Miracles…….Still happen today “Make known His deeds among the people” 1Chronicles 16, Psalm 105

I thought I’d share some miracles in my life that give me hope and are constant reminders to me of God’s promises. As I recall each one, I suddenly remember another..and another and so on, I don’t know where to start……

As I was contemplating this early this morning, I remembered all the crazy things my brother has been through and miraculously survived. I thought, just for fun, I’d start with him.

About 16 years ago, my brother was in a drunk driving accident. His friend was driving drunk, ran into a tree at high-speed and everyone in the car was taken to the hospital. The police had to get the jaws of life to cut the car open to get my unconscious brother and his friends out. He wasn’t doing well, had crushed bones, something wrong with his neck, and punctured lungs. The doctors were about to begin tracheotomy surgery. I remember the family in the lobby praying as he went into surgery. About 5 minutes later, the surgeon came out and said- I don’t know what just happened, but he is completely healed. Every puncture wound was gone. It was a miracle.

He has also rolled off the back of a pickup truck while on the highway- and lived. He jumped off a three-story building – and lived (drunk, he thought it was funny), a car ran over him while riding his bike, it mangled the bike and he just limped home torn apart. He tried to surf during a hurricane,  got a concussion and doesn’t remember how he got to shore, he just thought he was dead. I’m sure there have been many other times…it’s difficult to keep up with him, in fact last week they almost had to amputate his leg because of an accident he had while he was fishing.

 Jesus is the greatest miracle! 

Miracles in my life: My daughter was born weighing only 2 pounds.  The doctor said all sorts of horrible things were going to happen- I don’t even want to remember them all, but she turned out perfectly normal.

When she turned 4, I noticed she didn’t talk to anyone outside the immediate family. No one had ever heard her speak. Some of the teachers laughed it off, some got annoyed, and others judged me as a parent. I didn’t know what to do? I received different advice from everyone. Some parents said I was too strict, others said I was too nice, others said it was nothing to worry about. Kindergarten began and I had to video record all her reading homework as well as first grade. I went to every counselor, seminar,  prayer group- you name it- I was there. I was seeking help. I found out it had a name “selective mutism” and other children have this also. Some have it into their teenage years and in an emergency, they cannot even call 911. Many therapists, doctors and counselors said the answer was medication. They wanted to put her on a lifetime sentence taking anxiety pills, but I refused to medicate my child. Then they tried to push ADD medication on her and I said –NOOOOO Way am I giving my child this brain altering drug- (plus I found that there is an interference with prayer when taking these drugs) I began to sense that this was a demonic stronghold on her?  She wanted to speak, but no words would come out. One day I had a group of women begin praying over her. The very next day we were out shopping and a little girl came up to my daughter and said hello. My daughter said hello back!  I was so happy! I saw prayer work. First grade was coming to an end and I decided to get serious in prayer and fasting. I fasted for three days and prayed earnestly. The day after my three days of prayer and fasting– we never had to deal with this again. The teacher called attendance and my daughter said “here” for the first time. I was called into the office with the counselors and doctors to see how we were going to handle 2^nd grade. I said, with full assurance, we no longer have to worry about this, it is gone. They were silent..”are you sure?”, they asked. I answered. “ I am sure”. She was completely healed- after 4 years of  being completely mute, she was now speaking like any other child. Praise God.

Book Fair Miracle

I was at the school book fair volunteering for the day. The first group of children walked in and began selecting their books. I watched them as they surrounded books that filled with death, spells, promiscuity, witchcraft and demons. I watched as their fellow peers followed quickly behind to buy the “popular” books that the children surrounded. The books had vampires, spells, warlocks, murder, witches, graveyards…(click here for a sampling of what the kids practice).everything ungodly. I was very sad when I saw this. I didn’t know what to do—gripe? Say something? Tell the kids to find something else? I hung my head down and spoke to the Lord and suddenly the Holy Spirit reminded me to PRAY about it. So I prayed “Dear Lord, protect each child walking in and out of here from evil. Protect them from this evil and witchcraft. Send your angels here to keep them from going to this section, In Jesus Name, Amen” Not thinking much of it, the next class came in – same age- same grade (there were about 140 children per grade for K-8  that day) and you know what!!!!!! I was amazed! I watched that section stand empty! Not one child even walked over that way. It was as if that section wasn’t even there. I praised God for hearing me. I knew two angels were standing there protecting that area. For the rest of the day I watched the classes come in and out buying books and not one – not one person walked over to the “popular section” with the newest Potter and witchcraft books. God is good! Amen

 Fasting Miracle

I needed a confirmation on a Word I received from the Lord. I heard Him, but I asked Him for confirmation. I knew a prayer meeting was coming up that I was invited too. I fasted and prayed that the Lord would confirm His Word to me at this meeting. I fasted and prayed for a week. I went to the prayer meeting, still fasting, and a pastor came up to me. He spoke the confirming Words to me that I had prayed about. Amen again!

