Tag Archive | Jesus

A Master of Disguise

Due to extended family schedules, this year, we decided to celebrate Christmas this weekend. Like a Christmas without snow, it just won’t seem the same to me; but I choose to make the best of it and made plans of cookie decorating with my grandchildren on Saturday. The enemy, however, the author of sickness and disease, decided to try to rob me of my family Christmas altogether, by trying to take me down. It was Wednesday night, about 9pm, when I started feeling chilled. Where I work, we are always cold, but this felt different. Several other symptoms soon developed that mimicked a milder version of terrible covid I had experienced a few years ago, but this time I was prepared and refused it with the Word.

There is a window of time, right when you feel that first symptom–you know that feeling, it’s like a suggestion. It’s like it, because it is! That is your moment to refuse to accept it. You don’t toy with it, don’t think about it, just plain refuse it! Speak out loud to it–No! Sickness, you’re not coming here. Devil you’re not taking my Christmas! You can’t have my body. I refuse you–I rebuke you in Jesus Name!

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10

I drove home declaring the Word over my body and was grateful my dog was already in bed when I got there, because that is exactly where I wanted to be. Racked with chills, I put an extra down comforter over the other one, climbed under the heap of down-feathers and went to sleep declaring the Word. An hour an a half later, the chills are gone but it wasn’t time to relax the Word, not yet, instead it was time to double down. This was at 1:30 am. I went to sleep once more, declaring the Word, and at 3:00 woke up totally healed! Praise Jesus!

The next day I told my son what had happened and praised the Lord all day, feeling wonderful but tired. I had fought a battle. Then came . . .

Round Two.

I was fine all day Thursday, until the afternoon, when the devil changed his disguise and I suddenly started to cough. At first it was just a cough or two, but it kept increasing, and suddenly noticed my lungs feeling heavy and paining out my back. I took a deep breath and at the same time saw an image of my lungs shattering like they were made of thin ice that cracked all over and fell to the ground. My lungs felt like broken glass and the devil whispered–you have pneumonia. This is the first time I ever ‘saw’ his suggestion in a vision and I can’t believe the audacity of him hitting me again. Oh, that didn’t work? Well how ’bout this–will you believe this????

NO!

He is a master of disguises and they are all the direct opposite of what the Word says.

What do you choose to believe?

I went to bed coughing every few minutes, and in between the coughs declaring the Word over my body and rebuking the sickness once again.

Once again, just a few hours later, I woke up in the middle of the night, no longer coughing and able to take a deep breath with absolutely no pain–completely healed.

Glory to God!!!

So this morning I was asking Him, “Lord, what should I do? Should I tell my family what I went through, only to have them doubt and lose my time with my grandchildren after all?” He simply said, “Testify.”

I wish for you to understand, when the enemy throws sickness at you, you don’t have to accept it. Speak the Word against it; and when it seems like it’s getting stronger, that is not the time to give up and accept it–it’s the time to double down. Command it to leave in Jesus Name!

You are not healed when you see the symptoms leave your body. You are healed when He paid the price for your healing at the cross. We are simply defending our right to His Promises. Divine Healing belongs to you. It is your God-given right to be healed but it is by faith that we receive His Promise of healing.

By faith we defend our body from attack.

I have never experienced the enemy trying so hard as to put two different forms of sickness on me in two different but consecutive days before. It tends to make me think that this is going to be one of the best Christmas’ ever!

“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

“I will extol thee, O Lord, who has drawn me up, and has not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me.” Psalms 30:1-2

Make Way For The King

Dec4

To traverse time, man would find it difficult, but I AM time.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev 1:8

I waste no time; though man wastes years–

I will redeem!

As the years speed away, I AM redeeming the lost. I AM recovering the blind, causing them to ‘SEE’ My purpose for their life.

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they know not, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

Unity is not something man can accomplish without Divine intervention, for each drifts to their own way.

I will gather.

I will fine-tune each heart as an instrument of My Love. I gather My orchestra– orchestrate My symphony.

A song so sweet has never been sung, for the music has yet to be written.

Angels long to hear!

Begin to sing praises – in this, you tune your voice to receive notes you have never sung.

This is a new season, for the reason is clear . . .

I AM no longer a baby hidden away . . .

