IS GOD PLEADING THROUGH YOU

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/30/19

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (kjv)

Because we are earthly, we engage in earthly pursuits. However, it is easy to allow ourselves to become so obsessed with Earthly Pursuits until they consume our thoughts, our time and our behavior. It is beneficial to perform a Daily Self-Examination…

What thoughts consume my mind?

Am I constantly thinking about planning, scheming regarding an earthly ambition.

What about my time? Are my normal daily activities just necessary evils to get out of the way, so I can return to my real “love?”

How do I treat my family, my neighbors, my co-workers and even the ones involved in my obsession? Especially, how do I react if I feel someone doesn’t “understand” or share or “gets in the way” as I perfect every aspect of my pursuit?

Let us never forget we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST and also let us be careful to not allow our AMBASSADORSHIP to become our OBSESSION. Read the rest of 2 Corinthians 5:20, after the comma, “AS THOUGH GOD WERE PLEADING THROUGH US.”

We are not CHRISTIAN AMBASSADORS; we are AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST and there is a difference…let us go forth today, engaging in our daily pursuits as if GOD WERE PLEADING THROUGH US.

GET BUSY

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/29/19

James 1:22-24 But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself.  For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in the mirror: for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

During this morning’s devotions: “STOP COMPLICATING THE ISSUE BY RESISTING THE SOLUTION.”

We have the “Head-Knowledge” down pat but most times, there seems to be a disconnect between our head and our hands. The answer to most of life’s problems is simple; it is the required action on our part that is difficult. 

QUESTION: How do I live a life pleasing to God?

SIMPLE ANSWER: Follow after the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

DIFFICULT ACTION: Deny my desires and follow after the Spirit.

QUESTION: What is the will of God for my life? How will I do the ministry God has called me into? When will I get my career break? God, what do you want from me?

SIMPLE ANSWER: Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.

DIFFICULT ACTION: Seeking God and accepting His answers, instead of messing things up by trying to figure out all the detail.

You can have the Faith to Move Mountains, but sometimes you have to grab a shovel and start moving dirt.  You may just have the Faith of a Grain of Mustard, but you need to plant that seed for it to grow and produce fruit.

God has all the answers to every situation, it is up to you to get busy and start cooperating.

STOP COMPLICATING THE ISSUE…YOU MAY AS WELL SURRENDER; RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

I WANT REVIVAL

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/23/2019

Ezekiel 23:41 You sat on a stately couch, with a table prepared before it, on which you had sat My incense and My oil.

There are those times when your prayer is light and joyful; full of praise.  Other times your spirit is heavy and grieved for the lost and the intercessory prayer you pray is filled with tears and groaning. And then there are the times in prayer when God begins to give answers to your questions; answers that are not easily digestible and require more prayer; more inquiry just to be sure you are hearing correctly.

Reading the words spoken by the Old Testament Prophets is a heavy process that requires rereading and inquiry to help the digestion process.  They usually were not words of joy and blessing; NO, they were the words addressing the state of Israel’s backslidden condition, the consequences that would accompany their actions and the Call to Repentance; ending with the HOPE OF RESTORATION repentance and returning to God would bring.

Throughout history this process has been repeated over and over because of God’s unending love for His Creation. We make the mistake, however, that God’s unending LOVE IS BLIND.  Whether it is disobedience through rebellion or malaise, God will not bless or move among His people until there is REPENTANCE.

This week I have been praying for a REVIVAL OF A MOVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and asking God WHY? And HOW?  I pray and worship and feel the Holy Spirit moving in me; the Praise Singers sing and worship and I feel the Holy Spirit moving in them BUT….then at the first pew, it hits a wall.  So I ask, WHAT IS THE WALL?  And HOW CAN IT BE TORN DOWN?

Earlier this week, God answered, “REPENTANCE. Before there will be a REVIVAL OF MY SPIRIT, there must be REPENTANCE.  The wall that you sense is the WALL OF SATISFACTION that has been built; my people are SATISFIED LIVING IN THEIR SIN.  There is no weeping, no Godly Sorrow, no conviction; NO REPENTANCE!”

This morning, God highlighted Ezekiel 23:41 as a further explanation.

YOU HAVE SAT UP YOUR STATELY COUCHES…

 “You have beautiful sanctuaries that you declare have been built as monuments to My Name, but they are merely wood and stone.  You have furnished them with padded “couches and all of the latest, state of the art equipment and proudly boast of your striking buildings when I desire that you would BOAST IN ME!”

