you need not fear–you must not fear. Do not give opportunity for the devil to come into your life. Strife and fear are open doors that give license for him to enter and cause turmoil and harm, but you must be the one that opens that door–don’t open it!

Very simple, don’t open the door to the enemy and he cannot come in.

I have given you authority over all the works of your adversary and over every thing that creeps and crawls on this earth–use it! Rise to a new level of awareness in your life. Feel emotions, but don’t allow them to rule.

Are you not in charge of your body, mind, will and emotions?

If you are not, you need to be–you must be, and that is your first step in breaking free of the cyclical bondage that holds you back from experiencing all I’ve planned for you; the freedom I’ve paid for.

Your true fulfillment in life rests upon you knowing who you are in who I AM, and acting upon that knowledge–make it truth in your life.

Make Truth your life.

Live by what you see in Me and walk free…

Be Free

I so long for you to find it–find freedom and to keep that stance–maintain it; in it you will find such rest, joy and peace like Heaven on earth for those who will find it…

Heaven If You ‘Will’

“We know that any one born of God does not sin, but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come that has given us understanding, to know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” I John 5:18-20

“–according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:22-27

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

“–for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:8-11, 15-16

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.–” Ephesians 6:10-18a

“Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” I Corinthians 16:13

This New Day

May6

Begin this day to think of yourself as renewed, and not defiled in any way. Many come to Me, receiving all I have to offer,

My Blood,

My Power and Authority,

My Name and the Salvation it brings,

and yet, do not leave behind the sin, the memories and all that led them to seek Me. With the same faith it took to apprehend the gospel–that same faith will renew, restore and release you from the cause of shame.

Be an example for My Kingdom, and let go of blame.

That same power I used to raise Lazarus from the dead, I grant to you, that you may do likewise.

And so, begin with you.

For you were dead in your sins, but made alive in Christ Jesus. Therefore, live as if that is so.

Sparkle for My Kingdom like a new penny–though your worth be far greater than rubies or gold or any tangible thing; your worth claimed My Life.

Therefore, do not walk as if you own yesterday. Release it and leave it behind. Behold, today is the day of Salvation–today if you will hear My Voice.

Today!

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working together with him, then, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” II Corinthians 5:21-6:2

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And you he made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:1-2

“Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24

“–God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” I John 1:5b-7

“So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander. Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” I Peter 2:1-3

“O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today you would hearken to his voice!” Psalms 95:6-7

Happy 2013 Readers!! Will this New Year find you Willing?

Jan1

Are you willing? Willing to go the extra mile and to sacrifice your time for Me? Your life? How much of yourself are you willing to give?

I don’t require sacrifice–

I require faith.
I require hope
I require determination of heart
A willing heart and obedience to my word

A life in the Spirit is not a demanding life, but one that is joyfully ordered. It is simply redeemed. Removed from the curse.

The curse isn’t taken off of you, you are removed from the midst of it. The curse is on the Earth. It is on the soil and those who choose to toil and serve the Earth choose the natural life to be their master. Those who choose to live by the Spirit are no longer slaves, but Sons. Sons of the living God and have dominion over the Earth and over the curse. (see Rom 8:14-15)

Take authority over any form of the curse and cast it out of your life. You have been redeemed from the curse through Jesus Christ who was made a curse for you, though He was and is a sinless man and God. Once made natural man, now crowned forever King. (see Gal 3:13, Rom 6:9-14)

So are you.

When you wear that crown of honor, without shame, you honor the King of kings, your Lord of lords.

Stumble not little ones.

Hold your head up.

Honor the King!