Venus Laney: Inspirationals

Just arrived back home EARLY this morning...will update more later after I get a bit more sleep :) But for now, here is a glimpse...thanks so much to all of our dedicated prayer partners! May the Lord reward you abundantly for your faithfullness!

The last year has been an amazing journey of faith. Last week was a landmark step. I was given the opportunity to debut one of the new songs from the cd "Journey to the Secret Place" at Pastor Judy Jacobs' International Institute of Mentoring. It was the dedication service for the new building and I was asked to open in worship before Pastor Rod Parsley would bring the night's message.

To God be ALL the GLORY!!!

Awesome night of worship with Eddie and Mary Day at "The Bridge" in Princeton. They minister the first 30 minutes - AMAZING!!! Loved it!! This is a first peak at some new songs that will be on the upcoming cd "Journey to the Secret Place". This is before BGV's and final mixing...so it just gets better from here! Can't wait to share all that God has done!!!! Watch and be blessed!!!

It is my heart's desire to glorify the Lord Most High this morning! I have got to encourage someone TODAY that God is faithful to every promise and true to His written and spoken word. What is it that you have been believing for? What vision has He given you that you have yet to see come to pass? Let me have the divine privilege today to encourage you and testify about the goodness of our Lord!

For those that are not aware, let me just recap my testimony a bit...

A year and a half ago, God directed me to leave my place of comfort and provision (meaning my job) to come home and prepare for full time ministry. I was given the blessing of enjoying my children and family in a new way and also granted the time to dig into His word as never before.

This was a GIANT step of faith since we were not financially prepared to become a one income home. But my husband and I agreed that if God said it, He would provide for us...He IS Jehova Jireh.

Many times along the way, I would wonder if we were in God's will. It is in the times of waiting that our faith is proven. Not only has God provided for us in amazing ways financially, but we have grown as a family in our faith and trust in God. Everything He has spoken to me is happening right now.

In October, I became part of Minister Judy Jacob's International Institute of Mentoring. Since that time, the Lord has done such a work within me. Layer after layer of bondages and misconceptions about myself have been removed. I feel more free than I ever have. At the last quarterly meeting, one of my mentors, Lisa Potter, prophetically declared "Venus is Dawning". For those who do not know, Dawn is my middle name. I had no idea the truth in what she was saying at that moment!!!

After returning home from that trip, I entered a season of spiritual battle as I had never experienced before. I describe it now as battling a spirit of lack. First it was my finances - thinking I didn't have enough to do what God was asking, then not enough support or affirmation from those around me, then thinking I didn't have enough talent or ability within myself. The last battle was my faith - did I really have enough to believe God could do ALL that He said He would do through this venture???

I am declaring this day - I DO HAVE ENOUGH!!! In every area because HE IS EL ELYON, GOD MOST HIGH! When I finally got the reality that God is MY SOURCE, in every area, that devil of lack was defeated. And my how God has moved since then!

John Waller has a song from his new cd called "Faith Is Living" that could honestly be my theme song for this last year and a half. Each step that I have taken in faith, God has provided me with every necessary resource and strength!

To God be ALL the glory! Please remember, God is no respector of persons. Whatever He has spoken to you for your life CAN and WILL come to pass if you only believe!!!!

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” 2 Corinthians 4:8
As I write this today, I am torn between a broken heart in my flesh and a stirring in my spirit; having received news today that a precious teenager from our church family has just entered the Gates of Heaven. This news was a shock. Not because of the reports – doctors have been giving the worst prognosis for quite some time. But everything in my spirit was secure and resting in the knowledge that she was in God’s hands and that all of our prayers had already been answered. To the natural eye, this could not be further from the truth.

Immediately after hearing this news, disappointment and discouragement were knocking at the door, ready to be given permission to come in and set up camp. That’s when I remembered the words God has been speaking to me for weeks about the difference between these two enemy snares. I don’t know how many others are in need of hearing this important distinction, but if that could be you, please read ahead.

Let me start with a closer look at disappointment. For many of us today, this (in addition to grief) is where we are. Disappointment means our expectations were not fulfilled. It is defined as a hindrance or frustration of what we desire to see happen. In other words, what I had in my mind as an answer to those prayers did not seem to come to pass.

Now look at the definition of discouragement - to deprive of courage, hope or confidence; to depress the spirit. Can you see the danger in that definition? How much more damage it can do? Discouragement is not just a hindrance or roadblock as disappointment can be…it is straight from the enemy’s arsenal to steal, kill, and destroy the very spirit within you that causes you to move forward.

Disappointment, when handled correctly, will cause us to reevaluate our expectations. It is meant to be a brief pause in our forward motion and a possible redirection to reach our end goal. This is where the Spirit of the Lord was taking me in prayer this morning. Why did I think our prayers for Jennifer were not answered? What were those expectations that I thought would be fulfilled? I believed for her healing and the furtherance of her testimony in ministry.

That’s when God began to redirect my expectations and open my eyes to the truth in this verse. “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. Looking at the answers of our prayers for Jennifer through the eye of faith, we can see that she has received TOTAL HEALING in the presence of our God!

Also, her testimony and the souls she is winning for the Kingdom of God has only just begun!!! I just received word that our pastor and youth pastor were actually invited to the High School to speak to over 200 students in their time of grief over Jennifer’s passing. How often does that door of opportunity open to share the gospel on what the devil has claimed to be his own personal territory? The will of God has not changed. His purposes have not been thwarted. What the enemy meant to harm and discourage God’s people from continuing on in Jesus’ name, will only spread the fire of God even further.

My heart still hurts for the loss of one of God’s precious saints on this Earth. Our thoughts and prayers will continue for her family and friends that remain. God alone can provide the peace and comfort that they will need to get through this season of grief. At the same time, we must resist the enemy in his desire to make us doubt the very nature and goodness of our Lord. When we can’t understand the circumstances of what we are seeing, we have got to run straight to God for the answers.

Don’t ever let the roadblock of disappointment take you into the dead end of discouragement. Let the Master give you direction and lead you on a path less traveled – it is one that only He can guide you through. Keep it on autopilot all the way because this will be a trip that truly is beyond your own understanding. If you will allow Him to take you there, the view along the way will be most amazing – beyond what our natural eye can behold. The awesomeness of this journey will only be outshined by the glory of the destination just ahead.

“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
She will be forever precious in our memories – we will miss you Jennifer!!!!

