No Hand Me Down Religion

Voice of Prayer

There is no hand-me-down religion in Jesus Christ!
Born again, we are born into life, the new in Him who acquired that life by shedding His own blood on the Cross. In salvation, we have all we need. By grace we live by faith in His sacrifice and we should expect heaven on earth!
On the day He went into Jerusalem, He was about doing the Father's will and not about man's will. Those who were expecting the conquering Messiah had hoped it was in Him. Yet He did not go to the throne when all the palm branches were laid before Him. No He went into the temple and drove out the money-changers.

God's way was to be known through Jesus. It is the path that is narrow indeed and it is not putting man on pedestals or of man by firm suggestions that you follow man. For there is heaven on earth, when we call forth His words given to us to speak in the very promises set forth for our freedom.
John 3:5 NKJV Jesus answered, " Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
In the new birth, one repents of sins. The new order of life is begun in Jesus. At that moment faith is alive. In this we re-qualify to the possibilities God has for us. Aside from Him and His will, we never see them. I always wonder how many people that fill the cemeteries today who never received Him as Lord, to have that place in heaven & be where He might be....as He is Lord over all?

In Jesus' time, the Pharisees and Sadducee's handed down a religion that was equipped with all the terms and issues that man himself instituted beyond what God had set up for them in the Wilderness. That Law was to get the wilderness, and the idol worship out of those who came out of Egypt, but Jesus came to set man free forever!
Ephesians 1:11-14 NKJV 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trust in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
God, the Creator and the Possessor of Heaven and Earth, put down a deposit for us. And that deposit required the blood of Christ. The great "I Am" brought a way for us when there was no way. In this salvation we have gained power of the Holy Spirit that demonstrates both in us and through us who believe.

I was thinking of this yesterday, as we went to pick up our dog at the Vet. She required some grooming and had some hot spots on her face and neck. I never knew a dog could have an allergy to protein. Yikes!
Anyway, on the way I saw this store front Maurice's, and I saw people going in to shop which looked like for teens. I remembered the hand-me-downs I sometimes got as a small child. Yet when I went to school, my sister and I had new clothes and shoes to wear. But one time, as a young teen, I had gotten a really nice white sweater with a few roses on it........and I really liked it. It was given by this girl's mother who I went to school with in the junior high years. So I wore it to school and the girl whose mother had given it to me rode rough shod all day on me for wearing her sweater. I am not certain that she really wanted it, but she certainly did not want me wearing it!
I never wore that sweater again, even though I loved the beautiful white with the sprinkle of tiny red roses and green leaves on it. No, never wore that thing again for I was caught in that which is a "hurtful" situation. For the young lady had been my friend for two years and after that we were no longer friends.
But see in this relationship with Jesus, we each have something with Him that is different and the purpose God placed in you is of importance. It is important to find what God placed in you for His glory and to His praise. He is always here and always available. And when someone may not like that which you carry for Him, well, that is sad to say for them.
He did not give you a ready-made religion for a one-size fits all. We each have a part to participate in the greatest time on earth and that is of these years before His return for us. We each have a role in His kingdom and reading through His word and prayer will reveal what that is in each of us and through us. We require His wisdom that is for the practical, and workable principles so the revelation knowledge flows through our lives and toward others.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are His workmanship! For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Grace was bestowed to us. It is the "undeserved kindness "by which salvation is given. Christ Jesus died for us before we were even born. By the Holy Spirit we see power released in our lives just like Jesus did! Grace is that force as well as favor toward us and it is living for today and a future we look toward that it is our God Who makes all things possible.

No hand-me-down religion, and no hand-me-down clothes please. What God has for you and for me is better, is of quality and will last forever. In this relationship, you and I choose if we want time with Him or not. I choose to know Him more every day. I choose to see His beauty and declare His goodness for in this my faith is released to receive more from Him. Within this relationship too, we come together in unity not in strife fighting one another, not jealous of another, but we come together in the unity of faith & purpose among God's family members for God's gospel to be the most effective.
We are to initially be Christ's mouthpiece, His feet and His hands. If we choose the hand-me down from man you get religion, must submit an allegiance to the man and his regime, but to God we receive that pastor or said church we attend to receive our daily feeding of the word and prayer.

The past is gone and we are new in Jesus! Receive His words deep into your heart and pray for the Holy Spirit to be loosed in every moment of your daily lives and may you see the fruit that comes from obeying the Son to the Father. May you know He will never leave you nor forsake you. Now is the time to rise up, take off those old garments of sin, and lust and receive the garments of the royal Son. May you be found with Him always!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Land of the Living
https://youtu.be/iIzb7AFaYno

You can also visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer 

for more teaching at:  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Wheat & Tares-Truth & Compromise

https://youtu.be/KgJ_i4Uzgxs

Also visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching:

http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Would You LAUGH?

Laughter came to our family! No longer a baby but still brings us joy!

Would you laugh if God told you something was about to occur in your life? Well one lady did laugh!


Genesis 18:2-15  NKJV  2 So he lifted his eyes and looked and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.

4 "Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 and I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant." They said, "Do as you have said."
6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes."
7 And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. 8 So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared and set it before them under the tree as they ate. 9 Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" So he said, "Here in the tent." 10 And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advance in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure,my lord being old also?" 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?"14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh", for she was afraid. And He said, "No but you did laugh!"