 Earnest Prayer Miracle

My first-born daughter born weighing 1.14 lbs had died in my arms. I was distraught and determined to find answers from the Lord. I prayed night and day 24-7 non stop for the Lord to show me where she was. I kept reminding Him of the persistant woman going to the judge in Luke 18. I knew finally the Lord would answer me, even if I had to wait a lifetime. I didn’t care. I didn’t stop. I needed an answer. On the 7^th day, He answered my prayer. I have this miracle posted here…..Sarah – Lord, where did my baby go?

 My sister

My sisters and I 🙂

My sister was in a horrible accident on the expressway.  She was in the passenger side of a convertable sports car when it collided into the wall. Many saw my sister fly out of the car into the air. They stopped to see if she was okay, but they found her sitting in the car buckled without a scratch. The car was totaled and both were taken to the hospital. People were coming up to my sister saying “We just saw you fly over the overpass in the air” They thought she was dead. My sister didn’t remember anything, but was shortly released from hospital all in one piece, amen!

 My Niece

I was praying for my niece for years. She was learning many nonbiblical ideas in her “Christian” school from her teacher. She would argue with the family that the bible wasn’t real. The plagues of Egypt can all be explained in nature, not God.  She was taught and argued with the family on how the bible was worthless.  I began praying for her, that she would find the Lord. She ended up working in an occult shop after high school and I still continued to pray for her. She found the Lord a few years ago through a friend. She is strong in the Lord, and now she brings others to Church. She never stops talking about the Lord. She helps with the children at church, she is involved in video and is a great blessing to the Church today. I know God heard each prayer. She is now leading others to Christ. I believe she will do great things for the Lord’s kingdom.

Embarrassing:    But okay, one day I was driving quickly to work on a foggy morning. I made a quick turn and realized that there was a woman in the middle of the street and I ran right through her- or she through my car. I thought I was going to run her over, but suddenly she was on the other side of my car. Weird!

 Top of the Class

I began praying in the summer for the following school year for each child.  For my oldest, I prayed that she would be “top of the class”. I prayed this for a few months. The second month of school, my daughter comes home smiling ear to ear. She hands me a paper and the teacher had written on the very top of the paper …”top of the class”.

 My first memory of a miracle
 This may not sound so great to some, but to me…it’s priceless. I always go back to it. I always remember it. I was in 2^nd grade and selling Girl Scout cookies. Back then, you ordered and paid first then waited a few weeks for the cookies to come in.  I collected all my orders, soon the cookies came in and I delivered them all except for one. It was a box of thin mints. I kept knocking on the buyers door, but she was never home. I knocked for about 1 or 2 weeks. I starred at the box of thin mints day after day on my shelf. They were my favorite and my family had eaten every last box of cookies except for some reject box no one liked. That box sat downstairs untouched. I couldn’t take it anymore and I opened up the box of cookies my neighbor ordered. I ate one, then two, then three, and I thought- ugh, I can’t give her cookies opened – so I , a tiny 2^nd grader, finished off half the box of thin mints. Gulp. Guilt set in. Now my parents really weren’t around so I tried to handle my own issues (dad in law school, mom at work full time and I took care of my brother and sister in day). A few days passed and I knew I had to fess up and knock on her door again. In my Girl Scout bag, I had her ½ box of thin mints, the reject cookie box my family didn’t like, and a full refund (in nickels and change, I had scrounged up) just in case.

I began my two block walk and I can still remember it well. I prayed to God with every step. O dear Jesus! I’m in trouble, O dear God, you need to help me! O God, please help me, O dear God, please don’t let her be mad at me, please don’t let her be mad at me.

