July Cover Photo (2013)*

 Bandelier National Park in Santa Fe, NM
                                                                                -   Photo by Rachel J Newman

Take Your Mind off the World and Trust Me (7.29.13)

Job 1:20-22 - At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Job knew where his strength and help came from,
so he chose to worship and praise the Lord.
In all his hurt and despair, he chose to spend time with the Lord and reach out to Him.
He took his eyes off his loss, off his sorrow and chose to look to the Lord.
Instead of allowing his flesh to take control of him, he chose to allow the Lord
 to have full control of the situation.

Hear what the Lord is saying to you:

Tough times will come, and they will go.
Nothing but My Word will last forever. There’s no need for you to spend precious time 
stressing over what you’re going through. 
Stop worrying about what’s not working.  

Take your mind off the world and trust Me.

Instead of worrying give it to Me, 
and enter into a time of worship and praise. 
Don’t allow this problem to overtake you. 
If you spend time in My presence, 
I will give you the strength and wisdom 
to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. 
When you seek Me first in everything,
 no matter what it is, all your needs will be met. 
Pray to Me and know that I am the answer.

Isn’t that what Job did? He worshipped and gave it all to the Lord.
And we all know what the end result was don’t we?
Job was strengthened beyond human understanding and the Lord restored double to him all that was lost.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

Job 42:10 - And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Only You Can Breakthrough to Your Miracle (7.28.13)

Have you ever felt forgotten by GOD? 

I know I've felt that way. 

Does GOD appear to busy blessing everyone except you ? 

Do your expectations of GOD appear to be met with cold indifference from Him? 

Do you find yourself asking, "What is GOD doing?" and "What is going on here?” 

If your answer is "yes," then rejoice, because you are at the edge of a miracle! 

You are on the verge of a breakthrough! 

Don't give up now!  Your door is about to swing open!

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ

Women say that the most difficult time of childbirth are the few moments right before the baby is delivered into the world. Mothers become tired and exhausted.  Beyond what they can endure. The last thing they want to hear again is, “Come on PUSH”!  It has been said by mothers, that you push and push and push, until you have exhausted all your strength...  You just don’t have another push in you.  You want to scream, "I can't do this. I just can't!" 

You are in that same place right now.  

On the verge of a breakthrough. 

Perhaps you are tired of believing, tired of praying, tired of hearing another prophecy.  GOD knows how you feel, but you cannot give up now. The enemy would love for you to give up.  But no way should you do that.  

Do not allow him to win. 

Only you can break through to your miracle! 

Only you can give birth to your dream! 

Only you can fight through to your dream's fulfillment.  

No one else can do it for you! 

GOD will give you His strength, when you have none of your own. If we fall short, the Lord is there to lift us back to our feet. He promised in His word that He will give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29).

I have felt this way, and maybe some of you have too. 

When the heat became so unbearable, I wonder if the Lord remembers the pain in my life.  I wonder if all those promises He whispered in my ear would ever be fulfilled. When will GOD open the door, or was there a door to be opened? I have been teetering on the edge of a breakthrough for so long, that I allowed doubt to creep in and steal my joy. I would ask myself, "Would it ever happen? Maybe GOD has changed His mind? Maybe that word I received was not from the Lord.” 

I was tired of waiting, tired of praying, tired of hoping in faith. 

I felt like a butterfly in a cocoon, hidden and forgotten. 

I felt like I had overstayed my time in the cocoon. 

Have you been there? 

If you have a relationship with GOD you probably have felt this way. The good news is, the Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Our ways are not His ways and our timing is not His timing. Our Father is the Master Planner over our lives.  Everything He does is done in order and on time, even though circumstances sometimes cause us to think differently. 

Hold on to what the Lord has promised. Know that He is Holy and cannot lie regardless of how your situation appears to be. JEHOVAH is on top of your situation, maneuvering everything like a chess game. He's removing, replacing and strategically changing things within your situation so that everything will work out in your favor. 

TRUST HIM!! 

Without faith it is impossible to please GOD.

Open Your Eyes and Get Ready for Your Blessings (7.27.13)

Open your eyes wide, so that you can embrace the changes I am about to make in your life. 

It is a good change, something you have wanted to happen, and have been waiting for, for a long time. When you receive this blessing and change, be sure to give the Lord our GOD all of the glory, because all good things come from Him. 

