God's Grace 4 All

Bird With Broken Wings Don Francisco

2012-01-29T15:16:00.002-05:00

Twenty-One Years Old And 14 Children

2011-08-01T22:26:00.000-04:00

The Good News!!

2011-07-31T17:01:00.002-04:00

Back Is To The Wall - Blessed Voices

2011-07-29T14:15:00.000-04:00

This song says it all.

You've been to the doctor and he just shook his head.

So many nights you've suffered lying in bed.

But you can't seem to make it.

Your body is ill.

Friend God likes to work when nothing else will.

2)

You've been to the banker.

He said no with regret.

You've tried everyway just to get ahead.

But you're hoping and praying for a miracle still.

Oh God likes to work when nothing else will.

Chorus)

God likes to work

When your back's to the wall

When faith's in the balance

And you're just about to fall.

So there'll be no mistaking when He blesses and heals

Oh God likes to work when nothing else will.

ending)

So there'll be no mistaking when He blesses and heals

Oh God likes to work when nothing else will.

The Love Of God

2011-07-24T16:51:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when your child said something that just made our heart swell with pride and brought tear to your eyes? I love those moments!
My daughter had been longing for a kitten for ever so long. Because we are a liscenced daycare there are certain shots required to own a pet and as anyone knows those shots aren't free! I've spent more money than I care to think about on shots for kittens only to have the kittens mysteriously disappear. It's happened over and over again till I was done with getting any sort of cat/kitten!
My daughter understood all that but that didn't squelch her desire for a cat. So she decided if she saved up $100 to cover the first shots maybe I would let her get a kitten? I agreed. She changed her mind. "Too hard", she said. After a couple months she changed her mind again and started stashing every bit of allowance she could and selling toys.
Finally the day came when we could get a kitten. We decided to try the pet store first in hopes of finding a kitten with shots. No luck. All they had were full grown cats for $125. My niece suggested we try a pet store on the other side of town (Thanks Amanda! Smart thinking!) So we headed across town.
We were overjoyed to find they had three kittens and a sale! Marked down from $99.99 to $66.99 and that included shots and a free first vet visit!
After the purchases were made and we were on the way home I looked at my daughter and said, "I think you might want to tell God thank you for making this all work out so good". And with the sweetest smile on her face and a tear in her eye she said, "I already did".
The very fact that in the middle of her excitement she had remembered who to thank for how this all worked out filled this mammas heart with joy and thanksgiving!!!

The love of God is so immense that it will even reach to a 10 year old little girl who is longing for a kitten! The love of God cares about the smallest details in our life. He didn't send His Son to die on the cross for us and then forget about us. He is still paying attention to every detail, every cry of our hearts. My 10 year old has a faith in God that God can work with and He will not leave her stranded. Neither will he leave you or me stranded. He cares!

The River ~ Brian Doerksen

2011-07-21T01:13:00.000-04:00

Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13

I have always LOVED music. I live, sleep and breath music. I could sit for hours listening to songs, finding new songs, learning songs, singing along with the songs that touch me deeply. Worshiping, raising my hands in praise, being moved to tears.There can be so much encouragement and uplifting of the spirit in the messages.
Here is a song that has a wonderful message!

Jesus Cries

2011-06-22T22:03:00.000-04:00

We're never alone! Jesus is always right with us in our pain and He wants us to know He understands and will help us thru it if we want Him to.
He's such an awesome friend!!

The Power Of Your Love Song And Lyrics

2011-06-21T01:03:00.000-04:00

Oh how powerful His love is!! Nothing compares to it!

