I realize this subject may be foreign and even a little scary, to some of my blog readers. Ask yourself, why would we be frightened by God desiring to speak to us, touch us or even by God allowing us to see into the spiritual realm? My suggestion is to search the Scripture, and ask Jesus about all of this. There was a time in my life when I wasn't able to receive the things about which I have been posting.
Seeing into the spiritual realm provides clarity for the circumstances in which we find ourselves, yet sometimes, seeing just stirs up more questions. This has been my observation with experiencing God through the sense of sight. As much as I love Him, I do remember that GOD IS GOD, PERIOD! His ways definitely are higher than mine and His thoughts much deeper, therefore, I do not always understand what He is allowing me to see.
1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality asin a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]." Amplified Version
I am a dreamer, and have been one since childhood. What does the word of God say about "seeing" through dreams/visions?
Matthew 1:20 Joseph is instructed to take Mary as his wife by an angel in a dream.
Matthew 2:12 The wise men were warned not to return to Herod through a dream.
Matthew 2:13 Joseph was told to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus while dreaming.
Acts 2: 7-21 God's Spirit is poured out in the last days manifesting in prophesy, dreams, visions.
Genesis 40-41 Israel and Egypt are saved from famine because of God's instructions through dreams.
As a young girl, I did not understand that God still uses dreams today in order to communicate encouragement, direction, and warning. Today, I look forward to my sleep time, anticipating what God may reveal. Through this blog, I have already given examples of how God has used my sense of sight to encourage, direct and warn. He has encouraged by revealing a DNA molecule, directed by floating red, high-topped sneakers, and warned by a bride fighting to retain her crown.
Several years ago, I had a dream which I will not forget. I was in a school, the warning bell had rung, and it was time to go to my locker to get my books for the next class. I approached my locker, number 137, noticing that the word DESTINY was spray painted over it in large red letters. I was unable to open the combination lock, and because of this, became more and more anxious. I didn't want to be late for class! I looked down the hall to my left and noticed a friend had opened her lock without difficulty, grabbed her books and headed to class. I didn't understand why I was having such difficulty in opening my lock. Suddenly, behind me, I heard the janitor say, "I'll take care of that lock for you." He easily removed the lock and opened the locker door. I reached into the locker and found no books. I became anxious again, thinking, I won't be prepared for class! At the bottom of the locker, I found an envelope. Inside was a bill, which I thought was unpaid. Again this caused distress to rise up. I opened the to envelope to find that my father had already paid the bill. I was debt free!!!!!
The interpretation of the dream is that my destiny is locked up. I observe other Christians appear to be able to open the door to their destiny without difficulty. The locker number-137, was the goal weight that I had set during a period of dieting. The janitor, representing Jesus, was the One Who unlocked my destiny/goal. I thought that my destiny rested on studying, but in reality, my destiny/goal only relies on the fact that my debts (sins) have been paid by my Father (God). I woke up with deep peace flooding my soul.
Friends, ask the Lord to open your eyes that you may see Him. There is nothing better than having the God of the universe encourage and direct your life!!!
Holy Spirit, You are pouring yourself out on all flesh. Cause ALL FLESH to not only hear and feel You, but to see You as well. May the Spirit of the Living God reveal Himself in greater measures to you today in Jesus' name, AMEN!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day 2009
Spring Mix with Sliced Onion, Halved Grape Tomatoes,and
Garlic Croutons
Broiled Buttery Garlic Bread
Beef Tips with Sliced Mushrooms in a Creamed SauceOver Egg Noodles
My Mother Dear
Layers of Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese/Whipped Topping,
My Mother DearLayers of Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese/Whipped Topping, Vanilla Pudding and Whipped Topping
Saturday, May 9, 2009
"I AM ANOINTING YOU FOR A NEW ASSIGNMENT!"
The following word was released by Chuck Peirce through an e-mail communication I received yesterday. This message spoke deeply to my spirit; I trust it will speak to you as well.
Blessings and Much Love,
Beautiful Grace
The Lord says: "I AM ANOINTING YOU FOR A NEW ASSIGNMENT!"
"A surprise anointing is coming. I am coming to anoint you in your present field but the anointing is for something I will send you into. Once I anoint you, you will see the structure and the ruling force and the distressing spirit that is waiting to stop you. This distressing spirit is resisting your next level of promotion. You must have the sound that will cause this spirit to retreat. You have gotten used to operating in one anointing but I will surprise you with a new anointing! You must wait for this new anointing. You must pause and wait for this new anointing.
"Today is the day for your salvation to mature. You've been working in one field and I am coming to surprise you in that field with an anointing. However, the anointing is not for the field you are presently laboring in. This is a time of rearranging assignments. I will find you in your present field and anoint you for the place I have for you. Once you receive the anointing, you will also see the distressing spirit that will hinder your progress. I will allow a foreseeing. (Thank Him right now that once the anointing comes, you will foresee the enemy structure that you will contend with.) Many are contending without the anointing. I will find you in the field and surprise you with the anointing, and then you will foresee the war ahead.
"You are attempting to go up against an enemy with an anointing that you have already received instead of waiting for the anointing I am bringing and letting Me show you the enemy that you will be contending with. I must set the course today through the anointing of how you will pray. I must set the course today through the anointing. This will determine how you will pray and stand in the days ahead. Lay down the way you have been praying and wait for your target.
"Let Me redefine your burden. This is not the burden you would choose. I will wash away the anxiety of your last burden and redefine your burden. You have gotten off target in your assignment. You have been so determined to stay spiritually focused in the way that you are going that you are missing My assignment. I am giving new assignments and giving new burdens and raising up new intercessory calls. This will stop some of the warfare that you are experiencing. This is a time when you must listen and must quickly enter into your pause (Selah). If not, you will be determined to correct when I am not correcting. You will misrepresent Me in the moment. I must have a people who represent Me in the moment, for moments are getting shorter. I must have a people who represent Me in the moment.
"I want to overthrow the POVERTY SPIRIT that you have contended with in the past season, but you keep contending the same way you have always contended. The way you are contending is not against the distressing spirit that is holding you captive. Only the anointing can reveal the spirit. Only the anointing can change your perception. Only the anointing can cause you to see the way I would have you see. I must give you the anointing!
"That is why I chose David out in the field. He knew nothing about the spirit he would be contending with. Therefore, I anointed him and then sent him on the battle field. He knew nothing about the battlefield. He just knew when he heard the enemy speak. I am getting you to a place where you can hear when the enemy speaks, and that is what I would have you go up against - what the enemy is saying and how the enemy is portraying himself. These are key moments, and the moments are shorter than normal for the victory you must attain.
"I am not asking you to address this enemy first with words. Rather, I have a sound you first must receive. This sound will go before you. The sound will come from the anointing and will cause the enemy to back off. This will give you a reprieve in your warfare. You are not defeating the enemy yet, but the enemy will back off to give you a reprieve to gain your authority. This is a time of reprieve for authority development. This is a time of new authority. I am raising you up. New assignments are coming. It will be as if you have just been called from the field, like David. I am not just calling the young for the new assignments. I am calling those that will enter in and operate the way I operate. First hear the sound that is confronting the enemy.
"If you use words (rather than sound) in the beginning, the enemy of the last structure will grab hold of you. I am setting the course for a new structure upon you. I'm calling you out and developing a new sound within you. I'm causing you to hear the sound. Allow the sound to mix with your anointing, and then I will send you forth to confront the word that the enemy is speaking."
Friday, May 1, 2009
Swine Flu: To Panic Or Not -- That Is The Question
Dear Blog Readers,
Here is a reprint of an article about the Swine Flu. Please do not be taken by the spirit of fear which runs rampently through the news media. Use common sense: wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing, and if you're sick don't go out in public. Science Daily is a secular magazine.
ScienceDaily (Apr. 30, 2009) — Thanks to the 24-hour media coverage about swine flu, we’re all aware that a potential flu pandemic could be high. But before you stock up on face masks and hand sanitizer, it’s important to put some things in perspective.
William Sutker, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas says that first and foremost, we should remain calm.
“As of now, there is no need for people to panic. So far, there have been very few cases reported,” says Dr. Sutker. “At this point, it is unclear if the swine flu outbreak will develop in to a full blown pandemic.”
Although there are many myths and misconceptions floating around, Dr. Sutker says the facts about swine flu are these:
Swine flu or H1N1, is a particular strain of Type A flu (Type A and Type B are the usual strains seen every year). Swine flu is typically associated with pigs and usually contracted by those who have close contact with the animals. However, this strain can be spread from person to person.
Swine flu is treatable. “Although the type of flu we saw this season was not sensitive to some of the common antivirals that were available, swine flu is,” says Dr. Sutker. He says it can be treated with Tamiflu and Relenza, available by prescription. However, Dr. Sutker adds that these medications should be used carefully as overuse could lead to drug-resistant strains of the virus.