It is He who has all things in His power. He can shift the heavens, the seas, the winds and the fires. Things will suddenly become different for you in a good way. But just know that I delight in blessing my children, especially when they have been obedient to Me. 

To see you rejoice over what I am about to do in your life, so pleases Me. 

I feel much like an earthly parent, who delights in pleasing their offspring. Keep your eyes open and watch how I am getting ready to bless you. I am the great "I Am"!!!!! I have the power to change all things supernaturally. I have the power to leave man speechless, wondering how this thing came about, especially when things were meant for evil against you. 

I am about to show up and show out!!

Be watchful because I watch over my Word, ensuring that it will come to pass.

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me... - Psalms 25:4-5 (NASB)

Have a Jesus filled day!

Thank God for what you have, Trust God for what you need.

A New Path (7.26.13)

I will do a new thing says the Lord, 

and I will lead you on a new path. 

This will be a path of blessing and will open up new opportunities for you. 

And as you follow Me very closely, I will show you exactly each step to take on this new journey.

But before you can fully enter into the new, 

you must be prepared to let go of the old. 

For you cannot walk two roads at the same time, 

especially if they go in different directions. 

If you choose to continue on the road you are walking, 

then I will continue to bless that road. 

But if you choose the new road that I have for you, 

I will increase your blessing by leading you into something fresh

that holds more promise.

Know that I will never ask anything of you

that you are not capable of doing. 

So do not fear that I will lead you into something 

that you do not wish to do. 

Nor will I cause you to suffer unnecessary hardship along the way.

But know also that a new path may require new challenges. 

You could face a higher level of opposition and difficulty in order to rise up to new heights. 

You could face lack before breaking free to a higher level of provision. 

You could face a physical attack before rising up victorious to a new level of health.

When these things come upon you, you must realize that the negative never comes from Me. However when I lead you into a place of greater blessings, the enemy will throw bigger obstacles in your way to stop you from entering into that blessing. You need simply to resist him and keep pressing on, and soon you will see your light break forth as the morning.  Your health and wealth will rise to a new level.

Fear not Beloved, 

for I have gone ahead before you on this new way, 

and I know the end from the beginning. 

Simply trust Me and take My hand, 

and I will lead you safely to your journey's end says the Lord. 

Remember this: There is nothing that you will face today, that the Lord can't bring you through.

Thank God for what you have, Trust God for what you need.

Ask the Lord to Bring Peace to Challenged Relationships (7.24.13)

Emotions are high and intense; there is a lot of ripping and tearing apart going on in relationships at this time.  Remember we have an enemy who is trying to sabotage relationships.  Trying to bring about division and discord; hurt and distrust; into our homes, churches, ministries and businesses.

During this period, try to be sensitive to one another's needs by doing things that will please the LORD.  

Be kind, caring and loving in yours thoughts, actions and deeds. 

I also believe it is important to recognize that often things are not as they appear to be. 

The enemy is using distrust, rejection, fear, miscommunication, prior hurts and wounds, etc. to bring death and division into relationships. If you are experiencing relationship issues, seek the Lord on how to proceed. 

Do not react out of emotions, but find that place of stillness. 

Ask the Lord to Sovereignly intervene and follow through on everything He lays on your heart to do. Sometimes people, and even family members, can really push you to the brink, causing you to step out of GOD's will for a few moments; until you give this person a piece of your mind.  Then you have to go back and repent for what you said to that person.  Remember, GOD sees and hears every word that comes from our mouths. 

He's standing right next to us every moment of the day. If your relationships are being challenged right now, then ask the LORD to come into your heart and into your home.  

Ask Him to bring peace like only He can. 

If you seek the LORD, He will fix what is wrong and restore peace into your surroundings. 

 

Ephesians 4:31-5:2 - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as GOD in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 5:1-2 - Therefore be imitators of GOD as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

I am Preparing You for Greater Things to Come (7.23.13)

Isaiah 41:10-13 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you, yes; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

It seems that you are being tested at every turn. 

I see you hanging onto your hope, wondering when is this pain going to end.

Oh My child, I know you don’t understand what you are going through right now, but it’s only a test.  So please don’t give up.  For this test will strengthen your character. 

