Tag Archive | Holy Spirit

Just Live

It was nearly 40 years ago when I came across my parents and my aunt and uncle talking like their lives were over. I don’t remember what all was said, it was so long ago, but I remember that anger erupted out of my spirit like a roar. I verbally chastised them for thinking and talking that way. I do not choose to be disrespectful to my elders, but they were on a fast track of taking down their own lives.

We greatly underestimate the power of our words!

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

The enemy knows this, and uses this as leverage throughout your life, planting thoughts and suggestions aimed at tearing you down. He can’t take your life; you have to partner with him for that to happen. ‘Oh, I would never partner with the devil!’, one adamantly declares.

Are you sure?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become aware of your words.

It takes discipline and hard work to re-train your speaking, but if you determine to do this, the Holy Spirit will help you. You will find your words echoing back at you if they don’t align with the Word. But words don’t begin in your mouth, they begin in your mind. To take control of your mouth, you must first control your mind. We must take every thought captive that rises against the knowledge of Christ. The Passion Translation says it like this . . .

“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. Since we are armed with such dynamic weaponry, we stand ready to punish any trace of rebellion, as soon as you choose complete obedience.” 2Corinthians 10:5-6 TPT

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Basically, when you become aware of thoughts that are not life, and are not pleasing to God, take them captive. Speak that out, instead of the thought. Speak the Word against it. You are not responsible, and are not held accountable unless you continue to entertain the thought or speak it and make it your own. “Take no thought saying. . .”

This is a discipline that is hard work, but bears great fruit and just may save your life!

One can never lay their guard down! I am thankful for those close to me, that remind me when I am getting off track, as my son did just yesterday. He courageously corrected my ‘stinking thinking’ and I am grateful that he loves me that much!

Go and love someone enough to tell them the Truth!

So, what happened when I corrected my loved ones from their stinking thinking? Well, they were in their early 60’s at the time, and that was nearly 40 years ago. They were speechless, which tells me they recognized the Truth. They didn’t try to justify, blame or excuse–just listened and took the reprimand to heart–as I did yesterday, when my son spoke.

Truth brings clarity, not shame.

I didn’t just tell them what they were doing wrong, I told them to LIVE! That they had a long, full, life ahead of them and they needed to stop living death and live LIFE!

Truth brings life!

They listened and made an immediate adjustment– so immediate that it even surprised me. The fruit of their efforts is that they lived long and full lives, with many, many, loving friends that enjoyed the life of God emanating from them. My uncle lived to be in his 80’s, his wife until age 96. My parents, as you may read from the recent post about them, are still alive at ages 95 and my dad will be 98 in September. That’s a very long life past 60! I am convinced it would have been different, had they kept up the talk of their death.

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him; for that means life to you and length of days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

Recently, my parents and I celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary at a sweet, lakeside restaurant in a village about an hour drive away. On the way home my mom was reminiscing about all the great places they used to enjoy eating out at. “Why don’t you do that now?” I asked. “Because it’s so hard.” came her quick reply. “Yes, but didn’t we have a wonderful time, and wouldn’t it break up the monotony?” She was silent for a moment and then said, “Yes!” It was three days later that she asked me to help her get tickets to the “Glenn Miller Orchestra” which was coming to town to the Opera House. We had about a month of anticipation, while they eagerly looked forward to the event. I sweetened the anticipation by borrowing the “Glenn Miller Story”, from the library. A dvd starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson; a good movie, that enhanced my enjoyment of the concert, because I remembered the progression of his career as I listened to the music played. The orchestra leader informed us that the Glenn Miller Orchestra has been traveling and performing continuously over a span of 80 years! Adding new band members as needed, of course.

My dad wasn’t feeling well the day before the concert and prayers were intense that they not be disappointed by not being able to go. The next day he was better, thank the Lord, and we went. My cousin came along, and she also enjoyed the concert immensely. It is her mom and dad that I spoke of above, so it is only fitting that she was there to enjoy this with them. I grew up hearing this music from my parents, so I could appreciate and enjoy it even if it differs from my personal taste. We each have an era of music that takes us back to the youth that our spirit still enjoys, for our spirit doesn’t age, just our bodies. A time that is less stressful and reminds us of happiness of long ago. This was their happy place and it planted a sweet memory in my heart as I glanced over to see my mom and dad snuggle up, clasping their hands together, like teenagers on a date, and I realize that true love never ends–it just grows sweeter with time, and trust.

