by admin | Jul 21, 2012 | Uncategorized
These random violent shootings drive me to my knees in grief and prayer. How will the families of the victims every recover? How wil those who witness this horrific mahem recover? How can we go forward without fear? How could this happen?
Those of us who read the Bible know the answers to those questions. “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth.” John 8:44
Men and women can be evil, but not so evil they can or will do this kind of killing without the help of evil demonic spirits, that entice, control and drive them to acts we see as insanity. We look at them and say, “they are mentally ill.” Mentally deranged, yes, with real supernatural help from the real ‘dark side.’
It is devilish ironic that this happened in a movie by a similar name. One critic said it had truly gone to the dark side. We as people, rational people, need to acknowledge the supernatural is reality, and stop playing with it in games, movies and opening ourselves and our children to this demonic enemy. Am I suggesting we do away with all of that? Of course not, fat chance anyway. I am saying we must overcome evil with good…. and ever so strong in the movies….the good guys should not be whimps or jerks.
We need to know what our children and young people are reading, watching and spending their time with. That will not be the whole answer to the problem, but it will help. I ask one of my sons, who is raising four great kids….”when do you tell them about demons?” His answer was, “When they start watching cartoons on TV, we tell them the bad guys have demons and the good guys have Jesus and Jesus always wins. As they get older we share more and more as they are old enough and ready about the facts from the Bible, the enemy and their authority to overcome.”
In recent years as they became teenagers they were allowed to watch some semi-dark films and then their parents discussed with them the content, asking their view on what was presented. The kids are smarter than we adults when it comes to seeing things and understanding when they have been given a basis for decent moral views–they will make good decisions.
We in the church should teach more on loving Jesus, how much He loves us, the authority of believers to overcome and be victorious over the enemy, the devil—more on his wiles and his ways. Many are afraid that they will scare people….well, that is a possibility if not handled with personal authority, and faith in God, themselves.
There is a lot of teaching in the church today that the battle is in the mind and the devil has no power except to deceive and lie to us. If that is true how did the devil show Jesus all the nations of the earth, when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness?
How did he put Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple and tell Jesus to throw Himself off? A vision? Was it physical? The Book says he did it…..how?
The Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all talk about Jesus healing and throwing demons out of people. If they didn’t have demons in them why would Jesus command them out? If the devil and his demons have no power why were people healed when they were delivered? Working in the ministry and healing area we have experienced things that cannot be explained in any other way than miraculous, and supernatural both of evil spirits, and of Angels, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father.
How did this happen to this young man who did this sadomasochistic shooting, who appeared to all as intelligent, normal, etc? Was it something he did on the Internet that was a clever game or sadistic themes of evil that desensitized him to the real world. Was it TV, movies, books or a person who had a violent influence on him? There are hundreds of scenarios that could qualify. If you listen closely to all the serial killers they will at some point say, “The voices told them to do it.”
Another question….was he loved, had he lost his ability to love and feel pain of others? Bottom line we need to love more, teach, educate young people of the pitfalls and the truth of how they can be sucked into and overtaken to commit terrible crimes. We must pray over our families and friends daily, not in fear, but in faith in the blood and Name of Jesus to protect and keep them safe. We must pray over their schools, our work places, and everywhere we go. Is that a big job….no, no definitely not….it just takes faith and about the amount of time men set a time for golf or women plan a menu for dinner.
Thank God, He is always with us and will comfort and bless those families as they struggle with the horrific pain and grief caused by a senseless act of violence from the dark side of our world.
Our prayers are with all the victims and their families; and for the shooter’s family as all are victims and need mercy and compassion. For more help and prayer click here: WWW.PrayerAgainstViolence.com
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Nov 30, 2011 | Uncategorized
In the past weeks the news–yes, I did say news–has been full of pictures and information about two celebrities who had a lavish, expensive wedding and then split in 72 days. Publicity stunt or lack to judgment???????
Thanksgiving day, a discussion arose on marriage. One couple said they married at 22 and that was much too young. Other comment came forth about age,circumstance, etc. I added I have a couple of friends who dated for years. They are attractive, intelligent and social and yet they have never found the right person. in dating each person has unique qualities and after awhile one can want all those qualities in one person and that person does not exist.
When I went home that night and began to thank God for a great day, wonderful family and friends, my mind went back to the marriage question. The Holy Spirit responded, "The person one marries should be someone whose character and nature they honor and respect."
A word picture fell into my mind. When we look past the outer core of a person, into the inner-most being, do we find love, kindness, life coming forth. Or is that person nice when it is convenient and self-absorbed most of the time. In a day and age of electronics and internet it is not unseemly to 'check someone out.'
What does their family and friends say about them? How to they treat their family, friends and oh yes, strangers? How do they treat their employees or Boss? what is their attitude toward God, life and the future? When we can honor and respect a person for 'who they are , in their heart' and love them for that, we can weather the storms of life together–especially the little annoyances that come every day.
Three of the reasons people get married are:
Passion–lust, physical attraction.
Convenience–liking the same foods, activities, sports–having things in common.
Social–long time relationship, family association, mutual friends, fitting into a social climate well.
ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE GOOD AS LONG AS THE CHARACTER AND NATURE OF THE TWO PEOPLE OVERRIDE THOSE CONSIDERATIONS!
Then of course there are negative reasons for getting married, such as, passion without reason, rebellion against parents or just life itself , a need to be needed without boundaries, a social or career move, etc. Even these marriages can make it if the Lord is brought in, to resolve the issues (All things are possible with God) but sure is tough to start on 'shaky ground'….the odds of success and happiness are slim.
THE POINT IS, WHEN WE SEARCH OUT WHO A PERSON IS, NOT JUST WHAT THEY DO, WE WILL HAVE A GREAT PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS IN MARRIAGE AND IN LIFE!