I am preparing you for greater things coming your way, that you aren't ready to handle right now. You were not chosen by chance but rather with a purpose. For only I know the plans I have for you. My plans for your future are good and lovely.

Stop indulging in discouragement and self-pity. 

Those are not of Me, and anyway you don't have time for that. 
Cast all your fears upon Me and you will not be disappointed. 
If you lose your hope, you also lose your vision; therefore giving the victory to the enemy. 
The enemy knows that if he can cause you to fear, then he can also cause you to doubt the plans and blessings I have for you. If he does this to you, others that are waiting to be blessed through you will be affected too. 

Too much is at stake so hang in there, you can make it because it's only a test.

Also, don’t expect anyone else to encourage you. 
They are busy fighting battles of their own. 
It is time you rise up now and encourage yourself. 

That is what David had to do when the enemy was closing in on him. 
Your battle will be won when you enter into your prayer closet. 
There I will be waiting for you with divine instructions. 
There you will hear from Me, there you will be encouraged;
There you will be strengthened, and there I will teach you how to press through. 
I want you to be strong, confident, and unbreakable. Always trusting in Me.

Again, I say unto you, never give up, it’s only a test, now rise up in faith! If you feel the Lord is giving you the silent treatment right now remember the Teacher is always silent during the test!


- My Prayer Confession -
Heavenly Father,
I honor You and praise You this day, with all that is within me.
Oh Lord, I just lift up Your Holy Name!

Yes, Lord, Thank You for reminding me it’s only a test.
I will press my way through the trials and tribulations,
as spoken to me so many times.

Oh Lord, help me to know that You are guiding me through this valley
and all that I have to do is hold onto your hand.
It’s only a test!
Yes, Lord it’s only a test.
Thank You Jesus! 

Waiting on the Lord to Fill Your Life's Backorder (7.22.13)

All, I sent this message before, a long time ago, but I felt in my spirit to send it out again.

---- 

The Lord wants someone to know that He is working on their behalf; 

so do not become distracted by the silence but continue to believe.

Have you ever ordered something from a catalog or a store, and got the response that the item was on backorder? When an item is on backorder, that doesn't mean you won't receive what you have requested.  It simply means that you can't get the item immediately.  It means that you will have to wait until the backorder is filled. However, sometimes we don't want to wait for the backorder to be filled, so we settle for another item. Then when we get the substituted item and are asked about it's quality.  We sometimes reply, it's ok but it's not what I really wanted. We settled for less, because we weren't willing to wait for the backorder to be filled.

Are you waiting on some backorders to be filled in your life? 

Have you placed an order for a husband or wife, a financial blessing, a house; or maybe reconciliation with someone, the salvation of a friend or family member, a spiritual breakthrough?  Have you placed the order and it seems that still, the answer hasn't come? Remember, it maybe delayed, but it's not denied. Wait on Him.

In times like these, it is important that we continue to keep our faith in the Lord and allow Him to fill the backorders. Sometimes we aren't ready for that which we have asked Him for, and GOD is using this time to prepare us for His blessing. Yes, there are times we aren't ready to be blessed. Hard to believe, but it's true. 

GOD knows what He is doing, so wait on Him.

It is important that we trust the Lord, to bring to pass that which He has promised.
It is important that we do not become impatient and settle for something less than what GOD wants us to have. GOD doesn't want His children to settle for anything, and then have to say, "it's ok, but it's not really what I wanted". 

Wait on Him.

It's important that we ask GOD to crucify the impatience, the anxieties, the worries, and the doubt in our lives.  We must ask GOD to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding, so that we can wait on His promises. He is not man that He should lie.

Now is the time for you to decide which person you will be. 

Will you be the person that will wait on the Lord to fulfill the backorder?  Or will you be the one that will settle for a substitute? Think about this, if we can wait for man to backfill a catalog order, surely we can wait on our Lord and Savior to give us the desires of our heart. 

Wait, I say, on the Lord to fill the backorders in your life. 

May the Lord continue to bless you as you wait on Him.

Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, 

and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 37:4-5 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; 

and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the LORD; 

trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:34 - Wait on the Lord and keep his way, 

and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land;

Come to Me, Believe In Me, and Find Your Grace (7.21.13)

Sometimes you become so busy trying to figure things out, 
that you forget to stop and ask Me for help. 