I love you mom and dad. ♥

Thank you, for sharing your happy place with me!

Thank you, for a memory I will always cherish–thank you, for truly living!

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:16 RSV

“You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” Psalm 91:16 TPT

The Heart of the Rose

May30

A Rose With a Purpose–Packed and Ready to Go!

It was special from the start . . . Special, in that it was a gift of love from my church family on Mother’s Day . . . Special, because it not only survived the steam from my coffee cup but miraculously began to grow without any root or soil . . . Special, because after its story, the Lord revealed more . . . This special rose has more to tell you . . .

Miracles Always Have Purpose!

My table seems quite empty now without the rose, but I can drink a cup of coffee again without being cautious where to set it. I miss my rose, but it wasn’t mine to keep. I have learned that when I receive something, be it money, food, gift etc, to look inside and inquire of the Lord–is it for me or did He have someone else in mind to be blessed, and I the carrier? Especially with money. Is it for me or is it a seed? –That said, it didn’t occur to me that I would be giving away a Mother’s Day gift, because, why would one do that?

Why?

Because, the Lord has need of it!

After my previous post, “A Gift of New Life,” someone made the comment to me stating–“That post touched me more than any of all of your posts.” What exactly was it about that one? He couldn’t really say, but the Lord had used that post to place His finger directly on the pain of his soul. It was just time–time to deal with the wounds of life that had been stuffed but never healed. It was time for God to answer my prayers; I had been praying for him for a very long time.

My time came when my husband died. Suddenly, years of stuffed pain erupted in me like a volcano. It was the proverbial ‘last straw’ and I didn’t know how to cope with it. My friend Paula, now gone home to be with the Lord, took the time, patience, and love required to unravel my mess–helping me to live again! I thank God for her, I am so grateful–everyone needs a special friend like Paula!

Be encouraged, the Lord hears you!

This man stated that he had been planning to call me for about a month. “I want what you’ve got!” he emphatically stated. What? “That baptism of the Holy Spirit–I want that!”

That is one of the greatest gifts one could ever desire!

“For John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5

If you’re having trouble connecting with God. If your walk with Him seems inactive and dull. It’s likely that this is what you are missing. Don’t let people tell you that it’s not of God. Open your Bible and read it for yourself.

So, it was the next morning when I looked at the rose and realized, this is why it was growing but not putting out roots. This rose represented the man’s new beginning. During our conversation, so much pain of his past poured forth–revealing his need for the Lord to heal and deliver. Pain from his past, the trauma of Vietnam, loss, and the alcohol he used to anesthetize it all had gripped his life–caging his heart and soul. He had tried everything to break free, but there are some things we just can’t do on our own.

A few days before I was given the rose, a video about rooting a rose from a cutting had come into my YouTube feed. It was interesting, so I sent it to my text for–someday. Now I realized, God, had sent it, and ‘someday’ was here!

The left picture, presented above, is the rose 18 days after I received it. Who knows how long it had been cut before that. After it was given to me, it was three or four hours out of water; not even a wet paper towel on the end. So, I prayed when I packed it up, that it would survive the journey; but it was so straight and strong it didn’t even ruffle a petal. I took it to the man and said, “This represents your new beginning. You are going to plant this and it will be a marker of your new life. It didn’t put down roots because you are the one that’s going to be putting down new roots!” We talked a bit, read through scriptures, and then it was time to pray. He had told me the night before that he had asked and asked but nothing ever seemed to happen. Well, God made sure he knew something happened, because he radically received his baptism!

He first commented that he could smell the rose. “No, that rose doesn’t have a scent,” I told him. “I’m smelling roses!” he reaffirmed. It was Jesus. His Presence sometimes has a scent. When I worked at a factory years ago, I was in a corner all by myself and got so caught up in my thoughts of Him I began to worship in my heart; and suddenly was enveloped with the smell of roses. Factories don’t smell like roses, and there was no one else near me. Other times I have smelled lily of the valley and once, honey and roses. He then commented that it was getting stronger, but I couldn’t smell anything–this was just for him!