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish….”
As I type the words, an image comes to mind – the blushing bride, a nervous groom. So excited about their future together. It’s everything she’s envisioned since she was a child. It’s everything he’s been warned about from “the guys” since he began dating …and yet here they are – getting ready for the big “c” …COMMITMENT! Ah yes, the one word that can make so many turn tail and run for their ever-loving, single lives!! :)

It’s a funny thought, but amazingly true. What is even more amazing to me is that God used this very analogy to bring home a very serious point to me recently – and it’s all about the “c” word.

So why the marriage vows? It’s the most present example we have to compare our commitment to Christ. There are many references to marriage in relation to our covenant with Christ in the Bible. When we receive His gift of salvation, we enter into a covenant where both parties are promising faithful commitment – marriage was the most logical way to bring these points to light.

Let’s revisit the vows from the beginning – to have and to hold. What does that really mean in practical terms? Definitions of the word hold include “to have a firm grasp on, to keep going, to continue.” Already, new revelation began to come from this thought of continuing. When we begin our commitment, it is with the understanding that it’s for keeps. Therefore, it makes total sense that the rest of the vows would continue to include the various ups and downs one might expect during a lifetime together – for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer…etc.

As I started to really meditate on those down times and how prevalent they are in many of my own prayers, I could feel myself growing very aware of His point in this lesson. We are often tempted to “opt out” of our covenant with God during these very times. When we can’t see the manifestation of the answers to our prayers, we can be tempted to forsake our own promise to remain faithful.

Because of our experiences with others in this fallen world, it’s easy to become jaded with the idea of faithfulness and commitment. The danger of this is that it can influence how we respond to God in our commitment to Him. We can’t see the end from the beginning and so when we grow weary in the waiting and our faith begins to weaken, we think we are forgotten.

In the midst of the darkness, the enemy begins to whisper ‘He has deserted you. He hasn’t heard your prayers. Neither does He consider your pain. If He had, surely you would be out of this by now. He hasn’t kept His part of the promise, so why should you? You were better off without Him.’ Sound familiar to anyone else? I feel despicable even typing the words. But, it’s time the devil was shamed in his place and exposed in the truth!

As God continued to reveal these truths, I cried out for forgiveness. But this revelation was not to bring condemnation – that is not in the nature of God toward His believers. Where He led me next in the word was proof. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” Hebrews 10:35.
I could hear so clearly in my Spirit after reading those words “Don’t give up on me! I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I am faithful that has made the promise! I am One that can be trusted. I work all things together for your good. My plans are to prosper you, not to harm you…to bring you to an expected end. Trust Me! Don’t quit!”
I was reminded once again of what seemed to be a most unfortunate timing of Jesus’ arrival at the tomb of Lazarus. Mary and Martha were understandably upset. Why did He not return at once upon the news of their brother’s illness? He was beyond help now. He had been in the tomb so long that there was even a stench! How and why could He let this happen?! That desperate and seemingly hopeless moment turned into one of the greatest, undeniable, God-could-only-do-this miracles of the whole bible.

How long do we have to wait? How far do we have to go? Praise God that only He knows and that He will not allow us to go even one step beyond that point! Only believe. Believe that He is the good husband! Believe that He is the faithful one! Believe that this too, will one day be one of your greatest testimonies.

Trust God. Read His word and let Him remind you of His faithfulness. Just a few of the promises He makes to each of His children include love (Romans 8:38), healing (1 Peter 2:24), provision (Phil 4:19), eternal life (John 3:16), and protection (Isaiah 43:2). Even when we can’t understand what is happening in the moment, God does! We cannot allow the enemy to convince us otherwise.

If you keep holding on, you will find that He won’t let you down.

Powerful description of biblical prophecy in relation to 9/11. A must see for all Americans to understand where we are at in terms of judgement from God.

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36
Is anyone else still just reeling in shock from last night's election??? It was so hard for me to accept that there were that many people completely blind and unconcerned for what Senator Obama represents concerning our faith and values. My husband summed it up when I commented on how so much of our nation can be unaware...he said "everyone is worried about the money". Sad, but true.

Someone promises change and a better financial future and he has them jumping up and down celebrating; but at what cost? The answer is the loss of a nation commited to the word of God. I was reading an article this morning that brought this very thing to mind...

Prior to World War I we had a group of intellectuals in England called Fabian Socialists. The red bearded man who gave us plays like Pygmalion and My fair lady, George Bernard Shaw, was one of the super intellectuals. Those men did not talk about redemption, they did not talk about sin, they were just rationalists, they were just humanists. Away back in 1912, two years before the 1914 war, H. G. Wells said, "It is possible for us to have a new race of people by intellectual and biological processes. We don't need the Bible, we don't need the church, we can pull down the hills of wealth, we can fill up the valleys of poverty."
He didn't talk about sin and redemption and wickedness.
He talked about the adequacy of materialism.
He talked about the inevitability of progress.
He talked about the sufficiency of man.
They were going to bring in a new millennium by their own genius. And then a shadow came over the sky. We had the 1914-18 war. And at the end, H. G. Wells and the gang were not so sure about things.

In 1939 came the 2nd World War. Well, H. G. Wells had written his outline of history, but the last book he wrote, in the middle of World War II, was not this rosy optimism. His last book was Mind at the end of it's Tether. And he said, "There is no hope for humanity." And he said one more sensible thing, "There is a little cavity somewhere in the human breast which can be filled by God and only by God."

Copyright (C) 1994 by Leonard Ravenhill, Lindale Texas - http://www.ravenhill.org/
Eventually our nation will wake up to the same realization, but at what cost?? What must we endure first before blinded eyes can be opened???

Scriptures of judgement and repentance keep whirling through my mind. My desperate prayer now is "God, what would you have your children do now??? How are we to respond with our nation in such peril and moral depravation???"

I believe our answer lies in Joel 2:12-17

12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
Now is the time for the church to awaken and press in as never before! I will be the first to admit failure in not praying hard and long enough before reaching this point. I naively believed that all would work out for the best - resting on, among other things,
prophetic promises circulating through email concerning Sarah Palin
as our generation's Esther. But the hard lesson for me in this is that God called His people to fast and pray for a reason - we do have a responsibility to do our part (ALL OF IT) before He will respond...

"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
May each one of us respond to the clarion call of the heavenlies to
awaken and arise...to be the spotless church and give Him no rest in pleading for the mercy and forgiveness of our fallen nation. The time is coming that we will no longer have this privilege - our
children and their futures are depending on us!!!

“He removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made... He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.” 2 Kings 18:4-5
Are you desiring to go to a new level with God? Has your walk and prayer life seemed to plateau without the full manifestations that you know our mighty God is capable of??? It may be a question of God’s timing in your prayers. It could be that certain desires are not part of God's will for you…or, it may be that there are some “high places” in your life that the Lord is requiring you to remove.

