The Latter Seat Diaries

My Secret Place

2008-08-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

Matthew 11:28-30 ~”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When I need to get so close to God that I can hear His voice in my spirit, I go to my secret place. It is a place where the Father draws me in to His Grace and we talk like Dad to daughter. I shut everything else around me out. I begin to think about how many ways He loved me today. His gentle way hits me like the feeling of sprinkling rain tingling my skin. I am in His Presence. In the quiet moments between the bubbling sounds of my tongues, I can hear Him. When He begins to speak to me, God’s words fall into my heart covered in love and light. Even when he corrects me, He does it with love. The peace I feel is better than the best sleep I could ever have.

Sometimes I cry, laugh, sing, shout, or just be still in His amazing presence.

In the secret place, God is waiting for you. To show you great and mighty things you have never known or seen. You can go to the secret place any time.

Do you have one? Your Secret place with God is where you build the precious relationship that brings you into the destiny He created you for since before you were born.

How do you find that special place meant for you to soak in God’s presence?

For me there are three ways that I enter my secret place with God. When I am hurting, need God’s guidance, or just long to be close to Him, I enter into the throne room of God. I run to His throne and leap into His arms, resting my head on His shoulder and as I sit on His lap I tell Him (daughter to Father) what is weighing heavy on my heart. Sometimes I make God laugh at my silliness. Then, there are times when He cries with me and holds every tear. My Dad, the Father tells me how He loves me and how beautiful I am. God always fills me overflowing. He pours out more than I expect every time.

Matthew 5:6 ~Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

When I want to worship and honor God, I enter into the throne room as well. I move past other worshipers, dancers, and singers marveling at their awesome praise. I bow before Him at the throne. I want to be a sacrifice, an offering. I take the finest perfume and anoint the Father as I pour it onto the tops of His feet. I praise Him. Singing songs out of my spirit, I tell God how I love Him. Oh, How I love Him. He is my God. He is the one that I will choose no matter what. No matter what the cost. I will choose Him. For in the moments of this complete closeness with God I realize that we are temporary agents on earth. There is so much more to God than what we see in the natural. Suddenly, I become more aware of the supernatural and wonder of all that He is. I want to stay in His presence forever.

At times when I am in a battle and need to fight the enemy, I find myself walking hand in hand with God. Together we speak scripture and work as a team. It is at these times that I can be in intercession crying out for someone’s salvation or healing. When we are walking hand in hand by the River Of God, we are going deep into His presence as I seek His guidance. He will say to me, “Get in the river, Hanah.” God will, in my mind show me a situation or show me someone that needs prayer. He encourages me by showing me the victory in each circumstance by an increase of faith in my spirit, a picture in my mind, or he will remind me of a scripture.

Recently I attended an evening prayer and worship time at church. I closed my eyes and just got lost in God. I had been struggling with what direction God wanted me to go in a new business I started. As I worshiped the Lord, He began to show me something. I was on a light colored horse, riding bareback and holding tightly on to its mane. The horse is guiding me through a thick forest. The weather is cool in the forest as all the trees are hiding the warm sunlight. I notice other people struggling through the woods as well. Only they do not have a horse to help guide them through. I have my head tucked down close to the horse’s neck as I do not want to get hit with any branches. Suddenly, I see a clearing coming into view ahead. I start to relax a little as I know that I should soon make it to the clearing. The clearing becomes closer and I squint my eyes because the sun is bright. We break through into the clearing. I feel elated and strong, thankful. The warmth of the sun is wonderful. My thoughts turned quickly to the people still struggling in the woods. They needed help to get out. They needed to make it to the clearing and feel a breakthrough. See, God was my horse guiding me through the thick forest. Showing me that, with His mercy and grace, I can make it. That He will help through tough times, when I need some direction, or when I need His strength to make it until the breakthrough comes. It is in a testimony of a breakthrough that He can encourage others to look to Him for their answers, needs, or victory in trials. The Father will help you make it through life’s toughest challenges. In your secret place with God, you could be in for a breakthrough!

God loves to work together with us. He enjoys co-laboring with us as a team for His divine plan. In this secret place with God, He will show me things that need to be exposed in my life and cast off. His way is so loving I desire to become better and please my heavenly Father. He is my friend and mentor guiding me in the right direction and in the best way for me to go.

Matthew 7:7 ~Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Many times when we are together in the secret place, God will take me other places. He will show me pictures in my mind that are encouraging and lead to revelation or answers I need in my life. These picture images are moving and deposit the gift of faith in my life. For hours or a few days after this type of experience, I will feel a new fire for God in my belly, lifting me to a new place in Him. Every little picture movie God shows me I meditate on. Going to His Word to make sure, it lines up in scripture. God is so amazing that He will even at times give me a song or scripture that goes with the picture image He gave me.

Psalm 40:3 ~He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Everyone is different. God has a secret place just meant for you and Him. Some individuals go into a prayer closet or quiet room to enter in to God’s presence. There is a room in my house that I often go to for time with God. Your secret place with God you can find anywhere just by closing your eyes and talking to Him. Speaking in tongues in your secret place with God is another way that He will give you ideas or bring something to your attention. Worship and praise to God are so important in leading us into His presence.

Take the God possible challenge today. Seek God’s face. Go to your secret place with Him.

Maybe your secret place is sitting next to God on a riverbank. Two friends, sitting in the grass on the riverbank with the warmth of the sun shining on your cheeks as you seek God’s wisdom. God has awesome blessings for us as we enter into our secret place. He could take us on a vision, give us a song, ideas, or even reveal more of Himself to us. Who knows, you may just have a life-changing encounter with God. He may just show up right before your very eyes. That would be incredible! God is a lot cooler than I ever realized growing up. He is fun! He even has a sense of humor.

James 1:5 ~If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

If you do not have a secret place or struggle getting into God’s presence do not get discouraged. Find a quiet spot. Tell God you want to spend time with Him. You want to get to know Him better and see His power in your life and the lives of others. Ask Him to take you into His presence. To cleanse your life of anything that does not please Him. Close your eyes and go with what He puts in your mind. Sing out to Him with your Spirit. Let God take you away with Him and draw you close to Him. He never disappoints.

Let your adventure with God begin!

God, I come to you right now. I honor you God and all that you are doing in our lives. Show us new things God as we draw close to you and enter in to your presence. We love you and praise you. Give us a special secret place where we go God, to get as close to you as we can. We thank you Lord for being able to experience your presence and in your love for us, you always surprise us with blessings. We love you! In your mighty name, Amen.

God is… Out of the Box!

2008-08-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

The atmosphere around us is changing. A Religious spirit is not our friend. Haven’t you heard people say that the only limitations we have in life are limits we place on ourselves? Many times I have agreed with that. It has brought me to a clear revelation in the last three years that many churches have for so long placed God in a box. In placing God in a box we have judged others and placed them and their God given gifts in a box as well. I would have to say that the only limits we have with God are the ones we place on Him.

Mark 11:22-24 ~ And Jesus, replying, said to them, have faith in God constantly. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the sea! And does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place; it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that it is granted to you and you will get it.

Jeremiah 31:3 ~ …Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued my faithfulness to you.

Out of the Box with love!

Gods love is pouring out on the earth in ways people have never experienced before. Is it because God is pouring out more love? No, it’s because true believers of having a relationship with God are seeing past people’s imperfections and looking at them with grace and love. The effect is literally life transforming. It is contagious! When you love someone looking beyond what you think are there faults, you can open your heart to see them as God sees them. Everyone is created different. God knew us before we were born and he sees us for all we are in His Kingdom. The Kingdom is now. With such a burning desire in the people of God growing, those living with a “Heaven on Earth” mentality are literally finding themselves in the Glory of God. This is such a powerful time. How incredible is it that you could be walking down the street talking to God and be so in his presence that next thing you know you are in heaven walking down the streets of gold! God could be right next to you as you are talking to him face to face. Watch out! You could just slip into Heaven. How cool would that be?

1 John 3:1 ~ See what an incredible love the Father has given us that we should be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!

Out of the Box with religious thinking!

Loving someone the same way God loves them breaks off strongholds of the enemy. People are set free in God’s love. I have seen many occasions where people have made rules and set up religious guidelines for others. That has always boggled my mind. I have even fallen prey in some instances to believing some of these manmade ideas and rules. Only to ask myself later, “how does that fit into God’s Word and message of love”?