No longer a carpenter explaining, ‘The Way’ . . .

I AM the Everlasting King — MAKE WAY!

“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! Worship the Lord in holy array; tremble before him, all the earth! Say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.’ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.” Psalms 96:1-13

“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

“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth!” Isaiah 42:10

Bearing Fruit For Harvest

Nov28

This is the season that carries the fruit of harvest.

“Do you not say, “There are yet four months, then comes the harvest?” I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see how the fields are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.” John 4:35-36

“I am the vine, you are the branches. he who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Take, eat, and see that the Lord is good!

For many have not tasted of My fruit. Not experienced the full-measure of My goodness. They have heard, they have seen, yet they have not partaken.

Some stubbornly refuse–call it ‘fairy tale belief.’

They will perish in their unbelief.

Others, have not experienced My wonders, for there was no one with the courage to speak of Me.

This is the season I will gather and teach. A holy boldness will come forth like never before. Those who carry My treasure in their heart, will soon share. He who has, will receive more. He who has not, what he has will be taken away.

“And he said to them, ‘Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’ Mark 4:24-25

What you share will be multiplied back to you. The spiritual growth will be immense in this season. Like yeast in bread causes the sponge to rise and expand, so shall My Word be ever expanding in the hearts of men–ever revealing more of My Truth–ever leading others higher into My Glory realm.

There, you will see My Goodness – Power – Majesty!

I Am not coming to ‘catch’ the world in sin. I Am coming for a world ‘revealed’ in Truth.

“For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:22-23

“For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.” John 3:17-21

Those that ‘choose’ to remain in darkness will be ‘blinded’ by My Light.

“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.” John 12:40

“Jesus said to them, ‘The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.'” John 12:35-36

“And Jesus cried out and said, ‘He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.'” John 12:44-50

All must ‘choose’ whom they will serve.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24

“‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one 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 12:24-26

Oh ‘Taste’ and ‘See’ that the Lord is GOOD!

“‘Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.'” John 14:1-3

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalms 34:8

An Astonishing Discovery

Oct16

There is an end-time prophecy published in the first volume of the, “His Voice in My Heart” book series. At the time, it was estimated to be from 2004. Estimated, because the prophecy itself wasn’t dated. I was surprised at that, because I always jot down the date when the Lord gives me a message. At that time, it had been typed, printed and likely dated, but I scoured the house looking for a copy, that was not found.

Fast forward 21 years: Last night I felt pulled to my office, the same one that had been thoroughly searched, many times. I don’t use this office anymore, but for the printer. I didn’t realize that today represents a significant date, I was simply following the pull to go in there; and there, right on top of the desk, printed on purple paper, was a copy of the prophecy, dated October 16th 2004. The published version, taken from my notebook, I discovered, is only the end-portion of the message, which explains why there was no date. Wow!

An angel had to have put that paper there for me to find.

How else can this be explained?

How can one not see purple paper laying on top of white paper?

Laying on top of a desk, unnoticed, for 21 years? When in fact I’ve only owned my house for 19 of those 21 years.

Oh, but there’s more!

So, last year, *Lou Engle, and *Jonathan Kahn, orchestrated an event on the National Mall at the Capitol . . .

“A Million Women-An Esther Call To The Mall”

Lou Engle, explained that this gathering resulted from a dream God had given him 20 years ago, in 2004. The date the event was held was, October 12th, 2024. He had received his dream the same year that I received this prophetic message from the Lord. I had been watching over this message for 20 years, because I knew that I didn’t make it up and therefore, knew that the Lord would bring His word to pass. I just didn’t understand how very far ahead He prepares His people. I didn’t understand then, that receiving a word does not necessarily mean it is meant to be given in the moment.

I didn’t know I needed to wait–REALLY WAIT!

The message published in the book, “His Voice In My Heart,” begins with, “There is going to be a great ROAR.” As I was watching the event online, it was declared that they were going to release a roar. When they said that, in the spirit, I saw a large hand before me slip into a glove, a perfect fit– the dream and the prophecy as one.

I instantly recognized in my heart; and in amazement, with no one else present, very excitedly said out loud–This is it!

“This is the prophecy! It’s beginning to be fulfilled–the long wait is over!”

This event was a time of great boldness, and I watched as they took turns making bold declarations, just as the prophecy had declared.

