Lay Down the Burdens of Your Heart & the Brokenness of Yesterday (2.1.14)

Some of My children are drowning in the deep waters of sorrow. 

What are the deep waters of sorrow? 

Deep waters of sorrow happen when My children begin to look back and dwell on what they have lost through their own mistakes, through disobedience, or by the hand of the enemy. As you continue to dwell on what you've lost, the deep waters of sorrow begin to slowly pull you away from My presence and into the realm of darkness or depression. These waters of sorrow are dry, stale and stagnant.  

They will drain the life out of anyone that is in it.

Remember Lot’s wife? 

After being told to escape, because their lives were in danger, and not to look back - Lot’s wife couldn't let go of what she was leaving behind and she looked back one more time. 

Looking back literally took her life.  

And that is when she truly lost everything. If you do not let go and stop looking back, eventually the deep waters of sorrow will do the same to you.

Come out of the past and into the future where there is vision, beauty, and hope. 

It’s My desire for restoration to come upon your life, but how can My Spirit restore and renew you when you continue to allow the troubles of yesterday to devour your dreams? Yes, I know there was pain and there was sorrow, but My Son bore that pain and sorrow for you when He hung on the cross.

Healing and restoration are available, if you will choose to allow Me to be your Redeemer. As your Redeemer, I will bring you into your future, and what was lost, will be redeemed. 

Lay it down.  

Lay it all down at the foot of the Cross and My Son will take it upon His shoulders as He did before. Lay down the burdens of your hearts and the brokenness of yesterday.  And I will send a wind of renewal and refreshing over your life.

Now, come out of the deep waters of sorrow, so healing and restoration can restore your broken spirit. Come out of the deep waters of sorrow so you can soar into a new day. Come out of the deep waters of sorrow and into this new day, for the old has passed away and I desire to make all things new. I desire to change your deep waters of sorrow and renew them with living waters. My Spirit is waiting to move upon you and manifest Himself in you like never before. 

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Genesis 19:26 - But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

John 7:38 - He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Isaiah 14:3 - And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,

Revelations 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

January Cover Photo (2014)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (1.31.14)

Give thanks in all circumstances - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Paul wrote in Thessalonians, "Give thanks in all circumstances," - 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

We read that verse and think it rather nice. So we slap a sloppy coat of 'thanks'giving on life and go about our day. In reality, a lot of us are not very thankful at all.

Notice the Bible doesn't command us to "feel thankful" in all circumstances. 

Instead it commands us to "give thanks in all circumstances." When I begin to praise GOD in a difficult situation, even if I don't feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation.  

Like diamonds on black velvet. 

Sometimes I don't see glory in tragedy, but I still praise GOD because I know He is there.

Thanksgiving changes our perspective despite broken dreams, broken relationships and tumultuous circumstances. As you praise GOD for who He is, and thank Him for what He's done in your life, your perspective of will Him grow larger and your problems will grow smaller. As a result, you will experience a deeper sense of intimacy with GOD as the emotional gap between what you know to be true, and how you feel at the moment, closes.

On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances - see Psalms 42, 57, 62. 

But more often than not, about midway through David's laments, he begins praising GOD for who He is and thanking GOD for what He's done. And you know what happened? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn't so bad after all! His problems appeared smaller as his love for GOD grew larger, and he begins to see GOD's glory shining through his situation.

Why is that? In the writing of one Psalm, David shifted from depression to rejoicing. 

He didn't wait until GOD changed his situation, solved his problem or made him feel better before he began thanking and praising Him. When we stop complaining and grumbling, and begin speaking GOD's love language of gratitude and praise, our circumstances will change. 

GOD want us to praise Him in all situations!

- Prayer - 

Dear Lord,

I praise Your name. 

I exalt Your name forever. 

Even though I may not understand what is going on in my life, 

I will trust you because I know every trial will conform me 

into who you have destined me to become. 

You are awesome GOD 

and I love you for all that you have done 

and is going to do in my life. 

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen 

Entering a Beautiful Season of Recovery (1.30.14)

My Child,
You are entering a beautiful season of recovery.

A time when you will have opportunities to recover all that has been lost.
Be ever so strong and steady,
as you watch the amazing work that is being done in you,
around you and through you.

As this work is being done, please don’t dwell on the losses,
but have faith in what I am doing.

I am doing what you have asked Me for, a new beginning.

For, I tell you honestly, that what is done is done;
what is past is past.

You can do nothing to change what has been;
but you can make the most of the days ahead,
by allowing My Spirit to be your guide.

This new beginning is the completion of a deep work
of healing and restoration that was done inside of you.