Genesis 21:1-7   NKJV And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore  Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him---whom Sarah bore to him----Isaac. 4 Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh and all who hear will laugh with me." 7 She also said, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age."

Well beyond their years to have a "child", God came! Well beyond their thoughts of having family, laughter and enjoyment, God speaks a word!
Are we willing to receive when God speaks to us? For He can and will speak to us when we give Him our time.

Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing will be impossible."
Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you.

For whatever our age, and our walk with the Lord, surely He can bring to pass that which He purposed for us. We must mind our speaking and make sure we speak His truth and not the lies of the enemy. Like Sarah, women may think they are too old to have a "child" at a later date in life, but God is the God where nothing will be impossible!

When that "word" comes from God, we must receive it in belief (trusting) that He will do just what He has spoken.


Being reminded of a word given to Israel in chapter 36 of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 36:34-36  NKJV  "The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35 "So they will say, 'This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.' 36  Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the LORD have spoken it and I will do it."


The whole of chapter 35 of Ezekiel is about redemption and restoration. When we truly hear and obey God, receive His words deep into our heart, those living waters swell up to remove what cannot stay in our lives. Blessings, so wonderful, come to those who revere Him and hear Him speak.


Believe God! Like Abraham and Sarah prepared to receive the LORD by preparation of a meal that would refresh His heart.
Refresh His heart today. Give into Him, with thanksgiving, with love and joy of what He has done for you.
Are you still breathing today? Give thanks! Are you still walking without any needed help, give thanks! Do you see well, rise every morning to meet the day to do the work needed so you can be a blessing to others? Then give much thanks to Him who created and planned for you!
Ask that righteous desire, and believe it to come to pass, just like Sarah was told to do, not with a laugh of doubt but of a belief to say: " Yes, Lord, I believe I receive that word today."

No matter your age, if your place be desolate, no matter all have abandoned you, it is God's Word to you that will bring that refreshing rain, that refreshing that God said that is going to change things, turn it around for your good. Today ask for a fresh infilling of His Spirit, invite His Spirit to touch every desperate area in your life. Receive His powers to come, to transform, rejuvenate and restore life completely where death had once been.
Receive His word, that seed of change and believe.........for His comfort is there ........you must reach out to take it and receive deep it into your heart.
WE believe you to receive healing and abundant fruitfulness today in Jesus' name. Amen!


Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

Bitter for Sweet: Wild Grapes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnBhtdXsO_k

You can also visit my You Tube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at:  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH?

Acts 7:51-60.........51 "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him- 53 you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.   NIV

From the last two blogs, we covered in "THE FALLEN" and  "PICKING AND CHOOSING" we discovered those like Saul who kick against what the Lord was wanting established. Saul was breathing out cruelties to those saints of faith who had put their trust in the Lord. And of course in Picking and Choosing, we find those who would rather lie about why they would not attend a service, or attend a Bible study. As we saw in the teaching, what does that make us look like when we would rather lie than tell the truth?

In this scripture we continue to see those outraged by God's anointed. If we are the church, yes those body of believer's in Jesus, then why is there all this judgment going on about who gives the message and if it is the right message. Seems to me, the Word works and is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to those in need of that specific word of God for that moment in time!

Stephen saw the effect of his speech in that group of people. He saw those enraged and ready to stone him. He saw those call him names and said he had spoke blasphemy. 

Where is that "stone"?

In giving the message of God, presents us with the choice to receive it. Should not matter if the messenger is red, yellow, black or white.............and what is white anyway..........? I know no really white folks. I remember my mom mentioning some blood-bloods once and they were probably the white folks, but I know I have some Spanish background and some Cherokee............so I am what...............?????

Now back to Stephen..........a man being persecuted, and about to be stoned for his speaking truth to them who would deny the Holy Spirit. Stephen even mentions their fathers resisting the Holy Spirit in the prophets God had sent to them.

If we are saved, and have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we can certainly pray in our heavenly language and allow God to pray through us much like he did in those days. We can operate in those same measures that they operated in at the time.

Do we want to be found fighting against God?

Acts 5:33-39................33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."      NIV

If God is directing you to have a Bible study, then have one and invite people to come. Do not pay attention to numbers of those who attend, but do pay attention as the Holy Spirit leads you through God's word.

Stephen was not deterred from speaking.  He spoke truth and continued to lift the name of Jesus. In what transpired in those moments of Stephen's speaking, men were angered seriously because of truth and they did not want to hear it. YOU know those who are called to preach and teach will continue to preach and teach. They will continually lift the name of Jesus and it does not matter the course of those around the "said speaker" of God...........the messenger sent to deliver the "specific message".

Stephen even tells them that he can see Jesus..............He was now at the right hand of God....and in the next breath, he proclaims that he can see Jesus is standing at the right hand of God!

Is it that Jesus now saw His favorite son being stoned, and was ready to receive him to glory?

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.  

Stephen even had time to pray...........! How many of us tell God that we do not have time to pray? What excuse could we use for not praying? 

And how did Stephen do that short prayer while being hit by stones and words of hateful men? He had a prayer life. He had to have sought God and spent time in prayer to have the Holy Spirit on the scene in this situation and for the wisdom Stephen spoke to those men. In those last moments he was praying that the Lord would not hold that sin against them! Wow!

