Spiritual Self-evaluation

Reprint from my Facebook status from November 7th.


Spiritual self-evaluation is a periodic necessity.

Holy Spirit, examine my heart-it's motives, thoughts and attitudes. My desire is that no earthly thing would influence my soul in a way that is displeasing to You.

Give me the grace to forgive continued and longstanding offenses. You forgave me, Lord! Touch those who have no comprehension of how their actions, words and attitudes have hurt me and others.

Holy Spirit sensitize us to You...Your ways, Your attitudes, Your Holiness!!! Break down our self-erected walls of which the evil one has had little influence, except an occasional whispering lie.

You are my Defense! You are my Desire! You give joy that cannot be snuffed out by circumstances. Your fruit draws others to You when that fruit is truly grown by the Spirit's influence.

It's not about a human personality, whether charismatic or sweet. It's all about representing Your character through the uniqueness You have woven into each of us.

I come to You again this day of November 7th, 2012 at 10:57 am, asking for grace, requiring Your power to flow through me.

My life will make a difference for You, Lord. I will touch others for You, stirring life and hope. Prince of Peace, be my Guide. No thing can be accomplished through striving, but only through submitting to You.

I am Yours...FOREVER!

Your own,
Beautiful Grace

When Circumstances Knock Us Down, We Will Get Back Up in the Power of Jesus!

Dear Friends,

The beginning of this week was rough for me. Starting Monday night at 7 pm until 1 am Tuesday morning, I had severe chills and nausea. Tony piled comforters on me, but I didn't actually warm up until 4 am. Tuesday morning my temperature spiked to 102 F combined with severe weakness, body muscle aches, and nausea. I'd like to say I was brave about the whole thing, but I was so weak at one point that I couldn't even get off the recliner, and I cried like a baby. The family practice physician's assistant was sure cellulitis (infection in the fluid between the cells in the body) had begun on my left side. He started me on antibiotics and told me if I was not improved by Friday that I would need to be hospitalized. I saw the plastic surgeon yesterday and he concurred with the original diagnosis and treatment.


Both medical practitioners, multiple friends, and family have advised me to take it easy and rest. Rest seems to be the place where God is calling us, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I really didn't feel I was overdoing it. Actually, I had been feeling great.




Many Praises for Jesus:


· The infection stirred up those nasty chest spasms on the left side, BUT last night I slept in bed spasm free the whole night! :)


· My fever has resolved. I have returned to my "normal" subnormal body temperature. My strength is returning. Yay, Jesus!


· On Tuesday, I literally was a wreck, emotionally and physically. I wept and cried out for Jesus. Peace flooded my soul as I worshipped Jesus in my sickness. Jesus, You are my Best Friend!!!


· I praise God for my Fire, who literally completed his school work while tending to me. I Love you, Fire!

· I am thankful for Pastor B. who prayed for me over the phone. You are a blessing to many, Pastor B.!

· For Hillside's faithful prayer chain organizer, Barbara L. who called the prayer warriors together to pray on my behalf.


· Out of concern, my friend, Faithful Intercessor, called to check on me. Dear, you consider others before yourself. You have the heart of Jesus!

· I am thankful my parents were available to drive me to my Tuesday doctor's appointment (Strongman was working close to Maryland). I Love you Mom and Dad!


· Early Tuesday morning, I couldn't take laying flat in bed any longer, so I got up to sleep on the recliner. My faithful husband insisted on sleeping next to me, just in case I needed him. Strongman, you truly show me Love in times better and worse! I do Love you!


· The left side incision becomes more shallow every day!


· I was approved for desk work at my place of employment on Tuesday!


· For ALL who continue to pray for and encourage me. You are gifts from God!!!


· I was free from nausea all day today and actually was hungry for lunch!



Continued Prayer:


· Complete eradication of the left breast infection


· Complete closure of the incision on the left side without an "overgrowth" of new tissue, which is unhealthy


· That the swelling on my left side would resolve quickly


· That no matter how my physical body feels, all emotions would be directed to the only One Who can help me


· That the Holy Spirit would teach me how to rest physically, emotionally and spiritually, no matter the circumstances surrounding me


· For continued guidance on all decisions and treatment options laid before me


· I will trust in You, Jesus. I will not trust in the horses and chariots of men. Teach me what that means Lord.


