I can still hear my dad say, "Don't write anything you wouldn't want published in the newspaper." Today it wouldn't matter. They could edit your words. But the Holy Bible claims to be the inherent Word of God. If a good man strives to maintain a good reputation and a good name for himself, Father God is true to His word. Could we even imagine anything else? As much as He announces His names and the high value He places on His name and reputation, it is only the shadow to how highly He esteems His Word! He is only as good as His Word. His Word is truth and the true representation of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I will try to quote it from memory but I beg grace if I am weak in an area. I can always edit, right?
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God and Ll this gs were made through Him that were made. In His is life and the life is the light of men. He came to His own and His own did not receive him. But to those who received Him He gave the power to become the children of God.
Genesis 1:1
"In the beginning God..."
Okay? Ask the Father what that means in its fullness. Ask Him questions. And more than anything, frequently ask Him, "What is the truth?" It is that simple and powerful.
As one who loves God's law, I have an active imagination that is totally given over to the Holy Spirit and I have truly enjoyed the benefits as well as the privilege of these experiences. I am so unfamiliar with success and blessing in all the walk of my life and it is wonderful to be free from a tormenting captivity and to feel clean and in Holy Spirit's control much more profoundly. I am beginning to be able to distinguish when I slip into covetousness and I lose my connection with the Father or I sense the Holy Spirit is quenched. I am an active participant in the war going on around us in our homes, work places, the store, restaurant, school, bars and night clubs and in our churches. I am purposing to stay close to and along side the Holy Spirit as we cast out demons and tear down strongholds. I am so glad to be chosen for such a rewarding ministry. I will give understanding to the many by the grace of God and in the love and admonition of the Holy Spirit. I could not survive a day without my awareness of the Holy Spirit always present, able and willing to help me in all situations according to the riches in glory that my life brings Him. It is all about God being exactly who He says He is. And by knowing Him through knowing the Word of the Holy Scriptures, we know the Father, our King and Jesus our advocate and the Helper Who is teaching me all things that are needed for the equipping of the saints. I am learning to recognize and use the gifts as He apportions out. And I am enjoying a season of protective nurturing as I get a glimpse into the realm of darkness battling forces of principalities and powers of the air and between the angelic host of many, the servants of man, totally on our behalf. We need to participate. We must pray into our part in the affairs of many around us who benefit from our prayers of worship for the Father and our adoration for His Holy Spirit. We need to understand the reality that exists whether we want it to or not has no bearing on whether it continues to torment, confuse and enrage any unsuspecting, tormented soul whether already having tasted the goodness of God or whether they are dead in their sins. I can once again say, "Once I was blind but now I see!" And as recorded in Isaiah the Prophet's book, chapter 58.
Jesus came to set the captives free. I am in the business of going about undoing the work of the deceiver and giving exhortation to the Church to rise up and cast in the sickle for the harvest is ready and the workers are few. We are praying that the Lord of the harvest send more workers into the harvest and that I would walk in confidence and boldness in the Spirit of His love. What more could anyone ever hope for or dream of, really?
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Needs and Glory of God
God created man to love and be loved, to need and to be needed.
As I was pencil writing in my journal earlier today, because I was frustrated with a particular lack in my life, I spent a couple minutes in prayer to realign myself with God. It got me thinking.
The Apostle Paul of the bible says, "My God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory." I have been meditating on the 'according to' part of that verse a lot lately. What riches in glory am I offering to God? Or, what glory is God getting from the way I am living my life? Then I thought of a comment Pastor Rob said from the pulpit, "God wants to move but will His glory be safe?" Isaiah says, "God will share His glory with no man." Because God has me alone with Him much of my days during this season in my life, I am investing very little energy anywhere else. I wrote in my journal a list of needs I felt I inherited from Adam or I was created with. The list got long so I gleaned out these few. God is able to meet all these needs with Himself alone if He chose.
To Belong, Fulfilling my Identity in Jesus, Significance, Purpose, Security, Safety, Protectin, The Holy Scriptures, Love (to give and receive), Friendship, Intimacy, To Worship Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, Forgiveness and to Forgive, to Grow and be transformed into the image of Christ.
I have been thinking of my need to create, use my imagination, pursue excellence, to produce (provide for me and my children), to accomplish, obedience to the Word of God, intimacy in prayer, self-discipline, and living to glorify God and for His glory. I passionately want to pray big prayers from God and to be trustworthy with His glory.
