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What am I seeking for?

Matthew 7:7-8 (AMP) Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.

What is it that we are to be seeking after? Is it health? “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). My health is secured in His work, I do not have to seek after it. The Apostle John even speaks about our health in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].“

Is it that my needs will be met? Are my bills going to be paid? Are we going to have food to eat? Will we be able to fill up the gas tank this week? Will we have clothes for our growing children?

Matthew 6: 25-33 (AMP) Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying can add one [l]hour to [the length of] his life? And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing], yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Do I need to be seeking after relationships? “For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]” (Galatians 5:14). In order to have relationships we have to be willing to meet people. I am a recovering introvert. I do know this, His Word is true. All of it! Since belonging to a church and actually getting involved (which is not the same as attending and walking in after it has started and leaving as soon as the service is over), I have grown to put into practice this commandment. When people know that you genuinely care for them, without seeking a benefit for yourself, then we have the type of relationship that produces for the Kingdom.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (AMP) Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.

I do not need to seek after health, finances, nor relationships. They are all promises to me (not to say we do not need to pray regarding them). They are a part of the SOZO package. SOZO is the Greek word for salvation. It means wholeness. Wholeness in spirit. Wholeness in soul (mind, will and emotions). Wholeness in body. Seeking after would be where we are putting our focus.

Revelations 3:20 (AMP) Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me.

Now that I have been made whole, what is it that I seek after? I seek to know Him more. I want to dine at His table. The banquet has been made ready. I walk in wholeness because those are the clothes He prepared for me. I do not need to seek after them. I need to recognize who I am securely in Him.

Philippians 3:10 (AMP)  And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]

This was the word that I heard yesterday in prayer. What is is that you are seeking after? I was praying over those that serve in our church, and this is was what He wants to know. What is it that we are seeking after? I want His heart. I want His face. I do not need to seek after His hand. He says that I can come boldly into His throne room of grace (Hebrews 4:16). There I can find His amazing grace to help in the time of need. This is not something I have to keep knocking for. He wants me to come after Him over and over again to dine in His Presence. He wants me to hunger for nothing but Him. This is what we need to be seeking after. Both of us are knocking. When He knocks will we answer? When I knock He always does. He wants me to come time and again. The door is always going to open. That is what it is like for friends. To quote Fuller House, “It’s always open!”

Here is a promise when we seek Him: “Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). “Whoever is of God and belongs to Him hears [the truth of] God’s words” (John 8:47). Those people are doers of the Word (James 1:22). His Word is our direction.

King of all, Creator and Adonai, we honor You with our praise and thanksgiving. We are ever so thankful for Your Son. We are thankful that because of His sacrifice we can walk in wholeness. We have been put into right standing with You. We are thankful for the Holy Spirit, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells within us. Wholeness is not something we have to seek after, wholeness is a part of the promise of being in Christ. We repent for worrying and striving for the areas that you have already provided for. We repent for seeking Your hand instead of Your face and heart. We repent for making our prayer time all about our needs and not about seeking after You. We desire to establish Your Kingdom here on earth. We are choosing to surrender to You. We are choosing to forgive. We never want to lead others away from You. When we come into Your throne room we know that Your grace and mercy is there. We know that whatever we ask in prayer, if we believe, we will receive (Matthew 21:22). We trust in You. We repent for striving to make ways that You never intended. We repent for taking advantage of Your goodness and trying to manipulate outcomes. We honor You with everything, because without You there is nothing. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose faith today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Is your delight conditional?

Job 22:25-26 (AMP) And make the Almighty your gold and your precious silver, then you will have delight in the Almighty, and you will lift up your face to God.

No one likes being miserable. If they do, then we have other issues. Some people crave drama and do not feel like they are valuable unless they are right in the middle of a mess. Some want to be the savior in life. We have a term down south called, “spilling the tea.” What does it mean to spill the tea? It is to share exclusive information about a situation or a person. Plain and simple it is gossip.

That is what I think of when I read the book of Job. He had friends around him that liked to “spill the tea.” He was going through some tough times. Take the above scripture and put it into context.

Job 22:23-30 (AMP) If you return to the Almighty [and submit and humble yourself before Him], you will be built up [and restored]; If you remove unrighteousness far from your tents, and place your gold in the dust, and the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks [considering it of little value], and make the Almighty your gold And your precious silver, then you will have delight in the Almighty, and you will lift up your face to God. “You will pray to Him, and He will hear you,
and you will pay your vows. “You will also decide and decree a thing, and it will be established for you; And the light [of God’s favor] will shine upon your ways. “When you are cast down and humbled, you will speak with confidence, and the humble person He will lift up and save. “He will even rescue the one [for whom you intercede] who is not innocent; And he will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands.”