· That I would heal quickly, so I can get back to work.


I've been thinking about my emotional state on Tuesday. At first, I considered myself a wimp (satan's lie). The truth is I am more than a conqueror and a formidable warrior with Jesus on my side. Tears are not a sign of lack of faith, but are as Charles Spurgeon said, "liquid prayer" when directed to Jesus!!!


I appreciate and Love every one of you!!!



Most sincerely in Jesus,


Beautiful Grace 


Thought for today:



Lucy: "I knew it was You, the whole time. I knew it, but the others didn't believe me."


Aslan: "And why would that stop you from coming to Me?"
(From the Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian)


Does the unbelief of others ever stop us from "Coming to Jesus?"

Mountain in the Path

While driving to work yesterday (Christmas), I felt the Lord say that for 2011, it is important to trust in Him for help, not in horses and chariots of men. Psalm 20:7


Lord, only You by the power of Your Spirit can protect, provide and empower. Thank You, in advance, for stirring the gift of faith in us to continue on the path of faith, which you have laid out before us. AMEN!!!


Several hours ago, a mountain was placed before my path. I love how the Lord prepared my heart for this. People respond various ways to the difficult situations in which they find themselves.


When a mountain is placed in your path, what do you do?

Some of my Facebook friends commented...

"Fret over it for awhile. Stress out and make myself crazy until I finally realize I can do nothing. Only when I reach that point to I finally surrender to God, place everything in His hands and let go. It's at that point God begins to move that mountain...one large boulder at a time."

"Take pictures! :)"

"Pray!"

"I usually start digging a path and hope a friend or two shows up to help. They usually do. Good friends show up with big shovels. The best friends show up heavy machinery. : )"

"Get 2 climbing....its not ur first or ur last!! But ull get over it!!"

It occurs to me that perspective influences just how the mountain is perceived. My God is much more powerful than any obstacle placed before me, and He has showed me ahead of time that this mountain would come. My perspective causes me to see the mountain in light of all God has done, is doing, and will do in my life. My perception trusts that God knows what's going even when I am clueless. He is my Provider, my Healer, my Friend, and my King! He loves me with love everlasting and has the best plan for my family and me.

How do I respond to this challenge?


If a mountain is in the path, could it mean that the path one's on must change?


One could look at the mountain and be overwhelmed.


A mountain could cause one fear or panic; conversely, a mountain could inspire bold courage.


One could ignore the mountain and hope it goes away.


One could trust that the mountain placed before them was foreknown by God, Who has allowed it for His purposes and will bring good from it to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes!


One could trust in the horses and chariots of men to deal with the mountain, but I WILL TRUST THE LORD!!!

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 20:7

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

2010 A YEAR OF BREAKTHROUGH
by Bill Burns

The following is what the Holy Spirit has revealed to me about what will take place in the Church in 2010. (John 16:13)

The number 5 is God's number for grace (strength, empowerment and blessing), so ten is the number of double grace. A double portion will be available to God's people in 2010. Romans 5:2 tells us that "we have access by faith into this grace." Therefore, every person should establish himself in a position of faith to receive a double portion of God's grace that is now being released.

Small Straws by Marsha Burns: I'm giving you an extra measure of grace. I will exert My holy influence over your life to strengthen you and bolster your faith, says the Lord. If you will discern it, you will find and enjoy the unusual fragrance of My company. Receive with joy, and bask in the sweetness of My presence. Come and find your delight and rest with Me. 2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

In 2009, the year of fullness, some Christians began to exercise a fuller and more complete faith. However, many in the Body of Christ went through a crisis of faith because of hardship of the circumstances that they found themselves in.

Fractured FaithThe Lord used the term "fractured faith" to describe the condition of many of His people. This is what I saw:People were praying by holding up bowls (representing faith) with their prayers inside the bowls (Revelation 5:8). However, when they lifted the bowls up before the Lord, the bowls fractured and then fell apart. The prayers then fell out of the bowls because they had no faith to support them.

