As I walked away thinking I was being 'critical,' the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart.  "You can respect someone without honoring them."  I started thinking of that simple thought and it became clear.  The friend listened but put little or no value on what I was saying.

At times we are nice to people but we do not honor them…..in other words we do think they have any value or are worth giving them much time or thought..  We might even respect them because of age (as in my case) or relationship with other friends or family members. 

The Lord was telling me that everyone has value, if we look for it.  We were all created in His image, and whether we are a bank president, a house wife, a teacher, politician, garbage collector we have something of value.  A few years ago I had the privilege of praying for homeless people.  I would go home at night astounded at the faith some had, at the 'true grit' they used day after day, and how much they had to offer had not life turned against them.

I think the point God is making with me is to withhold judgment and offer whatever I can to whomever crosses my path, if it is just a smile and hello from the heart.  And, to listen to what they say, it might have great value. 

Years ago I was in Mexico at a Doctors office, and one of the Doctors started talking with me.  He and everyone I met had been so friendly and helpful….so I ask him about that.  He said, "In our country we value people just as they are; in your country you value what people do, who they are."  I have never forgotten.

Sadly that may not be as true in Mexico now, with all the drug wars, murder and crime.  How sad we cannot bring out the value in people to be all they can be for the Lord, not to follow the devil and his demons into disaster.  Well, we can sure try by being an example for those around us….to look for the good, the value in them…..encourage that and treat them always with respect.

Pressing in and pressing on….

For the Glory, the Majesty and the Grace of God we pray for our Nation, our armed forces world wide and their families.  We must also pray for those in leadership, even when we don't agree with them, as the Bible directs that we should do.

Jesus changed the world with forgiveness, and when we forgive our Leaders, and pray God's will into their lives, we are using heavenly power to change things.  My understanding of Agape Love (Greek word for love in the Bible) is that it means wanting the best for everyone.  Of course we want the best for all our leaders even when we adamantly disagree with their standards or behavior.

So I hope where ever you are, you will be wearing 'red, white and blue' this weekend…..that you have the opportunity to say the pledge of allegiance to the Flag, that you will sing patriotic songs and share with our young ones, love of country!

If we do not demonstrate to the youth, if we do not bring our patriotism into the church…..how will it grow, how will we prosper?

And, church is the perfect place……

Most of all we must not forget to thank God for all we have and bless Him for all He is doing!

My thanks to Him for all of you!

Carol

Pressing in and pressing on….

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  Words of Jesus in Matthew 10:16. 

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."  John 13:34,35

"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and for beariance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth to thee to repentance?"  Romans 2:4

When we started years ago, we thought if we told people the Truth from the Bible they would change.  What a deep disappointment to find that only worked when first we loved the person (love-wanting the best for them) and encouraged them to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit and then sometimes we could share  info on 'sin' and see some change.  That only happened when the Holy Spirit worked in the situation.

I am so convinced we do not trust the Holy Spirit to do what He is so capable of doing in the will and desire of God's heart.  Because God looks for our faith–using our free will to pray for others. Tthen we need to step back and trust the Holy Spirit to work in the situation.

So we use our heart, as Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.  Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."  Luke 6:27,28 

"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." Ephesians 6:12

Prayer is the answer, not judgment, condemnation, or confrontation, unless of course, it is truly led by the Holy Spirit.  If we love people into the Kingdom of God, into relationship with Jesus, and give them a Bible–then they can read for themselves what God says, directs and let the Holy Spirit convict them of truth. 

What good would it be to go to jail for a position that allows the media to brings more criticism to the church as a whole?  Unless of course the person wants an inside prison ministry.  I am not speaking of denying Jesus, I am talking only of adamantly defending one issue, refusing to give up  a right to be right without consideration of the cost….losing an ability to share the love of Jesus instead.

Prayer is a covert operation.  We won't tell anyone, just pray, set an example of respect and love, and the Holy Spirit will lead the army of heaven to move into those dark areas and set people free.  Not using our head (that tells us what is right and wrong right out of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil) but using  our heart (settled in the Tree of Life, the teachings of Jesus with mercy, love and grace) following Jesus example to take up our cross of forgiving and loving all men for Him, leading them to Him.

Pressing in and pressing on…..

And, you would think I would be writing about the Christian Story of St. Patrick (available on the Internet), but no, this one is personal.