I wrote this thought in my journal today:
"Man must see his sin and wretchedness before he sees the glory of God or he will be destroyed by pride."
As I was pencil writing in my journal earlier today, because I was frustrated with a particular lack in my life, I spent a couple minutes in prayer to realign myself with God. It got me thinking.
The Apostle Paul of the bible says, "My God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory." I have been meditating on the 'according to' part of that verse a lot lately. What riches in glory am I offering to God? Or, what glory is God getting from the way I am living my life? Then I thought of a comment Pastor Rob said from the pulpit, "God wants to move but will His glory be safe?" Isaiah says, "God will share His glory with no man." Because God has me alone with Him much of my days during this season in my life, I am investing very little energy anywhere else. I wrote in my journal a list of needs I felt I inherited from Adam or I was created with. The list got long so I gleaned out these few. God is able to meet all these needs with Himself alone if He chose.
To Belong, Fulfilling my Identity in Jesus, Significance, Purpose, Security, Safety, Protectin, The Holy Scriptures, Love (to give and receive), Friendship, Intimacy, To Worship Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, Forgiveness and to Forgive, to Grow and be transformed into the image of Christ.
I have been thinking of my need to create, use my imagination, pursue excellence, to produce (provide for me and my children), to accomplish, obedience to the Word of God, intimacy in prayer, self-discipline, and living to glorify God and for His glory. I passionately want to pray big prayers from God and to be trustworthy with His glory.
I wrote this thought in my journal today:
"Man must see his sin and wretchedness before he sees the glory of God or he will be destroyed by pride."
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Big Orange: Small Orange
One January Winter afternoon, as I walked along my neighbor's driveway to give care for their rabbits while they were on vacation, I looked across a wooded area and on the ground of this grey, dreary day, I spied a large colorful orange. Upon inspection, it looked to be in perfect condition, uncompromised. I peeled it. It smelled OK. It tasted OK, and I thoroughly enjoyed this juicy orange. As I was leaving, walking back along their driveway, I heard God say,
"I can even provide fresh citrus."
To which I replied, "That's good because I would get tired of manna."
All we do here in this life, whether a big or small action, has consequences.
"I can even provide fresh citrus."
To which I replied, "That's good because I would get tired of manna."
Two days later, I was walking down a path in my neighborhood that I seldom had reason to take. Halfway down the path, my body turned around and I looked back to see another, much smaller orange, about 8 feet from the path. I went back and picked it up. I then continued on my way. After reaching my destination, the home of a client, I took that small orange and put it into my large coat pocket.
God said, "If you take that orange into the house you will have to share it with those four children."
To which I said, "If I don't feel like sharing it I can just leave it in my pocket."
After about 15 minutes in their home, I was upstairs playing with the kids so my friend could get ready for the arrival of her midwife. I didn't make a conscious decision to share the orange; I just remember sitting on the end of the bed with this tiny orange in hand, started to peel it and four little drooling, bright eyed faces waited eagerly as if anticipating a candy delight. I divied out one teeny, tiny slice to each child, then took two for me, and continued to give another slice to each of the children.
There was one tiny section left. I held it up and asked, "Who should get this one? Me?" To which one of the little boys grabbed the slice, hesitated for any objections, and without any, he quickly put it in his mouth. This was a delightful experience.
God said, "If you take that orange into the house you will have to share it with those four children."
To which I said, "If I don't feel like sharing it I can just leave it in my pocket."
After about 15 minutes in their home, I was upstairs playing with the kids so my friend could get ready for the arrival of her midwife. I didn't make a conscious decision to share the orange; I just remember sitting on the end of the bed with this tiny orange in hand, started to peel it and four little drooling, bright eyed faces waited eagerly as if anticipating a candy delight. I divied out one teeny, tiny slice to each child, then took two for me, and continued to give another slice to each of the children.
There was one tiny section left. I held it up and asked, "Who should get this one? Me?" To which one of the little boys grabbed the slice, hesitated for any objections, and without any, he quickly put it in his mouth. This was a delightful experience.
Upon leaving their home, God said, "I will use you to feed many."
'Well, that's cool,' I thought.
