Prayed Up! Read Up! Filled Up! Suited Up!

The devil will try to destroy the healing and saving process with his lies. Remember that the devil is the father of all lies and the truth is not in him, and he has no good intentions for your life The devil desperately wants to prevent you from reclaiming your joy and peace and John 10:10 tells us that he (the thief) comes only to steal, kill, and destroy... (BUT Jesus comes to give us live more abundantly)... satan roams the earth to and fro, seeking whom he may devour. No one is exempt from his fiery darts of deception... he will try to devour you through various oppositions... he uses anyone he can to further his wickedness... he is relentless and will come at you until he finds no cracks left in your armor to seep through... he is your only adversary; that is why you must learn his ways. God's Holy Word describes satan and his tactics so we may recognize them and deflect his wicked darts (PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER YOUR LIFE DAILY! Because satan cannot cross the bloodline. If you are saved, you are covered by the blood of the lamb; Christ Jesus). We must prepare ourselves for battle daily by putting on the full armor of God, giving God control of our thoughts, and hiding the Scriptures in our hearts... satan must flee at the name of Jesus and retreat when the Holy Word of God scalds him. The light of Christ illuminates the dark ways of the wicked one and withers the roots of deception. We all are satan's targets and have been since his fall from Heaven and God's glorious grace. We will remain as such until the Lord comes to call His children home, binds satan, and casts him into the pit of hell for eternity. Only then, will we be completely free of satan and his evil ways. As Christians, that is why it is vital to stay prayed up, read up, filled up, and suited up!

I Long for the Day!

I long for the day when sin does not exist anymore... I long for the day when we will experience true revival... I long for the day when death will be no more, when we will no longer know what it is like to bury a loved one, seeing others spared while others are lost way too soon... I long for the day when sickness and heartache no longer exist... I long for the day when ALL are healed and the search for cures will be over... I long for the day of perfection and worshipping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all eternity... Oh, that day I long for and the day that I am referring to is the day I see Heaven as my home, when Jesus returns for me. Until then, everyday that I am allowed to still breath and live on this earth are the days I still live for my Jesus. I still trust Him through all the pain and questions. I still have faith. I still believe He knows what is best even when I do not understand His will. I still believe He is the perfect peace amidst the storms. I still believe the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I will praise my Jesus, encourage others, have compassion for those hurting and struggling, not put others on a pedestal where they can fall but put them on my prayer list where they can be lifted up, minister/witness to others about the love and forgiveness of our Savior Jesus Christ, and strive to be more Christ Like. Util that day I long for comes... Lord, please let me be someone's light, someone's smile/hug/laugh, someone's prayer and encouragement, someone's shoulder to cry on, someone's reason to live and not quit, someone's hands and feet, someone's voice, someone's help to stand. Oh, my prayer is to let them see Jesus in me as I continue longing for that day.

ETC. Every Thought Captive!

We cannot control every thought that enters our mind, we have no control over the enemy's lies entering our minds, nor the temptations to sin. However, the sole responsibility in each case is to prevent them from settling when it does enter our minds, and preventing ourselves from following through with that temptation to sin. When you allow that junk to marinate in your mind, that is when it will overcome you instead of you overcoming it. That is when you will follow through with those bad thoughts, feed off those lies, and give into those temptations and sin. Therefore, as a Christian, it is vital to rebuke it and take it captive (etc. EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE) as soon as it enters your mind, and cast it back to hell where it belongs.

Philippians 4:8 -  "Finally,brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Pushing Through The Distractions!

Sometimes we cannot hear God because we are too busy listening to other things. We are distracted by the negative media; other people’s problems; or the negative congregation in our head. If you have never heard the voice of God, maybe the other voices are too loud. Have you ever tried to hear the television over a bunch of loud voices? It is difficult isn’t it? If you are like me you do one of two things. Either you grab the remote and increase the volume or your “ask” everyone to be quiet so that you can hear what's on TV.

You are going to have to take measures when it comes to hearing God. Shut all of the other distractions out. Even if you have to ask some people to be quiet. Spend more time with Him alone. Allowing His word to infiltrate your heart so that His voice is louder than the others. God is ready to talk if you are ready to listen. But He will not yell. He will not compete with the other noise in your life. He will wait for you. But you see, it is difficult to let go of any of those things when you are consumed by them. What they are posting (social media apps)? What they are wearing? How they are spending their time? How much money they have? What lifestyle they are living?

Try not to keep up with all of that. If you need a break from social media, take one. I have, several times. Sometimes you are scrolling through all of the posts and you can feel the weight of other people’s negativity. Their posts about relationship drama; how much they hate their jobs; videos of fighting and killing; and breaking news of deaths and divorces; murders and kidnappings. Another shooting. Free yourself. Take a break from it all. Saturate yourself in God's word and have some one on one time with Him.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1)

Try to see it God's way. You are unique and so is your journey. Take your time and attention back from the distractions of other people’s lives. Spend that time with God. Develop an intimate relationship. Allow Him to give you a glimpse of the wonderful plans He has for you.

Some information from this recommended book that I think you might like to read – "How God Sees Your Struggles: Break The Chains of Stress & Heartache" by Lynn R Davis.

Start reading it for free at this link: http://a.co/f4zOEGU

Just One Mustard Seed Away!

YOU’RE JUST ONE MUSTARD SEED AWAY. Read Matthew 17:20 ♡

It only takes a little bit of faith to turn things around. Make the transition from frustration to appreciation. Realize that this is temporary. Give yourself a break if you’ve been feeling down. Doubt is part of our earthly experience. Doubt may visit but don’t ever allow it to stay and take up residence in your life. Life throws some pretty heavy blows. And if we allow them to, letdowns, disappointments, and loss will train us to expect the worse. GOD’S STILL MIGHTY AND HIS WONDERING WORKER POWER IS STILL AVAILABLE.  "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches." (God can do big things in your life with just a small amount of faith!)

Recommendation: I think you might like this book – "How God Sees Your Struggles: Break The Chains of Stress & Heartache" by Lynn R Davis.

Start reading it for free at this link: http://a.co/2t0vuPs

A Miracle Working God!

Definition of MIRACLE: 1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. 2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God. 3. a wonder; marvel.