~Lyrics~

Lord I come to you

Let my heart be changed, renewed

Flowing from the grace

That I've found in you

Lord i've come to know

The weakenesses I see in me

Will be stripped away

By the power of your love

Hold me close

Let your love surround me

Bring me near

Draw me to your side

And as I wait

I'll rise up like the eagle

And I will soar with you

Your spirit leads me on

By the power of your love

Lord unveil my eyes

Let me see you face to face

The knowledge of your love

As you live in me

Lord renew my mind

As your will unfolds in my life

In living every day

By the power of your love

Hold me close

Let your love surround me

Bring me near

Draw me to your side

And as I wait

I'll rise up like the eagle

And I will soar with you

Your spirit leads me on

By the power of your love

Hold me close

Let your love surround me

Bring me near

Draw me to your side

And as I wait

I'll rise up like the eagle

And I will soar with you

Your spirit leads me on

By the power of your love

And I will soar with you

Your spirit leads me on

In the power of your love

And I will soar with you

Your spirit leads me on

In the power of your love

Thank You Lord!

2011-06-17T16:59:00.000-04:00

Matthew 15: 33-38
And His disciples said unto Him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?
And Jesus said unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.
And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
And He took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the brokem meat that was left seven baskets full.
And they that did eat were four thousand men, besides women and children.

I find it interesting here that Jesus took the little they had and rather than praying for God to increase it He gave thanks.
I would have taken the food and told God all about my problem and exactly what I needed Him to do then waited for it to happen. After it happens then I would feel surprised and start thanking God for what I just saw!
This isn't the only time Jesus gave thanks before he saw any evidence of anything happening. In the story of Lazarus ( Luke 11), Jesus said, "Father I thank Thee that Thou hast heard me. And I knew that Thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent me.
And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Again, Jesus thanked God and then proceeded to tell Lazarus (who by this time has been dead four days) to come out of the cave.
If I trust that God is going to meet my needs I think I could do a much better job of thanking Him even before I see any evidence. That is a sign that I actually believe He is and will taking care of me.

Walking On The Water

2011-06-17T00:57:00.001-04:00

Matthew 14: 24-31
But the ship (the one the disciples were on) was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary.
And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the wter.
And he said , Come. And Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
And immediatly Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Ok, who in their right mind is going to step out of a boat in the middle of the rough sea? Right? Well I ask you this, would you rather step out of the boat in the middle of a calm sea?
The very fact that Peter stepped out of the boat at all was a great show of faith. You would think that after he realized he could walk on water even "the wind boisterous" wouldn't have been able to shake him but aren't we the same way. When things are going good we think we can "walk on water" and anything seems possible. But let a little (or big) storm come along and all of a sudden our confidence gets shaken and we look away from Jesus. That's when we start sinking. It's not the "problem" that causes us to sink, it's taking our eyes off Jesus. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus whether we are in the calm of life or in the midst of a tormoil the impossible is possible.
There is power in looking to Jesus.No matter how insurmountable your circumstances and challenges are, turn away from them and keep your eyes on Jesus.

God Will Make A Way

2011-06-16T00:30:00.000-04:00

Luke 1:37 For with God, nothing shall be impossible.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.

Mark 9:23 And Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 10:27 And Jesus, looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: For with God all things are possible.

These verses and song mean a lot to me. I have a dream that I haven't figured out how it's going to come true. But I cling to what God has said in His living Word. He promises to hear, he promises to answer, he promised to make a way.
I've been involved in foster care for the last 9+ years. Children have come and gone and children have come and stayed. In each case I felt like I learned valuable lessons. In some cases a piece of my heart went with the child when they left. In some cases I was blessed to see the family get on their feet and be reunited. In other cases it was sad to see a child returned, knowing they were going back to very shaky grounds and the family would likely not be able to hold things together.
Through it all I've been tremendously blessed with 4 absolutely wonderful adopted children and one who I am soon to be starting the adoption for. But I feel like my house is running out of room before my heart is ready. I dream of having a bigger house with a much bigger property. Property large enough to handle the dreams of my children. Dreams they have of a farm and horses. Dreams of a place that would be therapy for other hurting children. Yes, these are my dreams but they are also the dreams of my older children.
I'm not ready to run out of room. I have so much more I would like to do.
The only hope I have of these dreams coming true is to cling to the promises of these verses, knowing my Father in heaven sees my heart and my dreams. And He can make a way, for with God nothing is impossible.