The work that I’ve done will bring to an end
to all the trials and tribulations that you have endured.
The past will be only a memory and all the pain you endured will be gone.

So keep your faith and trust in Me to bring you through
with a sense of wholeness and conclusion.

Go forth in faith!

_______
Jeremiah 33:6 - Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Revelations 21:5 - And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Do Not Be Distracted from God's Purpose and Plans (1.29.14)

Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence . . . That the nations may tremble at Your presence! - Isaiah 64:1–2

It is so easy to get distracted from GOD 
and get caught up in things of little value. 

When we get distracted, the presence of GOD seems so far away. 

Do you realize distractions create distance between us and GOD? 
When you are experiencing a season of dryness, 
listen to GOD’s instruction to Moses. 
GOD told Moses to drive out the enemy. 
What enemies are distracting you from the purpose and plan of GOD?

The devil attacks all of us. He comes as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) to scare, intimidate, and devour. 
his goal is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). 
He is crafty enough to know when he cannot touch us. Then, he tries to get us to compromise,
so he comes as an angel of false light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

This angel of false light lures us away, seduces us with good things, fun things; until we have left the place GOD has for us. Once away from GOD, we are susceptible to the devil’s attacks. 

It is your responsibility and mine not to be lured away into the devil’s trap. 
Be careful and cautious.
As we keep our focus on God.

Don't Let the Hard Times Control You, Trust and Turn to the Lord (1.28.14)

My Child,
There will be times you may not understand why I have allowed you
to experience certain things or you may wonder about the path
that I have chosen for you.
When you find yourself in those times, I ask you to simply
trust Me, turn to Me and know that what you are going through is both
for your good and for My glory.

At those times, when it feels unbearable to you,
come to Me and lean upon Me for strength.
For My desire for you is
joy and an abundant life,
but that does not mean that you will never face trials and hardships.

What it does mean is that I will be with you in each trial and hardship;
strengthening you and causing you to overcome and be victorious.

Just come to Me in the midst of your adversity.
Set down the burdens you have been carrying
and do not allow them to distract you from Me.

Come and I will show you the destiny and victory
that I have prepared for you.
I want to flood you with My peace as I work on your behalf.
I want to cause you to have more joy than you can imagine,
a joy that cannot be stolen from you,
no matter what circumstances come your way.

So yes, there will be hard times.  But you don’t have to allow the hard times to control you.
I have poured into you all that you need
to overcome every trial and hardship that comes your way.
All you have to do is just come to Me,
and give more of yourself to Me.

As you do that,
you will feel My glory shine upon your circumstances
and dispel the trial and hardship you’re facing.

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Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 1:7 - These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Never Forget, God's Goodness and Mercy will See You Through (1.27.14)

My Child,
I know the season you’re in.

And although you may see little evidence that anything good is happening,
you must never forget My goodness and mercy.
Stop wasting precious time over what hasn’t happened.
Stop and forgive yourself for past mistakes,
for I know that I have; and move on with your life.

Start remembering all the good that has happened in your life
and what is yet to come.

Rise up and forget not My tender mercies.
Have I not always been there in your time of need?
How soon you forget My love when your way seems dark.

But in your darkest hour, don’t you know that I am with you?
Shining a light on the blessing you may have overlooked?
Yes, I am always there. Please reflect upon My mercy and goodness,
for they will lead you through this darkness and into a bright new day.

Always remember that My mercy overflows
and My love is unending towards you.

So have peace and know that this difficulty will not last forever.

Let your most holy faith rise up within you in this hour
and offer unto Me a sacrifice of praise.

Never stop praying and believing for the impossible to happen in your life.

Keep your hope in Me alive
and always have your spirit open to Me.

Constantly remembering My loving kindness and mercy towards you.
_____

Isaiah 63:7 - I will mention the loving kindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us,

Psalm 86:13 - For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.

Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Lamentations 3:18-26 - And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will, I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. 

Praise Me & Look Forward for Your New Challenges will Reap New Blessings (1.25.14)

Beloved,

I set a new mountain before you today, says the Lord. Although it will come with new challenges, it will also come with new blessings. So as you experience pressures or change in your life, instead of becoming discouraged, praise Me!

Praise Me for the things that seem to be impossible, 

because they are of Me to take you to higher grounds. 

Climbing a mountain can be difficult 

but the reward at the end is worth all of the effort.

So try to keep your eyes on the goal this day, my beloved. 

Look forward to the good things that will happen in your life 

because of your obedience to me. 

My desire for you is to be a success in all you do. 

I desire for you to succeed at work and in your relationships. 

The only way you will become all I have destined for you to become, 

is by trials and tribulations. 

I will be standing right by your side through them all. 