This morning as I was praying in the Holy Spirit, what kept flowing out of mouth after that was "I am a miracle working God! I am still a miracle working God". As the Lord was speaking this through me, I begin feeling the power of the Holy Spirit. It is through that POWER that these supernatural events happen. Miracles occur around us everyday, but we just refuse to see them as miracles. It does not have to be a big show, but we have become too complacement as Christians, and we need NOT forget that God is still a miracle working God who could return for His children at any moment. Oh, let us not be in a place where we have stopped expecting miracles!? Whatever you are in need of today... this is what you need to know: nothing more, nothing less, but God has such a strong urgency, through His Holy Spirit, to remind you that HE IS STILL A MIRACLE WORKING GOD!

Do Not Crumble!

At the beginning of the month I had a situation arise where I could have easily failed the test like I have in years past, but I knew the Lord was once again allowing me to go through this because He did not want me to fail this time. He wanted me to come through victorious. Throughout this month, all I have kept hearing in my spirit is, "NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO CRUMBLE"... and though I have come close a few times, God did a work in my life Sunday night through asking the church ladies to pray for me. I have that perfect peace and once again plowed through another roadblock. God pushed the enemy back on my behalf as He always will. Let me encourage you to NOT crumble, but hold and trust to the unseen hand. Praise God that this saved, anointed, appointed, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled woman of God will not crumble, she will move forward knowing God's doing something special in her life!

Fear is a Liar!

THIS ♡PHOTO♡ It is my phone wallpaper!
*ONLY LISTEN TO WHAT CHRIST SAYS YOU ARE* "Fear is a liar"

When he told you you're not good enough
When he told you you're not right
When he told you you're not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you're not worthy
When he told you you're not loved
When he told you you're not beautiful
That you'll never be enough

Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
'Cause fear he is a liar

When he told you were troubled
You'll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You'll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you, you could be the one
That grace could never change

full song at: https://youtu.be/sQTnREEtuNk

Gods Angels Encamp Around Us!

Reposting a vision I wrote down a year ago, after what I experienced in church choir Easter cantata practice.

March 27, 2017: Yesterday afternoon, during choir practice at church, we were in the middle of practicing one of our songs for Easter Sunday service. In the middle of singing "This Blood", something caught my eye in the corner at the back of the church. I looked back that way and saw the shadow of an angel with wings hovering over the ceiling; I could see the shadow of the body going down the corner crease of the wall, with the wings spread out over the sides of the wall up to the ceiling. I could NOT stop looking at that corner, and I do not even think I finished singing the song we were practicing. Oh, I was just caught up in what the Lord was allowing me to see through my spiritual sight. Immediately, my mind went to this verse, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them." Psalm 34:7 

Today, when I woke up, everything seemed to be going wrong and frustrations came, yet all day long all I could think about was the shadow of that angel the Lord so graciously allowed me to see, along with the verse He gave me. Now, at the end of the day all the issues seem to be resolved, and I felt the deliverance from those frustrated and flustered feelings. Of course, I may not know what each day holds, but I do know that each day I remain on Earth, one of God's Holy Angel's hovers over me (us) with His perdect peace and protection. I was reminded of the giant size of the angel too, and I knew that represented the fact that God’s Holy Angels are big enough to cover us in any place, area, or time in our life. Tonight, I am in awe of God's reminder of this in the middle of the frustrations I faced today. I want to encourage and remind you that the Lord has one of His Holy Angels encamped around you too, for He is no respector of persons. What the Lord allowed me to see was not just a reminder for me, but for everyone who fears the Lord and walks in His ways!

I Love You To Pieces!

Here lately when I tell someone, "I love you to pieces" or someone tells me this... all I keep hearing in my spirit is Jesus saying that He literally loved us to pieces. His body was badly beaten and left in pieces for us; for our salvation, our freedoms, our deliverances, our forgiveness, our healings, our eternal security. He did it for us. He didn't even look human when He died, and had you been the only one, He would have did it just for you. Remember to the world you may just be one, but to ONE you are the world.

It is through this revelation, that I realize just how important it is to not get caught up in controversy and arguments, when my flesh wants to take over like it did in times past. Oh, I catch myself praying or singing out loud, walking away letting that person know I love them and I am praying... satan causes fractured fellowship, but God's desire is to produce fruitful fellowship. It is vital for the body of Christ to be unified in these last days. See, when we come together in the power of agreement and let the worthless arguments go, I believe we are gonna see God work on our behalf and move like never before. We do not need to be fussing and fighting, we need to be about the Father's business! Jesus loves you to pieces and never forget that. It doesn't matter the situation you are, please know you were and are literally loved by the One who loved you to pieces, yet He was made whole on the 3rd day, rising from the dead to go and prepare a place for you and me. And in these moments while we are waiting for our call to Heaven, just know He is the one who will LOVE you through it all. He will put back together your broken pieces through the power of His great name. ♡♡♡

Go ye into all the world!

"Kimberly, you've already been ministering and you'll continue to minister. Don't be concerned about where you've been, where you are, or where you're going because you've ministered before you got there, you've ministered on the way there, and you'll minister when you get there. I will open more doors for you than you can imagine. You are my pulpit. I will use you mightily. I will speak through you. I will minister through you. I will protect your anointing as I lead you into a greater anointing. Keep being obedient to me and you'll be greatly blessed, highly favored, and prosper in everything you do saith the Lord of Hosts".

Isaiah 43:19 KJV "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?" *I'm thankful for a word directly from the Lord and for that perfect peace I feel. If you are in the center of God's will, nothing else matters. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. PRAISE GOD!

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature". Mark 16:15 KJV

Tears are just streaming down my face this week and I am overwhelmed. I never imagined that 4 1/2 months after starting this blog, I would be getting messages from across the world for prayer requests and thanks for encouragement I've given that person, etc. Plus, having people in now over 70 countries outside the United States and Puerto Rico view or click on my blog, as well as over 5,100 total views. I have always had the desire to be a foreign missionary or at least travel one time to do missions work, but my health hasn't allowed me to do so yet. But now through the power of technology God is allowing me that opportunity right from home, finally at almost 34 years old, people are reading something I've posted all over the world. I am both overwhelmed and humbled, and it is all for God's glory, to advance His kingdom! Thia blog is bringing so much healing into my life and proved to me that I still have purpose on this earth. I know that now more than ever, and I tell the devil to shut up when starts trying to make me question that purpose. All Glory goes to God. I have no reason to doubt what He also spoke to my spirit, in that at least one person in every country in this world will click on and view my blog! God, You have commanded me to spread the Gospel across the world and that is what I am doing! ♡Kimmy

Blessed Beyond Measure!