It is like having a baby. It takes nine months. You have to eat the right food, exercise and have regular check-ups with the Doctor. In prayer, we check ourselves into the Word of God, eat precisely what we need and have the Great Physician to come check on us to see how we are doing. Right? 

If a ministry or even a job is like having a baby and caring for the said baby..........is it possible that we could be trying to get everything in before..........like say.....leaving for the day, or for a week off or even for a vacation? Will our absence affect others? What about ministry to others through a specific ministry? Every step.........in a job or ministry always involves others and our time away takes some planning!

For any decision, the leader in business , the church, home, in the mission field, whether Bible studies, ministering in jail, ministering in hospitals, feeding the homeless, for leadership meetings in the church, in big Business, taking care of and leading children (teaching them by example), or caring for an elderly parent, requires each of us to seek God's counsel on these important matters. It will take some prayer time, much like Stephen had to have done in his short life, to maintain the thought process for God to bless the men "who were stoning him."

Whatever we have before us cannot be accomplished without God's help! We cannot expect to accomplish in that "spirit of excellence" in God without consulting God first.

 I think of 2 Kings 5 where Elisha told Naaman to go dip in the Jordan River and he would be healed of leprosy. In all that pride and such of Naaman, still he obeyed and went to dip 7 times in the river Jordan. Naaman wanted to pay Elijah something. (verse 16)

With Naaman being healed in the dirty water of the Jordan, still Naaman wanted to repay the prophet! But the prophet had refused it. But we see something different in Gehazi. But let's read on about Stephen.  We will get to Gehazi!

Acts 6:1-11................6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)-Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."   NIV

Stephen full of God's grace and power.......did wonders and miraculous signs and then ............men began to argue with Stephen................but they could not stand up against wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
(read all of Acts 6 when you have time) We can learn a lot by Stephen's example.

 So what do we value? If like Stephen, we will speak with wisdom of God, and be prayer warriors to conduct the affairs of life we must do and do it with ease.

We must evaluate that which is before us............as to study in the Word with others, attending those church services and in going to those "special events".  We must take an evaluation of the thing before us,  its importance & the estimation of its importance to us!

What is the worth of this thing before me? Will I put a worth on the things of God or do I count them as nothing when it is about me and doing my own thing?  Allowing God to ENTER our lives on every decision , we are saying I value YOU God, I value You for the decisions in ministry, in this job, in this department, in this illness, in this problem at work, in this decision for this move to another state, in this hike to the high country! God, we  ask YOU to show us which way to walk in this job, in this ministry of Bible study, in this Prayer meeting, in the department where changes are on the horizon!  If the 11th hour is here, IS God and His wisdom in THE BEGINNING OF THIS DAY?

Well Stephen certainly came to the 11th hour. He lifted Jesus to others and was stoned to death. He left his body in peace knowing that Jesus was ready to receive him to glory.

"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Wow! What an ending...........and yet people still study this passage and they receive the effects of truth and the importance of being one with God!

Will we.....yes,.....will we stand one with God .........or will our character show us to be otherwise...........like the liar...........who likes to lie about why they cannot attend some function...........one that we should probably put value on.


2 Kings 5:26-27.....................26 But Elisha said to him, "Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds, or menservants and maidservants? 27 Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever." Then Gehazi went from Elisha's presence and he was leprous, as white as snow. NIV


The prophet naturally said that he would not accept a thing...........even though Naaman urged him, still Elisha refused the gift.

After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi said to himself, "My master was too easy on Naaman. As surely as the LORD lives, I will run after him (Naaman) and get something from him. YIKES!
Gehazi hurried after Naaman, and Naaman saw Gehazi running toward him. He asked Gehazi if everything was all right? Gehazi answered that everything was all right.
BUT HERE GEHAZI LIES..........NOT GOOD! In verse 22 of Chapter 5......"MY master sent me to say, 'two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing."

 "By all means, take two talents," said Naaman. He urged Gehazi to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver in two bags, with two sets of clothing. He gave them to two of his servants, and they carried them ahead of Gehazi. When Gehazi came to the hill, he took the things from the servants and put them away in the house. He sent the men away and they left. Then he went in and stood before his master Elisha.

"Where have you been, Gehazi?" Elisha asked. 

"Your servant didn't go anywhere," Gehazi answered. 

What Naaman had, now came on Gehazi..........that leprosy was to cling to him and to his descendants forever. Gehazi left Elisha's presence. Just by lying, Gehazi changed the course for his entire descendants.  Again, what value do we place on telling the truth? In Stephen's case, it cost him his life and in the life of Gehazi, well, he chose to lie, and the rest is history..........he and his descendents suffered because of lies!!
In this we finish the series of three........being those teachings about lying and despising those called to minister either at the pulpit or in other areas as in jails or shelter or youth groups! In  THE BLOGS : THE FALLEN, PICKING AND CHOOSING, AND WHAT WE VALUE: WILL IT BRING US TO GLORY OR DEATH? have shown us the importance of not lying to others and how to be effective in ministering life as in Stephen's case.

Father, Your word states in Psalm 24.......asking this question "who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who may stand in His holy place?" " He who has clean hands and a pure heart...........who has not lifted up his soul to an idol nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (3-5) Father ,we seek that which is of value to us. We do not desire the worthless thing, the idol which may speak but brings no life to our existence. Help us Holy Spirit to hear and obey. We know it is a choice..........but give us those needed warnings like YOU do, so that we do not miss one direction from You.