You have become so determined to do it on your own, that before you know it everything around you is in total disarray. How long will you allow this, before you look up and seek My face? I want to offer you help this day.  I want you to take your hands off of the things that are consuming you, and allow Me to lead the way. I have all the answers to every situation that has come upon you. 

You’re are looking everywhere for help, but I want you to look to Me. Beloved, I have been here all the time.  Waiting patiently for you to ask Me for wisdom and guidance. I’ve been waiting patiently for you to be still, to quiet your spirit, and allow Me to show you what I have for you. I am eager to help and to instruct, but I will not impose My will upon you. 

I will only step in when you come to the end of yourself and surrender all to Me. 

It is a fathers desire to ease the load of his children. Don’t allow your pride to stop you from allowing Me to help you. That prideful spirit is from the enemy and he is using it to hold you back. Allow Me to help you, and you will see the enemy flee like a coward. He is a paper tiger with lots of bark and no power. You see, the enemy has tried to load you down with all the things of this world, to keep your eyes off of Me.  This tactic has caused you to stumble and fall off the path I have laid out for you. Again, I am here to help.

Now rise up, stand up, in the glory of My name and claim your victory.  The victory that I gave to you on Calvary. I have given you authority over the enemy, so use it. For it is written, "All things are possible to those who believe." 

Come to Me.
Believe in Me. 
And see your circumstances change, as I intervene on your behalf. 
Come to Me and you will find grace to help in your time of need. 


So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help - Isaiah 30:18 (NLT)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble - Psalm 46:1 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need - Hebrews 4:16 

Waiting on the Lord (7.19.13)

WAITING ON THE LORD

Desperately, helplessly, longingly - I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly - GOD replied.
I pleaded and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master, so gently said, "Child, you must wait!"

"'Wait?', You say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!"
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By FAITH I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I can relate,
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to WAIT?"
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no', to which I can resign.

"And Lord, you promised that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate;
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut;
And grumbled to GOD, "So, I'm waiting. . ..for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and how pleased you would be.
You would have what you want -- but, you wouldn't know ME.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint,
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair,
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in me,
When darkness and silence were all you could see.

"You'd never experience that fullness of love,
As the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove.
You'd know that I give and I save. . . (for a start),
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of my heart.

"The glow of my comfort, late into the night.
The faith that I give, when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked,
Of an infinite GOD, who makes what you have LAST.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for your loved ones overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
THAT THE GREATEST OF GIFTS IS TO GET TO KNOW ME.
And though oft may my answers seem terribly late,
My wisest of answers is still, but to WAIT."

                                                                         - Author Unknown

Praising God for the Closed Doors (7.18.13)

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors, 

in the same way we do for an open door. 

The reason GOD closes doors is because He has not prepared anything for us behind that door.  If He didn't close the wrong door,  we would never find our way to the right door.  Even when we don't realize it, GOD directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors.

When one door closes, it forces us to change our course. 

If another door closes, it forces us to change our course yet again. 

Then finally, we find the open door and walk right into our blessing. 

But instead of praising GOD for the closed door (which kept us out of trouble), we get upset because we "judge by the appearance of a closed door."  And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we insist that we know what is right.

We have a very present help, in the time of need, who is always standing guard.  Because He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble down the road and HE sets up roadblocks and detours accordingly.

But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour signs. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord how could this happen to me?"  We have to realize that the closed door was a blessing.  Didn't He say, "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?"

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them.  It might be the Lord, setting up a roadblock - so just let it go.  I'm so grateful for the many times GOD has closed doors to me, just to open another one in the most unexpected places. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way" - Psalm 37:23

Closed doors are always a blessing from the Lord, 

because He know the thing awaiting behind the closed door 

was not for our good. 

PRAISE GOD FOR CLOSED DOORS!

God is in Control, and I am on His Side (7.17.13)

GOD's goal is to have a relationship with ME! 

He will never leave me, nor forsake me.
Never mislead me. Never forget me. Never overlook me.
And never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me! When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me! When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me! When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me! When I face loss, He provides for me!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, every day and in every way.  He is GOD and He is faithful.  I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in Heaven can, and will, beat down the father of the under world which is satan.  And if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...He said it, and so that settles it.