God's presence is forever in my life. That is what He is reminding me of this week, despite the enemy's schemes and attacks, He is continually taking care of me this side of glory until He calls me home, how our conditions are only temporary on this earth. Today is a day where I appreciated the sun shining, the birds chirping, the clouds in the blue sky, my parents beside me, a loving church where I can freely worship God in spirit and in truth, and those precious reminders that I am not alone! Some people did not wake up today, some people have nothing, some people have no one to hug their neck or tell them that they love them, some people woke up hungry today, some people woke up without a roof over their head today, some people woke up with everything destroyed by storms last night, some people do not have doctors or cannot afford to go to doctors and have to continue to be sick with conditions where I have been made well. Oh, Lord I thank You for the reminder today of just how blessed I am and that through You only can I let the hurts go, let the pain end, and leave the anxieties behind! I am blessed beyond measure!

Depression is real but so is God!

First, if you are battling serious depression with thoughts of suicide, don't be afraid to dial 911 for help, and please use the contact form on the left hand side of my home blog page and let me know so that I can talk to you and pray with and encourage you that it is okay to seek help. STRUGGLING WITHIN OURSELVES IS OK BUT QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION. GOD DOESN'T WANT YOU TO GIVE UP AND NEITHER DO I. THE DEVIL IS THE ONE WHO WANTS YOU TO QUIT. {THE DEVIL COMES ONLY TO KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY. BUT JESUS COMES TO GIVE YOU LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY.} That is scripture straight out of God's Holy Word. After, spending seven days back the first week of November 2017, in the hopsital for my treatment of depression, God has helped me so much. He's continued to bring much peace and healing into my life. You are not alone nor did you come across this blog by accident. This was a divine intervention and direction from God. He loves and cares for you and so do I.

I am being personal with this post, because I am not above asking for or needing prayer. And, I want to shed light on this and to let others who fight it to know that you are not alone. I have battled a condition for over 20 years now (mainly from ongoing health issues and surgeries/hospitalizations, self esteem issues). One that is scary, unforgiving, unpredictable, unproductive, messy, unsympathetic, not believed by all, something that Christians aren't suppose to have (a stereotype), made fun of, etc. I could keep going. I am talking about battling chronic depression with chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a real thing. It is not laziness, whining, the mulligrubs, a pity party, being a hypochondriac, being crazy, unstable, wanting attention, having the the blues or a bad day, just being sad or moody, etc... it is more complex than that & a real chemical imbalance in the brain and it doesn't go away over night. I can't just turn it off like a faucet. I have had many months or years of remission, but I have no warning of what may set it off or when a relapse may happen. I've prayed many times over, been anointed many times over to be completely healed and delivered from it, but I still fight it. It's always been easy to hide behind my smile and contagious laugh, but these days it is harder to do. I've had to face and fight a lot of demons in my life, and some horrible ones over the past 2 years that I still fight in my dreams almost nightly and in my mind almost daily! But God... I'm still standing!! I've come through those horrible years of not having a will to live, having sucidial thoughts and even overcoming my desire to want to overdose on pills and almost doing it... living through a secret prescription drug addiction, from having no self-esteem, almost destroying myself with the hurtful words I spoke over me on a daily basis... my family felt helpless and didn't know what to do to help me, all while I am in college and fighting other incurable diseases too, surgery after surgery, hospital stay after hospital stay... but God had people in place during those years for a reason & season to talk and pray me through it. God didn't let me quit and He didn't give up on me. I've come face to face with the devil, literally having to pray those demons out of my bedroom more than once, and felt the heat of those hellfire flames. I've had loved ones turn their back on me, making their "depression isn't real, why is she on crazy pills?" remarks, but I kept fighting. I have been through the withdrawals of coming off medicines, the crazy side effects while my body tries to get adjusted to meds, to not being on meds at all. I don't like the days when I have body aches or I don't want to get out of bed, when I really just want to isolate myself and be alone in a dark room, and I can't quit crying, feeling like I have no purpose left in life, but sometimes those days come no matter what I may do to try & prevent it. I have been in church my whole life. I know how to plead the blood and rebuke the enemy. I know how to speak life over myself and to keep a Bible by my head in my bed with me at all times, I can quote scripture left and right and pray with someone til the walls fall down. I know how to pray for myself  and praise my way through my problems. I talk to the Lord on a daily basis. He knows all of my insecurities and weaknesses and loves me through them all, just as my mama and daddy does. I know who I am in Christ and I know there is a Heaven to gain and a hell to shun, I am ready for Heaven, but it still does not mean I am not fighting this terrible condition. Please do me this one thing (for me and others if you see them this way), if you see me without a smile on my face, if you see me crying, just simply say, "I am praying for you", or come give me hug and let me know it will be ok. Even those strong in Christ need to be reminded. You never know what someone is fighting, the demons they are fighting, the bad news they were given that week, etc. And those who are fighting depression don't need to hear 'why do you look like you have the mulligrubs?' Or just 'suck it up buttercup'! Or a pat on the back as people keep walking by with insensitive smirks on their face. DEPRESSION IS NOT THE MULLIGRUBS, AND I'VE BEEN QUIET LONG ENOUGH ABOUT IT! I know somone now who is fighting serious depression, who didn't believe it was real and was uncompassionate and hateful towards others and regrets their actions and behavior; they wish they could take it all back! It is real just like any other medical condition. Being a Christian or not has nothing to do with it. Just be careful how you treat others, because you never know when you might wake up one day with the wind knocked out of you, the rug pulled out from under your feet, or a call from the doctor with heartbreaking test results. People who fight chronic depression (or any other chronic disease or condition for that matter) on a daily basis don't need to hear those sarcastic and insensitive remarks, we just need prayer, compassion, a hug, and even a listening ear, as we (I) continue to believe to be healed from this condition!
⤴Repost from October 28, 2017 social media post, two days before being hospitalized for my depression battle.

God Sees What We Don't!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the  earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”(Isaiah 55:8-9) He sees what we don't. God does not think the way we think. He does not handle situations the way we think they should be handled, because He knows what's best. In the middle of your circumstance ask yourself, am I looking at this through God’s eyes (my physical eyes or my spiritual eyes)? God sees the whole picture: the beginning, middle, and end. Our view is limited to what happened in the past and what we see right this moment. Our trust and faith must be in God. I'm so glad God sees what we don't, that He is continually working behind the scenes on our behalf to mold bad things into something good. (Romans 8:28)

Link to song, "He sees what we don't"
https://youtu.be/1Rcp1swM_7g

Yielding to the Word vs the world!