What Can Faith Do?

2011-06-13T23:54:00.000-04:00

I love this song! This is what faith can do!!!!

Here are a few verses about faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root and be thou planted in the sea and it should obey you.
Luke 17:6

And Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Matthew 15:20

...verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20

For more verses on faith click on this link and it will take you to Blue Letter Bible's list of verses.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?criteria=faith&page=1&sf=5&t=KJV

Lemmings

2011-06-13T00:18:00.001-04:00

We used to play a computer game called "Lemmings". In this game we had to build walls, bridges, stairs etc. to make a safe path for lemmings to reach their destination. If we didn't build fast enough the lemmings would walk right into utter destruction and our whole group of lemmings we were trying so hard to save would die right before our eyes.

In light of this game I found it very interesting today when I heard the definition of lemmings.

1. subarctic rodent: a rodent with a small thick furry body and furry feet that lives in subarctic regions. Lemmings are noted for their mass migrations in search of food during population explosions, which has given rise to the myth that they flock to the sea to drown themselves. Native to: Arctic and northern regions. Genus Lemmus, Dicrostonyx.

2. doomed conformist: a member of a large group of people who blindly follow one another on a course of action that will lead to destruction for all of them

When I heard definition 2 I had to think of my own walk of life. As a Christian am I standing apart from the crowd and being Holy Spirit led or am I trying to fit in the crowd and blindly headed for destruction. Am I really stepping out of the confusion of a mass group of traditional beliefs and letting God lead me? Am I being a lemming?

WARFARE PRAYER

2011-06-12T01:37:00.001-04:00

Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, I arise and establish my legal right and dominion over this region and territory which You have given me. According to Daniel 9:4,You are the only "Great and Dreadful" GOD; keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love You and to them that keep Your commandments.

I appeal to the GOD who said in 2 Chronicles 7:13-16, if I shut up the Heaven there will be no more rain, if I command the locust to devour the land, if I send pestilance among my people, if my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, I will hear from Heaven and forgive their sin, I will heal their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attend to their prayer that is made into this place. For now have I chosen and sactified this house that My name may be there forever and my eyes and my heart shall be perpetually there. I declare that this place is sactified. I present my body as a living sacrifice by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. Make these prayers holy and acceptable unto You.

I confess my sins and the sins of our Fathers. Let grace and mercy prevail over us. I declare I have a free passage for my prayers to ascend into the realm of the supernatural and they will not be earth bound. I come into agreement with the supreme good of Heaven. I am seated in Heavenly places with Christ Jesus; therefore, war from this plan and realm. I declare that the annointing of GOD breaks every yolk; open every portal and assign angels to reinforce me as I advance into new levels, new dimentions, new realms, and territories. Let there be a breakthrough in the heavens. I tap into apostolic and prophetic veins. I shatter glass ceilings, I smash spiritual bars and higher membranes. I declare a breakthrough atmosphere is established. I recalibrate the spiritual climate and decree that every bit of lukewarmness must be replaced with the fire and zeal of GOD. Baptize me with the Holy Spirit and fire; let there be fire in my mouth as I advance in this prayer. I take authority over demonic satanic atmospheres and climates created by cultic activities,destiny altering images, incantations, ill spoken words, witchcraft hostil environments, fear, terrorism, hatred, and violence in the name of JESUS. I command the spirituanl climate to shift, the economic climate to shift, the social climate to shift,cultural climate to shift, educational climate to shift, political climate to shift, Ecclesiastical climate to shift in the name of JESUS. I command the atmosphere must be filled with the glory of GOD. Father, fill the atmosphere, fill the environment with Your glory ! I alter this environment and declare, it is now suitable for my ministry to thrive, my relationships to thrive, my children to thrive, my loved ones to thrive, my business to thrive, my ideas to thrive, my nation to thrive, and my economy to thrive. I establish a supernatural environment for miracles to occur. I war in the name of JESUS and by His shed blood, which is the shed blood of the Lamb. The Lamb that was slain before the foundations of the world. By Him evil must be destroyed; for this reason was the Son of God made manifest that He would destroy the works of darkness. I decree and declare that the works of darkness are destroyed. I breakthrough the prevailing and sustaining powers of darkness over this region in the name of JESUS. Amen " But thanks be to GOD, which giveth us the VICTORY through our LORD JESUS CHRIST" 1 Corinthians 15:57 ~Abundant Blessings and Love~