I put my hands on his head to pray and it became hot and sweat broke out on his head when I asked the Lord to baptize him in the Holy Spirit. I commanded a spirit of addiction off of him, and then the Holy Spirit filled him and he began to shake. He sat shaking for some time, “Stay with it,” I instructed him. The Lord was doing a work in him. During this time, I had prayed that the Lord heal him from the top of his head to the souls of his feet; and the very first thing he did when he got up was to go smell the rose. “It doesn’t smell like anything.” he said to me. “Yep, told you, it has no scent–that was Jesus!” Much later we went to a restaurant for dinner–our plan was to go to lunch but this had become a much bigger event than either of us had expected. At dinner, before he even sat down, he said, “Do you smell that?” Yeah, sure, the food smells were really strong, garlic and sort of a pungent BBQ. He got that misty look on his face as it dawned on him, the Lord had healed him–he has not been able to smell anything for years! –and that is his beginning . . .

Glory to God!

“‘For John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'”

“‘But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.'” Acts 1:8

“And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 22-4

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him.'” Acts 2:38-39

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said. ‘John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 11:15-16

“And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, ‘Into John’s baptism.’ And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:2-6

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” Matthew 3:11 KJV

“‘ And I tell you, ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!'” Luke 11:10-13

“‘–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

Every Future Has a Beginning

Oct19

I climbed into my favorite chair to study today, had just prayed and asked that the Holy Spirit teach me, and He told me to go and get my notes. Wandering through them, I discovered a dream recorded on June 6, 2024 that I had forgotten about. It was a busy time and life had quickly moved past it. The timing is the Lord’s, for recently there was an event held on the nation’s capitol mall that, for me, brought 20 long years of waiting to an end. The Lord had given me an end-time prophecy 20 years ago, that I have been watching over all this time. Saturday’s event, “One Million Women”, a call to One Million Esther’s, had also fulfilled a dream the Lord had given to a man, you may have guessed it, 20 years ago! It happened just as the prophecy declared, and I was able to witness it online. Near the end, when they spoke of the roar, it was as if in the spirit my hand slipped into a perfectly-fitted glove. I instantly knew in my spirit, this is it, and afterward it was as if a great weight had lifted off of me.

So, today, the Lord led me back to the dream that He had given me in June. Dreams from the Lord are different than a regular dream of the mind unwinding or releasing fragments of memory. A dream from the Lord is never forgotten and can be seen years later, as if you had just received it. He gave me a dream over 40 years ago that I can still see as clearly as the day it was received. Please don’t be put off by the smoking in the dream. After waking from the dream, the Lord was right there to give interpretation to it.

It is interesting to me that this dream consisted of ending 20 years of oil changes; and this event that happened on October 12 has ended 20 years of waiting to see that prophecy fulfilled. In reality, that oil change business in the dream is not where I have ever had an oil change, but that was what I knew it to be when having the dream. In other words, it represents the familiar. I do not have full understanding of what it all means, but the Lord will reveal in its time. Just as it wasn’t my job to bring about the fulfillment of the prophecy but the Lord’s. His further revealing led me back to this dream today–after the events of October 12th. He uses many people to piece His plan together into a full picture. It is simply up to each of us to be faithful with the part we are given.

Another interesting point is that a couple years ago I had sent the prophecy to a well-known prophet, who openly rebuked me online for it. She didn’t use my name but commented in video that I shouldn’t be putting it out there and even blocked me from her site. I gave it to the Lord, tried not to let it bother me, because I knew without a doubt that I didn’t create that message; and though the enemy is referred to in the message, it is not something he would speak, as it refers to the second coming of Jesus. The part of the cigarette would seem to refer to the woman’s harsh correction to me, and of her denying me the ability to ever return.

The truth of the matter is, the Lord watches over His Word to perform it, likewise, His messages to His people. The fruit is that it happened, but the depth of the message has only just begun. This is why it is as if a great weight has lifted off of me, because I was watching over the message as well.

The Dream:

I dreamed last night that I wandered into a place where I have had my oil changes done for many years. I wanted to brush my teeth, and just wanted to wet my toothbrush. The guy wouldn’t let me and was very harsh with me. He was angry and started yelling at me; so I made a decision that I would no longer, ever, have another oil change there again. Being quite upset, I went back to my car and started removing all the past oil change receipts, paperwork and even the sticker in my window indicating when the next oil change was due. I started out of my car with all of this, just as one of the man’s technicians was coming out from around the side of the building. He took it all from me and seemed delighted at my decision. He commented to me that this represents 20 years of oil changes. I had an unlit cigarette in my hand and when he saw it, he lit it. I started to smoke it and thought to myself, “Why am I smoking this, I quit many years ago?” I then drew the smoke deep into my lungs, blew it out, and immediately put the cigarette out.