Yes, as a Christian, I live in this world, but I don't have to yield to this world, instead I choose to yield to the Holy Spirit as He leads me to the Word of God everyday, the music that lifts up the name of Jesus, and to church where I continue growing in the Lord this side of glory. It's all about yielding to the Lord and His Holy Spirit and participating in things that uplift Him and bring Him Glory, not things dominated by satan and sin.  ...for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew 12:34 .... Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2. This world isn't getting any better, the news isn't getting any better, but we have to look up and know it will be worth it all when we see Jesus face to face. Don't conform to the world, but conform to the WORD. Praise God for His Holy Word, for those words in scripture lead me, guide me, direct me, sustain me, comfort me, encourage me, challenge me, protect me, heal me....the list goes on and on! #ReadTheBible

Handling Offense God's Way!

What the Lord has taught me and delivered me from, and I am so thankful He does NOT give up on us... go with the option on the right, in the picture below. My prayer is Lord continue to help me NOT to be a part of negativity, a back biter, gossiper, or a fault finder! Help me to always sincerely pray for the offender, pray for deliverance of others, and show them grace and mercy and compassion just as You show me! Help me to always be an encouragement to others... the Lord spoke to me and said "if only people found it as easy to talk to me about issues as they do others, how different churches and our lives would be"!

The SOMEBODY living inside of me!

God expects us to grow up, God expects us to move forward... from the spiritual milk to the spiritual meat. I have to continually submit to God in learning to share His plan. Oh, this world has seen enough of me, so do not look to me (or anyone else) as a savior but look to Jesus as THE Savior. I do not want the world to see me, I want them to see the SOMEBODY living inside of me. God has shown me through Romans Chapter 6-8 how to move from condemnation [oppression] into freedom [victory], and you get from one point to the next one through the Word of God [Bible]. Jesus accomplished freedom on the cross of Calvary! You have got to walk in the wisdom and knowledge of what Jesus Christ did for us, not just on the cross, but on the way to cross. That is where freedom lies!

Psalm 91:1!

Most days the Lord allows me to see the time 9:11 on the clock... somewhere, someway whether it is am or pm or both. This has been going on for a few years now. Not only do I quote Psalm 91:1, but it is also a daily reminder of God's hand of protection on my life. Psalm 91 is a powerful chapter to read for protection and to destroy every harmful attempt the enemy throws your way. And angels go before us to guide and protect us in time of trouble.

God's Sunsets!

I have been blessed to see many sunsets in my life thus far, which is almost 34 years... in different states... at the beach.... on a cruise ship, in Mexico...from a mountaintop... in my own backyard... driving down the road but this one yesterday was different.. it felt different... it looked different...it is like I could see the power and presence of the Holy Spirit pouring out over this county I call home... God showing His beauty of being completely in control of every situation great and small... God having the ability to turn something ugly into something beautiful... I needed peace over something... I didn't have it before seeing this beautiful sunset...then the peace came! I am so thankful that God can turn everything around and show His glory! I was looking for Jesus to be standing on those clouds, when I saw that there was a split between them. All I could think about were the lyrics to the southern gospel song, "I believe He's coming back"... "in the twinkling of an eye, He'll split the eastern sky... and I believe He's coming back like He said"! #noFILTER ♡♡♡♡ #HeMakesAllthingsbeautifulinHistime #GodsHandiwork #PrayingAndBelieving

Elevation in God requires Separation!

When I truly learned what living sanctified (set apart from the world, living Holy unto God) meant and that it is an ongoing, daily process... I no longer have a desire to go to the same places, listen to the same music, talk the same, watch the same movies or shows on TV. You learn that if a relationship or friendship is breaking you spiritually you have to cut ties, equally if a habit is effecting you spiritually pray to be delivered from it and those worldly strongholds.

Put on a Garment of Praise!

"A Garment of Praise for a spirit of heaviness"

Just sharing my heart of how God's been faithful to see me through a hard battle with depression after losing my last grandparent, my MoMo, who I moved in with and helped take care of for almost 5 years, in December 2016. When you finally feel that spirit of oppression/heaviness lift off of you, you cannot help but testify to others. What I have went through and go through is never in vain but to help others who are going through similar situations. If you are dealing with a spirit of heaviness, God is in your midst and He hasn't forgotten you. I don't have to know you, but I am praying and believing for your deliverance and healing. I am specifically praying for healing in these following areas as God is directing me: Excessive Mourning, Spirit of Oppression, Sorrow-grief, Insomnia, Self Pity-spirit holding you to the hell of your past, Broken Heart, Despair-Hopelessness, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Inner Hurts-Torn Spirit, Spirit of Rejection, Self-hatred, Self-rejection, Self-Accusation

Depression or "heaviness/oppression" is a "spirit." When we are unaware of the devil's schemes and the way to fight them, the result can be "a spirit of heaviness" that can paralyze us emotionally and steal our purpose and calling by shutting us down. How does the enemy do that? Did you have dreams or goals that were unfulfilled? Many times the enemy comes to accuse or point out that God has failed us. That is a lie from the pit of hell but that is how the demonic spirits work to accuse God. Or maybe you have had a loss suddenly from a loved one you cared about and are stuck in sorrow and grief? The answer for the "spirit of heaviness" is the "garment of praise." Oh  satan hates praise, but PRAISE exalts Jesus no matter what the situation or circumstances are. It is putting our trust in Him and praise activates our faith to trust in the Lord regardless what the circumstances looks like at the moment. God is working behind the scenes and sees what we don't. You see praise ushers in light and life into our circumstances. It is the ultimate act of faith.

2 Corinthians 3:17 "The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Galatians 5:1 " Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."

John 8:36 " Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

Only through Christ Jesus is there truly freedom in Him. He came to heal the brokenhearted from pain, deep sorrows, loss, grief, depression, unhappiness, discontentment, etc.

Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, [[the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness]]; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified."

⤵Hit the share button.
here is this the link to my video testimony
https://youtu.be/ssSYxFdyWxk

Forget the Former Things!

In order to move forward in the opportunities and plans God has for our life, we must not focus on the circumstances [enemy], instead we must focus on the solution [God] through His word [Bible]. Remember when satan has a plan, God has another plan. My God said He would turn it around. What the devil meant for evil, God will make it good!!

