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!!

Fifteen Years of Fire

In honor of Fire's fifteenth birthday. A chronicle of "Fifteen Years of Fire" through pictures. We love you, Chrispy (my nickname for Fire).
Happy birthday!!!!!!

Family Pictures: 2008

Family Pictures

by

Auntie MA

Thank You, Sissy!!!

Let God's Word Sink Deep!

It was about eight years ago that I began to seek after hearing, really hearing what God had to say. I was tired of the "form of religon" and I wanted to express my love to Jesus and recieve His love through heart to heart communication.

The Fire of His Love burned hot and little by little, I have become the woman I am today. At the beginning of my quest the Lord promised me some amazing things. Some of those things are spelled out in the word below. I have bolded the statements that apply to me.

I will "Let God's Word Sink Deep!" I encourage you to do the same.


The Trumpet by Bill Burns --


October 20, 2008:

If you can receive it, says the Lord, this is a time of new beginnings, a time that you will one day look back upon and rejoice in. As you enter into this season of advancement and acquisition, you shall look back and say, "And the Lord did that for me in that time; He provided for me in that time; the Lord healed me in that time; it was the Lord who brought me up into the heavenly places." For, it is My Spirit that shall come and teach you and lead you in the way of revelation and bring you forth into the flow of spiritual life. In you I have hidden a treasure, which is still there, but when the living water of the Spirit begins to flow forth out of your innermost being, it will bring that treasure to light and to your understanding. Then, you will embrace that which I am doing and the new thing that I am doing in this season will come forth. Believe what I say to you, for it is time for you to arise to a new level, and it is time for you to arise to the spiritual habitation that I have prepared for you. The fullness of what I have prepared shall be known and received.

Consecrated Finishes First Term!

Congratulations, Consecrated for completing your first term at The Art Institute of York with honors!!! Your hard work and dedication will propel you on the path of your destiny that only you can complete. All of the glory goes to Jesus!!!!!


Your Dad and I are very proud!!! Thank You, Jesus, for guiding my son in ALL that he does!!!

Praise: Mom Update

Dear Praying Friends,

I am feeling everyone's prayers. Yesterday's co-op was the best of this year so far. Each class I taught was clear and fun, or at least the responses of my students made it appear that way. :) Only by the power of my Jesus!!!!

One of my former general science students came up to me and hugged me...one of those long loving hugs; It's wonderful to receive Jesus' love through others. I told her she was following the lead of the Holy Spirit, because I needed a hug. She knew nothing about my Mom.

Mom did fall yesterday. She was attempting to pull dead tomato plants out of the ground. She wasn't hurt, but Dad said she almost hit her head on the porch. You can't keep that woman down!!!

Blessings,
Beautiful Grace

For a Good Cry and a Thankful Heart!

The Bridge

How Far Would You Go?

A Cinematic Video by Johnny Cook & Daryl Logullo

bridge

--noun: A connecting or transitional route; a way towards.

(Matt 7:13-14)

Mom's Home...Yeah!!!!

Dear Praying Bloggers,

I brought Mom home from the hospital today. Praise Jesus!!!

It turns out that she probably didn't have a stroke. Praise Jesus!!!

She probably had a seizure and what we saw was the post-seizure phase.

We have four doctor's appointment in the next two weeks, so please continue to keep me in your prayers as the Holy Spirit prompts. Fire told me today that he feels his schooling is being affected by my being gone so much to oversee Mom's care at the hospital. I need the Lord to help me sort through my responsibilities. To be honest, I'm feeling rather overwhelmed...blessed, but overwhelmed.

You ALL are a huge blessing to me!!!

A special thank you to Classic Mama's and Not So Classic's young lady, Scarlett. You're necklace to me was a sign from the Lord coming at exactly the time I needed encouragement. YOU ARE A BLESSING, DEAR!!!

Love to you all,
Beautiful Grace

Thankfulness Overflows!!!

Dear Praying Friends,

Mom was admitted to Harrisburg Hospital yesterday after having been discharged from Holy Spirit Hospital on Monday. She had another unresponsive episode, except this time, I suspected she was having a stroke. Her whole right side was "dead," and although she was awake and looked at us as we spoke, she was unable to verbally respond except with a moan. I just kept kissing her, telling her that I loved her, and praying as Dad and I waited for the ambulance to arrive. I was attempting to encourage Mom to speak and said, "Mom, tell me that you love me." All she could do was moan and look at me with such love. I knew what she was trying to say, but couldn't.

Mom was suppose to go to Holy Spirit Hospital, but the ED doctor diverted her to Harrisburg Hospital because she had brain bleeding symptoms and they had no neurosurgeon on call. My brothers and sisters came to the hospital because we didn't know what condition Mom would be in. To my delight, Mom was coming out of it when we arrived. She told us how she heard everything Dad and I were saying, but could not move or respond. Then she looked at me and said, "I love you, my baby girl." Thankfulness overflows me!!!!

Please pray that there is no residual effect of this stroke and that the doctors are able to prevent further incidents. For those of you that I called in the midst of the situation, a huge thanks!!! During the trip to the hospital, I could feel your prayers. The Presence of Jesus was tangible and I could feel Him like electricity on my skin. He is so good!!!

You all are a blessing to my family and me!!

All for Jesus,
Beautiful Grace :)

Tiffany Ann Lewis:"I See a Bridal Army Resuscitated by the Breath of God"

Oh, my, this speaks to my heart!!! It's so good that I wanted to share it with all of you. I can speak from personal experience that choosing to worship Jesus, especially in the difficult times of this life, causes one to rise up above those difficulties. In times of intense distress, I have danced with Him and miraculously, the intense distress gave way to peace surpassing understanding.

Be encouraged, worship Jesus with every bit of passion you have for Him, in the dark times and in the times of light. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

Jesus, I love You! Thank You for how you love me (us)!!! Your Beloved, Beautiful Grace.

By Tiffany Ann Lewis:

"Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfort to her. I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there...as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt." Hosea 2:14-15

The Lord is alluring, yes alluring, us into the wilderness to be formed into a worshiping weapon - a warrior bride. He is forming an army that does not worry about problems but worships because we know and trust God alone. With eyes locked with His, this bridal army will release Kingdom authority as she dances with her Bridegroom King, Jesus Christ.