Then, I had an understanding that these were Christians who knew the Word of God, and they knew that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). They also knew that faith works through love (Galatians 5:6).

So these were those whose faith should have worked, but didn't. So, I asked the Lord why , and He said it was because of the intensity and length of the battle that many had been worn out and had become discouraged.

I then asked how one recovers their faith when they already know the Word and love God, but their faith is fractured.

Faith's RestorationI saw the Holy Spirit come as the Wind and pick up the pieces of the bowls and restore them by cementing them back together, and He said, "This is My gift to the people of faith."

And, He said, "This is the process of the restoration of faith."

1. Repent for discouragement because it gives birth to doubt, and whatever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

2. Call on the name of Jesus because He is the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Ask Him to restore your faith and to send the Holy Spirit to you. (John 16:7)

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the Gift of Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9).

This is the faith that restores. It is God's faith and not man's. This is the faith that becomes the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

2010 will become the year of the restoration of faith if this God-given plan is followed. "Ask and it shall be given." (Matthew 7:7)

Small Straws by Marsha Burns:

I am not a God who cannot see or understand the tests and trials that you have endured. I see, and I have sustained you through the trouble, for I am with you. And now, today, I pronounce a blessing on you -- a tangible blessing; just open your heart to receive, says the Lord.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

A Year of BreakthroughThe number 10 also signifies the perfection of divine order. The following is a word that the Lord gave me concerning His "divine order" for 2010:

The Trumpet: That which I give you shall become completely yours because that is My heart towards you, that you fully possess the kingdom that I have translated you into. So get ready for this new year. For indeed it shall be a year of triumph for many and it shall be a year of overcoming because it will be known as the year of the breakthrough of those who follow Me. Zion's path has already been established. Follow it. Follow it through My word as led by the Spirit. For all things will manifest at Zion. Come then, I say, My children to that mountain. Come to the mountain that transfigures you, changes you. Come and see, come and taste, come and dine, come enjoy that which I am about to do, says the Lord.

The Lord told me that He was going to give us a "new centering point" to work from. This will be a new point of entrance into the supernatural realm of the kingdom.

The Holy Spirit will move us and center us in a position that aligns with heavenly portals. This is much like your satellite television dish, which must be perfectly aligned with the satellite so the signal can be received. As we enter into the heavenlies through these portals, we will see more clearly into God's purposes than we ever have before. Out of the portal experiences visions, dreams, and prophetic words will be more revealing than ever before.

We will break through into a higher spiritual order than we have known. As these portals are established, angelic visitation will occur more frequently. These experiences will quicken our faith and establish such a spiritual reality of the kingdom that we will begin to have breakthroughs on all levels. Breakthroughs will occur most frequently in our finances and in health issues first and then in other areas.

The Lord of the Breakthrough is coming in this year to lead His people into victory, which will result in the recovery of those things lost.

A Year of Recovery The thief has been relentless in this season, and he has stolen from many of God's children. Nevertheless, the Lord is calling 2010 a year of recovery. He is speaking to us in the same way that He spoke to David in 1 Samuel chapter 30. While David and his men were away from camp, the enemy came and stole the women, children, and belongings. David was discouraged when his men blamed him and wanted to stone him.

The Path to Victory:

1. Like David, we must learn to overcome discouragement by encouraging ourselves in the Lord.

2. David inquired of the Lord, and God said, "You will without fail recover ALL." And, He is saying this to us!

3. David pursued the enemy. Recovery will come because of spiritual warfare. David attacked the enemy and recovered all that had been taken from him and more.

This will be a year of recovery for those who will do spiritual warfare and demand the return of that which has been lost. Have you lost your health? Have you lost your finances? Or, has it been something else? Do you want those things stolen? Then, go to war, and you will recover all!

A Year of Equipping Last year the Lord told me that 2009, 2010 & 2011 would be years of equipping. We are being equipped with more of the authority of the Lord to defeat the enemy.