So far, 40 people in the United States have been diagnosed with swine flu. In comparison, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population in the United States is diagnosed with human strains of the flu every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The symptoms of swine flu are mild. Although the symptoms for swine flu are similar to those of the regular flu, such as fever, chills, body aches and coughing, they are no worse than regular flu symptoms. “However, there seems to be an increase in nausea and vomiting amongst those infected with swine flu. Again, these symptoms can be associated with regular strains of the flu as well.”
You can not get swine flu from pork products. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists you can not catch swine flu from food products.
Dr. Sutker adds that the most powerful weapon in our defense against swine flu is basic flu prevention protocol. Just like any other strain of the flu, swine flu is spread by coughing, sneezing, etc. so in order to protect yourself—or to avoid spreading it if you are infected—practice good respiratory etiquette. Follow these tips:
Wash your hands. “Hand hygiene can not be stressed enough,” advises Dr. Sutker. “Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. As always, this is the single most important prevention technique that we have available.”
Cover your cough or sneeze. “Flu, like any other contagious respiratory disease, is spread by contact with infected droplets such as those released during a cough or sneeze.” Cough or sneeze in to a tissue and throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, use your shirt sleeve or hand, but make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Avoid public places if you have been exposed. “Any crowded area is the last place you should be if you think you have been exposed,” says Dr. Sutker. “Do your friends, family and co-workers a favor and stay home. You will not only spare them becoming infected too, but you’ll need the rest in order to get better.”
If you think you are infected, see your doctor. “We are advising people to avoid going to their local emergency room if they are feeling sick as they can easily become overwhelmed,” adds Dr. Sutker. “Instead, make an appointment to see your family physician so they can start treatment immediately.”
Here is a reprint of an article about the Swine Flu. Please do not be taken by the spirit of fear which runs rampently through the news media. Use common sense: wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing, and if you're sick don't go out in public. Science Daily is a secular magazine.
ScienceDaily (Apr. 30, 2009) — Thanks to the 24-hour media coverage about swine flu, we’re all aware that a potential flu pandemic could be high. But before you stock up on face masks and hand sanitizer, it’s important to put some things in perspective.
William Sutker, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas says that first and foremost, we should remain calm.
“As of now, there is no need for people to panic. So far, there have been very few cases reported,” says Dr. Sutker. “At this point, it is unclear if the swine flu outbreak will develop in to a full blown pandemic.”
Although there are many myths and misconceptions floating around, Dr. Sutker says the facts about swine flu are these:
Swine flu or H1N1, is a particular strain of Type A flu (Type A and Type B are the usual strains seen every year). Swine flu is typically associated with pigs and usually contracted by those who have close contact with the animals. However, this strain can be spread from person to person.
Swine flu is treatable. “Although the type of flu we saw this season was not sensitive to some of the common antivirals that were available, swine flu is,” says Dr. Sutker. He says it can be treated with Tamiflu and Relenza, available by prescription. However, Dr. Sutker adds that these medications should be used carefully as overuse could lead to drug-resistant strains of the virus.
So far, 40 people in the United States have been diagnosed with swine flu. In comparison, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the population in the United States is diagnosed with human strains of the flu every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The symptoms of swine flu are mild. Although the symptoms for swine flu are similar to those of the regular flu, such as fever, chills, body aches and coughing, they are no worse than regular flu symptoms. “However, there seems to be an increase in nausea and vomiting amongst those infected with swine flu. Again, these symptoms can be associated with regular strains of the flu as well.”
You can not get swine flu from pork products. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists you can not catch swine flu from food products.
Dr. Sutker adds that the most powerful weapon in our defense against swine flu is basic flu prevention protocol. Just like any other strain of the flu, swine flu is spread by coughing, sneezing, etc. so in order to protect yourself—or to avoid spreading it if you are infected—practice good respiratory etiquette. Follow these tips:
Wash your hands. “Hand hygiene can not be stressed enough,” advises Dr. Sutker. “Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. As always, this is the single most important prevention technique that we have available.”
Cover your cough or sneeze. “Flu, like any other contagious respiratory disease, is spread by contact with infected droplets such as those released during a cough or sneeze.” Cough or sneeze in to a tissue and throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, use your shirt sleeve or hand, but make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Avoid public places if you have been exposed. “Any crowded area is the last place you should be if you think you have been exposed,” says Dr. Sutker. “Do your friends, family and co-workers a favor and stay home. You will not only spare them becoming infected too, but you’ll need the rest in order to get better.”
If you think you are infected, see your doctor. “We are advising people to avoid going to their local emergency room if they are feeling sick as they can easily become overwhelmed,” adds Dr. Sutker. “Instead, make an appointment to see your family physician so they can start treatment immediately.”
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Experiencing Heaven Through Our Five Senses: Part Two, Feeling Him
In the post, "Experiencing Heaven Through Our Five Senses: Part One, Hearing Him," I described God's desire for us to know Him through our senses, and as awesome as it is to hear His voice or heaven's songs, being touched by the One Who created the universe thrills my soul in even deeper measures. If I had to choose my favorite sense, feeling Him touch me would be number one!
Years ago as a teen, I had my first experience with His touch during a Pentecostal service I attended with a friend. At that time, His touch manifested as goose bumps, but oh, what a sensation!
Later on, I began to experience what I have affectionately have named, "Jesus Kissing My Soul." When Jesus kisses my soul, I cannot contain my tears. Imagine One perfect in purity, holiness and power kissing your soul! Overwhelmed by His beauty, I cry for gratitude and for the inability to express my love for Him. I cannot explain it any other way, because when He "Kisses My Soul," it is another world experience with no frame of reference with which to compare.
Years ago as a teen, I had my first experience with His touch during a Pentecostal service I attended with a friend. At that time, His touch manifested as goose bumps, but oh, what a sensation!
Later on, I began to experience what I have affectionately have named, "Jesus Kissing My Soul." When Jesus kisses my soul, I cannot contain my tears. Imagine One perfect in purity, holiness and power kissing your soul! Overwhelmed by His beauty, I cry for gratitude and for the inability to express my love for Him. I cannot explain it any other way, because when He "Kisses My Soul," it is another world experience with no frame of reference with which to compare.
I mentioned that God told me to go ahead with brain surgery back in 1987, but what I did not say was that prior to hearing His voice, I felt a gentle breeze upon my back. I understand now that the breeze was the "breath" of the Holy Spirit.
Within the last several years, Jesus has manifested His touch by what feels like electricity or heat or even like rain upon my skin-all beautiful expressions of His love towards me!
Specifically, the sensation of electricity began several years ago when Chuck Peirce and Dutch Sheets visited my church. I had been passionately worshipping Jesus through dance when I felt my hands become "electrified." Whispering to a friend after the worship portion of the service, I said, "I think Jesus is touching my hands. It feels like electricity." My friend said, "You were really clapping. Maybe that's what happened." I sat there with my hands palms up on my lap; instead of wondering, I decided to ask Jesus about it. I said, "Jesus, if this is you, then I want more. If it isn't you, then take it away." By the end of the service, the electricity had spread up my arms, to my shoulders, and across my chest. Before going to sleep that night the electricity had spread over most of my body, and when I woke up the next morning, the electrical sensation continued. It was not until a day or so later when ministering wisdom to a friend that the electricity felt as though it came out of my mouth through my words. How awesome it that? Oh, by the way, my friend commented she could feel God's Presence as I spoke. We serve a God who delights in using us to minister His word!!! :)
At various times, God's touch feels like heat. The most dramatic heat experience occurred while visiting Life Center. A woman of God came to me during worship and started to prophesy over me. As she spoke God's word, it felt like I was standing in front of an open oven door. The woman ended the prophetic speech by answering the question to a private prayer that no one but God could have known about. God is to be praised!!!!!!
The newest tactile sensation manifested just a couple weeks ago when Patricia King visited my church for Randy Clark's, Voice of the Prophets conference. I felt rain upon my skin, and the cool thing was that later Patricia said it was raining in the spirit. I was not the only one feeling the rain as several people admitted to feeling the spiritual rain upon their skin.
Since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed touching and being touched. I believe God wired me that way, and that is why His touching me means so much to me. I love you, Jesus!!!!!
Lord, my awesome Friend, pour out Your Spirit upon all who read this post. Allow us to feel Your touch, the experience desired because we desire to know You and receive Your Love. We want to be touched so we can touch others. All for the glory on One Man, Jesus!!! AMEN!!!!
P.S. I'm feeling electricity right now!!!!!
Experiencing Heaven Through Our Five Senses: Part One, Hearing Him
There is no doubt in my heart that God intimately knows me and passionately loves me! He proved that once again last evening at Christ Community Church's youth service! My heart swells with love for my Jesus, and I need to write what He has placed inside me, for He wants you all to know Him, be acquainted with Him, and experience Him through your five senses of hearing, touch, sight, smell and taste.