(Please feel free to copy or repost)

Mathew 17:6

2011-06-05T23:48:00.001-04:00

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

I got curious and looked up what exactly the roots on this tree are like. Here is what I found...

The sycamore tree found in Palenstine had very large and deep root structure. The sycamine tree was known to have one of the deepest root structures of all trees in the Middle East. It was a vigorous and robust tree that grew to a height of 30' or more. Because it's roots went down so deep into the earth, it was very difficult to kill. Hot weather and blistering temperatures had little effect on this tree because it's roots grew into a water source deep under the earth. Even cutting it to it's base would not guarantee it's death because it's roots, hidden deep under the ground, would draw from underground sources of water, enabling it to keep resurfacing again and again. The sycamine tree grew very quickly and grew best where little rain fell and water was sparce. In other words, this tree was very difficult to kill.

What are the "sycamine roots" in your life? Do you need them moved?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

2011-02-23T15:28:00.001-05:00

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Several weeks ago we had healing/communion services at church with a special request for healing for my 9 year old brothers eyes.
The Dr. had said his eyes were bad (especially the one) and it seemed to us they were getting continuously worse. He couldn't see far and anytime he would watch a movie he would get as close as he was allowed to get and close one eye and squint the other eye.
Yesterday he was with Dad in town and looking way ahead saw and recognized something in the distance that normally to him would have just looked like a blob!
Today we had a "Kids Sing Praise" video on and he suddenly realized he was across the room from it and could see it very clearly!
We have had other praise reports from that Sunday also! Praise God, praise God , Praise God!!!!! He's and awesome God! He loves us deeply and he DOES hear! Just believe it!
"By whose stripes you were healed" (1Peter 2:24) Past tense. Already done! Just receive it!

Believe that he did it already on the cross! It's done, now receive it!

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases …” (Psalm 103:2)

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:19)

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)

“O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You have healed me.” (Psalm 30:2)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds … Great is our Lord, and mighty in power …” (Psalm 147:3)

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

“Yet you do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Gods Amazing Ways

2011-01-16T01:58:00.000-05:00

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.Isaiah 55:8

This verse became very real to me a couple weeks ago when I was out with my children running a few errands.

I had gotten a few checks cashed at the bank then went to the library to drop of some books. I was then going to go to McDonalds drive-thru. It was in the middle of rush hour and the area I was in was very congested. Being stopped at a red light just a short distance from McDonalds I decided to go ahead and get the money ready that I had gotten from the bank. When I reached down to get it it was gone! My first thought was that my daughter had gotten the money caught in the books she took into the library. I started frantically searching, glancing up occasionally to make sure traffic hadn't started to move yet.When I saw the vehicle in front of me was moving foward I let off the brake then looked down again to try once more to find that money. All the while I'm thinking 'why am I not just waiting till I get to the McDonalds parking lot to do this? I'm probably holding up traffic behind me. All of a sudden we came to a jolting halt! I hadn't even realized I was moving! I had simply taken my foot off the brake and had not put it on the gas pedal. (And just for the record I do not have a history of bumping into cars or things!)

