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…….

When we have a heart’s desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth–when we want everyone to have the opportunity to know Jesus personally–when we love people and want the best for them–just what do we do?

When we state what we believe and stand our ground, too often it comes across as judgment.  In other words, we are right and you are wrong, scenario.  But does that really bring Life?  Can the Truth flourish in an atmosphere of condemnation?  My Bible says, “It is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance.”  (Romans 2:4)

One of my favorite Pastors says, “I don’t enter any battles I have no opportunity to change.”  And, I think that is what I am saying to myself these days, “Choose your battles carefully, Carol, that you do not strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”

There are times when we must stand for Jesus and what we believe…..and I certainly pray I will be embolden when that happens.  However, there is a strong group–that I follow–in the Church who are saying we must (as Jesus directed in Matthew) to teach all Nations about the Kingdom of God.  That we must have an influence in media, government, the market, education, entertainment, the arts, family and so on.

We will definitely not make friends and influence people with attitudes of superiority, and hearts filled with judgment about how wrong our associates may be.  To even enter those fields we must be well equipped and ready to be the absolute best….for whatever is required.  Then we need to soak in the Love and Grace of God until it permeates our being and our hearts are filled with a desire to bless and care about everyone we meet.

Do we really trust the Holy Spirit?  Do we know that our part is to set an example, pray for others and trust Him to work?  Or do we think it is totally up to us to confront with what we know to be the truth, and people will change?  In 23 years of ministry I have not found that to work.  However, loving and caring with mercy and compassion, is overwhelming to even the nastiest of demons–their power pales under that kind of influence.

Carrie Prejean, Miss California, stood for what she believes and lost the crown for Miss USA.  She was put in a no-win situation by the question given her.  The Holy Spirit was there for her and has provided the help she has needed through the hours and days that followed. 

Ten or twelve years ago I was blessed to meet two great women of God, who were at the time living in Israel.  They worked in the community and never talked about Jesus openly, but prayed at night, for those who crossed their path during the day.  They learned as time went on, that Jesus was going personally to those individuals and they were accepting Him as their Messiah.  And to this day, my heart cries out that we would have that kind of faith for the Lord do His part when we do ours!  He is sooooo good at what He does and it is His plan after all.

If I love my neighbor as myself……how would I like Jesus presented to me ?

This is such a dazzling age.  Information and knowledge abounds everywhere.  But love?  It seems scarce and many are searching for it in all the wrong places.  I do not mean sentimental love….I mean the kind of love that truly cares about others and their welfare.  Jesus spent a great deal of time with those the Bible calls ’sinners’ ….must be a clue there, for us! May we move, not in self-righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ to move the Kingdom beyond our doors, for the King of all kings, our Jesus!

Pressing in and pressing on….

P S If you would like  hear Carrie’s testimony at her church, click here

http://inspirationmanifestation.com/142/miss-california-carrie-prejean-tells-all-at-church-interview.php

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, ‘If any man will  come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me’.”

I delight in the fact that no matter how long we read the Bible we will find new understanding and revelation that will enhance and bless our lives.  One that came to my mind this week was on the above Scripture. 

The focus of course, is on Jesus, what He did, how He suffered for mankind, forgave and changed the world forever!  Thank God we dedicate a day to celebrate, honor and rejoice for our good fortune and love on Jesus, the man, the person He is for us today!  But, how do we take up our cross and follow Him?

I am sure there are many answers to the question.  I respectfully want to share mine!  When Jesus said, “Father Forgive them, they know not what they do!”  set in motion a supernatural phenomena that will never end.  Forgiveness and repentance have more power spiritually than an atom-powered locomotive on a down hill track.   That declaration of  forgiveness and the payment of His blood, His life, has taken the penalty of sin in the world, for those who chose to accept His gracious selfless gift–available to each and every person on the planet.

We can pick up our cross, and do as He did, in forgiving others.  (John 20:23)  This really does take denial of self, because most of the time we don’t feel like forgiving.  Wonder how much Jesus felt like forgiving as He hung on that cross racked with pain, having taken the weight of the world upon himself?  The magic of forgiveness is not a game or a shallow act of being humble but a decision of our will to have the will of the Father in Heaven, not ours! 

It is not always easy…..but always possible!  Because God has put supernatural power in the act of using our will to do His.  Sometimes we must get rid of our judgment of the person or incident to forgive.  Sometimes we need to be healed of the hurt or pain, to forgive.  But, the greatest power and reward comes when we forgive out of our pain, as Jesus did!

Forgiveness is not:

• Stuffing our feelings and emotions!
• Condoning the act–”Oh, it’s OK.”
• Taking part in–”Well, it’s just this once.”
•  Agreeing with–”Well, everyone does it.”