At one point in my life, when I was working in the church, I saw the world one way. There was much discussion going on with some leaders who felt that if you had been divorced or had a child out of wedlock that you could not teach a Sunday school class or be involved in any type of ministry within the church. You could attend church and be ministered to, but to work in any type of leadership capacity, absolutely not. Could that possibly be God’s vision? I don’t believe so. If there is a believer in our midst with an obvious life changing testimony, then they have the ability to bear fruit. That person could be walking in God’s presence and God could be using them and moving through them. Who are we to limit them or deny that vessel of the Holy Spirit by quieting their excitement and passion to share the message of the gospel. Do we really have the right or authority to say, “I’m sorry but you must really prove yourself first and wait until God is ready to place you in a place of ministering to others?” Wow. Talk about keeping God in a box. I say we give them a shot and see what the Holy Spirit does through them. This is just one example of how putting God in a box can be limiting. We should rejoice in the gifts that God gives others. When people share their gifts it is a blessing. I have a good friend who has lived with a “God out of the box” mentality his entire life. The world would view this person as a tattooed, rough around the edges kind of guy. Instead he is an awesome worship leader. When he worships and plays his guitar the presence of God immediately shows up and peoples’ hearts are healed and transformed. It’s Incredible! With religious eyes this person might not be given a chance. Thank goodness that the love of God expressed through others saw the anointing and God given gift for worship.

Philippians 2:14-16 ~ Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you offer the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ that I did not labor for nothing.

James 3:9-12 ~ with the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Out of the Box with how we see others!

Opening our eyes to God possibilities brings us into life changing revelation. Say for example you see a young person. Some people might see them as a troubled kid who needs a good talking to. How does God see them? Let’s take another look. What if we pray for them instead of complaining about them? Let’s ask God how he sees them. Everyone is God possible. In the Kingdom of God he is no respecter of persons. What makes a troubled kid any different? As we pray for them, let’s begin to speak God positives into their life. For every negative aspect we see in the natural. Don’t speak it. Speak the God positive into their life instead. Every time we see them why don’t we try reaching out and loving them. No matter what, God’s love sets people free. A little of the love of God goes a long way. Take a look at them again, now what do you see? With the eyes of the Father, what do you see? A changed youth, on fire for God. We see a young person praying for teachers, other students, and friends. A youth that believes in the power of God and prays for the friend in the hospital from a drug overdose that needs God’s love and freedom. You see the difference? Now we’re taking God out of the box. It’s not about what’s wrong with others, or what’s wrong with our lives. It’s about understanding how God sees us and all the blessings he has for us. Life can be so much different when we wear our supernatural eyes. Look into the eyes of love. You will find God reaching out to you telling you the plans he has for you. You will find God telling you how much he cherishes you and loves you.

In seeing others with God’s eyes you can believe for their salvation. You can pray for people with passion and watch God transform their life. In youth ministry I have always encouraged youth to take the God possible challenge. Take someone who is not saved. Pick a few of God’s promises that will personally impact that persons life. Find a note card and write on the card a prayer incorporating the promises and God positives for the person. Let that prayer speak life words and the opposite of what is seen in the natural. Call forth the persons salvation and believe for it. As you pray for the person, picture them changed. Invite the Holy Spirit to show you other good things to pray about on their behalf. You will be surprised at how life changing this can be. Pray the prayer on the note card every chance you get. I have seen a person get saved in two months using this method, and I have seen a person receive salvation in a week. On at least two occasions I have even had someone show up on my doorstep.

2 Corinthians 6:2 ~ For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 & 18 ~ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

God opened Lydia’s heart, the seller of purple cloth. God can open people’s hearts and we have the authority in him to ask for it. Acts 16:14-15

This can also work when you are dealing with a difficult circumstance, a person or situation at work, or even a tough family situation. Make a note card and start praying the opposite, speaking life changing God positives and watch how things change. You will speak it first, then you will begin to picture it and the God positive will start to come alive in your spirit. You will believe! Then you will walk prophetically in the opposite of the natural and the miracle and change will take place.

Out of the Box everyday!

Every day instead of problems and negative thinking we have the opportunity to take God out of the box. While so many are complaining about gas prices let’s not limit God. Let’s think outside of the box. Let’s start believing for an end to the oil crisis. Let’s believe for God to turn our nation and economy around. In fact let’s believe in our everyday situations for God to begin to turn them around. He is the God of the breakthrough! Don’t talk to me about recession. I will say “I don’t know what you are talking about”. My God is the God of victory. I speak change to the economy. I call forth jobs. I call forth increase. Can you feel the difference?

Marriage
How do you look at your spouse? Are there changes that need to take place? Life words are powerful. Pray the opposite and watch God improve the relationship or situation in your marriage.

Finances
Are finances tight? Start calling forth the increase. Fight back with the life changing Word of God. Instead of saying, “We have no money”, begin to thank God that you have so much you can bless others. Turn it around. Speak prosperity over your finances. If the situation is so hard that even trying to turn it around seems impossible, then find some promises in God’s Word about finances. Try for one week to say them in the morning and at night. Give God a chance. He will come through for you. Take God out of the box of poverty. God is not a God of poverty. He wants us to be successful and prosperous.

Health & Healing
Is your weight a struggle? God even cares about the little things including weight. He cares if we are sick. It is hard to believe that God can give people new body parts, but he does. Let’s take God out of the box and start believing him for the impossible. Let faith birth alive in your spirit and walk in God possibilities. If your weight is bothering you, step out in faith. Start proclaiming you are slim and have good eating habits. Give it a chance. Start proclaiming you love to exercise. Watch what can happen. Do you need a new gall bladder? Ask God for one. Call it forth and believe him for it.

Job
Do you need a better job? Take God out of the box and start walking in the God possibilities. God will give you a pay increase. He can promote you or provide you with a better job. Remember faith needs action. Proclaim it and then pursue opportunities. Watch what God can do for you. Is the commission job you have not providing anything for you? Don’t give up. God intends for you to succeed. Pursue God and his possibilities. Call forth commissions. Ask God for new ways to market. God tells us in Deuteronomy 8:18 we have the authority to produce wealth. God is not a liar. He says it, we believe it, and that settles it!

Car
Yep, even your car. I have heard many stories of God’s miracles and provision with vehicles. It can’t hurt anything. We have nothing to lose. God gives us authority. Speak to your car. Command it to work properly in the name of Jesus. Do you need a car? Start figuring out what vehicle will be best for you and your family. Call it forth. Take God out of the box.

Supernatural / Spiritual
I want to take God out of the box. Having a personal relationship with God has changed my life. I want to get to know him better. I want to see miracles. To heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead. Everything God has for his people I desire. I want to see all saved. God is out of the box. This is a time when an invasion of God’s presence is incredible. Let’s get to know him better. Let’s pursue him with passion. When we see someone with a broken arm, someone who’s lost a leg, or hurting, let’s offer to pray for them and open the door for miracles, healings, and salvation. God’s power is real. I encourage you to take the God possibility challenge in any area of your life where you might be limiting God (putting him in a box).

Watch and see what God can do without limits!

God’s Gifts found in the struggle

2008-07-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Are you having a hard time?

When problems arise it can be easy to have trouble facing them. It is hard to find a solution in the midst of difficult problems when you are walking in the struggle instead of the victory God has already given you.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.

Repeating these scriptures back to God and reminding him of his promise to help us can start to lift you out of the situation that is bogging you down.

Psalms 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth, give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

I know easier said then done. It can be so hard not to keep from feeling downhearted. I have found myself crying out to God only to realize in the deepest part of the inner groaning a desire rise up in me to worship God in it all. I end up laughing and praising God recognizing how he sees me. How lovely I am to him. He will overwhelm me with his love as I worship and then give me a precious gift. A song in the spirit, lovingly talking to me in my spirit, filling me with faith to carry through the toughest circumstance, no matter what it looks like, and he will even show me a mental picture of victory. The key is to rejoice in the suffering. You will have incredible breakthroughs during these times alone with the Lord. Pouring your heart out before him with what is bothering you. Be real with God. Don’t hold back, talk to him like a friend. Lay it all on the line. In worship and prayer when I need to make the heart connection with God I will picture myself in the throne room climbing up into his lap and putting my head on his shoulder and talking to him daughter to father. He will begin to speak to me in the quiet. His comfort will fill me with peace.

Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

In times of thankfulness I will honor God by picturing me pouring out the finest perfume as an offering. As he loves on me I desire to love on him with worship and song. I understand feeling helpless at times. Lately, I have been facing adversity and in the darkness I saw the light God was trying to show me.

God has shared with me before a very important Kingdom Key. Sometimes I still have to fight a little as he stretches me. Then I’m reminded as His outpouring of love upon me brings me back to the Kingdom mindset that covers me in his freedom and victory.

When God reminds us, he is so gentle and loving. We realize at that very moment we have the authority in him to rise above the struggle to see the “God solution”. In his wonderful solution and comfort he so lovingly has special gifts for us that can accelerate our relationship with him into new heights. We can soar with him experiencing his glory and blessings. You can be sure of one thing in that darkest hour. That the devil is paralyzed and God is greater. If we can think God for even the littlest thing, He can move leaps and bounds on our behalf.