YOU PLACE MY INCENSE OF PRAISE ON A PREPARED TABLE…

“Your lighted signs declare this to be a “HOUSE OF WORSHIP.”  But what do you worship? To whom do you offer the INCENSE OF PRAISE?  You raise your hands but your focus is more on the beautiful music, the artists and the screen display, than it is on me.  You sing the lyrics but they are just words that never MOVE YOU TO CHANGE.  You gather around my altar, not to WORSHIP ME but because everyone else comes forward; you repeat the words of a prayer but there is NO GODLY SORROW; NO CONVICTION; NO REPENTANCE!”

THE OIL OF MY ANOINTING RESTS BESIDE THE INCENSE…..

“But you have sat my anointing on a table; Oh you can point it out and say, “there it is; see it is still here; God’s anointing is on display for all to see. My anointing was never meant to be sat on a table but was to be carried upon the shoulders of Men and Women who would speak forth MY TRUTH!  You have set aside my anointing so that the Truth OF MY WORD may be more palatable; more easily digested; more friendly.  You offer an “EASY SALVATION;” one that requires no change; no true repentance; no denial of self; but that is NOT THE SALVATION I DIED FOR.”

REPENTANCE ALWAYS PRECEDES REVIVAL!

If you want a true REVIVAL OF MY HOLY SPIRIT moving in your midst, REPENT!  Get up off your STATELY COUCHES, pick up the INCENSE OF PRAISE and direct your worship toward Me; and allow the OIL OF MY ANOINTING to flow from your head down to your feet as you speak MY WORD; the WORDS I WOULD HAVE MY PEOPLE HEAR.

THEN WILL I SEND MY SPIRIT; THEN WILL YOU KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

I SHALL BEAR FRUIT

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/21/19

Psalms 92:13-14 Those who are planted in the House of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God.  14They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing.

Have you ever just sat and meditated on the goodness of God?  Set aside a little time and remember where He found you and the journey on which He has led you to the place you are in Him, today.

Think about His guiding hand through the dark places; the clarity to make the right decision when the path ended in a crossroad. Or maybe it was the time God simply said “NO” and closed the door; the door you were so sure was an answer to prayer but later realized was a trap meant to ensnare you. There were the unexpected blessings that filled you with joy and the loving arms that held you close and dried your tears in the midnight hour and through it all you have clung to His promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you”….He has been faithful.

Yes, God, so many memories of your goodness over the last 62 years and now I pray, “let me still bear fruit.”  Sometimes it seems that I dig, I plant, I water but I never see the harvest and I’m a little frustrated.  I know your plan for me has not been completed because I’m still breathing…God I’m so hungry to reap a harvest.

I finished my morning prayer and opened my Bible; bookmarked at Psalms 92….and YES, God is still faithful as He whispers to my heart, “You shall bear fruit in old age.”

And He reminds me how at 9 years old, 53 years ago, I was baptized in His Name and filled with His Spirit….I have been PLANTED IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD!

He has walked with me every step of the way….AND CAUSED MY LIFE TO FLOURISH IN THE COURTS OF MY GOD!

When He asked me to do a little tilling, I grabbed the hoe and shovel.  I have carried the “seeds of the Gospel” and “watering can of the Spirit,” wherever He led. 

AND NOW…..

I have a promise, “I SHALL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE.”

But not any old fruit; not the wormy, shriveled up fruit; not the overripe, bruised fruit…

OH NO…

I have a promise that I will bear luscious, desirable fruit; fruit that will produce good seed so that it will continue to flower and reproduce.  Yes, I have a promise that in my old age I will be FRESH AND FLOURISHING!

I WILL YET SEE A HARVEST….I HAVE A PROMISE!

IT'S NOT FAIR!

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/20/2019

Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is RICH IN MERCY, because of his great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ BY GRACE you have been saved.

If you were ever a kid or if you are a parent, you have heard or said these words, “LIFE ISN’T FAIR!” You are right, IT ISN’T!

There is reward for hard work and not everyone is willing to put in the required effort the reward demands…THAT’S FAIR!

There are consequences to good choices and not everyone makes the right choice…THAT’S FAIR!

There is great blessing in committing your life to God and following after the Spirit and not everyone is willing to surrender their will…THAT’S FAIR!