Worship is not your typical warfare, but it is an effective strategy and one the devil is hell-bent on destroying. I'm not talking about turning on some music. By definition, worship means to bow down, to prostrate oneself before a superior in homage. Worship is a weapon that has the power to change the atmosphere from hopeless to hopeful.

Our worship gains power as we remember what God has done and why He did it. I am talking about entering into a realm in the Spirit even in the midst of trials and tribulations, pain and suffering, because we know the truth of God's nature and character. It is this truth that sets our hearts free to worship our Bridegroom.

Bridal Worship

The Hebrew word for bride is Kallah, which comes from the root word Kalah, meaning: to finish, complete, prepare, to make perfect (in the sense of totality rather than of being unblemished) and to consume. One of kalah's derivatives translates into the word used for kidney (a vital organ) and speaks metaphorically of the heart, soul, mind; man's inner self.

It's interesting to note that Jesus considered the first and greatest commandment to be, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). Bridal love is a vital desire of God's heart.

The marriage covenant is the most intimate of all human relationships, and throughout Scripture the bond between God and Israel is compared to the marriage relationship between man and wife. As Jesus hung on the cross He declared, "It is finished!" or in keeping with our Hebrew word, "It is kalah!" The covenant that was broken has now been restored, thanks to the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross.

Therein lies a paradox: "It is finished" as spoken from the cross; yet it has only just begun. The bride needs to be forged into a worshipping weapon - the warrior bride. Connected to the Hebrew root word bride are the words: vessel, tools, jewels, instrument, and weapon.

It's no wonder King Solomon looked at his bride and said, "O my love, you are as beautiful as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners!" (Song of Solomon 6:4). A piece of iron doesn't just suddenly become a weapon; there is much work to do before that lump of iron becomes a gleaming sword.

The Flame of Yah

This is what "Dancing with the Flame of the Lord" is all about. Beloved, the weapon is formed as we dance with the refining Flame of Yah. The same Flame that awakens our love refines it as well.

To allure means to powerfully attract. I have a picture of the Lord dancing us into the wilderness. Because we are so captivated by Him, like a moth, we fly into the middle of His Flame. The dross is purified as unhealthy thoughts, words, and deeds are crucified.

Anything that keeps us from experiencing Him more completely is laid on the altar of sacrifice to be consumed by the Jealous Flame of Love - the Flame of Yah. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us, during this process we are being formed into a weapon that destroys the works of the enemy while simply worshiping and waiting on Him.

The Valley of Achor

The valley of Achor is a physical location but it offers us a wonderful spiritual lesson. Achor means trouble and disturbance. Do we trust that all these tribulations are destined to produce joyful confidence and eternal hope? Will we follow Him into the wilderness knowing that our only door of hope is a door of troubles and tribulations?

Most don't welcome this part and would prefer to skip it, but it is the bridal relationship that becomes the weapon. Please don't misunderstand me; yes, there is power in His Name. However, we cannot overlook when Jesus turned to those who did many miracles in His name and said, "I never knew you; depart from Me..." (Matthew 7:23).

This phrase has bridal overtones! The word "knew" is a Jewish idiom referring to intimate relations between a man and a woman. It describes a relationship that knows each other personally and thoroughly. The Lord wants us to know Him, but He also wants to know us. There is a bond that is formed in vulnerability. As we discover the blazing Love that death could not quench, nor the grave keep bound, we gain a trust that turns worry into worship.

An Exceedingly Great Army

This is not a work of the flesh lest anyone should boast; it is a work of the Spirit. As the Holy Spirit pours the flaming Love of God upon our hearts, our hearts will begin to burn and our spirits will sing, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." (Job 13:15).

I find the study of Hebrew language so "chuwl" (pronounced cool). Chuwl is a Hebrew word that, like most, has many shades of meaning (Strong's #2342). Its primary meaning is to twist or whirl in a circular or spiral manner specifically to dance. However, because of words like: to be pained, to tarry, to wait anxiously, to wait longingly, to be born, and to bring forth, which are used to describe chuwl, many scholars consider it a word that also describes "intense intercession."

It gets even cooler considering the word chuwl is found in Ezekiel's mystifying vision of the valley of bones. As Ezekiel surveyed the valley of very dry bones, the Lord told him to speak. Ezekiel obeyed and told the bones to hear the word of the Lord. After he prophesied, he saw the bones come together and saw breath come into them. This breath is the same Spirit (Ruwach) that moved upon the face of the waters in Genesis 1:2. After this Breath came into them, the bones lived and were "an exceedingly great army" (Ezekiel 37:10).
Army comes from the root word chuwl!

Psalm 37:7 also uses the word in the phrase "wait patiently for Him." "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way..." Here chuwl speaks of someone who is in a difficult situation, one who is suffering and distressed, who longingly waits while in pain. Beloved, rest and be still; don't fret. God is faithful - don't give up! Keep your eyes on Him and worship your way through the wilderness.

Chuwl seems like such a paradox, but then again, doesn't God use the foolish things of this world to confound man's wisdom? Beloved, chuwl is how we will see it done on earth as it is in Heaven.
I see a bridal army that has been resuscitated by the Breath of God after receiving the kiss of life within their inner man. As we worship Him, warfare is taking place in the spirit. I see the silver sparkle of a sword as it swirls around the dance floor breaking through the opposition.

O' HalleluYah!

God Says, "May I Have this Dance?"
As I prayed about how to deliver this message, the Lord said, "...Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended..." (Isaiah 40:2a). Jesus said, "It is finished!" There is a spiritual battle, yes, but it belongs to the Lord.

The Lord says, "Stop warring; start worshiping. Worship Me, magnify Me. Stop looking at the situation and look at Me, the only One who is able to fix it."
Remember Peter when he was walking on the water, he began to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his problem. Worship Him in the full sense of the word, willingly surrendering to the only One who is able to help us, God Almighty. Our help does not come from technology, it does not come from the doctors, and it does not come from the government. Our help comes from the Lord.

I'm telling you, this will change everything. Our weapons are not carnal but mighty in the hands of God. Our battle is now keeping our eyes on Him and not our circumstances. As we fix our eyes on Him and remember what He has done and why He has done it, our worry will turn to worship and our panic into praise.