Forgiveness is, giving our pain, hurt and offense to a Heavenly Father, because the price has already been paid by Jesus, and the very act and declaration by a decision of our will, cleanses, heals and restores! 

Jesus died once and was resurrected to give abundant Life…..just once….and every year we are reminded because of Him we too, can deny self, pick up our cross and follow Him.  What a precious Easter gift He has given us! 

 Forgiveness never loses it’s power or effect.  Forgiveness can restore relationships, bond groups and communities together,  end wars and most of all, bring the presence of God right into our lives!  Thank you, Lord–You are so special and more than enough in every situation!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

Pressing in and pressing on….

Note:  If you are new to this Blog, you are invited to take advantage of the FREE BOOK OFFER given on the page to the right of an indepth study of this subject on forgiveness in the book–THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!

If we ever think prayer is work or boring we must ask ourselves several question:

• Why are we praying?
• What does God represent to us?
• Do we believe He hears us?
• Do we believe He will answer?
• What is the alternative?

It is so simple, a sovereign God, in His love for His creation of mankind, has limited His own powers to give us free will.  He wants our love and relationship because we chose to love Him, to be with Him forever.  However, our Gracious Loving Heavenly Father sent Jesus that we might really know Him, His heart and His purpose for us in eternity.  Then God Graciously established communication, the Gift of Prayer, to bond to the powers of Heaven!

What a privilege and honor He has given to His children, those who chose to love Him.  There is an evil spirit of ‘Urgency’ that convinces and deceives us into thinking we don’t have time to pray…..there are other priorities…..immediate needs….doesn’t God understand?   Why can’t He just take care of it for us? 

The Majestic Communication of Prayer is our bond to the Throne Room of a Loving Father.  The Bible tells us we are the bride of Christ.  I ask my friend and myself…..would I want to be married to someone who never talked to me?  Would I want a husband or wife who went everywhere without me?

They might do their chores or support us, but never to talk to us….never to share with us feelings and emotion?  I don’t think so!  Not for me!  If prayer is only at a structured time in a specific place, that could be work…..sounds more like religion than relationship.  If we pray to feel good about ourselves, to move the Hand of God, to feel ‘justified’ in our Christian walk, we have missed the point and we are groveling in self-righteousness. 

• I pray because I want to…..because I love Him…..because I have needs I want to give to Him!
• God represents to me–Heavenly Father, Loving Lord, Comforting Spirit….my future….here and forever!
• As Jesus said, I know He always hears me!
• For many years He has answered, I have seen miracles, been comforted, enjoyed laughter at His Hand and comfort in my grief.  The answers I don’t receive are because of fear, doubt or unbelief in my heart.  So I seek more of Him to forgive the past and build another future….knowing He will not leave or forsake me no matter what the devil, and evil in the world may throw at me!
• The alternative is have no one to call on, to lean on, and no excuse when things go wrong that I did not pray about. 

One of the ten commandments says not to take the Lord’s Name in vain.  So if we pray just for our needs and then hope for an answer or doubt His faithfulness, we are taking the Lord’s Name in vain, and our so-called prayer will avail little.  Do I set aside special times for prayer…..yes….just as I would want special time with a spouse or friend.  Do I enjoy prayer meetings….whee….yes, it like having a party to celebrate someone special!

 It is so fun to talk to the Lord just like we talk to anyone else through out our day.  If we have asked and received a gift of a prayer language, where the Holy Spirit prays with us, through us, we can do that, all through the day while accomplishing other things.  The action of connecting to the power of God with prayer builds our spirit strength and resolve to be led by the spirit and not by our fleshly worldly thinking.  The Spirit of God has more wisdom than all mankind and can lead us in blessings, endurance in hardship and joy in just being with Him.

 In writing this I realize PRAYER is the greatest gift I have on this earth….until I face Him face to face and can personally converse for ever!  I am so grateful for my friend, that she brought me to remembrance of something I was taking for granted!  I ask the Lord to forgive me….He is quick to do so…..another great gift from God….

Pressing in and pressing on….. 

• In Giving both the Giver and the Receiver are blessed!
• When giving an individual something, even a cup of water, a smile or handshake….the honor given by the Givor is a double blessing to the Receiver!
• The Bible teaches ’seed, time and harvest,’ so when we give into a ministry, a good work or just to a person we have planted a seed in the spiritual Kingdom of God that will bring a harvest….a double portion blessing!
• Because God is the greatest of all ‘Givors‘ (hope He doesn’t mind the term I just made up), that is His Character and Nature ….He is pleased with us when we give….another double portion blessing…pleasing our Heavenly Father.
• In the United States giving to a non-profit ministry or company is tax-deductible making the gift a double portion blessing!
• When we give and the receiver in turn thanks us for giving–we are not only blessed by giving, but also receive a blessing by the receiver of the gift–double portion.
• When we give something of ourselves we make room in our heart or our house for something new that will definitely be a double portion blessing.
• When we pray for someone our prayer is a gift of eternal measure….and the love of God flows through us…a beautiful double portion blessing…..knowing every time we bless we are being blessed!