After that I was joined by my parents and daughter, we were going out to dinner or somewhere. A text message came in of a teaching from the harsh oil change guy. I didn’t read it because I knew it was correction. It all seemed to correlate with strict, letter-of-the-law religion to me in my dream. To which I said, “I’m not going back. I’m not going there again!”

The Interpretation:

“Your past is trying to pull you back–old habits that you have done for years and years pull on you to resume. You have made a decision and it’s a good one. Don’t ever go back! Leave your old ways and the people that would draw you into things and places–break out of the bondage of familiar.

You are seeking a fresh breath, fresh new oil–change!

Break out of the patterns and get rid of all that would bind you to them. Take no part in ‘strange fire’ for the enemy would delight to smother the Breath of God in you!

I declare your change!

I release you to your future and it is not anything you have ever known. So don’t look for familiar, look to Me.

I will direct you, sayeth your Lord.”

Before the dream, I had been fasting for 2 days. I didn’t know why at the time, but was definitely called into it. When I woke up, and after hearing the interpretation, I was pondering the fast and how long to continue. It felt as if it was over and I was just noticing this when the Lord weighed in, “Refresh yourself. I have accomplished what needed to be done.”

“Blessed be the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for thou art my praise. Behold, they say to me, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come!” I have not pressed thee to send evil, nor have I desired the day of disaster, thou knowest; that which came out of my lips was before thy face.” Jeremiah 17:14-16

In agreement with the words of Paul, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Following the Nudge

Nov22

I have come to learn that a nudge from the Lord is one of the most exciting things we can receive from Him and I can’t hardly wait for the next one. . .

Something’s changed . . . A ‘suddenly’ that happened when I labored to break out of the ‘ME’ realm and look about. What a trap it is to try to repair our own baggage, instead of handing it over to Him.

Am I there yet?

Oh, heck no.

At one point, He deemed me healthy enough to call me higher. Willing to comply, it didn’t occur to me that ‘higher’ means I get to see the raw truth of just how desperately I needed to change my ways! In other words, higher took me lower than I’ve ever been to see, so very clearly, it can’t be anything but Him!

What a hard year it’s been and what a mess! Sometimes it feels like drowning but out of the ashes comes God! I know it’s usually quoted ‘gold’, but GOD is what happens when we come to our end–He is there!

“If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalms 139:8-10 KJV

Handing the reins to Him, determining not to thrash anymore, no more trying to figure it out, I waited. . .

Suddenly, a nudge, a still small Voice, a simple direction–“Go talk to her”.

If I hadn’t obeyed, the conversation wouldn’t have happened, and I wouldn’t have learned that she harbored a hidden pain. “This is God”, she said. “My dad is in prison.” Armored with the knowledge that God had sent her help, and the full set of books to read His healing messages, hope dawned.

Another prisoner sent a letter. His intent, he said at the end of the three page letter, was to ask for books. “I don’t know why I told you all that.” he writes. I do, Jesus wants him free! For 21 years he’s believed a lie, the judge planted in his heart, that he sent his girlfriend to hell. Every single day he has been tormented by this. I wrote him back, writing God’s healing Word, and speaking of His Love toward him. My letter was three pages too! God had a lot to say to this poor brokenhearted man.

Recently, a young woman harboring a deep wound from her past, far too big to bear, stated she couldn’t look people in the eyes. The Lord nudged me to say something to her that put His finger on that pain. Immediately, the Holy Spirit came upon me with sudden crying and I could feel the Father weeping over her. He spoke words to her that comforted; assuring love, safety, and hope. Words, she said, that she has never heard from those that should have protected her, but didn’t.

In all of these incidents, I was merely the conduit for the Holy Spirit to pass through; ministering His love, healing and freedom to those He loves that were hiding secret pain. Their ‘suddenly’ has come and I’m confident that as their freedom, begun by God, continues, He will see it through to completion. The stronghold is broken. Healing will come!

Readers, I know now more than ever that the enemy keeps us toiling over our own problems, seemingly mountains, to keep us from carrying out the work of the Lord. He came to set the captives free. They’re not all in prisons you know! They’re all around you, and it may even be you; but as you set about to be obedient to God, allowing His words to flow through you to others, you will be freed yourself and you won’t even have realized it. Your ‘suddenly’ will come as well. Why?