What is a “high place”? In the Old Testament, the high places were described as altars that the children of Israel had set up to worship other idols. In our society, particularly as Christians, we are quick to say that we have no other Gods before Him…but let’s remember that an idol is anything that has been placed in priority over God. It can be anything from relationships, to money, a job, even personal goals in ministry…anything that has gotten out of balance in our lives that has become more important to us than God and His will for our lives.

The verses above describing King Hezekiah remind me that it is not enough to continue doing good if we allow the high places to remain. That is what set him apart in scripture. There were many kings described as doing good in the sight of the Lord. But what set this king apart was his attention to the high places that none before him would dare tackle.

The high places in our lives may not be as easy to identify as the bloodied altars in Hezekiah’s day, but they are still as real and just as important to remove. When something takes an idol position in our lives, it hinders our relationship with God and His ability to flow through us in ministering to others.

“Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that it cannot hear, but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2
We serve an awesome, mighty, powerful God. No one that knows Him has any doubt about that. I was commenting to a friend the other day that knowing this to be true, and seeing a lack of the miracles of God and what we know He is capable of, makes me wonder where we, as a church body are falling short. This verse in Isaiah reminds me, it can never be that God has been limited in His abilities…the fault and limitations reside in us.

What I find so revealing about the high places in Hezekiah’s day was the fact that we know God could have sent fire from heaven destroying every one of those altars in the blink of an eye. But that was not His desire. Yes, He wanted them removed, but His true desire and what He waited to see was a man of God to rise up and take the authority that he had been given to tear down those high places.

We have been given the authority through Jesus Christ to do them same in our lives! “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Let us each examine our lives and prayerfully ask “Lord, are there any high places in my life that need removed? Have I allowed anything to take priority over you and our relationship? Reveal to me any area that is out of balance and help me to tear it down from an idol position with the authority given to me through Jesus Christ!”

I believe the Lord’s true desire is to see each of us live the full life that He died for us to have…fulfilling our destiny in Christ COMPLETELY! Let us continue on with our full focus on God, reaching each new level avoiding the pitfalls of the high places!

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31- 32
How many times have you felt like your faith had failed when you began to experience doubt or even personal failure? That is the enemy’s plan to have each of us believe the battle is over when in fact it is just beginning.

In this passage of scripture, Jesus is speaking to Simon Peter – foretelling Peter’s denial of Christ. This scripture takes on new meaning to me now as I examine it through the eyes of one whose faith has recently been tested. As Christians, we want to believe and speak positively about our situation. But sometimes, it is so contrary to what is going on in reality or even in our own mind that it seems we are falling short somewhere, at least that’s how I had begun to feel.

As I went back to this scripture recently, I was encouraged to see that Peter’s failure in denying Christ was NOT the demise of his faith. It was at that very point that Jesus knew he would need his faith the most – He KNEW what Peter would do and so He prayed that his faith would remain DESPITE the testing.

I was given victory in this area recently when a new friend spoke the most profound words to me. Pastor Denis Odhiambo and his family were visiting our area a couple of weeks ago and my husband and I had the awesome privilege of spending an evening with them. We were not only blessed by their wonderful company and the beauty of their countenance in Christ, but Pastor Denis and his wife really ministered to my spirit with their words of wisdom.

When I began to tell them how I’ve struggled recently with issues of doubt, Pastor Denis said this “Faith is not the absence of doubt any more than peace is the absence of crisis. It is in the FACE OF DOUBT that faith is revealed.” How awesome. I could feel the chains of condemnation lifting even as he spoke those words! An enemy plot was thwarted right there!

Since then, I can’t get away from that truth. How many others are dealing with the same issues? I feel as Peter, that I have now returned and desire to strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Maybe you have felt the same way before…you may be experiencing the struggle of doubt right now. If you are, take courage! You HAVE been dealt a measure of faith – it is promised in His word (Romans 12:3). Yes! We will be tested…and yes, at times we will even fall short of our own expectations, but it is at this point that our faith is needed the most. Don’t allow Satan to convince you it is gone when you are the most vulnerable. Faith is the very weapon God instructs us to use as our shield to quench all of Satan’s fiery darts (Eph 6:16).

As Paul spoke to the church of Corinth “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage, be strong.” 1 Cor 16:13.
Don’t stop fighting that good fight of faith!

Most of us are comfortable with the fact of knowing that God loves us. But many times, we fail to let that permeate in our beings and realize that each of us is so valuable and precious to the King….yes, that means you!!!! What is considered valuable and how does that relate to value in God’s eyes?

Rare or Unique “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
One-of-a-kind is about the most valuable term you could use in describing something of worth in this world. The fewer there are like it, the more valuable it is to the collector.

Each one of us was designed with a specific purpose and calling. Yes, we are all DIFFERENT. And, we are all sanctified and ordained before birth. He knew your purpose before He even formed you in your mother’s womb. It was a purpose specifically designed for you to fulfill. We are most valuable to God when we are fulfilling our own unique calling.

Stop thinking someone else is already doing what you can and may be doing it better – you are designed to accomplish something very important!!! That’s why you’re here. Others may have a similar portion, but they are not the same! You alone are created and designed for YOUR part!!!

Who Made it/ Designer Label “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14
We all know that in this world, value is closely associated to the name on the label. Whether we are speaking of clothing, cars, electronics etc. it all comes down to the maker. That is GREAT news to the Christian!!! Can you even imagine a more exclusive designer than the very maker of the heavens and the earth! The Alpha and Omega! He is YOUR DESIGNER!!!

In terms of clothing and such, we identify an item with the maker by a type of branding or logo. We have a similar way to be identified by others and also by the enemy of this world. When your life has been redeemed by Jesus Christ, you are covered by His blood. The enemy can look right at you and have to see you through the blood - you are branded as God’s own child. His precious blood washes you clean and protects you from Satan’s hold.

You also receive another valuable branding by the Holy Spirit when you begin to operate in your calling under His obedience – it is the anointing. The word anoint comes from the Hebrew word Mashach which means to rub or smear over (as with oil). That is an awesome visual – the Holy Spirit himself is smeared or rubbed over you when you are operating in that anointing! That makes you so valuable to the Kingdom of God because it brings you from a place of defense over to offense! You are now an actual threat to the very schemes of satan when you are anointed by God and walking in your divine purpose!