GOD is in control and I am on His side.  That means all is well with my soul.

Every day is a blessing from GOD!

He is Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end!!!

Lift Up Your Rod (7.16.13)

I think you know this familiar story --

Once the children of Israel were released, they came upon a place where the sea was before them and the enemy was behind them. 

Even though they were confused and didn't understand how to proceed, Moses said to them in Exodus 14:13, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD".  Moses said to the children of Israel, "the Egyptians who you see today, you shall see no more forever.  A time is coming when GOD will do away with the enemies in your life."  The Lord told Moses, "Tell the children of Israel to GO FORWARD." 

So many times when we feel blocked by the schemes of the enemy, we want to stop and give up, losing all faith in GOD's promise.  The Lord then said to Moses, "Lift up your rod".  The rod that Moses held in his hand was a symbol of authority.  You too, have a measure of authority, that GOD has given to you. 

Exercise that authority and your way will begin to open up. The Lord will then overtake your enemy, allowing you to proceed into your next phase of victory and blessings.  The Lord has promised He will fight for us (His children).  

Do not look back at your enemy, but stay focused on GOD.  

Focus on the power He has given you through His Name. 

Speak His Name into your situation and your Red Sea will part right before your eyes; but remember it will all be done in His timing and according to His will.

Give Abundantly and Share your Love, Time and Joy (7.15.13)

Whenever you think your supply seems to have failed you,
know that it isn’t so.

When this happens, look at your life and see what I am leading you to share with others.
I know it may appear strange to give when you feel your supply is short.
There is always stagnation or blockage when supply seems short.
However, when you give, you clear away the blockage and allow
the Spirit of My vast supply to flow clear into your life.

Give abundantly from your heart.

Share your love, share your time, and share your joy.

Give as I have given to you.

After all, you are a follower of the Greatest Giver in the world.
My gift, the richest Heaven has to offer, is that precious Gift of Life
- an Abundant Life.
When you learn this precious lesson of giving, you will become a great power
to help others and to do mighty things.


And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury - Mark 12:42-43 

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again - Luke 6:38 

Stand On My Word & Trust Me, Your Blessings are Already on Their Way (7.14.13)

There is a battle going on in your mind and you feel as though you cannot win. You don’t have to fight this battle alone, you have Me. Please don't give up on Me. I know you are on the verge of giving up. I see your thoughts and I know what you are thinking. PLEASE, don’t allow the enemy to win.

I know what you are going through is very difficult. And it seems as though good things appear to be happening to others, even to those who don’t profess to believe in Me. Remember, it is I who makes the sun rise on evil and on good. It is I who sends the rain on the just and the unjust. Do not allow what seems to be happening to others, to cause you to lose faith in Me.

Trust Me when I say, your blessings are already on their way. 

I know you can't make yourself believe this right now, but you must refuse to listen to thoughts of unbelief when they manifest in your mind.  When you believe your blessings are not going to happen, the enemy will surely make doubt and unbelief linger in your mind.  Causing you to dwell on the bad, and not all the good I have done. And you begin to forget about all the trials and tribulations I have brought you through.

I say to you, Rise up! In the name of JESUS, and take every thought captive. Protect your mind with thoughts of Me and do not allow the evilness of the enemy to enter into your thoughts.  Stand on My WORD, speak it out loud and trust Me to see you through every one of life's storms. Declare and decree that you will believe what My Word says, even when you cannot see your way. Command things to line up,  according the My Word.  Do not allow the enemy to have access to your mind or any area of your life. Fill your mind up to overflow with the Word of God!

If thou can believe in Me, all things are possible. It is time to fill your mind with good thoughts.  Declare and decree them out loud each and every day, and do not doubt.

It’s time to take every thought captive, and win the battle in your mind.


That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust - Matthew 5:45 .

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. - Matthew 21:21

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. - Mark 9:23

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:5

The Father Expects Us to Share Christ's Love (7.13.13)

At times, we do terrible things to people in our society.

People who suffer greatly are in need our compassion and love,
but instead they often receive our judgment and condemnation.

GOD commands us to love those who are suffering.

One thing we should never do is cast aside GOD's children. We do not have that right.
The Lord loves all His children, saved and unsaved,
and we need to learn to love all of our sisters and brothers unconditionally.