I am ever so amazed at the great lengths the Lord will go to reach His people, as well as those that are not yet His, but He wants to reach. He will use any willing vessel to declare His Word and His purposes to the earth. I have found change happening in my own life and believe this is for you as well. He calls us to be prepared, filled up, ready and willing, but to be at rest. He will use you in an instant; pour through you His power, His work and then, rest. We can wear ourselves out by trying too hard, with sincere hearts, but it can become a work of the flesh. When His Spirit moves through you, lives are changed in just moments– It’s then, His work, not ours.

HE receives the Glory!

The following, is the entire prophecy. Found twenty-one years after the date it was received. I can only conclude. . .

God’s timing is perfect!

The prophecy was simply titled, “A Message From the Father” October 16, 2004. It is intense, not an easy message to hear, but there is GRACE. God is LOVE! He created all of mankind for good, but there is the caveat–He gave us a free will and therefore the responsibility is ours. Therein is the struggle–and the tremendous need for the Savior!

The Lord had been waking me up at 3:33am for over a year. Exactly that time, many many days. This day I woke up, expecting the clock to show 3:33, as usual, but instead it read, 4:44. “What’s this all about Lord?”, I asked Him, and this message was His reply . . .

“It’s 4:44 and this is a new day! Behold, I shall do a new work! A work like you have never seen, nor experienced before. Unsurpassed, unprecedented, unencumbered! My angels have waited expectantly for this time to arrive. They have prepared for the final battle. Their warring techniques have been sharpened throughout history, but they have never before seen my anger, like they will see it now! For the devil has played his game long enough!

You see I have been patient and long-suffering, even with him. I have allowed him much freedom to roam about and to be a nuisance only for one reason. It is my desire that the people would love me with an act of their free will–they come to me because they want to and because they need to. But, just as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, the nations have turned putrid and their hearts have become a stench to me. I would rise up and destroy great nations of peoples in my wrath, were it not for the prayers of the saints and my Word that was set forth from the beginning. I am unchanging and it is my desire that all would repent and come to the knowledge of the truth and to fullness of life through the Blood of my Son, Christ Jesus.

You, my dear ones, however, have been ever dearer to my heart. My heart swells with compassion for you as you strive to do good and yet you must toil in an evil, lustful, sin-laden world. My heart longs to pluck you out of that viper’s nest and hide you from the coming wrath. Yet, you shall and must experience great wars and battles for they will rage on earth as they do in heaven’s realm. The spirit world will become reality for those who have eyes to see and yes, it will be a fearsome sight, but I remind you of my Word that says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Your coming King is coming for you, and this battle is waged to usher in that day. Therefore, gird up your loins with my truth. Study to show yourselves approved. For there will not be time for textbook learning in the coming days. My Word must be firmly planted in your hearts, that it is ever ready to spring up onto your tongue. It is your weapon of choice to wield against the forces of darkness, created for the evil one. My Word declares that I have created evil for the Day of Judgment. I have allowed it to thrive on the earth so that those with dark hearts should be revealed, causing my righteous judgment to come forth.

Children, these are the last days. I am about to usher in a time of revealing that you have longed for–long awaited for. For the ‘true church’ will no longer be suppressed! Those who have sought my true heart are crying out to rise above the deadness and decay many call church and the time and season is now for them to come forth!

A great outpouring of my Spirit is about to happen and even has begun. My people will no longer be ashamed to lift up my name. They will proclaim it loudly, boldly, before the face of evil and many will be saved. This is an exciting time for you. For you are eager to be bold and yes, even foolish, for my Name’s sake–in this, I am well pleased. For yes, I will use the foolish to confound the wise: those who will stop at nothing to declare My works and wonders; those who will stop at nothing to trample evil under their feet and lift up a banner to declare their coming King.

My Son is coming, triumphantly, and will be seen frequently among those who worship with pure hearts and unselfish motives. Watch–look for Him. He comes to you! He wants to bask in your praises–my dear church, you are anointing Him for battle! You are armoring Him in finery. You are His throne!

There is going to be a great ROAR!