When your Words become a Sword!

The Bible tells us the many ways the Lord protects us. He protects us from the wicked, from illness, from the devil's traps and attacks to attempt to take us out, from bad weather and serious storms, and He protects us from destruction (physically and spiritually, emotionally and financially). I believe that God’s words are a gift to us; they are a spiritual sword/weapon and our protection (God's Word spells God Sword). Are you speaking and believing His word? Some time ago, I dreamt that all my words became a sword in my hand. I didn’t understand it while I was dreaming. I just noticed that everything I spoke turned into a sharp sword in my right hand –  it would suddenly appear out of nowhere when I spoke. I understood when I woke up, that this is the sword of the Lord- a gift- for us – our protection from evil. Use it! What I spoke over my life and the lives of others was no longer death or negativity, sickness or despair. I begin to speak life and positively about situations, I begin to speak healing and hope. It does matter what you speak, so choose your words carefully. Study, learn, seek Him, and speak God’s Word in faith. I focus only on whom I am in Christ, where He is taking me, and how He is using me for His glory to advance His kingdom. I have complete peace and the Lord has strengthened me over the past year to face what ever lies ahead without fear or doubt. As I had the opportunity recently to minister to someone and pray with them one on one, that is when God reminded me again how important it is to speak His word over our lives daily! May the Lord bless you and protect you. Remember all the Lord’s promises are YES and AMEN in Christ Jesus. The Lord is a shield for all to look for Him for protection. He will protect you wherever you go, for His name is a strong fortress. Run to Him for safety. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and self discipline (sound mind). Do not fear bad news, but confidently trust the Lord to care for you. He will strengthen you when you feel faint. Wait on the Lord and He shall renew your strength. You shall run and not be weary, walk and not grow faint.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.
Psalm 4:8

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:7

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27

Finding Relief in Sharing your Burden with God!

A message/lesson I delivered several years back sometime late in 2011. It is a long read but worth it. I remember during this time of my life when the Lord placed people in my life just as He did for Moses with the 70 elders He sent to help carry the burdens of the people. It was a breath of fresh air as others stepped up to the plate to carry my burdens, then the Lord directed me to this message that carried me thru.

Title - "Moses: The Prayer For Pity"
 
Scripture: Numbers 11:10-17  - (NIV)
 10 "Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? 13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ 14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.” 16 The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone."
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When it comes to our Christian walk I suppose all of us at some time or another get angry and we begin to complain and want to give up and quit. We say things like there is no use. The harder I try the worse things get. I don’t witness because no one listens. I am just spinning my wheels. I am getting nothing out of church so why should I go? My daily stresses and problems are all vanity. I can’t ever find happiness? I am tired of the daily grind, and it has become mundane and repetitive.
 
Now I know many of us have felt this way before for 2 reasons: I have talked to many who are going thru it and I have gone thru it!
 
Sometimes God’s people want to quit…

In the scriptures we are told and read that Moses was a man of great faith. Because of his great faith God was able to use this man like no other. But in this passage of scripture Moses is suffering from faith failure. Most often when a person suffers faith failure there are two signs. The first sign is a complaining spirit and the second sign is we want to quit. Moses first begins to complain to God about the children of Israel and secondly he wants to quit. Read Numbers 11:10-17 again.
 
Moses was facing problems and look at these three things: First off, the symptoms of the problem, and you will see that these symptoms led to Moses getting angry and so the second thing you will see is the source of his anger and lastly you will see the solution to the problem. So let us begin by looking at some of the symptoms Moses was experiencing.
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I. Symptoms  
 
A. Moses was Displeased.

The crowd with Moses began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and in Numbers 11:4 it says, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost: also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!" You may remember from Exodus that God provided manna every evening with the dew and the Israelites were to gather only the amount they needed for a day’s provision. They lived day to day with manna from heaven. They began to have cravings for other things besides what came from God. I think we can learn a couple of things about negative thinking and cravings.
 
Cravings and complaints distort our thinking. The children of Israel began glamorizing slavery! All of sudden you get the idea that they wished they were slaves again. They begin to reminisce about the fish and the free cucumbers, leeks, onions, and garlic during their oppressive slavery. Cravings can distort our thinking such that we want to return to old habits that enslave us. God wants to feed us everyday that we may be truly free!
 
Another thing we learn is that cravings and complaints are contagious. The people complained and then we find that Moses begins to complain. Cravings simply mean that there is a lack of contentment which often makes others lose their contentment. It is amazing how we begin to crave what our neighbors and friends have just recently craved and purchased.
 
Now the lesson here is to be careful what you crave or wish for, because God will sometimes allow you to have your cravings or wishes and in the end you wished you would have kept your mouth shut. You see God answered their complaints by allowing them to have meat to eat. Read Numbers 11:18-20. God sent them so much quail that the nation of Israel got sick of eating quail. God was fed up with them and filled their cravings to the point it made them sick; and some gorged themselves unto death. Be careful what you wish for, what you pray for... if you truly don’t want it. God knows our needs, not our wants. The manna met their needs.
 
So the peoples complaining was evil in Moses’ eyes. He couldn’t believe what He was hearing. It was like Moses was thinking to himself, “You have got to be kidding me! You really wish you were a slave again?” It troubled him and hurt him and so he became angry, not for the Lord’s sake, but for his sake. He begins throwing himself a pity party, which leads us to the second symptom.
 
B. Moses was Distressed.

Who were the people complaining too? The people were complaining to Moses because he was their fearless leader and you kind of get the idea that they are blaming Moses. Someone always has to hear the complaints and take the blame and it is usually the same person. So what we see is that Moses becomes miserable because, in a sense, the people were harassing him. Verse 10 says that, “Moses heard the people of every family wailing, each at the entrance to his tent.” That is a lot of complaining and a person can only take so much complaining before life begins to get distressed or miserable.
 
Moses became so distressed that the people made him doubt his significance to God, which is all part of that pity party. In verses 11-12, “He asked the Lord, ‘Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?” Moses is pretty much saying don’t you care what I am going through down here God? Are you there? If you are help me here! We can get so distressed in life that we get to the point where we feel like we are alone. We think no one, not even God, loves us or cares for us. We feel that we are left here on earth to fend for ourselves with no help.
 
C. Moses was Defiant.

His anger made him defiant. He became a little rebellious and began to get a little attitude with God. Moses got a little sassy with God. Now before we judge Moses how many times have you and I gotten a little attitude with God because things didn’t go the way we expected?
 
Moses says in verses. 12-15 “Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their forefathers? Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now…”
 
Now Moses’ self pity and anger causes him to have an attitude of defeat. Moses is whining and crying that he is not able to do this alone. This burden is too heavy for him and because he can’t do it by himself then his attitude is just kill me. If I have to do this on my own just kill me and do it now. Just get it over with. Moses was ready to call it quits.
 
Moses feels like God and the people have let him down. Have you ever felt this way? Has anyone ever let you down? Then you know how Moses felt.
 
If all these negative feelings are not the root of the problem, then what was?
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II. Source (The source of Moses' anger was 3 mistakes he made)
 
A. Moses’ assumption of the people was wrong.

Moses made the mistake of assuming that the people would be grateful for all God had done for them. The fact that God had led them out of Egypt to find the Promised Land, the fact that God had parted the Red Sea and had provided food for them. They took it for granted. They were thankful at the time, but later on wanted more. The problem was that the people were not grateful at all. They wanted more. Instead of taking what God had blessed them with they wanted bigger and better. Such high expectations could only lead to disappointment. Because God will make sure we are taken care of by giving us what we need, it may not be what we want and because it might not be what we want we will be disappointed. It is that fleshly selfishness that comes out in us. We should be thankful for what the Lord has blessed us with instead of getting angry and complaining because He didn’t give us what we wanted. That attitude is what I like to call the Baby Syndrome.
 
 
B. Moses began to have faith failure.

When the weeping broke out throughout the camp, I believe that Moses began to doubt that there was any spiritual quality left in the people. He thought they would not have enough faith to enter the Promised Land. Let me ask you this, what will happen to a leader and the people that have lost their faith? They will perish, because without faith there is nothing. Faith is what makes us followers of Christ. Faith in Christ is what makes a Christian a Christian. Faith is what makes a church a church. Without faith there are no Christians, no churches, no SALVATION, and NO JESUS!
 
C. Moses' biggest mistake was he forgot about GOD’S MIGHTY POWER!

In this midst of his complaining, in the midst of throwing himself a pity party and wanting to quit, Moses had forgotten about God’s mighty power. As he is sitting there complaining about how he couldn’t do it on his own, I think he forgot who he was talking too. I think he got so wrapped up in feeling sorry for himself that he forgot what God had already done for him. That the very thing Moses was complaining about was small compared to what God had already done. Think about it, in this conversation was not Moses talking to the same God that had caused the plagues? Was not he talking to the same God who parted the Red Sea? Was not it the same God who had provided the manna? At that point Moses’ view of God was very small. When you and I forget about how mighty and powerful God is, it will always lead us in to despair.
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III. Solution

A. Moses did the right thing.

The first thing I want you to notice is that Moses did the right thing. In his despair who did he take his complaint to, he took his complaint to God. He didn’t take it to anyone else, but he took it straight to God. Now I have been asked many times, is it wrong to complain to God. I believe God does not mind when we complain to Him, but we must be careful not to complain about God. Moses found relief in sharing his burden with God. Someone has said, “A burden shared is half the load.”
 
Don’t try to carry your burdens alone. Give them to God. Because Moses shared his burden with God, God gave Moses the solution. Read verses 16-17, “The Lord said to Moses: bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.”
 
Moses found relief in sharing his burdens with others (God) and Jesus tells us to do the same “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me…” (John 14:1) Jesus wants to bear our burdens and our trials. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you that are weary and are heavy laden & I will give you rest…” (Matthew 11:28)
 
You and I can expect conflict and complaints in life. Just like Moses we will all face conflict and burdens. Jesus said as long as we live in this world we will face tribulations and sorrows. (John 16:33)
 
Moses was tested by continual stress. (Numbers 11:10-15) Moses complained to God that he didn’t deserve the kind of treatment he was receiving from the people. What was he to do; he couldn’t pull meat out of the air. Verse 14-15, “I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! I’d rather you kill me than treat me like this. Please spare me this misery!”
 
Moses was worn out, burned out, depressed, and exhausted. He was ready to give up. God answered his cry by telling him to recruit 70 other leaders to work with him in carrying the load. Whenever you are emotionally drained or physically exhausted don’t make any major decisions. Wait on the Lord and catch your breath. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that HE IS GOD…”
 
Moses recognized he needed help. God promised Moses help and God provided 70 leaders to reduce the work and ministry stress Moses faced. What is your burden? You can cast all of your cares upon God! Don’t quit! Don’t give up! Give it to HIM!
 

The God of Suddenlies!

Thankful for this word from the Lord, and I want to be obedient in sharing it:
"The enemy has set traps for My people and yes, many will fall into these traps. I will allow you to fall into these traps, not so the enemy can overtake you, but to show the world Who I AM!! I AM GOD! Just as I was with Joseph in prison, I shall also be with you. Just as I was the Fourth Man in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so shall I be the Fourth Man in the fire with you. Just as I delivered Daniel out of the lions den, so shall I also deliver you. Do not fear the fall, for it shall be I Who will catch you! It shall be I Who will lift you up and will bring you out! Just as I delivered My people from Pharaoh, so shall I also deliver you out from the snare of the enemy. Yes, traps have been set. Weapons have been formed, yet have not I promised you that no weapon FORMED against you shall prosper? Seek Me in your hour of entrapment, seek Me in your hour of confinement, seek Me in your hour with the lions, seek Me when you feel as if you have reached the end of your path and WAIT for Me to part the waters for you to cross over into the promises I have given you! I AM the God of suddenlies! I will shake the prisons, rattle the cages, part the waters and tame the lions all for YOU, My people! The waters will not overtake you and the flames of the fire will not scorch you! I am Jehovah God, your protector and provision!"

Born to Serve the Lord!

God wants me protected, God does not want me vulnerable... if God has called me to do something, He is going to help me finish the work He's started in me...  “Not by might, nor by power but by MY SPIRIT says the Lord.” - Zechariah 4:6

I was sitting at the table some time ago with my daddy, and with tears in my eyes, I looked at him and said if I die before the rapture happens, I just want my headstone to say, “I was born to serve the Lord and I died serving the Lord”.

The enemy will show up in the lives of others (including loved ones) to attack you and lie to you. Rebuke it. Over and over, I hear people say they have been hurt by the church (notice it is the church not the Lord; people let you down not God) so they are not going back, that is an excuse given to you by the enemy and you are feeding off it. Well get in line, I have been hurt by the church too. I have also been hurt by Wal-Mart, the bank, and the gas station, but I still go back to those places. I have learned through much heartache and hurt, to get so in tune with God that I am oblivious to what is going on around me. When I enter church I am to become Christ focused, because I have never been hurt by Him, and that is Who I go to church for. When you start gong to church for God and not people, it is amazing how your relationship with HIM changes, how much better you feel, and how you do not take offense so easily. When you stay offended, you cannot have the victory. Let go, let God have His way!

I have realized these past few weeks, more than ever that I made a commitment with God first and foremost before anything else. I know that my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is the only relationship that matters. I have to let everything else go, and maintain that relationship with Him at all cost, and God will surely fulfill His plan and purpose throughout my life.

Ezekiel Is Called - Strength of God!

Sunday School Lesson on Ezekiel's Call and God's Glory. Ezekiel's name means "God strengthens" or "strength of God". Ezekiel is called from a priest to a prophet of God to prophecy God's word to a rebellious, hard hearted, and violent people. The Bible describes them as thorns, briers, and scorpions.

Scriptures: Ezekiel - Chapters 1, 2, and 3.

Side note: I teach Sunday School twice a month at our local nursing home (I rotate with other teachers). In the over 5 years of being a part of this ministry, this is only the 2nd time I've felt led of the Lord to record the teaching of the lesson. Through my obedience to God I pray seeds are planted in the lives of those who hear this message.

Ezekiel's Call recorded lesson @ this link:

https://youtu.be/JVJBEZuiPyo

10 Christian Facts!

Dear readers, as a Christian, these are the facts I want to share:

1) There is only one creator of the heavens and the earth; GOD.

2) God gave us all a free will to make choices in this life! The gift of salvation is a free gift that cost you nothing. I pray that you receive it and come to know the God (My God) that truly loves you, before it is everlasting to late.

3) We cannot blame God for the chaos humans create by making bad choices; they are allowing the enemy to work through them.

4) Religion is Bad News, Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ, NOT religion!       

5) God left us with a Life Manual to live by    (The Holy Bible). If we reject Him & His Life Manual, there will be consequences, by our choices! There is a Heaven to gain and a hell to shun.

6) "There is a way that seems right unto man, and the end thereof are the ways of Death & Destruction." Proverbs 14:12   

7) JESUS loves us ALL the same & HE has a purpose & a plan for each one of our lives! He died so that all men might be saved.
John 3:16

8) Surrender your life to the Lord, invite Him to take full charge of your life & find a good Bible teaching Church to attend. A church that conforms to the WORD and not the world.

9) That was the BEST decision I ever made 21 years ago in March 1997, giving my life to Christ Jesus and continuing on this journey with Him. Not easy but worth it.

10) Don't think you will never have issues or challenges in your life again; the difference is you have God in your life to guide you through them! Jesus is the difference maker. ♡

Yes to prayer! No to gossip!

What the photo below, states, will step on your toes so bad, it will cause you to have an ingrown toe nail and might I add... let us not criticize but let us compliment! Let us not backbite but let us bless! Let us not ridicule but let us reconcile! Let us not find fault but let us find favor! Let us not be a tool of the enemy to deceive but let us be a tool of the Lord to defend His Word! Let us not discourage but let us encourage! LET US NOT POUR GUILT ON OTHERS, BUT LET US GUIDE OTHERS TO THE SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO GROW IN CHRIST!

Oh, I am praying for a great spiritual awakening for the church at large, because Christians are being used by the devil left and right and don't even realize it. Oh, how it grieves my heart!

Hindering Spirits!

Not all spirits from satanic realms are blatant and obvious in their evil purposes and plans to steal the spirit and souls of God’s people. Some spirits come upon us when we begin to allow our feelings, emotions, and guilt to make us think we need to always help people in need or in a crisis. That it is our job to make provisions and ensure every need in their life is met financially, physically, and spiritually. See, satan’s plan and goal is to provide as much hindrances, oppositions, and discouraging situations to make us give up on believing in our prosperity and abundant life that Jesus died and rose from the dead for. (see John 10:10)

The enemy will use people, circumstances, and situations to get us distracted and drained in doing what God has called us to do. We can be so bogged down with the cares of this world and the cares of other people that our spirits become burdened with many things. The problem with this is that some people create situations that can cause the Spirit of False Burden to enter the lives of other people. Some people do not take responsibility for their actions or roles and may lay that burden on someone who isn’t even been called to carry out that responsibility. When we are helping people, the spirit of false burdens will begin to attack your mind and tell you that you must help them because of your loyalty, love, and feelings of inferiority on deserving to live your own life. People who are selfish minded and immature will make you think that you are suppose to help them because they helped you or that you are their friend in Christ. That false burden spirit will use other people to make you think that you are suppose to carry someone else’s load and responsibility because you don’t want to see them suffer or be in lack in any every of their life. The purpose and goal of the false burden spirit is to wear you out and keep you from living out the plan of God in your life to its fullest potential. Satan knows that if he can burden you down with the troubles of others and yours included, then you won’t have the strength to fight back nor take what is rightfully yours spirituallly and naturally. This hindering spirit will rob you of your joy and peace because you feel like you are spiritually being made to help other people out to the point you are losing out on helping yourself out. You are dealing with other people’s issues and can’t focus on your own issues which can zap the joy out of you. You can’t truly enjoy your life because you feel like that person or persons is going to have something come up that you have to bail them out of. The problem is those who are causing you to take upon these false burdens don’t want to own up or take responsibilities for their problems and troubles because of spiritual slothfulness and slackness. Hindering spirits cause the people of God to not walk in total victory and total deliverance. When you are delivered from false burden, it is a fight to not take it back and you must preserve what God has delivered you from or what God has for you will be hindered by these satanic attacks.

These spirits are attacking like never before to get people to be so heavy and weary in their spirit that they lose hope, faith, and belief in God’s promises for a prosperous and rich life. The spirit of heaviness comes in with the spirit of false burdens to weigh a person’s soul and spirit down in that they become joyless, sad, non-praising, and defeated in their walk with God. People that invoke hindering spirits are in bondage to other spirits and want you to partake of their bondage and what they don’t want to let go of to be truly delivered and set free. Once you do not take anymore false burdens they indirectly or directly try to put upon you, God can truly begin to manifest and release what has been held up in your life. False burdens hinder God bringing forth the blessings and prayer manifestations which is what they are evilly designed to do. Once you are free from these burdensome stones, continue to pray and allow God to tell you what to do in that situation.

⤵repost from this site: https://ezrascrollofscribes.wordpress.com/2012/08/31/the-spirit-of-false-burdens-and-hindrances/

As someone who has been delivered from this spirit and dealing with others in my life with this same spirit, this helped me so much to see why I was unknowingly bound up by it and how to pray for and handle others with it. It is real, but God is a delivering God.

Why I Worship!

My worship to the ONE who deserves it all, is what gets me through it all. I am not ashamed... I am not afraid... I will not be silent for I worship the Lord in spirit and truth. I worship in thankfulness for everything God has done for me and continues to do for me. I worship Him for joy of the salvation, deliverance, healing, mercy, grace, and love He bestows upon me. I worship in sincerity and with passion. I worship with anticipation and expectation that it will lead others to worship. I worship in hopes of others being saved, delivered, and healed. I worship to prepare for spiritual warfare. I worship with emotion an excitement knowing that God is my shield and defense and He fights my battles. I worship in prayer and fasting. I worship with the desire to see the church experience a spiritual awakening. I worship with the desire of wanting more of the Holy Spirit not less. I worship wanting to see more of the Gifts of the Spirit functioning and operating in our Church. "Oh Lord, I pray, send a Holy Ghost revival that saves and sanctifies and let it begin in me! Amen!"

PSALM 100♪♬ "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."

Homesick for Heaven!

I have been thinking a lot about my Aunt Emmer (my great Aunt Emma who was also like a grandmother too.) The month of February was not only her birthday but the month she passed away. I keep hearing some words shared at her funeral by one of the pastors... that when my Aunt Emmer led song services at church, it was simpler times of worship, but those times brought a great move of the Holy Ghost, times when people went with an expectation for miracles and healings and to hear a word from the Lord.

I do know it will never be like those days of old, but I am thankful to be a part of a church that doesn't seek to entertain but to disciple, where hymns from long ago, can still be sung, and where there is liberty for the Holy Spirit to move, and where there is still a word from the Lord that goes forth with power and victory. A church that will help encourage you and build you up to make it through the week.

It is not about numbers as far as attendance, as much as it is about salvations. After my eyes being opened this week in a different view, to see so much sickness, bad news, having to mute commercials because they are full of horrible things just to try to watch a decent show, seeing movie previews in which Hollywood has done nothing but turned a Bible story into something evil and perverted, the Bible being rewritten instead of reread, churches completely compromising God's house into nothing but an entertainment center, even the strongest Christians being deceived by satan himself, pastors throwing everything away for a life of sin, social media being polluted by horrendous spam by spineless people who sit behind their computer to try to make others look bad, Christians loosing their lives left and right for the cause of Christ, as a tear falls down my face... I know Aunt Emmer, or any of my other loved ones who have gone on, would in no way want to come back to this earth. I have faced battles with sickness and depression and the enemy with his lies that my life has no purpose so just go back to a life of sin, but I rise up above it reminding the devil that the word of God says that sin is pleasurable but only for a season. I have no desire to be in that season ever again, and I won't go back, but it breaks my heart to know people will have returned to these sin seasons, when the Lord comes back, the great falling away has already begun. The enemy is running rampant on God's children, because he knows his time is running out. We have no choice but to hang in there as Christians, and keep trusting God for it will all be over in the twinkling of an eye. Truly, I have never been this homesick before.

To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain!

God’s main purpose for our existence is to reflect the glory of Jesus Christ. God gave us life so that with our bodies, minds, and hearts we might draw attention to Jesus and make Him look as great as He really is. This purpose for our existence does not change at death. It is the purpose of our dying and the purpose of our living after death, in Heaven for eternity.

For the Christian, eternal life has already begun and will not be interrupted by death or judgment. Jesus taught this when he said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24). Already, by faith in Christ, our judgment is past and our death is past. Death is no longer death for those who are in Christ. The essence of what made it death has changed.

What has changed? “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”
(1 Corinthians 15:56). Christ fulfilled the law perfectly. “Jesus answered, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’” (Matthew 3:15).

Jesus also took on Himself the curse that the law put on us because of our sin. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). Therefore, in Christ, the righteousness that the law demanded from me is provided for me, and the curse that the law pronounced over me is removed from me.

Therefore the sting of death is gone. Death is no longer the terror that death used to be. Death is now a transition from life to better life, from faith to seeing, from groaning to glory, from good fellowship with Jesus to far better and never ending fellowship with Jesus, from mixtures of pain and pleasure to all pleasure, from struggles with sin to perfect affections for Jesus. We have passed from death to life.

Therefore, the way we show Jesus to be great in our dying is to treasure these things as we die. That is, treasure them more than what we leave behind. This is how we fulfill the God-given purpose of our death as those who cannot die. The purpose of this deathless dying is to glorify Christ. Death is God’s appointed way in this fallen world for Christ to get His last praise from us on earth before we enter into endless praise.

Paul says we do this by counting death as gain: “It is my eager expectation and hope that... Christ will be honored in my body... by death. For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." See Philipians 1:21

Christ is magnified in our dying when we treasure Christ so much that dying is felt to be gain.

Death is a time for glorifying God. God appoints it for this purpose in His saints. Another example is the death of Peter. Jesus spoke to him about his death, “When you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go” (John 21:18). Then John interpreted these words for us in his gospel, “This [Jesus] said to show by what kind of death [Peter] was to glorify God” (John 21:19).

We all have our appointed time and way of dying. This is our last way on earth of making much of the supreme value of Jesus in our lives. This is the last time on earth for glorifying God. It happens by counting everything on earth as loss (Philippians 3:8) and counting the sight and savoring of Christ in heaven as gain.

Those who remain behind feel the loss here deeply. There are untold tears. This is good. It testifies to the preciousness of a gift enjoyed. But even here, through all the tears, there is a way to magnify Christ. Job showed us how. When the news came that all of his children were dead, it says, “Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’” (Job 1:20-21). He wept and he worshipped.

Let us pray earnestly for each other, that Christ would be so real to us that we would live and die in a way that shows His supreme preciousness to us. “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). This is the great battle of life: to treasure Jesus like that. Please pray for me. I pray for you: O Lord, satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love that we might live and die to make You look as great as You are.

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