There was a time when I was pregnant with my son Mission. Finances were scarce. I was living with my parents and was looking in the cupboards for food. I opened the cupboard and said, “there’s no food.” God spoke to my spirit… “Next time, thank me for food Hanah and when you open the cupboard it will be full of food for you.” This really spoke to me. I have carried this with me for years. My son is now 8 years old. God uses it to encourage me and get me thinking “out of the box” a lot. “With God all things are possible…” You start to realize the only limits are the limits we put on ourselves.

My father would always make me laugh when I was having a hard time. He would ask me, “Hanah, how many fingers do you have?” I would answer, knowing what was coming. “I have ten fingers dad, same as you.” My dad would smile the goofiest smile that would always make me laugh and say, “instead of complaining Hanah, if you want God to be able to help you out in powerful ways and give you a solution then you need to say, Praise God! Ten times and you will feel better by the time you are done.” A lot of the times it did help me feel God’s peace that I was going to make it through the struggle. Sometimes I would tell my dad it didn’t work, because I wanted to see what he would tell me to do next. I should not have been surprised at his response telling me to do it again.

Psalm 32:7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Strength in His Promises—
You will find amazing peace and strength in God’s promises. They can pull you out of the hardest times. You can find ones that apply to your situation or circumstances. Personalize those as you speak them back to God. The Bible is God’s gift to us and empowers us to speak pure life and power into our lives. Changing and transforming us as we speak His Word.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Psalm 138:7 & 8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.

How to Overcome—
You can start by understanding that God cherishes you. Realizing your worthiness in God can make the difference when struggling to get through a challenging time. Once you begin to understand and accept God’s unconditional love for you faith can start to shake your spirit to life with authority. Faith will rise up in you and instead of walking in defeat you can recognize the victory and start walking in that victory instead. God tells us we are more than conquerors in Him. That no weapon formed against us will prosper. If God is for us who can be against us? The Bible is full of written authority for us to defeat the circumstance. It may not always be the way we think. With God we are in a great adventure with supernatural wonders around every turn if you believe and expect to see them. Are you looking?

Be filled with the Gift of Faith—
How do we get this gift? Ask God for it. Ask God to help you and believe that he will come through for you. When I can’t seem to look up I begin to fight in the spirit. I speak in tongues, speak God’s promises and make decrees. I will say that, “I am not controlled by the situation, but I surrender to the Holy Spirit”. God gives us what we need to make it through. Be encouraged. Stand on the Word. Just when you think you can’t take it God will breakthrough for you in miraculous ways. At times, before we even ask him too. He is so COOL!

Isaiah 54:17 …no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:11 …so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Example:
In 2007 I was experiencing some tough battles. All I could see was that I was getting hit from all sides. I found myself wondering why it was all happening to me. I begin feeling sorry for myself and picked up a victim mentality. It was like I could not get past it. Knowing God did not intend for me to be burden down and feeling miserable, He began to recall to my memory scriptures that would help to encourage me and lift me out of the situation. What could I do? I have authority to trample on the devil. To go into the enemies camp and take back what he was trying to steal from me. Faith started to rise up in me. I begin to speak the Word. I begin to encourage myself in the Lord as David did. The faith kept rising…I am a victor not a victim. Speaking life over myself, making decrees and proclamations had a huge impact. The outcome is a miracle in itself. Not only did God step in and intervene on my behalf. He forgave me for my rotten self talk. I decreed victory in my life and proclaimed that from that point on I would walk in victory and justice. Now, when the verbal onslaught begins to rear its ugly head I know how to rise above it and walk in the proclamation. Love instead of anger will come out as I let the Holy Spirit work in me. Life can be a very different and successful place when you can believe for the God solution instead of focusing on the problem. A phrase that has often helped to remind me of this very principal is, “Life’s problems, God’s solutions”.

Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Seeing the “God Solution”—
There have been struggles where it seems like there is no solution in sight. Like the end of the world is around the corner and I might as well let it all consume me.

If I am thinking like that there is probably a good chance I could miss out on the solution and blessings that God has for me.

One of the major keys of getting through it is praying the opposite of what is in the natural. No matter what it looks like if you can focus on God and his love to prosper you, give you a hope and a future. The darkness will begin to lift and you will start to see the God solution that might have been there all along.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Many times God has come through for me at just the right time. See, God has this awesome policy. He never leaves a man behind. He is with you for the long haul, until eternity in fact.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

You can make it. It touches God’s heart when we are able to praise him through the circumstance. When there is a breakthrough it is often so much more than we expect. To set your focus on him and his Word opens you up for those earthly limits to become less and less and God possibilities to show up more and more.

Recognizing His special gifts for us--
In the incredible presence of God there are treasures. God can give you a prophetic vision, you could have a God encounter, you could be taken up into heaven, or feel overwhelmed by his awesome presence that you are never the same. In some of my deepest pain God has showered me with special treasures of His love.

What could he have for you?

Matthew 7:7-12 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened”. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

God has his hand upon you. Don’t give up!

Proclaim, decree, and prophesy

Proclaim: speak the word and proclaim the opposite of the situation speak victory.

Decree: It says in His word that when we decree a thing it shall be established. Make a decree about the situation to God. Decree Success, Decree financial prosperity, Decree a new job, Decree a creative miracle, Decree freedom from addiction, and Decree a change in circumstance.

Prophesy: Let faith rise up in you and when you feel as if you are overflowing with it begin to call forth victory, begin to call forth a new job, begin to call forth increased provision, begin to call forth healing, begin to call forth salvation for others, and begin to walk in the Victory God has freely given you.

You are a victor… You are a victor… Speak it, let it take hold in your spirit, and praise God for His goodness.

As I’m writing this I feel as if I could explode. God has the best for us and He wants us to take hold of it. There is not one circumstance, struggle or challenge in life that he does not want you to have victory in.

Prayer: God, you are awesome. Holy Spirit I ask you to touch the heart of everyone who reads this and pour out increased blessing upon them. Let the words in this writing jump off the page shaking their very spirits alive and overflowing with your gift of faith. In your Name, I decree changes in circumstances God. I decree changes in financial situations. You are the God of unfathomable miracles and I ask you Lord to move right now intervening where a situation seems hopeless. With you God, All things are possible. I call forth cancellation of debts right now, I call forth joy and breakthrough for those hurting. God I ask you to loose and release your peace, comfort, and incredible love on those dealing with difficult circumstances right now. I give you all the Glory and praise in your mighty name, Amen

Be encouraged in the Lord, He is with you!

A Heartbeat For You

2008-06-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Can you hear it?

Listen…the sound, small, but its there. Ta Tump, ta tump. Do you hear it now? Ta tump, ta tump, ta tump…

When you hear it, it becomes louder more definite. You begin to wonder why you couldn’t hear it all along. Ta tump, ta tump

The sound fills the air around you. It resonates in your insides. Your own heart, beating right in perfect synchronization with it. Your spirit becomes full like it could explode with love that comes with the sound. You hear it now don’t you? The heartbeat of God. Beating for the lost, beating for the hurting, beating with compassion, and now beating inside your own chest. Beating to see salvation, beating to see miracles, beating to fulfill your God given dreams, and passionately beating for God as God’s heart beats for you…

Ephesians 3:17-19 …so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Proverbs 8:17 “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me”.

1 John 4:16-19 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears in not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

God’s heart is beating for his people. He designed us to hear that heart beat and long for it. We are in a time right now where the heart beat of God is resonating throughout the nations. He has heard the desperate cries of His people and He is responding in outpourings of His Glory all over the World. We must honor those brothers and sisters in Christ who have paved the way through intercession, faith, and soaking in the presence of God.

As we press into God, who is our friend, our Dad, and our salvation. We begin to hear the beat. We begin to see people how God sees them, we begin to feel his love and compassion for those around us. The closer we draw into God, the closer he draws into us. Then, we don’t just hear the beat of God’s heart, we feel it too. It becomes part of us. Our spirit stirs within us and nothing can satisfy our desire for more of God.

The Heartbeat of Salvation…
This is the main beat of God’s heart. He loves each one of us with a love that is deeper than anything we could imagine. In doing so he desires for us all to be saved and receive our full reward and inheritance. The start of our intimate relationship with God is salvation. That is only the beginning. God is so awesome and wonderful that salvation is not all he has for us. Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

The Heartbeat of Healing…
Unlike some beliefs God does not punish us with sickness or disease. He doesn’t pass out wrath as punishment. God wants the best for us. He also, wants us to be a testimony for His glory. Healing is for all, not just one or two select people. Again, healing is for us all. God will use healing even as a testimony to someone and in turn they will receive salvation. 3 John 2, Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. Psalm 103:3 “Who forgives all our sins; and who heals all our diseases.” We are coming into a time where people are becoming more aware of the healing power of God. It is time for us to take a stand and do as Jesus did. Laying hands on the sick with authority and believing for healing. God’s heart is beating for healing. Beating to see us stand in faith for healing. We can stand in authority and speak his promises back to him. Remind him of his promises of healing. When we speak out in faith it moves God’s heart.