Because, you’ve been about your Father’s business!

Just say yes to the nudge. . . He will do all the rest.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners, “You are set free!’ I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun.” Luke 4:18-19 TPT

Worth the Wait

Jun14

Have you been standing in faith for healing?

Does it seem like you’ve been waiting and waiting, and it’s beginning to feel like it’s never going to come?

Don’t stop believing . . . God has not turned His back on you!

Please read the following testimony and be encouraged . . .

This past week, one of my co-workers, Julia, came to me and excitedly announced that God had healed her! “Lori, God healed me!” “It’s all gone!” Julia didn’t hesitate to give permission for me to share her story. She wants to shout it to the world! That’s how it feels when you’ve been really sick for a long time and then, suddenly, given a brand new life–SUDDENLY HEALTHY!

Julia, I’m so happy for you beautiful lady–Praise Jesus!

Here is your story . . .

We conferred and agreed that it was just about a year ago when the Lord spoke to me that He was going to heal Julia. I had been concerned for her, because she was battling disease in her liver and pancreas and she was so miserable. Her stomach and liver had so swollen, making this naturally-slim woman appear to look pregnant and it tore at my heart. I know how miserable that distention feels, didn’t know the torment of the rest of the situation, but could imagine . . . and so I prayed.

We were both working when the Lord announced to me that He was going to heal her, and I was so excited to carry the message. I can still picture her face when I told her. She was using a Pyxis machine, that we use throughout our day. Turning slightly to acknowledge what I said, but working very fast, I could see that her face had involuntarily changed to a plastic expression. You know the one. When someone is trying hard to show you they’re ok with what you just said, but already mentally calculating the exit to get away. Yeah that one . . . Now I was the one to freeze. Having noted the body language, it chickened me to go any further, even though the anointing was so strong–the moment to pray was right then. The moment passed and the anointing dissipated as well, my heart grieved. I had hoped to catch the moment again and looked for it, but it appeared that she was avoiding me and the look on her face when I did see her was a closed door.

I always look within to get Holy Spirit guidance before acting, but sometimes it takes me too long to do this and the moment passes. Don’t make a fool of yourself, but be ready to seize the moment before it passes by. I am trying to learn to live in that fine-line moment between presumptuous and too late!

So, in sadness, I went to the Lord and repented for not handling the situation better, asking Him to heal her in spite of my shortcomings and show her how wonderful He is. I gave it to Him, completely, expecting Him to heal her in spite of my blundering ways–because He said He would.

Now, a year later, the ‘suddenly’ has come!

A week or two before Julia’s announcement to me, the Lord spoke to me again. I was working, and Julia had just walked by. “She’s healed, you know.” and that’s all He said. This time I kept my mouth shut. It didn’t even occur to me to tell her what He had said. It’s almost like He spoke it so I would remember, but He wanted her to find out from her doctor.

With elation I rejoice with Julia! Her former sickness, even more complicated than I had realized, included Crohn’s Disease, a diseased liver and inflamed pancreas. Imagine the pain!

Julia’s totally flat stomach and slim figure show proof that her body is normal, but it was her doctor that medically confirmed it. At a recent colonoscopy and physical, even before the doctor came to her with the news, she overheard her telling someone else, “There is no disease!” When speaking directly to Julia, she said, “Everything is in complete remission!” It’s a doctors’ term for things they can’t understand or explain . . . My Jesus calls her, HEALED!

Glory to God!!!

Thank you, Jesus! ♥

His Purifying Fire

Mar15

Last Friday, March 10, 2023, I attended a time of worship at my church. There was to be no agenda, just worship to the Lord. A young woman played keyboard the entire time. She has a beautiful voice that tends to bring you right into the Presence of God.

She and her husband were soon expecting their first baby.

I sat soaking in the Presence, so much in the depths of it that I wasn’t readily aware when the music ended. I think it was the Secret Place.

Prayer was asked by the parents of this young couple, for the birth of the baby to go well. As they were praying, suddenly I felt a ball of fire in my body, in the area that would be the birth canal. It grew large, about the size of a cantaloupe, or a baby’s head?

The fire grew so big and so hot that it hurt.