Knock, knock, knock. I felt sick. She opens the door and without me even saying a word she says “ Oh, I’ve been waiting for you, listen I was out of town at a friends house and I tried another box of cookies that I really liked. Do you think I can exchange the thin mints I had ordered?” Yes, that was the reject box I had brought along. I honestly don’t think a word came out of my mouth. I reached in my Girl Scout bag and handed her the box of cookies she wanted. She was so happy and said “Can I give you extra money for this?” I shook my head no. “Are you sure this is okay, do I owe you anything?” I shook my head no. I couldn’t speak. She said thank you and told me how happy she was. I skipped home leaping and thanking the Lord.

Vision the Lord gave me of the heart and strongholds

I have soooo many more!  Some seem so small to share, but so precious to me. I remember all the times my little one would jump out of the crib and land on her head and it was as if an angel was there with a hand held under her head as she landed lightly. She would do flips off the couch in the air and I would see her come crashing down, but slowly, as if a hand were there protecting her. Once my sisters and I prayed that my dad would turn around from going to the casino and somehow, I blurted out in the prayer, “and have him bless us financially when he comes back.” We laughed and thought that was funny. However, within 10 minutes my dad returned, he had changed his mind. He got out his wallet and handed my sisters and I a $100 bill each. That right there is a miracle. He doesn’t do that. In fact, to explain how odd that is, he would never buy sodas because the price was “offensive” and if we wanted cheese on our burgers from McDonalds we had to bring it home and put it on our hamburger at home lol because the 10 extra cents was “offensive”. ohhh… one more. My daughter had a horrible growth on her legs and she needed surgery. It had multiplied and the children at school were making fun of her because of it. I tried all kinds of medicines and went to doctors, but now it was worse.  She needed surgery.  My mom and sister laid hands on her and prayed that the Lord would heal her. The next morning everything was gone. Every growth had fallen off her leg. It had covered her from the knee down to the feet. Not even a scar was left the next morning she woke up.

See! I keep remembering more. I need to stop more often and remember.  It is good to remember His great works and proclaim them to the assembly.

Psalms 105:1 :”O give thanks unto the Lord ; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people

1 Chronicles 16:8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

Isaiah 12:4 In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted

God is good, Amen and amen. Make known His deeds today, tell others the good things the Lord does, proclaim His Holy name.

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The Secret Place of the Most High : The Veil and the Holy of Holies (Holy Place) – Prayer

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty Psalm 91:1    

When you pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus, you enter into the Holy of Holies, the Secret Place of the Most High.  The Holy Place isn’t just an imaginary place you go to in your mind- it is actually a great throne room in a heavenly temple. I was amazed when the Lord showed me this. You are before a Holy God and the Lord sees you. The ONLY WAY we can enter this Holy Place is through the blood of Jesus. Sin cannot be within His presence- it runs from Him.

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:5-7

  It is here, in quietness, in prayer that we are suddenly without even knowing-  in the Holy of Holies before the Great and Holy King. When I realized where I was, I wouldn’t dare say the prayers I usually say, but instead I bowed down in silence unable to speak in such an indescribable and Holy Presence. I realized how amazing this was; how much He loves us and how much He cares. It is a place where we can go for safety, a refuge in our storms, a place to obtain a mercy and the amazing gift of grace.

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO ENTER THIS HOLY PLACE

Hebrew 6:18-20: Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16      

  At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23

    I was afraid when I realized where I was. I knew there was an indescribable amazing Holy presence before me. There was great power and although I didn’t look up, I sensed a great multitude of holiness before me. As I studied verses in the bible, I found this:

Who is in this Secret Place?

1.       Jesus the Lord (at the right hand of the Father)
2.       God the Father
3.       those whose spirits are contrite and humble (Isaiah 57:15)
4.       those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.(Isaiah 57:15)
5.       20,000 chariots of God, even thousands of angels (Ps 68:17)
6.     An Assembly of God’s firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven, the spirits of the righteous ones Hebrews 12: 22-24 “No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.  You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.  You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.”

After I had walked through the temple and went past the double veil,  I was in the Holy Place. I knew without a doubt, I was above the skies and above the earth. There was a thick clear glass like flooring under my feet. I could see the color of the sky beneath me. I could also see that the Lord had prepared a place for every single person on earth in this Holy Place. I searched the scriptures and this is what I found:

Where is this secret place where the Lord dwells?

1. in heaven
2. above the earth where He can look down and see us.

