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