I am learning I seldom truly understand the interpretation of all God says to me. But sometimes I use my imagination to envision a crowd of hungry people all around me, and after picking up a loaf sized rock, looking up to heaven, blessing God for His provision and commanding the rock to become bread. Then, I envision breaking the bread and passing it around and all eat and are satisfied. It is a fun image to have.
'Well, that's cool,' I thought.
I am learning I seldom truly understand the interpretation of all God says to me. But sometimes I use my imagination to envision a crowd of hungry people all around me, and after picking up a loaf sized rock, looking up to heaven, blessing God for His provision and commanding the rock to become bread. Then, I envision breaking the bread and passing it around and all eat and are satisfied. It is a fun image to have.
All we do here in this life, whether a big or small action, has consequences.
The Smith's: And Other True Warriors
This family could be listed in the Hebrews chapter 11 Hall of Fame. Their mom, Kari Smith, is a servant of the Lord and a mighty prayer warrior. Whitney Smith prays as one who has God's ear. Cody Smith is tearing down many strongholds of the enemy.
Correspondingly, Cody has also experienced the glory of God. He is a true last days representation of Jesus. He has been chosen with the ability to see demons in their raw form. I am glad to say, I haven't ever had an experience even remotely close to his, regarding demons. Most of my discernment are pleasant and full of satisfaction.
This family is effectively defeating the schemes of Satan and principalities. People are being set free; free from very heavy, dark beings inside the non-christian body. I praise God and bless The Smith Family of Calvary Corvallis, Oregon and now Brazil.
They all have friends and Church family praying for them as well. I am blessed to be part of a fellowship, in a town of so many other believers who are truly seeking God, praying for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit and asking Jesus to come quickly.
Correspondingly, Cody has also experienced the glory of God. He is a true last days representation of Jesus. He has been chosen with the ability to see demons in their raw form. I am glad to say, I haven't ever had an experience even remotely close to his, regarding demons. Most of my discernment are pleasant and full of satisfaction.
This family is effectively defeating the schemes of Satan and principalities. People are being set free; free from very heavy, dark beings inside the non-christian body. I praise God and bless The Smith Family of Calvary Corvallis, Oregon and now Brazil.
They all have friends and Church family praying for them as well. I am blessed to be part of a fellowship, in a town of so many other believers who are truly seeking God, praying for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit and asking Jesus to come quickly.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Unclean Spirits Can Occupy the Body of a Born Again Believer
In my lifetime, I have met only one demon possessed person that I know of.
I am not sure why many Christians are so set in their beliefs that a principality or unclean spirit cannot dwell inside the body of a Christian. It is clear and obvious to me but then I saw demons come out of my body and I know the freedom and clarity I have experienced as a result.
We know that sin dwells within our body. And our flesh has permanent residence until we are delivered from this corruptible shell. God says our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Well, the temple dimensions that were given to Solomon included the outer court and an inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. Satan goes before the throne of God in heaven to present accusations toward man. This heaven is as the outer court. Whereas, the highest heaven is restricted access only.
It is much like the effects of alcohol on the human body. When I drink alcohol, it affects my whole body. It is in my blood. I could drink a little and feel relaxed or I could consume a lot and become inebriated and out of control. The alcohol at no time possesses my Spirit, nor does it change me from who I am when sober. It does have an influence commensurate with how much I am given over to it in my consumption. Unclean spirits are much like the alcohol with one difference. Once they have gained access to a body, they don't leave unless they are called out and commanded, "Be gone in the Name of Jesus."
I do not identify with my flesh in any way. I am not a sinner though I sin. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. When I choose to sin, to disregard Jesus, I am allowing my flesh to dominate. My flesh is in control. Unclean spirits have control over my actions when I let them. My Spirit has no uncleanness and cannot be defiled but it can be oppressed and held captive. If I feed my flesh then I will reap corruption. It is imperative we feed our Spirit through devotion to The Word of God. Quick repentance, forgiveness and restitution are critical to re-establish our fellowship with Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I remember when a few months ago a number of unclean spirits were called out of my body and sent away. I asked Father God if they were all gone and He didn't answer but I could tell pride hadn't left. Since then many more unclean spirits have gone out but as long as I am subject to this corruptible body, I am also subject to war between my Spirit and my flesh. I can see and hear these entities as they entice and try to deceive me.
I find great comfort in knowing it is no longer I doing it but sin that dwells within me. Guilt and condemnation have no foothold. Neither do I struggle with constant fear or feelings of oppression. My Spirit is free and strong and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus everyday. My identity in Jesus is sure.