We could go on and on….isn’t this fun to think about the positive side of life…that of being a ‘Givor’ with a joyful heart?

GIVING IS ALWAYS A BLESSING BECAUSE IT COMES RIGHT OUT OF THE HEART OF GOD WITHIN US….IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE…THANK YOU, JESUS!

Just for fun, see if you can think of more double portion blessings in life…..sure more enjoyable and inspiring than trying to figure out the ‘news’ these days!  Even more fun will be to figure out how to give in new and exciting ways knowing it will bring a double portion blessing!

Pressing in and pressing on…..a double portion return….Absolutely! 

When we just flow with life, we may look back and say something profound like, “Why in the sam-hillhave I been doing that?”  Taking inventory occasionally is helpful!

I definitely want to share why I do what I am doing.  I was 47 years old before someone, my middle son, Patrick, told me I could have a personal relationship with Jesus, with the Creator of the Universe–God.  And, some wonderful ladies prayed over me and told me to take a paper and pen when I prayed, as God would talk to me and I should write down what He said so that I wouldn’t forget or change what He (the Holy Spirit) shared with me.  Well, I did, He did and He still does!

How blessed I was not to question what they told me–had no doubt about it and what a great and awesome adventure it has been.  As many know I am now 75 and though the years have questioned and sought God on every issue that I could think of and how to understand what is taught in the Bible.

I think I would like more social life but my priorities are in Ministry of Blessed Abundance.  I am a widow and I think I would like to marry again (I had a great marriage and hate living alone) but that would require someone who shares the desire to share ‘all about Jesus’ on a regular basis.

I know, if I spent the time to develop more relationships, etc. I could have both of the things I have mentioned.  And, I may do so….

In the meantime, I have one desire…..to share what the Lord has given me over the last 23 years both good (personal knowledge of Jesus, miracles, prayers answered, questions resolved) and bad (failures, disappointments, lack of progress, dealing with some depression, and death of loved ones). 

I have worked hard at seeking God–not because I had to—but because I wanted and still want to do so.  How awful it would be for me to go to my grave without sharing the beauty, love and joy of the Lord I have received, in a way, that may spare others much of the grief.

Things and money are pretty important in this world, and I could have had more of both, had I made different decisions.  Even though I live quite simply, I lack for nothing of comfort and feel I am one of the richest women on the planet!

Do I think everyone should choose this path?  No….in fact, quite the opposite!  I think many are ‘called’ (motivated) to go into ministry, find the answers and share the ‘good news’ of Jesus, so the rest of the world can benefit and go in their field of endeavor to build a better world…..raise Godly children, set an example in the market place, and bless the entertainment  and sports field with appropriate competition, and boy, above all….get Holy Spirit filled men and women into government and media.

So, now you know why I do what I do…..how about you…..have a chat with yourself and be sure you are doing what you do for reasons that will bless you and others in the world!  We can all be a champion at home, a sterling example in the work place, and be one of the richest people on the planet.   Our Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always here to help us do it all!

Pressing in and pressing on….

Jill has traveled extensively for over 25 years as a national and international conference speaker, ministering the Gospel with signs and wonders following. She has a powerful prophetic anointing and releases the fire of the Holy Spirit, bringing fresh passion and hunger for Jesus Christ!

 We met years ago through mutual friends when she spoke at home groups in San Diego.  I can remember so many stories of how this single woman would travel where ever she was asked to go, to teach  preach and heal in the Name of Jesus, regardless of distance, or weather conditions!  Many times it was her faith that got her there, especially in those early years.

As part of her legacy to us, and it is a big one, I want to share my favorite story from Jill’s ministry.  Jill was asked to minister in a foreign country.  One of the Preachers who hear about her invited her to his church.  As she began to speak she notice 4 or 5 men in the back, criticizing and grumbling about a woman preaching.  They were not very quiet and she was well aware of their sentiments as they were vocal.  It turned out that they were Elders in the church.

The Holy Spirit spoke to Jill and told her to invite them to the platform, and she did.  Then the Holy Spirit told her not to touch them or speak, just to watch.  Each man was picked up, one after another, thrown on the back drop and fell to the floor.  The Holy Spirit said for Jill to ask them if they had any thing they would like share.  Humbly each crawled up and off the platform and took seats in the front.  Jill continued to minister, and many were converted and many healed following the message she gave.

