Verna Del Turco

Just As He Said He Would Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:53:00 +0000

"But the angel said to the women, Do not be alarmed and frightened, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay. " Matthew 5&6 (Amp)

I've read these verses many times, as I suppose you have as well, however, when reading it again recently, this phrase jumped out at me. "....as He said He would do...." I began to meditate on that phrase and I was so ministered to by the Holy Spirit. Our whole walk of faith is based on that phrase, "as He said He would do." He told them He would come back, and He did...just as He said He would.

Think about all that Jesus has spoken to us in His Word - He will do it all, just as He said He would! Healing? He already provided it....just as He said He would! Provision? He already provided it...just as He said He would! Deliverance? It is yours - now! ...just as He said it would be! Forgiveness? It is already yours - compliments of the blood!...just as He said it would be! Everything promised to you belongs to you - NOW! Just as He said!

Remember that - you can count on His Word. He will do exactly as He said He would do.
Fear Not! It shall be just as He said it would be!!

Unlimited Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:07:00 +0000

If you have a vision of victory for your life, you can rise to a new level!

As long as your gaze is fixed on your problems instead of your possibilities, you risk moving in the wrong direction and missing out on all God has prepare for you.

Life follows expectation - continually dwelling on what is wrong and negative will affect your relationship with your family, your friends and your future.

Don't limit God! He is your source and His creativity resides on the inside of you and it is unlimited. One idea from God can change the course of your life forever. Step outside of the box! You will never have a larger life with restricted attitudes.

God is constantly trying to get us to give up the old for a new supply of creativity within so ENLARGE your vision! Never settle for a small view of God! Start thinking BIG! Think
INCREASE! Think ABUNDANCE! Think MUCH MORE!

Remember and Rehearse

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Psalms 77:11 - "Our Lord, I will remember the things you have done...."

This is a great time to remember and rehearse the goodness of God in our lives. It is easy to think about what hasn't manifested yet and how we would like to be much further along but we are called to count our blessings not our challenges! Think about all the great things He has done because He will remain consistent with His character and you will see His goodness in your life!

Here are some nuggets I found in my journal. Enjoy!

If my Bible is torn apart, my life never will be!

Prosperity is not a money message, it is an obedience message.

Debit is a habit that must be broken!

Income follows personal growth.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give away.

Life is defined by the relationships I have.

Every relationship ends up somewhere, but few relationships end up somewhere on purpose!

My success is wrapped up in my daily disciplines.

The participation of the Holy Ghost awaits the cooperation of man. (Bert Farias)

If you doubt His love, you'll doubt His Word.

Our words will take us to the other side!

Answer thoughts with words!!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:03:00 +0000

There are a lot of voices today screaming doom, gloom and despair. If you choose to agree with them, you will get exactly what they are promising you - more doom, gloom and despair.

Faith always begins with a sound that others cannot hear and "our hearing" has a lot to do with" our having. " Faith comes by hearing a certain sound - the Word of God (Romans 10:17) It has been said that the Word of God opens our ears to the supernatural plan and provision of God. The Prophet Elijah said, after 3 1/2 years of drought, "I hear the sound of the abundance of rain." He prayed on the top of Mt. Carmel when there wasn't a cloud in sight. He prayed persistently until a cloud about the size of a man's hand appeared. (I Kings 18:41-46)

Elijah's faith began by "hearing the sound" of the abundance of rain. No one else heard it - but Elijah was hearing from heaven! God is looking for a people who can hear the sound of His voice above all the other voices.

Jeremiah 17:8 tells us "For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit."

Do you hear what I hear???

Challenged by the Challenge!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:58:00 +0000

It has been one week since we've been challenged to live the next 30 days as if they were our last 30 days. How differently would we live if we knew that Jesus was returning in 30 days? The ultimate challenge is to live a life of no regrets.

I don't know of anyone who can look back on their life and not have any regrets - but none of us can change our yesterdays - we only have power over our tomorrows. Thank God, because of Jesus, the regrets of yesterday don't have to paralyze us from having a bright future and going forward living a life of no regrets.

Living a no regret life has challenged me to live in the love of God 24/7 - when I slip, I jump right back in His love! I want to make the most of every moment of every day - every day is a gift.
I seem to look at people differently - my heart is overwhelmed with His love and I want everyone to experience Him for themselves. Compassion is flowing liberally from my heart as it should always be. Priorities seem to be aligning themselves and order is being brought to many areas of my life.