When I was four years old, I began stealing candy from the corner drug store. I continued to steal throughout my childhood. I took anything that caught my fancy. Even after I was saved, I still had the compulsion to steal that which was not mine. After I had taken some coins that a friend had laying around, I was convicted and a year after the initial offense, I was making restitution. I called the girl and made arrangements for her to meet me. I told her I had stolen coins from her. I handed her the jewelry travel case that was full of many old coins, including all my silver dollars. She said she knew they were not all hers and I agreed but since I didn't know definitively which ones were hers, I was giving her all the coins I had collected through the years. That really hurt. Stealing became less attractive that day.
Then, starting about 2 years ago, I stole two gold chain necklaces from a friend. A year later I stole some beads from the store where I volunteered. Then, after Tom died, I started stealing some of the stupidest stuff from the handicapped girl I was working for. I remember walking in the door, home from work, and with a stolen Pizza Hut gift card in hand, going straight to the phone and calling to find out the dollar amount on it. When I heard, "Forty-three dollars and sixteen cents" I was shocked back to my senses and immediately called my friend and confessed what I had done and offered to drive it right over to her.
Well, from these behaviors and the compulsive nature that was escalating, I was sure I had an unclean spirit. I don't know if it was actually one that did end up coming out of me or not but I brought the gold chains back to my friend and confessed to the bead store owner and made restitution. I know I don't hear constant badgering to take something anymore. There is definitely a cleanness and purity and clarity of thought that I have not ever known. When confessing sin before I go to bed, I can usually tell if something has loosened and I call any unclean spirit out and command it to leave in the Name of Jesus. It is that simple.
I know I will never be released from all of them but as long as I take obedience to The Word of God seriously, it doesn't matter. My flesh will burn and disappear. I will live on forever in the new incorruptible body God gives me.
I am not sure why many Christians are so set in their beliefs that a principality or unclean spirit cannot dwell inside the body of a Christian. It is clear and obvious to me but then I saw demons come out of my body and I know the freedom and clarity I have experienced as a result.
We know that sin dwells within our body. And our flesh has permanent residence until we are delivered from this corruptible shell. God says our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Well, the temple dimensions that were given to Solomon included the outer court and an inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. Satan goes before the throne of God in heaven to present accusations toward man. This heaven is as the outer court. Whereas, the highest heaven is restricted access only.
It is much like the effects of alcohol on the human body. When I drink alcohol, it affects my whole body. It is in my blood. I could drink a little and feel relaxed or I could consume a lot and become inebriated and out of control. The alcohol at no time possesses my Spirit, nor does it change me from who I am when sober. It does have an influence commensurate with how much I am given over to it in my consumption. Unclean spirits are much like the alcohol with one difference. Once they have gained access to a body, they don't leave unless they are called out and commanded, "Be gone in the Name of Jesus."
I do not identify with my flesh in any way. I am not a sinner though I sin. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. When I choose to sin, to disregard Jesus, I am allowing my flesh to dominate. My flesh is in control. Unclean spirits have control over my actions when I let them. My Spirit has no uncleanness and cannot be defiled but it can be oppressed and held captive. If I feed my flesh then I will reap corruption. It is imperative we feed our Spirit through devotion to The Word of God. Quick repentance, forgiveness and restitution are critical to re-establish our fellowship with Father God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I remember when a few months ago a number of unclean spirits were called out of my body and sent away. I asked Father God if they were all gone and He didn't answer but I could tell pride hadn't left. Since then many more unclean spirits have gone out but as long as I am subject to this corruptible body, I am also subject to war between my Spirit and my flesh. I can see and hear these entities as they entice and try to deceive me.
I find great comfort in knowing it is no longer I doing it but sin that dwells within me. Guilt and condemnation have no foothold. Neither do I struggle with constant fear or feelings of oppression. My Spirit is free and strong and growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus everyday. My identity in Jesus is sure.
When I was four years old, I began stealing candy from the corner drug store. I continued to steal throughout my childhood. I took anything that caught my fancy. Even after I was saved, I still had the compulsion to steal that which was not mine. After I had taken some coins that a friend had laying around, I was convicted and a year after the initial offense, I was making restitution. I called the girl and made arrangements for her to meet me. I told her I had stolen coins from her. I handed her the jewelry travel case that was full of many old coins, including all my silver dollars. She said she knew they were not all hers and I agreed but since I didn't know definitively which ones were hers, I was giving her all the coins I had collected through the years. That really hurt. Stealing became less attractive that day.