We desire our character to be that which is not a liar, but truthful. We desire not to be caustic, not to be the obnoxious and the grumpy. We desire to not be like Gehazi and seek out goods rather than seeking God.

Our desire is to be holy as You are holy..........and that we have understanding of that Word in our lives. We want to be the devoted, the determined and the persistent in seeking, finding and receiving Your truth into our hearts where real change takes place.

To YOU be all the glory for all that happens in our lives as we take these needed steps toward having the character that is the faithful! It is in Jesus' name we pray. Amen and Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

A Spiritual Success!

Proverbs 2:1-9...........My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.   NKJV


You can find all kinds of T.V. shows and movies hinging on the supernatural. It is something that some people want to run to and experience. In today's society, you can still see mediums being guests on talk shows!
You can find shows depicting movements pertaining to ghosts, or unidentified flying objects.

  In king Saul's time, we see him going to talk to the dead. He desires to summon Samuel the prophet who has passed....( he seeks a medium).. .............1 Samuel 28:7-19......

7 Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." And his servants said to him, "In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor." 8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, "Please conduct a seance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you." 9 Then the woman said to him, "Look, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the spiritists from the land. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?" 10 And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying, "As the LORD lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing." 11 Then the woman said, "Whom shall I bring up for you?" And he said, "Bring up Samuel for me." 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, "Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!" 13 And the king said to her, "Do not be afraid. What did you see?" And the woman said to Saul, "I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth." 14 So he said to her, "What is his form?" And she said, "An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle." And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed down. 

15 Now Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" And Saul answered, "I am deeply distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and does not answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may reveal to me what I should do." 16 Then Samuel said: "Why then do you ask me, seeing the LORD has departed from you and has become your enemy? 17 And the LORD has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the LORD nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the LORD has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines."   NKJV

Yes, people desire answers and they want them now! And remember Saul was told by the prophet Samuel, that in 1 Samuel 15 and verses 27-29....that kingdom was torn from Saul and that it was given to a neighbor, " one better than you". Samuel went on to say, "He who is the Glory of Israel down not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."
And by verse 34, we are told Samuel went to see Saul no more! The whole kingdom torn from his disobedience. He was much like a two year old, not liking what he heard, so he goes to another to hear what he wants to hear. ( he wants what his heart wants) (he liked the kingship and all the fanfare with it.......looking good to the world but not obeying God's commands.)

 It is interesting that there is no one book on sale today that can help us the way the Bible can. For we know that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness......that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The supernatural from that of Proverbs 2:1-9 only takes a crying out to God. Every time we pick up the Bible and find a scripture verse or passage, we should be crying out to God for His wisdom, strength and guidance on any and every situation we are facing. Each time we read a verse or passage, we should seek His voice on it!

I just posted a blog on the rejoicing heart......"Just Be You".....and one of the scripture verses was found in Proverbs 23:15-16. (it is important to always be rejoicing in the Lord)

Proverbs 23:15-16   .........15 My son, if your heart is wise,
My heart will rejoice--indeed, I myself;
16 Yes, my inmost being will rejoice
When your lips speak right things.    NKJV

IN THIS verse the person, Solomon is speaking to his son. And Solomon tells him that, "his heart will rejoice"----indeed, Solomon, himself, Yes, his inmost being will rejoice when the son speaks right things.
Speaking right things, rejoices our heart. Then should not our hearts be rejoicing daily, and if they are not doing that, then why not? Are we not speaking the same that God speaks?
But we can find those who say,"well, I am not happy".....or " I am not satisfied".

There are times we are tired and will just turn on the T.V. to distract, but the truth is that any and everything being broadcast on the T.V. is going into your eargate. Everything we watch will go into our eyegate. We are to guard and keep that which God has placed in us. We are to BE people who guard that we keep Jesus seated on the throne of our hearts.

Remember about the leaven......?  .....Luke 12:1-3................12:1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.  NKJV

hypocrisy: a claim to moral standards and or a belief which is not confirmed by one' behavior
.........empty talk, pretense, cant, deceit, falseness, dishonesty
cant: to talk, a whining when begging for something.....yikes!

If we get the things of the world mixed in with God's words then we have a problem. Jesus said the leaven of the Pharisees was hypocrisy. How many see that today in the world? They are right and you are wrong! The talk today is empty, dishonest, and above all deceitful! Lies. Lies. Lies.

We saw this with king Saul. He was raised up to a kingly rule because man wanted a king. So God had Samuel the prophet anoint him king. God had to change his heart to rule!

1 Samuel 10:9-11...........9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul's heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. 10 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. 11 When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" .NIV

And when God changes your heart..........others will take notice! In verse 11 of 1 Samuel 10, we see that all those who had formerly known him, (Saul) saw him prophesying with the prophets, and they asked each other, "what is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

Others noticed that Saul had changed. He was now spending time with the prophets!

But we know that Saul got into so much stuff and always seemed to be out of order and not wanting to be patient about any matter he was facing. Sounds a lot like people today. They think they know better than anyone and they need the "fix" right now! They want the solution or answer even though it took years to get to today.......and so we must consider that it make take more than 3 minutes to get this "matter" solved. If it is illness or weakness in the body, it will take more that a 5-minute fix to solve the problem!