I am challenged by the challenge and it is a good thing. Nothing is more important than living fully in the abundant life that His blood has provided for me and sharing that life with those who need Him most. Maybe it is just me, but the colors this Fall seem to be more vivid than ever!:)

Jewels from my Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:18:00 +0000

From time to time, I share things that I have written in my journal and notes from throughout the years I have kept. Last night I was reading through one of my notebooks and I came across these words. Unfortunately, I did not record who spoke or wrote these words. I know they will bless you as they did me again!

If you have a vision for victory for your life, you can rise to a new level. As long as your gaze is fixed on your problems instead of your possibilities, you risk moving in the wrong direction and missing out on all God has.

Life follows expectation - continually dwelling on what is wrong and negative will affect your relationship with your family, friends and your future.

Don't limit God - He is your source and His creativity in you is unlimited. One idea from God can change the course of your life forever. Step outside of the box! You cannot have a larger life with restricted attitudes. (Matt. 9:17)

God is continually trying to get us to give up the old for a new supply of creativity within.
Enlarge your vision........Never settle for a small view of God........Start thinking BIG!
Think BIG....................Think INCREASE...............Think ABUNDANCE! Think MORE THAN ENOUGH!......................!!!

He Never Ceases to Amaze Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]-Eph 3:20 (Amp)

We just finished hosting the New England Minister's Conference and I am overwhelmed by the goodness and faithfulness of our God. My heart is full of gratitude to our God who carries out His purpose super abundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think - infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams!

I don't know if I can accurately articulate all that is in my heart - the thunderous sounds of hundreds of ministers and leaders passionately worshiping God - the force of faith that the Word of God was delivered with - the laughter in the lobbies and hallways - the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit - the genuine concern for a brother and sister who were hurting and discouraged-the passionate prayers for each other and the hearty handshakes, embraces and tears when it came time to say goodbye. WOW!

God, in His lavish love, never ceases to amaze me!

Is Anybody Listening?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:46:00 +0000

How many times have you seen it on TV or actually heard someone say, "Is anybody "up there" listening? Some say it as a joke and others say it in despair - usually the emotion behind it is, "I need help "down here" and nobody "up there" is listening!

I love the portion of Scripture in John 10: 30-44, that gives the account of the Jesus' interaction with Mary over the death of Lazarus. We know that Jesus loved him dearly and wept when he heard he had died. But that wasn't the end of the story! Jesus took a moment to get himself together and headed straight for the tomb where Lazarus was buried.

In the midst of Jesus' grief, Mary's sobbing and the Jews sarcasm, Jesus gave a few instructions and then lifted His eyes to heaven and said, "Father, I thank you that You always hear and listen to me." Then, with a loud voice, He said, Lazarus, come out!" The next thing you know, out comes Lazarus from the tomb.

This is a perfect example of what our position in prayer should be. Many pray wondering if God will ever hear them. Others pray random prayers of doubt and unbelief. Our prayers should be full of faith and expectation confident that if we pray, according to His Word, He hears us and grants to us, as our present possession, the petitions we desire of Him. (I John 5:14, 15)

This is what brings us great joy in prayer - knowing, that when we pray - HE HEARS US!!
Is anybody listening, absolutely!!

It Never Seems To Be The RIght Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Have you ever noticed that when you want to do something or step out on a new venture , it never seems to be the right time? You finally plan to get married, but it doesn't seem you have enough money to start a new life. You want to have a baby, but it doesn't seem the right time financially to start a family. You finally decide to step out in a new business venture, but the economy just doesn't seem to be working in your favor. You make a financial commitment to your church, and the job situation changes and it doesn't seem to be the right time to fulfill your vow.

What really is "the right time?" Is it when everything in the natural lines up or is it when you get a word from the Lord to move on it now. Too many people miss "God-moments" because they are waiting for everything to line up just right. Don't get me wrong, I like to have all my ducks in a nice, neat row. I like order and I like a plan but sometimes stepping out in faith requires trust in HIS plan that you can't really see or make sense of. The right time is when God says the light is green and it is time to get your foot off the brake and put the peddle to the metal!