The Lord is asking, "Will you will be a weapon in My hand?" He says, "As we dance this dance keep your eyes locked with Mine. Don't look to the right or the left. Don't be concerned about what we are bringing down, or building up. Stay by My side, My bride. Keep gazing on Me and together we will stand in the gap and see My Kingdom come in your life, in your family, and in your region. May I have this dance?"

Yes, Lord. Amen.

Tiffany Ann Lewis
Dancing with the Flame of the Lord Ministries

Mom Update and Prayer

Dear Friends/Family,

My Mother is being discharged from the hospital tomorrow. Yeah, Jesus!!! I am thankful that she will be returning home to my Dad. He does miss his other half!!!

I am thankful for the doctors and nurses who once again cared for Mom. Thank you, Jesus, for those who use their lives to serve others!!!

I am thankful that Mom was on the cardiac monitoring floor, where they were able to find the Mom's heart was not staying in a normal rate. She is now on a new medication to control to the rate.

I was especially thankful the floor Mom was on was managed by Nurse Anne. We graduated from nursing school together, many, many years ago. ;)

Please continue to pray for resolution of Mom's leg infection. It is not responding as quickly to the IV antibiotics as previously. She will be discharged on IV antibiotics, so please pray for my Dad and me as we will be the ones responsible for their administration. I live about 20 minutes away from my parents and the antibiotics will be given at least twice a day.

You all are appreciated and loved. Thanks for your prayers. I know I can't effectively serve without God's help!!!

Fountains of Living Water

Like a scene from Alice in Wonderland, huge rabbits on the attack. These creatures, from a dream I had within the last several months, at first, seemed bizarre. About what was God trying to warn? Although huge in size, these rabbits were easily warded off by my throwing a pillow at them. I asked the Lord what the rabbits signified and I believe He said, "They eat fruit." Immediately, Galatians 5:22-23 flashed through my mind.

"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]."


All of us have common struggles and similar testings, therefore sharing my thoughts regarding this dream will be beneficial to all who may read.


Isaiah 37:31 "And the remnant that has survived of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward."


Luke 8:14 "And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked and suffocated with the anxieties and cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection)."


John 15:16 "You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you."


Romans 7:5 "When we were living in the flesh (mere physical lives), the sinful passions that were awakened and aroused up by [what] the Law [makes sin] were constantly operating in our natural powers (in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh), so that we bore fruit for death

Ephesians 5:8-10 "For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light]. For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life."

Hebrews 12:11 "For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]."

James 3:18 "And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him]."


Be mindful of the fruit that the Lord has grown in you for there are many things of this world which will attempt to consume the good fruit that the Lord has ripened in you for His glory!

Mom Update and Prayer

Thanks all for praying for my Mother. My Father and I saw her this afternoon, and she is much more alert. Thank you, Jesus. She did have a fever though, so please keep on praying for resolution of these infections.

I'm grateful for the lovely ladies from New Creation Co-op who called me to find out what they could do besides pray. You are a blessing to me ladies!!!!

Also, thanks, Riley, for your encouragement. Sending me the "Thank You" award at a time that I needed it. You are a blessing to me, Dear!!!

Prayer for My Mother

Please pray for my Mother. Dad found her unresponsive and half-dressed yesterday morning. She doesn't remember what happened, but it appears she was in the process of dressing when while sitting on the edge of the tub, fell backwards into it. Dad was unable to contact me because I was in a building without cell phone signal. I felt bad for him because, I'm always there to call the ambulance and make the arrangements. She was admitted to Holy Spirit Hospital yesterday for another bout of leg cellulitis and a bladder infection. They are giving her IV antibiotics and were possibly going to do a shoulder x-ray and a ct scan. I haven't heard about any results yet. I'll be taking Dad sometime after lunch today.

You all are a blessing to me and my family,
Bellann :)

Why Me? Thank You, Jesus!

I found this cartoon while doing a search and the artist has graciously allowed me to post it. Thank you, Good News Ministry.

Love to all!
Beautiful Grace

Fountains of Living Water

I feel like God is saying..."You struggle with circumstances. You have said in your heart, 'The Lord has forgotten me. Doesn't He see how the enemy comes against me, against my family.' But the Lords says, Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will give safety to your children and ease them. And I will make those who oppress you consume themselves. You shall not be put to shame. I will teach you what to say for I am the Good Counselor." from Isaiah 49-50

Didn't Your Mom Tell You to Wash Your Hands? The Wonders of Kingdom Monera

Did you ever wonder why you Mom told you to wash your hands before eating? Well, my biology students at New Creation Co-Operative found out the answer to that question this past Tuesday.

One of my awesome students, ZD, volunteered to have the microorganisms (a living thing too small to be seen with the naked eye) on his hands cultured (placing an microorganism on a nutritive plate to encourage its growth). We allowed the growth of the microbial colony for one week and wow...the amazing microscopic world of God's creation.

I'm not a microbiologist, but I'm thinking the pictures you see below are Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria which live on our skin. This "germ" is the culprit for a myriad of minor skin infections including, but not limited to, pimples, impetigo, boils, cellulitis folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, scalded skin syndrome and abscesses to life threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis endocarditis, Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and septicemia (Information from Wikipedia).

You may have heard about MRSA or the "Superbug" on the news. This virulent strain of S. aureus, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, resists traditional antibiotics and is difficult to cure concerning those in the medical field. As a former infection control nurse, it was my responsibility to monitor this type of infection and insure proper handling of it to prevent spread to others.

But what can we do to protect ourselves?

#1. Do as your mother said and wash your hands. Hand washing is the most effective way of dealing with this little culprit.

#2. Follow your doctor's instructions in taking antibiotics. Always complete the course of treatment. By only taking enough antibiotics to make you feel better, you risk only decreasing the bacterial population. The bacteria that remain have ways of "learning to" resist the antibiotic in the future.

#3. If it's wet and it's not yours, don't touch it! I learned this humorous statement in nursing school and it has stuck. It was drilled in our heads to WEAR GLOVES in this type of situation.

These beautiful golden spheres are magnified 600x.

This image is without stain.