No one should ever be alone, feeling unloved. First of all, the Lord does love them, but because they are suffering they might forget this. The Lord want us to extend our hands in love to the sick, the lonely and the poor during their time of testing.

Prayer: 
My GOD, 
There are so many suffering people in this world. 
Lead me to where they are, that I may share 
with them, the love you have shown to me.
Lead me to remind them that JESUS loves them. 
I pray that together we may become the family You have made us to be. 

Father, Your Word tells us to love one another, 
the way you loved us. 
Help me Father to share Christ's love with someone today. 

Amen

Let God Turn Your Heavy Load Into Your Blessings (7.12.13)

I know sometimes the pressures of life seem to weigh you down more than ever. 

You feel like as soon as you get back on your feet, something new comes along and knocks you back down. It feels as though everything is coming at you from all sides and you’re going to fall under the pressure of the heavy load.  If that is what you are going through, then I want to encourage you with these words so that you can look up from where you are and see that the Lord is there, ready to take that load from you, and turn it into a blessing.

Let His words minister to you this day:

Beloved,
Please don’t allow the trials of life to weigh you down. I know what you are going through is not easy, and at times it seems impossible to break through and be free of the trials you face. But know this, the enemy sees you as a threat to his kingdom. 

Yes, you are a threat! 

His attacks prove that that he is scared, and you are getting closer to your promised blessings. Don’t stop praying.  Don’t stop believing.  You have the victory, just hold on. 

I want you to know that My hand is with you, and there is nothing anyone can do to stop what I have in store for you. I am in control of everything.  You don’t have anything to worry about. 

Just trust in My Word and continue to press your way through the enemy’s weak attempts to block your blessings. Oh what a mighty GOD we serve, and it’s My pleasure to bless you. Stay close to Me, dwell in My presence and talk to Me morning, noon and night. I will help you, instruct you and embrace you with My love.

So come to Me and release those heavy burdens into My hands. 

Let Me take them away from you. 

I AM the answer to every trial that will come your way, and I want you to rest and know -

ALL IS WELL BECAUSE I AM WITH YOU.


Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Open Your Heart to His Guidance (7.11.13)

Jesus Christ is the changer of lives.

He will give us a spirit that will attract people's attention.

When others see the miracle of GOD in our lives, then they cannot help but be touched themselves.
GOD works through us to touch and influence others.

Open up your heart to His guidance, and He will use you greatly.
If you profess to be a Christian, others and non-believers will watch you very closely,
to see if your actions back up what you are professing about Christ.

Words that you speak will be observed.  How you treat others will be observed.
How you respond to adverse circumstances will be observed.
Ask yourself, how would JESUS respond to this.
If you follow this rule you can never go wrong.

Prayer:
Take my life and use it for Your will, Father. 
If I can be the instrument that leads someone to You, 
then don't hesitate to use me for Your kingdom. 

Send the Holy Spirit to remind me to give others 
a portion of what You have given to me. 
My will is to follow you and set a positive example for others.  That they may see You through me. 
Lord, in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, 
I pray this prayer. 

Amen

There is Strength in Focusing on Things of Spiritual Substance (7.10.13)

It’s very important for you to keep an overall sense
of where you are and what I have called you to do.

Be strong, be of good courage, and stay focused on things that actually matter.
Things of eternal value.

Do not get distracted from abiding in My presence.  Refuse to allow the enemy to get you bogged down by paying too much attention to details.  He will do all he can to bring confusion in your life.

And wherever there is confusion, you know I am not in the midst of it.

The enemy wants you to focus on the things you are going through, so you will take your eyes off Me and give up on the vision I have given you.  Beloved, I’ve given you a great work to accomplish and you must not allow yourself to become distracted or confused.

Take time to feed on things that have spiritual substance and you will be strengthened.
Your spiritual focus is very important,
and you should constantly strive to put My kingdom first in your life.

Strive to dwell in the sweet presence of My Spirit.

Once you do this everything else will be taken care of,
and everything else will follow in perfect order.
And you will be able to see more clearly.


Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee - Deuteronomy 31:6 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you  - Matthew 6:33 

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace - 1 Corinthians 14:33

I Hear You, Help is on the Way (7.9.13)

Beloved,
I know I am answering your prayers in a way that might not seem to make sense to you right now, but you should trust Me and have faith in what I am doing. 