My still voice will speak to you and guide you in the way I wish for you to go. 

I will bring new mountains in your life, but do not be afraid. 

Remember I have promised to never leave you nor forsake you.

So rejoice, for I am answering your prayers 

and helping you to climb new mountains in a miraculous way. 

I am causing the things you need to change 

and to manifest so we can address them together. 

Do not rebel against the circumstances I am taking you through right now, 

but praise me instead, because I am working it out for your good.

So praise me as you climb the mountain ahead 

and very soon you will see everything coming together, 

just as I told you it would. 

I am the ultimate Master Planner, over all that I have created, 

which is every living and breathing thing. 

Your ways are not my ways so trust me always, regardless. 

Nothing that I will ever do is a mistake. 

I am ALPHA AND OMEGA, says the Lord,
the beginning and the end.
I am GOD all by myself and there is no other! 

A Prayer of Praise and Thankfulness (1.24.14)

Father,

I confess that I do not know what I should do
at this moment about my circumstances,
but my eyes are upon You.

How thankful I am for the promise of Your Word, that when I grieve, 

You give me a crown of beauty.  That even when I mourn, there is gladness found in You. 

And when I am in despair or feel hopeless in my circumstances, 

as I look to You, You will cloak me in a garment of praise.

My desire Father is to always praise You. 

I confess that like Peter, I turned away from the face of Jesus
to focus on the fierceness of the storm around me.
Which caused me to sink into my circumstances, 

therefore losing all ability to believe that You will fight my battles. 

Why is my faith so small? 

Why do I doubt? 

Forgive me Father, and have mercy on me. Help me, I pray! 

Destroy doubt in my life. 

Even though the fig tree does not bud (my dreams do not come to fruition) and there are no grapes on the vines (my burdens seem endless); though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food (my financial resources are sadly lacking); though there are no sheep in the pen or cattle in the stalls (my worldly possessions are minimal at best); may I still be joyful and praise Your name for You are my GOD and my Savior. 

I have Jesus!

You are my strength and you enable me 

to rise above the circumstances of my life 

and the cares of this world.

May I follow the example of King Jehoshaphat and the army of Israel 

by singing and praising Your name. 

I will leave the battles of my life in Your hands. 

Even in the most overwhelming situations 

may I choose to give thanks to You and rejoice in You;
knowing that Your love endures forever.
I choose this day to praise You, 

regardless of what I see with my earthly eyes;
and I rejoice that my name is written in heaven
because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. 

Thank You that the victory will always be mine, 

because I am your child. 

In Jesus name I pray. 

Amen.

2 Chronicles 20:12  ;  Isaiah 61:3  ;  Matthew 14:25-33; 

Habakkuk 3:17  ;  2 Chronicles 20:21, 22  ;  Psalm 5:11 ;   

Luke 10:20

Let It Go (1.23.14)

LET IT GO

No.  That’s not for you.  Let it go.

I know you think you really needed that thing, 

but you must 

Let it go.

It will hurt you if you don't let go of it,

I have something better for you if you will just let it go.

Oh I know it may feel right and things may seem
to be falling right into place,

But things aren’t always what they seem, 

what you are feeling is not from Me.

You’re walking after the flesh and not in the Spirit.

Let it go.

My Child, I understand you have needs,

I understand what you are feeling,

I don’t want this to hurt you and it will 

if you don’t let it go.

Don’t allow this thing to destroy 

all that you have believed Me for.

Let it go.

I want you to release the pain of the past
and move ahead with Me.

You can’t bring the past with you
and you can’t hold onto it while walking with Me.

It has no place with Me because I am your future.

Forgive, you must forgive.
Forgive all that have hurt you.

You must turn from those things which are not of Me.

Remember not the former things,
neither consider the things of the past.

You can’t move forward with Me
while holding onto your past.

That which is not of Me will lead to death.  

Let it go.

Didn’t I promise I would do a new thing in you?

It will come forth, 

I will make a way in the wilderness for you, 

if you will just, 

Let it go.

Don’t look at what they are doing, 

don’t look at what they have

They are not of Me, but you are.

Is it worth your walk with Me?

Is it worth the joy that I have given you?

Is it worth your salvation, which I died for?

It won’t open the doors of Heaven, 

it will only hold you in bondage.

Let it go.

I am all that you need.

Haven’t I always been right on time?

Haven’t I always made a way out of no way?

Why should you doubt Me now?

Stop listening to what they are saying.

Why do you care about what they have to say?

I am greater than any circumstance 

you will ever face.

Let it go, take your hands off of it and give it to Me.

Don’t look back, take My hand, and walk with Me.Let it go, beloved!

Let it go!