But what about the times when you are the most qualified but someone else gets the promotion? You've prayed but didn't receive the healing. You’ve followed after the Spirit but the outcome was not what you had envisioned; you’ve made good choices, been a good steward of your finances but everyone else has the new car; bigger home and more toys. Sometimes it seems everyone else gets the bigger piece of pie and it was your favorite…THAT’S NOT FAIR!

Recently, I heard this quote on a program, “Life isn’t fair and that is a good thing.” WHAT???? I began to ponder this statement and revelation began to flood my brain….WHAT IF I RECEIVED ONLY WHAT WAS FAIR; WHAT I DESERVED???

I have to admit, I haven’t always made the right choices but GOD IS RICH IN MERCY!!! One time I got the job and didn’t have the top qualifications or most experience; it was not what I deserved; IT WASN'T FAIR! I’ve messed up, I’ve failed, I didn’t follow the Spirit…but because of GOD’S GRACE, life wasn’t fair and I didn’t get what I deserved.

LIFE ISN’T FAIR, WHICH IS A GOOD THING; IT MEANS MY SUCCESS IS NOT DEPENDENT ON YOUR ACTIONS.

Thank God today that life isn’t fair…If it was; you and I wouldn’t have a chance at eternal life.

MY SUCCESS IS DEPENDENT ON MY OBEDIENCE AND FAITH IN GOD’S ACTIONS.

FEAR IS JUST A SHADOW

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/19/19

1 John 4:18 There is NO FEAR in love; but PERFECT LOVE casts out fear, because fear has torment.  He who fears is not made perfect in love.

You have had a BREAKTHROUGH!  After a long battle, you and God have come through VICTORIOUS.  You have TAKEN BACK what the devil stole long ago and this morning you are determined to MOVE FORWARD.

There is rejoicing…the joy overflows…there is a spring in your step and a song on your lips…the sun is shining and the sky is blue…

AND THEN YOU SEE A SHADOW….

The shadow of what was; the shadow of the label I used to wear; the shadow of the chains that have been broken; THE SHADOW OF FEAR!

Satan is an INTERRUPTER.    He would love nothing more than to interrupt your victory celebration. 

REFUSE TO ACCEPT SATAN’S INTERRUPTION; YOU ARE WALKING IN PERFECT LOVE!!!

Many years ago, I was struggling; I was fearful; I wondered if anything I did would be accepted; could I even make it to Heaven and I had a dream…. In the dream, I was walking down a sidewalk and suddenly, my feet left the ground and I started rising up.  As I went higher, a feeling that I had never experienced surrounded me. It was GOD’S PERFECT LOVE.  There were no worries; no fear, no apprehension, and no questions…just love.  And I remember saying with such wonder and joy, “This is the rapture; I made it.” And God just smiled and said, “Of course you did; I never doubted.”  And I woke up.  But I have never forgotten the feeling of God’s Love unfiltered through my experiences or the things I had been taught or had observed.  And I have never doubted from that moment how much God loves me and is pulling for me to succeed.

GOD WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED….HE gave you the victory; HE broke the chains that have bound you for so long; HE has taken away your pain…It is God that put the song on your lips, the lightness in your step and the joy in your heart and FEAR IS JUST A SHADOW!

REMEMBER…

Shadows are dependent on light. You will only see the SHADOW OF FEAR AND DEFEAT if you get ahead of the LIGHT OF GOD’S PERFECT LOVE. But, if the LIGHT OF GOD’S PERFECT LOVE is in front of you, the shadows will all fall behind.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and allow HIS PERFECT LOVE to eliminate the SHADOW OF FEAR.

YOU BE LIFTED HIGH

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/17/19

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.

Go back…it’s the night before the big test; you’ve attended class faithfully, never missed a day; you’ve studied and done all the home work, BUT…what if I forget everything; what if I freeze up; what if they ask questions about things I don’t know; what if I studied the wrong thing…and you have a restless night.

Such was my night.  I’ve studied; I’ve done the homework; I’ve prayed; I’ve prepared but the uncertainty persisted….what if I freeze up; what if I prepared the wrong stuff; what if I didn’t really hear what God was saying; what if they all fall asleep.

I finally fell asleep around 3 a.m. and of course was sleeping soundly when the alarm went off at 6 a.m.  Walking groggily to the bathroom, hoping a hot shower will do the trick, or is it a cold shower to wake you up. 