The Heartbeat of deliverance…
John 8:32 & 36 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Free! God is our deliverer. Freedom! God’s heart beats for freedom. The day of deliverance is at hand. I recently saw a program for people to attend called “Celebrate Recovery”. I thought how neat that was that they were offering something to people to help them. Then, when I really thought about it I became awakened by the truth that we should be celebrating deliverance. I don’t believe God would want us to stay in a state of recovery. Instead we should be moving forward in a state of freedom and complete deliverance. God’s Word states free indeed. What a testimony it would be to attend a meeting and say that we have been delivered for six months instead of sober. I hear the beat of God’s heart for freedom. His beat is more than we could imagine. We need to learn not to put God in the box of the World and understand that He always does it bigger and better.

The Heartbeat of Prosperity…
Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. This verse amazes me every time I read it. God gives us the ability to produce wealth. God’s heart is beating for prosperity. We are not meant to be poor, in debt, and stressed out. That doesn’t produce much of a testimony to others. His heart is beating for us to take the authority that He has given us. To step out in faith. If we want to be debt free then we need to take the steps to become debt free praying in faith. If we want to have a better job, then we need to pursue a better job. When you sow seed God will rebuke the devourer for your sake and the floodgates of heaven will open for you. Pull down your prosperity from the throne and step into advancing the Kingdom of God as he intends for us to do. God wants you to hear and feel the heartbeat of prosperity.

The Heartbeat of Creativity…
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, , whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. God desires for His people to be creative. His heart beats strongly for creativity. He encourages us to ask Him for knowledge. God gives us desires and ideas. He will help inspire us on to be successful. Is there a talent or gift you have? Are you using it? God’s heart is beating for you to use the gifts, talents, and desires he’s given you to advance the Kingdom. To step out in faith and multiply your talents. God wants us to go after everything he has for us. Sometimes when we find that nothing happens with a talent or gift we have a tendency to think that maybe God doesn’t want us to do anything with it. Really, we should do our part to go after it. You will find that when you step out and try something God will bless you. His heart beats to bless you.

The Heartbeat of Our Destiny…
Jeremiah 1:5 Before, I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. God has a destiny and plan for each of us. Part of his plan is that we live a full and happy life. A life that encourages others to pursue a relationship with God. That is part of our destiny. When we seek after God and pursue our inheritance one of our main desires becomes soul winning. God created us and knows best how to fill us up. He knows best how to get our attention and wants our hearts beating together with His co-laboring together. Pursuing God brings us closer to the destiny and plan he has for us. We become excited and passionate. Longing for more of God. Nothing satisfies the hunger for more of God. We feel his heart beat. Beating for us and with us. That excitement in our spirits is the heartbeat of God encouraging us to become everything we are meant for… and more because God always does it bigger and better.

Feel his heart beating for you. Hear the sound of love he has for us. Draw close to God and let your heart beat with His. God will bring you into more than you ever imagined.

What Are You Waiting For?

2008-06-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

What Are You Waiting For?

Are you waiting until you feel like you are perfect to witness to others?

Are you waiting for your stresses in life to lessen before you fully give yourself to God?

Are you waiting for everything to be just right in your life before you pursue the dreams God has placed in your heart?

So, friends are you waiting on yourself and your life to be perfect while God is waiting on you…

Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

When you get saved there is such an excitement that you feel flowing through your body like electricity. You want to shout it out. You want to tell others. Many times I have heard leaders instruct new believers to wait. They would tell them that they should wait to witness to others when their life was the perfect Christian example. It never quite sounded right to me. Yes, I believe we should seek after God with our whole heart. In doing so with complete surrender, the Holy Spirit will help change us and guide us so that our desires for the things of the World become less and our desire for the things of God becomes stronger.

In John chapter 4, Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Jesus tells her details about her life that he could not know. He shares that he is the Messiah. Because Jesus could tell her about her life when he did not know her it greatly impacted the woman. It was a testimony to her that this man who had asked her for a drink at the well was truly the Messiah because how could he know private things about her. She didn’t wait until her life became perfect. She immediately went out into her town and testified that there was a man who could tell her everything she had ever done in her life. Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony. Seeing how Jesus had affected this woman, they pursued him and asked him to share with them. After two days of Jesus ministering many more became believers. They told the woman that they no longer just believed because of what she had said, but because they had heard for themselves.

We do not have to wait to testify about the goodness of God or the message of the gospel. Many times in sharing with others our own faith is strengthened. It draws us in the arms of Jesus and pulls us closer to him. It is important to remember that if we are waiting for everything to be perfect we can find ourselves living for perfection and not living for God.

This is not just true for salvation. In many instances this is true in faith and action. It is far better to see the power and evidence of God then just talking about it. We are now living in a new move of God with a younger generation that does not believe in religion. They want to experience God and see evidence of God. God loves it when we pursue Him.

If we are praying for something in faith we need to move in that faith. There is action that spurs on the faith. The action we take is powerful. While speaking the word of God, praying in faith, and putting that faith to work produces results.

There was a time in my life where I found myself waiting on God. Waiting and living for perfection. Everything had to be perfect. I was striving and trying so hard to get successful results in my life. With God, we don’t need to strive. We only need to build a personal relationship with him and put action with our faith. The striving will only tire us out. Action working with faith is strengthening and energizing-accelerating us even closer in our relationship with the Lord.

During a time when I was a single mother struggling financially, I tried to strive so hard. It seemed like I came against road block after road block. I had been praying for a job that would provide for my children and help me to get ahead. It was difficult for me to see what God had placed in front of me. I thought it would come in a particular package. My father who was a mighty man of God had some real truth to share with me. I had a job interview where the job offered was strictly commission only. The manager who offered me the position showed me a storage room that I could have and turn into an office. I was like, “yeah right”. I shared with my dad about it. He said, “Haven’t you been praying for a good job that would help you provide for your children and get ahead”? I said, “Yes”. He told me to then throw some paint on those storage room walls and get started. It struck me what he was getting at. Put some action behind my prayer and get to work. I did and God helped me every step of the way. I even got an award from the company for all my hard work. Being that it was a commission only job it really challenged me to trust in God. It strengthened me and brought me closer to God.

I would not be where I am today were it not for putting some action behind my prayer of faith.
Not only did God answer my prayer, he turned the results from that prayer into a testimony of encouragement and faith for other single mothers.

It changed me so much that my prayer life became more effective. There have been many small daily miracles where God has done some awesome things. Just A Sheep Ministries came from a vision God gave me back in 2000. I chose to put action behind the vision, the dream God had given me, and walk in the prophecy stepping out in faith. The more I step out in faith, the more I feel energized and strengthened.

What are you waiting for? Waiting on God is one thing. There are times when we are fasting or soaking in the presence of God waiting for God to speak to us. If you find your self waiting for God to fulfill your dreams or waiting for your life to be a perfect example to witness, then you might realize that God is actually waiting on you. Waiting on you to trust him and step out in Faith. That God has seen your dream realized and is waiting for you to walk in it. Has a prophecy been spoken about you that you have not seen come true yet? Have you prayed about it? Have you called it forth? Have you taken a step of faith towards it? Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect tomorrow. Start calling forth the dream. Put action behind your faith. Faith pleases God. It moves his heart.

Hebrews 11:6 and without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

The action in this verse is belief. Has God given you a business idea? Start praying for it. Start calling it forth. Start believing for it. Start walking in it. Did God not say we are to speak of things as though they are? When we seek God with our whole hearts we will find him. He wants to prosper us, bless us, and see us happy and full of joy.

Today, I say to you, “What are you waiting for?”

Step out. Step out! Move in faith today. You will be surprised at how God will answer that faith. Each day is a new opportunity to draw closer to God and to pursue the destiny he has for you.

The Lakeland Revival

2008-06-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

In hearing about how God was moving in Florida, I began watching the revival every day to see for myself what was happening. As soon as I turned it on I felt a stirring in my spirit. Almost like an internal earthquake that hasn't stopped. Every day I feel this excitement as if something incredible could happen at any second. I even find myself looking around more to notice what is going on around me.

God is moving. Something is happening. Who is Todd Bentley? Does it matter? I don't believe it does. When people are being healed, saved, and delivered then why would anyone want to come against something that is having a life changing effect on people.