When I was visiting Israel, in 2018, there was an occasion that I was eating a dinner salad of lettuce and vegetables; when suddenly, a fireball shot down my throat. I inspected the salad and even looked over the salad on the buffet line, but there wasn’t anything hot or spicy in it. This ball of fire went down my throat with such a force, hot like fire, that I choked. Friends at the table were startled and asked if I was alright. I was fine, told them what happened, and wondered about it but nothing more came of it—that is, in Israel. Since that time, I have had a few instances where this fireball just sort of presents itself within me. I know this sounds strange, and often the things of God make us wonder, but I just try to understand enough to flow with what He is doing.

So, in this incidence I spoke it out and told them what I had just experienced. Declaring that this baby would be born, of not just of water and blood but of fire, which is the Holy Spirit. That there would be something powerful about this birth.

At the time, I didn’t have a clear understanding of what it all meant, but later asked the Lord, “Lord what was that all about?

“He replied, “I purified the birth canal.”

Apparently, He opened it as well, because I got a text the next morning telling me that she went into labor that night and birthed the baby at 2:32AM. After a mere 2 1/2 hours of labor. The midwife had only been there for 15 minutes before this new daddy received his son into the world. I have never heard of anyone birthing a first baby in such a short amount of time. The new mother hadn’t said anything at the time I spoke out about the fire ball; but later told those close to her that, at the exact time of that incident, she had a single strong contraction. I expect it was confirmation to her, and preparation had begun–the birth canal was purified.

Glory to God!

Welcome to your new life, Gideon Michael!

Should the Lord tarry long enough, I believe you are to be a powerful man of God. Even as a child, I sense there is something special happening and look forward to seeing what He accomplishes through your life!

May God Bless you and be with you all the days of your life. May you clearly hear His Voice, walk in His Wisdom and His Ways to accomplish all the Lord has on His Heart for you. May you finish your race to spend Eternity with Him. Amen.

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 KJV

ONE

Aug22

There has been much recent activity on my blog, stirring up messages, long gone by. Frankly, I have enjoyed seeing some of the titles that I had long forgotten about. This particular message happened to be my 100th post and comes from April 9, 2013. It is so pertinent for today, that I have decided to re-post it. I don’t think it was by accident or coincidence that this message has resurfaced just now. May we all take a breath, remember that our very breath and life is a gift from God; and in this time of trouble and uncertainty, turn our focus back to Him!

The following is the post, simply titled: “ONE”

The right or the left?

People are always arguing–liberal–conservative–I’m right–you’re wrong

Stop the battle!

There is only One way.

One and only One God.

One and only One Word.

No man cometh unto the Father, but through Me.

Repentance of sin must come–My shed Blood must be received.

Honor My Father!

You simply cannot approach the Father lest you be clothed in righteousness–the Royal Robe given through My Blood.

Accept My Blood and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Understand–through the written Word of the Holy Scriptures–the Holy Bible; the True Word of God–written for you as instruction to live by; to draw understanding and wisdom as guided by the Holy Spirit–your Comforter, Teacher; who enlightens your understanding.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit–together We are One. Together, We seek One Body–many bodies come together in agreement as One. Made that way by One Body broken, One shed Blood, One remission for sins . . .

One True God–One Way–by Name–Jesus Christ!

If you are One, you are arguing with yourself.

If you are not One, you are lost . . . Seek that you may be found.

Find the Body and join with it. Be joined by the Blood, and do what the Word says–

Love your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength,

and

Love your neighbor as yourself!

“–the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:17-23

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” I Corinthians 12:12-14

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life.” I John 5:11-12

“And this is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. ” John 17:3

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10

“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.” John 12:26

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:24-30

“Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28b-31

“And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also.” I John 4:21

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10

His Voice is Protection

Mar24

Last week I was stopped at a light, second in line, behind a pickup truck. The bed of the truck had a load of heavy steel of some sort. I don’t know what it was but it looked thick and heavy and definitely not aluminum.

I didn’t have much time to reach my destination and would likely have been in an impatient hurry, but I was having a conversation with the Lord. This is so important because, in that moment, I was relaxed and connected when the light turned green and–

I heard the command, “don’t move!”

I didn’t take time to think about it or wonder, I just didn’t move and it felt as if a protective hand was holding me back. Amazingly, the cars behind me didn’t beep their horns; as often happens when people are not seeing you respond to the light. The pickup truck ahead of me did move however, and must have hit the gas pretty hard. He was under the light, just a few feet away, when the entire contents of his truck bed came flying out–straight out the back, every single piece!