GOD IS SO LOVING; SO KIND; SO FAITHFUL…

In the middle of massaging the shampoo into my hair, He speaks…. "LIFT ME HIGH.”  So simple but those three words say it all… "LIFT HIM HIGH.”

We go through life overworked, tired, stressed, and apprehensive; trying to impress people who are overworked, tired, stressed and apprehensive because they are also trying to impress someone.  We burn the “midnight oil” building careers to provide the funds to buy houses we can’t afford, cars that rust away, clothes that go out of style and vacations that provide only pretty pictures, all because we want to stand out from everyone else; be significant; make our mark….

Yet, the only thing that really matters in the end is “DID WE LIFT HIM HIGH.”

So as I speak this morning, my mission is, “LIFT JESUS HIGH!”  And that will make all the difference.

♪♪ “You be lifted high; You be lifted high

You be lifted high in my life, Oh God

And I fall to my knees, so it’s You that they see, not I

Jesus, You be lifted high.” ♪♪

(Michael W. Smith, You Be Lifted High)

I AM WITH YOU

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/16/19

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand.

When you go to sleep with a prayer on your lips, don’t be surprised when you wake with a song in your heart.  Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord will rejoice over you with singing.”  And Psalms 77:6 says “we will have a SONG in the night.”  Many times God has put a SONG in my heart at night as the answer to whatever I have been struggling.

I woke early this morning with

♪♪ “Fear not for I am with you; Fear not for I am with you; Fear not for I am with you, says the Lord. I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; Child, you are Mine.” ♪♪

Isn’t God’s LOVE AMAZING?  He knows me; He understands my language and He cares enough to speak to me in that language…a song.

We read in His Word that so many times the God says to His people, “I am with you.” Or “I am the Lord your God;” constantly, reassuring them of His love for them.

In Isaiah; in Jeremiah and in Haggai, God assures Israel, “I AM WITH YOU.”

We read in Ezekiel and Hosea that even when Israel was backslidden and following false worship, God was still there revealing Himself so His people would finally see that “I am God; I am the Lord: the Holy One is in your midst.”

As Joshua faced the monumental task of not only stepping into Moses’ sandals but leading the Children of Israel into the Land that God had promised, God says to him…

Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I WAS WITH MOSES, SO I WILL BE WITH YOU.  I will not leave you or forsake you.

Now that kind of promise would give anyone courage!

And finally in Matthew, Jesus assures His Disciples, “I am WITH YOU always, even to the end of the age.”

Why do we doubt? Why do we worry?  What is there to fear?  If we are following the Spirit and walking in our Purpose, Jesus says, “FEAR NOT; I AM WITH YOU!”

So today, I CHOOSE TO TRUST.  While I am driving, You are with me.  On Friday and Saturday, when I speak what you have poured in me; You are with me.  Coming home; You will still be there for I have Your promise that I NEVER have to be without You by my side.

I believe that as You were with Moses, Joshua and the Disciples, “YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME.” 

I WILL NOT FEAR

SPIRITUAL SURGERY

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/15/19

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Lord directed me to go on a fast this week and I welcomed it as a time set aside to receive and affirm what He would have me speak at this weekend’s Ladies’ Retreat.

BUT…

MOST TIMES THE “BUFFET” THAT SOUNDS GOOD IS NOT THE MEAL THAT GOD IS “DISHING UP.”

If you do not want God to set His “Mirror of Truth” in front of you, DO NOT go on an extended fast and DEFINITELY DO NOT pray or read His Word.  God’s “Mirror” is not one of those Fun-house Mirrors that will distort your features and even make you look tall and thin when you are really vertically and horizontally challenged.

After 3 days, I am recovering this morning from extensive “Spiritual Surgery” and believe me, it has not been pretty.  There has been some cutting and some digging and some uprooting.

I am so thankful for the “ANESTHESIA COCKTAIL” OF GRACE AND MERCY that made the ripping of the deep roots bearable.  Currently, I am resting after an IV OF HIS LOVE.

I am sure once my wounded pride stops hurting, I will feel the freedom a Heart Cleansing brings.

What are you seeking from God?  What do you really need?  It may require a little “Spiritual Surgery” before God can answer, but His sutures are nice and even and He promises a quick recovery.

BREATHE ME IN

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/13/2019

Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you will seek Him all your heart and with all your soul.