Magnified 600x with methylene blue stain applied

A huge thank you to Mrs. Knowles for allowing our class to borrow her cool microscope with a camera!!!

Also, thanks New Creation biology class for your co-operation and interest. We're going to have an awesome year learning about God's creation!!!!

This Day in 1984: I Take You...

I promised to take you in sickness and health, whether rich or poor, in the good times and the not so good times.

Twenty-four years later...we've seen sickness and health. We've had more money and less money; We've shared in the calm and the storms.

Thank you for your steadfast love, my Strongman!!!

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!!!

This is a Season the Lord is Watching to See How We Respond

Word Posted by The Elijah List September 20, 2008
Given by Chuck Pierce

This is a season that the Lord is watching to see how we respond to our circumstances, accusations, and to the problems of others. In every year of "8" we must learn to receive "Super-Abundant Grace" and extend "Super-Abundant Grace."

In this month of ELUL, there are many patterns in the Word that I am reviewing. A key pattern is from Nehemiah 6. In this passage, Nehemiah is progressing to finish the wall around Jerusalem when he meets great resistance. I love the way he responds. Here are some keys for you as you press toward certain tasks of your endings. Respond correctly to:

• The seducing power of the enemy on your path!

• The evil reports that you are having to process!

• The fear opposing the completion of the project you have been sent to accomplish!

• The secret "messengers" who claim they have been sent by God, but are attempting to sway you from completing your task!

• The forces rallying against you to stop progress!

• The narrow "eye of the needle" entryway facing you! LET GO and GO THROUGH!

Dreams Will Live

Just wanted to quickly thank all those who participated in the production of The Rainmaker. Fire and I attended the play yesterday and we both were impressed by the actors' abilities to transform themselves into another character. Fire and I know three of the actors well...the older brother, Noah Curry, played by oH mY wORD's hubby; the younger brother, Jim Curry, played by fellow youth leader, "Peter Parker"; and File, played by Classic MaMa's hubby, Not-So-Classic ("Sauerkraut Lover"). I also want to thank My Bro' for his hard work and dedication in providing superior sound quality for the production...you're awesome!!!

If any of you have dreams that have been shelved because of circumstances or because of the heartless words of others, this production is a must see!! I found myself tearing up at the point when Lizzy Curry (the so-called plain, unmarried sister of the Curry family) allows the cruel words of her older brother access to her heart...You are plain and you will always be plain, and no one will ever want to marry you. I teared up a second time when Starbuck, aka, The Rainmaker, saw Lizzy for who she was and declared...All women have their own beauty. The Rainmaker then encouraged Lizzy to repeat, I am pretty, I am pretty.

I'm proud of you guys!!! Your hard work, lost sleep and other sacrifices were worth it. Bless you!!!!

"Life is Today! Observing the Hebraic Month of Tishrei and the New Year"

Sandie Freed

Life is Today
A few days ago, I was on the phone with my daughter, Kim, and she said something so "prophetically profound." It was one of those phrases that I knew I had heard before, maybe in a differently phrased package or cliche, but it still rang true. Actually, it was as if the liberty bell was ringing! She said to me, "You know, Mom, I've decided to live every day to its fullest. After all, life is today!"

This past year, for me as well as for many of you, has been one of the hardest years of my life. My sister and I buried our beloved mother, my son-in-law is still suffering with the results of a brain tumor, and, economically, it has been one of our most challenging seasons in over twenty years. Even as I am writing this article, I have bronchitis (which is the fourth time I have had this in one year!).

Some of my closest friends have buried loved ones, lost jobs, and have faced unbelievable challenges. It has been a "crisis year" for most of us! And yet, we must always remember that God is in control and that life is today.

Every day really does deserve a new beginning. God is a covenant God and we must never allow unbelief to take root in our hearts or we will lose courage. When we are not "encouraged," we often lose our "courage" to face the future. Let me point out that, obviously, the word encouragement has the word courage in it.

How do we remain encouraged during such times of pressure? I have several suggestions and let me be honest with you - these suggestions have come to me through times of "pressing against the press (pressure)." It has been either sink or swim for me and I've decided to start swimming!

In order for me to explain what I feel that the Lord is saying in this season, we need to look at this season both microscopically and macroscopically. Microscopically, we look deep inside our own hearts and look closely at Isaiah 6:1. Macroscopically, we look with a broader view of God's purposes concerning eternity.

In other words, we can live life fully on a daily basis by letting go of our past, our mindsets and tendencies toward legalism, and then also truly comprehend that Jesus has already paid the price for us to be free at Calvary. What we experience on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis affects the broader view we have of life. We are here for a purpose and what we do now affects eternity.

The Jewish Month of Elul
We are currently in the Jewish month of "Elul" which is September 1 through September 29, 2008. I love studying the Hebraic calendar and embracing the truths connected to God's timing. Those of you who follow the Hebraic months are probably as excited as I am to wholly follow God and gain every tidbit of knowledge that empowers us to draw even closer to Him. However, even as diligently as I attempt to study and show myself to be approved, I seem to fall short. There are days that I am so hard on myself, as if everything were up to "me." Talk about being self-focused!

I have to remind myself that it is not in "my ability" to do all things right - that becomes legalism. In trying to live life today, I found myself in an old pattern of "measuring up" again. I got mad at myself, spoke loudly to myself, and grabbed my calendar to pencil in (again) a day to shift into a better life with God. Nope, that really isn't going to work, because it proved that I was still in captivity to legalism.

My self-generated motivations toward righteousness keep leading me down the road to more legalism and captivity. I must remember that in choosing life I was choosing freedom. But, it was more than being released from captivity (bondage); it was a state of being "free indeed!""If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

The word "indeed" is the letter "a" from Greek origin (alpha) which is the first letter in the Greek alphabet and used often in the Hebraic context. It implies "first" or the "beginning." So, we can say that Jesus' first thoughts are devoted to freeing us from all captivity! And, it should be of such top priority as to be first on my list as well! To believe that it is left up to me to do everything "right" is a result of pride. I can only do "all things" because it is "through Christ"!