Many years ago I was dating my late husband, Willie.  We went out to dinner on St. Patrick's day (Corned beef and cabbage, of course) and then went to a little lounge in the Holiday Inn Holiday.  As we danced I ask Willie what he would like for his birthday, that is the 19th of March.  He replied he would like to be alone with me.  I laughed and said, "Well, we could go to Las Vegas and get married."…..and there was no answer.

When Willie took me home, I forgot about my statement as we had agreed in January to be married in June.  Sound asleep, my phone rang at 3:30 AM, and woke me with a start.  Side note: Willie, and his brother, Jerry never said 'hello' or 'goodbye'…..they would both just started talking and then hang up….one of the fun things I remember with joy.  As I said, "Hello"…..Willie started talking…. he said I have decided we will go to Las Vegas and get married.  I have made all the arrangements, so be ready, we leave Friday morning. Don't tell anyone.  And he hung up. 

I was so surprised but delighted.   I had just one day to find a new dress, etc. but you know, I got it done.  On the 19th we were on our way, and married in a small chapel there on the 20th.  We called our family and told them the good news.

Willie went to be with the Lord in 2001, and I have wonderful memories, especially that week.  We celebrated 32 years of a good marriage.  I would like to take credit but it was Jesus in our lives that made us one and kept us through many trials!

I hope you too have some special memories that bring smiles and joy to your heart..  Thanks for sharing in mine!

Pressing in and pressing on…..

For those of you who don't know…. Pat spoke of the pacts that the Haitian people made with the devil' years ago, speaking that the country has had many problems and is one of poorest in that area of the world.  He certainly (in my opinion) was not condemning the people who are there now, and he has spoken of his deep grief over this added tragedy to their country.

AND, his  MINISTRY, OPERATION BLESSING, was on the way to Haiti to help within 48 hours.

The Bible clearly speaks of curses, witchcraft, and occult activities.  I had heard this about Haiti years ago and knew some people who had lived there and spoke openly about prevelent witchcraft was.  Pat's heart (again in my opinion) is to reverse those curses and get these people blessed–and I definitely do not think he was blaming this earthquake on that….only the poverty of the country.

However, what if he was wrong?  What if he spoke unadvisedly?  What are we Christians doing condeming each other insead of defending each other, letting the Lord handle the person?  

In my judgment (ugh, there I go)….how much have any of those critics done in and for the Kingdom of God? 

Pat Robertson paid a great price for the ministry he is a part of…..they have helped people all over the world and have been responsible for millions coming to the Lord.  Doesn't that deserve our loyality  and support?

Why aren't we more forgiving?  And now I have to forgive, and repent for my judgment, as I am doing the same thing, being critical of what they are saying and 'spreading' to others.  When Jesus said, "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." He certainly knew our need and paid the price for our ability to turn from condemnation to grace, so let's do  that!

To everyone who enjoys the Christian faith in Jesus, OR NOT, please look at all the wonderful things Pat Robertson has done and will continue to do, because of his heart for God and for people every where.  Pat is not my idol, or on any 'pedastil', I just admire what he has accomplished,  and thank God that we have him and men like him.  We all make mistakes….God help us to be more tolerant of each other.

Most importantly please give financially to help Haiti where ever you feel led, pray for them, and trust that no matter how bad this is, and it is devastating and overwelming to even comprehend….but, God will bring some good out of it…..may Haiti be rebuilt better than ever, with what ever they have left, and the help of the world.

Pressing in and pressing on….

BLESS MEANS:  TO GIVE APPROVAL; TO CONFER PROSPERITY OR HAPPINESS; TO PROTECT OR PRESERVE; TO GIVE FAVOR!

Who would not want a blessing like that….I definitely would.  In doing this, I have never had anyone be angry with me…..a small few ignored me….most return the blessing!

I never did it in a 'religious way' but more like saying "Have a good day!"

It is a small but powerful gift we can give at Christmas as we celebrate our Jesus, and it does not matter what the other person believes because God 'rains on the just and the unjust' so we should do likewise!

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON……MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We all get tired at this time of year and some people really need a blessing….what a joy that we can be the one to send it!  And, should someone be angry or offended, they really need a blessing….so, we can forgive and go on our way, blessing them anyway!

Pressing in and pressing on….