Look down from heaven and see, from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and your might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us Isaiah 63.15

I understood how safe I was here in the presence of my Creator. I understood the psalms of  David when he called this his place of safety, a hiding place, a place of deliverance, hidden from the plots of man.  You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues You are my hiding place;  You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance Ps 32:7.Psalm 31:20 

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 

NO SIN can come before Him. I saw sin run from His presence. Jesus told us to ask for forgiveness and forgive others, it’s important to be ready and cleansed through repentance in Jesus name as you enter in the Holy Place- and it is good to enter His gates with joy and thanksgiving. “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” Hab 1:13

My Story

I was walking up to a great entrance way and I knew it was the East Gate.  Now the entrance way had no door but instead had great hanging cloth -like a thick curtain or rug hanging over the entrance way from top to bottom. It seemed 2-3 stories high. In order to get through, I had to pull this heavy cloth back and slip in on the side between the wall and the hanging cloth/veil. This curtain was thick- It was made like one of those Persian rugs with the designs on them- that is the closest thing I can think of to describe it – but it was thicker than anything I can describe- it seemed thicker than the grip of my hands. The entrance was very tall and I seemed the size of an ant compared to it.
After I went in the first entrance way, there were more large rooms or chambers I walked through. For some reason, I knew where I was going, as if I had been there many times. Each room or chamber I came to had the same thick veil covering over each entrance way – same size as main entrance way. I slipped through the side of each one lifting back the heavy veil and walking through until I finally arrived at the last one- There was a double veil here.

I pulled back the first veil and had to quickly pull back the second one to get through, and there I was…………

In a different place, I knew I was above the earth and sky, below me was like a clear glass that I could stand on, it was the color of the sky below. I fell to my knees and bowed my head down as I realized the Amazing Power and Indescribable Holiness that was before me. I was scared. I could see that sin ran/scattered from His presence – no sin could be in this place. I knew if I were to look up I would surely die. I knelt in silence, afraid and to mumble the prayers I usually say, but instead all I could do was be silent and offer praise. I quickly glanced behind me to look around. I could see a place laid out for each person in the world to come and be before the Lord.  They seemed like rounded space made out for each person – enough for everyone. It was very similar to the picture I posted above. I saw no end to the space. I looked and I saw one woman on her knees with her head down praying before the Lord, yet I was saddened at all the empty spaces. No one else was there. He waited, but no one came. He made a way, but did they consider it nothing?   I thought every Christian would be there… but they weren’t. (I can tell you this: there is a place for every living soul on earth to be there……but it’s close to empty. A sad, sad sight before the Lord.)

 Jesus had made a way for us to be in this Holy Place. I understood the amazement of the torn veil- it would be impossible to tear – you would need an electric saw and sit there for days to tear it.  I understood the Holy of Holies, and I understood how I need to prepare myself for prayer.  We must go before Him with repentance, a humble heart,  and continually giving Honor to His Holy Name. I understood the privilege and gift it is to us, to be able to stand before the Lord. No one can stand before Him with sin- It is only through the blood Jesus shed that we now have a way to the Holy of Holies. I would not be there with out the Way Jesus made for me.

      I’m reminded of the book of Nehemiah and the short prayers he prayed all the time- we should do this too, but we also need to find our quiet time alone with him.  Respect you prayer time with Him-stay alert- go somewhere quiet, and alone- because it is there in your quiet time as you call out to Him- you are in this Secret Place, in the High heavens before the Lord. Be Still

Has anyone been there?
Ezekiel described what he saw: ” I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings. A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.  And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around.  Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Hear the Word of the Lord:
We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.  Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. Praise Him- Praise the Lord in his Sanctuary, Praise him in the highest heavens  Thou dost hide them in the secret place of Thy presence from the conspiracies keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues. Until I came into the sanctuary of God; Then I perceived their end. Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, To see Thy power and Thy glory.But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  james 1:22-24Ps 27:5Ps 63:2 Ps 150:1Ps 73:17Ps 31:20, Hebrews 6:19-20
Search me O Lord and know my heart, show me any way that that is not acceptable to you.
Repent of your sins. Ask the Lord to search.your heart: ” Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:7-10
Exodus 28:43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.
Psalm 24:3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones

Hebrews 9: And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;^…. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing⁹ Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience….. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;¹² Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.¹³ For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:¹⁴ How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?¹⁵ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance… . It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:^….. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 The Holy place was an inner room of the tabernacle. Only the high priests entered once a year on the Day of Atonement.