To my surprise, when I pulled out my studies on the month of Elul, I realized it is a month devoted to a time of repentance, mercy and forgiveness. I had already heard the Lord say that prophetically, we are in a season of covenant and humility. So, this is our confirmation to understand that God is requiring that we cycle out of pride (which is entangled with legalism) and embrace humility. As we repent and ask for forgiveness, we will embrace the New Year with great expectations! (I am referring to Rosh Hashanah, the Hebraic New Year which begins at sundown on September 29, 2008.)

With a microscope, I examine my personal bondages toward legalism and perfectionism. Macroscopically, I realize that the Church is also still attempting to measure up with God's expectations, all the while He just wants us to let go of our past and move forward.

The Old Has to Die In Order For Us to "See" the King on His Throne
I heard the Lord say: "Prophesy and tell My people to read Isaiah 61 and to memorize verse 1. Verse 1 is the key to unlock their new year."

I already knew the passage and it has always been one of my favorite passages. It says:

"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the LORD sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple." Isaiah 6:1

Over the years, I have taught numerous messages using this passage. All of the messages include the theme of "letting go of the old and embracing the new." There normally has to be a death to the old thing to move forward with the new. But, this time when the Lord spoke it to me, it involved a "timing." In other words, it is a kairos time, a "year" that the old has to die in order for us to "see" the King on His throne.

The King is establishing His Kingdom and the old "year" has to die! We have been experiencing sorrow over natural "kings" and "kingdoms of man," thus the year connected to that old cycle of exalting man has to die. It is God's Kingdom, His rule and reign that must be established. The kingship of Saul is dead. Saul represents the old order. It also is symbolic of building kingdoms of man, stubbornness, pride and self-centeredness.

God is looking for Davids, which are those after His heart. To these Davids, God has and will release the Key of David to unlock doors to the future. It is our season to take the keys of the Kingdom and prophetically speak to closed doors that hinder our destiny. We, too, can access the Key of David and praise our way to victory.

King Uzziah had to die for Isaiah to see God, and our "Uzziahs" must continue to die with an old season. Isaiah was well-educated, and was probably from a fairly well-to-do family. And, interestingly, it is said that he was from the royal tribe of Judah. Isaiah didn't even get commissioned into ministry until Uzziah died! Many of us are awaiting our release into a new season. Is Uzziah dead yet?

Uzziah means "the Lord is my strength." Most of his reign reflects that statement. But, one day, he made a fatal mistake. He presumptuously assumed a priestly office (pride) and burned incense in the Holy Place within the temple. This was not his positional authority. He was not anointed to perform that duty, nor called. He had always remained humble, until that day! My goodness, how easy it is to forget how debased we were before the Lord lifted us up! Pride will blindside us if we are not careful. Uzziah was immediately struck with leprosy. Immediate captivity.

A New Year to Change Garments
Dear Ones, we must seek God for more pride and presumption to die with each passing year. God has blazed a trail of freedom before us; let's not allow any pride to contain us. According to the Hebraic Calendar, the New Year begins with the month of Tishrei at the end of September. It is a month which is connected with "being strong, a (new) beginning, and a month of the ancients."

I believe that if we will take time in September to repent from pride, we will move strongly into our next year. Pride manifests differently and comes in many forms. Fear of failure is a form of pride - ouch, that one cuts deeply, doesn't it? Dear Ones, so often we will not let go of our past because we do not "see" all that God has for us in the future. (This is still pride, because we don't trust God.)

Amazingly, we remain content with an old, rotting wineskin full of holes. Now, how could we possibly contain the new wine with a wineskin full of holes? Yes, we leak! We're moving with God one day and lagging behind the next. (This is a God-process that we are continually learning and progressing in.)

We are moving into a season of increased obedience. We will be required to follow the cloud not because we "feel like it," but because He says to! Obedience will always win the battle against our feelings. We must let go of the old - let go of it strictly through increased obedience. Take a moment and do that.

Now, do you see His mighty hand reach out to take yours? It's there; just allow Him to "vice grip" you! That's the type of hold He desires. He promises that He will take the pain of your past and rebuild you!
I also heard the Lord say that, "He is going to rebuild the ancient ruins" in this next year. We will exchange our garments of grief and sorrow for new garments of praise. This next year will be a year of covenant and praise. It will also be a season of forgiveness.

The Keys of David to Restore the Ancient Ruins
The Keys of David are covenant keys. The keys also represent government and authority, but it is more than that. We will have the Keys of David that will open doors into which we already "see." We will unlock what has been blocking what we see on the other side. The prophetic anointing will begin to increase because those with this gifting will be empowered with His might to "see" what awaits on the other side of doors and gates.

To take our future will require a strong prophetic anointing. We must clothe ourselves with prophetic insight and praise. And, as we do, we will be empowered to "see" past the ancient doors which have been locked. As we use our authority, we will use our keys to unlock the original words that the Ancient of Days has spoken concerning our future!

In the ancient times, before we were even formed in our mother's womb, God had a plan for us - this is seeing our future macroscopically. However, there are also ancient spirits that have set themselves in conflict with our destiny. Our generations have been targeted and it has affected us. But, God is going to rebuild those ancient ruins in this next year. Look what He says:
Isaiah 61:1-4: "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

Our New Year is a Prophetic Season of Building and Planting
A good way to view ancient strongholds is to think about what has adversely affected our generations. So many of those in our generations have bowed their knee to idolatry. You may be thinking, "None of my family has ever been an idol worshiper." Let me make this as simple as possible, because it is more than just bowing down to a statue or a manmade image. Idolatry is having anything in the place where the Lord Himself belongs.

Thinking back into your generations, you may notice many areas where the Lord took a backseat to other interests. In Deuteronomy 5:7-9, notice how He commanded us to "have no other gods before Me (Him)." Then, observe that He states He will "(punish) the children for the sin of the fathers (generations)" (verse 9).

The original Hebrew word for punish is paqad, which means - and I choose to see God in this manner - to "visit, oversee, care for, and deposit" (Strong's). We must see this microscopically as it relates to our personal lives and macroscopically - a broader view - in order to fully shift into our next year. Individually, God is visiting us, examining the sins of our generations, and expecting us to "forgive them" for their sins and "forgive ourselves" for allowing the same sins to hold us captive. This is God's prescription to heal our past.