You prayed, believed, and expected a reply. However the reply that has come forth is not quite what you expected. So now you're wondering if I heard your prayer. A part of you questions whether or not I even care, and you are beginning to doubt your own commitment to Me. 

So let Me tell you what was said to Daniel, "from the moment you opened your mouth in faith to seek understanding and speak forth My Word, for that which you desired, I sent forth the Word for your deliverance and provision. Therefore, never allow your eyes to deceive you. You must only believe in Me and My Word." 

Believe in Me, and the promises I have spoken over your life.

Stand firm in faith and refuse to accept no for an answer. 

I want you to be just like the woman who persisted, and would not leave My presence until I healed her daughter. Stay before Me until you see My Hand move upon your situation. Continue to pray in My Name, have faith, and the things that once blocked your blessing will have no choice but to bow down and fall away. Then you will see that I was there all the time working on your behalf, and the manifestation that you have been waiting for will appear.

Therefore, don’t be surprised at the way your prayers are answered. 
And don’t miss out on your blessing, 
just because it’s not answered the way you expected. 

I heard you, and help is on the way.

Keep on Calling Out to God (7.8.13)

Have you been praying for something and GOD hasn’t answered you yet? 

Keep on calling out to God. 

Do you have a need and GOD hasn’t met it yet?

Keep on calling out to God. 

Are you hurting and don’t have an answer?

Keep on calling out to God.

Are people telling you to give up? 

Are people telling you to quit? 

Are people telling you that GOD doesn’t care? 

Are you worried about what other people think or what other people will say? 

Are you concerned about how you might look? 

Are you worried that other people will think you are crazy or you’re a fanatic? 

Stop worrying.

Don’t quit. 

Don’t give up, JUST CRY OUT EVEN LOUDER TO GOD.

One of the greatest attributes a believer can have is persistence and perseverance. 

GOD doesn’t answer shallow prayers, He answers desperate prayer.

Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You (7.7.13)

Jehovah tells us to, Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as GOD through Christ has forgiven you.

When someone hurt you or you experience an injustice, GOD knows all about it. In fact, He knows every wrong that has ever occurred on earth. So often when others hurt us the first thing we want to do is retaliate. We want to hurt that person back. GOD said to do no such thing, but to respond to that person with love. GOD said that vengeance is His and He will repay for all things, good and bad. 

Forgive that person who has hurt you. 

If you feel the hurt is too deep and you can't seem to forgive, then ask the Lord to intervene. 

He has promised to intervene when we become overwhelmed. 

Also remember that GOD created no one perfect. JESUS is the only perfect one. We all have hurt someone in our lives,whether knowingly or unknowingly. If you do not forgive this person then GOD will not forgive you for the things you have done.

Stand on My Word, Trust Me and Walk in Faith (7.6.13)

Behold; I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19 

Don't look at things and judge your circumstances by the way things appear to be (in the present).  I have told you things aren't always what they appear to be. The enemy is trying to rob you of My truth. He wants you to look, judge and then be discouraged with the way things appear to be. Don’t let him do that to you. 

I want you to stand on My word, trust Me, and walk in faith.

I want you to rise up and tear down the strongholds built by the enemy. Don’t allow your circumstances to overcome you. For I tell you this day, to trust in My Word.  Walk it out by faith and not by sight.  Trust, and live through My Word. That is the only way you will make it. Beloved there is no other way for you.

Yes, I AM giving you a fresh start so that you may believe in My Word.  I want you to see that what I have promised you will come to pass. I want you to rise up and say, "NO MORE" to the enemy.  He is out to steal, kill, and destroy that which I have begun in you. You must not allow this to happen. Resist the enemy, stand on My Word and he will have to flee.

If you want Me to bless you, you must stand on My Word. 
If you read it in My Word, then it is My will for your life.  
Don't accept anything less. 

Stand. Stand. Stand on My Word! 
Yes, I promised that you would prosper and be in good health, 
even as your soul prospers in Me. 
I watch over My Word and I promise it will not return void.

Don't look back at your failures. 
Don’t even think about them anymore. 