Job’s friend had made an assumption, that Job had turned away from God and that is why he was going into such calamity. My question is: why do I follow the precepts of God? Is it so that nothing bad will happen to me? Is that our assumption when someone in our church is going through hard times? They must have displeased God. Not true.

Yes, there are areas that we misstep. Here is one such area that we can be flimsy with: Malachi 3:16, “Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.”

There have been a time that, although we tithe, lightning has struck our electronics and we had to spend $1000 to replace them. Then the next week the truck started shuttering and had to pay out another $650 to fix it. Was our allegiance to God questioned? Did we have a secret sin that needed to be repented of? Did we step out of His covering? Nope.

John 10:10 (AMP) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Do you know what we didn’t do? We did not stop tithing, we did not stop giving, we did not stop serving, and we paid those bills with joy. Why? When you delight in Him, nothing the devil tries to steal will effect your position in Christ. We do not give to get. We give because of who He is. We serve because we love Him. We delight in Him no matter what comes our way. We do not change that when things are going good nor when things are challenging.

Psalms 119:16, (AMP) I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. For I shall delight in Your commandments, which I love.

Philippians 2:17 (AMP) But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith [for preaching the message of salvation], still I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

Job had done nothing against God to deserve such a tragedy, but have breath in his lungs. As long as we have breath in our lungs we have an enemy. It is not each other. The devil wants you to question God’s love for you. He wants you to question the Word. He wants you to question the standard of Christ. He wants you to think that you delighting in God does not really matter. It matters, but not in the way that we often think. It matters to chase His heart and face and not His hands. Job’s devotion to God was unconditional. The enemy is not trying anything new.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (AMP) In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.

Delighting in the Lord should not be conditional. We should not be asking for it to all end when we suffer. He does not punish us because of the low moments and He does not reward us in our highs. He is constant. He is immutable, never changing. He cares for us and loves us deeply. When we are deeply rooted in that love, the delight is unshakable. Our joy in in Him. Our satisfaction is in Him and not our conditions. We are to be inclined towards Him. Delight in Him!

Lord, You are our Creator and our Protector. You are our Banner of Love. Thank You for sending Your Son to set the standard of what it is like to delight in You. There is no one who suffered more without cause than Jesus, yet He kept His face towards You. Thank You for the power to overcome though the Holy Spirit. All is a gift from You because of Your Perfect Love. We repent for making our delight in You conditional. We repent for withholding our service, our relationships, our prayers and even our giving when we did not feel like it. We repent for making it about us. Thank You for Your Word piercing areas with fresh anointing oil. There is freedom in Your Word. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. We choose joy today. We choose to glorify You today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Only You

Jeremiah 24:7 (AMP)  I will give them a heart to know Me, [understanding fully] that I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.

“Only You,” that is what I heard over and over again yesterday in prayer. As I was worshiping and giving Him first place. As I was praying over the men in our church. As I was praying over the worship team. As I was praying over the hallways and the fellowship hall. As I was praying for laborers for the harvest. As I was praying over those who serve in our children’s departments. As I was praying over our greeters and ushers. “Only You,” is what my heart was crying out for.

Why do we gather? Why do we worship? Why do we serve? “Only You!”

Jeremiah 29:13 (AMP) Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Psalms 37:4 (AMP) Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.

How often we tell God that if He gives us our hearts desires that we will follow after Him. We try to bend Him to our will, instead of us surrendering to His. We want Him to fit into the idea of who He is to us. Instead of us trying to define Him according to our self seeking ideas.

Jeremiah 30:22 (AMP) Then you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

It’s our heart change to Him. What have we sought above Him? Maybe it is a job that would be fulfilling? Could it be a family that will need us and fulfill our every need for love? What about a peaceful home? The love of a spouse? None of those things replace the need for Only Him.

When I came to know Christ I was already engaged to my husband. It was the deep desire to be loved that I clung so hard to him. God was taking him on a journey and his passions had changed. The man I had known for the two and half years before was changing. God spoke to me and wanted my heart. He showed me the pedestal that I had my husband on, that I sought him to meet my every need. God wanted me to tear down that pedestal (that idol) and put Him there. That is when I gave my life to Him. It has been twenty five years since that moment, I have never forgotten it.