I looked up and saw a door fly open.A young lady jumps out and throws her hands up in the air as if to say "WHY did you just do THAT!!?" I had no words. What was I to say? I tried to stammer out an "I'm sorry!" but it sounded kinda lame. I really had no excuse to give for what had just happen.She was obviously very upset and pulling out her phone, began making a phone call. Then came the words that just about stopped my heart. She says,"My mom is in there having a heart attack!" I thought 'No! No, that can't be! I didn't hit them that hard! Please, God, what do I do now?' I then learned they had just come from the local hospital and had been sent to a hospital across the mountain who is better equipped for the bigger emergencies.That's where they were headed. Although that was a small relief since that meant I at least had not caused her heart attack I still couldn't believe it. Of all the vehicles to hit why did it have to be them? I just knew the trauma of the little bump was going to send this lady into a full-fledged heart attack.She was going to die right there and it was going to be my fault.

I don't know if my feeling of devastation showed on my face or what but this dear young lady who was in the middle of her own nightmare all of a sudden gives me a hug and tells me, "It's alright. Things happen for a reason and maybe God wanted her to go by squad instead of us taking her." Now that is grace! I did not deserve that comfort from her! I should been trying to comfort them!

I asked one of the women from the SUV if I could have her phone number to call her the next day to check how her mom was doing then went back to my van to wait for the police.

(To add a little humor to the whole thing I have to tell you a few minutes prior to rear-ending this person I was giving my daughter a speech on defensive driving!)

I wasn't back in my van long when one young women motioned me back out and said her mom wanted to see me. As I was walking to their vehicle I was wondering, what do I say to her? When I got to her she smiled and immediately reached out to give me a hug (more grace).I was standing there holding her hand when a little thought came to me "pray for her". As I thought about it I felt a sense of relief. Since it didn't feel quite right to pray out loud (maybe it was just lack of courage on my part) I prayed silently for her. I'm not sure exactly what I prayed although I know I said that He(Jesus) had said "Whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13) and that I was asking for her healing. I asked that when she got to the hospital doctors would say there had been no heart attack.

The state police showed up and released me with no charges and I took my little crew of children to McDonalds drive-thru like I had originally planned to do. I'm not sure when my money came back into the picture. All I know is when I got into the McDonalds parking lot it was where it was supposed to have been all along.

And that's the end of my little incident.... But wait! It's not quite! This is the part that makes me want to shout for joy and sing praises to my Wonderful, Merciful, Almighty God!! I called one of the daughters the next day and asked her how her mom is doing. These are the words I heard.. "she didn't have a heart attack". SHE DIDNT HAVE A HEART ATTACK !!!! Even now those words are wonderful music to my ears!!

As I looked back on that whole thing I started wondering if there was more to this than I has seen at the time. Did God allow this whole thing to happen this way for a reason? After all, no one was hurt and there was no damage to any vehicles. I had to wonder how many times in the past I've gotten so wrapped up in the fact that I was in the middle of a bad situation that I didn't allow God to do through me what He would have if I would have turned the situation over to Him.

Again I go back to the verse, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isaiah 55:8