Trust in My Word and look only to Me. No longer will you focus on what the enemy has done.  You must look to Me and trust Me; as you stand behind your shield and use your sword to defeat the enemy. Your sword is the Word of GOD.  Allow Me to wipe the enemy out of your life. 

Do not allow the enemy to rob you any longer. 
Walk in My Word.

- My Prayer Confession - 
I praise Your Holy Name Father! 

I thank you that I have been given a fresh start. 

No longer am I bound by the mistakes of my past. 

Thank You Jesus for setting me free!

Being Loyal and Loving Children to the God We Call "Father" (7.5.13)

We receive an amazing insight into the Lord’s expectations toward His people in this passage. 

Because of His kindness to us, He quite naturally expects a response of a loving son/daughter to a loving Father. As the Savior for His people, He has entered into a loving relationship that should be reciprocated.

Do you ever consider the feelings of God? 

Isn't it easy to think of Him as so big, so different, so “God,” that we ignore the fact that the Bible shows Him to feel deeply, especially about relationships? In becoming our Savior, He has entered into a covenant relationship with us, by which we call Him “Father.” Our response is to be loyal and loving children who desire to bring pleasure to our Father.

Father, 

How we delight in calling You that! 

Through Jesus, You have brought us into Your family 
and blessed us in every way.
Thank You for being our Savior! 

Help me to draw near to You this day. 

Through Your Spirit, help me to know the things that please You.
 As I read Your Word, I am in awe 
of your feelings and expectations toward those 
You have called Your own.

Help me to be sensitive to those expectations, 
and please give me the strength of Your Holy Spirit 
to live up to them.

Amen

Delays are Tools to Perfect our Faith (7.4.13)

Our Heavenly Judge will not delay long over His elect, but He will delay.

In fact, God's definition of "speedily" and ours are not always synonymous. The Lord incorporates delays into His overall plan. Delays work perseverance in us. So crucial is endurance to our character development, that GOD is willing to delay, even important answers to prayer, to facilitate our transformation.

Thus, we should not interpret divine delays as signs of divine reluctance.
Delays are tools to perfect our faith.

Christ is looking to find a tenacity in our faith that prevails, in spite of delays and setbacks. He seeks to create a perseverance within us that outlasts the test of time.  A resolve that actually grows stronger during delays.

When the Father sees this quality of persistence in our faith, it so touches His heart that He blesses us with the desires of our heart.

Sing Songs of Praise - Rejoice!!! (7.2.13)

Let a song of praise be upon your lips.
Choose this day to sing songs of praises to My name.

For as you sing and rejoice, your heart will be glad, and your mind will become steadfast in Me.  When you choose to lift My name up with praises, it will cause the noise of confusion around you to become still, and it will cause your faith in Me to stand firm in the face of the adversary.

Oh, I say to you, this is the day to rejoice and sing! Yes, rejoice even though some things may look as though it is impossible to smile.  But smile and praise Me, in spite of what you are going through.  Rejoice and praise Me, no matter what the circumstances try to speak into your mind.  Lift your voice up in faith and make a joyful noise in the midst of your situation.

Oh, try it and see, then I will come near and cause even more joy to surface up from within you and bring change to your situation forever.

So will you choose this day to sing songs of praises to My Name?
Will you choose to sing sweet praises today, instead of humming complaints?

Praise Me and see what I will do when I hear you sing My name.

And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even - 1 Chronicles 23:30  

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord! - Psalm 150:6 

…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning - Psalm 30:5

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation - Psalm 95:1 

Put Your Hope in Me (7.1.13)

Jehovah, our Savior, wants you to know:
Do not worry about what the enemy is trying to do.

Yes, he’s trying to work against you.
To cause you to lose hope and become complacent. 
Remember, all he can do is try. 

I am in control of your destiny and I say no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  Take your mind off of his works and think about My good works.  The good work that I am doing in your life is far greater than what he can try to do.

Put your hope in Me and all that I have promised. 

Do not despair, but stand strong in your faith in victory, because I will fulfill My word to you.  Rest in that assurance.  I am walking with you every step of the way, you are never alone.  I will give you the strength to overcome all adversity.

So just be calm and take one day at a time; one thing at a time.
And don’t worry, I am in control.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble - Psalms 46:1  

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper - Isaiah 54:17