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”
 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Prayer- How it Works

Prayer- studies from biblestudies4u.info

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Work out your salvation with trembling. Phil 2 (William Booth- it’s time to reach out to the lost- warning others every day)

The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.
 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.

Yesterday morning I was waking up from a dream and I saw Jesus before me. It seemed like I had just watched a live version of the bible stories up until Noah’s day. As I was waking up I could see before me a fast moving flood of water and in it were many people. I also saw bits and pieces of wood, their material things – just everything scattered among the people moving quickly in the water’s current. It was a great and strong current moving very quickly, everything had been engulfed in it. I was standing and watching everything moving past me, I looked up I saw Jesus on the other side. (He was either on the other side or above the waters off to a distance) I heard him say “I call them back” I saw a few more things I can’t explain. The dream was similar to the vision William Booth had that I have posted above. (I shared this with a friend Marilyn who told me about William Booths vision.)

   Listen: There are ways that seem right to a man, but it leads straight to death. Those who fill their minds and hearts with their own ways and ideas will drift away from the truth.  The bible warns us that many fall because they believe every word they hear, but the wise man looks well and considers the words. The wise man fears the Lord and works out his salvation with trembling. He runs away from evil, but the foolish stand proud and arrogant. Which one are you?

The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways,
But a good man will be satisfied from above.
 The simple believes every word,
But the prudent considers well his steps.
 A wise man fears and departs from evil,
But a fool rages and is self-confident.
 The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Can anyone hide himself in secret places,
So I shall not see him?” says the Lord;
“Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord
Jer 23, Prov. 16:25,14:11-16

Are you walking in the Spirit or Walking in the Flesh?
            One leads to life and the other leads to death. Those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God. These two are always fighting against each other. The works of the flesh are: adultery, fornication sexual sin is a sin against your whole body, no other sin affects the body like this one, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,  envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like. If these are prevalent in your life, it’s time to change and crucify our fleshy lusts and desires- get rid of them, crucify them!  Walking in the flesh will lead you straight to eternal destruction.  Ask the Lord for help, He knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. He has reserved the unjust unto the day of judgment for punished: Don’t walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness .

  Living in the Spirit is living and walking in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control.  But be careful Super Christians – work our your salvation with trembling, don’t envy others and don’t become conceited or prideful. Gal 5:16.

Even Noah was moved by fear, do these words make your tremble or do you sit back at ease?  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:7- Noah trembled at the Words of God and was moved in faith to obey.  I fear too many of us have lost the Fear of the Lord, we sit back and enjoy each day doing this and doing that- just like the people in Noah’s day. We go about content in our own ways. Who fears the Lord? Who is working out their salvation? Who is crucifying the lusts of the flesh? or who is making excuses?

   Genesis 6-8  “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”  

When the Lord comes back we will be going about our business just as in the days of Noah and Lot: eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, building and soon the flood/brimstone came and destroyed them ALL.  The Lord saved Noah- just one righteous man and his family. He can save you too- but are you willing to give up the lusts of your flesh and stop following your own ways? Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.  Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.  You, too, must be patient. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7,Luke 17 Matt 24

  Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Don’t get caught up in the filth of the World

If God didn’t spare the old world, what makes you think He can stand to listen to us one more day? The flood in Noah’s day and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah are warnings to us. The people destroyed were living immoral lives and their conversations were filthy “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked”- that sounds like today.  Listen to this verse that follows ” For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” Is it CONTAGIOUS? Does the filth around you bother you or do you barely notice it? The filth around us can corrupts us, the words we hear can corrupt us- just like King Solomon said in Proverbs 4:23- Guard your heart, for out of it flow the issues of Life. To guard our heart is to guard our words, be careful in what we see, what we hear, what we do and where we go. These are the ways to guard your heart. 2 Peter 2:5-22

Be Careful what you hear, stay in the Word 

        Before we point a finger, consider this verse: Don’t grumble about each other, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! Instead, ask what can I work on?  Works! agh, but we don’t need to work…right? Be careful, for the new grace and prosperity teachers are twisting God’s Word. Certainly, we are saved by God’s grace, but some have corrupted and abused this message…. 2 Peter 2 warns us that the ungodly and those walking according to the flesh are all around us. They feast with us and continue to live in their sin, with eyes full of adultery, envy,  and greed. They have forsaken the right way. According to the next verse, it seems he is talking about the leaders, who with charismatic speech and great words manipulate and teach in error.  