Don't Fear Failure and Rejection

2010-09-20T23:16:00.000-04:00

I have this fear of starting something and failing, making me feel totally inadequate and dumb. So rather than start and find out what I can't do I'd rather just never start and imagine that if I tried I actually would be successful.
I have a fear of speaking. Speaking in crowds or speaking on a one-to-one level. I just know I'll fail at appearing to be the halfway intelligent person they might think I am if I just hadn't opened my mouth. Or I might offend someone or end up looking like a fool because maybe my ideas won't match the general run of popularity.
I have a fear of writing, fear that I won't be able to do it properly or that what I write won't make sense or that it will read just plain stupid.
As I was thinking about fear and what it can do to a person I realized- thats exactly what satan wants us to do! He wants us to fear failure so we never start, therefore thwarting any plans God might have for our lives, never fulfilling the dreams He has placed in our hearts.
I think sometimes 'If God would just speak audibly to me and tell me what to do I wouldn't be so afraid of failing'. Probably not true. Moses apparently felt fear and inadequacy even though God was speaking directly to him. When God spoke to him from the burning bush he argued with God and said (Exodus 3) "Who am I that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? and God told Him, "Certainly I will be with thee." Moses says, But who am I supposed to say sent me? God said, Tell them I AM THAT I AM sent you. (chapter 4) Moses says, But they won't believe me. They'll say 'The Lord didn't appear unto you'. God said (paraphrased), If they don't believe you start showing them these signs I just showed you. Moses says, But Lord I'm not eloquent, I'm slow of speech and slow of tongue. God said, who made mans mouth, or who made the dumb or deaf or the seeing or the blind? Didn't I? Now go and I'll be your mouth and teach you what to say.
After pondering over this I came to the conclusion that fear is the devils #1 tool and we so easily fall prey to it.
God didn't tell Joshua- 'Be very careful you don't fail in this important mission I have given you'. He said (Joshua 1:6 )"Be strong and of a good courage..." (v.7) "Only be thou strong and very courageous..." (v.9) Be strong and of a good courage;be not afraid neither be thou dismayed..."
God can't steer a ship that's not moving (well he can but He won't force us). If we never move off the spot because we're afraid we're not even giving Him the chance to show us the supernatural things He would do in our lives. Fear of failure and rejection paralizes! God gave us a vision bigger than we are so we have to grow to fulfill it but it takes Him to pull it off. If God put a dream in our heart than at some point it will require the supernatural to fulfill it. That's what satan does not want! He wants us to fear failure to the point that we just sit back and do nothing therefore not giving God the chance to work the supernatural.
So if there is something in your life you fear- embrace it! That is probably the very area that you will succeed in and satan wants to stop you.
There will be times when you will fail. But don't be defeated. God says, Be strong and couragous I will be with you.
Failure doesn't mean you done for- it just means you figured out what doesn't work. One less thing to figure out before success. God says you stand up and I'll stand with you!

ANGEL BODYGUARDS

2010-09-05T00:08:00.000-04:00

The following story was taken from the book - Angel Stories by Robert Strand.

The Christians in China during the internal uprising in 1927 were under all kinds of persecution. They were targets of looting, building burnings, executions, and more. Favorite targets of these vandals were mission compounds, hospitals, orphanages, and anything Christian.
A lady missionary is our source for this story.

"During a night of burning, looting, and shooting, when anarchists ran through the streets, our compound, which sheltered hundreds of women and girls who spent the time in prayer, went untouched."
But there's more to this story. The previous night, the missionary in charge of this particular mission, which was dedicated to sheltering homeless women and girls, had been laid low with a bad attack of malaria and a resulting high fever.
Some of the neighbors asked, " What are you planning to do when the looters attack your compound? What about all those promises of protection you have been preaching to us? Who will you be trusting when the fires and robberies begin on your compound?
Along with all the women and girls, this sick missionary spent much time in prayer. She pleaded, " Lord I have been teaching these people for many years to believe and trust in the promises of God. If You and Your promises fail in this time of disaster, I shall never again be able to open my mouth. Than I shall have to return home to America."
The next night when the anarchists came to the compound, she immediately was well enought to get up and walk among the frightened refugees in her care. She prayed with them and comforted them while disaster was taking place in the neighborhood all around them. But the mission compound and all who were inside were untouched.
The next morning, people from three different neighboring families asked, " Who were those four people- three were sitting and one was standing- who were quietly watching from the top of your house at the front of your compound?"
They answered " No one was on our housetop."
The neighbors refused to believe the missionaries. We saw them with our own eyes. These men were awesome! When the looters came to the compound, they turned and ran because they were afraid. We saw it happen!"
It was another teaching moment about the power of God that can send angelic gaurds for the prtection of His children in times of distress.

"Because he loves me," says the Lord. "I will rescue him; I will protect him for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him" Psalm 91:14-15

Help! We've Lost An Old Friend!