As the month of May went on, I knew I was going to have to go to Florida myself and see first hand what was taking place there. Boy, was I shocked at how I would end up going.

The month started out busy as I attended the "Awake Deborah" conference in Lynden Washington. That was awesome to see the passion for God these women have. I enjoyed the guest speakers (Patricia King, Heather Clark, and Stacy Campbell)and the messages they gave challenged my spirit. During the conference someone generously gave money for my father (who had bone cancer at the time and was in the final stages of the disease) to go to Lakeland Florida. I believe God provided the money and felt honored to be able to go with my dad.

The flight to Florida was tough on my dad and the preparation to go took an entire week filled with doctor visits and locating the oxygen equipment needed to get him there. It was not an easy task, yet God provided every step of the way. Once we arrived it looked like my dad was so exhausted he would not be able to attend the evening session. This was heart wrenching. My father is an amazing man who has a faith that really does move mountains. He has inspired me so much in life and we came all the way from Washington state so he could see this move of God he had been praying for.

When it looked as if he would not be able to go that night we (my sister, my brother, and my dad's brother) contacted the church (Ignited Church)where the revival had started in hopes of reaching someone who could help us. To our surprise we did reach a lady who just happened to be part of the churches healing team. Within 45 minutes of talking with us on the phone she brought some prayer warriors with her to our hotel to pray for our dad. This sweet lady arrived with a few children who were passionate about seeing God demonstrate healing and they prayed for our dad and us three kids as well. It was a very special demonstration of God's love working through others. After they left we began to get our father ready to go. In his weakened state along with the medication we didn't know if he would be able to make it. Once we got to the civic center where the revival was being held at that time, it was definite we were going to have to leave early due to my father not feeling well. As we pulled into the parking area at the civic center I immediately began getting a picture in my mind. I saw a great horse. The rider of the horse appeared to be coming back from battle and was carrying the flag of victory through the city streets. The people were cheering on both sides. When the rider turned, he lifted his helmet and I could see it was my father. I was deeply moved by this picture that the Lord had given me but was not sure what it meant. I did share it with the others as we looked for a parking spot. Once inside we found the lady who had prayed for our dad earlier in the hotel room. We told her we were going to have to leave soon. She went and found another lady who was part of Todd Bentley's prayer team. She spoke with my father and prayed with us as well before we left to go back to our hotel. It was difficult to leave the meeting when you saw people being healed and we wanted our father to be to be touched so badly.

The next day we decided to approach God boldly and join together as a small team praying and interceding for our dad. That evening our father was ready to go and you could sense excitement in the spirit. We got to the meeting late and found a spot in the very back of the arena. A young man offered his seat to me and I thanked him but refused the seat. I wanted to stay close to my dad. I noticed the young man kept staring at my father. My brother, Jordan who was the one standing behind my fathers wheelchair was talking to the man. Then, I saw the man praying for my father. Before I knew it, my father was out of his wheelchair and jumping up and down. I began to panic. I thought what on earth is happening. My father was so fragile I didn't think he should be doing that. My dad, suddenly passed out and they put a pillow from the hotel underneath his head. I tried to relax inside and give it all to God. This young man obviously had a desire to pray earnestly for my father and so I should let him do so. My brother and the man got my dad back into his wheelchair. The man continued to pray for my father. As Todd preached I felt such faith. The air around us was different and the spirit of God was moving. You could feel God's presence. Then before I knew It, Todd commanded people to get out of their wheelchairs. I watched as my father who usually needed help to even go to the bathroom, take off his oxygen, get up out of his wheelchair and begin to walk to the front where Todd was preaching. That was a long walk. People begin cheering on both sides of the aisle and it made me think of the picture God had given me the night before as we were pulling into the civic center. I will never forget that moment. The glory of God surrounded my father. In that precious moment under the anointing I watched my father do things he couldn't do since the last stage of the cancer had taken affect. It rocked my very being. There was about a 25 minute period from the time my dad had walked up there to the time he actually got up on stage with Todd Bentley. It was incredible. My sister, Melody asked the name of the man who prayed for our dad. He said his name was Emmanuel. I knew, then that God is ever surprising us.

When we returned home from Florida I believed my dad was free from bone cancer. It was a faith challenging moment for me when he died just six days later. It was hard to understand. Even with all the prophecies spoken of him. As I looked at my dad one last time I told God that even though it was hard, I knew he loved me and had a plan. No matter what anyone says or what the situation looks like to others. I choose to trust God. God has the best plan and I look forward to it. It was an honor to stand and testify at my fathers celebration of life service. He would have been proud that I was standing firm in the faith as he had done after being diagnosed two years ago. What an awesome testimony my father had and what an honor to witness his faith. The kind of faith Jesus exhibited when he walked the earth.

In God's plan you can't lose for winning. I believe my father would agree with me as he looks down on the bigger picture from Heaven.

In Lakeland I became forever changed. As God spoke through the young man Emmanuel to me saying, "Go now and do as I did". I felt something deposit into my spirit that accelerated me into the destiny God has planned for my life. I plan on visiting the revival again. I want to see and be anywhere that God is moving. To take up the cross and preach the gospel, lay hands on the sick, raise the dead, and do as Jesus did.

My hunger for God has continued to increase. I encourage others to open themselves up to God's plan and never put limits on what God can do.

Hope For Nought

2008-03-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

"Hope For Nothing"

Have you ever heard people say "Expect the worst, hope for the best". This never sounded quite right to me. It sounds like you are just waiting for disaster. Talk about not even giving yourself a chance to get the best out of life. Can you imagine the impact if you said this to yourself all the time. How we talk makes all the difference when we are expecting results from the Almighty. When you have true hope in your heart inspiring you to keep keepin' on then, at some point that hope becomes belief. When you are simply hoping it is usually accompanied by doubt and doesn't really accomplish anything. It is to Hope for nothing.

How do we "Hope For Something"?

We have to recognize the two factors that play into stealing our belief and hope. Those two factors are doubt and discouragement.

In difficult times it can seem overwhelming to find the positives. It is challenging to be able to get your mind thinking the opposite way from what it may be used to. When you began to speak the promises of God, your spirit becomes lifted, you become encouraged and recognize the God possibilities and solutions to your trials. In fact you start to believe the truth that, "With God All Things Are Possible". A dramatic shift takes place, the confusion clears, the doubt disappears, and you feel good in your heart. You feel hope in your heart and faith rise in your spirit.

Recognize = When you find yourself talking negative, feeling negative, or your hope slipping away this is an alert that you need to begin to combat these things with Gods promises.

Speak Promises = Dig in and begin to speak scriptures for your situation that will help you climb out of the negative thinking. Speak them out loud to God. The Word is powerful. It will come out of your mouth and begin to change even the air around you. You will become encouraged and Gods peace will immediately begin to remove the heaviness you feel about not being able to handle the trial.

Breakthrough = Once you start speaking those promises, you will be able to overcome the doubt and discouragement. The negative feelings may start to creep back and when they do repeat the same scriptures. Don't back down and don't give in to those negative thoughts.

The most important key to all your hope in God is understanding who you are in God. Recognizing your worthiness to boldly go to God about what you are struggling with. God loves you. He has a plan just for you. He turns everything around for His good and His glory. Don't beat yourself up. Take a bold stand in recognizing that God sees you for all you are going to be and not at all how you may see yourself. You are worth it to God. He is your friend and wants you to know that you can talk to Him about anything. He is there for YOU! God is about answers and solutions not problems and struggles. Be encouraged and expect God results for your life problem. Lets make a new saying! "Expect God's Best, He Will Deliver Even Better!"

Life's Problems / God's Solutions

2008-01-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

The scriptures are filled with God's promises for His people. When we speak them out loud back to God as His remembrancer they become alive and go forth to fulfill the promise by the power of the Holy Spirit. Growing up I often heard my father preach these words to his congregation. Somehow I never was able to grasp it until God revealed it's truth to me through a divine revelation. It began to change me and forever transform my mind. It opened the door for such an effective prayer life that I could never go back to the way I was. I want to share with you what happened to me.

It was October 16th, 1999. I had discovered I was pregnant with my son. My life had taken some unexpected turns and I felt like giving up. Sitting down at the computer staring at the blank screen I was overcome with a sadness. My father had left for the evening service and had invited me to go as I quickly turned him down. After he had left I sat quietly almost crying and cried out to God. I said, "God if you are really real, and have a plan for my life then, I will give you everything." Just then, the phone rang. The person on the other end of the line told me that God had words for me and then it was like God had replaced that person and began speaking through them directly to me. The presence of God became like a cloud in the room and I began to speak in tongues without even realizing it. There is no way the person on the phone could have known those things only God could know. During this 45 minutes of prophecy and revelation God shared the importance of praying this way. To speak things into existence by the power of the scriptures and standing on the measure of faith that God already gives us. In this conversation I would ask God a question in my head and then God would speak through the person to me answering my question. It was something I now know was a prophetic experience with God that brought me into a closeness and understanding of how the Bible is our tool and guide to helping us get through this life. That those promises in scripture are for us to use to remind God what He has promised. To stand on His words with authority and confidence. It says in His word, "To boldly approach the throne of grace". This has been profound to me. I let God know I'm boldly approaching His throne and coming to Him to draw close to Him.