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

This is one of the reasons that so many people had a hard time in 2009. Equipping takes place in adversity. In other words, adversity is the playing field of equipping. In fact, adversity is necessary for spiritual growth. Adversity is the opposing force against one's growth. Adversity is trouble, persecution and tribulation that comes against us. "We must, through many tribulations, enter the Kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

We are leaving the Church Age (age of compromise), and we are being moved prophetically into the Kingdom Age (rule of Christ). In doing so, we are going to encounter more opposition from Satan. He does not want us to have the kingdom authority that we are being equipped with.

If we want to be equipped with Christ's authority, then we must embrace the adversity.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

The enemy will come, but do not fear because the Lord will come to us in His glory.

Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.

The word "standard" here means to establish a way of escape, to cause to disappear or hide.
We will be hidden by the glory of the Lord as He comes to fight with and for us so that we can receive His authority. I believe that this next move of God's glory will be seen in the West - west of Jerusalem, in the United States.

The cry of the Spirit in this time of equipping is: Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.

Allow the Lord to equip you. Embrace the adversity by trusting in the Lord to protect you. Walk in the glory, and grow in your authority. It is your destiny.

A Year of the Tithe The tithe is a tenth part of our income that we give to honor the Lord and those who do His work. In this year of 2010, God is going to honor those who tithe. He spoke these words to me: "I am going to honor those who honor Me with their giving. The benefits of the tithe will be multiplied and amplified in this year. Give, and it will be given back to you as it is written."

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

God's benefits of the tithe: Malachi 3:10-11 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," Says the LORD of hosts.

Some would say tithing is not a New Testament principle, but what did Jesus say in the New Testament? In Matthew 23:23 He said tithing is something "you ought to have done".

Some would say that tithing was part of the law and was eliminated when Jesus fulfilled the law. However, tithing was part of Abraham's covenant with God (see Genesis 14:20) before the law, and the law could not "annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ". (Galatians 3:17)

Galatians 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Instruction - do not give your tithe because you have to, but because you want to give to the Lord with great joy.

2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

When you tithe, wrap it up with faith, and then release it with joy, expecting God to bless you because of your obedience. God will then rebuke the devourer on your behalf and pour out His blessing upon you.

Financial recovery will take place for many in 2010 because of the tithe.

Mysteries Revealed 2010 will be a year when mysteries will be revealed. Some of the things that God ordered in 2009 have not been understood. However, revelation of God's purposes that took place in our circumstances will be fully understood in 2010, and the benefits of those changes will be received this year.

The Lord usually gives me a chapter in His word that reveals that which will take place in the coming year. This year I was given Revelation chapter 10. In chapter 10 the apostle John hears seven thunders that spoke.

Revelation 10:4 Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them."

The seven thunders are mysteries yet to be revealed prior to the seventh trumpet.

Revelation 10:7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.

The seven thunders may reveal seven distinct mysteries, but I believe they will be more than that. I say this because seven is God's number of perfection brought to completion. I believe that the seven thunders represent the voice of the Lord that reveals many hidden things.

The book of Revelation is a book of sevens (completion) in which God finishes (through Jesus Christ) all things that pertain to His creation. Therefore, I believe that a multitude of mysteries concerning the lives of believers will be revealed.

These revelations will set them free from bondages, reveal their purpose, release their gifting, and many other things.

Mysteries will be revealed that will give direction to the Church (corporately), and mysteries will be revealed personally for individual believers.

2010 will be a year of mysteries revealed, mysteries that will give wisdom and direction, much of which will come prophetically.

In verse 11, John is told that he must prophesy again. Prophets, do you see this? Many of you have been silenced by the enemy. But, God says that you must prophesy again.

The gift of prophecy will become more revealing in these days. We are living in the days of divine announcement. Will you listen, hear, and speak?

These are those things that I was shown for 2010. May you have a blessed and prosperous year!

The Reason For the Season?