Then, with a broad perspective, understand that sin will not go "unpunished," meaning that God means business, right now, and we must understand that He is requiring obedience. During this season we are to embrace God's mercy as He forgives us and also at the same time forgive others. As we do, we will be released from the captivity that has become a stronghold and held us captive to our past.

Shifting into Our New Year
Are we experiencing a shift or a transition? The answer is yes. We are experiencing both! Standing at a threshold of great shifting and transition, we must be as the Sons of Issachar who understood and discerned the times and seasons. God is not only changing our direction and focus, He is also establishing us as builders and planters of His Kingdom.

For several years, I believe that God has been shifting us into a building mode. We have been uprooting generational curses, throwing down powers of darkness, and pulling down satan from his seated positions. Yes, satan has had a seat of authority over our individual lives, our families, churches, businesses and nations. We have prayerfully bound up the enemy and have loosed his evil works from our midst. Now, we must focus on building and planting.

We are NOT to stop warring! Absolutely not! We still have much work to do in the area of spiritual warfare. In fact, much warfare is still required to shift this nation. So, as we shift into a building mode, let's be like Nehemiah who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with a brick trowel in one hand and a weapon in the other! We must build, but at any moment's notice be prepared for war! (See Nehemiah 4:17.)

Let's agree together that as we repent from all strongholds that have held us captive that His Spirit will empower us to exchange our old garments for new ones. This is our season for a "new beginning." The Ancient of Days is restoring the ancient ruins and our King Jesus is establishing His Kingdom upon the earth.

A Prayer and a Declaration of Life
My prayer over you: Father, I pray for each person who was led to read this article. It is not an accident that You asked me to write this. You have a plan and a purpose for every reader. I humbly ask Your Holy Spirit to reveal any area in the lives of the readers that needs repentance. (Precious Believer, allow Him to speak; this may take a few moments. After He speaks, take some time and repent for all pride, presumption, legalism, or any area of generational sins, etc.)

Empower each person to forgive his or her past generations for their sins and also to forgive themselves for participating in any form of pride, idolatry or generational sins.

I agree with my Brothers and Sisters that You desire to restore the ancient ruins of their lives. We agree in this coming year that we will receive fresh garments of praise. We let go of the old year and let that year die so that we can "see" You. We take the ancient Keys of David and unlock all that we know You have prophesied over us concerning our future. In the name of Jesus, we open doors that no man can shut and shut the door to the old, ancient evil spirits. Amen!

Now reader: Stand up and declare this statement:
"I choose to live life today. I do not have to wait until tomorrow."
You're off to a great start into your New Year! I'm proud of you.

Love,
Sandie Freed

Zion MinistriesEmail: zionministries1@sbcglobal.net

Article from The Elijah List

God Story: What Does Love Look Like Anyway?

This past Wednesday night at the Fuel Youth service, Pastor J. shared an awesome testimony about his recent trip to Boston. He traveled there with My Bro' who played the drums to lead worship for a Power and Love Conference.

While on the subway, J. and My Bro' met a nine year old autistic boy. Autistic children don't take well to strangers, but Pastor J. felt the leading of the Holy Spirit to pray for this little guy. After obtaining permission from the boy's mother, Pastor J. and My Bro' prayed. At first the boy starting hitting Pastor J's hand, then the change. The boys started to hold onto Pastor's J's arm and laid his head on Jeremiah's shoulder.

Later, Pastor J and My Bro' met the mother and boy, and the boy ran to Pastor J. to greet him, again acting with affection. The mother, with glassy eyes, looked at Pastor J. with a look of gratitude. Autistic children, not only don't take kindly to strangers, but they also have difficulty showing affection and have memory problems.

This is what Love Looks Like!

The Little Blue Metro That Could

This one's for you, Emma!!! Love ya, Dear!!

Once upon a time...

There was a little, blue metro who carried the family of four here and there and everywhere. The little, blue metro carried over hill, over dale and over Peter's Mountain regularly in rain, in snow, in fog, and in sleet. The little, blue metro was part of the family of four, more like a brother than a means of transportation.

Then one day, the Mama was driving the little, blue Metro and smash, crash into a big, fancy Camaro...ouch!!! You see, Mama was making fun of another vehicle on whose windshield said, "Won't Last Long" and she wasn't watching where she was driving. NEVER, EVER MAKE FUN OF ANYONE OR ANYTHING WAS THE LESSON MAMA LEARNED THAT DAY!!!
But...the little, blue, Metro that could continued to carry the family of four here and there and everywhere. The little, blue metro continued to carry over hill, over dale and over Peter's Mountain in rain, in snow, in fog, and in sleet.

Then one hot day in July crash, smash!!! Oh no, the little, blue Metro are you gone????





No!!! They worked and fitted and painted and shined until the little, blue Metro was ready to carry the family of four again.








The moral of this story is clear...never, never give up on the little, blue Metro even when it seems he is beyond repair (especially since he gets 50 miles to the gallon).

Thank you, Kourtney and Mike for the fantastic work!!! We love our little, blue Metro that could!!!! Follow the link to see some awesome custom cars.

The Little Blue Metro That Could, Again

The Little Blue Metro, The Continuing Saga

Hope Beyond Reason

I just finished the book, Hope Beyond Reason, and I wanted to share my heart with you regarding it.

My family and I were attending Christ Community Church in 1997, and for the first time in our life, we had experienced an atmosphere in which God's love could be felt through His Spirit and His people corporately. Strongman, although not crazy about driving 50 minutes to attend a service, also enjoyed the love, which flowed in and through the house. We both enjoyed Pastor Dave's gift of expression, which made us feel we were his friends, and he was telling us about his best friend, Jesus!

I had joined the choir for the Christmas presentation that year and was overjoyed to be singing my love out to Jesus along with others who loved Him. After choir practice, Robin (Pastor Dave's sister-in-law) asked me what I thought about Pastor Dave's bleeding gums. We spoke about the possibility of infection of the gums, but deep in my heart, I knew something was seriously wrong. Not wanting to panic her, I responded by encouraging her to encourage Pastor Dave to see a doctor immediately!!!

The Monday before Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from my brother, Alan. I had already gone to bed for the evening, so I was somewhat groggy as I listened to his voice saying, "Pastor Dave has Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia." I felt like someone had kicked me in the guts, and I responded with a passionate, "NO!" I hung up with my brother and immediately told Strongman the diagnosis through tears.