Pure or Genuine “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord..” Malachi 3:3-4
This is one of the most exciting comparisons for me to share with you. Think about gold and the value that it has. It is considered more valuable if it is refined. We can look at that refining process and see what the Lord is doing in our own lives.

In order for gold to be purified, it must be put into the fire. Impurities then rise to the surface and must be wiped clean. This process is repeated with greater intensity and temperature until the gold is found to be pure.

So many times we feel that the fires or trials that we go through make us damaged or ugly to others, or more importantly to God. But the truth of it is, that through the trials, God gets all the impure or ungodly attitudes out of us. They rise to the surface, which can scare us, but then He takes us and wipes us clean.

If the impurities are not removed from the gold, it will begin to decay inside and leave empty places. This leaves the gold vulnerable and fragile. In the same way, once the fleshy traits and tendencies have been burned out of us through the fiery trial, it makes way for God to fill us with a weightier and more pure substance. We become stronger and more valuable through it.

Know this, that every fire and trial you are going through has been approved or ordered only to bring you to a place of more value or worth with your creator. Though it feels like it is killing all that is in you, it is only the parts that need to die. What will remain will be made even more precious and beautiful. There’s also no need to feel shame when those things come to the surface – God already knew they were there! He loves and values you so much that He desires to see you become all that He knows you can be.

Why is understanding this so important? To remind you and encourage you that you are created for such a time as this! You ARE meant to be here! There is a great and mighty plan in place for you. Don’t give up! Don’t let the enemy talk you out of fulfilling YOUR part. You are so precious in the eyes of God. Allow Him to show you just how much and let that encourage you to boldly take on the enemy and fight that good fight of faith!

And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made; And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth; then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her unto him into the ark. Genesis 8:6-9
Which one of those birds do you feel most like at this moment? Do you feel as though you have been flying in circles exhausting your own efforts and energy or do you have confidence in returning to where your peace lies, as the dove?

As I read this passage recently, I began to see how we all identify with both of these birds. Each person that is saved possesses two natures – the sinful man (our flesh) and the spirit man. Our flesh is represented here as the raven that says ‘I can find my own way’ and as a result, stays in a busy state of confusion and exhaustion. The Holy Spirit within us is the dove – knowing just where to return for restoration.

Can you imagine how tired and hungry you would be after flying around continually during a flood with no place to rest your feet? That is precisely the enemy’s plan. Keep them busy and spiritually starved – no time for true, intimate fellowship with the Lord. Ever heard this acronym BUSY= Being Under Satan’s Yoke? It’s disturbing…and accurate.

It is wisdom to return to God and foolish to think we can make it without Him. It was a harsh realization for me to see that by not turning to Him in prayer regularly for counsel and restoration, I was effectively saying as the raven “I can make it on my own”.

Following our flesh and neglecting our necessary time with the Lord leads us down a never-ending path of unrest with nothing real to show for it. Trust me when I say busyness will never end. The enemy will never allow you time to commune with the Father until you demand it. It has to be a purposeful and determined action on your part.

Just as the dove instinctively knows the way to rest is to return to the master, our spirit within us knows that rest for our souls is found in our time with the Lord. We must make it a priority to spend daily time with the Lord…and wisdom says do it EARLY. Before the busyness of the day prevents it from happening.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Proverbs 8:34
I know it seems that sometimes we just don’t have time to pray, but that is exactly what the devil wants you to think. The truth is we can’t afford not to take the time to seek the Lord. It is the only way to find rest and direction for our every day. When King Jeroboam lifted up golden calves for the children of Israel to worship instead of the one true God, it was under the guise of convenience.

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, it is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 1 Kings 12:28
What idols have been erected in your life to take the place of God’s own time? It is a serious question and one that is hard to ask ourselves. But I ask this only because I feel it pressing so urgently in my Spirit. Our Lord is a jealous God and He desires His rightful time from each of us.

Our busyness has become an excuse to keep us from our time with God when really it is just a sign of how much we need Him. God desires to give us order for our lives and instruct us in how to spend our time.

I implore you today – if you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted in your own efforts, return to the master and allow Him to restore your soul.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28

“Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” John 20:29
As I write this, it is Saturday morning, the day before Easter. As I woke this morning, I began to think about all that the word of God describes of this glorious time. Good Friday we remember the events bringing Jesus to the cross and then His predicted death. Tomorrow we joyously celebrate the victory of His resurrection. But what of today? What were the events written of the second day?

The fact is, there was NOT much written about this day. It was not the detailed day of death upon the cross, nor the day of victorious resurrection. It was as most days are to us in our Christian walk now – a day (or season)of faith. Faith is described in the Bible as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1. We spend most of our time in this “second day”.

Something has happened to place us in our second day. There has been an event, a promise, a diagnosis - something has brought us into this area of hope and waiting. For some, it has been a devastating first day - one that can only be understood and comforted by the word and promises of God. For others, it is a purpose that has yet to be fulfilled. There are times that the promise comes quickly. But for most, it is a time of waiting and testing. This is the time that our faith is developed. This was new for the disciples. Jesus was not there with them on that second day to remind them of the hope and promise of the resurrection.

What is most interesting to me is that the only recorded events from the Saturday (or Sabbath) in between is actually about the Pharisees and not the disciples.

“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, After three days I will rise again. So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.” Matthew 27:62-66
The only people that the Word of God mentions actually standing and acting upon the promises that Jesus had made were the ones that crucified Him! You’d better believe that the enemy knows assuredly what God has promised you in His word. And just like these Pharisees, he will do whatever he can to try and secure that knowledge and truth from transpiring in your life. He will try to sow doubt, unbelief, and fear -anything to keep you from realizing your promise.

We are more fortunate than the disciples in that we not only have the testimony of the third day to encourage us, but we also have the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us to remind us and strengthen us as we wait. Think of this day and how there is no doubt in your mind that you will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus tomorrow! Now use that same confidence and declare to your situation that your third day is coming!!! The promises of God are yes and amen!!! I don’t believe it to be a coincidence that the second day in history was the Sabbath day – ordained by God to be a day of rest. Enjoy the rest of God as you await your promise with an unshakable faith and uncompromising peace.

“And looking at them, Jesus said to them, ‘With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Have you ever doubted what God has asked you to do, or promised to do through you? Ever felt inadequate, undeserving, unqualified, overwhelmed? I believe we have all felt that way, at one time or another. It is for this reason that I identify so strongly with Moses and his development through the story of Exodus.

God chose Moses – set him apart from the very beginning by protecting him through the King’s order to have every male Hebrew child killed. Not only saved him, but placed him in the Pharaoh’s own home! Already we see protection, provision, and favor. I believe that in some way, even Moses had to realize he was special.