“God, I’m so hungry for you.”  But do I eat only at His table?  “I long to hear Your voice.”  But do I turn off the noise and listen?  “I just want to be in Your Presence.”  But do I wait until He surrounds me?

This has been my cry since the beginning of the year and I’m not sure if God got tired of my insincerity or my repeated petition and about 3 weeks ago, He said, “OK, here’s the deal…I want you to go on a 3-day food fast and when your SPIRITUAL HUNGER matches your PHYSICAL HUNGER, I will answer.”

I went on the fast, I prayed, I listened but I didn’t hear.  Finally, on day 3, God spoke once again, “I want you to seek me for 1 week, then go on another 3 day food-fast and when your SPIRITUAL HUNGER matches your PHYSICAL HUNGER, I will answer.”

So here I am Lord; speak Your servant is listening!

God is faithful to His Word….When you seek Him with all your heart and soul, there He is…He was just waiting to be found.

MONDAY - DAY 1…His Presence filled the room and surrounded me as I prayed.  I worshiped and He said, “Be quiet; just sit in My Presence.”  So I shut up and sat, allowing His Spirit to wash over me and there He was; so precious; so sweet.

He continued whispering to my heart…. “Breathe Me in.”  I breathed.  “Breathe Deeper.”  I breathed deeply; deep cleansing breathes of His Holy Spirit. 

AND THEN…

“Breathe Me in and as you breathe out, SPEAK…Speak the things you desire to be released…Speak favor; Speak healing; Speak blessing; Speak forgiveness; Speak anointing; Speak fruitfulness; Speak bountiful harvest…Whatever you need from Me, Breathe in My Spirit and let it flow out through your voice…BREATHE AND SPEAK!”

Whatever you are facing, whatever you desire, whatever the need, God has the answer and He is just waiting to be found.

BUT….

YOU have to get hungry. YOU have to seek.  HE is just waiting to be found.  SPEND TIME in His Presence.  LISTEN to His Voice and BREATHE Him in.  Then allow His Spirit to flow out as YOU SPEAK.

God is declaring today…. “CATCH MY RHYTHM…BREATHE AND SPEAK…BREATHE AND SPEAK…BREATHE AND SPEAK…and I WILL ANSWER YOU!”

TAKE IT BACK

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/11/19

Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed you were sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.

As Abraham and his descendants were given a promise, we, who have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, are also CHILDREN OF PROMISE. You, too, have been given territory.

IT IS YOURS AND THE ENEMY CANNOT TAKE IT WITHOUT YOUR COOPERATION!

The Nation of Israel became COMPLACENT within the TERRITORY given to them by God. They were the Children of Abraham…they were the Children of Promise…No other nation could measure up…The Land was theirs…Promised by God…God was all powerful…They could not be conquered…The Nation of Israel lost focus and slowly the enemy began to encroach on the Sacred Territory bestowed upon them by God.

Let your mind go back to when you first believed; those first few days, months, years, when you first received His Spirit…How large was your territory, then? How large is your territory, today? WHAT HAPPENED?

Look at that little “northern” corner. The “Nation of Hurt” has not only breached the boundary they have built houses. What about the “eastern” border? It’s just a tiny “Settlement of Sin;” I can still control the invaders. When did the “south” get so far “north?” I use to have much more territory there. How did the “Community of Busyness” become such a powerful stronghold in my territory? And finally, my entire Western Border has become a “Monument to Self,” built by my own ego and pride.

It is time to TAKE BACK YOUR TERRITORY! It won’t be easy; there are invaders to drive out…the “Nation of Hurt” can only be driven back through forgiveness…the “Citizens of Sin” must be UTTERLY DESTROYED…the “Community of Busyness” must be reorganized and refocused and the “Monument to Self” must be torn down and replaced with humility and surrender.
It certainly won’t be easy but GOD GAVE YOU THIS TERRITORY...

IT IS YOURS…TAKE IT BACK!

REBUILD THE NEST

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/10/2019

Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit.

A few years ago, after a storm, I noticed twigs and grass all over my porch; the remains of a bird’s nest. I swept them into the garbage without another thought. The next morning, once again, I saw a few twigs and grass on my porch, but there safely nestled between the house and the light was a carefully constructed nest.

Sometimes storms happen; they blow in unexpectedly, rage through our homes and our families leaving chaos and destruction. 

THEN…

We are left to pick up the debris and remains of our life, put it all back together in at least a semblance of order.