It will happen so suddenly, it will shake the world. It is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! It will be the roar of Jesus, coming out of His uncompromised church. The remnant that know Him and His ways–not only from the Word, but by His Spirit – those who are unbending and refuse to make excuses for the world and its ways. They are preparing now and if you are one of them, you sense it, and you are already anticipating this great move of God–in readiness.

This roar, will happen so suddenly, it will stop evil in its tracks for a brief time, as if stunned. The true church will take back the authority that is rightfully hers and the dead church will fall. A great out-pouring of declaration will come forth like never before. Bold, strong, Christians will rise up proudly and loudly, proclaiming the supremacy of Jesus. It will be an exhilarating and exciting time. A time of freedom and celebration–make much of this time, for though it will seem unending, it will be short and brief. For the enemy will again get a footing and will then rise up more vile and darker than ever before. This powerful declaration will usher in the final persecution of the church. Many will give their lives for Christ. It is the final battle, where sides must be taken. No more compromise will be tolerated–all must choose whom they will serve, and serve they will!

This must take place, it is the platform that will usher in our glorious and triumphant coming King!!”

Come, Lord Jesus!

“Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty in battle!” Pslams 24:7-8

*Author’s Note: Lou Engle, and Jonathan Kahn, are not aware of nor associated with this ministry. I have included them only for reference to the time-frame and subject matter. God’s passion in this message, represents His intense love for all, to restore relationship through the redeeming Blood of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

A Matter of Principle

Sep22

I had to make a tough decision this past week. Probably one of the hardest I have ever had to make. I made the decision to leave my church family and friends, that I love with all my heart. I never wanted to leave, thought I was rooted for life, and had even taught others that I was in it for the long haul and they should be too. I thought I was, but . . .

It became a matter of principle.

Right after announcing my decision to leave, I got in my car and on a radio program a man was preaching that it is time we speak up–The Emperor Has No Clothes!

He’s right! I’m sure you know the story of the ruler that convinced everyone to go along with him, even agreeing against what they could see with their own eyes. Everyone followed for fear of speaking up. Fearful of standing out and being the only voice, they denied the truth–even to themselves. One young boy didn’t have any motive, anyone to impress, and in innocence, spoke the TRUTH.

When I made the decision to leave, rather than sorrow, sadness and depression, I felt elation. An immediate sense of freedom from being bound, like a bondage had been broken off of me. What followed was joy bubbling up and out of my spirit, and I have been full of great joy ever since. Before this takeover happened to my church, I had this same great joy, but what came in was a bulldozer; resulting in depression, anger, and a death-like feeling inside– a terrible sorrow one shouldn’t feel when present in the church-body they love.

I wasn’t going to say anything. I had approached leadership before this happened, because I had great trepidation. I told them I could not find peace. Expressing my concerns came to no avail, but were certainly not unfounded.

My joy comes from standing for principle–standing for Truth!

My concerns started when the takeover stated that he had asked Jesus what He liked best about him and Jesus replied, “I love your sarcasm.”

Please allow me to refresh you on the meaning of the term. These are four definitions I found defining “Sarcasm.”

“Sarcasm: The use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say, made in order to hurt someone’s feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way.”

“Sarcasm: noun

A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule.

A form of wit characterized by the use of such remarks. “detected a hint of sarcasm in his voice.”

A keen, reproachful expression; a satirical remark uttered with some degree of scorn or contempt; a taunt; a gibe; a cutting jest.”

Sarcasm: is the caustic use of words, often in a humorous way, to mock someone or something. Sarcasm may employ ambivalence, although it is not necessarily ironic. Most noticeable in spoken word, sarcasm is mainly distinguished by the inflection with which it is spoken or, with an undercurrent of irony, by the extreme disproportion of the comment to the situation, and is largely context-dependent.”

“Sarcasm noun

1. : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain.

2. a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual.

b : the use or language of sarcasm.”

Basically, sarcasm, is poison that pollutes all those that must succumb to it. When it doesn’t go over well they say, “I was just kidding.” Sarcasm is the opposite of Truth, often a nasty remark hidden behind the guise of humor, usually sick-humor.

“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” Proverbs 26:18-19

When the takeover learned of my attempt to expose the truth of sarcasm, it was defensively doubled down–even to the audacity of saying that Jesus spoke sarcastically to His disciples.

Blasphemy!