I went back to bed, and as I lay there, prayed and prayed for Jesus to heal Pastor Dave. Strongman was taking a shower at the time and afterwards came to bed with an awesome encouragement. He said while in the shower the Lord gave him a picture of Pastor Dave walking onto the stage at church stating that he was healed, while pointing his finger to Heaven. Again, I started to weep, but this time because of the goodness of Jesus. I had received an infusion of hope.

Immediately, I became part of the prayer chain, which Robin had organized. I knew every detail of Dave's medical condition and prayed specifically regarding each of them. I was one of the many who signed up for the 24 hour prayer siege...my time 3:00 am. Having two small sons, I couldn't commit to a time during the day. The way the Holy Spirit led me to pray was a way in which I had never before prayed.

I started to read the book of Acts and came upon passages which described signs and wonders or anointed speech and how MANY were "added to the Lord." I started claiming the Dave's healing would cause MANY TO BE ADDED TO THE LORD! (I hadn't before prayed declarative prayers, Jesus taught me how to pray).

The other thing Jesus put on my heart was the verse, "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,'" but I prayed that the sheep would be "scattered" to go into all the region to tell about how their shepherd had been struck by cancer and how Jesus healed him with the side effect of causing an increase of unity, passion, faith and love in the body of Christ throughout our region!!!!

This book caused me to remember the hope Jesus had given me during the time of my Pastor's illness. It caused me to remember the boldness I had in sharing Dave's needs and then sharing the triumphs that the Lord worked through him!!! Truly, truly, I believe Jesus has added many and will add many more to His Kingdom because of Dave's story, and yes, the evil one made a grave tactical mistake in coming against him for the result was causing his people to rise up against all physical odds in order to pray as we never had before...love and perseverance and unity abounding throughout His church!!! The Lord has already told me to give this book to a friend who has multiple sclerosis.

Oh, and by the way, the Christmas of 1997, I was on stage with the rest of the choir as Pastor Dave came into the sanctuary with his finger pointing toward Heaven, just as Strongman had described to me a few months earlier...boy oh boy, did I bawl!!!!

I especially loved the way Dave expressed his love for Jesus and Sheri, his wife, through the writing...it's that kind of love expressed that WILL draw multitudes to Him!!!

Thank you, Pastor Dave, for writing your story, I know many more will be impacted for Jesus!!!!

"I Love Your Blog" Award

Talented, cardmaking Maria from Joyful Stamper nominated Beautiful Grace for the "I Love Your Blog" Award. Thanks, Maria, for your encouragement!!! I now am to nominate blogs that are a blessing...ones that "I Love."

The following blogs touch one's heart with a sense of humor, candor, godliness, insight, wisdom and eloquence. Some of these women/girls, I know well, while others only through the information highway. Thanks, ladies for touching a life!!!

Classic Mama (Definitly a "Classy Lady", royalty robed in the glory of God)

Jesus and Dark Chocolate (My friend, with an imagination and sense of humor that springs from Jesus. You're awesome!!!)

oH mY wORD (Straight arrow, passionate heart, fantastic sense of humor)

Hands-Free Heart (Deep and still water, full of passion waiting to be expressed)

Livin' Life (Jesus' Beloved!!!You ARE beautiful, inside and out!!!)

Crown of Beauty (Beautiful ability to express her Mary-heart through writing)

Riley Matters (Keep up the good work, Dear)

Plain and Simple (Busy Mommy and Wonderful Sister...Love you!!!)

Relentless (New to Blog Land, but already has impacted with wisdom and insight)

Love Looks Like Something (World-Changer, Evangelist, Prophet and Missionary)

Beautiful Grace (Not me, Maria Pauline, the original Beautiful Grace with a special anointing for writing)

Casual Elegance (Reveals the beauty of God's children through photography)

Here are the reward rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

Preparation and Red High Top Sneakers?

Picture from No Sweat Apparel

Ephesians 6:15 (Amplified Bible)
"And 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."



Those of us familiar with the Bible realize that God not only speaks plainly through His Word but also, historically, prophetically, symbolically, and typologically. Not only does God speak through His written Word, but also through experiences labeled as "supernatural," but these experiences should fall in line with the character of God as revealed through His written Word. God's desire to communicate with his kids takes creativity to a higher level.

In 2001, God creatively impressed upon me the need for "Preparation." Already in bed for the night, I awoke to see a pair of red high top sneakers floating above me, while simultaneously hearing God say, "Preparation." Looking back in hindsight, God, indeed, was preparing me to face the most difficult years of my life…but what in the world did red high top sneakers have to do with preparation? The Holy Spirit caused me to remember the Ephesians 6 description of the full armor of God, specifically verse 15, which directs the reader to put on the Gospel of peace like a pair of shoes. The Gospel of peace enables one to stand firm-footed, prompt and ready when confronted by the evil one. Because of this visual experience, aka a vision, I immersed myself in His Word.

Since then, I have had numerous dreams regarding just how my feet were shod. I believe each dream was like God's barometer measuring my preparedness to face the evil one…through people, situations and my own soul. My feet have been barefooted (total lack of preparation); bedroom slippers, high-heeled shoes, sandals, broken heels, uneven heels, combat boots and white sneakers, have all graced my feet, but to date, never have I had the privilege of wearing those red high-topped sneakers promised by my Jesus.

I write this to encourage myself...the Lord IS preparing me and I am NOT alone when facing the evil one, but I also write to encourage those reading that God prepares you also, if you will follow His lead, listen to His call and obey.

Jesus, empower us by Your Spirit to stand firm-footed, prompt and ready when faced with the evil one. Only You can give us the wisdom and strength needed to be victorious in each battle. WE HAVE ALREADY WON THE WAR THROUGH YOU, JESUS, but we humbly ask for Your power in each situation, day by day, moment by moment, that we may truly reflect your glory and represent You, as sons and daughters of the most High God. In the powerful name of Jesus!!! AMEN!!!!

Real Men Bake Cookies

Last week, My son, Fire, had been asking to bake cookies with me for several days. Last Wednesday night at youth group, he jokingly said to me (in front of his friends) that I wouldn't bake cookies with him...soooo early Thursday morning (last week), we baked cookies, chocolate (for you, Sandy) chip cookies to be exact, along with our neighbor, Teddy Bear.