Years ago I spent some time in fasting and prayer, setting aside every thing else.  Finally, I was ready to end that special time with the Lord, and went to bed.  I woke the next morning sensing the Holy Spirit and quickly went into prayer on my knees.  This is what I heard,

“You have never loved Me, you love what is right!”

I was totally undone, repenting in tears.  I knew what He meant….it was clear to me, even though I had never had such a thought before.  When Jesus convicts us of error, we want to change.  We do not feel guilt, but a desire to change.   That was the beginning of a long walk to judge less, and forgive more.  Jesus is the essence of love, yet He defended what was important to Him.

So our job is to stand for what we believe and know,  is the heart of God….setting an example….not overwhelming others with our position.  We must have the leading of the Holy Spirit because we definitely would not agree with moral sins, by ageeing with  them to keep peace…..however, most of the time we can bring peace with the love of God and good humor.  Our greatest strength to change the world is prayer….and more prayer!

Can we agree to disagree….yes, sometimes, and no not all the time!  May the Lord give us love, charity, kindness, and mercy….and boldness to stand when it is necessary!   Cursing or condemning those we do not like or agree with,  is wrong and those words can rebound on those who speak such things.   Rebuking the demonic in prayer, and blessing our enemies will bring great rewards!  Declare what we want, in blessings, thank God in all things!

Pressing in and pressing on….. 

How many emails do you get that say, ”If you love Jesus….or if you are not ashamed of Jesus…pass this on to all your address book.”  Then of course they add, “If you do pass it on, today, something good, fun or even miraculous will happen to you.  So how many do you get?  I get lots!!!   If I sent all of them to friends I might not have many friends, end of the day–just because most of us have so many emails.

We don’t have to send out ‘nice messages’ to honor Jesus.  If the Holy Spirit puts it on our heart we may want to do so.  And I don’t send every joke I receive either….so I don’t like the ‘intimidation’ of “I’ll bet you send jokes out, so send this.”  

The email I received this morning quoted Gal 6:7 and listed 20 famous people who mocked God and died terrible deaths.  I was so grieved I had to write this blog.  Those who put their name on it and sent it on, probably love God and this seemed ‘good’ and  honoring to Jesus (I assume).  How many Christians who do not mock God have died terrible deaths?  

Most people know I write a lot—I send out emails.  I pray over them, like this message, that it will touch some one’s heart and set them free, especially if they are caught up in the above ‘Mafia-protection’ type of superstitious chain letters.’   My opinion– manipulation is not of the Lord.   When we trust the Holy Spirit He will direct our path, and bless our efforts.

Are we sending out of ‘judgment’  as the last one I received, ”Be not deceived;  God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  (Gal 6:7)    WOW!  That is true– ’spirit and life’; however, it works both ways.  If you sow love you will receive love; if you sow judgement that also will come forth.   

Let’s look at one  thing that Jesus said:  “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?  for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  Matt 12;34  And Paul:  “Or despised thouthe riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Are we eating out of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and using it to judge?  Or, do we want to eat out of the the tree of LIFE…..the teachings of Jesus, to love, to forgive, to pray, to intercede, to stand in the gap? 

“Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked tun from his way and live: tun ye, turn ye from your evil ways;  for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Ezek 33:11   

Had the email I received, ask us to stand in the gap and pray for anyone who mocks God, to forgive and pray for those who don’t know Jesus, I would have loved it.  The intention of sharing that history was good, but the result is fear, not faith!  We must be so careful (and I am talking to myself) not to join the devil in being the accussor but to join Jesus in being His saving people on earth!  God summed it up in John 3:16–He so loved the world……

Another note:  Many people pick up the names and email addresses when we use the cc: copy key;  and they use them to send out  junk mail.  Protect your friends when you forward emails, by clicking on the cc: copy key and then you will see bcc:  key.  If you use it, the names will be protected, and not be seen by everyone!   And, a friend just reminded me that you can delete all the names of those who went before you on the message, another way to protect their privacy.

This  is a serious and challenging time in our world.  Our hope is in Jesus; in forgiving, praying and loving others into the Kingdom for our King Jesus.  You know, ‘hate the sin and love the sinner.’  It is tough to stand for what we believe and still forgive and love…..but we can do it with the Holy Spirit, who is sooooo good at what He does!

Pressing in and pressing on…….

Lisa has written a new book,  NO MATTER WHAT, as she has an extraordinary testimony and is now a ‘Life Coach’.  I met Lisa briefly years ago at the meeting of a week long business forum.  She has achieved and overcome some of  life’s most difficult problems, and her work with youth is life changing.