One of my awesome students sent this to me via e-mail. I'm sorry to say that this lie has infiltrated our nation. I encourage all of you to respond to "Happy Holidays" with a bright and cheery, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penney's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!*
Please, all Christians join together and
wish everyone you meet
MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

(Philippians:4:13)

Divine Connection

Last night many women of God encountered their Bridegroom, Jesus, in deeper way. The Women's Ministry at Christ Community Church held "Divine Connection," a time for women to soak in worship of their King, receive communion, be anointed with oil, and hear the heart of their Bridegroom through prophetic ministry. "Divine Connection" was the women's version of the Princess Party which was held for high school girls last spring. To refresh to memory read "Your Bridegroom Has Rescued You, Princess" and "I Will Shine the Glory of My Bridegroom"?

The Holy Spirit's beautiful ministry to these women was something I'll not soon forget. The faces of these women shown as the heart of their First Love was revealed to them, and I am convinced that many, many more women now have a deeper understanding of why Jesus calls them Beloved.

Thank you, Pastor Sheri, Zoe, Shauntel, and all the leadership team for the untold hours of preparation for this event!!! Not only was eternity impacted, but I believe these women will now take giant leaps into their destiny because they know how much they are adored by the King of Kings!!! Also, thank you, Ministry Team, for giving of yourself unreservedly in order to be a vessel through which the Holy Spirit flowed. You will reap what you sowed last night. Bless you all!!

Personal Declaration and Prayer

I just read a post by my friend, Maria at Crown of Beauty entitled Where a Desolate Soul Finds God. As I responded to the post, the realization came that the response was more like a personal declaration and prayer. All for Jesus!!!!


"But zeal unaccompanied by wisdom eventually becomes its own god. It compels us toward expectations that are unrealistic and outside the timing and anointing of the Lord," from Where a Desolate Soul Finds God.

I lived a zealous life without wisdom. The Lord had opened my eyes to the spiritual realm, and I was beginning to walk in my calling. However, in my innocence, zealousness opened the door to temptations and heartache that I was not mature enough to handle. I still suffer the consequences of that immaturity.

My current personal prayer is that my every motivation would be based upon Love. Love for my Jesus first and then Love for others. It is through this motivation that chains are broken, the blind eyes are opened, and the lame walk.

Love is the key that opens doors bolted fast by sin, disappointment and bitterness. Love gently speaks the truth without condemnation. Love says, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Love gives and keeps on giving without thought of receiving.

Holy Spirit empower me to Love in all circumstances!!! In Jesus' name. AMEN!!!

Day Four: Called to Be a Warrior

Ephesians 6, verses 11-18, reveal our enemy, who is neither a person nor an ideology but the spiritual realm that sets itself against Jesus. These verses also reveal our weapons...truthfulness, integrity, right standing with God, preparation of the Gospel of peace causing us to be sure-footed in battle, faith (our shield) , salvation (our helmet), and word of God which is our sword. We need to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY...in the Spirit, at all times for all God's saints!

We war whether we stand up to the fight or not. The battle plans are clear, our weapons provided...receive the power to fight by His Spirit. Pour Yourself out, oh Mighty Warrior, we receive Your power to fight. We meet the enemy of our souls and stand against Him. WE ARE VICTORIOUS, BECAUSE JESUS IS VICTORIOUS!!! AMEN AND AMEN!!!

11"Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

13Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)."

Day One: Preparation

No Sacrifice

by Jason Upton

To you I give my life,

not just the parts I want to

To you I sacrifice these dreams that I hold on to

Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

To you I give the gifts

Your love has given me

How can I hoard the treasures that you've designed for free?

Because Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

To you I give my future

As long as it may last

To you I give my present

To you I give my past

Because Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

Your thoughts are higher than mine

Your words are deeper than mine

Your love is stronger than mine

This is no sacrifice

Here's my life

Picture of an Olive Tree

Unripe Olives

Last evening during pre-service prayer, a dear woman of God received a picture of an olive tree full of many olives. This tree was being shaken and many olives were falling to the ground. She said she believed the olives represented souls coming into the kingdom of God. My Pastor then prayed a declarative prayer about our receiving the anointing (oil) to gather the harvest.

