For those of you who don't know…. Pat spoke of the 'packs 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….

Here is the article:  (Sorry it didn't copy well, but think you can read it.)

"To love, honor and obey."  WOW….I have heard that before, but I have also learned, that what I think something means, is not always what God means, so I always what to know what does it mean?  "To love un-conditionally regardless of circumstances (such as illness or poverty, separation–not in mental or physical abuse);  to honor (I love this one because the Lord helped me to understand how the woman can set the stage in the home for the man to to be respected and honored, even when he is not doing everything the wife wants him to be–the more she respects who he is to God, treats him as 'number one' and prays for God's will in his life, the more she will see change–and prays that God will change her where needed, that she can be the best wife possible.); and third that big word 'obey'.  In this case it means to obey the commandments of Jesus with her husband, not under his control, but led by his love and that of Jesus in their lives."  This is especially important in times of crisis.

These things seemed so simple, but sure helped me to understand God's plan for us….and how we sometimes miss it.  Trusting the Lord in all things…..helping each other through the tough times by leaning on, resting in the Father–His love, and security because of Jesus, and looking to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and comfort,  is the path we must take.  Nothing will separate us from the love of God. 

May the Lord quicken (make alive) all that you need to face, survive and have victory in each situation and challenge you have; may He meet your needs according to His riches and Glory in Christ Jesus!  Amen!

Pressing in and pressing on….

A friend asked me to go and pray for a friend of hers (that I did not know), who was very ill with cancer.  At her home during prayer, the Holy Spirit told me to tell her to forgive her husband.  It seemed he acted as though she was not sick.  He would take her grocery shopping, etc.  But refused to take her to the doctor or get her medications.  She had been very active in prison ministry, by mail….a woman of God….who could not understand her husband or his attitude.

First, many women feel a ‘call’ in their heart to minister in some area, and their husbands do not.  Their husbands support them and go on in their life,  just appreciating their wives activities.  Their reward with the Father is just as great as their wife.  They are doing what God wants them to do.  So if you are a wife who is nagging or praying for your husband to do more, be more in the church….stop it!  Just see them…as God does…..as men of  God,  encouraging and praying that God’s Will, not yours,  be done in their life……and pray for the thing that interests them, like golf, tennis, cars, etc. that God will be in those things with them.

Second, I asked the Lord, what He meant for her to forgive her husband.  The Holy Spirit told me that her husband could not cope with her illness and ‘denial’ was his ‘out.’    Some men even leave their wives when disaster strikes because they cannot face them and the situation.

When I got home, I asked the Lord to explain.   The Holy Spirit just loves to explain and talk about His Word in the Bible, or something like this situation.  “Men are given in their DNA, a desire to provide, protect and be priest of the home.” 

When anything happens that they cannot do that (and they are not aware of this) they can react in many ways…..denial, anger, withdrawal.  It is very painful for them, especially since they think it is just the situation and  do not understand the spiritual side.  Feelings of failure, hopelessness, depression and even thoughts of suicide can take over.

Losing a job is condemning even when the economy is good.  When it may involve something like losing a home, car or other family assets, it can be overwhelming.  Only when we know, as men and women, who we are in Christ Jesus can we pull on God  for the strength to go though the dark times. 

Only as a man turns his needs to the Father, relys on Jesus and the Holy Spirit, can he transfer that position of provider, protector and priest to Them, and trust for a turning point, a break in the situation.  It is the man’s job when he can do it (with help, reliance and guidance from Holy Spirit), but it  then becomes THEIR job, when he can’t. 

In times of disaster, a man can be the Hero in the family, just by stiring himself up in the Word with things like:

“There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walknot after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”  “Greater is He in me, than He who is in the world.”  “All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called for His purpose.”  And, there are many more….

No matter what happens, the important thing is that your family stay together….that you have each other.  And, the husband and father can make the family strong enough to endure, because of  his stand, and his trust in God.  We are in a war, and in war there are causalities….but for those who love Jesus it is a win-win situation because we receive eternal life and the Glory of God (His Grace–unmerited favor) can shine in us, at the worst of times.

It is not God trying or testing us……the thief comes to kill, rob and destroy……(what is there about that scripture we don’t understand?).    It is evil in the world, the devil, and bad decisions that bring these trials–even if we didn’t make those decisions.   The devil is evil; God is good….we must hang on to what is good….spiritual blessings in the worst of times!    Men (as women) can transfer their hurt, humiliation and discouragement to the Lord; surrender those feelings to Him, and actually choose LIFE, choose to go on, and help theirr family  to do the same.  As a friend of mine used to say, “God has strong shoulders.”

AND, MEN, WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU IN ALL SITUATIONS…..THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THE MEN IN OUR LIVES!

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….