Isaiah 58:13-14 (AMP) “If you turn back your foot from [unnecessary travel on] the Sabbath, from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a [spiritual] delight, and the holy day of the Lord honorable, and honor it, not going your own way or engaging in your own pleasure or speaking your own [idle] words, then you will take pleasure in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the high places of the earth, and I will feed you with the [promised] heritage of Jacob your father; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

For twenty five years I have sought pleasure in doing for the Lord. There has not been a Sunday that I have not served. I have notebooks from the messages preached and hung onto every word, not because of the person, but because it is a Word for the body I was a part of. Even when I had kids, they were right there serving with me. If I did it for man, then I can tell you that I would not have stuck with it as long as I have. Have I been hurt by people? Yes. It is when we look at people that we get our focus off of Him and make it about us. I have been hurt by leadership. I have been abused by people in the church. I have been insulted about my looks. Yet, I serve Only Him. I honor Him.

That was my heart cry for the body of Christ. That we know “Only You.” That we focus on “Only You.” That we serve “Only You.” That we seek after “Only You.” That we are satisfied with “Only You.” Our purest worship is for “Only You.”

Yahweh, there is nothing to compare with You. We want nothing else but You. You are our One and Only. You are the King above all. You are Lord over all. Thank You for loving us with Your One and Only Son. We repent for setting anything else in the place that You are to be. We want Only You. We seek You as our vital necessity. We repent for making it about us by holding onto unforgiveness and withholding from the body of Christ. Forgive us as we forgive those that have done selfish deeds towards us. Grace and mercy are the fruits we eat of Your Presence. You left us Peace and we stand firmly in our redeemed stature. Look into our hearts and remove any area that will not yield to You. We choose love today. We choose joy today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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It’s hard right now

Proverbs 11:25 (AMP) The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, and he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown].

Proverbs 11: 25 (ASV) Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Who feels like they are on hard times right now? You may not be financially or physically going through something, but mentally you have been. It is a fight to just stay positive. It is a fight just to be around people. It is a fight just to want to go to church. I believe that is the state of the body of Christ right now. They are just exhausted from the fight. Why? They do not see hope in the promise.

The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). There is an “I AM” statement Jesus makes before this revelation. “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture (John 10:9). ” Then verse 10 goes in to say, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” I want to show one more thing, verse 8, “All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. ” There is a thief, there is a deceiver, and he constantly comes at us; it is our choice to listen. Who is our protector? Jesus. Not my husband, not my children, not my friends, nor my parents. Jesus is my salvation. The meaning of “be saved” here is for eternity. He saved me from hell and He is my protector. He wants me to live a life of wholeness.

He desires us to come in and go out. What happens when the going out becomes a burden? What happens to us when we have been eating in the wrong pasture? I have seen quite a bit of hurt. I have been on the receiving end of quite a bit of hurt lately. It takes a toll on you when people withhold because they are also fighting that mental battle. The battlefield right now looks hopeless. My hope is in Him. I cannot lose focus on the one true Gate.

Psalms 23:5 (AMP) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

My enemy is not those who are withholding, it is the one who deceives. The enemy is satan. He is the accuser of the brethren and I will not eat from his pasture. I choose to eat from the banqueting table prepared for me (Luke 14: 16-24). There are many good excuses I can use for withholding, hurt being one them. However, it is not about me. It is about His Kingdom. Why do I not give of myself freely? My mind will come under attack and I think about the worth of the receiver. The deceiver has clouded my mind to think that the receiver is a created being and not my Creator. We cannot stand to serve His created when we think they get more of a benefit. The root, we have lost our position of love. We have become rooted and grounded in something else. I cannot lead in love if I have lost my position in love.

James 1: 12 (AMP) Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Press in! Press into your position of love that Jesus restored you to. Press in to the Victor and Protector when your mind is under attack. Press in when you feel hopeless. Press in and eat from the banqueting table laid out before you. Press in and let the enemy know that he has not won, that you are not lacking any good thing, and that his words do not have power over you. Our enemy is not flesh and blood and we need to stop treating each other as such.

James 4:1-2, 7-8 (AMP) What leads to [the unending] quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]?  You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you.

Father, You are Holy, Good and Eternal. You are our Banner. Thank You for sending Your Son to restore us. It is Your Kingdom that we desire to come. It is Your will we want done. Thank You for seeing the banquet out before us. We repent for eating from the wrong tables. We repent for withholding because we have been angry. We repent for allowing the trials to get the better of us, for allowing the deceiver to speak louder than You. We choose to forgive today. We choose to stand in our right position of love and love others like it. We repent for quarreling amongst your body. We choose to submit to Your authority and Your ways. We put our trust in You. We want to glorify Your with our generosity. We want to see others grow, even surpassing our own growth. We run towards You. We desire You. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We are blessed because of who You are. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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The Best

Genesis 12:2 (AMP) And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you [abundantly], and make your name great (exalted, distinguished); and you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others]

Have you ever prayed this prayer? Some may ask, what reason do we pray this? Galatians 3:29 says, “And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” This is why you will hear the affirmations of the promises to Abraham. There are more, but I wanted to point this one part out, it was for a purpose of being a source of blessing to others. If I have this prayer and I am not others focused, as to why I desire greatness in my life, then I have become self centered. God never intended us to point to self. So whose kingdom have I been building?