When relating this event to a few people, some have made the comments, “That must have been scary.” and, “That sounds harrowing!” That would have been my natural reaction, had I not been ‘connected’ and heard His Voice. As it was, I heard, obeyed, and was safe. Had I moved, my car would have been totaled and there might have been a quick ride to the hospital. In His Presence is perfect peace and I remained there, totally unharmed.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Maneuvering my car carefully around the mess, I gave the guy a sympathetic smile and a little wave and drove on to my appointment. He looked pretty embarrassed. Well, he should have been! He really had no business driving around with a big heavy load like that and no tail gate–not even any tie-downs–what was he thinking??? I know what I was thinking, thank you Holy Spirit! Thank you for warning me, and keeping me out of danger!

I am excited to announce that this week my publisher has begun the formatting and final editing process of the next, “His Voice in My Heart” book. Those who have followed right along, know this book has been in process; but it was going to be called “His Voice in My Heart, Volume II.” Well, ‘His Voice in my heart’ changed the title! In fact He changed the two-book set to three. When the third book is ready to reveal, I will tell you just how the Lord guided me in these changes.

I hope you can understand that this is not my work. It has been supernatural every step of the way. I am always amazed and in awe of the Lord’s incredible love for the people He created; and His great desire to heal the human heart. He comforts the brokenhearted and gathers them into His arms. He leads each one out of despair and into the abundant life, that He has prepared.

How wonderful our God is–I am so in awe of Him!

I expect the printing to take place in a month or (two) at the most. Please pray and ask if the Lord would have you join in helping this ministry to reach the brokenhearted, lost and alone. All the books are being distributed free of charge to those in prisons, jails, rehabs and to the homeless. I am especially excited in that, recently, some of the homeless have been asking for the books. They have been very excited about them. It appears the word is getting around, I am so thankful!

Praise the Lord!

The Gift of Compassion

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The Gift of Love

Your generous donation provides vital books to inmates in jails, prisons and rehab centers nationwide! All donations are tax deductible and will be used for printing and shipping thousands of books; offering hope, healing, and comfort to a nation of people hidden from society but not hidden from God!

Thank you for being a part of this life-giving ministry outreach. In partnering with us in this mission, you are partnering with Jesus and helping to set the captives free!

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The Gift of Comfort

To Donate go to: http://www.nationofwomen.com/contributions. Scroll down to the ‘Books for Inmates’ image as shown above. Click on the donate button and type ‘prison books’ in the comment section, when it takes you to the fill-in page.

Please give confidently and with a joyful heart. This author is not taking anything from the proceeds of her first three published books. Please make checks out to Nation of Women Ministries, 619 Roberts Cut Off Rd., River Oaks, Tx 76114, and write ‘For Prison Books’ on the check.

Donations will be handled by the publisher, Cindy Neathery, of Nation of Women Publishing, Fort Worth, Texas, for printing and shipping books. Thank You!

To order books go to: https://www.nationofwomenpublishing/authors Scroll down to Lori J. O’Neil

For further verification, you may visit Prison Book Project of Titusville, Florida. There, Joyce and Ray Hall will be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You might consider partnering with their ministry! Thank you so much and may God Bless you!

To visit Prison Book Project go to: http://www.prisonbookproject.org

“Lori O’Neil’s latest book, His Voice in My Heart, is so well written and truly penned with God in her heart. Her Testimonials are especially significant to me along with all the love she conveys in every word, sentence, and book she has written. Lori is an amazing writer and I look forward to book four. Thank you, Lori, for this gift!” Barb Z.

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All proceeds, from ‘Comfort in the Challenge’ books ordered, will be sent to Canaanland Ministries of Autaugaville, Alabama. An amazing ministry with a 40 year history of restoring men from a life lost to addiction, to a new life in Christ. Please consider a tax deductible donation directly to Canaanland Ministries as well, by visiting https://www.canaanland.com. Your generous contribution will be helping them to fulfill the vision the Lord has placed on their heart–a Canaanland in every state!

All contributions and proceeds from orders of ‘His Voice in My Heart’ and, soon to print, ‘His Voice in My Heart Volume II,’ will be invested in books placed in inmates hands. Thank you for opening your heart to this ministry and its mission!

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“‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-40

Kick Off Your Shoes

Mar11

There is one condition for you to enter My Kingdom–

that you receive My Blood.