The article, "Child, Friend, Bride: A Threefold Cord," speaks of our threefold relationship to God; those ways of relating to God are enhanced and strengthened by the way He allows us to experience Him through our natural/supernatural senses. The Lord spoke to me while walking with Him a few days ago saying that we learn to know Him- who He is, what He is like, by sensing Him. He directed me to write a series of posts on this particular subject. Fellow youth leader, Tra, spoke last night at the youth meeting on this very subject. Tra had no idea what Jesus had spoken to me early Sunday morning during our walk together. Apparently, God wants us all to understand and grasp the reality of "God with us," through the medium of senses.
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]."
Hearing the heavenly realm seems to be the most common way of interacting with God. He desires us to know Him by the things He speaks to us or by the way He opens our sense of hearing to spiritual sounds. Earthly fathers use words to encourage their children; Fathers use words to guide, instruct, and rebuke, and our heavenly Father does the same. At twenty-three years of age, God instructed me to go ahead with brain surgery in order to remove an aneurysm-type lesion by audibly saying, "..., have the surgery. I will take care of you." I followed the direction of my Lord and experienced none of the expected side effects post surgery.
Some of the most intense hearing experiences I have had to date have been angelic singing. One Sunday afternoon while taking a nap, I awoke to hear the most beautiful singing, so beautiful in fact, that I did not want to move, breath or even blink my eyes, because I did not want the heavenly song to stop. In that moment, I had the revelation of how much I loved myself, not in an arrogant or self-centered way, but that I loved the woman I had become with Jesus. For someone who had struggled most of her life with self-worth, this heavenly interaction was no less than a miracle!
A public example of hearing angelic song occurred several years ago during a Terry MacAlmon concert at my church. I was worshipping when suddenly, behind me to my left and above the congregation, I heard what sounded like a choir of hundreds of voices singing notes I had never before heard on earth. This song lasted only for about fifteen seconds, but oh, what glorious fifteen seconds!
As His child, you too are entitled to hear the Lord and His heavenly realm. John 10:27 states, "The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me." As you quiet your soul and actively listen for His voice and for the voices of His angelic servants, I promise you, you will hear!
Jesus, appreciation bubbles up inside of me as I realize we not only are privileged to share our hearts with You, but also overwhelmingly blessed that You would respond to our hearts' pondering; that we can hear You! Holy Spirit, open up our ears that we might hear you clearly, love You completely and obey You fully! All for the glory of One named Jesus! AMEN!!
The article, "Child, Friend, Bride: A Threefold Cord," speaks of our threefold relationship to God; those ways of relating to God are enhanced and strengthened by the way He allows us to experience Him through our natural/supernatural senses. The Lord spoke to me while walking with Him a few days ago saying that we learn to know Him- who He is, what He is like, by sensing Him. He directed me to write a series of posts on this particular subject. Fellow youth leader, Tra, spoke last night at the youth meeting on this very subject. Tra had no idea what Jesus had spoken to me early Sunday morning during our walk together. Apparently, God wants us all to understand and grasp the reality of "God with us," through the medium of senses.
Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]."
Hearing the heavenly realm seems to be the most common way of interacting with God. He desires us to know Him by the things He speaks to us or by the way He opens our sense of hearing to spiritual sounds. Earthly fathers use words to encourage their children; Fathers use words to guide, instruct, and rebuke, and our heavenly Father does the same. At twenty-three years of age, God instructed me to go ahead with brain surgery in order to remove an aneurysm-type lesion by audibly saying, "..., have the surgery. I will take care of you." I followed the direction of my Lord and experienced none of the expected side effects post surgery.
Some of the most intense hearing experiences I have had to date have been angelic singing. One Sunday afternoon while taking a nap, I awoke to hear the most beautiful singing, so beautiful in fact, that I did not want to move, breath or even blink my eyes, because I did not want the heavenly song to stop. In that moment, I had the revelation of how much I loved myself, not in an arrogant or self-centered way, but that I loved the woman I had become with Jesus. For someone who had struggled most of her life with self-worth, this heavenly interaction was no less than a miracle!
A public example of hearing angelic song occurred several years ago during a Terry MacAlmon concert at my church. I was worshipping when suddenly, behind me to my left and above the congregation, I heard what sounded like a choir of hundreds of voices singing notes I had never before heard on earth. This song lasted only for about fifteen seconds, but oh, what glorious fifteen seconds!
As His child, you too are entitled to hear the Lord and His heavenly realm. John 10:27 states, "The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me." As you quiet your soul and actively listen for His voice and for the voices of His angelic servants, I promise you, you will hear!
Jesus, appreciation bubbles up inside of me as I realize we not only are privileged to share our hearts with You, but also overwhelmingly blessed that You would respond to our hearts' pondering; that we can hear You! Holy Spirit, open up our ears that we might hear you clearly, love You completely and obey You fully! All for the glory of One named Jesus! AMEN!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Child, Friend, Bride: A Threefold Cord
"And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12
While taking a walk with Jesus yesterday, I meditated on the various aspects of my relationship with Him. I considered being His child, His friend and His bride. The powerful position those relationships afford, overwhelms me!
Often fellow Christians have said that we need to know who we are in Christ, but just WHO are we in Christ? I felt like Jesus told me WHO we are yesterday, a child, a friend and a bride and a threefold cord is not easily broken!
Ecclesiastes 4:12, indicates our need for each other; we are stronger together then separate. A single cord may be easily torn in two, and doubled that same cord exhibits twice its original strength, but three cords wound together provide a strength that is not easily broken. I wholeheartedly agree with this interpretation, however, what if we view the threefold cord as symbolic of our varied ways of relating to our God?
Symbolically, the first cord in relating to God is that we are His children. He created us; He is our Daddy! In accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, we immediately have all the rights and privileges inherent of sonship.
John 1:12 "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name."
Though we may not understand scope of the vast authority given to us, by our Dad, that authority is within us ready to be used to declare Heaven's will upon this earth. What characterizes a child though? Playful, innocent, trusting, and a Daddy-adoring heart are the attributes that come to my mind when considering a child. The first cord of who we are in Christ has to begin with our understanding of being His child and exhibiting child-like traits.
Mark 10:15 "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all."
The second cord strand is friendship with God. He has no longer called us slaves, but friends.
John 15:14 & 15 "You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do. I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]
Friends listen to one another; they share secrets and work together to accomplish a goal. Their hearts are tied together with a bond that enables them to read each others thoughts. They know one another and are even willing to die for each other. Jesus wants us to relate to Him as a friend, not a slave. He desires us to walk each day with Him on His level, seated with Him in heaven. Keeping our heads up and our spiritual eyes open, we can do what He is doing here on earth and accomplish the goal of releasing heaven right here, right now on earth.
Ephesians 2:6 "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Devoted passion, eyes locked, hearts beating furiously to be with the Beloved, pure in her desire for One Man, this is what a bride is like. Passion like this completes the threefold cord. This cord's strength is beyond comprehension for its fibers are reinforced by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride one husband—Christ."
Do past sins enter my thoughts? Yes. BUT the love Jesus pours into my soul quickly brings me back to Him, my first love. Do the cares of this world tempt a bride to draw her eyes away from His eyes of flaming fire? Yes, at times. When that happens, a bride will cry out to her Bridegroom, and He will intervene. Our bridal relationship with Jesus must be maintained at all costs. Spending time with Him, dating Him, passionately worshipping Him are marks of a bride.
The evil one would attempt to break any or all of the strands composing the cord of our relationship with Jesus. Satan works overtime to deceive us whispering, "You're not really accepted as a child of God" or "How can you be so arrogant to think of God as your friend?" Maybe he says, "You're damaged goods, never will One so holy would want you as His bride." Do not listen to evil's lies, beloved!
We are His child, His friend and His bride, and a threefold cord is not easily broken!
Holy Spirit seal this truth up in our hearts. Cause head knowledge to become heart knowledge, burning in our hearts so brightly that we cannot help but to walk out our beautiful relationship with You. All for You, my Daddy, my Friend and my Bridegroom. AMEN!!!
While taking a walk with Jesus yesterday, I meditated on the various aspects of my relationship with Him. I considered being His child, His friend and His bride. The powerful position those relationships afford, overwhelms me!
Often fellow Christians have said that we need to know who we are in Christ, but just WHO are we in Christ? I felt like Jesus told me WHO we are yesterday, a child, a friend and a bride and a threefold cord is not easily broken!
Ecclesiastes 4:12, indicates our need for each other; we are stronger together then separate. A single cord may be easily torn in two, and doubled that same cord exhibits twice its original strength, but three cords wound together provide a strength that is not easily broken. I wholeheartedly agree with this interpretation, however, what if we view the threefold cord as symbolic of our varied ways of relating to our God?
Symbolically, the first cord in relating to God is that we are His children. He created us; He is our Daddy! In accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, we immediately have all the rights and privileges inherent of sonship.
John 1:12 "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name."