If you eat the wrong food for many years, like hamburgers and fries, and other fried foods for too long......one can suffer serious problems that may require surgery or may be so bad to require a whole new heart. If someone spends more money than they bring in, then they will surely be in a fix before too long. And they will need MORE money to pay for that which they borrowed like on credit cards. People develop a certain lifestyle and want to retain it even in harsh economical times!

It was like the lady who lost her savings in the 2007-2008 Global Economic Crisis. The September 29, 2008 financial crisis touched America! She still wanted to spend money for just stuff, and she used her credit card for groceries. After six months of doing this, she owed more on her card than what her house was worth. Sad but true............BUT GOD HAS THE ANSWER! 

Our spiritual success comes when we pay attention and adhere to the wisdom of God. It is found in the Word He inspired. When we treasure his commands within us.........hold onto them and speak them, and incline our ears to HEAR His wisdom........to make an application of our hearts to understand........to perceive, to recognize, to appreciate.............AND CRY OUT FOR DISCERNMENT........LIFTING UP OUR VOICE .........GETTING LOUD ABOUT THE THINGS OF GOD..........LORD, HELP ME, seeking Him daily, and God shows up in our lives in a big way! I want to know wisdom and operate in YOUR wisdom God!

If we seek His word as we would for silver and search.......for that hidden treasure, we find that which will bring much ease and peace to our lives!
Have you ever gone on a treasure hunt? They can be lots of fun with the excitement and taking each message or clue and search for the next clue, right ?  Our son-in-law has done some planning on treasure hunts for the youth and in truth did one back in 2012 for those who went to the beach on the coast of Oregon for a Youth Retreat from church. (it was for the teens) He has worked on some for the very young like ages 3-5 years of age and has even done some for the children at church this summer.   He plans on what to write in the verse for the person to read, so they will find the direction or course they need to go and seek to find that "treasure". Then he plans each point (or address) for each point to arrive at and read the next instruction to know the next direction.
He always create those that will teach the things of God!
 It can take some time, but is fun AND in the end for you come back with the prize. Much like that treasure hunt, we too, can find the course set before us........we gain the wisdom of God and have His knowledge concerning anything you or I may face. YOU will find you walk uprightly, not seeking your own justice your way, BUT RECEIVING GOD'S JUSTICE......AS HE PRESERVES YOUR WALK WITH HIM,  He becomes our shield and guards the path of justice for us! AND WE GAIN THE PRIZE OF LOOKING AND SOUNDING SO GOOD! Those who go after God's wisdom are those who speak and act different than the world.

That justice goes above and beyond the law courts of everyday life.

Psalm 82:1-8......82:1 God stands up to open heaven's court. He pronounces judgment on the judges.
2 How long will you judges refuse to listen to the evidence? How long will you shower special favors on the wicked? 3 Give fair judgment to the poor man, the afflicted, the fatherless, the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and helpless from the grasp of evil men. 5 But you are so foolish and so ignorant! Because you are in darkness, all the foundations of society are shaken to the core. 6 I have called you all "gods" and "sons of the Most High." 7 But in death you are mere men. You will fall as any prince-for all must die.
8 Stand up  O God, and judge the earth. For all of it belongs to you. All nations are in your hands.   TLB

Proverbs 21:15.............15 It is a joy for the just to do justice,   But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.   NKJV

Proverbs 29:26........26 Many seek the ruler's favor,  But justice for man comes from the LORD. 

NKJV

Being that spiritual success, is going after the "treasure". It is recognizing Jesus and truth!

Yes, people need answers and they can be found in the wisdom of God.
Our crying out should be for the word that brings truth into our lives. We should be crying out for that wisdom, strength and guidance we need. For when we truly have His word in us, we have rejoicing hearts. Jesus can be found there. And we are noted to being those with a wise heart!
Let us turn away from that of the Pharisees and Saul. Let us turn from being self-absorbed. God will change our hearts and soften them to love others as we love ourselves.

When we continue to search for that treasure, we find the word comes to our door.......of our heart. "Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops."

Walking in the way of justice brings joy into our hearts and lives. And it is the Lord's justice that we desire.  Now is the time to say no more to the work of the devil and those who would follow him.

John 8:43-47............. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."     NIV

We certainly do not want our native language to be that of the devil. But before the rebirth, we certainly were in that place of doing and speaking, were we not? IN TRUTH, before our rebirth, we sounded a whole lot like the world.

Our crying out should be about the goodness of God and for His wisdom. We should not be crying out because of some "bad report"........for they do come. But how will the Lord find us when He comes for us.........will He find us diligently seeking His treasure that He has for us or will we be like a king Saul looking for a medium? Will we look like a Pharisee and not recognize that Jesus is coming? Will the answers come to us who knows God and spends time with Him, or will we reject the godly person and seek someone with ESP or psychic abilities?

Will we choose to be rejoicing in the heart like Proverbs 23:16 states........to speak right things always?

For when we do, we find justice on the pathway we walk. We walk in the spiritual realm and abide in God who is Spirit. We should be those who keep Jesus seated on our hearts.

And always remember that what you speak in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops!( Luke 12:3 )

Father, you know the oppression in the land today.  We desire to not be taken out, but how we might pray and speak as YOU would direct us into the treasure of Your wisdom and strength. Father, whoever would contend with us, You say that YOU will contend with them. You give safety to all who are seeking You and Your wisdom for the tomorrows we face. You desire us to be a spiritual success. You desire us to abide in You and Jesus. For those who do not know You today, we pray for their hearts to be turned to Jesus. We command all negative talking against God's people and this nation be stopped now! 