2009-08-29T15:45:00.004-04:00

HELP! - We've lost An Old Friend!

I'm looking for an old friend - who seems to have gone on a hike and got lost.
Or maybe he took seriously the saying, "Evil Communications Corrupt Good Manners", decided he wasn't going to hang around any more and went into hiding.
There have been reports of sightings from time to time but these sightings are few and far between. I really would like to have him feel as welcome as he seemed to feel in the distant past.
It seems our Dear Old Friend's name has been all but forgotten. Maybe that's why he went into hiding. If - that's actually what has happen to him.
There's an old saying, "Birds Of A Feather Flock Together" maybe there have been too many Foul Feathered Birds around, and he decided to leave.
But then that seems to be a question similar to the question of -"Which came first - the chicken or the egg?" Did our Dear Old Friend take leave because of these Foul Feathered Birds? Or did these Foul Feathered Birds take up residence after our Dear Old Friend was sent on a hike and got lost?
The fact of the matter is - Our Old Friend was sent on a hike and got lost - then these Foul Feathered Birds settled in.

Our Dear Old Friend liked order and he was very good at helping to keep order. But these Foul Feathered Birds - that seem to have taken up residence - seem to all have the same last name- Disorder.
And by the way - they don't want you to know what their real name is, so they only give their initials such as - (A.D.H.D.) - (N.L.D.) - (A.S.D.) - (A.D.D.) - (O.C.D.) - (B.P.D.) - and who knows how many more there are. But if you will notice - they all end with the initial (D.) which stands for (Disorder).
All these seem to have taken up residence after our Dear Old Friend was sent on a hike and got lost.
I was really hoping that our Dear Old Friend wasn't dead! But then - the other day - I came across Our Old Friend's Obituary written by an Unknown Author. And I thought you might like to read it.
And Old Friend Passes Away!
Author Unknown
Today - we mourn the passing away of a once beloved friend.
This friend of old has been ill for many years. But it seems now to have passed away.
This old friend went by the name of - Common Sense.
Common Sense lived a long life in the United States, but has now died of a disease called greed - resulting in heart failure.
No one really knows how old he was, because his birth records were lost long ago in bureaucratic red tape.
He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, home, factories- helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and the unnecessary foolishness of protection insurances and laws.
For decades, petty rules, silly laws, and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense.
He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that - if you put your nose or fingers where they don't belong - they just might get cut off - and that you couldn't really - rely on every thing in this life to always be fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound principles - such as don't spend before you earn and don't spend more then you earn.
Common Sense also tells us that - adults are in charge, not the children, and that it's O.K. to not always win first prize - it's O.K. to not always come in first place.
As a veteran ,Common Sense survived the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression.
But his health declined when he became infected by the virus of "If it only helps one person (me) it's worth it.
In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of well-intentioned- but overbearing - regulations.
He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking law makers and lawyers who live off those who are oppressed by the law.
The health of Common Sense rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero-tolerance policies.
Such as - a six year old boy, being charged with sexual harassment for kissing a six year old classmate, a teen-ager suspended for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student - on the claim that the reprimand only worsened the student's condition.
The health of Common Sense declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin but were not allowed to inform the student's parents before administering an abortion to the student.
Common Sense lost all will to live when the very breath of Common Sense the "Ten Commandments" was squeezed out of all public places. And when churches became businesses, and criminals receive better treatment than their victims.
Finally Common Sense gave up the ghost when a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot and was awarded a huge settlement in a law-suit.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents - Father Truth and mother Trust, sister Discretion and brother Responsibility -there seems to be no surviving relatives.
P.S. - Common Sense was one of the links in the chain of life.
Common Sense wasn't just a link - it's a very important link - of life in the chain of all human life - even the carnal life - of the world.
Common Sense is needed to make important decisions. Decisions, that can determine whether you will fail or succeed in this life.
Without Common Sense there isn't much chance at all of succeeding in this life.
Common Sense takes into consideration everything involved in any decision being decided.
Common Sense takes into consideration not just what I get out of my decision today,but what effect will this decision have on tomorrow - what effect will this decision have a month from now or a year and maybe even ten years from now.
Common Sense could actually have an effect for generations to come.
But - there has actually been discovered by some diligent seekers, another one of the Sense Family. He is found in the Word of God, and goes by the name of "Holy Spirit" - which is - Un-Common Sense.
Common Sense, according to the World English Dictionary, means, - Good judgment: sound practical judgment derived from experience rather than study.
Ignoring Common Sense can have serious consequences in this life.
Then I wondered - Is Un-Common Sense the proper term to be used in relation to the Holy Spirit?
So I looked it up in the World English Dictionary and found this to be the definition of Un-Common Sense - "Very great: used to emphasize the great extent of something showing uncommon wisdom."
Ignoring Common Sense can have serious consequences in this life.
But ignoring the Un-Common Sense of the Holy Spirit will have devastating consequences in this life. And those devastating consequences will go on for all eternity.
Common Sense may do just fine for flying thru this life - but there is no 'Sense' in Common Sense for your landing in eternity.
Un-Common Sense From the Holy Spirit is Sensitive to God's voice in this life and prepares us - giving us all the instructions we need - for flying through this life and then - when this life ends and the time has come for our plane to land there will be a safe landing on streets of gold for all eternity.
Common Sense will die. But Un-Common Sense - Holy Spirit - never dies. In fact - He not only never dies - He brings life to all who will follow His (The Holy Spirit's) Un-Common Sense.
Un-Common Sense lives for the good of all.
Common Sense is what you were born - in the flesh with.
Un-Common Sense is what you will receive when you are "Born Again" in the Spirit. (It's that still small voice!) Many no longer hear that still small voice -there are too many other louder voices drowning out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.
God's word says - Be still and know that I Am God. (Psalm 46:10)
It takes being still to hear the voice of Un-Common Sense - The Holy
Spirit.