If you go to your kitchen cabinet and open it saying you have no food, that is a negative thought. If you go to the cabinet and thank God for blessing you and keeping your cabinet full then that pleases Him and releases God's favor upon you in your life. The Bible says also, "without His faith it is impossible to please Him." My father would always tell me that God is not a liar. He does what He says. It would encourage me to know I could count on God and He would not let me down. God has always been there for me. I'm learning more and more to run to Him for a "God solution" rather than focusing on the life problem.

When you are praying and you begin to feel faith rise in your spirit. An excitement will begin to fill you inside, that is God's assurance. It helps you know to press in to God. You speak the promise, you believe the promise, you experience the promise, and then you walk in the promise daily not backing down.

After my son was born I found myself in Alaska with my sister. We were attending a church in Fairbanks. The pastor of the church had passed away suddenly. His wife is a wonderful lady and it was hard to watch what she was going through. She appeared so strong and so in love with the Lord despite what had just happened. God had me witness something that He often recalls to my memory to let me know I can make it even when things appear hopeless or difficult. During a memorial service for the Pastor, I was taking care of my son as he was fussy. I passed the women's restroom in the church. The door was open and the Pastor's wife was inside. I caught her at a moment that she was hurting. She didn't see me and as I watched her I was amazed at what I heard. She asked for God's strength and as she placed her hand on the bathroom mirror to steady herself she said these words, "no matter what it looks like or what the circumstances are, I choose to trust in you God, I choose you." This so moved me to see this woman believing that God would carry her through. Ever since then when things have gotten tough for me I repeat this very thing along with the scripture that says He will never give us more than we can handle. God has the solutions. We have the keys to His Kingdom. We have an inheritance and authority in Him.
We have a God confidence to speak His word and trust in Him to deliver the promise. I have put together some examples to share with you.

Let's start with SALVATION: When I'm praying for someone who needs salvation I take the struggles in their life and pray the opposite against those things hindering them and pray for God to release the solutions into their life. If they struggle with anger then I pray for God to release the fruits of the Spirit into their life along with peace and joy. My prayer would go something like this; God I come to right now for (person's name)_________ I pray Lord that you will grip their heart. God I'm asking you for their salvation and I'm lifting them up to you. God you opened Lydia the seller of purple's heart and you open people's hearts. I ask you God to open (person's name)__________heart. You say you will leave the entire flock to go after the one sheep. I ask you God to make them your one sheep. To invade their life Lord, and capture them. You take people as they are and love them. You desire all to be saved. All Lord. I believe your Word and I stand on your promises and thank you that you answer prayer. Lord, I thank you for (person's name)__________salvation. I thank you that your word never returns void and when you start a work in someone you finish it to completion.

For MORE FAITH: God you say in Hebrews 11:1 that faith is sure of what I hope for and certain of what I do not see. That even when I don't see it God I can count on you and be certain that you will come through for me. Like in 2 Corinthians 5:7 God I walk by faith and not by sight. That I'm to speak of things as though they are. That it pleases you when I step out in faith and stand on your promises. God I ask you to fill me with more faith. You say that when I pray believing you will answer my prayer. I pray for dynamic faith. Faith that does not waiver but overflows to others. I thank you Lord for a faith that moves your heart. God I desire to please you and thank you that I am a child that walks by faith. Thank you for releasing more faith in my life.

Another important key in praying in power is praising God in the solution. That is where God really demonstrates power and the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life. A promise book is a great way to memorize scripture. They are as little as a couple of dollars. When you are struggling with something you can look up the section with those promises under a topic and speak them out loud. Remember what I said. You speak it, you believe it, you experience it and then you walk in it. Praise God, worship Him and thank Him for His promises. As you pray effectively expecting results and you begin to praise Him in the solutions His power is released in your life and things begin to turn around. God is the solution. He has the answers we are looking for. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. He knew us before we were born and loves us with a love that can never be measured it is so vast. He is waiting to spend time with us always desiring to be close to us.

I want to invite you to pray in power with God's promises. If you are not sure then please leave a comment describing your Life's problem and I will give you the scripture's (promises) that are God's solutions. This is a great format for us to encourage each other in the Lord. You may have some great examples for me or a story where God's solution has been demonstrated in your own life. Testimony's are an amazing way to share with others how awesome God is. Please feel free to comment and share yours. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hiding From God = False Repentance

2007-12-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

God knows it all. There is nothing God does not see. Why is it we continue to justify our wrong doing at times even though we know God is aware of what is we got going on. When we try to hide stuff from God it can pull us deeper in the wrong direction and farther away from our destiny.

There are several reasons we do this and most of them are the result of a life struggle or pain we are in. When we know we can go to God with our struggles and pain that is when we get solutions instead of staying in the struggle. Wouldn't it be better to do our part and then let God fight for us.

When I was doing some serious hiding from God I would often wonder why I wasn't seeing God intervening on my behalf, or why everything seemed harder, or why I couldn't seem to get close to God as if there was something in my way. The thing is God was intervening on my behalf. He protected me and kept me from worse destruction. I learned a lot in those times. I became more gracious, forgiving, and loving. Yeah, I'm a work in progress. I have God's promise that when He starts a work in someone He finishes it to completion. During these times of hiding, I would pray and it seemed harder to contact God. Like a roadblock of some kind. It was only when I found true repentance and understood the meaning that I again, felt that close connection with God. It was then, that He let me know how important relationship is. How awesome it is to be friends with God. How much He loves us and wants us to succeed. Even more than we want to succeed for ourselves. God desires us to have all the keys the Kingdom has to offer.

When I would ask forgiveness I can't say I really meant it during those times of running. It appeared I meant it on the surface or would lie to others. However, in the deepest part of my heart I had enjoyed the sin. Even though I wanted to be close to God, I couldn't seem to find my heart in an honest place. A wise pastor told me during this time that I needed to have a repentant heart like David. I didn't know what that meant until it hit me so hard one day I collapsed. The pastor told me to ask God for a repentant heart so that I could have a breakthrough and feel closer and more in tune with God then before. See, God's love and grace is awesome. When He meets you right where you are at, He can then begin to move in your life in powerful ways. Not waiting for perfection, but looking forward to you being perfected in Him.

So, how is it that we come to this type of repentance where we no longer desire that sin or have enough strength from God to not do it again? Well, you can still run. Just, run to God not away from Him. You have to get down and dirty with God. Tell Him exactly how it is and that you want to be different. Share with Him the battle you are facing and that you want to be what He has planned for you and not fall away to mediocrity in a World where it is hard to find true fulfillment. The key is getting real (down and dirty). For instance, "God, I like to drink, I like going out with my friends and sometimes it is hard not to be influenced by them. I do have fun and know that you, God have better plans for me. This is a tough battle. So, God give me a repentant heart like you servant David and lead me into my destiny and the fullness of you. Replace the desires to drink and party with desires for you. Show me how cool you are and what fun I can have being an influencer instead of being influenced. Show what true brotherhood and friendship is in the Faith, where I can get fed and ministered to as well as minister. " When you talk to God like your friend and keep it real. He can meet you right where you are at and change you. Giving you all the desires He created you for. As you start to be filled with the things of God you become a beacon of light and your life starts to feel a purpose and fullness you never knew before. Like (surprise) you were destined for it.

Stop hiding from God and stop having to say you are sorry a million times. Let God fill your heart with love and meet you right where you are at.

True Repentance = Close friendship with God.

Energy Overhaul

2007-12-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

Energy Overhaul is what believers need right now. Yes, Energy Overhaul.

The enemy (Satan) has some of God's people running on empty and looking miserable. Not at all like they have the joy of the Lord. This is something I have suffered from before. You share your testimony or talk about how amazing God is and all He does and people are looking at you with big question marks on their faces. Why would anyone want to believe in a God and end up looking like your sorry self. Miserable, worn out, no time to do anything but explain how tired and busy you are. That makes no sense. I even see people complaining about something that they feel God asked them to do like it is a chore. God does not ask people to do things that make a person so miserable they can't be nice or civil to others. Whoa, stop, rewind, I'm not talking about people who choose to live differently because of what God has called them to do. Those people are happy to make that choice and they look content as if God is blessing them no matter what little they may have.