For any who speak as false prophets, or those masquerading as those of Christ, may they be found out for what they truly are. For satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Cor.11: 14) For any of those who speak as the devil speaks, we pray to recognize them for their acts against the righteous.

Father, we desire to be those who stay close and hear Your direction and plan. Help us to take the needed steps forward knowing You are with us. Lord, the Word has taught us that when justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous, but terror to evildoers. (Prov. 21:15)  We desire to have a rejoicing heart speaking right things, and those are found in Your Word. It is wisdom that leads us. Our changed life has come through repentance. And that meaning is to us a "a changed mind"! We seek to grow, so we can see more fruit and change in our lives. We desire truth in the inward part as You do for it is stated: "surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. (Psalm 51:6)

Hallelujah for change! May we exhibit the fruit in a changed life with a genuine repentance for we know it comes by looking at Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith! Oh, it is in His holy name we pray. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

A TESTING OF FAITH!

Matthew 15:21-28..................21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." 24 But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" 26 But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." 27 And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.     NKJV

Ever cry out to God, but He does not answer you? This woman came to Him and cried out telling Him that her daughter is severely demon-possessed. 

Do we cry out and hear nothing? It could be God is testing our faith! What do you believe and where does your "trust" lie?

She heard HIM speak to His disciples........" I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

She then spoke, "Lord, help me!"

Lord help me, the one who is crying out for an answer to the situation! LORD! HELP!

John 1:11-13...........11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. NKJV

And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." 24 But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
Ever been dismissed by someone, when you tried to get an answer?  I remember needing some help with a computer once on the job. I could not find anyone who seemed available that could take a moment to help me. It was about 8:10 am, and I needed to check-in. That meant I had to get the computer going since it had the database on it which I needed. Without it on, we could make "no sales" and I could not check-in. Then I saw a man who was over the "supervisors" and he was talking with the owner of company. I walked over, but not to intrude, I waited to ask a question. I can wait a long time!  As soon as they saw me, the man over the supervisor's listened and dismissed me. Yes, it was pretty fast and he moved on with his conversation. I thought surely one of them might come to see why the computer was not coming on. (Yes, I had checked all the cords, and all the plug-ins, and it was time to check-in for work.) I opted to go to main computer by the front door and check-in for work.
I left the computer guessing to another person who would be in about 9 am. And I went and did my job. I blessed those I came in contact with and moved on, AND with a thankful heart.

Let's think about this Gentile woman and the moment she had come on the scene. She asked for help!

A MIRACLE ON THE HORIZON APPEARS! Or does it?
Do we stand fast to see that of which we ask to occur in our lives? Think about what had just transpired in Jesus' life. Was He deterred in anyway to stop what He was doing? He just kept going to those who would receive! Read below:

Matthew 15:1-20..............15:1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, 2 "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 He answered and said to them, "Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'  5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"-- 6 then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 

8'These people draw near to Me with their mouth,

And honor Me with their lips,

But their heart is far from Me. 

9 And in vain they worship Me,

Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " 

10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" 13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." 15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Explain this parable to us." 16 So Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man."     NKJV

Yes, this is where Jesus just came from. He had an encounter with the scribes and Pharisees. And He saw the Pharisees offended by His sayings. Jesus told them, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."  Jesus went on to tell the disciples of the evil which proceeds from the heart and named them. Wash your hands as much as you like, but that is not what defiles a man!

Then He has this woman coming to Him who is so ripe to receive, so ready to give Him an answer for anything He asks or speaks.

STEPPING FORWARD!
Do we as parents readily push forward, stepping out to help our children? When they cry, do we not come to their aide? Was there a dividing line coming?
The woman spoke, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."
She knows the children's bread was that of the Jews and to eat at the Master's table. Although she knew Him to be sent for Israel, still she heard and saw the mercy and kindness He expressed to those He came in contact with on His walk through Canaan. She was saying, " I know I am not a Jew and of YOUR house, but I believe, and trust YOU can do something for my daughter."
She had an unwavering faith that Jesus could do that for which she asked. She called Him Lord, and worshiped Him. She expressed a like precious faith. Even in the discouragements of not being a Jew and of the house of Israel, yet she did not relent. She did not give up!
Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.  

Will we continue to step forward and believe? Will our hearts betray us, let us down? This woman sought something for her daughter. She did not care if she was compared to the "dogs". She sought out Jesus, the Lord, and His goodness. She sought a miracle for her daughter. For whatever remained, even that of crumbs under the table, was enough for this woman. What He had hoped to see in the scribes and Pharisees, and did not find, He certainly found it in this woman, a Gentile.
Can we move beyond having hurtful feelings and do what the Lord asked? Can we move beyond and see other's healed or come to Jesus? Can we show we have a real desire for that which Jesus died to give us?