All things are possible with God.  I am sure that was a turning point for those men and that church.  If we have any doubt of the story we would have to tear the story of Paul being thrown to the earth (Acts 9:3) and led blind into the city, out of our Bibles.  We have been told the Holy Spirit is always a gentleman….well, perhaps we shouldn’t say ‘always’ too often.  And we should never doubt the power of God in any situation.  The Holy Spirit has many Angels at His disposal at any time, such as  Gabriel who closed the mouth of Zacharias until John the Baptist was born (Luke 1;19,20). 

We assume Paul was on a donkey, and those men were certainly on their ‘high horse’; just a short fall to the ground.  This jewel (story) has many facets gleaming to our understanding how our Heavenly Father can change the affairs of men through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Host.   There are many more stories that will bless those who know them and share them about the exploits of this Deborah like General in the army of God, Jill Austin! 

We can thank God for Jill Austin, and pray many will be the miracles, signs and wonders in the months and years to come because of the legacy she left for so many!  Bye, for now, Jill…..we’ll see you later!

Pressing in and pressing on….    

First of all, I didn’t know he wanted off.  It is so easy….there is a link at the bottom of each message where anyone can unsubscribe.  For some unknown reason that did not work.  So he was ‘hot’!  I got the job done as soon as I knew there was a problem.  I don’t send those emails out from my office….they go through another company (a really good one) Automated Sales Machine.  We only want those on line with us who are blessed by the messages.

The statement that I said I was religious….got me ‘hot’…..one thing I live by and try to impart is that following and believing in Jesus is relationship not religion.  Religion is what man must do for God and Christianity is what God has done for man. 

Well, I argued with myself (a little), “Why did that upset me?”  Then I decided to look up religion and religious in my concordance to see what it actually means.  That was a surprise, because it means to worship or worshiping.  And, religion and religious are only used 7 times, all in the New Testament.  I pulled up definition from Webster’s Dictionary:  “concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church; “religious texts”; “a member of a religious order”; “lords temporal and spiritual … having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity; “a religious man”; “religious attitude”

I had thought it meant a form of doctrines or beliefs of any kind, like Buddhist, Mormon, Muslim,  New Age, Satanism and those all have doctrines about ‘working’ or pleasing a god, or the ‘god within’.   In Christianity we accept Jesus into our heart, believing He is the ‘Way, the Truth, and the Light’ and we have eternal relationship with God, by His mercy and grace, not works.  Then because we love Him we do work and serve Him out of desire not obligation!

This did give me a little different perspective.  However, I think the words have come to mean what I described for most people, i.e. Tom Cruise refers to Scientology as a religion. 

I did do what I preach…..I forgave the man and prayed he would know Jesus personally, that he would be blessed and God would take all judgment out of my heart.  Amazing how God does just that when we do our part.  So now I guess I am truly religious and might even say that because I do worship Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  I doubt that I would claim it very often because I would never want people to misconstrue my meaning.  Jesus is great, I am not.  I am blessed and important in the scheme of things as is everyone reading this Blog.  I have great confidence in knowing who I am in Christ Jesus, (See  Home Study page at the right, #4 for more on that.) and extremely thankful for all He does for me!  But my self-worth is in Him not what I do.

P S I am sure this will not be the last time I am offended….and it does matter what we do with an offense.  It is to the glory of man to overlook an offense (Prov 19:11) and certainly shows ‘class’…..I’m going to work on that!

 Pressing in and pressing on….

Every-time we bless someone else, three things happen:

1.  We have the thought of the blessing!  (Good for your mind and soul. Phil 4:8)

2.  We speak blessing through our mouth!  (Words can bring life! John 6:63)

3.  As we bless, we are blessed! (In words we are justified; declared righteous! Matt 12:37)

To bless means to:

•  To consecrate or sanctify, or pronounce holy.
•  To request of God, divine favor.
•  To impart good of any kind.
•  To commend as holy; glorify.  (To bless God.)
•  To protect or guard from evil. 

Those are some of the definitions of the word bless.  How wonderful that we can impart such awesome things in just ‘blessing’ a person or situation!

As we work in partnership with the Holy Spirit (He is the senior partner and we are junior partner), we use our mind, our mouth to speak, we are blessed, and the Holy Spirit does the rest, and He is soooo good at what He does!  As it goes forth those who receive the blessing will be blessed, those who do not, the blessing will return to us!  (Luke 10:6)

Whee…!!!  What a blessing to give a blessing and be blessed!  All because of Jesus, for Jesus and in His Name, we can rise up each day to over come evil with good!  (Rom 12:21)

Blessing makes the heart sing!