That may seem harsh, but I died a bitter death that you may be made alive, with Me, once again.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us.” Ephesians 1:7-8

Do you understand that you are dead in your sin? I once was dead but I AM alive again, that you may enter in . . .

The path is through the Blood.

Every baby is born through a pathway of blood.

Then . . .

Washed, cleansed, and comforted.

You may be born again, through the pathway of Blood–

Mine.

Then washed–

Made clean by the Word.

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself in splendor without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

And comforted–

Receive the Holy Spirit . . .

He is your Comforter and Friend.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:15-17

Will you enter in?

Repent of your sins and leave them behind–

as if, taking off your shoes.

You will be standing on holy ground . . . leave them behind–

There is no remorse or lack in My Kingdom.

But, these things are learned . . .

As you grow to discern, for the first washing is only the beginning. Without roots in good soil, you’ll find you’ll always toil, and that is not Kingdom work!

Enter in, that you may grow . . .

Enter in, that you may know . . . the Kingdom Rules–

For this Kingdom, RULES!

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word,’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Galatians 5:13-14

Don’t be left standing at the door . . .

Kick off your shoes–take the first step!

The Cross is the Family Tree.

Come, be ALIVE in Me!

“He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:18-20

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” I Corinthians 1:18-21

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God–not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

“But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips, and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. For, ‘every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.'” Romans 10:8-13

I invite you to scroll down to the message, “Books for Inmates,” to learn how you may participate in sending the Lord’s Compassion to inmates in prisons, jails and rehabs nationwide. Please consider joining this ministry to place “Comfort in the Challenge,” “His Voice in My Heart” and soon to print, “His Voice in My Heart, Vol II” in the hands of those hidden from society, but not hidden from God. These books are filled with messages from the heart of God. Messages of love, hope, healing and freedom; as well as many amazing, true testimonies of the miraculous power and love of God. This author is not taking anything from the first three published books. All donations will be invested in books to help those struggling to find new life. We offer hope and the Good News of, truly, a new life in Christ!

Thank you, for prayerfully considering partnering with us to touch the hearts’ of this hurting nation! All donations are tax deductible. Scroll down to or visit the page “Books for Inmates” for more information. Again, thank you!

He Holds the Future

Feb22

I am told she was a visitor, and I don’t remember ever seeing her before. She stood out in the isle near me, singing robustly to the Lord. When worship ended, I glanced over and she returned my gaze; the moment she did, the Lord showed me a vision of her all grown up, though she is actually about 7 or 8 years old.

In an instant, I saw her as an adult.

In this glimpse she was standing in front of an empty stage, with microphone in hand; but she was down on the floor level, standing right in front of the people. Though I didn’t see the size of the group, I sensed it to be quite large, as the stage extended quite a span. I could see the front rows of people near her as well, and they lined the length of the stage. In just a moment of time I witnessed what she looked like, height, body shape, clothing, hair, and I knew her demeanor to be feisty, no nonsense–

A passionate warrior for the Lord.

Then, just as suddenly, I was no longer seeing a young woman, but this young girl standing before me.

I had shared something after worship, but I didn’t mention what I had been shown of this girl’s future. Later, as if in confirmation, a testament of her heart, she came to me as I was washing dishes; my church shares a meal together after. She found me in the kitchen and stood at my elbow but slightly behind, waiting for me to notice her. As I turned, she looked up at me with serious eyes and said, “I liked your talk.” I smiled, thanked her, and she quickly darted off.

May she be nurtured to grow in the admonition of the Lord.

May she fulfill the Lord’s call on her life.

I don’t even know her name, but I don’t have to–the Lord knows her future!

He knows I will pray.

That’s why He shows us these things!

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

This same day, also during worship, my son had a powerful encounter with the Lord. His recount of it had many wiping their eyes. In a moment of time, his lifelong quest of questions, laced with doubts, was settled by the Lord Himself! Hallelujah!

Parents, trust the Lord with your children.

He knows the way to each heart. He alone knows the time to reach them–He will reach them!

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

“O Lord, thou has searched me and known me! Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.” Psalms 139: 1-6

“For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise thee, for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well; my frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth. Thy eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I could count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.” Psalms 139:13-18

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Thank you, for prayerfully considering partnering with us to touch the hearts’ of this hurting nation! All donations are tax deductible. Scroll down to “Books for Inmates” for more information. Again, thank you!

“‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:37-40