Can anyone read those definitions and truthfully say that Jesus would embrace such behavior? Even if the person makes the remarks against themselves, what fruit is there in negative behavior disguised as humor? That ended it for me and I was going to go away quietly, but every time I open my bible since, it is underscored that one needs to speak up!

Nebuchadnezzar had Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego bound and thrown into the fiery furnace because they refused to bow to the god that he had created. They weren’t afraid of standing up to the king, for they knew their King is Jesus–He is Truth!

“He who walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways will fall into a pit.” Proverbs 28:18

Truth is the opposite of Sarcasm, isn’t it?

I stand for Truth! Even at the cost of losing my church home–a family that I love with all my heart. I have joy because Jesus is with me in the midst of the fire. He took the bounds off of me when I stood and defended His character.

I have joy because I don’t follow man, I follow Jesus, and where He is–there is JOY!

How about you?

Does your church lead you closer to Jesus, leave you refreshed and full of JOY? If not, maybe you should stand up and speak the TRUTH!

“Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set at nought the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28

Was I Really Dreaming?

Sep3

Sometime in the night I was awake and thought about writing a post today, about the nearly dozen eggs that I had exploded all over my kitchen. Yes, it really happened, and I am shocked at how thoroughly an egg can explode. Not just blown open, but in pulverized fragments that covered my kitchen. I had put them on to cook, threw in some laundry and then proceeded into my quiet place where I got so caught up in spending time with the Lord that I had no memory of cooking them. Even when I heard the explosions, I thought it was an odd sound, but didn’t readily investigate. I thought it must be the neighbors. When I finally realized it was actually in my house, the pan then exploded the final egg!

What a mess!

My microwave, which was perfectly fine, now makes this very loud noise even though the eggs weren’t in it but cooked below it. I think the extreme heat/steam has warped the outer casing and now it vibrates. I am leaving it off for a bit to decide what to do. Too many online reviews say the newer microwaves, no matter the brand, just aren’t the quality they used to be. I am reluctant to scrap mine and hope I don’t have to. I don’t quite understand why the Lord didn’t clue me in on the brewing storm, except that maybe I needed to see the serious consequences of putting food on the stove to cook and leaving the vicinity. I have done this too many times. There are just so many more interesting things than cooking anymore. I’ve lost interest in it, and just cook to get it done!

The Dream:

So, this morning, I had a dream. In fact, I was sleeping so soundly that I slept until 9:34 and woke up from such a deep place that it took me a minute to realize I was awake and where I was. I had slept without hearing a text that came in an hour prior, and that is really not like me.

I woke up remembering the dream in every detail. The people, the conversation, what they were wearing, action, the miracle. I highly suspect the Lord had taken me there on a mission. You can believe or not, it’s up to you. I’m just relating what happened. I don’t even know myself, for absolutely sure, but it is just so very clear. Too clear–especially to make up the conversation in one’s head, back and forth in real time. He has done this before. I have experienced many miraculous things and I never limit the God who doesn’t know impossible. I related in a text to a friend this morning, “I kinda think we are going to be in for many surprises when we go to Heaven and learn of the many ways we were ‘used’ for Him and didn’t even realize it.” . . .

When there is a willing heart, He is able.

So in the dream, I was driving a car in a land that is foreign to me and just then a teenager, on a bike, rode up and kind of side-swiped into my car. He fell off the bike, so I got out of the car and asked him if I could pray for him, because he seemed so startled. He was agreeable, and we were about to, but a woman came up and said, “We can’t pray together, because we don’t pray to the same God.” I replied, “That may be so, and you can do what you want, but I am going to pray to the only God that can save and heal. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and it is only by His Blood that we can be saved, by His Blood that we are healed.”

At that, I was about to pray for this young man but I looked up to see a boy in a wheelchair that had apparently come with the woman. He had a look of determination on his face and he started to struggle, as if to get up. The woman looked over at him surprised and asked to him, “Are you wanting to try to stand?” She started to walk back to him, she had walked about 4 steps away from him to approach me, but he made a gesture with his hand that indicated he didn’t want her help. When suddenly, he stood–all by himself!

I hadn’t prayed for him, he had just heard and believed–and stood up!