John 15:13 (AMP) No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.

How about this one? 1 Peter 2:9 says we are a royal priesthood and a special people for God’s own possession. I love this affirmation, but it also has a purpose. Read the full verse: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Let us speak to fear for a moment. Being a blessing to others and proclaiming His love to others is an outflow of love, the opposite of fear (1 John 4:18). What? Am I saying that if I do not proclaim the Gospel, that I do not love? My question to you is why do you not want to proclaim the Gospel? Why are you trying to find excuses not to?

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (AMP) Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him]

Matthew 22:35-39 (AMP) One of them, a lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law], asked Jesus a question, to test Him: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’

While in prayer yesterday I was focused on “The Best.” God, I just want us to be a church that sought the best to glorify you, to see the best in others, to desire the best for each other. Then my prayer went into “if I have been the focus, that is not the best. I desire to see others grow stronger in their relationship with You. If I am hindering that do a work within so that I am not the focus, whatever that my look like.” We can be prideful in our prayers, it is easy to do. It can be all about self whether we fill it with affirmations through His Word, or we become so self deprecating that do not see the value in ourselves.

I want to come back to love. When I realize my position in the love of Christ, I can start to behave that way. It will change my perspective from self, to others. Whose Kingdom am I building? I often ask that of myself. Another way is, whose Glory am I seeking? When I lead in love, I am doing it best. We should always bring the best offering when we gather in His place of worship. He gave His best when He sent His only Son. What is holding you back from seeking the best for others? Why would you not want the best, Jesus, to be revealed to others? The best is the ministry of reconciliation. He made you the best (a new creation) to bless with the best! Love others like yourself, unselfishly seek the best for others. So share His goodness and His Gospel!!

Jehovah Nissi (the Lord is my banner), You are Holy and to be admired. You set the standard of Love. You are the definition of Love. Thank You for the Love You gave with Your Only Son. Jesus is the best Love we could ever receive. Thank You for the Love gift of the Holy Spirit. We can walk in the fullness of Your Love through the revealed knowledge of Your Love. Forgive us for seeking only for ourselves. Your Love was meant to be shared. Forgive us for wanting everything and not looking out to see how our seeking has affected others from seeking as well. In our selfishness we forget our calling to the ministry of reconciliation. Forgive us for making excuses. Forgive us for not obeying. We repent for making it all about us. We desire Your Kingdom. We desire Your will be done. Thank You for seeing the best in us, even when we do not deserve it. You have called us to be a great people, so we will share of Your goodness. Give us opportunities to bless and glorify Your Name. We choose forgiveness today. We choose hope today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Spirit AND Truth

John 4:23-24 (AMP) But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

My word for 2023 is “Presence.” There have been many times this year where we have seen in the news the call to prayer. On January 2nd, during the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals game, Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during the game. The game was stopped and everyone knelt in prayer. Then you saw prayer begin to show up in areas where it had previously deemed offensive. Prayer was televised and talked about nationally.

While on our trips this summer. There were two other incidents in the news that people were eliciting prayer for. On June 19, the Titanic tourist submersible went missing with five passengers. Parts of the submersible was found days later. The lives were lost to an implosion. Then, on July 13, a woman went missing in Huntsville, AL. Within hours it was made national news. Two days later she returns and it is discovered to be an elaborate hoax.

Prayer is so very important. We should be praying about such things, no matter the outcome. Ephesians 6:18 says, “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.” There is no reason given not to pray for someone. It is not up to us to decide who is worthy.

Can we pray and not worship God? Yes. Can we love Jesus and not worship Him? Yes. How? Jesus said, “spirit and truth.” Truth is not about facts. Truth is knowing the character and nature of God as revealed in His Word. How did Jesus teach us to pray?