I recall hearing The Copeland's say that the Lord spoke to them about going on daily television when they were 6 million dollars in debt! Doesn't really make sense and it surely doesn't seem to be the right time. (The debt was paid off in just a few months after they made the decision to obey God.) I also remember hearing Pastor John Osteen say that they built Lakewood's building in the worse recession Houston ever had - they raised 8 million dollars, in one year, above their tithes and offering! That surely didn't seem like the right time to build a building except that God had a plan!

There are many plans in the mind of man, but it is only the will of God that will stand the test of time. He truly is the Waymaker and He is always making a way when there seems to be no way.

It never really seems to be the right time, but His time is always the right time! What has He been talking to you about?

How Many Weeks Left Before School Starts?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:17:00 +0000

We all look forward to the summer months here in New England since it is such a short season.
I love to smell the summer air, feel the warm sun on my face, go for long walks, enjoy the beaches and then of course, it is not summer in New England without some fried clams! Once or twice a year won't hurt us!:)

This is also a time of year when you hear a lot of parents say, "How Many Weeks Left Before School Starts?" Are you one of those who are counting how many days are left before your kids go off to school again?

Let me encourage you this Summer to spend as much time as possible with your children. Society today doesn't do anything to encourage family time so you are going to have to have some strong Biblical convictions in prioritizing what is important to you. Hold fast to your values and don't let anything take you off your post as a parent.

Your children need your influence. They need love, acceptance and affirmation from you. They should not have to look outside the home for it. Your home should be full of love, nurturing and big dreams! This is a great time of year to dream with your children, talk of the great things God has in store for your family, set goals and solidify your love and commitment to your children. Most importantly of all, have a lot of fun. Fun doesn't have to cost a lot of money! Lighten up, loosen up and live it up with your kids! Those are the memories that last a life time.

I challenge you to enjoy every moment with your children. The years pass so quickly and before you know it, the grandchildren are ringing your doorbell to play. Ask me how I know!:)

Faith of Our Fathers

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Father's Day has passed, but I can't help but reflect on the joy of the day for me. Sitting there at dinner with four generations of Del Turco men was a memory that will be etched into my heart forever. And then, of course, my precious father as well! Two Great-Grandfathers enjoying their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. For me, it was joy unspeakable!

I couldn't help but think about what my grandfather's went through because of their faith and even my father, who was disowned at work because he was an Italian who was born again and considered a traitor to the Catholic Faith. He told me that, at lunch time, he would go to sit with his co-workers (at the Boston Naval Shipyard) and when he sat down, they would grab their lunches and leave the table and call him traitor. My father was proud of his faith and new found freedom in Jesus and kept moving forward. Today, he is 88 years old and a man of strong faith.

My father's spirit of faith has been passed down to me, and to his grandchildren and now to his great grandchildren. I'm thankful for the faith of my father. If you didn't have that in your family, then you can begin now to pass on a legacy of faith to impact generations to come.
Don't concentrate on what you didn't have but look forward to the legacy of faith you can leave.
It is the greatest inheritance you can give the generations to come!

Keep The Pressure On!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:03:00 +0000

I had just turned 50 and decided I wanted to do something that I had put off for years and that was to get braces! What 50 year old signs up for braces? When I finally had the braces "installed"I knew why it should be done when someone is young! I had not anticipated the pain and the sores I would get in my mouth! By the second day, I told my husband that I wanted them off otherwise I was going to saw them off myself! As always, Jonathan told me that he was proud of me for doing something I always wanted to do and if I would just persevere, it would be worth it. Easy for him to say - he has straight teeth!

When I went to the Orthodontist for my first check up, I asked him if it was time to take them off. He calmly said to me, "Verna, your teeth have been going in the wrong direction for 50 years and it is going to take time and "pressure" to get them in the right position. Getting him to pinpoint what "take time" actually meant was futile as he wouldn't commit himself to a specific time but said around 12-14 months.

Three years later, he finally told me he thought my teeth were about as straight as they were going to get and it was time to take the braces off. I couldn't wait to bite into an apple and use regular floss! After the braces were removed and the retainer was made, he gave me very explicit instructions and told me that if I was not diligent with the retainer, my teeth would go directly back to their original position in no time at all. After all I had been through, there was no way I was not going to wear that retainer as much as I could!