What if, despite the storms, despite being knocked down and scattered, even when the remains are swept up and dumped in the trash, we would try again?

What if this time, the nest was built stronger and withstood the storm just waiting to nurture and display our fruitfulness?

You will never know what storms you can withstand unless you rebuild the nest.

THE HOLY SPIRIT? ABSOLUTELY!

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/9/19

We live in a world of “Group-Speak” and conformity.  If you don’t conform to the acceptable “world-view” or “school of thought,” you will be shamed, intimidated, mocked and ostracized until you reprogram your brain into an acceptable way of thinking.

BUT….

Every once in a while ONE person stands up, faces the mob and says, “NO…that is murder; that is sin; that is NOT normal; that is NOT acceptable.

The Apostle Peter was that ONE person.

 It had only been 50 days since the angry mob cried “Crucify.”  It had only been 50 days since, out of fear, Peter had denied Jesus three times.  It had only been 50 days since Jesus died and arose from the dead.  So what happened; what changed; what emboldened Peter to be the ONE to stand up and say, “YOU are guilty; after seeing miracles, signs and wonders, YOU in a lawless manner, crucified Jesus.”  What happened?

Acts 2:4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

DID PETER BELIEVE THAT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY?  ABSOLUTELY!

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall WE DO?”

I wonder how powerful the Book of Acts Church would have been if Peter’s answer had been, “Repeat these words after me.  Actually, I don’t want you to feel embarrassed or even have you raise your hand in acknowledgment, so we are just going to have everybody repeat the words…that way no one will know if you are really serious and you won’t be held accountable.  Now that you’ve said the words, “welcome to the family of God, see you when we all get to Heaven.”

NO, PETER was the ONE that stood boldly and proclaimed…

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, REPENT and let everyone of you be BAPTIZED in the NAME OF JESUS for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Do I believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY?  I will be the ONE to stand against “accepted church theology” and say…ABSOLUTELY!

If we want an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our churches then we must stop preaching the FALSE DOCTRINE that says “Being FILLED with the Holy Spirit is different and separate from being BAPTIZED in the Holy Spirit.

We have convinced people that they receive God’s Spirit when they repeat the “Sinner’s Prayer” or ask for forgiveness or come to the front of the church.  We have taught that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a different event; that it is available to those who are seeking a “deeper walk;” that it is an “added blessing.”  WHERE IN THE BIBLE DO YOU FIND THAT?  Peter and the Apostles certainly didn’t preach that doctrine.

The Holy Spirit is NOT an “added blessing” to Salvation; it is the POWER OF GOD.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God sending His Spirit to live in you, to empower you, guide you and enable you to live above sin. If you have not received the Gift of the Holy Spirit, you are powerless and rudderless.

DID PAUL BELIEVE THAT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY?   ABSOLUTELY!

Acts 19:2 And he said unto them, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?  And they said unto him, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.”

Acts 19:5-6 When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.  And when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

NOW…you have HEARD, you have BELIEVED, what’s the holdup?

BE THE ONE…who says, YES, I need; I want the Holy Spirit…ABSOLUTELY!

SERVE THE EVICTION NOTICE

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/8/19

Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise.

During worship this morning, the Presence of God was so strong and these words were whispered to my spirit….

“From the beginning I have had a plan for you; I signed it with my own blood and sealed it when I filled you with my Spirit. With joy, I paid a great price for you; to redeem you but I did not go to Calvary so that the devil could live RENT-FREE in your head.  It is time for YOU to deliver the EVICTION NOTICE!”

What lies has Satan been telling you; what lies have you bought into?  John 8:44 tells us that Satan “does not stand in the Truth, because there is NO TRUTH in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources for he is a liar and the father of it.”

In other words, whatever Satan has been whispering to you, IS A LIE!  If his mouth is moving, he is lying because THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM!  As a matter of fact he wears the label, LIAR because he FATHERED; GAVE BIRTH to lying.

Satan is a LYING SQUATTER!  He has no right to any space in your “TEMPLE.”  Get to “COURT,” pick up your “EVICTION NOTICE” and serve it today.  Satan doesn’t own you; not even a little corner.  You ARE NOT your own; you’ve been bought at a price!

 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

WAIT ON ME

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/7/19

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Today the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the birds are singing; what a beautiful day for a walk to the lake.  Pandora playing; me singing, I walk the half mile to the lake find my favorite rock, sit for a while and breathe in the peacefulness.