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’ (Matthew 6:9-13)

We can memorize this and recite this or we can use it as our model as Jesus intended. Always start with honor and reverence for the Father. This is what God is seeking after. Why? He is Holy and nothing can do away with that truth. His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven. Father, expand Your territory through me. Let me walk in the calling of the ministry of reconciliation. Give me food to eat as I read Your Word. Your revelation is the Bread of Life. I repent for the things that I made foolish. Let me have a heart of forgiveness. I choose not to keep a record of wrongs. I choose not to keep others in bondage to how I was disappointed (that is putting my focus on the created). I choose truth, that is to think on whatever brings peace. Let me not be led into temptation, deliver me from the evil of my imaginations. Nothing will exalt itself above You for Your is the kingdom I serve. You will get the glory forever in my life. My dedication is to You. Amen.

Is this done in spirit? Yes. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]? (1 Corinthians 3:16). When we accepted Christ our spirit was made alive (Ephesians 2:1). That is one part. The truth we worship Him with is not “my truth” but THE TRUTH. How do I know if it is the truth? Does it line up with His character and nature as found in His Word. Not the made up version that get passed down. We cannot define who Jesus is outside of the Word. My Jesus and your Jesus are the same. When we start to define Him outside of the Word then we are out of truth. God is seeking those who worship not only in spirit but also in truth. Am I saying He is chasing after? Maybe. He is definitely looking for them. What happens when I look for Him to? What happens when I seek His Presence over His presents? What happens when I worship Him in spirit and in truth? I don’t have to worry about anything. Perfect peace.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Father, You are Holy. You are wonderful and mighty. We do not want to be anywhere You are not. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You for His example. Jesus, there is no way to Life and Truth than through You. Thank You Holy Spirit for the revelation You bring through the Word. We want to focus on the Truth rather than all the distractions. We do not want to rehearse our hurts any longer. We want freedom in every area of our lives. You said that You are the Prince of Wholeness, so we are laying down our rights so that You can be that to us. We take Your Word as literal. This is not a fantasy, so that means we have a part to play. We choose Your Truth instead of our truth. We choose forgiveness instead of holding onto grudges. We choose to bless and not curse. We choose hope and to never give up on Your people. We repent for focusing on people and what their going on more than Your Kingdom. We say ‘yes’ to your calling of the ministry of reconciliation. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Jesus left us a gift

Exodus 33:15 (AMP) And Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go [with me], do not lead us up from here.

If this is not the message that You want us to preach, then remove it from our thoughts. This is the prayer I prayed at the Holy Spirit Conference. My husband and I have been on a series together since September of last year. We just cannot drop it. We reverence God and our prayer that week was if God did not want us to stay on it any longer, then remove the message from our mouths.

Just like God spoke to Moses, we can have a face to face relationship (Exodus 33:11) with the our Father. It takes surrender and obedience (John 15:14). A heart ready for correction. Do not fool around with people’s lives. What we minister from cannot be from us, but from the Holy Spirit. Take time to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit. We did not go to get direction from a prophet (as that is what Dr. Mark Barclay flows in). We came for refreshing. We left with confirmation. Every message he preached directly tied into what we have been speaking these past nine months. Were we disappointed that he did not speak a word of knowledge to us? Not at all. That is not what we should be chasing after, especially if you have developed a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:7-8.11-12 (AMP) Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and He bestowed gifts on men.”  And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].

Before Christ ascended He bestowed gifts to mankind. He gave the church, as a gift, the five fold ministry. Some may say they do not have to have a pastor, or that they can have Jesus and themselves. Jesus gave us the five fold ministry. Your pastor is a gift. We are to be building each other up. We are to be ministers of reconciliation. It was not man’s idea for you to have leadership, it was a gift given to you by Christ. Course correction can save our lives. Figure out what is stealing your excellence. God appointed watchmen (Hebrews 13:17). We are to preach the uncompromising Word of God (2 Timothy 4:2). Do not be selective in your submission to the Word as seen in 2 Timothy 4:3. We are all submitting to something whether it is sin, satan or the Word.

Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

What is the burden? Souls!! The ministry of reconciliation. Christ’s yoke is easier than satan’s. People who are on fire for God are contagious. The adversary is walking around to see who he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Give him a place and he will oblige. Take anything out of biblical order and satan takes it as permission to strike. Honor the authority of the leadership that God has placed in your life. The biggest lie the enemy has told the church is that they can be their own pastor. I need authority in my life. It is the gift that Christ left for me. Do they hear God for me? No. They help me with course correction and discipling me for the ministry of reconciliation. My burden would be for my own selfish needs and desires if I did not have those Christ put around me to keep me yoked.