But then we see Moses behave in such an unexpected way for one who is chosen of God. He commits a murder and tries to hide it to protect a fellow Hebrew. Then he runs away in fear. This, we would assume would be the end of His story. He blew it! No way could God use someone that would do this!!! Not so…even AFTER this, God appeared to him to call him to service.

I love that even in his calling, it is a fleshly nature that God used to get his attention. Moses was curious (that’s the word I use when people try to call me nosy). “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, ‘ I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’” Exodus 3:2,3
Then God audibly speaks to Moses. He tells him that He has heard the cry of the Israelites and will deliver them from Egypt….through Moses. He even gives Moses great detail explaining how He will use him and what He will do. But this is the series of questions Moses asks of the creator of the heavens and the earth - “Who am I?” (Ex 3:11), “What shall I say?” (Ex 3:13), “What if they don’t believe me?” (Ex 4:1). To each question, the Lord answers him and tries to get Moses to take his focus off of himself and see that God is the One that will deliver, He will fill his mouth, it is God that he should trust in.

God then tries to visually show Moses that He can operate beyond the realms of this physical world. He instructs Moses to throw down the staff in his hand. It turns to a serpent. Now remember, God has told Moses to do this. He has been there the whole time… he knew there was no crafty switcheroo or smoke and mirrors. He had to know this was a work of the Lord. And yet….”Moses fled from it” (Ex 4:1-3). God instructs him to grab it by the tail and it turns back to a staff. He then shows Moses another visual miracle (Ex 4:6,7).

Moses responds to this with another excuse saying the he is slow in speech and tongue. But God says “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say” Ex 4:11,12. That is a great answer, I think! How could you even argue with that? But still Moses asks God to send someone else.

It is at this point that we see even God is upset by Moses’ lack of faith. “the anger of the Lord burned against Moses” Ex 4:14 But here’s what’s great – even though God was upset and disappointed that Moses didn’t trust Him, he didn’t change His mind about using Moses. He then just worked with him to get Moses where he needed to be. He allowed Aaron to go with him to be his speaker until Moses became confident enough in his own ability to be used by God.

At first, Aaron is the one that speaks to Pharaoh and even performs the miracles that God instructs. But as the story continues, we begin to see Moses grow in faith and confidence and begin speaking to Pharaoh himself. After that, God says “Take for yourselves handfuls of soot from a kiln, and let Moses throw it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh” Ex 9:8. He gives Moses another chance to step into the role God had preserved him for. From that point on, God is speaking directly to Moses and allowing him to perform the miracles before Pharaoh and the Israelites.

Doesn’t that just encourage you to know that God will work WITH you to move you into the purpose that He has prepared for you? He will patiently answer your questions and give you confirmations to remove your doubts. He will even give you a crutch now and then to help you gain your confidence and strength.

But here’s the key….we must be confident in God’s ability; it has so little to do with us and what we are capable of within ourselves. When we are completely willing, God is completely able to use us. When we doubt what God is asking us to do, it may seem like it is a lack of confidence in ourselves, but in truth, we are doubting God’s supreme abilities. I believe that is the real reason that God became angry with Moses.

If you’re like me, this is revelation. How could we possibly doubt that God could do ANYTHING? The next time the enemy tries to get you to shift the focus on you and your own limitations, just remember God’s response to Moses – trust ME, it is I that will work through you, look to ME! Let go of your insecurities and let God work mightily through your submission. You’ll both be glad you did!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
I love the NKJ version of this verse because it says the devil "is seeking whom he MAY devour”. He’s not allowed to have just whomever he pleases. If he had his way, we’d all be taken to the pits of hell with him. We have to actually allow it. Why or how would we ever do that???? By dropping our guard.

Our entire society today is aimed at making us more comfortable in every respect. The American Dream, as many identify it, is built around a plan of working endlessly to attain the riches and luxuries of today. We have every modern convenience possible and less time every day for the Lord. There is a continued lack of discipline breeding from this pampered mindset. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate running water, electricity, and fast internet hookup just as much as the next gal!!!! But, we must allow the Spirit of the Lord to awaken us to the fact that the devil is lulling us to sleep in our comfort, so that he may devour us!!!

The word vigilant comes from the Greek word, gregorio, which means “to stay awake, be watchful, to be in constant readiness, be on the alert”. This is the exact opposite stance we have when settling down in comfort mode. To be comfortable means to be content, satisfied. These are not seemingly bad qualities until we see the definition of content – “satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else” . This is the description of someone in a holding mode with no plans for improvement. You’re not alert, not striving, not in active motion at all. In the devil’s eyes, that’s called a sitting duck! And that’s not what Christ has called us to be.

Paul said I “press toward the mark” (Phil 3:14). That statement indicates active forward motion – one that should never end. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6) If God, the author and finisher of our faith plans to never stop His good work in us, we shouldn’t give up on our part either!

There is no good or safe place to pull off to the side of the road on this journey. As much as we’d like to at times. Our adversary is waiting for just that opportunity – don’t give it to him! We need to learn to enjoy the rest of God while continuing to remain alert to the devil’s schemes. Part of that is realizing that we really don’t always have to be comfortable in everything that God asks us to do. “If it hurts, it must be from the evil one” our flesh will scream out at times. I know, I’ve said it myself. But labor hurts!!! A lot!!!!! And yet, I have had no greater joy in my life than holding my newborn babies in my arms. Our greatest breakthroughs will often require the greatest effort.

For the longest time, I couldn’t understand how immediately following a new vision or instruction from the Lord, I would have this overwhelming sense of exhaustion. “I’m too tired to take something like that on right now. I’m fine where I’m at.” If you have felt this way, please know that it is an attack. Remind your flesh that the joy of the Lord is your strength and that you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!

Consider this a wake up call! Resist that urge to hit the snooze…..


"content." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 04 Feb. 2008. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/content>.

“Saying touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chr 16:22
After arriving at the island of Malta, the apostle Paul was adding wood to a campfire when he was bitten on the arm by a venomous viper. But the Lord is faithful to His word – the word says “He shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm” Acts 28:5
Now, if you’re like me and suffer from a severe phobia of the slithering kind, our carnal minds would have us believe that being bitten by a viper IS considered suffering harm! But, praise the Lord, we are not slaves to the mind of our flesh. If you continue reading, you’ll see that Paul was able to continue his ministry and suffered no ill effects from the bite.