I woke up in the middle of the night, just the other night, and realized that I had not put my retainer on before I went to bed. It was the first time and besides, I was tired so I went back to sleep without giving it a second thought. When I woke up, I thought I had better wear the retainer during the day to make up for lost time. I put the retainer in my mouth and was shocked to feel how tight and uncomfortable it was. It had only been a few hours and my teeth were already moving back to their original position.

There's a great spiritual lesson here as well. If we don't keep the pressure on of feeding ourselves the Word of God, pray and be part of a local church, we will naturally return to our "original position" of carnality. It doesn't take long for us to slip back!

I encourage you today, Keep The Pressure on and stay close to Jesus. It will keep you straight!!

Whose Lead Are You Following?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:47:00 +0000

"Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."
Psalm 119:35

What makes the Holy Spirit such a good guide? It is because He has already been where we are going - He is so amazing! He has nothing but our very best in mind. He makes the crooked places straight and He smooths out the rough edges. Our prayer life keeps us on the right pathway as we tune into His voice and follow His directions.

We are too moved by feelings and circumstances to be making life changing decisions on our own. We must tap into the Greater One who sees what we don't see.

Follow His lead and not that of your human emotions and natural thoughts. Pray in the Spirit - Say that you have the mind of Christ and that you make right choices and Godly decisions for your life. Agree with what God has already said about you!

When you follow His lead, His pathways are that of pleasantness, peace and prosperity.

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
Romans 8:14

Thank God for the Holy Ghost!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:21:00 +0000

"Howbeit, when He the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak of Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come." John 16:13

One of the most awesome aspect of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the advantage we have as a result of His presence. We have the Holy Ghost Advantage!

As we stay in living contact with the Lord, His precious Holy Spirit lays out a path of truth for us to walk. He doesn't speak or lead of Himself, but only speaks and leads where the Father directs, or I should say, "as the Father directs. He only speaks that which He hears the Father say.

Along with the many amazing facets of the Holy Spirit comes the announcing and declaring of things to come. The Holy Spirit gives us "the advantage" in every situation. He will announce and reveal what will happen in the future to those who stay in living contact and relationship with Him. WOW! What an advantage!

It is important to remember that we live in the light - not in the dark. We are in the "know" so by the revealing of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to know what to do in every situation.
Talk about an advantage!!

Thank God for the Holy Ghost!! Amazing!

Healing Nuggets - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:01:00 +0000

I want to share with you some more Healing Nuggets that really helped me walk through my healing journey. Please take a moment to read last week's blog so that you can really feed your faith!

1. My highest form of worship is to offer my body as a living sacrifice to Jesus so His plan can be fulfilled through me.

2. Speaking life to others will bring life to me!

3. My wholeness is not just about me - it is about what I will do with the life God has given me.

4. Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. He longs to share the secrets of His Kingdom with me!

5. My willing obedience is key during this covenant time of separating myself to be with Him.

6. By the words of my mouth, I am in total control of my harvest.

7. I am an instrument to demonstrate His reality to the lost.

8. I must have a mindset of faith. I must fix my mind, not on my faith, but on the God of my faith.

9. Faith in God can rewrite your future.

10. The best weapon, to come against the enemies onslaught of lies, is to release your faith through praise. Let a continual flow of praise be in your mouth.

His Word is medicine to all of your flesh. Take daily doses of His medicine and double the dosage when necessary!! As Charles Capps says, there are no negative side affects!

Healing Nuggets

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Over the past six months, as I have walked through my healing journey, there have been many "focus statements" that have really blessed me. I would like to share them with you either for yourself or for someone you may be ministering healing to. God's Word is truly medicine to all of our flesh! (Pro. 4:20-23)

Most of these statements were taken from Freeda Bowers book "Give Me 40 Days for Healing." We have this book available in IFC's bookstore. I highly recommend it.

1. Set this time apart to get your mind off of yourself and pray for the needs of others.

2. Regardless of what I am facing right now, if I will pray for someone else, God will intervene for me. (James 5:16)

3. When someone is ill, under girding that person in the Spirit is more important than anything else I can do.

4. My life will be changed - not by what I do, but by what God does in me.

5. Fix your mind on the God of your faith!

6. Deliberately listen for His voice.

7. God never gives me something to pray for that He doesn't intend to answer.

8. Say only what the Scriptures say about your health, or say nothing at all!

9. Confess that "the life source of sickness and disease have been cut off from my body and I am healed!

10. God's Word is truth and supercedes all the facts!

Meditate on these statements this week and I'll share more with you next week.