I'm talking about the people who are having a little misunderstanding about God's plan for His people. A plan to prosper and bless them, not make them worn out and looking like they got hit by a cup of misery and turmoil.

God says He will "Give us all His joy and all His peace". Wow! We should be walking around smiling like God is the answer to every one's need, not anti-depressants or a good counselor.

It is time to sit down, take a deep breath, and re-evaluate what is happening in your life. God does not want you to be worn out and unable to bless others. You might be doing too much. You might be worrying too much. You might even be trying to do so much that you are getting no where with any of it. Let's take the story of Mary and Martha. Mary is sitting at Jesus feet listening intenetly as He shares many truths. Martha is busy working in the kitchen, preparing food, cleaning up, and getting really ticked off at Mary for not helping her. Martha complains to Jesus and He tells Martha that He is pleased with Mary because she is putting Him first and listening to His words. Martha is busy making food that Jesus didn't even ask for. How many times do we commit ourselves to things that we really shouldn't because we think that will please God. Really, putting God first and getting closer to Him is what pleases Him and when He begins to reveal things to us the most.

I have heard people say that, "If the World didn't have Martha's, nothing would ever get done". No, that is how we rationalize being Martha's. The truth is that we get a lot farther with God. He can help us manage our time and get a lot more done when we surrender ourselves to Him and let Him help manage our day. It gives God more access to stop the enemies attacks and hindrances. It will allow God to move more on our behalf because we are drawing close to Him pleasing Him with our desire for more of what He has for us.

This is so important to know when you are exhausted with trying to do everything right and still feeling disconnected from God or His plan. The best way to renew your mind and get an Energy Overhaul is to surrender yourself completely to God. Ask Him to help guide you in your decisions. Be smart about what you choose to do and recognize that a good attitude and pure motives help you know that you have a green light for that task. It is when you think it will be a chore and cannot seem to muster up a good attitude that maybe you need to step back and pray for others involved and not try to jump in and run the show.

God wants His people to be fulfilled and have all the keys to the Kingdom without feeling weary. There are many scriptures that will help strengthen you when you say them out loud back to God and stand firm in their promise. Here is one, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me....". This is one I often use to fuel up on energy when I'm running low. Another one is, "We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us." Also, "Nothing is impossible with God, and His word never fails to be without power or fulfillment". Awesome! You can get some strength from these words and feel refreshed. A true Key is saying one scripture to God and then walking in it even when you don't feel instant relief. It shows God you are stepping out in faith and His promise will be fulfilled with your faith. Get some renewed strength today and have a chat with God about why you might be worn out and unhappy. God is the solution to every trial. If you ask Him for some help, He will answer you. The Lord wants you to be a testimony for Him not against Him. Remember, our outside reflects our inside. No matter what our circumstances or struggles are, God is there for us and waiting for us to run to Him and walk with Him hand in hand. He has the best for you today. Call on Him and gain strength, He is already waiting to release it into you.

Power In Praying The Opposite

2007-12-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

How do you pray for people? I used to believe you said a prayer or brought up the situation and asked God to help. At the same time trying to believe He would do it. Come to find out that is not the most effective way to pray for yourself or others. Since I have discovered "praying the opposite" my life is more empowered and my prayers seem to get awesome results. The Word says pray believing. Now, I really understand what that means. It doesn't say pray and then believe it says "pray believing".

This is an incredible power. You literally, as the Bible says, "speak of things as though they are" follow this when praying. Even as your prayers change direction you feel a difference. Almost like all of a sudden the presence of God shows up because God is pleased when we speak in Faith. God lets you know He is there and listening. It is so important just as David did in the Bible to speak the scriptures back to God and let Him know what He promised. There is a difference when you pray knowing God will deliver results.

In praying for someone in a situation, or someone hurting, or even a struggle of your own you must first understand that God loves you, is there for you, and wants to help you. He wants you to expect results.

For instance, in praying for a friend who is not saved and doesn't believe in God there are some key things that you can do. We know God can move on people's hearts just like he did with Lydia (the seller of purple) and we know that God desires everyone to be saved. There are two things right there we already have going for us. Begin praying for the person. Ask God to open their heart. Start praying the opposite for them in all instances where their character is struggling. Pray believing. If someone is angry, pray forgiveness and peace into their life. If someone is hurting emotionally, pray for healing, comfort, and joy into their life. Pray for them as if that is how they are. God sees us for all we can be and sees us as the finished man. That is how we need to love, accept, and pray for others. Life's problems, God's solutions! This is one of the many things I focus on when I'm hurting or struggling. We understand the principal that God is our solution, we pray believing for the positive result and victory in the circumstance, we thank God for the results, and then we praise Him. After praying believing I feel renewed and strengthened. The Bible is full of scriptures that are God's solutions.

Afraid and scared of facing a problem with someone. God you say, "You are my helper, why should I be afraid, what can man do to me..." this is your promise God, that I lift back up to you believing you will help me. I thank you I do not have to be afraid and I can trust completely in you. I am an over comer and am pleasing to you in my faith.

The above is an example of using this principal in prayer. Any of Life's problems, God really does have the solutions.

A good way to use this principal is to pick up a promise book that has scriptures for every situation in it, that you can use to speak God's promises back to Him.

Speak of things as though they are and speak life into people. This is powerful in praying the opposite for yourself and others.

Is Perfection Required To Get Close To God?

2007-12-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

What does it take for a person to get closer to God where they see God demonstrate His power daily? Many believe they must become perfect and righteous before they can truly draw close to God or feel His presence.

I used to think that if I could just get my act together and follow all the rules that the church put before me then, and only then could I be worthy to receive favor from God or see him move through me in mighty ways.

Boy, did I have it all wrong. I see a lot of people though with that same belief system. Go to church, check the block. They have a list of things they follow to feel good and righteous. They loose sight on going after God and start going after living a perfect life in hopes that God will notice how good they are.

So many times I tried to be perfect only failing miserably. Then not only did I disappoint myself, I thought I had ruined my chance to get close to God and find my purpose in life.

It hit me hard one day when someone said, "If you keep waiting till you are perfect then, you can forget walking with God, no one can be perfect and if they are close, then perfection is their focus and not God" I thought, yeah, King David wasn't perfect, Moses wasn't perfect. Yet, they loved God and stood firm in the faith of God's promises and loved to worship God. They had hearts after God. When I got real with God and admitted I could not be perfect. That is when God began to draw close to me. I started seeking him more and then a desire and love for God began to become the most important thing to me. I want all that God has. When you go to God in truth it is as if he picks you up and holds you drawing you close. It was only then that I realized I was truly repentant and wanted to seek God and his plan for my life.

Christians like to talk about how awesome God is. How He can work in people. I don't want to talk about it. I want to see God demonstrate His power and miracles on a daily basis. I want to surrender myself daily over to God and climb up into His lap as a child and draw close to Him soaking in His presence. There are two keys to moving in the power and presence of God. Faith and Love. God moves mightily through love and it is faith that pleases Him.

Love I notice can combat a lot of things. This has helped save me from several incidents that could have gotten out of hand. Through God's love He protected me. The more I praise Him, the more my faith increases.

Draw close to him today. Talk to Him like a friend and let him know what is going on with you. Tell him your hearts desires and praise Him and He will flood you with His peace. God desires to spend time with you and bless you. You are worth it to Him. He will never give up on you!

Looking and Waiting For Revival

2007-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Looking back on the great revivals of the past and in the revivals of recent, people are seeking what causes a great revival to happen. There are also those waiting for revival and looking around every corner for it. They hop churches and follow people to see if they can come across it.

I must admit I at times have been looking, waiting, wondering, running, and then looking again. What I have finally discovered has been true revelation to me. Revival can be found in the heart of a person. It will spread like fire when that person pours out into others the passion and love of God. It changes people. Grips there heart and gets them to start asking questions and seeking a closer relationship, key word here...relationship with God. Walking hand in hand with him talking to him closely as a friend.

People have often let me know of their disappointment in my choices in life. I love those people because in their disappointment of me, it has changed me. It has brought me to the place I am at right now. Seeking for more of God. For the truth. To experience more of God's awesome wonder and power.

In early March of 2006 I fell apart in my apartment. I crumpled to the floor crying out to God. I said, "God here I am, my miserable self, have mercy on me and change me." Things in my life were difficult and I was wondering why I could not truly find a repentant heart in myself. I wanted to know where the revival was. I wanted to know why my family was in its state and wanted to be different, to see different, and to love different. I begin to slowly sing to God. Quietly crying and praying in the Spirit. I begin to sing the words of a song. At the time I thought they were for calling on revival in my father's church. I have come to realize now this song was God showing me to seek revival in my own heart. In the story of Jacob and his dream. God lets him know that the temple of the Lord is you. You are His temple and you can be the light that can shine through to others. Here are the words...