Father, Jesus said in Matthew 15:13...that "every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. He was talking about the blind leading the blind. We desire to not be those who are blind. We desire that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith and that we are rooted and grounded in love. (Eph.3:17) We come to the Master's table, to receive that good thing.
We seek to make YOU Lord over our hearts. We truly desire to stay in the light of God and His knowledge. 
Father, we see from the Canaanite woman, a woman who did not buckle down to fear. She did not fall into the fear factor and rely on her five senses. We do not know what she was thinking other than what she spoke. But ONE thing was evident, and that was she wanted her daughter delivered from evil. She chose to pursue Jesus and in making that "right decision" she was brought to healing.
Today, we desire to be men and women who will have that same courage to pray and keep praying.......keep asking, and speak YOUR truth. And as we do, we expect that light to shine and bring us into YOUR glorious presence. We desire to willing submit to Your authority and rule. 
Put a longing in our hearts to talk with YOU and to hear YOUR voice. Your Word says, the just shall live by faith...Romans 1:17. We pray to have faith-filled lives. May we live each day with a leading by the Holy Spirit. We desire to not walk in doubt and fear of what may happen, but we choose to seek YOUR voice and plan for us.

Quiet those voices from the outside that represent the world and five senses. We receive today that we are the accepted in Jesus, and we are free! Holy Spirit we loose You now into our lives and our homes. Have Your way today in us........in Jesus' name. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

"Dad, You came for Me"

When tragedy strikes, who do we call on? When the bad report comes, who do we run to for answers? Are we listening to the world's report or the Lord's report?
In recent weeks, I have had this extreme fatigue in my body. My husband and I have started reading the Bible more and I have added more healing scriptures to my list plus have some CD's going all the time. I had asked for prayer from a few people. It was one day I was fine and the next I could not get out of bed. One report was low blood sugar and then after a few more weeks, no, it was an electrolyte imbalance. But one thing was certain, we were going to the God who is more than enough! Who do you then turn to for the answers and life? In my life in the recent weeks, I have seen hope as a very expressive emotion. I have seen it in a demonstrative type of speaking by faith with a whole heart leaning on the Lord. This hope will reach further and go higher in trusting the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10...........10 Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'   NKJV

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

The one we spend the most time with will be the one we want to turn to in time of trouble! So what does our life look today? Are we holding onto hope that God will intervene? Are our beliefs based on and held in the solid foundation of the One God sent into this world? For our true bread was sent from heaven to eat. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:33)


I desire to share this with others as it was an article written long ago in a Christian magazine. It was of a report written about the horror of earthquake and of the "anchor of hope" that we are known by God and that He will never fail us!

I had come across the article and had shared in a Bible study back in 2008 and again last December 2013 with those who came for the Women's Prayer Meeting. We had wanted to come together with food and fellowship and a quick word from scripture on December 6.  Some ladies came over the icy roads that night to be a part of the party time in worship to the Lord and to break bread together. The Holy Spirit had impressed upon me to share this article written years ago at this time together on December 6, 2013! One thing was certain that night, there was not a dry eye in the house!

I could not find the original copy of the article or which magazine produced it,or even the author, but its short, life giving promise of hope that God will never leave us or forsake us. God is with us!

The story began to unfold in a horrific earthquake in a third world country.

Spitak, Armenia 

1988 December 07 07:41 UTC (11:41 a.m. local time)
Magnitude 6.8

 

Two events about 3 seconds apart. At least 25,000 people killed, 19,000 injured and 500,000 homeless in the Leninakan-Spitak-Kirovakan area of northern Armenia, USSR. More than 20 towns and 342 villages were affected and 58 of them were completely destroyed. Estimated damage was 16.2 billion dollars….

In a later written article of said earthquake…...testimonies of survival and hope flooded the world of that major event!

A reprint in a Christian Magazine some twenty years to the date……..December 2008.  It goes like this: Some years ago there was an earthquake in Armenia that leveled the country from one end to the other in just 4 minutes. A father who survived the quake had thought of his son who was at school. After everything had quieted down from all the seismic activity he ran as fast as he could to the school and he saw nothing but rubble.

As his heart began to sink within him, a promise burned in his memory of the days he walked his son to school and promising the boy he would always be there for him.

He started moving bricks and debris from an area where he believed his son’s class room was. People came up to rebuke him. They were telling him that there was no hope. He was even told by a police officer to stop, that he was bound to get hurt in all that rubble.

After 38 grueling hours of pulling broken furniture and bricks and with skin hanging off his bloody hands he raised a brick from this one spot and heard…..”Dad, you came—-You said you would be here for me.” His dad asked, “You could not see me, how did you know it was me?”

The young boy replied, “YOU promised me dad, that you would always be here for me!”

"YOU PROMISED THAT YOU WOULD ALWAYS BE HERE FOR ME!"

Just like this man going to rescue his son, our Father sent His Son to rescue us! God Almighty put on humanity and came to earth to give us hope in our final outcome!

Whatever the circumstance, whatever is destroyed in your life, our God is able to raise up a new life and make it better than the last thing.

HOPE : a confident expectancy

It is knowing the Faithful, the Committed, and being assured that hope resides IN OUR HEARTS, when being daily reminded that there is one with you, one who goes with you, and one who does what He says He will do.

"My hope is in You" (Psalm 39:7). The real, the genuine hope is not a wishful thinking, but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and are still in the future.

Like in the article above, the son expected the Father who spoke that he would always be there for him no matter what the circumstance.

Trouble can come in many forms, but even if surrounded by it, we look to God's faithfulness. Now is a good time to remember the year and whatever the heartache, God is still active, still the protector, still the faithful One and He is on the scene!