So why are Christians collaborating with New Age and Quantum Physics Scientists on a DVD such as THE SECRET?  My friends and I were very convicted about our ’stinking thinking’ after watching it…..others warned you could pick up demons watching it.  My answer to that is, that number one I pray before watching or reading anything.  The Holy Spirit directed me away from the book by the same name (go figure?  That’ s why I ask Him).  Second I cover myself with the blood of Jesus  every day and trust that protection.   However, wanting to tell the whole truth, I wrote a book, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SECRET.   Knowledge without Jesus is like a ship without a rudder.

The Supernatural Is Super-Natural….

Wow, that is profound!  Ho Ho!   But my heart cries out as the Church needs to accept, acknowledge and realize the supernatural is more real than the physical.  When this physical is gone, and it will be, for each of us, the supernatural, the spirit realm will still be for eternity. 

Strong believers in ‘New Age’ believe in the spirit realm and get information and direction from ’spirits of light’.  My experience has been, in knowing many that they are good people…..kind, loving and wanting to change the world.  The enemy always duplicates what the Lord does, and he is very convincing when he uses good to enlist his followers into a life of building the ‘god within’…..not the God of the Universe.  

WOULD GOD USE THE NEW AGE TO WAKE US TO SOME OF HIS TRUTH?  HE used a donkey, so he just might.  These are not evil people, just deceived in one area, and pretty smart in other areas. 

Pastor Lance Wallnau, who spoke at our church a year ago, said, “THE SECRET belongs to us, we should take it and use it.”  THE SECRET….the Law of attraction….or in our language….AS A MAN THINKS IN HIS HEART SO IS HE, is only part of the path of life.  But certainly not one we want to ignore. 

The point of this Blog is not to endorse or discredit….but to suggest that we think, really think (Selah) about the supernatural.  Expect miracles from the Holy Spirit  in all areas of our life and adapt our life to the commandments of Jesus that we are prepared for those things we desire.   Not to run out and buy THE SECRET, but not to throw the baby out with the bath water. 

WE ARE THE BODY OF THE LIVING GOD and we should be  way ahead of the world in all areas.  Our KING has all power and authority in this world and HE extends that to us…..not to judge and condemn but to love others into the Kingdom and welcome them into eternity! 

 Holy Spirit, help us to see Your work in the world all around us, help us to see the supernatural in the physical world every time we watch a bird or a butterfly or a fish or a child at play.   I pray you lead us to wisdom and knowledge that we can use to bless and prosper ourselves and the the world!   Help us to know, experiencially know we are the King’s Kids.  Thank You!   In our JESUS……

Pressing in and pressing on……

“a man or woman of distinguished courage or ability, admired for their brave deeds and noble qualities.”

Works for me!  Usually we think of heroes as someone who has saved others or achieved some awesome athletic accomplishment.  That is great, however,  I want to share something a little different.

One of my heros  is a woman I have known for twenty-some years.  For eighteen of those years she has fought an illness that caused weeping open sores–that hurt and itch unmercifully.  She could not wear make-up, jewelry, or certain fabrics–things we women take for granted.

As a single woman with a career she sought out doctors from three states.  Also alternative health avenues, supplements, allergy tests, advice, diets and you just name it, she has tried it–even some experimental medications.

From a spiritual side she has been open continually to prayer, deliverance, study and building her faith. 

Why is she a hero to me?  Because through all the years of pain, discomfort, embarrassment, trials, tests and failures,  she has had an unbelievably great attitude.  She has managed to hold down positions of employment and her bosses value the job she does, quickly, efficiently and how she always goes the extra mile…..plus, great plus….her warm, friendly attitude.

Has she had some bad days, some ‘down’ times…..duh!  Yeah!  But never stays in a ‘pity party’ or let it affect her outlook on life.

There are probably many of these kind of heros in the world….if you know one, please tell them and maybe do something special for them, to let them know you see their gifts in spite of all their difficulties.

The happy ending to this story– MaryAnne is in the process of moving to an area of the country that has been a desire of  her heart for years.  She is physically better than any time since this started and she has great faith she is healed,  because the Word says, “By His stripes we are healed!”  She would tells others, never give up or give in….Trust God and choose Life!   WOW!  She is my hero!

Pressing in and pressing on….