He started to walk, very stiff-like at first, but he got stronger with each step. He looked almost like a straight stick, he was so thin. The woman then told me that he has never walked. I asked how old he is and she gave me an age range of around 4. I thought that was strange and said, “Don’t you know how old he is?” and then I learned that he was adopted and she really didn’t know his actual age. He looked older to me than 4. He was taller than I would think he would be for 4 and seemed more like a 6 year old. He was dressed in thin light pants and shirt, of what seemed like a cotton material. She had dark clothes and so did the boy with the bike.

The dream then ended and I woke up more rested than I have been in weeks. I needed that rest. I have been pushing hard all summer and the egg explosion was traumatizing to my exhausted soul.

Whether I was there or not will one day be revealed, but what is revealed right now is that Jesus is here for you. Whether you were taught to believe in Him or not–whether you believe or not. He wants to save you–He wants to heal you–He LOVES you!

The Holy Bible is very clear–He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, but through Jesus. He is the One and only TRUE God. You can believe Him or not, it’s your choice. I am not trying to force Him on anyone.

I respect your right to believe what you choose, but I ask you . . .

Does your God Save?

Does your God Heal?

Does your God bring you Freedom?

Does your God bring you Joy?

Does your God give you Peace?

Does your God Love you?

Does your God answer your prayers?

Did your God die for you?

Do you know for certain where you will go when you die?

All these, and so much more, you should carefully consider–for if your answer is not yes to every one of them, then you are not following TRUTH.

If no, then you are not safe and you are not free.

I urge you to seek Jesus. ♥

“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

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

“He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne to his Son. 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 write this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence which we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.” I John 5:10-15

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, but which has become the head of the corner. 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 4:8-12

“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. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” I Peter 2:24-25

“And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.'” Revelation 7:9-12

Just Live

Jul29

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

Painting By Faith

Jul17

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

Never Forgotten

Jul2

Rick O’Neil – 1951-2015

His Happy Place!

Troop 30 ♥

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my husband going to his forever home. It’s never been easy, but today, being a milestone marker, is such a mixed bag of emotions. I really would have thought I would be further along with this. It seems I just can’t find a day that’s not laced with him somehow. I don’t live in sorrow, but the memories are always so entwined in my life. Yet, at the same time, it seems like ‘that life’ was really someone else’s that I just observed, because it seems so very far away. It’s strange I know– a wrestle in my heart.

So, today, I was walking my dog, Houston, on the trail and the Lord spoke something beautiful to me. I wish I could have written it down so I would have the words; but it was more like I understood, and He then wrote it on my heart.

He said that this marks a new beginning. I know that sounds cliche’ but then He said, and it begins “Right Now!” and just as He said that, a fresh breeze suddenly whooshed around me. It was refreshing! Cooling and swift, yet gentle . . .

It carried hope.

He related building my life to that of a puzzle. This too, would seem cliche’, but yet, I have never heard it explained this way . . .

Again, I can’t remember the words so I will just try to describe it because this is for anyone, this is for you!

The life you are building is your creation, because you choose the pieces to fit. He doesn’t control our lives, but He leads us to situations and people to our path–the pieces in our life to choose from. Some we will try to include and they lock in for life. Others, no matter how hard you try, it just won’t work–won’t fit. We work and fuss, often focused on the one piece at hand, not taking the time to look up–see the broader picture. Does it please you? Is that how you wanted your life to look? When you’re not looking at the bigger picture, you may leave pieces in place that you never wanted to be. Your life builds around them and now there’s no changing what was. You can only continue to build-learn from it, change and build beyond. We must become aware in the moment and not try to force a piece that just doesn’t fit.

In the meantime, while you’re fussing over that one piece, life is passing you by!

So, actually He didn’t say any of that last paragraph except for that first sentence, so that just came out in the moment, just for fun.

What He did relate to me was this . . .

Most people begin a puzzle by finding all the outside edges. They piece them together to build the frame, the outer parameter, and then work to fill in the center. He reminded me of a puzzle I had when I was a kid. It was called “The Shape.” It had a free-form outer edge that was interesting. It was different and fun to put together.

That type of puzzle building, the first and most common, is easier. You have a clear framework to build on, but it’s rigid and locked-in. There is no room for free expression and your life is contained, limited and restricted.

Rather . . .

Each piece must come from your heart!