The Power in Praise!

2009-04-18T01:37:00.005-04:00

Hebrews 13:15 says, By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Here praise is being defined as the fruit of our lips and in John 15;7-8
Jesus says,I If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

I think "sacrifice of praise" is a good way to put this because there are times when it is really a sacrifice to keep praising. But yet we are told to praise "continually". Psalm 34:1 says, I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Now how is that possible?! Is there a secret here somewhere? I believe there must be some mighty power in praise. I have to think about how I react to my children when they whine and complain and demand and then how I react to them when they are full of thanks and praise for me. Hmmm. For me that really brings it close home!

Matthew 21:22 says, And in all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

If we ask believing, than I think we would follow the asking with praise for being heard and answered even before we see the answer!

I came across this poem in the book 'There's Dynamite in Praise' by Don Gosset ( this is a good book!)

Praise unlocks heaven's portals;

Praise causes doubts to cease;

Praise brings precious blessings;

Praise leaves the sweetest peace.

Praise breaks all bands asunder;

Praise sets the captives free;

Praise lightens every burden;

Praise is the master key.

Praise changes circumstances;

Praise establishes the heart;

When praise becomes perpetual,

Praise is a Holy Art.

~ Frances Metcalfe

I have found this to be very true!

Here are some of my favorite praise verses;

Psalm 9:1-2 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoise in thee: I will sing praises to thy name, O thou most High.

Psalm 13:6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Psalm 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteaousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto out God: many shall see it and fear, and trust in the Lord.

Psalm 47:1 O clap your hands, all ye people: shout to God with the voice of triumph.

Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Ephesians 5 19-20 Speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord: giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

There are many, many more verses!

So next time when things are going all wrong and you feel like complaining or yelling at someone try saying, Praise the Lord,thank you Jesus! Even if you don't feel like it. I've done it and it works! Things around you start looking better!