Though we may not understand scope of the vast authority given to us, by our Dad, that authority is within us ready to be used to declare Heaven's will upon this earth. What characterizes a child though? Playful, innocent, trusting, and a Daddy-adoring heart are the attributes that come to my mind when considering a child. The first cord of who we are in Christ has to begin with our understanding of being His child and exhibiting child-like traits.
Mark 10:15 "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all."
The second cord strand is friendship with God. He has no longer called us slaves, but friends.
John 15:14 & 15 "You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do. I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]
Friends listen to one another; they share secrets and work together to accomplish a goal. Their hearts are tied together with a bond that enables them to read each others thoughts. They know one another and are even willing to die for each other. Jesus wants us to relate to Him as a friend, not a slave. He desires us to walk each day with Him on His level, seated with Him in heaven. Keeping our heads up and our spiritual eyes open, we can do what He is doing here on earth and accomplish the goal of releasing heaven right here, right now on earth.
Ephesians 2:6 "And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
Devoted passion, eyes locked, hearts beating furiously to be with the Beloved, pure in her desire for One Man, this is what a bride is like. Passion like this completes the threefold cord. This cord's strength is beyond comprehension for its fibers are reinforced by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride one husband—Christ."
Do past sins enter my thoughts? Yes. BUT the love Jesus pours into my soul quickly brings me back to Him, my first love. Do the cares of this world tempt a bride to draw her eyes away from His eyes of flaming fire? Yes, at times. When that happens, a bride will cry out to her Bridegroom, and He will intervene. Our bridal relationship with Jesus must be maintained at all costs. Spending time with Him, dating Him, passionately worshipping Him are marks of a bride.
The evil one would attempt to break any or all of the strands composing the cord of our relationship with Jesus. Satan works overtime to deceive us whispering, "You're not really accepted as a child of God" or "How can you be so arrogant to think of God as your friend?" Maybe he says, "You're damaged goods, never will One so holy would want you as His bride." Do not listen to evil's lies, beloved!
We are His child, His friend and His bride, and a threefold cord is not easily broken!
Holy Spirit seal this truth up in our hearts. Cause head knowledge to become heart knowledge, burning in our hearts so brightly that we cannot help but to walk out our beautiful relationship with You. All for You, my Daddy, my Friend and my Bridegroom. AMEN!!!
I am Blessed: The Sisterhood Award
Thank you, Lidj, for blessing me with your friendship. Truly, we are sisters in Jesus! No matter the distance, our hearts are one in Him! Your godly character has encouraged me on more than one occasion, and I hope one day to embrace you in person.
With Much Love,
Beautiful Grace
2009: Christian Battle of the Bands
"Telios," the name of the band, means "It is finished!"
Fire, my "Extreme Drummer," played until his fingers bled.
Faithful Friend playing and singing.
Consecrated playing a Paul Gilbert guitar solo.Seeing/hearing Consecrated's musical
gifting caused me to tear up.
for providing a forum for the expression of musical giftings!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
New Creation Warriors
Calling all home schooling families. If you are looking for a family-style co-operative, check out New Creation Co-op, which offers both academic and enrichment courses.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Chocolate Calculator
I received this as an e-mail today and thought I'd post it in honor of my chocolate-loving friend at Jesus and Dark Chocolate.
Enjoy, Sandy!
Chocolate Calculator:
Don't tell me your age; you probably would tell a falsehood anyway -but the Hershey Man will know!
YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATH
This is pretty neat.
DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!
It takes less than a minute .
Work this out as you read .
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This is not one of those waste of time things, it's fun.
1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10)
2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)
3. Add 5
4. Multiply it by 50 -- I'll wait while you get the calculator
5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1759 ...
If you haven't, add 1758.
6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.
You should have a three digit number
The first digit of this was your original number
(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).
The next two numbers are
YOUR AGE! (Oh YES, it is!!!!!)
THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2009) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
New Creation Homeschool Co-operative
The past three years every Tuesday during the home school year, I have had the blessing of teaching general science and biology at New Creation Home School Co-operative. Revealing the glory of God's creation through science to awesome students and seeing them grow in their appreciation for science was a huge blessing! However, my heart overflows to think that beyond science, I have had a small part in encouraging my students to seek after God with all of their heart, mind, soul and strength. I will not forget the unique callings and destinies of the students who patiently listened to me lecture on everything from protists to plants to deoxyribonucleic acid. Students, you have blessed me beyond comprehension! In addition, to the moms of New Creation- I will never forget your friendship, your prayers, and your love! May the Lord bless you with double that which you have given me!
Happy Birthday, Sissy!
Happy Birthday, my dear, generous, tender-hearted sister! Auntie MA, you are one of the most selfless people I know, and I am blessed to be your sister. May Jesus bless you and keep you. May He guide you when the storm rages and give you peace. I love you!!!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
"This is a New Season - a Season of Love and Redemption"
Dear Blog Readers,
Be blessed by this prophetic word through Tiffany Ann Lewis. May your love be awakened by the kisses of His mouth, which causes you to run after Him, going where He goes and doing what He does.
In the great and awesome name of my Beloved, Jesus!!! AMEN!!!
Reprinted from the Elijah List at http://www.elijahlist.com
by Tiffany Ann Lewis
God often delivers a message with a season. Prophetically speaking, the winter is past and the season of the spring—Mo'edim is here. Mo'edim is a Hebrew word that means: appointed times, sacred seasons, set feasts. The word is used to identify specific seasons that were appointed by God for a particular purpose.
"These are the feasts (mo'edim) of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord's Passover." Leviticus 23:4-5
The spring Mo'edim coincides with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our love is awakened under the Cross. It is the time, it is the season, it is mo'edim to allow His flame of Love to be that which purifies the dross that is in our lives.
The Process of Purity
"Nothing Produces Purity like Passion and I Am a Refining Fire."
Holiness and purity are a central theme throughout the Bible and one that cannot and should not be avoided. The Lord Jesus is no doubt coming back for a pure and spotless Bride. I want to be that spotless Bride, however, I have to confess when I hear words like virtue and purity, my heart sinks a little.
The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we are saved by grace, not by works. Yet the mindsets of this world continue to cause us to measure our worth based on our works. It's as if we have exchanged one shackle for another, and the worshiper now strives to be better in order to become worthy of the high calling in which they were called. Can you identify?
The Lord is calling us to a season of love not a season of labor: "When I passed by you and saw you struggling in your own blood, I said to you in your blood, 'Live!' Yes I said to you in your blood, 'Live!'...When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love…Then I washed you in water; yes I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil." (Ezekiel 16:6, 8a, 9)
When we are struggling in our own blood, we are struggling in our own efforts. We are redeemed by the Blood of the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, the Firstborn from the dead, "who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood." (Revelation 1:5)
Our love is awakened under the Cross of Calvary. I believe the vital revelation of the Cross is not what Jesus did, but why He did it. Beloved, Jesus didn't sacrifice His life out of duty; He is a husband to us not a fireman. God rescues us from the flames of Hell because of the relationship He desires with us, not out of some duty. He did it freely motivated by His love and His desire to fellowship with us, as it was in the beginning when He created man.
This is why we rejoice resurrection morning; because while we were yet sinners, Love overcame the grave. God loves us; I mean really loves us. He doesn't just tolerate us in our frail humanity.
This is the time for love, and intimacy is what will produce purity. The Lord is inviting us to rest in the finished work of the Cross and allow passion to produce the purity we strive for.
A New Season of Love
In Song of Solomon 8:6, "love" is depicted as a flame. In Hebrew, this flame is Shalheveth Yah. It is, literally, a Flame of Yehovah/Jehovah. This Living Flame of Love is what will purify that dreadful dross that continues to resurface in our lives and we will be made into ornaments of gold (see Song of Solomon 1:11).
It all starts with a kiss. The first chapter of the Song of Solomon reveals a prophetic parallel of this process:
"Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth" (verse 2). The kiss is a metaphor for the kiss of the Torah/the kiss of the Word of God. In this face-to-face encounter, God reveals the mystery of Messiah and the astonishing mystery of His unconditional love. This is a continual communion with the One who loves us, the Lover of our soul. It is something we can receive every day as we seek Him and ask for the kisses of His mouth.
"We will run after You" (verse 4a). We receive grace and peace in the kiss. After such an encounter we cannot walk any longer, we must run after Him. Wherever He goes there we will go.
"The king has brought me into His chambers" (verse 4b). He leads us to His chamber; that's the goal of the journey – intimacy with God.
At this point many of us don't know what to do. "Do not look upon me, because I am dark" (verse 6). Our shame causes us to want to run away and get cleaned up first.
This is, "the time of love" (Ezekiel 16:8). It is here that we are washed tenderly. If we run away we will miss these tender moments when the Lord Himself cleanses us lovingly and gently, not harshly and bitterly.
I realize that I am far from that spotless Bride, nevertheless, I am someone that is being cleaned up and refined by the Eternal Flame of Love - Shalheveth Yah. The gold maker uses heat to bring out the dross. As the fire comes and we remember His love, we will be able to endure the heat and be made holy as He is Holy.