Write It Down!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:24:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased Bro. Jerry Savelle's Personal Holy Spirit Journal. I have all kinds of journal books - all shapes, color and sizes but I didn't have one that looked like this one.
It is saddle brown leather, which I love, and just real classy looking. Honestly, I bought it because I liked the way it looked.

The next day,when I actually sat down to read it, I realized that what drew me to this was more than the saddle brown leather. The Scripture engraved on the back is Jeremiah 30:2 (NKJV)
"Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you."

WOW! I guess journaling is really important to God because He is telling us here in this Scripture to write down everything He has spoken to us. This isn't the first time I have been "prodded" by the Spirit to journal. I don't know why it is such a challenge for me because I really do love to write - maybe my challenge is being quiet long enough to actually hear something to write!

Obviously, God has a specific purpose for wanting us to scribe what He is saying to us. It is vital for our walk of faith to rehearse and remember all that He has imparted to us. I heard Him say to me as I was writing, "What doesn't seem relevant today will be tomorrow's necessity." I took that to mean that what doesn't seem to make sense today will be my sustenance tomorrow.
He is SO faithful!

I encourage you to begin to scribe that which He is speaking to your spirit. It will help you stay on track and also it will help you to wage a good warfare against the one who tries to steal the Word as soon as it is sown.

"Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God."
Matthew 4:4

Staying Steady In Unsteady Times

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:17:00 +0000

"So take a new grip with your tired hands and march on without wavering!"

(Heb. 12:12 - 26 Translations)

If there is anything to be said about stepping into this new year, it is "stay steady." We are living in such unsteady, uncertain times. From the job situation, economy, housing, war, relationships and personal finances, everything around us can look pretty bleak. Things will always look bleak if you are looking at them from a natural perspective, however, we are not supposed to be looking at things from a natural perspective, but from the Word's perspective.

Ephesians 2:6 -" ....and hath raised us up together to sit together with Him in heavenly places." The J.B. Phillips Translation says "....has lifted us out of the old life to take our place with Him in Christ Jesus in the heavens...." Let me tell you something, things look a whole lot different when the view is from our heavenly position!

The devil will always try to talk you out of what God has said. He set this pattern from the very beginning with Eve. We can criticize and blame Eve all we want, but the real issue is, how do you respond when the devil tries to talk you out of what God has said? Do you cave in to his mind games, or do you take your position in Christ and from your heavenly perch with Jesus, let God's Holy Word come out of your mouth and let the devil have it.

Don't tolerate the mind games anymore! Stay steady in the Word and march on without wavering!

So Great A Salvation!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:41:00 +0000

"How then shall we escape if we pay no attention at all to a salvation that is so great? " Hebrews 2:3

I want you to know today, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is extremely lavish with His love! He proved it in giving His Son for our redemption. You and I are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ - we have the amazing privilege of partaking in this great salvation.

This great gift of salvation is loaded with benefits. Psalm 68:19 tells us that daily we are loaded with benefits. Those benefits include safety, preservation, soundness, provision, healing and on and on we can go. Salvation sums up all the blessings bestowed by God on men in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Amazing! We lack nothing - we are loaded!

I found this the other day while reading and I want to share it with you. I know it will bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face. Enjoy!

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If God had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
God sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
When you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
And that Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem?
Face if friend. He's crazy about you.

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it - we're called children of God! I John 3:1 (Message Bible)

What's It All About Anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:59:00 +0000

For a child has been born for us! The gift of a son for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His Names will be Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. Isaiah 9:6 (Message)

It's that time of year - a time of year that should be joyous, fun and full or memories but unfortunately people are stressed over shopping, entertaining, shopping, spending, charging, shopping and more charging on credit cards! What's it all about anyway?

You know what it is all about - it's all about Jesus and the celebration is all about HIM! I encourage you to stay focused on celebrating Jesus - He wouldn't want you to go into debt anyway!

Keep things simple and by all means, don't do what you can't do and definitely don't spend what you don't have. What a concept!:) Get creative this Christmas and celebrate Him in creative ways. Here are just a few simple ideas of how you can enjoy the season and keep it true to it's original purpose.

1. One of the greatest gifts you have to give - is you! Spend time with the people who mean the most to you - take lots of pictures and make lots of memories together with the people you love.