I was thinking of this scripture when writing this word today for you: It is found in John 6:16-21........... 16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. NKJV

When the winds are blowing, and appears to be an ill wind towards us or our family, we should willingly receive Jesus into the boat and sail on to tomorrow. For when we allow Him in, the turmoil ends, the chaos is quieted, and His peace and love lead us to a future that is bright and glorious!

In closing:

Psalms 4 ……4:1……Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness!   You have relieved me in my distress;  Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O you sons of men,  Will you turn my glory to shame?    How long will you love worthlessness  And seek falsehood?                    Selah

3 But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly;  The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin.  Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.                      Selah

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,  And put your trust in the LORD.

6 There are many who say,  "Who will show us any good?"  LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.  7 You have put gladness in my heart,  More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.    NKJV

Father, thank You for those men and women who write for these magazines and of the words of life that come together to make a truth known.......that YOU are there in the hardship. Bless those who write for those magazines that make a difference concerning Your goodness and love to us in this day and in this hour! Bless the works of their hands and make them a blessing to others.

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me and to my family. YOU PROMISED THAT YOU WOULD NEVER LEAVE US OR FORSAKE US. YOU PROMISED! 

 I pray in the name of Jesus that we, men and women alike, will call on YOU our righteousness. It is You Who have been on the scene so many times when it seemed like trouble would take over, but it was YOU who held us and delivered to us YOUR glory. Our trust is in YOU and we have this anchor of hope in our hearts. In YOU we lie down in peace and sleep for YOU alone make us to dwell in safety. May we always lift our voices to the God of glory and profess YOUR goodness to us in the land of the living. Truly YOU will never leave us and never forsake us! I pray that we would recognize that YOU have extended YOUR hand through YOUR Son and THAT IT IS YOU WHO expects us to walk forward without fear.  Thank YOU for hearing when we call. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV 

What is Your Dream?

I had first taught on this back in September of 2006. My question to those at that time and to you today: "What is the dream that was placed in your heart? When we open our eyes in the morning, and begin to speak, what is that which God planted in us to speak and to do?

I love to write and tell the stories of when I was a youth. When I came into the Word to really learn, I noticed I wanted to create cards, write out schedules in a style that looked more like a book! But I had such a desire to create and write. As I moved into ministering within the jail and Women's shelter, I grew in developing the teaching and how it was to flow. Many times I created what it would look like if it became a book! The more I spent time in prayer to God my Father and declaring His plan for my life, I began to see the shape of things to come in writing out the teachings I would give in Bible studies and Chapel services at the jail. Yes, I was on my way to creating. I love to preach and to teach, and my passion to write helps me to do both. My Father God weaves His Word in and through my life to make this tapestry of color and delight! I dare say, He does the same for you. As my husband puts it in his words: "it is the very depths of God's love and knowledge that helps you, Shelley, to create and paint the life giving messages and teachings."   Yes, I am a team member. My leader is the Lord Himself.  As He has purposed my life, He has a purpose for yours as well!

We find in Joshua 1:8-9....that," This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

When we open our mouth, it should be what we meditate on day and night from the scripture God has given through His holy Word. It does not say to meditate on what my aunt or your aunt said, or what the lady next door said,or what we read on Facebook, but this book of the Law shall not depart from my mouth. For when we follow instruction, our way is prosperous and we will have good success.

Do we keep that dream before us, and do we ask the Lord about what is in our heart? Or is it possible, we are thinking it will just fall into our lap? We cannot and should not be the one who makes no commitment to finding what God has placed in us.   Make a request today of the Lord.........find out what He has placed in you and given the desire that brings a joy and a song to your heart.


John 16:23-24.......23 And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (NKJV)

Matthew 21:22., we are told that..".whatever things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive."

As we read in Joshua, we are to be strong and of good courage. We are not to be afraid nor dismayed for the LORD our God is with us wherever we go.  Where has the Lord ordered your steps? In Proverbs 20:24...it states, .." A man's steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?  "

Trust God today! Make the commitment to find your gifting. Do something that relates to what you see and have that burning desire to do. Remember there may those who may try to stop you, and they may try to call you back to mediocrity, and ridicule you for trying a "new thing". It is important that you keep your focus. Keep the Lord and His word before you day and night. Meditate on the promises that you know are yours and stand firm!

If you find someone speaking ill of you, trying to manipulate you, or reel you back into an old routine, you must be determined to not stop. Make the concerted effort to keep moving forward, to learn and be taught by God Himself as He leads and instructs you by His Holy Spirit.   Remember, this is your life, and not a dress rehearsal! The Lord truly wants you to succeed. Today ask for that dream to come to reality. Open your mouth with faith in God and trust Him to show you the way in which to walk, receiving what He has given you from the foundation of the world.

Father, today, we pray for those who are still searching out that dream in their heart. As we believe for those who are devoted to You our God, we rejoice in knowing that You are there with them in this request for the dream to become a reality. We pray for the fire to burn toward that gift and they will see the desire grow to greater intensity. Father speak to them now on this matter. Declare what You have placed in their heart and may they move forward to see it come to pass.

Today, we know that You are for them, and will not leave them, but will guide them in peace, and love.  Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)

Declare Your plan for them in and through this dream. Give them the vision to carry it forward for Your glory Lord. We thank You in advance of those mentors You send their way that will add zest to their lives. Yes we give unto You glory due Your name, We worship You in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 30:4) We give thanks for the answer in Jesus' name. Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at (http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV)