selah city

shift

2011-11-15T10:24:00.005-05:00

it is a good season in PROVIDENCE
the leaves are changing color
and all of God's creation
seems to anticipate CHANGE
the window of Heaven is OPEN
and we are about to SHIFT!

HARVEST is upon us
both in the natural & the spiritual!
there is a CRY in the harvest
declaring that this is the season
to thrust in the sickle and REAP!

~selah

we cry out

2011-02-18T11:53:00.003-05:00

we cry out for our cities
for they are blinded to the truth
the truth of the reality within our gov'ts
the truth of the reality of an eternal Kingdom

as the prophets of old cried out as He led them
so we too must cry out as He leads us

there is a day coming
when all things will be made abundantly clear

until that day we must cry out
in the power of the Spirit
that Jesus is coming again
and He desires for all to be "saved"

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. Jn 3:16

He gets all of the glory!

2010-11-05T00:29:00.004-04:00

Psalm 127
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

How wonderful...our only need is

to occupy ourselves with knowing Him
to believe in His promises
to rest in His grace
to live in His love
...selah

the crux of it all

2010-11-05T00:24:00.003-04:00

When building a place of His presence
the crux of it all truly is more about the inner workmanship
of the One for whom we build ... selah... Is66 - Eph2:10

I SAW A MAN

2010-06-12T17:04:00.005-04:00

In the course of day we have so much to do
but as we do let's remember TO STOP FOR THE ONE...

Memorial Day 2010 in the produce aisle @St & Sh
as I looked up from the bananas I saw an old man
in a very decorated navy uniform

He stood there in the aisle, in the midst of many people
yet to them...He was invisible

Our eyes met and I asked him about his uniform
he told me that he was in the Navy 30+ years
I told him that my Dad was a "Sea Bee"
and that it was the most definitive time in his life

I thanked this man for his service to our country
he took my hand and held it in both hands as he kissed it
my eyes filled up I was undone by this gracious man

My heart was grateful for our encounter
I was glad that on that day, I SAW A MAN.

GOD IS @ work

2010-05-04T15:58:00.005-04:00

I learned a long time ago
that in most situations
when things don't seem to make sense
we usually need to re-frame our scenario
..................in the light of eternity!

I love the Lord, serve Him in obedience
and yet things don't always turn out in the way
that I (and others) expect...

The Word says "trust in the Lord..."
if we believe this and if we do...then...
through the madness, contradictions, stretching,
pruning and enlarging...WE WILL SEE THE BLESSING!

I have known this place many times over...
and hopefully so have you.

GOD IS @ WORK and He invites us to join Him...
Listen to His Voice, He will direct your paths...

and you will have FRUIT THAT REMAINS!
~selah

pigeon religion

2010-02-04T12:07:00.005-05:00

I was thinking about common behavior that is found in the church today
such strange machinations of man reproducing themselves in many places...

To me, this is just "pigeon religion" that makes no place for the Dove!

What does He see when He observes us?

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

I pray that when He looks out and see us that He sees Jesus!
As we gather may He see a people that cry out with one heart
"COME Holy Spirit!"

I hope that today we will all examine our ways
and see if there be any "foolish or evil" ways in us
and then may we break this cycle of human cloning
of "ridiculous behavior & theology"
that has no DNA from the heart of our Father.

~selah

the process of poverty

2010-01-24T21:43:00.004-05:00

there is a process in poverty
a spiritual transaction
as we give Him more of our focus
He gives us greater insight

what did I learn in our 21 day fast?
that I really don't "know" Him.
It seems like the more I know, the more He wants me to know
and the more He provides opportunities for me to know, that I really don't know.

the days are getting evil
there is no certainty in the world systems
we must release our hold of trusting in what we have always known
and reach up to what we have yet to know...

.............Him...in all of His fullness!
.............Him...in all of His glory!
.............Him...in all of His ways!

been disappointed lately because things have not gone the way
.............you thought they would...the way they should.....

Well hooray for you!
He is about to reveal to you another beautiful facet
of who He is and another aspect of His wonderful ways!

prayer of peace

2010-01-16T11:34:00.002-05:00

"the peace that passes understanding"

I pray for peace
weaving a covering
over the city of Port au Prince
over Haiti...
That the Prince of Peace
may have free reign in that place.
Holy Spirit move freely among the people
so the love of the Father may manifest.
This city belongs to the Lord.
~selah

Greater Glory

2010-01-12T12:37:00.004-05:00

I love this song by Chris Tomlin, God of this City

"Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City!"

I do believe that we will see a greater glory
emanating from the people of God as we seek Him
in fasting, prayer and meditation on His Word
compelling us and freeing us
...to die to self and live for Him...
to be and to do
ALL that He has promised for our city!
God's Providence in RI!
~selah

build this city for God

2009-10-15T13:33:00.003-04:00

draw us
draw those who are passionate for Your Providence
draw us together and let us build this city for YOU!

moaning, groaning, whining, pining...
please set your people free
to step out of the boat
to go out on the limb

to stop professing and start proving our passion
arise, O Church of God in Providence and build

although
it takes perseverance & faith
obedience & love
work & sacrifice

although
it will cost us everything
to fulfill our high calling
it is all worth it... to hear the great "well done!"

Jimmy & Julia too!

2009-08-26T13:03:00.002-04:00

I saw a movie last night, "Julie & Julia" and it made me ponder my own life...
PBS was the channel of choice in my home in the 80's and some how my son and I
began to watch Julia Child somewhere in between Sesame Street and Electric Company.
I remember that everyday after Kindergarten, yes he was that young... he and I along with my youngest one, Cara, would watch Julia together after lunch.
We bought (the now old and parchment book) "From Julia Child's Kitchen" and began our culinary adventure. Can you imagine the flour flying around my kitchen as my 2 little ones delighted in helping Mommy create culinary delights for Daddy.
I think our most memorable celebration centered around the creation of Jimmy's 10th B'day cake affectionately called "Gateau en Cage". I remember his glee as he tapped on his caramel dome and shattered the strands over the entire cake in order to share his sparkling treasure with all of our guests.
I believe that the best part about our times around our kitchen is the reward of knowing that although it may have been a bit messier and took a whole lot longer to complete every recipe
we undertook; both of my children were able to cook very well on their own by the time they were 12. What a delightful outcome (that will last a lifetime) of our fun in the kitchen with Julia!

blessed by death

2009-04-29T10:09:00.002-04:00

if I die to myself
......I am blessed

dying to my flesh; I am alive to the spirit
so easy; so hard

to miss the best...or simply rest
...............................in Him

~selah

not many fathers

2009-03-19T10:51:00.002-04:00

Father
~ a man who has begotten a child
~ to accept responsibility for...

let Fathers arise in America
in strength
in love

standing by Mothers
protecting their children

that abortion will be abolished in our land forevermore...selah

un consolable

2009-03-12T15:03:00.007-04:00

a heart so gripped that tears flow freely
another abortion on Point St...
...and then another, and another...

the sign says Planned Parenthood
but what is the plan... genocide

how ignorant, how robotic they stand at their posts
stoic faces, mocking looks
.......................................with eyes wide shut...
escorting them into their death camp

the abortion factory
where the refuge of regret is flushed into eternity
a cycle of murder
...a culture of death
........streets running with innocent blood
there will be a reckoning...

...and there on the sidewalk sits one like Rachel...

"A precious voice is heard in Providence,
lamentation and bitter weeping.
She is weeping for our children;
she refuses to be comforted,
because they are no more..."

thank you Lord for compassionate ones,
may they see a reward for all of their labors
may life be the banner over our city once again
may God have mercy on America
and may His will be done on earth through us...
selah

arise and build

2009-02-12T08:48:00.001-05:00

" 13 Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed...
Arise and begin working; the LORD be with you....
Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.
Arise and build the house of the LORD God;
to God be the glory.” 1 Chron 22

The Lord be with you, I have heard that in church all of my life...
a hope, a blessing, a greeting... a reality

Courage, like peace is a sign of Christ's presence.

a manifestation of our faith, belief, trust in His promise to always be "here"
I am always safe... to be and to do all that He has asked of me...

Saints of old believed it and changed the world

in the strength of the knowledge
of His will for them...

Be strengthened today dear faithful saint of the Lord

for He who is faithful and true is surer then the sunrise
the God of peace will be with you ~Phil 4:9
with God you shall do valiantly ~Ps 46:7
with God all things are possible for you ~Matt 19:26

SO, Arise and begin working...

set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.
I say, Arise and build the kingdom of the LORD God
and to God be the glory!
~selah

AGAPE

2009-01-30T00:01:00.004-05:00

AGAPE

I read in a book by Harville Hendix that...
A very long time ago the Greek leaders wanted to find an end to wars.
They were tired of fighting (they were killing off each others kingdoms)
and they wanted to forge a permanent peace.
What they came up with gave birth to something called AGAPE.
They found that in order for people to be able to slaughter others
they had to visualize them as non-humans.
Negativity, stereotyping...it seems that when we group others
together as a race, a nation, a religion...using a derogatory term.
When we dehumanize others it is easier to hurt (kill) them.

The Greeks decided to change their way of thinking.
Instead of killing those who entered their land they decided
to befriend them.
AGAPE meant - when you are in my territory (on my land)
I will make you safe.
AGAPE was a transformational love that made an enemy an ally (friend).

Sounds familiar doesn't it...
Paul choose to teach the Corinthians about such love in his writings.
LOVE, charity, agape...is a God idea.
........................................IS GOD..........
May, we, the Church receive deeper experiential understanding on this love.
Our Father is Love and because we are His children we can have the same love.

"let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" 1 John 4

~selah

living on many planes

2009-01-13T08:49:00.000-05:00

did you ever wonder why people are sometimes confused
with the things that you say
or is it only me....

I have recently come to understand
how complex/mosaic our thoughts may seem to others
when we dwell on many levels at once...

as we stand on the abyss of tomorrow today
looking out to the reality of a physical world
yet looking up in our periphery to the spirit world above

we stand in a place of understanding the big picture
between heaven and earth we stand
knowing there is a hell below...
waiting for those who have rejected truth

living in the now/not yet of time
suspended between time and space
knowing all of this may soon be over in the twinkling of an eye...
we respond to the urgency of His Spirit and beckon them to "come"

such an assignment
to hear the mind of God
and translate His heart
...to those who are His
...those that He loves
...those that He gave His Son to redeem...

sometimes it feels like too much to bear
the misundertsandings, the rejection, the slander
and then He causes me to remember...

for God so loved the world
our Father so loved the world
and so must we...selah

place of peace

2008-09-08T21:59:00.000-04:00

as the winds of adversity begin to blow around us once again
may the church of RI learn to know & retain His peace
may we learn the truth that it is only in Him that we find our peace...
and find our victory over this enemy

In the midst of trouble there is a place of safety…
    a dwelling place with God…intimacy
For David it was the temple filled with His worship
For us it is the secret place within…
     the place where we can step back into His presence and step into peace…
     where we can step into the rest of God, where the peace of God is present…

David was so good at intimacy…especially in the face of His enemies

In warfare … it is a battle for our life
It is about establishing our place in the heart of God

Faith and focus depend on the will and the spirit combined…
The will is the vehicle for the presence and the power of God…we must choose

Victory comes from a submissive will…
We cannot manifest anything in the spirit unless our will is submitted to God...

In warfare...we must not let what we cannot do get in the way of what we can do!!!

We must stand, in full armour, in a quiet hopefulness...
We must stand in faith, knowing God's faithfulness...

We must sing His praises and worship Him wholly...

For it is only when living in this place do we find our victory,
it is only when liivng in this place that we find our peace! selah

Hearts desire

2008-07-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

Desire of my heart
You know...
You know me...
         You know my heart...
         You have placed within me great desires...
         You have destined me to do great and glorious things...
                                             "apart from You, I can do nothing..."
                                                                 may I never forget that...
                                                                         You are my source...
                                                                         You are my delight...
                                                                           You are my desire...
                                                                     The desire of my heart.

Tags: passion & purpose

to know mercy

2008-05-09T14:23:00.000-04:00

Psalm 85: "7 Show us Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord,
                    and grant us Your salvation.
     8  I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say,
     for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right
     standing with Him)--but let them not turn again to [self-confident] folly.
     9 Surely His salvation is near to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him,
     [and is ready to be appropriated] that [the manifest presence of God, His]
     glory may tabernacle and abide in our land.
    10 Mercy and loving-kindness and truth have met together;
         righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
   11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness
         shall look down from heaven
   12 Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
   13 Righteousness shall go before Him and shall make His footsteps
        a way in which to walk."

Matthew Henry says: In compassion to us, when Christ our Intercessor has stood before You, You have turned away Your anger. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of His being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom He grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy...

Interesting thought...
Is He obligated to apprehend us with His mercy (so we don't get what we deserve)? OR Is He still God (love) if He allows a person's heart to pursue there natural inclinations?

As Americans we have such a challenge with entitlement...even in the church...
As a pastor, I can tell you that this is indeed true...yet God is wanting us to mature and grow forward...
To grow specifically in our understanding of Him...
                                                     to know Him...
                                          know Him intimately...
                                      ...know - 15 meanings in the Word....
ginosko...to perceive and see, find out and discern
                to understand completely
                to know by experience
                the thought of connection or union (as a husband & wife)
epiginosko...fully perceive
                    fully persuaded
                    knowing full well

Jhn 8:32,"you shall know the truth," ginosko is used, whereas in 1Ti 4:3, "them that believe and know the truth," epiginosko lays stress on participation in the truth.

1Cr 13:12, "now I know in part (ginosko); but then shall I know (piginosko) even as also I have been known (epiginosko),"
"a knowledge which perfectly unites the subject with the object;

epignosis...expressing a fuller or a full "knowledge,"
a greater participation by the "knower" in the object "known,"

This is what HE DESIRES FOR US...that He would be so intimately known by us that we would be fully persuaded and utterly convinced of His love and faithfulness to us...

In this place, where we "know Him"...
          we are free---- from all fear, anger, jealousies, resentments,
                                                 value judgments, comparisons, suspicions,
                                                 offenses, etc...
           we are free to live in the Spirit...
                             to live in His rest and tranquility...
                             to live in His presence with joy

Isaiah 30:15" in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength."

       God seeks the pleasure of our company and
                desires us to live in that place forever...
        Give yourself to Him and He will give Himself to you... selah

Tags: the knowledge of God

details by design Jn17

2008-03-17T00:30:00.000-04:00

John 17:20-26 The Lord's Prayer for All Believers

He gives us an intimate glimpse into the heart of our Bridegroom
as He converses with His Father concerning us...

He prays for us: preservation
                          jubilation
                          emancipation from evil
                          sanctification
                          unification
                          association with Himself
                          gratification, a sense of beholding His glory...

the details to our destiny are deliberate by design
and He wants us to know everything that we will ever need
to finish our work on this earth
to demonstrate God's will in our preaching, teaching, healing, serving, holy living, etc ... in order to glorify our Father...

as believers we have been given the same:
                           life .... as Christ v 2
                           security ... v 11
                           separation ... v 14
                           sending in the world ... v 18
                           union ... v 21
                           glory ... v 22
                           love ... v 23

...everything that He gives comes from & points to LOVE...

the same Love of God...Father for His Son...that love is ours...
the same Unity of the Godhead...that unity in the Spirit is ours...

... and for what purpose...
    we are here on this earth to bring Glory to Our Father!
    may we delight in this destiny that He has prepared for us
    may we press in...
                          in faith
                          in love
                          in joy
                          in unity                                   ~ selah

when great grief is good

2008-02-20T01:55:00.000-05:00

GRIEF...

from Latin gravare to burden, from gravis heavy
...to carry a heavy burden

I am grieved
sorrowful over the ignorant state of God's children

I am grieved
because without a vision God's people perish

I am grieved
that we give up, give in, to easily

My heart is heavy...
...at times distressed

I carry the burden that I asked God for
and He allows the weightiness of the matter to rest upon my heart

My heart responds
My emotions feel it too

And my body weeps
Tears continuously fall...
                            down,
                                     down,
                                             down...

In this place
     of desperation
   fasting comes easy...

In this place...
    I am utterly free
      to fully abandon myself to You
      to really trust You
      to really feel You
      to be one with You

to know Your heart
to share in Your sorrow
to carry Your burdens

to love You more
to intercede for Your people
...for all of those that You so loved...
          and in doing so I find Your heart
          deeper, deeper, higher, higher, lower, lower,
          and in the process I love them more too...

         ...Your arrow has pierced my heart and I am grateful...
              .........selah.........

Tags: devotion

Tags:

deeper still

2008-02-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

as we come to Him
He comes closer

as we seek His heart
He speaks clearer

sharing His deepest desires
He beckons us to respond

to yield our will, our ways,
our plans, even our promises...

humbly, joyfully,
choosing the high road
          ...to go deeper still

   "Because of your unfailing love,
        I can enter your presence;
                  I will worship You with deepest awe..." Psalm 5:7
                                                  ~selah

Tags: devotion

stay alert to stay alive!

2008-01-29T14:02:00.000-05:00

I love God's little creatures...I love to hear the song of the birds...
So sweet, such a language flowing in perfect harmony!

They are so graceful in flight and perky in character,
Majestically adorned in an array of beautiful plumage...

I became fond of these when I started to work near a large window in my home
In the Spring and Summer they would come to enjoy berries offered by the bushes
In Fall they would come to find shelter from the wind
In Winter they would come and seemed to shiver in the cold as they hunted for food

I bought a "squirrel proof " feeder...
I say that because I must have the most ingenious little squirrels in my yard
They pull the feeder close and stick their little tongues over the bottom to get seed
I laugh because sometimes it looks like the Romanian Tumblers
performing at my window
One funny little fellow even got the top open and kept bouncing the lid on his head just
high enough to get the food out to eat before the lid would shut...hilarious!

So I threw out peanuts for the squirrels to keep them happy and away from the birds
I thought I had a great solution until oneday I saw the itty-est bitty-est of the birds, the
little chickadees carrying off the nuts in their tiny little beaks...

Anyway, it was like a Cinderella fairytale in my backyard...
Sounds of singing, my little feeder filled to the brim everyday....

And then one day IT happened...
and We were all caught off guard!

It was late one afternoon when I heard this frenzy of screaming birds
I looked toward the window and saw birds flying in every direction
      feathers flying everywhere
I went over to look out to see if it was the stray cat strolling the area again
When I didn't see the cat I banged on the window...
To my horror a hawk came running out of the bush,
     when he turned his head and glared at me a chill went up my spine...

I was shocked...I live in the suburbs...what's up with this...
   first, foxes, then geese, guinea hens, deer, then coyotes! and now hawks!
        to my horror...truly, they are a fearful foe with 200 lbs of strength per clawed foot

Almost everyday the hawk comes back and sits on the branch at my window...
Vigilant is he, looking over my property, like the secret service men in the movies
Surveying the land for food...so I bang on the window loud and long...
Sounding the alarm... sending the enemy to flight...

I haven't needed to fill the bird feeder but once a week or less since this 1st happened
I miss the constant fellowship of my little chirping choir
And the amazing beauty in their fine feathered fashions

Whenthey do come for food
    I notice that they seem to be more vigilant...
They quickly take their food and look around, constantly looking around...
They no longer linger like they use to,
      no longer gather in large groups, no more singing their antiphonal rounds
They seem to know who their enemy is,
      with his eyes sharp & focused; always moving swiftly in his flight...

Although at the first sight they were freaking, (and so was I) it was after all life or death...
Now they seem to be more in balance, more watchful, more on guard, more diligent...
    as if they know that this is the way of all life...
    (it certainly was a wake up call...)

Day after day they are coming back, but more often then not, so does that hawk...
Interesting to observe, the birds all seem to know that birds of prey, are birds of prey...
       this is the nature of the hawk...it is a predator...

Peter talks to us about an enemy that we all must deal with too...
     our enemy is Satan...
     the Father of Lies...
          He too is always looking for prey,
                         always preying on those who are unaware, detached or in sin...
           He is a predator

"Be well balanced (temperate, sober o<SPANclass=correction id="">f</SPANclass=correction> mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [a predator in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]" 1Peter 5:1-9

I pray that we too will learn from His Word and wage a good warfare...
     that we will be vigilant, well balanced, keeping our souls by keeping our minds...
May we be even be wiser then my most wise feathered friends,
May we learn from the past,
    from the strategies and attacks of the enemy,
    from the lives of those who have fallen round about us...
May we look circumspectly...and discern
    where we might have let the enemy in,
    where we have let our guard down,
         repent and ask for forgiveness...
        break agreement and shut the doors...

Let us learn from former mistakes and grow forward in faith to believe His Word...
May we learn and trust that Our God is faithful and watches over His Word
      to perform all that it is sent to do...

May we, like saints of old, boldly proclaim our protector, Jesus to others...
    for He is "the one who existed from the beginning...He is the Word of life..." 1John1

                          "Though 1,000 fall at your side,
                             though 10,000 are dying around you,
                            these evils will not touch you.
                             Just open your eyes..."
                             He is always there..." Psalm 91:7-8

thank You Lord for teaching us truth through the birds of the air
who You have created ~selah

2008-01-22T10:44:00.000-05:00

       CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND PREAMBLE
We, the people of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,
       grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty
       which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and
       looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and
       to transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations,
do ordain and establish this Constitution of government.

... are we grateful...
    in this time of religious freedom, doors are swinging open before many who are His...
    are we grateful as His people to be called as His ambassadors on this earth...
    opportunities are coming upon us...to represent Him in both power and authority
    ...there will be battles...but the Lord of Hosts shall lead us!

...are we looking to Him for a blessing...to bring a legacy to the next generation.
    blessing: Middle English, from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration...to invoke divine care for, confer prosperity and approval, give favor to...

      by the blood of Jesus we are not only made worthy but empowered...
      we must consecrate our lives to Him; His will, His ways, for His Glory!
      in that place we will win more ground to pass on to the next generation....

....for our children will contend with their enemy at the gates...Psalms 127:3-5
and triumph! ~selah

Tags: governments

in the name of Jesus, it's all about love!

2008-01-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

DELIVERANCE 1

...in the name of Jesus

Matthew 10:7-8, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."

Matthew 17:19-21, "Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

Matthew 17:18, "And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour."

Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..."

John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."

The goal of deliverance is wholeness..."sozo life" prosperity in every realm...health, finance, relationships, marriage, etc

The purpose of deliverance is to receive freedom from any hindrances in your life that would keep you from walking in the fullness of God's plan for your life and your relationship with Him.

Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

2 Corinthians 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."
Matthew 16:19, "And I will give unto thee thekeys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
1 John 3:1, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

when the Tabernacle of David was restored...

when Jesus came to earth...He gave us the Key of David;

the Keys of the Kingdom

all power and authority...

through the sacrifice and resurrection of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

by His Blood...

we have been given access to the Holy of Holies...

to the throne room of God ...

we are seated in heavenly places with Him...

Since whom the Son set free is free indeed...

we have been mandated

and commissioned to bring truth, life, freedom to others!

Tags: deliverance

to be and to do...

2008-01-14T10:28:00.000-05:00

balance in the Christian life is something to be admired...
to know the Word, to love the Word made flesh...
to seek to know the Godhead and cooperate with Holy Spirit...
love the Lord with all of your heart...submit to Him...
to be intimate, illuminated, integrated...to know Him
...to be known by Him...
to hear His voice, to know His will
and then to do it...
we must drawn near, spend time with Him...to be transformed
to be filled up in order to give out...
     to be
      and then to do...
           all that He desires...
                  it is our destiny...
                         and it all begins when we draw close to Him...
~selah

FEAR the destroyer of destiny

2007-10-30T10:37:00.000-04:00

October is always a challenge in New England
seasons changing, leaves beautifully transforming into classic Fall...
temperatures dropping,
darkness falls earlier and occult activity kicks up...

flip through your TV movie guide and what are your choices...
- The Reaping - Disturbia - House of the Dead - Poltergeist - The Exorcist -
all created to bring FEAR into the hearts and minds of men...

FEAR - My first pastor use to love acronyms...here is what he shared...
F - false E - evidence A - appearing R - real

think about it, fear where does it come from?
I believe the "father of lies", Satan, the devil, Beelzebub, Lucifer.........

if we agree on this why do we fall for his lies so many times?
especially knowing that they will take us down.......

since the days in "The Garden" men have been deceived...
that day when we stepped out from the canopy of God
and began to establish a culture of concealment...covering up our sins

we, as a human race, ended up living under the reality that was put there by hell

FEAR...fear produces what we are afraid of...
deep fears, insecurities and wrong ideas....
it keeps us from moving in the FAITH we are called too...

FEAR is not a weakness it is a SIN...

we feel bad if someone points out that we are doing something wrong...
that our behavior is unacceptable,
or that we are deceived by lies that have embedded themselves in our souls
don't let shame stand in our way...

WHEN WE FEAR ...
WE BECOME a PART of the CULTURE of CONCEALMENT...

we must acknowledge our weaknesses and get set free...
Dr Phil says (although he may have swiped this from Paul)
We cannot change what we don't acknowledge...

if we allow just a little bit of fear in our life...
it will want more...it is ravenous...like a fire
it is married to UNBELIEF
we can't give it any place

we are suppose to be delivered from fear not held captive by it
when the enemy comes as an angel of light...with human reasonings
if we believe it, it will slowly try to destroy us...
it is deception... and the nature of deception is this:
...WHEN YOU ARE DECEIVED YOU DON'T SEE IT...

I heard a preacher say that FEAR
is the result of man's infection from the tree of the knowledge of good & evil

that the fruit from this tree gave mankind a religious framework to evaluate
his life separately from God's Word about him...

man looked at himself with a system of good and evil
and many of us still live in that system today...

NOW HERE'S THE TRUTH: JESUS! the living Word of God
He has destroyed the power of every lie of the enemy...
He declared "It is finished!" and it was...
God's Word is forever settled in Heaven
Let us settle this fact on Earth...

Let us receive the purifying of our faith
through the perfect love of God expressed in Jesus!

in Him we can be transformed,
into His likeness...
He is our model, He is our goal...no other

Let's get our eyes off of ourselves (and others)
and put them on the Author and Finisher of our faith!

In Him, We are a Overcomers!
Together, We shall Overcome!

                                              song: "He loved me to the end"
                                    I won't give up, He loved me to the end,
                                     I will press on, He loved me to the end,
                And so I will love Him, I have to give Him everything,
                                                 I'll set my eyes on things above,
                  I'll be faithful unto death, to be with Him in Paradise,
         We will overcome, by His blood, He loved me to the end!
                                                                    - Believe it ~ selah

times of refreshing! a foretaste...

2007-10-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

What are your days like?
Do they begin with time with God?
I would encourage you to give Him the best of your day...
That your days may be transformed from ordinary to extra-ordinary...
from natural to super-natural!
Do you believe in/for the supernatural intervention of God in your life today?

For John and Peter it was just another day...
       but for men of prayer, everyday holds great opportunity
       as they make their daily trek to the temple to seek His face,
       He will meet them today with His right arm of power!

Acts 3 : Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.

*thought...do you think you would have noticed this man and stopped or would you have kept your focus and kept walking towards your plan to worship God in the temple

~ This lame man simply wanted to be supported in the condition that he was in...
but God wanted to completely change his condition.

    AND THIS, MY FRIEND, IS WHAT THE LORD SPOKE LOUDLY & CLEARLY TO MY HEART ABOUT THIS MORNING IN MY DEVOTIONS...
                                                            FOR US...

     You see, Peter and John had no interest in supporting this man in his situation.
They wanted to transform his life by the power of the risen Christ.
     "It is not the Church’s business in this world to simply make the present condition more bearable; the task of the Church is to release here on earth the redemptive work
of God in Christ." (LaSor)   amen!

"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us."
So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you:
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up,
and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them;
walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking
and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms
at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and
amazement at what had happened to him."

     The Lord spoke to my heart this morning that many of us are no longer in the place where we, by faith, really expect something "good" from God. That because of past disappointments or weariness in our time of "wait training" we are more ready to settle for much less than God wants to give us, and our low expectations are often robbing us.
      One of my personal signature scriptures is Psalm 62 :
" FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.
He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved. How long will you set upon a man that you may slay him, all of you,
like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
They only consult to cast him down from his height [to dishonor him]; they delight in lies. They bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
(but) My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. With God rests my salvation and my glory;
He is my Rock of unyielding strength and impenetrable hardness, and my refuge is in God! Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]"

   We are called to be a people of his presence..."presence not polish"...
in other words would you really rather have a promise of opulence "silver and gold"
or be able to walk in the authority and power of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
    Does "an aqueduct of mercy" (Providence) pour out dollar bills or the unending power of the Lord our God?
    In this season, of final preparations, we must trust the Lord to grant us the supernatural ability to trust Him for something completely out of the ordinary in our lives...we must ask Him to grant us the gift of faith!

     As I look at Acts 3 I see that the lame man did have an expectation of Peter, but oh what a gift he received, far beyond all that he could have imagined..."Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength."
    This power that brought this healing is the word "power" from the Greek word dunamis which also means "dynamic ". It is Holy Spirit who gives us this power, the power to be a witness of who God is!!!

Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ... that your sins may be blotted out,
so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..."

      so...What does this mean for us who are already saved??
It means that in this season we must turn around in our thinking and actions.
There is a hope for us who believe...that as we repent of all unbelief (and habitual sin if necessary) ...we can turn around in our thinking, in our hearts, in our actions, in our very lives ... (and in this place we can turn around the lives of others...)

     We can, by an act of our will, break all agreement with every lie that contends
with our faith in God's Word, with God's promises!

     Where are you at the time of prayer?
     Let us learn from this lame man who fastened his eyes on Peter and John...
     May we be ones who look past the things of this earth and fasten our eyes
on the author and finisher of our faith, Our Lord Jesus Christ!
     Be wise, be diligent in this hour...
                          be cleansed, be obedient, be prayerful and have faith to receive!

    As we await the time when Jesus returns and rules the earth in righteousness, the fullness of the times of refreshing... let us at least partake of a foretaste!

   Father, We commit our hearts to Your will, in a hope to hasten the approach of
Your son, Jesus... in our absolute obedience to You, Father, in full cooperation
with Holy Spirit... We say that we agree with You and in faith believe that for all
who believe, all who will extend our faith that we will receive a measure of this
great refreshing!
   We thank you, Lord Jesus, that in Your name, healings, miracles,
sign and wonders are our portion (in Providence and throughout the world)
as we boldly believe in faith!

~selah

Top Gun... nobody wants to crash & burn

2007-10-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

it's true isn't it...
the first time I saw Top Gun I was fascinated by everything about these pilots...
their ability to stay focused,
their ability to work together,
their determination, their skill,
their ability to "lock on" to a target...and then to blast it out of their way!

the alternative to being a "top gun" was unfortunately to be one who "crashed & burned"
............everybody wants to soar & succeed nobody wants to crash & burn.............
............especially in the Christian life..................................

Col 3:1-2 ...aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.

*there's a key to soaring high and fulfilling your high calling in Christ...
set your minds and keep them set on what is above ...

set your minds: lock on to the Word of the Lord that speaks to your situation,
                                                             that carries in it the promise of victory...
and speak it out, speak it into the situation at hand...
        Faith comes by hearing...so say it "out loud"...shout it out!


                              Boldly declaring your victory in Christ!
take that "rhema" Word and send it like a missile,
                              to blast and utterly obliterate
                                                                        ...every thing....every thought....
                                                          every argument and theory and reasoning
                                                          every proud and lofty thing
                                         that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God;
                                               and lead every thought and purpose away captive
               into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)...2 Cor 10

We are called to soar, and we are expected to succeed...He has provided everything.

2 Peter 1:3 "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness,
through the [ full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

We are prophetically called to raise up eagles...
           Eagles fly high! They are strong, powerful, overcoming, soaring!
                                  They symbolize courage, foresight and strength...
                                  They can set their sight on things afar off and
                                      steadfastly stay focused on them until they are attained!

   You are an eagle...so spread your wings...and fly
                                set your sights on those high places
                                fly toward the "Son" and He will sustain you
                                                                     He will guide you
                                                                     He will transform you...
                  "But those who expect, look for, and hope in the Lord shall change and renew their strength and power;
they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint or become tired." Isaiah 40:31

                                                                       ~selah

Tags: set our eyes

the humility of honor

2007-10-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

sometimes it feels as if there is no place to run
                                              no place to hide
                                                            to find safety
                                                                       comfort
                                                                        rest for my soul...

sometimes the pressures of life press in round about me...
how about you ?

how shall I respond??? ... you?
in those times I often remember songs that bring me strength
                                                songs that remind me of earlier days
                                                 times of great trial that always led to victory!

                                        " I go to the rock of my salvation
                                          I go to the stone that the builders rejected
                                          I run to the mountain
                                          And the mountain He stands by me
                                          When the Earth all around me is sinking sand
                                          On Christ the solid rock I stand
                                          When I need a shelter, when I need a friend,
                                          I go to the rock...
                                          Where do I go, where do I go
                                          When the storms of life are threatening
                                          Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrow blow
                                          And is there a refuge in the time of tribulation
                                          Go to the rock, I know he is able, I go to the rock"

the Bible tells us that David often went to the cave of Adullam to seek refuge...
                                                   (1Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, Pslams...)

                   In Psalm 57 he sings this song to his God:
    7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise.
    8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
    9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing to You among the nations.
10 For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.

                In Psalm 142...this is his "mantra"...
                5 I cried out to You, O LORD:
                   I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
                6 Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low;
                   Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.
                7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name;
                   The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.”

      WHY was David so sure, so secure ???
       In the midst of countless contradictions, WHY was he so confident???
       Because he was a man after God's own heart,
                     a seeker of His presence,
                     a seeker of His face,
                     he was a man who submitted to his God,
                     he knew God and understood his ways...
               and he stood against the cry of the crowds...
                     in the "humility of honor" he found his deliverance...

1Samuel :4 Then the men of David said to him,
“This is the day of which the LORD said to you,
‘Behold, I will deliver Saul into your hand,
that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’”
And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him
because he had cut Saul’s robe.
6 And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to him,
the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him,
seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”
7 So David restrained his servants with these words,
and did not allow them to rise against Saul.
And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.
8 David also arose afterward, went out of the cave,
and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!”
And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth,
and bowed down...

        Dennis Cramer says this: "If you want to be shown honor and favor,
                                you must first show honor and give favor where it is due. "
        So my question to you dear friend is this:
Do you currently owe a debt of honor to anyone?
      Do you need to show favor to anyone?
         You must first show genuine honor and give sincere favor to others,
        and then God will bestow the same back to you. I had to first show it
        and give it before I got it! The same is true for you.
First you sow, and then you reap.
            It is a season for you to "sow" honor and favor.
                      Your spiritual success depends on it!
                                     The ground is ready. Sow now! "

It is a principle in God...

Psalm 91 ~ Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God ~
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

Prov 11: 16 "A gracious woman retains honor,
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul..."

Prov 13: 18 "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction,
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored."

Prov 15 "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility."

Prov 18 : 12 "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility."

Prov 22: 4 "By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life."

Prov 29:23 "A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor."

So how shall you respond???
      I hope like David...I hope like Jesus....

"So David died in a good old age,
                  full of days and riches and honor." 1Chron 29

"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels,
for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor,
that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." Heb 2:9

through out the Book of Revelation we hear all sing of Jesus:
“ Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom,
                                                 And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
“Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne,
                                                                     And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

                                                                                     ~selah

Tags: through the cave to the rock

Tags:

Who do you say that I am?

2007-10-12T10:46:00.000-04:00

you cannot gain by sacrifice,
what you lose by disobedience...

when I heard this quote it just riveted me ...

it's so true
it's so sad
it's such a lesson in life...

choose to obey the voice of God
the guidance of Holy Spirit

choose to learn from the life of the absolute obedience of Jesus Christ...

what does "absolute obedience" imply:
it implies "absolute humility"
it implies "absolute loyalty"

so who is He who demonstrated such "absolute obedience"?
     "          He who stands in "absolute authority"...
      "          He who understood His unique identity...

Jesus said, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
That means He claimed to be nothing less than God in human flesh.

Jesus embodied every element of God's character.
Colossians 2:9 says, "In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form."
He was perfectly holy (Hebrews 4:15).
Even His enemies couldn't prove any accusation against Him (John 8:46)

God requires holiness of us as well.
1 Peter 1:16 says, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me" (John 14:6).

The Bible says we were created by a personal God to love, serve, and enjoy endless fellowship with Him

    The New Testament reveals it was Jesus Himself who created everything (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
    Therefore He also owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19).
He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
    Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15); and "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine" (John 8:31).

"God planned for us to do good things and to live as He has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are." Eph 2:10 ~esv

Jesus is the sovereign Lord. When you obey Him you are acknowledging His lordship and submitting to His authority. There is no area of your life that you withhold from Him.

     The Bible says Jesus is...
     The living God, the Holy One, the Savior, the only valid object of saving faith, of love... the sovereign Lord, and the righteous Judge.

  Heb 10 “ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
                   But a body You have prepared for Me.
                6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
                  You had no pleasure.
                7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
                    In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
                    To do Your will, O God.’”
              36 For you have need of endurance,
                    so that after you have done the will of God,
                    you may receive the promise:
              37 “ For yet a little while,
                     And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
              38 Now the just shall live by faith;
                    But if anyone draws back,
                    My soul has no pleasure in him.”

           ...so...Who do you say Jesus is?
                     This is the inescapable question.
                      And your answer will alter your life forever...
                      Because He alone can transform you and
                                                         give your life eternal purpose...

                   (to me) it is only when you live in this knowledge of Him
                   that you can release yourself
                                          to "absolute obedience" to Him?

may your heart's song today be this:
               "refiners fire
                my hearts one desire
                is to be holy
                set apart for You, Lord
                I choose to be holy
                set apart for You, my Master
                ready to do Your will..."
                                                                                       ~selah

simplify & shake the earth

2007-10-09T17:46:00.000-04:00

I attended a funeral service last week
it was for a quiet woman who lived a very, very simple life...
at one point they played this simple, Amish (Shaker) song...
that epitomized the style of this sweet women's life....

Tis a gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free
   Tis a gift to come down where you ought to be
And when you find yourself, In the place that is right
   It will be in the valley, Of love and delight
For when true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend, We shan't be ashamed
To turn and turn, Will be our delight
Till by turning, turning, We come round right
Tis a gift to be simple, Tis a gift to be free
For the proud are cast down, Deeper than the sea
The first shall be last, And the last shall be first
And the meek shall inherit, All of God's earth"

interesting...a gift to be simple...simple life...simplify...I like it!

I must be honest I really didn't no much about the Amish, Shakers, Quakers sects...
So I began to seek out the rest of the story...

"The Way of the Inner Light"...Quaker founder, George Fox...
a radical man that lived in radical times... a non conformist, a city shaker...
a man who wanted to try to return to the pure & simple values of the New Testament.
He was dedicated to simple living,
and wanted those who call themselves Christians to understand how to live
                                                                             "in but not of this world"...
            "Oh, therefore you who know the light, walk in the light."
                         He would proclaim this wherever he traveled!

            Anyway, Fox had noble intentions and although he was a defender of the weak and powerless...and was described as "being ravished with the sense of the love of God", he had some serious flaws; such as being a lone ranger who answered to no one,
He eventually believed that he was endowed with inner revelations that were more reliable than those found in scripture...eeeeekkk...
...such delusions often befall many of those who refuse accountability...

         nevertheless...what about simplicity...it may very well still be a great gift...
         "simple" not complex or compound, unpretentious, humble, not elaborate
                       or artificial, unassuming; modest, uncomplicated...

           Considering that today our world is not so different from Foxes England of 1643...or America of 1960...
                             "I saw that most people preferred their lives of consumption
                           (consumerism in 2007) to the radical approach of the first Christians..."

          My husband would certainly lead the cry of the "Minimalists"...less is more!
          I would say this, find rest for your soul, seek peace...
                                                                   seek His face...
                                                                   love His Word...
                                                                   worship Him...
                                                                   pray to Him & obey Him...
                                                                   live a purposed life,
                                                                   live a generous life,
                                                           then do your best & rest!
                                                                                                          ~selah

songs from the fire!

2007-10-06T17:35:00.000-04:00

"Jesus said, a tree is known by its fruit.
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things." Math 12:34

when I was a little girl I loved to dance...
I especially loved musicals that had a lot of dance in them
Fred Astiare & Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple & Arthur Treacher... and my very favorite

                       Gene Kelly... what a dancer, so full of life, energy, strength!
                       Incredible dancer...in one movie he even danced on the ceiling!
           (yes young ones, google the names, a great part of American culture...)

anyway, His most famous dance was "singin' in the rain"

                       Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo
                          Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo
                                 Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo
                                    Doo-dloo-doo-doo-doo-doo...

                                     I'm singing in the rain, Just singing in the rain
                                    What a glorious feelin', I'm happy again
                                     I'm laughing at clouds, So dark up above
                                     The sun's in my heart, And I'm ready for love
                                     Let the stormy clouds chase, Everyone from the place
                                     Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face
                                     I walk down the lane, With a happy refrain
                                     Just singin', Singin' in the rain

                                                   Dancin' in the rain
                                                        Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
                                                              Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
                                                                      I'm happy again!
                                                                               I'm singin' and dancin' in the rain!

                                                     Why am I smiling, And why do I sing?
                                                     Why does October, Seem sunny as spring?
                                                     Why do I get up, Each morning and start?
      Happy and head up, With joy in my heart
                                            Why is each new task, A trifle to do?
                    Because I am living A life full of you. (wow)

                                                      someone once said that there is a song that arises
                                                 out of the kiln as the pottery is fired to full strength...
                                       it is in this fire of His love that the vessel is fully fashioned
                                                  it is in this very place, in this fire that we are released
                                                  freed from impurities
                                                  freed from selfish desire
                                                  freed from the carnality that militates against His rule
                                                                                              bringing us to the next level
                                                taking us closer to the place that our soul cries out for

                                                             closer, closer, closer to the heart of God
                                                             slowly progressing
                                                             always in the process
                                                                                       of becoming more like Him
                                                    of becoming what I was always intended to be

                                                             feel the power in His presence
                                                                       feel the power of His love
                                                     it is a fearful place of total surrender
                                                                  trusting all to the one I love

                              what shall my soul sing from the fire?

what shall my heart's song be in this place?

may my heart be filled with sweet peace, joy, and holy surrender....

trusting Him to bring me through...

                                                  "All to Jesus I surrender;
                                                    Now I feel the sacred flame.
                                                    O the joy of full salvation!
                                                    Glory, glory, to His Name!"

~selah

Tags: insights from Isaiah & Jeremiah

into the fire!

2007-09-26T17:57:00.000-04:00

          I remember art class in High school...
          I loved working with clay...all formats
                                            oil clay armatures were always fun to fashion
                                            rope pottery was easy yet primitive in design
                                            throwing on the wheel, now that was an art
                                            with the steady hand of the potter,
                                            the passion, skill, love...made all the difference!


   “Earthenware vessels....

             Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’
                 or ‘Your handiwork has no handles’?" Isaiah 45:9

    vessels of honor...
                           it's a process...

     in the throwing, He puts me into place ...restrained...
     in the opening, He reaches deep within to enlarge my heart
     in the pulling, He begins to pull me and mold me into something beautiful
     in the compressing... He presses me in on all sides to strengthen my frame

                              GOD is at work...transformation is a process...

                      spinning... He inspects all of me
                      around and around... He gently holds me in His hands
                      being formed... into the destiny He has designed
                      lumps pressed out... iniquities abound, wiped away by His hands
                      pressed into shape... the uniqueness of His imprint
                      water poured over... washing me in His Words of Life
                      smoothedover and over... every blemish removed


                                 as He declares His prophetic purpose over me...
                                      He lovingly puts me

...................... into the fire!

                                                                       ~selah

Tags: insights in Isaiah

graciousness

2007-09-25T18:54:00.000-04:00

                    graciousness: enjoying favor, agreeable!

      wow, this is the reward for those who are Godly
                                                                        kind
                                                                   merciful
   pleasing
   acceptable
                                                          compassionate
                                                       generous of spirit...

      for those who extend grace
                                       graciousness will be their portion

          may His great grace lead you in your journey today!

"And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth..." Ex 34:6

"The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you..." Num. 6:2

"But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
                              Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." Ps 86:15

this also declares: Jeremiah, Isaiah, Joel, Hosea, Malachi, Jonah, Luke, Paul, Peter...

                                                                                                   ~selah

transition

2007-09-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

God is always at work,

never changing, always changing
always at work...

and He invites us into that work...amazing

so, an invitation is extended

He invites us into His work…you and me

with our finite minds

and all of our hang ups

He invites us in

He is inclusive

So incredibly inclusive...

This incredibly inclusive, loving, perfect God

invites me in and I am undone...

I perceive His hand

the hand of God at work building something beautiful

And so I see this, it's incredible, beautiful, wonderful, perfect

And I desire to leave it unspoiled by my carnality…

He knows this...

He knows my heart...

so He brings me to a place of revelation of His Lordship, His love, His rest

I can only knowingly, willingly, lovingly yield myself to His will…

Submitting myself to Him in all things..

Transition has character attached to it…

Transition comes with a need for true spiritual transformation...

about us being made over into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ

Jesus put a face on God…

“He who has seen Me has seen the Father” John 14:9

We are here to put a face on Jesus…

by our character, we demonstrate His nature!

by our lives, we demonstrate His love!

In transition the "war" between the flesh & the spirit intensifies…

…we must...we need...

... to hunger & thirst after God...

... to hunger & thirst after righteousness...

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied." Math 5:6

"Do not labor for the food that perishes,
            but for the food that endures to eternal life,
            which the Son of Man will give to you.
  For on him God the Father has set his seal." John 6:27

   Transition, it's about laying down everything we are,
                                  taking up everything He is...
                                  and so we say, Lord change us!
                                  Pour out Your Spirit!

                                  we need to understand the prayers we are praying
                                  and reflect on the implications
                                  grace and peace to you in your journey
                                                                                            ~selah

He's Building a Body

2007-08-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

(this is how we overcome!)

I woke up this morning with a horrendous knot in my shin
...pain was screaming at me... and it quickly got my full attention!

As I was massaging my leg I thought about the Body of Christ
in light of last night's Bible discussion,
I thought about the church and how it needs to go back to it's original intent...
He is building a Body!

It's alive, it's an organism, it's you and me...

"For because of Him thewhole body (the church, in all its various parts),
closely joined andfirmly knit together by the joints and ligaments
with which it issupplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need]
is workingproperly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity,
buildingitself up in love." Eph 16

What is the key to standing strong in the Christian faith? relationship
connectedness

....with God first and then one another...

I love the little books 1, 2, 3 John...I encourage you to read them...

"Beloved, let us loveone another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [hisfellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] toknow and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better andclearer knowledge of Him].
8He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
9Inthis the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we areconcerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son],into the world so that we might live through Him.
10Inthis is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent HisSon to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.
11Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another." 1John 4

    We are interconnected parts of one Body, the Body of Christ
     God is looking for a healthy living organism, not a large organization
     Growing together in love, as a Bride prepared for her Bridegroom

     if Church membership was defined as this:
                "a group of people deeply committed to one anther"
                                             how big would the average American church really be?

      "Be eager and striveearnestly to guard and keep the harmony and
oneness of [and producedby] the Spirit in the binding power of peace." Eph 4:3

    How much effort do you put forth toward this bond that creates the harmony, unity and wholeness in your church?
    In the last days, I believe that we will be greatly desiring trusting relationships, true accountability and mutual support to help us walk uprightly as the days are evil....
    Faithful companions offering relational support to one another safeguarding our lives in times of great difficulty, failings or sin.

"I am the Vine; you are the branches.
Whoever lives in Me and I in himbears much (abundant) fruit.
However, apart from Me [cut off from vitalunion with Me] you can do nothing." John 15:5

we must be as intricately and intimately connected as the branches on this vine...
anything that is not interconnected (that which is separated) is lifeless...dead...
spiritual death is separation from God ...
we are separated from one another as a result...
may meekness, humility, steadfast love be our portion as we live on this earth together
let our hearts endeavor to create the unity that He desires in His church...

"...thattheir hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged)
as theyare knit together in love, that they may come to have all the aboundingwealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and thatthey may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and mayknow more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secretof God,
[which is] Christ (the Anointed One)." Col 2:2

     ...one heart, one mind, one voice, one soul, one accord...in Him!

"16 (May) He grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to bestrengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is
19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. " Eph 3
                                                     ~selah

Tags: Body Building 101

martyr or murderer

2007-08-29T11:22:00.000-04:00

someone was comparing me to another in the Body of Christ
whose anointing & gifting is similar to mine
they compared our responses to the things of life
our "reactions" as pastors to the people around us

he commented to me that if push came to shove
if times got tough, situations perilous, our very lives were threatened
that by her past behavior she would probably be a murderer
where I would probably be the martyred one...

interesting perspective I thought...
what can we learn from those around us?
if we consider what they say in light of the Word...
if we were emotionally free to grow up in God to full maturity....
free from self preservation of the masks that we wear
the persona's that we contrive
the "fig leaves" that we fashion
...of protecting ourselves
...of protecting our false images
...of facing ourselves

I remember when I was much younger, in my 20's
the call of God on my life was openly proclaimed by a multitude of prophets
there were many men and women who were called before me
they could have mentored me, but fell away
they are now long gone, choosing to follow their flesh in the folly of life
they were the first ones called to be and to do what I now do...
....to build His Kingdom in Providence...

after so many falls, after so many fumbles
after seeing so many lives go shipwreck along the way
someone said to me, looking deep into my eyes
"you will do great things for God, if you can stay sanctified"

“Sanctify them through Thy truth.”--John 17.

“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.”--1 Thessalonians 3.

"If the Bible be true, it is certain that unless we are “sanctified,” we shall not be saved. There are three things which, according to the Bible, are absolutely necessary to the salvation of every man and woman in Christendom. These three are, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. He that lacks any one of these three things, will never find himself in heaven when he dies. Where, then, is the harm of asking, “Are we sanctified?” Where is the wisdom of disliking and rejecting the inquiry?"

"Sanctification is that inward spiritual work which the Lord Jesus Christ works in a man by the Holy Ghost, when He calls him to be a true believer, separates him from his natural love of sin and the world, puts a new principle in his heart, and makes him practically godly in life. The instrument by which His Spirit effects this work is generally the Word of ‘God, though He sometimes uses afflictions and providential visitations’ “without the Word too.” The subject of this work of Christ by His Spirit, is called in Scripture a “sanctified” man." ~JOHN OWEN

    The Lord Jesus has undertaken everything that His people’s souls require; not only to deliver them from the guilt of their Sins by His atoning death, but from the dominion of their sins, by placing in their hearts the Holy Spirit; not only to justify them, but also to sanctify them. He is, thus, not only their “righteousness,” but their “sanctification.” (1 Cor. i. 30.)
     Hear what the Bible says: “For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified.”--“Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it.”--“Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”--“Christ bore our sins in His own, body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, shou1d live unto righteousness.”--“Christ hath reconciled (you) in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight.” (John xvii. 19; Ephes. v. 25; Titus ii. 14; 1 Peter ii. 24; Coloss. i. 22.)
      Let the meaning of these five texts be carefully considered. If words mean anything, they teach that Christ undertakes the sanctification, no less than the justification, of His believing people. Both are alike provided for in that “everlasting covenant ordered in all things and sure,” of which the Mediator is Christ. In fact, Christ in one place is called “He that sanctifieth,” and His people, “they who are sanctified.” (Heb. ii. 11.)"

     Sanctification: is the invariable result of that vital union with Christ which true faith gives to a Christian.
     -is the outcome and inseparable consequence of regeneration.
     -is the only certain evidence of thatindwelling of the Holy Spirit which is essential to salvation.
     -is the only sure mark of God’s election.
     -is a thing that will always be seen. Like the Great Head of the Church, from whom it springs, it “cannot be hid.” “Every tree is known by his own fruit.”
- is a thing for which every believer is responsible. In saying this I would not be mistaken. I hold as strongly as any one that every man on earth is accountable to God, and that all the lost will be speechless and without excuse at the last day. Every man has power to “lose his own soul.” ...believers are eminently and peculiarly responsible, and under a special obligation to live holy lives. They are not as others, dead, and blind, and unrenewed: they are alive unto God, and have light and knowledge, and a new principle within them.
      -is a thing which admits of growth and degrees. A man may climb from one step to another in holiness, and be far more sanctified at one period of his life than another...because every grace in his new character maybe strengthened, enlarged, and deepened.
      -is a thing which depends greatly on a diligent use of Scriptural means...I have in view Bible-reading, private prayer, regular attendance on public worship, regular hearing of God’s Word, and regular reception of the Lord’s Supper.... no one who is careless about such things must ever expect to make much progress in sanctification. They are appointed channels through which the Holy Spirit conveys fresh supplies of grace to the soul, and strengthens the work which He has begun in the inward man...there are no “spiritual gains without pains.”
      -is a thing which does not prevent a man having a great deal of inward spiritual conflict. By conflict I mean a struggle within the heart between the old nature and the new, the flesh and the spirit, which are to be found together in every believer. (Gal. v. 17.) A deep sense of that struggle, and a vast amount of mental discomfort from it, are no proof that a man is not sanctified. Nay: rather, I believe, they are healthy symptoms of our condition, and prove that we are not dead, but alive. A true Christian is one who has not only peace of conscience, but war within. He may be known by his warfare as well as by his peace.
     -is a thing which cannot justify a man, and yet it pleases God.
     -is a thing which will be found absolutely necessary as a witness to our character in the great day of judgment.
     -is absolutely necessary, in order to train and prepare us for heaven. We need the work of the Holy Spirit as well as the work of Christ; we need renewal of heart as well as the atoning blood; we need to be sanctified as well as to be justified. ~JC RYLE

     And so dear Christian it is plainly seen
     that we must consecrate our lives to Him in all devotion
     that we must give ourselves freely to Holy Spirit's rule
             that we may grow into full maturity
   that we may be purified in the fire of His love
             that we may stand strong in these last days
    in order to be and to do ...

Eph 1:9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

2 Thess 1:11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power...

                  ~selah

Tags: sanctification * be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Tim 2

FAMOUS AMOS

2007-08-28T20:16:00.000-04:00

Amos 1 & 2
         ~ burdened, burden bearer
          chosen to deliver such a heavy message from the Lord to His wayward people...
          what a message,
                   a warning,
           ...regarding imminent doom......... boom!

with prophetic perception he reveals God's revelation
are there any with illumination who will heed the prophets woe?

Israel depraved in her prosperity
          asleep in her time of peace...
          religious but not righteous (ugghh)
          indited by the King of all Kings!

He roars from out of Zion
utters His voice from Jerusalem
while the pastures of shepherds mourn
the top of Carmel withers... the people forgot their God

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1, 2, 3 strikes....YOU'RRRRRRREEEEE OUTTTTTTTTTTTT!
this is the Lord's decree
you are facing judgment and doom because of your sin
poor and wretched in your prosperity

first He judges surrounding enemy nations
indicts and punishes them all
the "people of God" shout in victory,
cheering with glee as they see them all fall

hail to our God they cried with joy
His judgments are righteous and true
as He swiftly and effectively punished them all
in His holiness this is what He must do

Damascus & Gaza,
Tyre & Edom,
Ammon & Moab,
Go down...

All Israel cheers at the judgments of God
Their cry of deliverance resounds

the Lord then turns from His judgment of nations
Amos opens his mouth once again
to the horror of the inhabitants of Judah
it is them He is about to condemn

to Judah He says, you've despised My law
your lies have led you astray
lies that once held your fathers captivated by sin
will surely destroy you today

O Israel,
you sell the righteous for silver
and the poor for what they own
you pervert the way of the humble
father and son bring the same girlhome

My Holy Name you defile
My place of worship you desecrate
with sensual indulgence and idolatry
which you know the Lord does hate!

it was I Who brought down the Amorite
it was I Who brought you up from Egypt too
I raised up the Nazarites from among you
and your sons as prophets too

but you defiled the Nazarites with wine to drink
and the Prophets you forbade to speak
your despising and cursing these gifts that I gave
has rendered your nation so weak...

learn from this tragedy O, American Church
that in times of prosperity and peace
we must reverence and worship the King of all Kings
lest we too end up like these...

                   ~selah

Tags: famous Amos pt 1

i do

2007-08-27T17:54:00.000-04:00

Psalm 45:1-5
               the beautiful mystery of Christ and the church.
                                        His transcendent excellence,
                                                His glorious victories,
                                             His righteous government,
                                                    His beautiful Bride...
                                                            a song of loves

as we meditate upon this Psalm our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for Christ
with a deep and intense longing to build His church on this earth...
compeled to sow the seeds of this glorious message of the Gospel and His Kingdom....
that we will have to our account "fruit that remains"...

as we join this Royal Groom,
                 this Prince of Peace,
                 this Man of War...

bringing to Him souls, liberated on the field of battle ...
                                  won in the spirit, in the heavenly realms of prayer
                                  as we empower His ministering spirits to fight
                                  with deliverance manifested here on earth

we are flooded with joy unspeakable,
      "the joy of the Lord is our strength"
       overflowing with gratitude, filled with thanksgiving for the privlege to serve Him...
       undone, overwhelmed, intoxicated by this love
       we fall down at His feet and worship Him!

"Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Most Mighty!"
The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit.
"In Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility &righteousness"
He goes forth with glory and majesty
                            strength and great power!

"He is faithful & true, full of grace & truth"

"Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies."
The wounds of the One that loves greatly,
       sent forth to subdue us and reconcile us to His Father.
As the arrow hits the mark, the center of our hearts, conviction falls and leads us to
       repentance...submitting our lives to Christ and His government we are transformed...
   from glory to glory

But those who resist this love, shall by broken and die in their sin (Mt. 21:44, Lu. 19:27)

This King, our Jesus, governs our hearts with righteousness, peace and joy!
Leading us by His Spirit...guiding us with His eyes...
to the places of the heart, bringing us deeper, ever deeper....
that we might be and do all that He desires.

"may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You,"
my Lord, my God, my King, my Deliverer, my Savior, my Love, my very Life...
cleanse me, free me... from all that hinders love
purge me, heal me ...from all that separates me
                                                   from the most intimate Knowledge of You!

                                                         ~selah

turning the world upside down

2007-07-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

    every time I read the book of Acts I am profoundly moved...
          the ACTIONS of the APOSTLES and the WORK of HOLY SPIRIT!

    the birth of HIS Church, Christianity, Christians, followers of Christ!
          a community of BELIEVERS began by FAITH in the RISEN CHRIST
          and the SUPERNATURAL POWER of HOLY SPIRIT
            ENABLING THEM
                                                    to WITNESS
                                                    to LOVE
                                                    to SERVE!


         "...for in Him we live and move and have our being...
                          ~ we have life and motion and existence..." Acts 17:28

    the Church GREW throughout Jerusalem, Syria, Africa, Asia & Europe, WOW!
    by personal testimony, preaching, signs, wonders, miracles...
    with boldness, faith, courage, love unfeigned;
                          THEY STOOD and
GAVE AN ANSWER for WHAT THEY BELIEVED!

          wherever GOD SENT THEM, LIVES & HISTORY WERE CHANGED!

    "Is it true today that when people pray
      Cloudless skies will break; Kings and Queens will shake
      We'll see dead men rise and the blind set free

        I'm gonna be a History Maker in this land
        I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind
        I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run

        Is it true today that when people stand
        With the fire of God and the truth in hand
        We'll see miracles, we'll hear angels sing
        We'll see broken hearts making history
        YES IT'S TRUE AND I BELIEVE IT, I'M LIVING FOR YOU! " Delirious

         Since the CHURCH began with a spark
           and grew to a flame kindled by a passion & devotion for Jesus and His Kingdom
                          to a blazing fire fueled by confrontation, opposition, persecution
   ...martyrdom !

Heb 12:1 "The Race of Faith"
1 "Therefore (on account of) we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

   ...on account of all of this that we have read
   we have such a cloud...such a quality of a crowd of witnesses ...the character of these witnesses
   all of these witnesses had it difficult
                       make a thorough examination of these people...and look at what kind of witnesses we have

among these witnesses are Peter, Paul, Stephen, etc
*** witness: someone who can give an account...a legal verified witness in the court of law...
                                             they can testify that HIS WORD WORKS

    Acts 6::8 "Stephen, a man full of God's grace, faith & power, a
                     performed amazing sign, wonders and miracles among the people.
                     BUT one day some men from the synagogue started to debate with him.
                                     NONE OF THEM WERE ABLE TO STAND AGAINST HIM
                                  ~ TO WITHSTAND THE INSPIRED WISDOM & THE SPIRIT
                                  ~ THEY WERE NO MATCH FOR STEPHEN'S WISDOM, AND
                                      FOR THE SPIRIT WHICH GAVE HIM UTTERANCE"

JESUS admonished us in Luke 21...
    9"And when you hear ofwars and insurrections (disturbances, disorder, and confusion), do notbecome alarmed and panic-stricken and terrified; for all this must takeplace first, but the end will not [come] immediately.
   10Then He told them, Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. [2 Chron. 15:6; Isa. 19:2.]
   11Therewill be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places faminesand pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectiousepidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will besights of terror and great signs from heaven.
   12Butprevious to all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecuteyou, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will beled away before kings and governors for My name's sake.
    13This will be a time (an opportunity) for you to bear testimony.
    14Resolveand settle it in your hearts & minds not to meditate and prepare beforehand howyou are to make your defense and how you will answer.
    15ForI [Myself] will give you a mouth and such utterance and wisdom that allof your foes combined will be unable to stand against or refute.
    19By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls."

   Even as Stephen sowed his very life to the work of his Lord
(I believe that the mantle/call of Stephen fell unto Saul/Paul)
              ...the life of Christ took root in Paul of who it is written in Acts17:
"2 As was Paul’scustom...He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer andrise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is theMessiah.” 4 Some ofthe Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, alongwith many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.
     5But some of the Jews were jealous..and took them before the city council.
     “Paul andSilashave caused trouble all over the world,” they shouted, “and nowthey are here disturbing our city, too.
   ...they have turned the rest of the world upside down...
   ...these world revolutionaries...
7 They are all guilty oftreason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king,named Jesus.”
     10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. 11And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those inThessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. Theysearched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas wereteaching the truth. 12 As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. "

I say ENCORE LORD, do it again...through me!
   ...they gave every ounce of talent, treasure, devotion, breath
                                                  to CHRIST...
these BELIEVERS, in Spirit-led boldness...
   through suffering, in the face of death itself...
              took every opportunity to tell of Christ...
                      Jesus said in Acts 1:8: "YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER
                             ...YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES EVERYWHERE..."

...if the Jews and the Greeks could be saved in those days...
...I believe that it can happen once again here, today in America...
Where Holy Spirit is at work there is movement (acts), momentum & growth.
Holy Spirit's work demonstrates that Christianity is supernatural!
Where our God is Lord, the church becomes more Holy Spirit conscious than problem/contradiction conscious...
BY FAITH we can claim the Holy Spirit's power to do Christ's work!
     HOW shall YOU fit into God's plan for spreading Christianity?
     What is YOUR PLACE in this GREAT MOVEMENT OF GOD?

    " we will sing the songs that awaken the dawn
       and WE WILL USHER IN YOUR APPEARING
       It's Your face that we crave
       It's Your presence that we long for...
                                 YOUR KINGDOM COME!

      And with YOUR SEAL UPON OUR HEARTS
                            STRONGER THEN THE GRAVE
                                                    SET US ABLAZE!!!
                                                                                  Glory to the Righteous One!!!

     LORD, LET OUR LIVES BE FUEL FOR YOUR FIRE! AMEN.

goodness amd mercy

2007-07-23T00:17:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of Your goodness today
   that goodness that not only gives but graciously withholds

I was thinking of Your mercy today
   that wonderful mercy that closes some doors but opens others....

In Your infinite wisdom You speak, You move, You invite me in...
In awe of You... I am speechless, I am moved, I am drawn to You...

soul quakes - shaking of God

2007-06-22T13:33:00.000-04:00

40 days to breakthrough
breaking through all of those things that try to hold us back
those things that so easily ensnare us ...

            Heb 12:1
            "Therefore we also,
             since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
             let us lay aside every weight,
             and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
             and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

40 days of preparation
40 days of soul quaking
40 days to re-awaken...love, dreams, destiny!
                               ...the Body of Christ
                               ...the beautiful bride
                               she is in preparation
                               being perfected, made ready,
                               to receive her bridegroom...

                        Romans 1:21-32 "the fullness ofevil in the endtimes"
        ...we must repent personally and stand in identificational
        repentance for our nation and break agreement with every demonic
        spirit..."...idolatry, homosexuality, lust, perversion, atheism, evil to
        the fullness...And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
        God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be
        done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness,
        evil, covetousness, malice, rebellion, jealousy and envy. They
        are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are
        gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful,
        inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless,
        ruthless."

   what some prophets are saying:
   "True soldiers of the cross are mobilizing. the church is about to be clothed with a beauty that is beyond this world!" Dutch Sheets
    "A Vision - When I was praying this morning, I saw a large ball of fire come out of heaven. It came right at me and I knew that there was no way I could avoid it, so I didn't even try. It hit me right in the chest. I was then shown the most beautiful bridal dress I have ever seen. It was truly from out of this world, supernaturally beautiful. Then the voice of the Lord came to me and said, "Help My bride put on this dress." Rick Joyner
     The fire of the Lord has been going through me in waves since this happened. I know with a supernatural knowing that the bride is about to get ready. I have always had a vision and love for the church, but never like I felt this morning. The church is about to be clothed with a beauty that is beyond thisworld. She is going to make herself ready and become the glorious bride our Lord deserves."
     "The Lord also has His plans and purposes; plans for welfare and not for calamity toward those obediently following His divinely ordained strategy. Nothing could be more rewarding for a Christian than to find favor with God by willingly offering ourselves as instruments of righteousness, hating what He hates and loving that which He loves.This can be accomplished, at least in part, by committing ourselvesfaithfully to this battle both individually and corporately." Bob Jones
      "Foremost in our preparation for this battle is sincere repentance for our sins and the sins of our "fathers". Repentance will always bring forth times of refreshing from the Presence of the Lord. Genuine sorrow that is not merely the articulation of our mouths but the incentives of our hearts will also pave the way for the impartation of righteousness and divine authority necessary for defeating our enemies. The Scriptures declare that our Savior came into this world to destroy the works of the devil. He has chosen His Church as the instrument through which this victory is to be manifested."     Bob Jones
    God Said: "THOSE WHO WALK IN THIS SECOND MILE ANOINTING WILL BE PREPARED TO WALK IN MY MIRACULOUS ANOINTING" Al Thomas

    IN THIS SEASON:
    Our Father is realigning us to
            His will, His desires, His plans, His ways...
    He is causing a great shaking in our souls...
         ...dismantling everything within us that opposes
         wholeness, integrity and agreement with His Word.

     Great shaking...
      a shocking unveiling to the things in our hearts
      that militate against His Kingdom, His reign and His rule.

       Great grace proceeds great joy as we surrender all ...
       All, at the crossroad of self sacrifice, the altar of His love...
       Faithful Bride, jump into arms, the loving fire of His cleansing...
       Shout for joy...
             Dance for victory as He purifies us for a greater glory!

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
                     as a seal upon your arm,
                 for love is strong as death,
             jealousy is fierce as the grave.
         Its flashes are flashes of fire,
     the very flame of the LORD." Song of Solomon 8:6

Psalm 45
      "2 You are fairer than the sons of men;
           Grace is poured upon Your lips;
              Therefore God has blessed You forever.
                      17 I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations;
                       Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever. "

___purify my heart___let me be as gold and precious silver___
___purify my heart___let me be as gold, pure gold___
___refiner's fire___my heart's one desire___is to be holy___
___set apart for You Lord___
___I chose to be holy___set apart for You my lover___
.......READY TO DO YOUR WILL.....
___purify my heart___cleanse me from within___and make me holy____
___purify my heart___cleanse me from my sin___deep within___ (refiner's fire)

~selah

exquisite antiphonal psalms

2007-06-12T00:37:00.000-04:00

PSALMISTS David       Keith

                      You & I...

a psalm is a sacred song to God...
                            a poem, writing, anthem, hymn, chant, response
                             usually set to music
                             often antiphonal...

I love psalms, especially exquisite antiphonal psalms
They pluck at the strings of your heart
They stir your soul
In the process of receiving them they even make you whole...

It's transformational ...it's healing ...it brings us closer to Our Lord
     Our Prince of Peace, The Mighty One, Our All Wise Counselor
     Our Wonderful One, The Everlasting Father, Our Most Divine One
     ............Our King...............Our Christ..............Our Jesus..............Isaiah 9

Song of Solomon 1: 2, 3, 4 ~ The Bride Confesses Her Love

"She
   2Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth!
      For Your love is better than wine;
3Draw me after You; let us run.
The king has brought me into His chambers.

Others
   We will exult and rejoice in You;
   We will extol your love more than wine;
   Rightly do they love You."

Draw me away to the secret place
Hold me tight in Your sweet embrace
Your kisses have captivated me
I am filled with wonder and delight
I desire to be in the secret place with You every day & night

          "You have said to me, "Seek my face."
            My heart responds to you,
          "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
                                                      ~ Psalm 27:8

Deep calls unto deep...
In this place with You
I find joy...I find strength...most exquisite love!

You have captured my soul
You are the desire of my heart
Where ever You take me
I will go
WhateverYou ask of me
I will do...

                               "Your love is pure
                                Your love is precious
                                Your love is all I need
                                Your love surrounds me
                                Your love astounds me
                                Your love is everything

                                                 I run to you
                                         My heart is weak
                                              I cling to You
                                          You're all I seek
             My hearts desire to be close to You
          Here in Your arms I'll find my strength

                           ...I am safe in Your arms...

More than the air that I breathe, more then the song that I sing...

Everything I want
Everything I hope for
Everything my heart cries out for..." ~Kari Jobe

~selah

Tags: devo adaption

how beautiful

2007-05-29T10:42:00.000-04:00

I was thinking about the Body of Christ and the beauty of unity...

Holy Spirit is brooding over our region in this season (maybe all of the USA)
and pouring out great grace to us...

He is empowering us to let go, to die to self, to stretch, to grow forward....
to obey, to fulfill His desire...the high call for His Church in this season

           ...and it feels beautiful...it feels right..."His yoke is easy..."
           as we trust Him...as we rest in His promises... He IS faithful...

         and so He is asking today, "will you lay down your Isaac's?"
                                will you trust me to do what is best for you?
                                 that which will cause your faith to grow?

     Will you cooperate with My Spirit
     and allow Me to bring you to/through those things
     that will enlarge you and stretch you and beautify...

      Receive My grace today...
                   for I desire to enlarge the borders of My Kingdom in your land
                        I desire to dismantle the high places
                           that have militated against my purposes in your region...

      And I shall do this through My Church, My Beautiful Bride
                    as she submits to My will for the unity of faith to arise....

       So Arise My Beloved, My Beautiful One, My Bride, My Body...
              for I am accelerating My purposes
                   I am pouring forth a greater grace,
                      to bring forth a unified Church
                      tried by faith in the fire of My love
                      to release a manifestation of the greater glory upon this earth!
                                                                                           ~selah

    "So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire.
     Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not
     be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes
      so you will be able to see." Rev 3:18

      "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you
           to be like-minded toward one another,
           according to Christ Jesus,
       that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and
          Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom 15:5-6

                "The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him;
                                 He covers him all the day long,
             and makes His dwelling between his shoulders". Duet 33:12

like Abraham's, an amazing journey

2007-05-10T22:31:00.000-04:00

Abraham
Father of Faith
.......................thank YOU for your example to us
steady, stable, faithful yet often fumbling in your faith
receiving truth from the One who swears by Himself...
immutable, incontestable, immovable, irrevocable are Your decrees (O Lord)

decrees over me...
             He decrees over me (and you) great blessing, incredible blessing!
             Declaring His will and purpose for every situation
             Sharing His wisdom as we walk in obedience to His command
             Patiently watching, watching me...over me...over you
             Never shocked, never surprised, always knowing...
                                                                          knowing all things
                                                                          the beginning from the end...
             He's got it all covered...
             So you can run your race in peace
             And find rest for your soul in knowing
             It's the decree of Your KING!
                                                               ~selah

devo adaption ~ garden of life

2007-05-09T08:31:00.000-04:00

Song of Solomon 4

what does it look like?
     this poured out vessel of worship
the liquid love that is pressed...
    the fragrance that ascends as I lift up
          my voice
                my head
                      my heart
                            my love!

pouring out my love to you...
                           ...fountains...
flowing garden fountains
wells of living water
sweet smelling offering
                          from my garden
                                your garden
                            fragrant garden
cultivated by the lover of my soul...
ever pruning, ever fertilizing...
gently, tenderly, gently, tenderly...
always knowing...what I am needing
                           to bring forth a fragrance
                           unsurpassed by human hands
                           pressed gently
                           pressed for purpose & for beauty
prepared to be poured out
                       poured forth...
let it be a sweet smelling fragrance for You
let it draw Your presence to this desolate land in which I dwell
come into Your garden
                 I am waiting
                 I am longing for You...
                                                   ~selah

helpless without Him

2007-05-04T09:28:00.000-04:00

      I was thinking this morning about life's challenges and before I got out of bed I took some time to pray for so many people, in a myriad of trying circumstances like health, finances, relationships, etc...
     So many things that could rob of us of our peace... these things that need to be released to God...things that need to be surrendered...these thoughts, seeking wisdom of the world...fruitless, fleeting, fragile, futile...
      Why is it so hard for us...why do we hold on to these & seek help from "man" when GOD is always there...always, there...He is there for us...to meet us at the deepest places...to give us the desires of our hearts...
      To reveal to us those hidden riches in secret places, nuggets of gold...understanding of His will, His ways...knowing Him...loving Him...trusting Him...faith...
               Faith in His Word...His Son...

      So I ask for wisdom and understanding...discernment to know the next step...open my eyes...show me your ways more perfectly...that I may walk in them...and not only for me but for all those who read this...bless us Lord and fill that hunger deep within...

    Humble seekers, on the road of discovery...dying to self, embracing Him...
    Believing for all that the Word promises us to be made manifest today...

kairos time, open doors

2007-05-02T10:58:00.000-04:00

"Look carefully then how you walk!
  Live purposefully and worthily and accurately,
     not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
  Redeeming the time [buying up each opportunity],
      because the days are evil. " Eph 5:15-1612

Redeeming the time...
       the Kairos time...
                      "To every thing there is a season,
                         and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ec 3:1

                   Kairos (καιρός) is an ancient Greek word meaning the "right or
                                                                opportune moment," or "God's time."

The term "kairos" is used in theology to describe the qualitative form of time. In rhetoric kairos is "a passing instant when an opening appears which must be driven through with force if success is to be achieved."
In the New Testament kairos means "the appointed time in the purpose of God", the time when God acts (e.g. Mark 1.15, the kairos is fulfilled...)

    "...the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault,
     and violent men seize it by force
     [as a precious prize--a share in the heavenly kingdom
     is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]." Mt 11:12

     "For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are
         written may be fulfilled..." Luke 21:22

      ...KAIROS TIME, OPEN DOORS...this is our time...arise
                                                                fulfilling our high calling....arise
                                                                seeking Him for insight...arise
                                                                perceiving the moment...arise
                                                                receiving revelation...arise
                                                                overcoming darkness...arise
                                                         arise to your place on the wall
                                                         arise to your place by the door
                                         it is time ...for new levels of prophesy and intercession
                                                       ...let the Church arise!
                                                      "Arise, shine; for the light is come, and
                                                    the glory of the Lord is risen upon you."
                                                                           Isa 60:1

                      IT IS TIME FOR THE CHURCH TO ARISE
                               and RAISE UP A STANDARD!

               "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
                  (the plumb line of righteousness and judgment)
                    you shall raise up the foundations
                   of [buildings that have laid waste for] many generations;
                    and you shall be called Repairer of the Breach,
                 Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." Isaiah 58:12

          "We will rebuild the ancient ruins,
       repairing cities destroyed long ago.
       We will revive them,
       though they have been deserted for many generations." Isaiah 61:4

                       “In that day I will restore  the Tabernacle of David.
                       I will repair its damaged walls.
                      Raise up its ruins , to rebuild it
                     and restore its former glory. " Amos 9:11

      The Sons of Issachar were watchman;
         God uses watchman...
         He reveals to them understanding, He reveals to them wisdom
         When He announces through them a kairos time it is then our responsibility to recognize the opportunity at hand and to accomplish it...to push back/oppose everything that hinders God's purposes and actively/aggressively bring forth God's word into being... The kairos moment will be accomplished when all things related to that specific moment are aligned.
           Perceive it, receive it, declare it!
                     (special note to PLC... Roar! ...)

       Daniel was a man of discernment...He knew that it was only God's voice that would give Him revelation...so he pressed into God to receive it...he fasted, he prayed, he worshipped Him...he pursued Him for the answers that He needed, not just for him but for his nation...He was a great watchman/intercessor/prophet/man of God!
       Daniel wrote this:

     "And he (the anti-christ) shall speak words against the Most High [God] and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and think to change the times and the law; and the saints shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time [three and one-half years].But the judgment shall be set [by the court of the Most High], and they shall take away his dominion to consume it[gradually] and to destroy it [suddenly] in the end.
     And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heavens shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions shall serve and obey Him." Dan 7:25-2

and:

"And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.
But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], andknowledge [of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great." Dan 12:3-4

                        THIS IS THE KAIROS TIME FOR
             OPEN DOORS AND PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT!
                          LET THE CHURCH ARISE!
                                                             ~selah

Tags: Carpe Diem

making room for prayer

2007-05-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

It's time to press in...to go farther, to go higher...
dedicating our hearts to lay hold of our victory on Calvary,
determined to triumph over every enemy of our soul and the soul of our nation...
--perceiving what Our Father is doing, what He is about to do...
knowing...that deep inner knowing; knowing His heart, mind, will, timing...

the Church must arise to the spiritual warfare warfare that we are called into
His Word is the eternal sword that we must raise against the powers of wickedness...

He is calling His children to global devotion
...a worldwide, universal dedication to worship and prayer
to the only One Who is worthy
His precious Son, Jesus the Christ...

                 in His act of supreme love, He gave everything, sacrificed all
                 that we could have fellowship with our Father
                 that we could regain all that was lost in Eden
                 that we would have the victory in every situation through Him...

                 Room for prayer...prayer...taking time for God
                                                  My Jesus always found it
                                                                 always embraced it
                                                                 always triumphed in it...
                  He knew, He understood, He was, He is
                                                                               ...the love that fuels intercession
                  He demonstrated that love, that devotion...unceasing, unfailing - love

                   ...if we, who are in Christ, cease to love, we will fail to pray...

              We too must know the heart of God and act upon that understanding
                                   knowing like Daniel, that"the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]." Dan 11:32


                  Prayer...
                               it strengthens us, works perseverance in us
                              brings change, transformation, expansion
                               always leading us, always guiding us...
                                          especially through those difficult times
                                                                               uncertain times
                                                                               desperate times...

Jesus said:
"...men always ought to pray and not lose heart...
     shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him,
     though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.
   Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes,
                                               will He really find faith on the earth?” Luke 18

"Because you have kept My command to persevere,
    I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world,
                                                          to test those who dwell on the earth." Rev 3:10

     The Church, His Bride, His Beloved...will always triumph...
             We need to look past the momentary trials
                            to look forward to the outcome that He has promised...
      We must devote ourselves to the Word,
                                               to prayer
                                               to worship and adoration
                              and finally to obedience to be all and do all
                                               obeying our calling and fulfilling our destiny
                                                                              for Him and in Him...

          ...it all begins here, it begins today...we must value prayer
                                                                              embrace prayer
                                                                              make room for prayer
                                                                              everyday of our lives...selah

Tags: prayer