Revival Is Now

Verse 1
The Word of the Lord says “Pray believing”
Hebrews eleven shows how He carries through
Sarah called Abraham, “Father of Many”
Are you ready for what God will call you

Our people are in bondage sickness and strife
So many we love have fallen from Christ
Then, there are those that still need to know
His Truth and Love meant for their soul ~

Church, grab hold of one another, Let’s speak this promise of God’s
Pray, Believe, and receive, we want to please you Lord.
Were asking for Revival, a spiritual awakening on this very ground
Lord, take the deed to this land, Were believing for Revival now

Chorus

People of Faith, gather yourselves
Grab hold of the altar of God
People of Faith, lift up your hands revival is here for us all

People of Faith, give thanks with your mouth
Let the cloud of His glory fall
Oh, people of Faith, gather yourselves
Revival is here for us now!

Call forth hearts of worship
Call forth dancing feet,
Call forth all praise and glory to our King

Verse 2
The Bible is our weapon,
The scriptures our spiritual sword
Getting us ready for the battle
In this great army of the Lord

Now is an awakening
God’s nature expanded into man
The time of transformation
Overtaking this Land

Miracles, signs, and wonders
Even, this song a prophecy
Salvation, healing, and deliverance
All here to be received

Lets unite together
All the parts of the body one
Let’s rejoice and Welcome this Revival
The Almighty is come!

Chorus

Bridge
In the Glory of the Lord
The Spirit is moving

In the Glory of the Lord
There is healing

In the Glory of the Lord
His love is overflowing

In the Glory, In the Glory
Revival is Now!

Chorus Again

-This song has powerful meaning to me. I often sing it quietly to God.

Revival starts in the hearts of people, even people we may not recognize as moving in God's power. Yet, they are. They have His heart and want others to know how awesome and cool He really is. We can go looking or be drawn to a certain place because God is calling us there for a reason. However, we can find revival everyday in our lives reaching out to others in God's love.

God's Love Not Limited To The Morally Righteous

2007-11-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Watching a popular TV program yesterday evening, I was struck by the comments of a woman claiming to be a christian and morally righteous. The things she said came across with hatred and the belief that if you are anything other then like her you are going to hell. I thought to myself, how many times I've witnessed others make those type of comments right in front of me and have never stood up to counter their religious bigotry with the biblical truth of God's love.

She made statements that if a person is a homosexual then they are going to hell, in fact anyone who has not asked Jesus into their heart is going to hell. It was sad to realize that this beautiful lady has been so mislead by some religious leaders in her life. Her interpretation of God's Word is lifeless as it comes out of her mouth stinging with hatred anyone in it's path.

What is the truth? There is no other clearer message in God's word then, the message of his love. It is not our job to judge another person at all. How are they to experience God's power and salvation if they are being hit in the face with hatred?

We may not like how someone has chosen to live. Yet is through the power of God's message of love that can heal, change, and act as a breakthrough in a person's life. You can minister and pour into someones life moving in God's love more than with any other method.

Is it not better to tell people how awesome and incredible God is as he demonstrates His power through you and into their life. That is an experience they won't soon forget.

Was it not Jesus moving in that very powerful love that set the prostitute free and saved her from death and the hands of judgement. It was that love that set her free, and in that demonstration of love and God's power that forever changed her.

Let's remember that God is our friend. He is our everything and to move in His power for people to be truly healed, delivered, and set free we must first move in His LOVE.

"Christian" A Name No One Wants To Wear.

2007-11-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

You say you're a Christian today and it is almost a joke to people. At least being a Buddhist sounds interesting and the chubby little dude with the Buddha belly looks happy. There are so many choices out there that people more often than not cannot commit to any one religion. Everyone is seeking out truth and the spiritual in whatever form makes them feel good and accepted. Notice even within the Christian Faith people don't want to bear a name that carries little or no value to others. They would rather say, "I'm Baptist", or "I'm Non-Denominational". Has the Christian name become so tarnished with religious structure that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of many who come across it?

The very foundation of The Church and religion is being shaken up by people who will no longer tolerate God's truth to be molded into what is acceptable to those in leadership or those who think they can speak for God and believe in the old covenant way of thinking. How dare anyone with heart or compassion be allowed to enter into God's Holy sanctuary and worship if they are not willing to follow the so called rules. This upsets many so called Christians who believe only those who are perfect following rules and law be allowed to worship.

God, wants to take back the name of Christianity and transform it into a name everyone will be excited to wear. The Lord wants people to experience his true heart for his people and for the believers, to have love for others that extends the hand of grace with unconditional love and truth. For the very name of Christianity to have the spirit of revival released every time it is spoken.

When Jesus walked the earth he preached on love and ministered to people with a gentle hand in true brotherhood. The Pharisees and those in leadership believed people needed to try to be perfect and follow the law to earn their way into God's Kingdom. When we read in the New Testament we clearly don't like the Pharisees and others judging and condemning anyone who speaks of God as loving and gentle (not holding people to live a certain way or be perfect according to law). Is that law not a law man has created over the centuries to oppress the very Spirit of God. Yeah, go ahead and follow the 10 commandments and the rules of the old covenant but don't dare demonstrate Gods power. Why did we ever listen to these harsh, critical people? What authority did we believe they had? I am even guilty of being critical of others for not living the way I thought they should. God is not like that. That person sinned so they should be punished. Or, that person's business failed so that is God punishing them. No, it is not. This way of judgemental thinking can not be tolerated anymore.That is simply their business failing and God could very well be moving them into something better He has for them. It will take God's people with His true heart and vision rising up against those old ideals and Pharisee mentality's.

I will never forget hearing a leader in my church talk about how a young adult came into church with tattoos showing and how disrespectful that was to God. Is he kidding? Did God come down from Heaven and say those who have tattoos are not allowed to worship me? Would Jesus have criticized that young man, or would Jesus have welcomed him with love and honor. Reaching out to him seeing him for what he could be in the Kingdom of God. Who is to say that young man won't rise up in God's army and become a mighty youth minister leading thousands of youth to Christ.

When will we understand it is about having an intimate relationship with God, not following religion. God is not someone far away in heaven that we hope will answer our prayers. The Lord is waiting to draw close to us and be our everything, friend, father, teacher, and the one we run to in every situation believing he answers prayer.

Calling all who desire to see God's power demonstrated, to see great miracles, to see many saved, to see this entire nation transformed by revival, and the presence of God.

It is time for God to give Christianity it's new name. The name He intended for it to represent. On a scale the name now weighs little and cannot even tip the scale for the Kingdom of God. Let's rise up in Spirit and in Truth tipping the scale in favor of the true Kingdom through love, faith, and belief.

The Church Is Falling...

2007-10-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this diary based on what I have discovered and am still discovering is true concerning our relationships with God and the Church. It is my goal through this diary to communicate God's unconditional love for us and His vision for the body of Christ today. In this very hour, God is putting together an army filled with radical youth and one that is destined to fulfill the promise of His purpose.

The Church Is Falling! Attending church growing up my belief system was built on doing my best to become the perfect Christian who would please God and earn his love. You know the drill. Follow the rules set before us by people in leadership positions who are older and smarter than ourselves (leaders who think they have all the answers and know God) . Older yes, smarter, not so much. Follow God's laws, obey the 10 commandments, do everything you can to turn from sin and strive to be righteous and holy. Everything I knew was built on fitting in to these people's ideas of what a Christian should be. I spent years trying to figure out how to be perfect and please God with no success at all. All the while wondering to myself how these mentors to my ideals were doing on their quest to be perfect and holy. My whole focus began to be about pleasing these people. Never taking time to really ask God who or what He wanted me to be, instead I was letting these people (who had problems, just like all Christians I know) tell me what their interpretation was of what God wanted for me.

Would you let someone who was cruel to others, harsh to their family, critical and judgemental tell you how to live your life. What was I thinking? Did I confuse "respect your elders" with allowing myself to be tore down by people who's entire idea of being a christian was built around religious prejudice's.

Have you heard this? "If you hang out with non-Christians then you are not pleasing God by exposing yourself to unholy people". I grew up hearing things like this and really questioning myself. I started to turn this criticizing inward and began to really dislike myself for not being able to adapt to these other people's values and belief systems.

I am not the only one who's eyes have been opened to the truth and has experienced what God is really like and not how he's been portrayed in the church. There are great leaders that God has raised up to share knowledge, wisdom, and truth about how the church we once knew is going to be taken over by God's heart and vision for His people.

The Fall of The Church has begun as people all over the World who have a close friendship with the Lord have discovered the truth that God's Kingdom is built on. That truth is loving one another, seeing people how God sees them, and empowering them to fulfill their divine destinies in Christ.