2. Host a dinner party and have others (who don't want to go in debt this Christmas either! ) all bring a dish. You can have a great evening together playing games, watching Christmas movies and just enjoying each other in a relaxed atmosphere. The cost will be minimal to all of you and an evening together is a great gift that most people don't afford themselves in their busy, overcrowded lives.

3. Give coupons for free babysitting! There are lots of families who would be thrilled to have a free coupon for a free babysitter. Exchange this with other couples with children and give each other the gift of an evening out with their spouse with no cost for sitters! You could give a couple for a free meal as well. With people working as much as they do, coming home to a home cooked meal one night would be a real treat!

4. Everyone loves photos - they are memories that last forever. If you have special photos of the people you love, frame them and give them as gifts. Even better than that, put together a DVD of the photos which will be something that will last for generations.

5. Most important of all - give the gift of God's Word. Sweaters grow old, toys break, most people don't wear the ties you give them anyway so give a gift that will last forever - the Word of God. There are lots of CD's and DVD's of all your favorite preachers (especially my husband!)that you could give as gifts. All the "stuff" will pass away, but His Word will NEVER pass away.

Get creative this Christmas and keep Jesus the center focus of your celebration. There's nothing worse than having a Christmas party and ignoring the guest of honor!

What Is God's Will for My Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:22:00 +0000

I can't tell you how many times we have been asked that question over the past 33 years of ministry. It is the one thing that people really struggle with. What is my purpose? Why am I here? What am I suppose to do with my life? I'm sure you have probably asked yourself that question a time or two!

Maybe, at times, I am a bit too simplistic in the way I look at things. Sure, I have asked myself that question too. "Am I still doing what I am supposed to be doing?" "God, is there another assignment you have for me?"

One day, years ago, I read this Scripture and it really helped me to be at peace.
I Thessalonians 5:18: "Thank God in everything - no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks; for THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOU [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].

WOW! I Love that because it settles it! If we will understand that the will of God for our lives is to be thankful in (not for) every circumstance we really do stay in a receiving mode. If God needs to speak to us about a change, transition or redirection, our hearts are open and receptive because we are living life grateful. Living life grateful keeps our hearts tender and our ears open to what the Spirit of God is saying to us.

If you find yourself struggling to "know the will of God" for your life, just plug into I Thess. 5:18.
Be at peace knowing you are in the perfect will of God by living life grateful!!

Wait A Minute...or Two or Three.....

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:35:00 +0000

"...But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

If you take some time to study the revivals and great moves of God in the past, you will see a pattern that we don't see much of today - The Bible calls it "waiting on God."It wasn't unusual for congregations to sit in God's presence for hours! No one moved, no fidgeting, no babies crying, no prophesying - just waiting.

"Waiting on God" is a lost art that we must recapture in the church today - we need to desperately. It seems as though believers today are tired and worn out - the devil is working hard in these last days, to wear out the saints. We don't have to stay worn-out! Waiting on God refreshes and strengthens us - this is where we get our "second wind!"

When we refuse to wait we end up operating in our own strength and we end up looking like the Israelites did in Isaiah 30:15-18 (amp) Unfortunately, a lot of us act like the Israelites did. We need God's help, but instead of "waiting on God" for the answer, we hustle to do "the stuff."

There are wonderful things waiting for you in the presence of God. God wants to talk to you!
Did you know that you don't always have to hear things second hand? God's wants to talk directly to you - you can hear God for yourself if you will just spend time in His presence.
The only thing God needs, which seems the hardest for us to give, is time.

I encourage you to spend an extra minute, or two or three or ten waiting on the Lord. You will find your strength renewed, your body refreshed and your spirit revitalized!!

Everything Human Has It's Limits!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:05:00 +0000

I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end, [no matter how extensive, noble and excellent] but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].
Psalm 119:96

A couple of months ago, I was impressed to spend a great deal of time meditating on Psalm 119 in the Amplified Bible. At first I thought, it has 176 verses in that Psalm - that will take me forever! However, the pull in my spirit was to spend my time in this Psalm and that is exactly what I did. I had no idea how much I was going to need all 176 verses! I'm so glad I obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He is so patient with us.