This spoke volumes to me today, as I am still in prayer about a number of fresh “bites” in the body of Christ (local and afar). Why would God’s children suffer from affliction and persecution when we know He is true to His word? It’s all about the end result. “God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
When we live a life submitted to God and obey His word, we can trust that no matter what the circumstances may look like, it will work out for the good and therefore no real harm will be suffered. We also know that He will not put more on us than we can bear. (1 Cor 10:13)

Two scriptures from the book of John speak about the importance of the end result. In the first, the disciples had brought a blind man to Jesus and asked Him who had sinned – the boy or his parents, that he would be born blind. “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:3 This seemingly tragic situation was turned around to become one of the miracles of Christ’s ministry on earth. The end result was salvation, not just for this man, but for many others who would later read this testimony.

Two chapters later, a friend of Jesus has just died despite the requests of Mary and Martha that He return to heal their brother, Lazarus. How could this happen? How could He delay His return and not heal the man that the bible describes as the “one He loved”? Jesus said “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4 No one could deny the miracle, or fail to glorify God alone, when after four days, Lazarus was raised from the dead at Jesus' command! The situation had to be extremely dire before the awesomeness of His mighty power could be displayed.

We must endure the hard times with faith and trust that in the end, we will suffer no harm. As long as God is glorified in the overcoming, the fight (and the bite) is worth it.

“Then the Lord replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3
What is your vision? What has God spoken into your Spirit and divinely revealed to you? Maybe it’s a commission; a new work that He has for you to do for the kingdom. It could be a promise that He has made to you about your family or a loved one….something that you have been waiting upon for a while now.

This scripture is an instruction for us about how to proceed with our vision. Write it down! Make it plain. When time passes and you are waiting for this promise to come into fruition, you need to be able to come back and be reminded with certainty what the Lord has spoken to you. Read it every day if you have to, but don’t give up and don’t forget. God’s promises are yes and amen!!! It may not happen when you think it will, but if God has spoken it, rest assured, it WILL HAPPEN!!!

God’s word tells us that “without vision, my people perish”. It’s so important that we have a goal and a mission that we are working towards. He knows our needs and is faithful to give us that hope to work toward. He is a God of abounding hope!

As you begin this new year, I encourage you to spend time in prayer and ask God to remind you of your vision – your divine purpose. What is it that He would have you work toward this year? Then write it down! Even share it with others. It is a statement of faith. It is also a way to have others encourage you and pray with you during times of testing. And when the glorious day comes and your vision has been fulfilled, God Almighty is glorified before all! Hallelujah!

I’ll even share mine with each of you. God has commissioned me to spread the gospel through song and word to many nations. I count it a privilege to carry the responsibility and will not take it lightly. Though times it seems so far away and I cannot see how or when, I know that He has spoken this and will bring me to where I need to be to fulfill this purpose. There is power and victory even in writing the words! It’s a bold statement, but I serve a mighty God!!!! And so do you! Shout it out! Trust Him! Believe Him! Stand firm In His promises!!!!

I pray you each have a blessed new year that is filled with purpose and passionate vision to increase the Kingdom of God! Glorify Him in all that you do!!!

“His mother said to the servants, “whatever He says to you, do it” John 2:5
What a great statement of faith! This was the instruction that Jesus’ mother gave to the disciples after she had informed Him that there was no more wine at the wedding feast. She didn’t know how He would help, but she knew that He would. She also understood something that we would come to learn – we must be active in receiving our miracle!

This was the first miracle that Jesus performed. How awesome that He used that opportunity to establish a pattern with the disciples that we would need to follow today.

“Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him.” John 2:7-8
He gave them instruction and they were required to respond at that moment! There was no explanation or indication at that time of how this would help. But they trusted and obeyed. They didn’t stop to consider consequences or what would happen to them if the water didn't change. We see no scriptures telling us that they feared their own reputation. How awesome that they responded immediately and did not miss their moment! It was Jesus that supernaturally turned the water into wine, but it took the obedient act of faith on behalf of the disciples before the miracle was seen.

We see the same situation in feeding the multitudes with just a few loaves of bread and fish. Jesus took the food and blessed it and then He gave it to the disciples to feed the people and the need was met in abundance. He wants us to be involved in obtaining our blessings.

What miracle are you expecting from God? A divine healing? Salvation for a loved one? Deliverance from bondages? These are true miracle requests in the making. A miracle by definition is “an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.” In other words – only God!!!

In our minds, we would expect something so awesome to require a grand participation on our parts, if we are to be involved at all. But, sometimes it will be a simple act of faith – something so small as filling a waterpot, casting your net to the other side of the boat… What we must remember is that in God’s hands, EVERYTHING can be grand. What is required from us above all is obedience and faith.

We don’t have to know how it’s going to happen or even when. We just need to remember Mary’s instruction. First take it to Jesus in faith. And then, whatever He tells you to do….JUST DO IT!!!!

“You are presenting defiled food upon my altar.” Malachi 1:7
What is it about fast food that is so enticing? We know before we eat it that the nutritional value is low and the caloric intake is high. Many times it’s not even that appealing, but we continue to consume it at alarming rates across the world. A 2004 study published in the Pediatric Journal estimates that fast food consumption among children has increased by 500% since 1970.

The answer is instant gratification – we’re becoming more familiar with the term everyday. We don’t want to wait for the hunger pains to be satisfied. We’re hungry and we want it now! Fast food is also cheap. Unfortunately, the cost of eating fast food is less expensive than preparing a nutritional meal at home. The scary truth is, this quick and easy approach is creeping into more areas than just our eating habits.

Have we treated our time with God in the same manner? Do we set apart precious time with Him as a priority? Do we allow ourselves the luxury of waiting in His presence? Or have our times of prayer been multi-tasked into convenient parts of our day. Is it only while we’re driving, folding laundry, going about our day that we try to communicate with God? The sad answer for too many of us is YES.

I know because I speak from experience. I also speak from concern in my Spirit to herald this danger to others. God is crying out to us to return to our first love. Make your time with Him a top priority once again. Make it mean something. David said in 2 Samuel 24:24 “I will not offer unto the Lord that which costs me nothing”.

God does not want our junk time. Yes, He wants us to be in constant communication with Him throughout the day, but He also wants His time. A set apart time that is His alone – that’s what constitutes a sacrifice. Are you giving up anything for God in your day? Any of your free time – a favorite tv show, missing a few chapters of the latest novel, a chunk of time reserved for sleep? If you are not, your offering has become defiled before the Lord. God is Holy – He deserves a Holy sacrifice and pure time of worship.