It is true that we are dark in the light of His Holiness, but He looks at us even in our failings and says, "To me, my darling, you are like my mare among the chariots of Pharaoh" (Song of Solomon verse 9). Beloved, the Lord is the lifter of our heads and He wants us to look up and catch the fire in His eye. As we focus on the face-to-face encounter and remember why He did what He did, the transformation will occur.
"Your love is better than wine. We will be glad and rejoice in You, we will remember Your love more than the wine" (verses 2 and 4). In the Hebrew language pleasure and joy is referred to, symbolically, as wine. For some reason the reality that God loves unconditionally sparks something deep down inside of me that is more powerful than the joy (wine) of everlasting life.
This revelation empowers our limbs, strengthening us to pick up our cross and follow Him in a whole new way. We love, and so we will obey and willingly watch our dross go up in smoke as a fragrant offering to our King.
"I awakened you under the apple tree" (Song of Solomon 8:5). Eight is the number of new beginnings and five is the number for grace. Jesus Christ hung from a tree to rescue His Bride and awaken our love.
This is a new season—a season of love. It is also the season of our redemption—spring. The winter is past. It's time to stop striving, but to rest in the finished work of the Cross and allow His flame of Love to purify the dross that is in our lives.
Lord, I pray that every person who reads this message would hear the sound of Your unconditional love. I ask that this word divide between the bone and the marrow, the truth and the lies, and we would know that we are accepted in the Beloved. B'Shem Yeshua/Jesus – Amen
Tiffany Ann Lewis
Dancing with the Flame of the Lord Ministries
Email: TiffanyAnn@tiffanyannlewis.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Spring is a Time For War!
Let me make this one thing clear; I am desperate to hear and be led by the voice of my Beloved! One of the ways He guides me is through my dreams, and several recent dreams have indicated a change, a moving on and a path becoming increasingly difficult.
Last week I kept hearing, "Spring is a time for war." This concept, found in 2 Samuel 11:1, speaks of King David who remained in Jerusalem when he should have been battling the Ammonites and Rabbah with his army. Because he was not doing what was expected of a king, he was left vulnerable to temptation, and that temptation led to adultery and murder! (See 2 Samuel 11)
This morning prior to checking my e-mail, I asked the Lord to reveal the meaning of a dream from last night; through the prophetic e-mail below, the Lord is guiding and encouraging me!
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 7, 2009:
Beloved, you are in the flow of destiny, and I am bringing you along the time line of purpose. Even though you catch a glimpse of course changes that await, you must stay mentally and emotionally in the present. Be steadfast and faithful by maintaining spiritual focus. Timing is everything, and it would be a mistake to try to force any issue to obtain the goal. Wait patiently for My leading and trust that I indeed go before you to clear the path and make a way, says the Lord.
Isaiah 43:2-3 "I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel."
The Passover celebration begins at sundown on Wednesday evening; Traditionally, part of the preparation for the Passover feast is to remove all leaven from your home. Leaven (yeast) symbolizes sin, and although I do not plan to partake of the traditional Seder meal, I do plan to ask the Holy Spirit to search my heart and uncover any hidden sin.
Lord, I will trust Your leading. Course changes will come, clinging to You, worshipping You while I patiently wait! You will go before me clearing the path of the obstacles. I will do what You ask and go to battle as is required. You will reveal any part within me that does not please You. Any leaven must go because Jesus, I Love You!!!! I trust You to reveal and show me the way!!!! To God be the glory forever and ever!!!! AMEN!!!!!
Last week I kept hearing, "Spring is a time for war." This concept, found in 2 Samuel 11:1, speaks of King David who remained in Jerusalem when he should have been battling the Ammonites and Rabbah with his army. Because he was not doing what was expected of a king, he was left vulnerable to temptation, and that temptation led to adultery and murder! (See 2 Samuel 11)
This morning prior to checking my e-mail, I asked the Lord to reveal the meaning of a dream from last night; through the prophetic e-mail below, the Lord is guiding and encouraging me!
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 7, 2009:
Beloved, you are in the flow of destiny, and I am bringing you along the time line of purpose. Even though you catch a glimpse of course changes that await, you must stay mentally and emotionally in the present. Be steadfast and faithful by maintaining spiritual focus. Timing is everything, and it would be a mistake to try to force any issue to obtain the goal. Wait patiently for My leading and trust that I indeed go before you to clear the path and make a way, says the Lord.
Isaiah 43:2-3 "I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel."
The Passover celebration begins at sundown on Wednesday evening; Traditionally, part of the preparation for the Passover feast is to remove all leaven from your home. Leaven (yeast) symbolizes sin, and although I do not plan to partake of the traditional Seder meal, I do plan to ask the Holy Spirit to search my heart and uncover any hidden sin.
Lord, I will trust Your leading. Course changes will come, clinging to You, worshipping You while I patiently wait! You will go before me clearing the path of the obstacles. I will do what You ask and go to battle as is required. You will reveal any part within me that does not please You. Any leaven must go because Jesus, I Love You!!!! I trust You to reveal and show me the way!!!! To God be the glory forever and ever!!!! AMEN!!!!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Fire's First High School Soccer Game
Fire dribbling the ball.
More dribbling by Fire.
Fire receiving a pass.
Fire passing the ball.
Fire passing the ball to D. who scores a goal. We drove 1 1/2 hours yesterday for Fire's first high school soccer match! Fire was placed in the "striker" position. His team was not expected to win, but they played wonderfully and did win, 2-0. Being homeschooled all of his life, this is Fire's first experience with our local school district, and it has been extremely positive!!! Thanks, Jesus!!!
P.S. You can identify Fire in the pictures by looking for the maroon and white stripped jersey and the red hair. ;)
Friday, March 27, 2009
Behold the Lamb
Fire and I had the blessing of attending Sight and Sound's production, "Behold the Lamb," yesterday. We were blessed to purchase discounted tickets and attended with some fellow homeschooling friends.
Feeling the Presence of the Holy Spirit during the performance was intensified as I watched actors act out the ministry of Jesus. I rejoiced with the blind man who received his sight, wept as Jesus stood on behalf of the sinner woman and then forgave her, and exuberantly applauded as Mary the Magdalene was delivered from demonic possession.
Thank You, Jesus, for allowing Fire and I to experience this dramatic worship!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Happy Birthday, Crown of Beauty!!!
Stop by my friend's blog, Crown of Beauty, to give her birthday Love. You have been a blessing to me, Lidj!!!Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bonding With Consecrated
Hungarian Cookies "Benekies"Consecrated and I bonded this past Wednesday afternoon by making "Benekies" together. I prepared the dough, rolled it out and cut it into squares, while Consecrated filled and shaped them.
I Love to bake cookies with my boys (I mean men). ;)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Happy Birthday, oH mY wORD!
Please stop by oH mY wORD's blog and give her birthday Love! I know she has a March birthday, but am not sure of the exact date.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fountains of Living Water: God Loves Us Enough to Send a Whale
While worshipping Jesus yesterday, I felt He said, "There are many Jonahs out there running away from their destiny, and I Love them enough to send a whale."
The prophet Jonah was instructed by God to preach repentance to Nineveh. Jonah did not want to obey, and in response to God's command, he fled from the presence of the Lord.
Jonah 1:3 "But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]."
God attempted to get Jonah's attention by sending a storm, which threatened the lives of not only Jonah, but also Jonah's companions. Jonah's response to the storm was slumber.
Jonah 1:4-6 "But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken.
Then the mariners were afraid, and each man cried to his god; and they cast the goods that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. However, Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.
So the captain came and said to him, What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call upon your God! Perhaps your God will give a thought to us so that we shall not perish."
The others on the ship cast lots to determine why the storm had come upon them and determined that it was Jonah who was the cause. Fearing for their own lives; they cast Jonah into sea causing it to cease raging.
Jonah 1:11 & 12 "Then they said to him, What shall we do to you, that the sea may subside and be calm for us? For the sea became more and more [violently] tempestuous.
And [Jonah] said to them, Take me up and cast me into the sea; so shall the sea become calm for you, for I know that it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you."
God's intention was to get Jonah back on the path to His destiny. It was not to cause him the pain or discomfort of being thrown into the sea; It was not to cause the obvious fear of having a huge sea mammal swallow him.
While in the belly of the fish, Jonah's confident cry for deliverance was met by a God full of mercy and loving-kindness.
Jonah 2:1-10 "THEN JONAH prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's belly,
And said, I cried out of my distress to the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of Sheol cried I, and You heard my voice.
For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your waves and Your billows passed over me.
Then I said, I have been cast out of Your presence and Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.
The waters compassed me about, even to [the extinction of] life; the abyss surrounded me, the seaweed was wrapped about my head.
I went down to the bottoms and the very roots of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever. Yet You have brought up my life from the pit and corruption, O Lord my God.