One of the verses that really ministers to me is verse 96. It speaks of everything human having limits, but the Word of the Lord is without limits! WOW! If we are not meditating on the Word day and night as we are instructed in Joshua 1:8, it is really easy to depend on what is human and to live with limits. God didn't send Jesus to die so we could live with limits. His plan was for us to be totally free of all the limits the enemy had placed on humanity. I John 3:8 tells us, "The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen and dissolve) the works the devil has done.

You may be going through a situation right now where all human intervention has failed and there is nowhere else for you to turn. I'm here to tell you that everything human has it's limits, but the Word of the Lord is without limits!

What better news could there be? Find the Scriptures that apply to your situation and then meditate on them day and night until they get way down deep in your heart - speak those Scriptures out loud as often as you can. God is watching over His Word to perform it on your behalf! (Jer. 1:12)

Remember, God's Word is exceedingly broad and extends without limits!

My Highest Degree of Gratification!

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:00:00 +0000

I have been spending a lot of time lately in Psalm 119. It is a long Psalm with 176 verses in it and full of so many treasures!

This Psalm is full of hope, healing, consecration,wisdom, direction, love, and a passion for His Word. It speaks over and over again of God's Word being a "delight" in our lives. Of course, this made me look up the word delight so that I could get a clearer understanding of the Scripture. The word delight actually means, "a high degree of gratification and joy, extreme satisfaction and great pleasure!"

WOW - that is what the Word of God should mean to each one of us. It should be our highest degree of gratification - our pure joy - and it should bring us extreme satisfaction and the greatest of pleasure! This is how we should feel every time we read the Word, hear the Word, study the Word, pray the Word and share the Word.

Let me share just a few of the Scriptures in Psalm 119 - I pray they will bring you the "highest degree of gratification!"

vs. 11 - Your Word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
vs. 16 - I will delight myself in Your statues; I will not forget Your Word.
vs. 18 - Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.
vs. 28 -....raise me up and strengthen me according to the promises of Your Word.
vs. 34 - Give me understanding that I may keep your law; yes, I will observe it with my whole
heart.
vs. 47 - For I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love.
vs. 50 - This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction, that Your word has revived me and
given me life.

I could go on and on because it keeps getting better! Take some time and meditate on Psalm 119. I especially enjoy it in the Amplified Bible. I pray that God's Holy Word becomes your highest degree of gratification!

"Who Has The Run of Your House?"

noreply@blogger.com (Verna Del Turco) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:56:00 +0000

"Let the Word of Christ -the Message - have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives."

Times have really changed since we pioneered IFC back in November of 1981 - almost 27 years ago. There was such a hunger for the Word of God in the hearts of the people and there wasn't anything they wouldn't do to hear God's Word, be in His presence, attend a prayer meeting, go to Bible School, week long campmeetings, all day work days on the grounds, and on and on. There was such joy in people's hearts in serving the Lord and such a sense of purpose and destiny. We brought our children to church in their pajamas if we had to, but there was no keeping us at home if there was church! People came straight from work to make it on time for service, but missing church wasn't an option. Hungry hearts were eager for more and God's presence was more precious than anything this world could ever offer.

This is how I was raised. If there was church, we were there. The things of God came first and everything else was peripheral. This was our world - serving God, His people and His world. Vacations were planned around the church schedule because going to church as a family was always a priority. It had to be something really major for us to miss church.

I remember the Sunday evening I wanted to stay home. I had been in church all morning and I just wanted to stay home. I was 17 years old - I should be able to stay home from church if I wanted to! Everyone was in the car waiting and I didn't want to go! Suddenly, I heard my little Italian Father's footsteps coming up those bedroom stairs. If I didn't know better, I would have thought it was a 10 foot giant coming up those stairs! He opened my bedroom door, took one look at me and told me to get in the car - there was church on Sunday nights and that is where we were going - as a family. He meant business and I knew it. Guess what I did....you are right.....I took my 17 year old smart self down those stairs and got right into the car and went to church with my family! That was that and I never tried that again!:)

In my parent's home, Christ - the Message - had the run of the house! That's all there was to it!
Who has the run of your house? Is it your job...your career....your intellect....a rebellious child.....television....sports....the love of money? Christ and His Message should have the run of our homes. His Word should have the preeminence and we should be acknowledging Him in all of our ways. There is such peace and joy when Christ and His Message have the run of our homes!

Who has the run of your house?