I cannot describe with words the joys that await you as you renew your relationship with God in this way. God is waiting to speak to you – REALLY speak to you. If you want to experience the abundant life that He has in store for you, I can tell you that it must begin here. It will require some time and discipline, but what on Earth could be more valuable than our time with God? The answer should be nothing. Present unto God the most precious time that you have. As you give God your best, know that He will withhold no good thing from you. Now that’s something worth waiting for!

How strong is your desire to grow in God? A recent decision in my own personal life has prompted me to ponder this thought of “strengthening our faith”. A friend reminded me of the importance of exercising our faith to achieve growth. The correlations between these topics of physical exercise and spiritual growth are awesome.

That term resistance kept coming to me. And so, being the inquisitive person that I am, I went to one of my favorite online sources – Wikipedia and looked it up. This is great…

Resistance training is a form of strength training in which each effort is performed against a specific opposing force generated by resistance (i.e. resistance to being pushed, squeezed, stretched or bent). Properly performed, resistance training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being.
The goal of resistance training, according to the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), is to "gradually and progressively overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets stronger."*
Is your Spirit man encouraged yet? If not, read the following verses and ponder for a moment…

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” James 1:2-3
People who are serious about strength training will pay high dollar for an experienced trainer. This person’s job is to examine your physical body to determine specific points of weakness to work on. Their job is also to develop a routine of exercises that will develop these areas to an optimal level without pushing you over the edge or harming you in some way.

Now get this – the Holy Spirit is our personal trainer!!! He knows the areas in which we are in need of strengthening. He also knows exactly how much we can take. He knows our limits better than we do. Many times, we can go much further than we think we can. God understands that and will push us to “feel the burn” many times. Another interesting analogy is that a true workout is only productive after we begin to feel that burn. Everything else is used just to get the muscles warmed up and ready.

Note the part of the explanation where it says “specific opposing force”. God knows specifically which areas we are in need of strengthening. Each trial has been approved with that very need in mind. But remember also that He has promised not to put more on us than we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

My favorite new movie is “Facing the Giants”** . One of the best scenes in it is referred to as “the death crawl scene”. For those of you who have not seen the movie yet, the Giants high school football team coach is trying to teach the players that they are capable of more than their thoughts will allow. To illustrate this point, he blindfolds one of the players and gets him to carry another teammate across the entire football field on his back. In the young man’s mind, he thought he would only be able to make it a short distance. But, at the coach’s urging, he proceeded to far surpass that limit.

We can seriously underestimate our own limitations and more importantly, God’s abilities through us. The greatest line in that movie for me is where the coach tells the players to “leave it all on the field”. I joke with my son in saying that now, but what an awesome statement. Why not live our lives with that in mind? What are we conserving all of our energy and gifts for anyway? We sure can’t take them with us. We have been given a limited time on Earth for a reason. Let’s dig in and press on with all we’ve got! Let’s leave it all on the field!!!

* Resistance training. (2007, September 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:40, October 18, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Resistance_training&oldid=156957867
**Facing The Giants 2006. Produced by Stephen & Alex Kendrick, Directed by Alex Kendrick, 112 min, Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. 1Peter 5:8 Amplified Bible
If water is to be compared to God’s Holy Spirit, then how can that ever be a bad thing? The answer is found in examining one principal – balance. Two types of situations come to mind for water problems – stagnation and flooding.

The first may be easier to recognize. To become stagnant with God’s Spirit is what happens when we continually receive from God, but never release it into anyone else’s life. The power of God was never intended to stop with any one of us. All that has been freely given to each of us is meant to be reinvested in someone else. That’s what is so beautiful about the imagery of living, flowing, rivers of life. Ever moving and changing whatever is in its path – cleansing, refining, shaping.

I heard a wonderful comparison of two lakes in Israel – one full of numerous marine life and lush vegetation surrounding its shores. The other is a place of desolation with no life inside or out. The first is The Sea Of Galilee, the other is appropriately named The Dead Sea. The defining difference in these two lakes is that one continues to redistribute the waters and the other keeps it all to itself.

The Sea of Galilee pours out its water to many other sources including the Jordan River. But, the Dead Sea releases nothing – the salty and mineral concentration becomes so great that nothing can live or even swim in it. What God pours into us, is so powerful that it is intended to be shared rather than remain within us to become pooled up and contaminated with our own thoughts and imperfections.

The flood was harder, for me at least, to recognize. It began to come into focus while studying in 2 Samuel a few weeks ago.

Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, "Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins." So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Then Abner said to him, "Go back home!" So he went back. 2 Samuel 3:14-16
At this time, Saul had been killed and David was anointed as King. He had married several times and had many children. So why did he call for Michal to be returned to him? From these verses, we see that she had remarried and was with someone who truly valued her – her husband Paltiel wept and followed her until Abner made him return home. I have to say, this was a new look at David and Michal for me.

Up until now, I have seen Michal as this bitter woman, unresponsive to the moving of the Holy Spirit. (2 Sam 6:16-23). But, right here is the answer for the cause of her bitterness. David had been so focused on his work for the Lord that he was completely blind to the needs and feelings of those in his own family. Michal had been forcibly removed from a home where she was loved and valued only to be returned to David as though a piece of owned property. David wanted her back simply because he thought she was his.

I am not trying to scorn the amazing life that David led for God. He was a man after God’s own heart. But in that passion to serve God, he broke the heart and spirit of those closest to him. We later see that his own children grew bitter to him as well.

This should be a reminder to us that in all things, even serving God, it is important to have balance. Our children, spouses, friends, church family, all those that God has entrusted to us must be considered and valued as the true blessings they are.

It’s not the actual water from the flood that is so damaging – it’s the amount and shear force of it. When we allow our desire to serve God get so great that it pushes through our families and lives without regard to anything else, that’s when we see damage.

In each endeavor, we need to take a good look at the people around us and make sure we are meeting their needs as well. God’s promises and purposes are for our own good and for the good of those around us. Don’t keep it all to yourself and don’t drown those around you in it. As in all things, God can help us find the right balance.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
I know what you’re thinking. Five smooth stones… I thought this would be a devotional from 1 Samuel about David. Well, it still is…..

I have often wondered – why five stones? David obviously had an abundance of faith. He believed God would help him defeat Goliath. Didn’t he think one was enough? I’ve heard theories offered up about the other giants and brothers of Goliath; that he intended to defeat them with the other stones. That is entirely possible. But in reading this verse from James recently, it brought David to mind.

This verse is about purpose and persistence in our prayers and in our faith. Both are required to “availeth much”. Whether David intended to use one or all of the stones on Goliath, we have good reason to believe that he knew his purpose and was confident about his victory. To say that David only needed one stone or that we only need one prayer is contrary to the teaching in this verse from the book of James.