The reverence for God in His gatherings should be top priority when we get together corporately. I do not want to enter begrudgingly. I get to serve and worship with the body He has connected me with. I want to see those that have been placed in my life as gifts. Gifts are meant to grow me, to mold me and glorify Him. My serving within the body is a worship to Him. Christ did not come to be served but to serve (John 13). Oh that we would really grasp what it means to sin against each other in the body (read the verses 21-32 of Ephesians 4). How much more we would desire to please Him and be more ready to cast down those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). I have to admit that I have to do it through out the day. I have to do it even when I am serving in my church. I have to do it when I am speaking to the congregation. If not, I will not be led by the Holy Spirit.

How can I judge my thoughts: Is it true? Not what I have imagined up. Is it honorable or worthy of respect? Is it right and confirmed in God’s Word? Does it bring peace? Is it admirable and of good repute (slander never is)? If it goes deep within my heart will it harden it? Can I love unselfishly with that thought? Will it bring envy, covetous, jealousy or anger? Will it provoke me to become overly sensitive? Am I believing for the best for others? These are all questions we can ask ourselves to take captive our thoughts and bring them back to Him. A repentant heart and a change can happen in a moment. Do not allow them to linger.

This is why I love His Word. This is why I love ministers that are not afraid to preach the truth. There may be some ouch messages, but it is for my good. I would rather be led to the Holy than to the stink pit. A half truth is not what we need. Let us be a sweet fragrance to the Lord (Ephesians 5:2).

El Elyon (the God most High) we want to Honor You with everything that is within us. You are so wonderful! There is no one like our God. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You that He came to redeem us and restore us. He paid a price that we are not worthy of. We cannot stop being thankful of that. Thank You that the Holy Spirit now dwells within. We have the power to overcome. We are not longer separated from You. We desire a close relationship with You. We repent for the times we have made it all about us. We repent for profaning Your gifts. We repent for looking at Your gifts as common. Thank You that You have given us the weapons for warfare. We do not take Your Word lightly. You are the Potter and we are the clay. We surrender our hearts and will to You. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Dream Big

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Psalms 37:4 (AMP) Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.

Philippians 3:10 (AMP) And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did].

Ephesians 3:16-19 (AMP)  May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

These are verses that I stand on for my own life. If you read from top to bottom you will start to see what my heart’s desire is. I want to know Him more and do His will. My dream is to have a place to disciple others to draw closer to Him. Right now, our church has been having to meet on Sundays at one thirty in the afternoon due to us not having our own building. As pastors, we are looking and dreaming of other locations until we can buy what we want. The discouragement comes when it seems that we are all alone in this vision. I know that is not true. Elijah fought the same thought patterns (1 Kings 18:22), when God told him there were 7,000 (1 Kings 19:18).

This summer I was asked to take some teenagers to camp. A few years ago we had developed a team, now we do not meet weekly. It is something I grieve, but I pray it is only temporary. The group I took consisted of my youngest son, three other teenage boys from other churches and three teenage girls, all attending another church. The camp was over a five day period, starting on a Saturday, which means I was not going to be at my home church on Sunday. There were people I put in place to handle certain things, but life happens and not everyone was there. Discouragement set in once again. People have walked away from us since the transition (people that said they would support the vision). Giving has taken a tremendous drop in the past two years. How can we move to a location and even pay double in rent that we are now, or how would be even support our own place? I was serving, but I can tell you, I was hurting. I am glad I went and served. Why? I found out that I was not the only one with these experiences. Actually, I found out that I was more seasoned in this part of leadership and was able to make a new friend. I was able to give someone hope. I was able to tell them that you can survive and even thrive, even though others have walked away. We are grounded in the love of Christ. We keep our desire on knowing Him more and establishing His Kingdom. Stay strong in His power. Find out who Christ is though the “I Am” statement and make them personal. Do not let the vision die!

Then that is all the camp was about. My youngest was encouraged with Brandon Dixon, a baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. His team won the world series in 2011. I loved this because that was my grandfather’s favorite team. I remember him being so excited that year. Brandon did not have the way of getting to the major’s like we thought he would of. It was a God way. He did not have a promoter or a recruiter scout him, he had a friend. He said he just kept God first no matter what. Even if his family, while growing up, was not in church, he was. Just do not quit. Eli has a dream of playing ball in college and this really encouraged him. Like Brandon, Eli is a pitcher.

We also heard from Aaron Knight, the director for the camp. A few summers before we had heard the camp had been sold to a developer and would be torn down. Aaron had a vision for the camp and started pursuing a way to save it. He started with maintaining the grounds, even when he did not own it. It was over a year before the developer would even have a meeting with him. Then when he did get the meeting, the price was in the millions. The guy had nothing, he had never fund raised before, and he does not have a huge church. He did have a vision. My take away: “Do not give up on life because circumstances are not what you hoped for.” They are almost two years into the lease purchase agreement and they hope to have it paid off by the end of this year. It does not make sense. God still performs miracles today.