When my soul fainted upon me [crushing me], I earnestly and seriously remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple.
Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.
But as for me, I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation and deliverance belong to the Lord!
And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land."
How many of us are fleeing from the Presence of the Lord? What causes us to want to hide from our only Source and Strength? Is there a storm raging? Do not automatically assume the evil one is responsible for it. God may have assigned it to wake us from our slumber. In addition, remember, if a whale of a circumstance swims into our life, God may have assigned it to get us back on the path of our destiny...all because He Loves us!
Holy Spirit, please search us. Is there any area in our life, which we attempt to hide from You? Empower us to turn our face fully towards You, hiding nothing and obeying in whatever You have instructed. Each destiny fulfilled in the name of Jesus. AMEN!!!
The prophet Jonah was instructed by God to preach repentance to Nineveh. Jonah did not want to obey, and in response to God's command, he fled from the presence of the Lord.
Jonah 1:3 "But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His prophet] and went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading places then known]. So he paid the appointed fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish from being in the presence of the Lord [as His servant and minister]."
God attempted to get Jonah's attention by sending a storm, which threatened the lives of not only Jonah, but also Jonah's companions. Jonah's response to the storm was slumber.
Jonah 1:4-6 "But the Lord sent out a great wind upon the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to be broken.
Then the mariners were afraid, and each man cried to his god; and they cast the goods that were in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. However, Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.
So the captain came and said to him, What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call upon your God! Perhaps your God will give a thought to us so that we shall not perish."
The others on the ship cast lots to determine why the storm had come upon them and determined that it was Jonah who was the cause. Fearing for their own lives; they cast Jonah into sea causing it to cease raging.
Jonah 1:11 & 12 "Then they said to him, What shall we do to you, that the sea may subside and be calm for us? For the sea became more and more [violently] tempestuous.
And [Jonah] said to them, Take me up and cast me into the sea; so shall the sea become calm for you, for I know that it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you."
God's intention was to get Jonah back on the path to His destiny. It was not to cause him the pain or discomfort of being thrown into the sea; It was not to cause the obvious fear of having a huge sea mammal swallow him.
While in the belly of the fish, Jonah's confident cry for deliverance was met by a God full of mercy and loving-kindness.
Jonah 2:1-10 "THEN JONAH prayed to the Lord his God from the fish's belly,
And said, I cried out of my distress to the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of Sheol cried I, and You heard my voice.
For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your waves and Your billows passed over me.
Then I said, I have been cast out of Your presence and Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.
The waters compassed me about, even to [the extinction of] life; the abyss surrounded me, the seaweed was wrapped about my head.
I went down to the bottoms and the very roots of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever. Yet You have brought up my life from the pit and corruption, O Lord my God.
When my soul fainted upon me [crushing me], I earnestly and seriously remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple.
Those who pay regard to false, useless, and worthless idols forsake their own [Source of] mercy and loving-kindness.
But as for me, I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation and deliverance belong to the Lord!
And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land."
How many of us are fleeing from the Presence of the Lord? What causes us to want to hide from our only Source and Strength? Is there a storm raging? Do not automatically assume the evil one is responsible for it. God may have assigned it to wake us from our slumber. In addition, remember, if a whale of a circumstance swims into our life, God may have assigned it to get us back on the path of our destiny...all because He Loves us!
Holy Spirit, please search us. Is there any area in our life, which we attempt to hide from You? Empower us to turn our face fully towards You, hiding nothing and obeying in whatever You have instructed. Each destiny fulfilled in the name of Jesus. AMEN!!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Great Job, Consecrated! Thank You, Jesus!!!
Consecrated has been chosen to have his "Crane Games" animation displayed at the Art Institute of York's DDX (Digital Design Exhibition). This honor usually is reserved for higher level students. Consecrated's animation professor told him that he has never chosen a third term student previously for this exhibition.
Thank You, Jesus!!! When we follow the path you have laid before us, Your favor is poured out.
Thank You, Jesus!!! When we follow the path you have laid before us, Your favor is poured out.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Poetry Place: "Holding One in Worship"
A few weeks ago, during corporate worship, I had a picture of God's massive hands reaching down from heaven. I could see a tiny figure dancing in His palms...the figure was me. I could feel His pleasure as I worshipped Him in the dance. I felt safe and protected in that place.
Let me encourage all who read this; God Loves it when we worship Him with abandon...laying aside what man may think and concerning ourselves with His pleasure.
Whether dancing or speaking or living, may I bring you pleasure, my King!!! AMEN!!!
Holding One in Worship
by Beautiful Grace
2/28/09
Two Hands stretched from heavenly abode,
Reach down for one, the one You know.
Their awesome, powerful expanse,
Set before the one, in whose heart cries, "Romance."
One's heart with passion's flames
Set ablaze by One touch, One Name.
Suddenly, upon the outstretched Hands,
One moves, one dances, one stands.
"His splendor was like the sunrise;
In this place of protected play,
One laughs and leaps and twirls away.
In this place of power and might,
No fear, no shame, no darkness, just Light.
Forever in worship, continuing on,
One's heart in Love will dance upon.
"His splendor was like the sunrise;
rays flashed from his hand,
where his power was hidden."
Habakkuk 3:4
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Please Pray Update: God's Love Poured Out!
Thank you, thank you, my blogging friends for your prayers! My mother-in-law is improving.
Monday was difficult, physically for me, because I needed to make three trips throughout the day to help her...drugstore run, doctor's appointment and supper delivery. Please continue to pray!
The awesome thing about all the running I did was I could worship Jesus in my van during the trips via my Chris Tomlin CD. Although physically stressed, my spirit soared high with Jesus!!!!
Strongman and Consecrated are still sick, but continue to push themselves to fulfill their responsibilities. Fire had a relapse on Monday night, with a return of fever, sore throat, an increase in coughing and as of the middle of the night, severe ear pain. I'm positive he has an ear infection. We have a doctor's appointment today.
The blessing coming from the mid-night episode was an awesome conversation Fire and I had about a dream the Lord gave him. I Love how Jesus warns and encourages us!!
We went to our home school co-op yesterday, and on my classroom table was a bouquet of flowers with a note, "We love you, Mrs. ___________," and I received several hugs as well...Thank You, Jesus for Your Love poured out through Your Body!!!!
I humbly ask that you continue to pray regarding these illnesses. Spiritually, I am strong! Physically, I'm extremely tired!!! I need physical refreshing in order to tend to my family!!!
Monday was difficult, physically for me, because I needed to make three trips throughout the day to help her...drugstore run, doctor's appointment and supper delivery. Please continue to pray!
The awesome thing about all the running I did was I could worship Jesus in my van during the trips via my Chris Tomlin CD. Although physically stressed, my spirit soared high with Jesus!!!!
Strongman and Consecrated are still sick, but continue to push themselves to fulfill their responsibilities. Fire had a relapse on Monday night, with a return of fever, sore throat, an increase in coughing and as of the middle of the night, severe ear pain. I'm positive he has an ear infection. We have a doctor's appointment today.
The blessing coming from the mid-night episode was an awesome conversation Fire and I had about a dream the Lord gave him. I Love how Jesus warns and encourages us!!
We went to our home school co-op yesterday, and on my classroom table was a bouquet of flowers with a note, "We love you, Mrs. ___________," and I received several hugs as well...Thank You, Jesus for Your Love poured out through Your Body!!!!
I humbly ask that you continue to pray regarding these illnesses. Spiritually, I am strong! Physically, I'm extremely tired!!! I need physical refreshing in order to tend to my family!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
We ALL Have Sinned!!!
This is a copy of a comment I left on Livin Life's Blog the other day. Please prayerfully consider my heart. We ALL have sinned and have fallen short of our awesome and glorious God. Let us speak life to the sinner and hope to the bound. Let us call for repentance with Love in our words and our actions.
James 4:7-12
"So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].
[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it].One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor?"
I believe if we truly react to our own sin with grief and penitence, we would be less likely to judge others, whether outside or inside the church.
NEVER wink at sin; God doesn't, no matter who it is, but how WE address that sin does matter. Obviously, someone who is not saved does not have full knowledge or what he/she is doing in regards to sin, and a Christian can even have blind spots in regards to his own sin. Why else would we need to be changed from glory to glory?
A heart of Love will Love by speaking the truth, BUT that truth would be tempered by our knowledge of the sins own hearts have been capable of committing. If we get a revelation of our own sin and its destructive nature, we will be less likely to act with a Pharisee spirit to any other person...Christian or non Christian, and more likely to prophetically call forth the treasure that lies buried beneath all the dirt of sin.
James 4:7-12
"So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].
[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it].One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor?"
I believe if we truly react to our own sin with grief and penitence, we would be less likely to judge others, whether outside or inside the church.
NEVER wink at sin; God doesn't, no matter who it is, but how WE address that sin does matter. Obviously, someone who is not saved does not have full knowledge or what he/she is doing in regards to sin, and a Christian can even have blind spots in regards to his own sin. Why else would we need to be changed from glory to glory?