Then, starting about 2 years ago, I stole two gold chain necklaces from a friend. A year later I stole some beads from the store where I volunteered. Then, after Tom died, I started stealing some of the stupidest stuff from the handicapped girl I was working for. I remember walking in the door, home from work, and with a stolen Pizza Hut gift card in hand, going straight to the phone and calling to find out the dollar amount on it. When I heard, "Forty-three dollars and sixteen cents" I was shocked back to my senses and immediately called my friend and confessed what I had done and offered to drive it right over to her.
Well, from these behaviors and the compulsive nature that was escalating, I was sure I had an unclean spirit. I don't know if it was actually one that did end up coming out of me or not but I brought the gold chains back to my friend and confessed to the bead store owner and made restitution. I know I don't hear constant badgering to take something anymore. There is definitely a cleanness and purity and clarity of thought that I have not ever known. When confessing sin before I go to bed, I can usually tell if something has loosened and I call any unclean spirit out and command it to leave in the Name of Jesus. It is that simple.
I know I will never be released from all of them but as long as I take obedience to The Word of God seriously, it doesn't matter. My flesh will burn and disappear. I will live on forever in the new incorruptible body God gives me.
Job
Job Chapter 32 Elihu Rebukes Job in Anger.
Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because Job justified himself before God. Elihu's anger burned against Job's three friends because they had found no answer, and yet they had condemned Job.
Chapter 32 Elihu begins his rebuke.
Chapter 33 Elihu claims to speak for God.
Chapter 34 Elihu vindicates God's justice.
Chapter 35 Elihu sharply reproves Job.
Chapter 36 Elihu speaks of God's dealings with men.
Chapter 37 Elihu says God is back of the storm.
Elihu's final statement: Job 37:23+24
"The Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power and He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness. Therefore, men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise of heart." (Elihu's ultimate lie is one that also slanders the character of God!)
I picture God stepping in and putting himself between Job and Elihu, He faces Job but turns His back on Elihu. God does not give Elihu any acknowledgment whatsoever. Elihu is a man who became an agent for Satan. Repentance and forgiveness is neither sought nor offered. Elihu's name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
God's only response to Job regarding Elihu's long dissertation of condemnation and fierce accusations is this: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?"
In trying to help other believers understand the abilities principalities have in this realm, it is important they are not given any glory nor acknowledgement. I have no need to allow any unclean spirit any response. I keep my communication with them to the simple command that they, "leave in the Name of Jesus."
Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because Job justified himself before God. Elihu's anger burned against Job's three friends because they had found no answer, and yet they had condemned Job.
Chapter 32 Elihu begins his rebuke.
Chapter 33 Elihu claims to speak for God.
Chapter 34 Elihu vindicates God's justice.
Chapter 35 Elihu sharply reproves Job.
Chapter 36 Elihu speaks of God's dealings with men.
Chapter 37 Elihu says God is back of the storm.
Elihu's final statement: Job 37:23+24
"The Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is exalted in power and He will not do violence to justice and abundant righteousness. Therefore, men fear Him; He does not regard any who are wise of heart." (Elihu's ultimate lie is one that also slanders the character of God!)
I picture God stepping in and putting himself between Job and Elihu, He faces Job but turns His back on Elihu. God does not give Elihu any acknowledgment whatsoever. Elihu is a man who became an agent for Satan. Repentance and forgiveness is neither sought nor offered. Elihu's name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
God's only response to Job regarding Elihu's long dissertation of condemnation and fierce accusations is this: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?"
In trying to help other believers understand the abilities principalities have in this realm, it is important they are not given any glory nor acknowledgement. I have no need to allow any unclean spirit any response. I keep my communication with them to the simple command that they, "leave in the Name of Jesus."
Friday, February 17, 2012
Isaiah Chapter 30
Isaiah is my new most favorite book right now.
Isaiah 30:20+21
Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eves will behold your Teacher. 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 30:22b
...and say to them, " Be gone!"
Isaiah 30:15b
"...In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength."
Isaiah 30:20+21
Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eves will behold your Teacher. 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 30:22b
...and say to them, " Be gone!"
Isaiah 30:15b
"...In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength."
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