My husband and I have been sowing this summer for our miracle. We have a desire to have at least 7 acres in the city limits. Our desire is to be in walking distance to the high school here. We have a piece of property we are believing for. The cost for this piece of land is $350,000. Why? We want to have a place open 24 hours, and 7 days a week. A place of worship and community. We want a laundry facility open to the public. We want a community kitchen. We want a place where families can be restored. We want a place for people to worship and pray. We want a climate controlled basketball facility. We have a vision board that we put out every Sunday:

Please pray for us as we have a big dream. No dream is too big for God. Connect Church does have a building fund. We are no where near being able to purchase the land as of today. That does not mean that it will not happen suddenly!! We are standing on Hebrews 11:1, Amos 9:13-14 MSG, Isaiah 43:18-19 and Psalms 44:3 TPT.

Dream big dreams! Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. (Psalms 37:4). My joy and hope are secured once again!

Jehovah Shammah (the Lord is present), You are worthy of honor and praise. Our hearts desire is only You. Thank You for sending Your Son so that we are now grounded in Your love. Let those roots of love go so deep that nothing else matters. Thank You for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that we know Your voice, we know Your character and a nature and we will not let the circumstances of this life discourage us. Thank You for the renewal of Your vision for our lives. Thank You for giving us big dreams and trusting us with establishing Your Kingdom here on earth. Thank You for the gift of the five fold ministry. Thank You for the gift of the body (the church). We repent for judging, for envying, for jealousy, for coveting, for familiarity and for being self focused. We do not want to be enslaved to anything that does not bring freedom and glory through Your Name. We choose love today. We choose hope today. We choose forgiveness today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Rock Steady

Isaiah 26:3-4 (AMP) “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation]. Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].”

Every Tuesday we have corporate prayer at our church. We have four ladies who faithfully attend (including myself), and occasionally we will have someone else or a few more show up. The week before I was asked by my team to pray loud enough so they could come in agreement with me. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone. We pray for an hour. I spend the very first part in worship to God and end in worship to Him as well. Why? Jesus told us to.

Matthew 6: 9-13 (AMP) “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ‘Give us this day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

Prayer is a conversation we have with God. So why did Jesus tell us to acknowledge Him as Holy? You might have heard, “We are suppose to talk to Him as if He is my friend. I do not talk to my friends like that.” Your friends are not God. He calls us friend when we obey Him, not because we show up (John 15:14). Remember God’s ways are not our ways. We still have to honor Him.

Jesus modeled prayer like this so that we would not go in with the expectation that our self-centered prayers is all He needs to hear from us. If we keep our minds on Him throughout, anxiety passes, the need for getting our way passes and we can focus on those areas of His Kingdom expansion. He says He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalms 37:4). My life center should be Him (Matthew 6:21).

I have two handsome sons and a hunk of a husband. I love them dearly. I love spending time with them. Our home is filled with laughter. They cannot be my life center. If they were, our home would not be as joyful as it is. I whole-heartedly believe the Word. My joy is not from those who surround me, but the God who is within me. A life of daily worship and surrender to the Father is my joy and peace source. Do I have anxious thoughts? Yes. What happens when I do? I turn my focus on Him. I do not have to have my Bible out all day to focus on Him, but I do need to know His character and nature (which is found in His Word).

Deuteronomy 32:4 (AMP) “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness without iniquity (injustice), just and upright is He.”

Do not just say He is your Rock then go out into the world systems and measure your happiness/success based on their standards. My name does not need to be made known to anyone other than Him. When my thoughts wonder onto where our church will be and who will be there in the next year, I have to get back to thinking on Him (Matthew 6: 25-34). Do not compromise His Word or His precepts. Think on Him and all your thoughts will be what is confirmed by His Word (Philippians 4:8). Peace is your promise with this. Not just a little peace either, CONSTANT peace!! When I surrender my peace and focus on myself, someone else or circumstances that will not matter in the eternal, I have to put my focus back on Him and line it back up with the Perfect Peace.