”  For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh (You’ll be rich!), through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. …. it has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again.” 1Peter 3

    Don’t call out Lord! Lord! If you are not going to do the things He says. He tells us that if we love Him, we will obey Him. I don’t hear that in the new Grace and Prosperity teachings. We are to OBEY. Grace and prosperity voodoo teachings wont cover up deliberate disobedience. Haven’t you heard?

         For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.  Heb 10:26-27

           In other words, there is no sacrifice that will cover deliberate and willful sinning.

 Matthew 7:21-29  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 

He is calling you back! Come back! Come back!  I saw the Lord reaching out to a man who was entangled with sin. Demonic strongholds were trying to cut off every outflow to the Lord and keep him captive. I was amazed to see how the Lord reached out to Him- as if he was his only child. If you understood how much the Lord loves you and calls out to you- would begin to change? He reaches out to us, but so many are entangled with demonic strongholds and lies. Another time I saw the Lord reaching out to someone living in sin- but they felt so bad and unworthy they wouldn’t turn around. Stop and listen- He wants you back, He is reaching out for you. Reach up and get your help from Him, don’t allow your mind to think anything but the truth. Phil 4:8

Jesus said :“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. ³ You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father”

Reach out! Reach out to those who are lost around us. The Lord needs more workers. Be bold and courageous, focus on saving the lost. Share your testimony with someone today.

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Count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through

   
Sometimes we can get so caught up in our problems, we just can’t see or hear the truth. Here’s the truth: God Loves You! Endure your trials and cling to the Lord in all your ways. Jesus told us that He is with us ALWAYS.  Don’t be discouraged or count your trials as some strange thing. The bible tells us to rejoice as we go through our tribulations because they help us grow.  I was reading through Psalms this week (from 39-80) . The psalmist cried out to God and in all thing- in ALL things – death and life, trouble or joy- there was always a part of the psalm that praised God and rejoiced in Him. They were surrounded by troubles and flooded with problems, yet they still lifted up their hands to praise God. The psalmist poured out his heart to the Lord and also proclaimed his faith in praises.

  The last few weeks have been particularly trying for me. Things are breaking, we have unexpected bills, tickets, repairs, chaos, etc…. It just seems to be one thing after another. I feel like I’ve been through a tornado of events and problems with no time to stop in quietness.  I certainly wasn’t counting it all joy… in fact I was counting it as a strange thing – exactly what the bible told me not to do. I know the Lord is always there with me, I can see it more clearly now as I look back on the past 2 weeks.  I’ve listed a few verses that have encouraged me in the past and kept me on track as I struggled through some of life’s challenging moments.

 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners Romans 5:3-6

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-8

 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!  For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, “If the righteous are barely saved,     what will happen to godless sinners?” So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you1 Peter 4:12-19

“I, even I, am He who comforts you.
Who are you that you should be afraid
Of a man who will die,
And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? Isaiah 51:12

 Phil 4:4-6 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 

Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
 “But forget all that—
    it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
For I am about to do something new.
    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
 The beast of the field will honor Me,
The jackals and the ostriches,
Because I give waters in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert,
To give drink to My people, My chosen.
 This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise Isaiah 43:18-21

  Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Phil 4:4

Let’s review:

• Rejoice in your sufferings for suffering produces perseverance and perseverance/endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  
• Count it all joy when you experience trials. Lift up your hands and praise Hm
• God has given you protective warfare. Have your put on your Shoes of Peace today? Your shield of faith? Belt of truth? Breastplate of Righteousness? Helmet of salvation?
• Pray at all times – and for others also
• Be patient, wait on the Lord, cling to Him.
• Use the Word of God– it’s your sword and your weapon against the wiles of the devil. One of my swords: ” No weapon formed against you shall prosper,And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,And their righteousness is from Me,”Says the Lord. Is 54:17
• You fight is not against flesh and blood: Spiritual warfare Holy Spirit and Spiritual Warfare
• Stop and Remember all the Jesus has done for you
• ”these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering”
• Forgive others

The Lord is truly amazing. It’s too great to understand how a great God and Creator would take time for me and hear my prayers. It silences me in wonder. I see His wonders, His works and His mighty miracles everyday. He is never too far and hears the cries of those who cry out to Him.

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
⁴ I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill

    Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies.  Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

For the righteous God test the hearts and minds Ps 7:7-17

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