I love it that I can share one of my passions (cooking/baking) with my son, because everyone knows...REAL MEN BAKE COOKIES!!!

Dream

The following is an excerpt from an e-mail I just received from Chuck Peirce. First, the dream and then the interpretation. I have found that Chuck Peirce, the words the Lord gives him, have impacted me more than any other prophetic voice. Read prayfully, and determine any revelance to your own life.

With much love,
Beautiful Grace

Dream shared by LeAnn Squier: "I was in an outdoor stadium, more like a performance hall or coliseum. Not so much the size but the importance of the setting and gathering was key. I arrived early, being one of the first in line to assure that I would be seated properly. I went through the gate and turnstile, and then walked down at an angle to all the seats. The stage was in front of us. When I got down to where my seats were, I looked back and could see that several had gone before and usurped the fences and the boundaries of the order set by the authority over the gathering. Many of the best seats all over the hall had been claimed.

There was this one section that stood out brilliantly to me in the dream and I knew I was supposed to be seated there. The section had been saved by someone placing bright, hot pink, stadium blankets to cover the whole section of seats. I looked around and there was this beautiful, elegant, stately black woman down front and I knew she was the director over everything. I went down to her and said, "Is that alright? Are those seats available? Should they have been covered over like that?" She said, "No, you're welcome to take those seats."

At this point I was down front close to the stage but I knew I must be repositioned for this important meeting. Instead of just taking the easy way, climbing over others by zigzagging and running to secure my seats, I went all the way back to the entry way, and went through the gate and turnstile again. I waited on the three people in front of me. As I was waiting on this pathway or concourse that you walk on, I stepped out to the aisle and there were children on the ground playing with toys. They obviously had some clear plastic toys that were now totally broken into many parts and pieces. They were all over the pathway. These pieces looked like clear broken glass. I thought, 'I've got to go to my seats so I will just step on all the broken parts and keep going.' I felt the plastic pieces getting into my feet. I stopped and grabbed the next post in wonderment, shaking my head, wondering why all this broken stuff was on this pathway or aisle. I was just sitting there, plucking it out of my feet and I woke up."

LeAnn shared that the key issues in the dream that impressed her were the authorities, the authorization, the positions that were given, the gates, the paths, and the brokenness that could have stopped her. I could sense the interpretation for us as she shared the dream.

I heard the Lord say:
"I have destined a place for you. In the midst of My positioning, you are halfway. You are between redemption and purity. I am purifying you now so that you can find the redemptive thread for your life and the entry way into your promise. Your seat and position of authority has been destined. I am blowing new vision on you to show you your place of authority for this next season. Do not enter in the gate through an invalid way or hurry past the protocol that has been developed for your safety. Watch the authorities that I have positioned to help you into this next seat of authority.

When you see your position, find your way fully through and into your next place. Even though much immaturity has torn up and broken the gifts that I am releasing and cluttered the path to where My people will be seated to rule in days ahead, walk forward anyway! Walk on top of that immaturity and do not allow that which My children have used wrongly to stop you. Do not allow My gifts that have been broken and abused to keep you from your new seat of authority. I will have those on your path who will point the way and keep you moving. You will be positioned with a new authority in a new place. I will redeem your place in the midst of those who have broken rank and run ahead of My perfect timing. This will not prevent Me from gathering again those who are willing to hear My call. I am preparing the places of broken, abused and unfulfilled destinies and will reseat My faithful ones that will lead on into the future. Harvest awaits and I will not be stopped."

Praise Report from the Ridings

In the Post entitled Urgent Prayer Needed: Rick and Patti Ridings, I asked my readers to pray. The following is an update/praise report. Thank you all very much!!!


Rick and Patti Ridings
Aug 17, 2008

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

Our deepest thanks to all of you who have contacted us to let us know you are standing with us in the visa and financial challenges described in our Aug. 3rd prayer letter. We really appreciate your encouragement, giving, and prayers.

I told Patti last Friday evening that it felt almost like we were in a canoe that made it through some severe rapids, then went over a waterfall where it looked like it could crash on the rocks below, only to re-surface downstream intact.

Concerning the finances: The money came in time to pay the rent ($9,817.50) on our 24/7 prayer facility. In addition, enough came in to already pay $10,000 toward the $30,000 debt incurred this year (as the dollar has dropped so sharply, making it worth about ⅓ less against the Israeli shekel than a year ago). We have also been able to put about $5,000 toward the rent due Sept. 1st. Praise the Lord that in two weeks more than half of what was needed has already come in.

Concerning the visas: We have talked with our lawyer here, and he is moving ahead to seek a status that would allow us to apply for a better kind of visa for our core staff. This will take some months, and has to be approved by the government, so please keep this in prayer, as well as our personal visas which are still under consideration by the Ministry of Interior.

Concerning our staff: We had a very precious farewell dinner with those of our staff who have to leave because of the sudden change of policy in the Ministry of Interior that volunteer visas will only be granted for two years rather than five. Even though it’s hard to say good-bye, the Lord has comforted us by providing new staff. Already, a gifted Israeli couple joined us this week, and another strong worship leader (who speaks Hebrew) is coming on staff soon.

Concerning vision for the future: During this intense time, the Lord has graciously been giving/clarifying vision for the future, which encouraged us that He must be planning to keep us here :) He has spoken to us about an acceleration of Israelis being added into the 24/7 worship and prayer. Please pray for them to hear the call of the Lord in this respect, and for financial support to come in from the nations for Israelis called to the house of prayer. The Lord has also spoken to us about increased ministry to the poor, and the planting out of houses of prayer in the Moslem nations. We will have a first (invitation-only) training seminar for this in October.

If you would like to help us continue this ministry of 24/7 prayer and worship over Jerusalem, and into surrounding nations, you can send a check to: Light to the Nations, PO Box 406, New Cumberland, PA 17070. Or you can give online at our website: www.jerusalempraise.com. For those in Europe, you may email us for details to transfer to our Belgian account.

Thank you again for standing with us to see the fulfillment of all He has called us to be and to do here in Jerusalem

Grace and shalom,
Rick and Patti Ridings and family