You build out of your heart and add to it from what you see in your heart. In this way it flows in whatever way your heart, your spirit, is leading you. Ever-evolving and ever-changing, creating beauty in your life from the rock solid foundation of your heart–the Spirit of God, within your own spirit.

Beautiful!

I think there would be less heartache and pain if we built our lives this way. Instead, we set our boundaries, fill in the blanks, and spend most of our lives trying to fix what never fit to begin with. Futile work!

So this is a rather odd and puzzling post, pardon the pun, but I couldn’t resist–born out of a heart that seems at polar opposites at times. Wrestling with a section of my puzzling life that I can no longer change and yet, even though it’s way deep inside the picture now, it still commands my attention . . .

A puzzle only God can fix!

Rest in peace my love. You will never be forgotten and I know that I will see you again one day. I just ask that, for now, you would allow me to Rest, in Peace!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in him!”

Psalm 34:1-8

He Orders Our Steps

Jun30

God gave me the opportunity of helping a young woman in distress today by placing me directly in her path.

I was on my way to serve the homeless, but on the way had to stop at the UPS store. It’s usually a stop, drop and done, but tonight there was a line and it took much longer than expected. Now there was no time to stop at the library and pick up a movie my mom wanted to watch. Abandoning the plan, so I wouldn’t be late, I was heading past the library when suddenly I really had to go to the bathroom. Knowing it would be 2 hours before I would have another chance, I had no choice but to stop at the library after all. Might as well get the movie, since I’m already going to be late. A nice desk guy was looking it up on his computer, to save me some time, but his co-worker beat him to it. He had it looked up, dashed to get it, and placed in my hand before the other guy had even pulled it up on his screen. His little triumphant smile made me laugh.

There’s a festival in town and traffic is crawling, so now I’m calculating just how late, when the traffic in front of me abruptly stops–leaving me stretched over a crosswalk. So now I’m literally in this young woman’s path as I rolled the window down and apologized for blocking the crosswalk. She replied, “Oh that’s ok, but could you give me a ride?” “I’ve just been released from jail and I’m so hot I feel sick. Can you take me to my dad’s?” It took me about a second to think about how late I already was before saying . . .

“Yes, of course–hop in!”

She was nearly dropping from heat exhaustion. It was high 80’s and she had on a sweatshirt and had walked a bit. Thanking me profusely, she proceeded to tell me that she had asked 6 people before me, and every one had just turned away. I am so saddened that our world has become so cold and indifferent!

How would they feel if it was their daughter that was in distress and no one would help?

I’m glad I didn’t have enough time to say yes, because this is so great. . . I don’t know how He did it– you can see all the steps and delays it took to put me in her path; but somehow, even after driving miles out of my way and back again when I already didn’t have enough time to make it as it was– I made it on time!

All He needed was my–Yes!

Wouldn’t it have been terrible if after all that, I just shook my head at her and drove off?

Are you ready to say yes, even when it’s not convenient? If you are, then you can expect an opportunity. You’ll be really glad you did! She made the comment to me, “You’re really happy helping others.” “Yes, absolutely!” Then I just couldn’t help myself. . . I bubbled over telling her about my ministry to prisoners and the books from the Lord that I’ve written for them . . . gave her my books and no doubt pushed her over the edge, because I just can’t seem to contain my exuberance. . .

It’s all about HIM! ♥

But you know, I think that’s just how the Father is when He talks about us–He just can’t contain His exuberance!

God loves you so much. . . He goes out of His way to put someone across your path–at just the right time!

If you don’t believe me–just ask Him.

He orders our steps.

“When the Son of Man appears in his majestic glory, with all his angels by his side, he will take his seat on his throne of splendor, and all the nations will be gathered together before him. And like a shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats, he will separate all the people. The ‘sheep’ he will put on his right side and the ‘goats’ on his left.”

“And then those on his left will say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and not give you food and something to drink? When did we see you homeless, or poorly clothed? When did we see you sick and not help you, or in prison and not visit you? Then he will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you refused to help one of the least important among these my little ones, my true brothers and sisters, you refused to help and honor me.’ and they will depart from his presence and go into eternal punishment. But the godly and beloved ‘sheep’ will enter into eternal bliss.” Matthew 25:31-33, 44-46 TPT

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23 KJV