Father, You are our Creator, our Rock and our Peace. You are the One who puts the breath in our lungs. We want to honor You today. We want to see Your will be done today. Thank You for sending Your Son so that we can be reconciled to You. In Your Son we received Your Love. We are rooted and grounded in Christ. Let us seek ways to bring glory to Your Name. Let us see Your created the way You do. Let us love Your created the way You do. Let us find creative ways to seek the best for others. Forgive us for not putting You first place in all areas. We thank You for Your grace and mercy as we turn our hearts back to You. We repent for harboring unforgiveness as a sign of mistrust in your justice. We want to align our thoughts with Your thoughts. Renew our minds with Your Word today. Thank You Holy Spirit for teaching us the things we may not have known to walk in His goodness. We choose hope today. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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Hello Sunflower

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (AMP) “Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord and whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord. “For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots by the river; and will not fear the heat when it comes; but its leaves will be green and moist And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought nor stop bearing fruit.

What happens when we go through the tough parts of life? Can we still have joy? As I was preparing for this past Sunday’s message, that was my hearts desire for those that would be listening. May is Mental Health Awareness month. Lately I have been listening to Neil T. Anderson and some of the things he placed on YouTube in his Freedom in Christ channel. A lot of it had to do with the mind and the battle of depression that many believers have to overcome.

Four and a half years ago I was rocked. I had already been going through some things at work. I was promoted, demoted, talked down to, shunned…then terminated. My character was tarnished. How could I put myself out there in the community? Our vision for Connect Church is to touch the world through our community. I am constantly encouraging the body to look for opportunities to glorify God.

Our first gut reaction is to hide. I did, but I did it differently. I hid in the Word. I did not occasionally open my Bible any more, I really set out to get to know the Word. I ran to the Word. In doing so, I did not hide myself for protection from the hurt. I was able to stand free and with confidence of who I am in Christ. When I stand up and speak in front of people it is not to share how much I know, but who I know.

So when I was walking the track, listening to worship music a couple of months ago, God spoke to me about what I needed to share for Mother’s Day. He told me that I needed to share why I am so passionate about His ways. Why do I speak with such boldness and conviction when it comes to His Word? The secret comes in what you are rooted in.

John 15:5 (AMP) I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

Ephesians 3:16-19 (AMP)  May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

To abide in Him means that I have replaced my roots in Him, I give Him first place. When I looked again at the parable of the sower in Mark 4, He spoke to me that we have placed ourselves in the story that was not what He intended. We wanted to be the good soil, but He is. When we allow ourselves to be in the love that He is, everything changes. Do branches have roots? No, the vine does. Where do the nutrients to grow come from? The soil. We have called the soil our hearts for so long. We are responsible for allowing the Holy Spirit to remove the rocks and the thorns. All soil has potential. Just like all of us do. There is only one that can be called good, and that is Jesus. Do not limit your perception of “in Christ” as a follower or just a position, BE in Christ. We are loved by Him and nothing can take that away, you are in that position, but we have put it on. We have to abide in that love. When we do, we are truly abiding in Christ.

I love sunflowers. They would have been the flowers for my wedding if a farmer did not give us 1000 gladiolas. I had chosen sunflower bracelets to give away that day. Sunflowers show their seeds. Sunflowers are sun worshipers. They need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They actually track the sun (desire His face). A single seed planted in the spring can produce many seeds. They grow so fast that they will choke out weeds. Sunflowers droop when they are not drinking enough water. The sunflower is a tap root. It is an elevator of nutrients. It brings water and other microbes from deeper soil layers closer to the soil for subsequent crops to have better access to. Sunflowers produce oil, and lots of it.

This was my summation: the seed (Word, Jesus is the Word John 1:1) from the sower (us), is planted in Christ (the soil) and we allow the roots (love in Christ) and the fruit we bear become more seeds because we are abiding on the vine (in Christ)…but they will have to be continued to be watered by the Living Water (Jesus, His Word).

I have more to this message, but for you to even get to the part of being free in every area of your life, you first need to know that depth of His love. To be in that love because you are in Christ. You have to realize that Jesus came for more than to save you from hell, that He came to restore you. Then you will no longer allow the things to shatter you and cause you to go into a cave of hiding. We are in Christ, He is all we need.

Dear God, our Creator, You are so full of majesty. We honor You today with our thanksgiving. Thank you for Your Son. Jesus took on every part of our lives so that we can walk in fullness. We are sorry that we have not walked in the fullness of that love. Let us be rooted in grounded in the love of Christ. We choose to abide in Him today. Holy Spirit, lead us to the areas of rocks and thorns that we need to be set free of. Renew our minds. We submit to You today. Let us be sowers of the Word. When we sow in Christ all of the ground is good ground and all that we sow is good. The Word is always good. Thank You for the Word. Thank You for the Word becoming flesh. Thank You for being the vine. We desire to bear fruit that glorifies You. We choose Love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.