When we pray in faith believing that we have already received what we are asking for, why continue? Persistence strengthens our faith, our character, and our witness. If we received everything instantly upon praying we would become as spoiled children. But when we continue to press in, believing God despite our circumstances, we are saying “I still trust you! I’m still believing! You are my God and are faithful to answer me!” The world can’t understand this type of faith. But, God does and He is well-pleased!

Immediately after rejecting the un-tested armor that King Saul had tried to put on David, 1 Samuel 17:40 says “Then he took his staff in his hand and choose for himself five smooth stones from the brook”. He chose them. This is significant in our instruction for ‘effective’ prayer. He didn’t just clamor around picking up the first weapon he found. He also didn’t run down to the brook and grab up a handful of rocks. He purposefully went to the stream and selected the stones that he would use.

In teaching the disciples to pray, Jesus instructed them to pray according to the Father’s will. When we are going into battle with the enemy, we need to take the time to search His word. Seek out the scriptures that are written about our situation. Then speak them out in prayer. God’s spoken word is as powerful as David’s stone that landed square between the eyes of his enemy – dropping him to the ground in defeat!

Don’t be disheartened if it takes more than one shot. And don’t let the enemy fool you into thinking it was any less effective if it does. Effectual Fervent prayer! Arm yourself with God’s word and use it with confidence! You will be victorious!

printable version

Every living thing on Earth requires water…plants, animals, humans. Without it, we will not only cease to grow, but we will wither and die. Our area has seen an unusually dry summer this year. Looking around at the brown grass and trees prematurely loosing their leaves reminds me of the importance of water. We may be just now seeing the effects of the drought, but the damage has been happening for a while….at first the soil becomes dry, then the vegetation begins to wither, then the dust and deteriorating plants spread through the air becoming an irritant to those who breath it in.

The same is true for us in our Spiritual lives. The bible compares water to the Holy Spirit…sent to regenerate and purify us. When we go too long without it, the damage begins to show on the inside long before others may notice. But if left unchecked, we become an offense and irritant to everyone around us.

At first, we may not thirst after His word. Personal times of prayer and study begin to diminish. So far, this is not too apparent on the outside. But then, the desire to be in fellowship with other believers may wane. The joy of His Spirit begins to evaporate and we become less fruitful… Now it’s starting to show. The smallest of inconveniences start to bring out the worst in us. Patience is no longer available. We are becoming irritable and irritating those around us. It’s official…we are drying up!!!

But, there is good news for the Christian in drought!!! While the earth is dependant upon the rains to fall from heaven to replenish it, we who are saved possess the water from within. There is no need for drought to those who have partaken from the rivers of life! Jesus said “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38
Praise the Lord! We can begin to reverse the effects of this dry season when we choose! But, it takes effort on our part. When we are thirsty for too long, we become weak. It may be harder to praise, harder to study His word…but press in and ask Jesus for a fresh drink. We know that as our Father, God will not withhold any good thing from His children. 1John 5:14 tells us ”This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
If you have begun to notice any of the signs of drought in your Spiritual life, act now! Cry out to God for refreshing. Don’t let it get to the point of offense. We know that a dry branch will burn up in the fires of life much quicker and easier than a green one. Soak up His presence so that you will have it and be protected. As Ephesians 5:26 instructs us, wash yourself in the word. Remove the dust and impurities that have accumulated during the dry season.

Once you have quenched the thirst, keep drinking! Allow His Spirit to fill you completely! Clear, deep water gives a greater reflection. Let His rivers of life flow from within and wash over you so that your life can once again reflect the light and glory of God!

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This is one of the most powerful illustrations I have ever seen! To see how Jesus intercedes and fights for us brings me to tears. It is a necessary and fresh reminder of what He does for each of us on a continual basis. Watch...share...be blessed

“If the son therefore shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
I couldn’t help but notice the word “indeed” at the end of this scripture recently. I’ve read it before many times, but all of the sudden that word just jumped out at me. It seemed like an unnecessary addition. But then, the words were in red in my Bible which means they were spoken by Jesus himself. That tells me that it has significant meaning because I believe every word He spoke holds great value. So then why would he add this particular adverb to an already profound statement?

I looked up the meaning of the word “indeed” and rejoiced in what I found….

Indeed – adv. In fact, in reality, in truth…

What that says to me is that when Jesus sets us free, we are not only free in the spiritual sense, but in reality – right here and now on earth! Bondages that hold Christians have no real authority over us. It is up to us to walk in the freedom He has already obtained for us! When we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior, our prison doors are opened. Why then do so many Christians continue to live in bondage? Two reasons come to mind – we are either unaware that we are enslaved or we have not experienced the revelation that we are in fact free!

The enemy will use any tool he can to try to keep you under his control. The fact is, society has blinded our eyes to so many sins that we don’t even realize what a true life of victory is most of the time. We expect and accept the problems of today as just a way of life – depression, oppression, sickness, jealousy, strife, addictions. These were never intended to control a Christian! Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.
If you do not realize that something has a hold on your life and your mind, then you can not see the need for change. That is why it is so important to read the word of God. It opens our eyes to God’s will for us. ” For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12. Our continual prayer should be that God would reveal to us any areas of bondage in our lives.

I remember the personal victory I experienced over the bondage of fear years ago. I had no idea that living in a constant state of worry and fear was a prison! I still have my moments of worry, but it no longer controls my life the way it did. It got to the point that every time my husband or son was out of my sight, there was a gripping panic inside that I may never see them again. I was saved for years before I realized that I was being controlled by this mindset! Again – we can’t accept the deliverance until we see the need to be free!

I am not trying to downplay or oversimplify the struggles that we face as Christians, but it is so important to realize the authority that God has given us over the enemy and learn to walk in it! It will take effort on our part to experience the deliverance, but the victory is ours for the taking!

Think of it in the terms of an actual prison – Jesus has already unlocked the door to your cell, but he’s not going to drag you out. You have to walk out on your own. That walk will be easier for some than others. But, to continue to stay imprisoned just because the journey out the door seems too difficult is exactly what the enemy wants. If he can overwhelm you with the thought of the struggle, you won’t be able to see God’s grace to get you through to the other side. And God tells us in His word that His grace is sufficient! He also tells us “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. So, as long as we are willing to get up and walk out that door, He will be with us to help every step of the way!

Your freedom is precious – so precious, that God sent His only son to die upon the cross so that you may have it! Enjoy every freedom that He has given you and experience your life the way He intended – with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

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