A heart of Love will Love by speaking the truth, BUT that truth would be tempered by our knowledge of the sins own hearts have been capable of committing. If we get a revelation of our own sin and its destructive nature, we will be less likely to act with a Pharisee spirit to any other person...Christian or non Christian, and more likely to prophetically call forth the treasure that lies buried beneath all the dirt of sin.
Please Pray
Dear Praying Bloggers...
As you know my mother has been hospitalized frequently over the last year, and many of you have been faithful to bring her before the Throne in prayer. She has been doing well; She currently is taking prophylactic antibiotics designed to stop infection from occurring. It has been effective!!! Mom's heart is beating normally!!! Praise Jesus!!!!
However, I now would ask for prayer for my mother-in-law. She was just discharged from the hospital yesterday for atrial flutter (top part of her heart quivering, not beating normally and bronchitis). I helped her sort through her medications last evening, but she seemed a little confused and her coloration was terrible. I have to pick up new medications for her this morning, so she can take her morning doses; later I need to take her for blood work. In the midst of this, I need to attempt schooling my son, Fire.
Please pray that this issue with my mother-in-law is resolved quickly, and in addition to all of this, my family has had this terrible respiratory illness. Fire has almost completely recovered with the exception of an occasional cough. Consecrated and Strongman are still sick. Also I would appreciate prayer for myself as I am feeling rather overwhelmed at this point.
Thank you for any prayer you offer on behalf of us!!!
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!
With Much Love...
As you know my mother has been hospitalized frequently over the last year, and many of you have been faithful to bring her before the Throne in prayer. She has been doing well; She currently is taking prophylactic antibiotics designed to stop infection from occurring. It has been effective!!! Mom's heart is beating normally!!! Praise Jesus!!!!
However, I now would ask for prayer for my mother-in-law. She was just discharged from the hospital yesterday for atrial flutter (top part of her heart quivering, not beating normally and bronchitis). I helped her sort through her medications last evening, but she seemed a little confused and her coloration was terrible. I have to pick up new medications for her this morning, so she can take her morning doses; later I need to take her for blood work. In the midst of this, I need to attempt schooling my son, Fire.
Please pray that this issue with my mother-in-law is resolved quickly, and in addition to all of this, my family has had this terrible respiratory illness. Fire has almost completely recovered with the exception of an occasional cough. Consecrated and Strongman are still sick. Also I would appreciate prayer for myself as I am feeling rather overwhelmed at this point.
Thank you for any prayer you offer on behalf of us!!!
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!
With Much Love...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Glory in a New Manifestation!
Oh, how I Love you, my Bridegroom, my Jesus!!! I receive the wind of Your Spirit; I look to Your cloud to guide me. I receive Your Love, Your power, Your healing- to go to those You place before me to Love with Your Love!!! I am forever grateful to You, my Friend!!!
Your Bride,
Beautiful Grace
The following prophetic word was given by Eileen Fisher on January 27, 2009, during her weekly Prophetic School of the Holy Spirit meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The following was reported by the Elijah List.
The Lord says, "Get ready for a new wind, and in this wind will come My glory in a new manifestation. Get ready to hear the wheels that will begin to turn in the spirit realm. For as these wheels turn in the spirit realm, they will carry My people higher into the Spirit than they dreamt was ever available. For I am going to start to speak Spirit-to-spirit because My people have made so many choices from the soul's realm and they have looked to the left or to the right for confirmation. But as My people have chosen to look up, My Spirit will descend upon them and join the agreement that He has already sealed within their spirits.
"I Am Calling My People to Rise Up and Follow a Cloud"
"There will be an envelope that will be opened, and coming are new orders over My Church. In this new order that is coming over My Church, at first it will cause things to rise up and cause a stench even to the saints of Holiness. But in that stench there will come that transformation, of the smoke, which will cause My presence to come forth. In that smoke, when it is all cleared and everything has settled, you will realize that there has been a cloud of deposit of holiness that will remain.
"I am calling My people to rise up and follow a cloud. This cloud will touch down and descend upon them. In the midst of this cloud there will come miracle, after miracle, after miracle. For there will be a manifestation of the visitation of the heaviness of My presence," says the Lord your God. "For I do go, to and fro from the earth, looking for hearts that at all cost will follow Me, to make Me a manger that I can lie in once again," says the Lord.
"There will Come Back Smiles and there will Come Back Laughter"
"You will understand that as a child lies in the manger there were smiles, so shall the joy come back to the Church. There will come back smiles and there will come back laughter. For I have been grieved by the tears of My Bride. My Bride has been judged, My Bride has been defiled, My Bride has been abused," He says, "but now the Groom has entered the sanctuary and has taken the Bride aside and has reclothed her with dignity, respect and honor.
"Do not be concerned when you get more and more reports that judgment has come to the House of the Lord. But remember this My people: you are My temple, and remember that grace and judgment come hand in hand. I do not judge to condemn. I judge to bring knowledge for salvation.
"And, so I am about to do a new move," says the Lord, "for you will have people come to you once again who are hungry to get saved. You will have people coming again asking where is His power resting?" He says, "It will be resting upon you. I will come in a new wave and in a new visitation of My presence. For I have seen your hearts that are searching and I have seen the wounds that have been left gaping and bleeding by the words and the curses of man."
He says, "I am going to bind up the wounds, and in the process I am going to deposit within that wound: healing virtue of hope. I will deposit within that wound - supernatural healing."
Love and Blessings,
Eileen Fisher
Eileen@eileenfisher.org
Eileen Fisher Ministries
Your Bride,
Beautiful Grace
The following prophetic word was given by Eileen Fisher on January 27, 2009, during her weekly Prophetic School of the Holy Spirit meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The following was reported by the Elijah List.
The Lord says, "Get ready for a new wind, and in this wind will come My glory in a new manifestation. Get ready to hear the wheels that will begin to turn in the spirit realm. For as these wheels turn in the spirit realm, they will carry My people higher into the Spirit than they dreamt was ever available. For I am going to start to speak Spirit-to-spirit because My people have made so many choices from the soul's realm and they have looked to the left or to the right for confirmation. But as My people have chosen to look up, My Spirit will descend upon them and join the agreement that He has already sealed within their spirits.
"I Am Calling My People to Rise Up and Follow a Cloud"
"There will be an envelope that will be opened, and coming are new orders over My Church. In this new order that is coming over My Church, at first it will cause things to rise up and cause a stench even to the saints of Holiness. But in that stench there will come that transformation, of the smoke, which will cause My presence to come forth. In that smoke, when it is all cleared and everything has settled, you will realize that there has been a cloud of deposit of holiness that will remain.
"I am calling My people to rise up and follow a cloud. This cloud will touch down and descend upon them. In the midst of this cloud there will come miracle, after miracle, after miracle. For there will be a manifestation of the visitation of the heaviness of My presence," says the Lord your God. "For I do go, to and fro from the earth, looking for hearts that at all cost will follow Me, to make Me a manger that I can lie in once again," says the Lord.
"There will Come Back Smiles and there will Come Back Laughter"
"You will understand that as a child lies in the manger there were smiles, so shall the joy come back to the Church. There will come back smiles and there will come back laughter. For I have been grieved by the tears of My Bride. My Bride has been judged, My Bride has been defiled, My Bride has been abused," He says, "but now the Groom has entered the sanctuary and has taken the Bride aside and has reclothed her with dignity, respect and honor.
"Do not be concerned when you get more and more reports that judgment has come to the House of the Lord. But remember this My people: you are My temple, and remember that grace and judgment come hand in hand. I do not judge to condemn. I judge to bring knowledge for salvation.
"And, so I am about to do a new move," says the Lord, "for you will have people come to you once again who are hungry to get saved. You will have people coming again asking where is His power resting?" He says, "It will be resting upon you. I will come in a new wave and in a new visitation of My presence. For I have seen your hearts that are searching and I have seen the wounds that have been left gaping and bleeding by the words and the curses of man."
He says, "I am going to bind up the wounds, and in the process I am going to deposit within that wound: healing virtue of hope. I will deposit within that wound - supernatural healing."
Love and Blessings,
Eileen Fisher
Eileen@eileenfisher.org
Eileen Fisher Ministries
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Heart Thought
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
******
Watch your words; they become actions.
******
Watch your actions; they become habits.
******
Watch your habits; they become character.
******
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
******
Author Unknown
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Which Mighty Woman Are You?
I am most like MARY MAGDALENE
She was forgiven much & loved much, and you certainly love much! You are a passionate person, who loves God & life. You have a tendency to count your blessings and be very grateful, even in small things. You are an overcomer, and will not allow any life circumstances to hold you down.Valentine Dinner
Valentine's Day began with a gift to Strongman, a replacement for our coffee pot that sprang a leak back in November. Later on Saturday I served my Valentine a feast fit for a king.