What's been on my heart regarding this is that there is an appointed time for ALL things...God has appointed a time for each one's salvation, each one's deliverance, each one's healing. God has appointed a specific time for restoration of relationships damaged by sin. If we move out of God's appointed time, then our efforts are mediocre at best and possibly even damaging. If the Lord has revealed an appointed time and we attempt to make the thing happen in our own time...we sin!!!

Ripening Olives

Think about fruit; If fruit is picked prior to it being ripened on the tree (the appointed time), then it is immature, not ready to be consumed. The seeds within the vessel of the fruit are not capable of reproduction.

Ripe Olives

Sometimes unripe fruit will ripen in the process of time, as in a banana, but most times an immature fruit will rot before ever ripening. This happened to me a few months ago with some bananas I had purchased. Most of the time the bananas I buy are a little green, but these bananas were green and never did get ripe, instead they rotted before they could be used.

What do we do? Ask for good judgment and wise and right discernment!!! Psalm 119:66 "Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments."

Jesus, give me (us) good judgment and wise and right discernment. Do not allow us to get outside of your appointed time, no matter how much we may desire to see salvations, deliverances, healings and restorations. Your ways are higher, You ways are wiser. Pour out Your Spirit and allow us to see You and hear You clearly. Do not allow us to judge with our eyes (physically), but always empower us to judge by Your Spirit and with Your heart. In Jesus' name!!! AMEN!!!

Olive pictures used by permission from Audrey Delange. Thank you!!!

Poetry Place: "Psalm of Beautiful Grace"

This psalm was written at the beginning of the season that God currently has me in. The last six years have been ones of intensity in trials and tribulations, but more importantly, they have been ones of deliverance and preparation.

I post this prophetic psalm now in honor the approaching new year, the final year of my current season of preparation...a year of coming full circle and new beginnings.

Be blessed, my friends!!!


Psalm of Beautiful Grace
Written after reading Psalm 119.
12/15/01 4:00 am

Teach me Your commandments,
That I might not sin against You.
Give me Your understanding,
That I may keep Your whole word.

I cry out to You with my soul- to You, my God.
For You alone can save me.

You are my Portion.
You are my Provider.

Your mercy endures forever,
And Your loving-kindness is poured out to me.
You are the Treasure that I seek.

I have sought for You my whole life!
I searched for You, before I even knew You.
My soul remembered the day of my creation,
The day Your awesome hand fashioned me
In my mother’s womb.

My spirit rejoices in the day of my salvation,
That day long ago.
You did not leave me in my tears.
You did not forsake me in my sins.

You provided a way for me, a path on which to walk.
Your Holy Spirit has led me in Your ways.
Strengthen me by Your Spirit,
That I would always obey Your commands.
For You delight in obedience, more than sacrifices.

Teach me to walk in Your ways, forevermore.
I will be pleasing to You all the days of my life.
Your salvation is never ending,
And my reward is eternity with You.

Let me sit at Your feet and worship You, my King.
Allow me to anoint You with my tears.
Your love is sweet, it touches my soul,
My spirit rejoices in Your touch.

You call me as a lover calls His beloved
With gentle cords and a soft voice.
Teach me Your love; Whisper Your heart.
Impart to me the ways that will touch Your heart.

Your eyes search.
Search for me, my Lord!
Let them rest on Your servant.

Your eyes are flaming; They are fire.
They pierce through the facade of men.
They view the heart.
Your eyes melt me!

Where can I go to hide from you?
Why would I ever want to hide from my strength,
My fortress?
For when I fall, You pick me up.
When I transgress, You wipe me clean.

All things are possible with You, my Abba.
You have the power to make all my ways straight.
Let me always rely on You.

My children will bless You, because of my ways.
Let Your holy name be praised!

You are perfect- the consummation of perfection.
Let Your perfection consume me.
Let Your ways bring me peace.

My enemies try to turn me from You,
But they will not succeed,
For I am in the palm of my Creator’s hand,
And no one may snatch me from You.

Strengthen me with Your love.
Let your Holy Fire burn in me.
Let me never put You to shame.
I’m after Your heart!