It is just me, a rock, the lake and Jesus, The Rock.  The music plays and a spirit of worship moves in; the beauty of creation fills my senses and God speaks….

“This is what it means to rest in Me…this is the rest with which the weary may rest and this is the refreshing.  I know you are tired; it is because you have not rested; you have not waited on Me.  Your strength is waning because you have run ahead of Me. Observe the eagle; he is not constantly flapping his wings…he flaps to start and finds his current so he can soar…stop flapping and soar with Me.”

Dear God,

I’ve never flown but I want to.  I want to find the current of Your Spirit and soar like an Eagle in You.  I’ve never ran a spiritual marathon, but I want to.  I want to pace myself in you; run when you run and rest when you rest.  I’m pretty good at walking, so until I learn to run, I’ll stay close to your side as we move forward together; renewing my strength in you.

Amen

STAND STILL

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/6/19

2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not need to fight in the battle.  Position yourselves, STAND STILL and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

Have you ever come to a crossroad?  The road ahead comes to an end, so you have to make a decision; right or left?  You may say, well that’s easy; you just choose the direction of your destination.  Sounds so simple, but if you have entered unknown territory, the destination directions can become a little muddled, even when using GPS. 

So it is in life, you and Jesus are driving happily down the road and Jesus says, “You know this road; go ahead and I will check back later.”  Then it happens; a crossroad…”Jesus, right or left?” And you hear the “Sound of Silence.”

I have been praying for some answers, parked at the crossroad.  It seems that I have been parked here so long that the tires have found a home in the muddy ruts.  THEN FINALLY, God breaks the silence… “Go on a 3 day fast and when your SPIRITUAL HUNGER MEETS YOUR PHYSICAL HUNGER, I will give you the answer.”

Ok, Yes Lord!  So I went on a 3 day fast and I GOT HUNGRY…I prayed; Day 1 – no answer; Day 2- no answer.  That’s ok, God said, “3 days.”  Day 3 – All is calm; all is quiet – no answer.  As a matter of fact – the stillness became even more pronounced; so much that prayer became a strenuous exercise….NOTHING! 

FINALLY, a word given by a sweet lady during worship, “I have not brought you to the wilderness to die.”  THANK YOU JESUS! But, what is the answer; do I go left or right?  Then my friend, Pastor Maynard, preaches, “That interference you are experiencing; the enemy is not fighting so much where you are; he is fighting where God is taking you.”  YES! But where is God taking me?

And God says, “JUST STAND STILL! The ruts are going to get a little deeper but you are not going to get “stuck.”  The silence may become a little more “deafening” before the answer comes and the hunger must become more intense if you want to go where I desire to take you; for now you MUST STAND STILL!”

When you are experiencing confusion, discouragement, and spiritual exhaustion; STAND STILL!  It is not the moment to make a decision; God is still working out the details in areas and with people you didn’t even know existed….

TRUST HIM AND STAND STILL!

REDEEMED FROM OPPRESSION

PRAYER JOURNAL 5/1/2019

Psalms 114 :134 Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep your precepts.

Wow, am I feeling this verse today. As I prayed this morning, all my doubts, insecurities, fears, apprehensions, failures, and attempts that just fell short, flooded my mind.  Oh, I had a prayer meeting…a lot of tears, a lot of listening and finally surrender of all of me to God’s warm embrace of love.

YES, I AM REDEEMED FROM THE OPPRESSION OF MAN. It happens with total surrender; by giving my will, my words, my thoughts, and my desires to God and allowing His Holy Spirit to replace them all with His Will, His Words, His Thoughts and His Desires for me.

You can have a blessed and happy day by allowing God to REDEEM you from the Oppression of Man.

Realize that God has wonderful “thoughts” of you.

Realize that God is the One who called you, He devised the plan and God is the ONLY one whose opinion matters.

Realize that since God is your “boss,” ONLY GOD has a right to judge your efforts.

Realize that God has no problem giving Second Chances when you mess up on the first try…NOW, GET UP; GET OUT; AND START OBEYING GOD!

My prayer today is a paraphrase of Psalms 119:134…Susan’s Version…

“REMOVE THOSE THAT ARE LIVING RENT-FREE IN MY HEAD THAT I MAY FULFILL YOUR WILL IN MY LIFE.”