Homemade Buttery Rolls
Cream Cheese and Crab in Phyllo Dough Cup Appetizers(My Recipe)
Spring Mix Sprinkled with Red Onions, Currants, Parmesan Cheese, Sugar-Glazed Walnuts With Honey Sweetened Balsamic Vinegar and Oil Dressing
Spring Mix Sprinkled with Red Onions, Currants, Parmesan Cheese, Sugar-Glazed Walnuts With Honey Sweetened Balsamic Vinegar and Oil Dressing(My Recipe)
Crab-Stuffed Orange Roughy, Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Sirloin Steak and Yucca Con Mojo
Sounds and looks like a perfect meal? Well, I had three exciting episodes in preparing it! I planned to serve one of Strongman's favorite desserts, chocolate pudding pie topped with coconut and chopped almonds. On my first attempt, I forgot about the pie shell in the oven and burned it. My second attempt ended as the light toasting of the almond and coconut topping was incinerated by over-broiling. The finale climaxed with four foot flames shooting up from my grill!! Amazingly enough, the steak survived the licking.
In spite of the three incidents, our meal was successful! We topped off the meal with chocolate pudding scraped out of the burned pie in to cups topped with non-toasted coconut and almonds.
Burned Coconut and Almond Topped Chocolate Pudding Pie
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Through Many Storms...By Your Side
My Dear Strongman,This Valentine's Day, I rededicate myself to you! We've walked through many storms since that September day in 1984 when we said, "I do," but together we braved the wind and rain. I will continue to be by your side until death parts and new life in heaven begins!!! Thank you for standing by me when it would have been easier to walk away. I trust you more than ANY OTHER human being! Thank you for being my Valentine!
I LOVE YOU!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Called to Be a Lover AND a Fighter!
We have all heard the phrase, "I'm a lover, not a fighter." This statement seems like a valid one, especially for Christians, but I believe the Lord has called us to be both...Lovers and Fighters!
Being a Lover as Jesus commands in Matthew 5:43 & 44 requires us to love EVERYONE whether friend or foe. "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." It is rather easy to love those who love us, love those who are like us, love those who fit into our (not God's) preconceived ideas of righteousness. However, what of those who treat us unkindly, those who backbite and gossip and persecute us? Jesus makes no distinction between Loving neighbor or enemy, and even goes so far to say that Loving our enemies indicates our spiritual maturity level in Matthew 5:46-48.
In the post, True Love, More Than a Feeling, it was written that Love, true Love, is based on much more than the feelings that happen to be running through our soul at the moment. According to the standard God has set, Love is actions and attitudes and thought processes; "feelings" are not necessarily required to Love someone, although, I honestly believe feelings will line up with God's Spirit as we are obedient to walk out Love. Just how do we walk out Loving our enemies, when the feelings in our soul scream to hide, shun or retaliate?
Our Fighter calling is birthed by actually Loving our enemies, viewing them with the Father's eyes, and as Romans 12:14 instructs us,"Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them." God is clear, we are to bless our enemies, not curse them, which reveals another question, just how do we "bless" our enemies, "see" them with His eyes?
"For 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," Ephesians 6:12. There you have it; it is NOT about the person (enemy), it IS about the spirit behind the person! Blessing our enemies, seeing our enemies with God's eyes requires us to see deeper than the surface of the physical and to peer into the spiritual realm...not basic Christianity 101.
The proposition set before us is clear, we bless our enemies by speaking words of life, Proverbs 18:21, knowing that our words have the power to break down the spiritual strongholds controlling our enemies!!! Our tongues have the power to set our enemies free from the bondages, which cause them to treat us, unkindly, backbite and gossip and persecute us. In this way, our Christianity matures, day-by-day, being transformed into the image of Jesus!
Holy Spirit, empower us to reach spiritual maturity...not only Loving those who Love us, but Loving and fighting for our enemies. We are called to represent You, Jesus, and You preached the gospel, healed those afflicted by sickness- emotional and physical, and set the captives free! We receive Your power to be Lovers and Fighters!!! All for the glory of Jesus!!! AMEN!!!!
Being a Lover as Jesus commands in Matthew 5:43 & 44 requires us to love EVERYONE whether friend or foe. "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." It is rather easy to love those who love us, love those who are like us, love those who fit into our (not God's) preconceived ideas of righteousness. However, what of those who treat us unkindly, those who backbite and gossip and persecute us? Jesus makes no distinction between Loving neighbor or enemy, and even goes so far to say that Loving our enemies indicates our spiritual maturity level in Matthew 5:46-48.
In the post, True Love, More Than a Feeling, it was written that Love, true Love, is based on much more than the feelings that happen to be running through our soul at the moment. According to the standard God has set, Love is actions and attitudes and thought processes; "feelings" are not necessarily required to Love someone, although, I honestly believe feelings will line up with God's Spirit as we are obedient to walk out Love. Just how do we walk out Loving our enemies, when the feelings in our soul scream to hide, shun or retaliate?
Our Fighter calling is birthed by actually Loving our enemies, viewing them with the Father's eyes, and as Romans 12:14 instructs us,"Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them." God is clear, we are to bless our enemies, not curse them, which reveals another question, just how do we "bless" our enemies, "see" them with His eyes?
"For 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," Ephesians 6:12. There you have it; it is NOT about the person (enemy), it IS about the spirit behind the person! Blessing our enemies, seeing our enemies with God's eyes requires us to see deeper than the surface of the physical and to peer into the spiritual realm...not basic Christianity 101.
The proposition set before us is clear, we bless our enemies by speaking words of life, Proverbs 18:21, knowing that our words have the power to break down the spiritual strongholds controlling our enemies!!! Our tongues have the power to set our enemies free from the bondages, which cause them to treat us, unkindly, backbite and gossip and persecute us. In this way, our Christianity matures, day-by-day, being transformed into the image of Jesus!
Holy Spirit, empower us to reach spiritual maturity...not only Loving those who Love us, but Loving and fighting for our enemies. We are called to represent You, Jesus, and You preached the gospel, healed those afflicted by sickness- emotional and physical, and set the captives free! We receive Your power to be Lovers and Fighters!!! All for the glory of Jesus!!! AMEN!!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1968: Love Beads and the Beatles
My sister-in-law, Brown-Eyed Beauty, found this picture from 1968 (Thanks, Brown-Eyed Beauty, you're awesome!). I am the little girl between the young woman (my sister-in-law, Brown-Eyed Beauty) and the young man (my brother, Big Bro).Some interesting 1968 statistics from The People History are shown below.
Cost of Living 1968
Cost of new house $14,950.00
Average Income per year $7,850.00
Average Monthly Rent $130.00
Gas per Gallon 34 cents
Average Cost of a new car $2,822.00
Movie Ticket$1.50
The Federal Hourly Minimum Wage is $1.60 an hour
Technology
Boeing 747 made its maiden flight.
NASA launches Apollo 7, the first manned Apollo mission
Apollo 8 orbits the Moon, becoming the first manned space mission to achieve the feat.
Dr. Christian Barnard performs the first successful heart transplant.
US Explodes experimental hydrogen Bomb.
The Emergency 911 Telephone service is started in the USA which provides a single number for reporting emergencies and is manned 24 hrs per day 365 days per year
ATM First Philadelphia Bank installs the first automated teller machine in the U.S.
Popular Culture 1968
The first Big Mac goes on sale in McDonalds costing 49 cents
The Beatles create Apple Records and record "Hey Jude" as the first single on the label The CBS television newsmagazine program
"60 Minutes" shown for the first time
Popular Films
The Graduate
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Bonnie and Clyde
Valley of the Dolls
The Odd Couple
Planet of the Apes
Rosemary's Baby
Popular Musicians
The Rolling Stones
The Supremes
The Beatles with " Hey Jude "
Fleetwood Mac
Aretha Franklin
Gary Puckett and The Union Gap
The Grateful Dead
The Monkees
Simon and Garfunkel " Mrs Robinson "
The Beach Boys
The Bee Gees
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Cream
The Doors " Hello I Love You "
Pink Floyd
Moody Blues
Bobby Goldsboro " Honey "
Marvin Gaye " I heard it through the Grapevine "
David Bowie
I was four years old in 1968, and in the picture above was watching a local centennial parade. How old were you, and what were you doing in 1968?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Homemade Ice Cream...Yummy!
Ice Cream in Progress
Vanilla
Strawberry
Strongman, enjoying the company.
My dad in the midst of his four bowls of ice cream,
alternating vanilla and strawberry.
My dear, sweet mother!
The Ice Cream Crew
My mother-in-law is on the left.
One of my most favored childhood memories is my dad making homemade ice cream when snow was on the ground. Snow was an important ingredient in the process, because the snow plus the rock salt caused the creamed sugar to "harden." My siblings and I would watch and wait in eager expectation for the electric motor on the ice cream maker to stall, signalling the completion of the cold confection. My dad asked me to prepare two types of ice cream, vanilla and strawberry, and I did yesterday afternoon.
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