There are no guarantees in life or marriage. But, a super important point from the Bible In the book of John, Chapter 2, speaks of Jesus and His disciples attended a wedding….clear indication, it is a good idea to have Jesus and friends of Jesus at every wedding. Jesus needs to be part of all we do, Holy Spirit leading, guiding and Father God part of our heart, so that we are able to truly love and be loved!
Pressing in and pressing on…..
by admin | Aug 6, 2011 | Uncategorized
Recently I heard a sermon that made me spend time thinking about the scripture in the above titlle. It is quoted from Matthew 15:16.
The Pastor, and I don't remember who it was, said, "Jesus is asking Peter, 'Who Am I to you?'" I am very grateful to that Pastor and I know God is blessing him, as it was one of those quotes that linger in your brain for 'good'!
Who is God to me……I have been thinking ever since. Is He an austere far-away God declaring doom and judgment….certainly not for me. I have know for years that the Holy Spirit is with me always. I found it easier to relate to Jesus because we can 'see' Him with spiritual eyes from Scripture. I am learning to know the Holy Spirit more all the time….recognizing how wonderful He is, at all He does.
I found through teaching in the SOZO ministry at Bethel Church, Redding, California, that some of the leaders have personal relationships with God, the Father. As I learned I was so excited to find I too, could have that. It is a little different for each of us, but so wonderful. Just as we relate to family members differently and friends we can relate to the Godhead personally and relationally. They are One, yet each is a person. It is exciting to know them and relate to them individually and together.
It takes faith and a willingness to receive, as we learn about them from the Bible. Jesus came to set us free but also to let us know the Father, as He did only what He saw the Father do, and what the Father told Him; yet Jesus was very much His own person. It isn't easy to understand…..we just believe, accept and receive until we are on the other side of this life and it's problems.
Who is God to me….a wonderful 'Abba' who is kind, loving, and fair…..Creator of the Universe, but just Abba Father to me. (Rom 8:15) How about you?
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jul 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
I watched the Jaycee Dugard Interview on Sunday, mesmerized by her story. What a great testimony of resilence, hope and mercy. "Mercy" ? Yes, mercy on her part toward the couple who kidnapped her and held her captive in a back yard for many years.
Her smile, her laugh, her attitude was so captivating as the story poured out…..continually raped, having two babies in a back yard, locked in a place with no windows or view of the outside for years, certainly convicted me of how much I take for granted.
Her captors serving sentences in jail, as they should, are not keeping Jaycee captive to her memories. She is busy renewing her life with her mother, taking care as she always has, the two daughters she has, and as I see it……overcoming evil with good. What the devil has meant for evil God has turned to good.
What does God have to do with this? In my heart I believe He was with her and sustained her through all of this. Why didn't God stop it or save her? Maybe with free will, we all have, man has been given authority and it takes action on someone's part so God can back it up. There are questions in our heart about all tragedies and pain in the world; questions that may only be answered in eternity.
I know, experientially know, God is good, loving and merciful. The fact that I believe Jesus was with Jaycee in all of this does not, in any way, take away all the credit she should have for her courage, her strength, her integrity and character in the face of overwhelming odds. The lack of bitterness in Jaycee can be seen on her beautiful face. What an awesome woman…..she is truly amazing!
by admin | Jul 1, 2011 | Uncategorized
In this day and age we wonder who is free and who isn't….so many ways to look at life. I realized recently that I had become toooooo intense and overwhelmed with life, and it's many problems, world-wide. I was in 'bondage' to fear and doubt.
In other words I was 'busted' (as the kids say) by the Holy Spirit to receive joyfully with gratitude of heart for the abundance of all things. (Deut 28:47) Because, otherwise, it goes on to say all kinds of bad things will happen. Then in Romans 8:28 Paul tells us God will work all things together for good for those who love the Lord. Paul is not saying all things are good but that God can work in them.
What I realized when I talk to God, and I do all the time, it should not be with a heavy heart but with an attitude of His Majesty and Glory and that no matter how it looks I can depend on Him to work in it. "Life" is a choice, always….very little is automatic with the promises of Jesus and the Bible….much depends on what we say and how we choose to believe. I think 'faith' is the supernatural substance of what we choose to believe. (Heb 11:1)
Is it possible to be 'positive' all the time? Sure isn't easy for me. If my body is in pain, there is a lot to overcome. If I am dealing with violence or death, I sure depend on the sermon on the mount where Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn because they will be comforted." (Matt 5) But, I realized I just have to find and make time to smile, to laugh, to thank God, to enjoy my dog, my family, my neighbors, or whatever I can, or my mind will be clouded and used by the devil and his demons to pull me into more unbelief.
We, in America, are celebrating the 4th of July….freedom for this country won many years ago. We are grateful and trying to hang on to that freedom as it seems at times to be disappearing.
Nelson Mandela (who certainly understands freedom) said, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of ofthers." Living with a heart for God and a love for others will certainly fulfil that.
Jesus said "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) The word 'know' means to 'experiencially know' and truth is the truth of God (John 17:17). So no matter where we live in the world, truth of God, Jesus, of the faithfulness of the Holy Spirit will set us free in our heart, no matter what the circumstances. So today we can choose to believe…..and faith will come and we can have 'spiritual freedom' and decide to freely:
ENJOY THE JOURNEY ONE DAY AT A TIME!
Happy Holiday where ever you are!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jun 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
Since we are more spirit than physical (yes, that is true!), it is so wonderful to use our imagination, asking and allowing God to visit us with visions, dreams, or in many other Supernatural ways.
Recently I made a trip to Colorado. I was blessed to spend time just talking and enjoying our Lord and the presence of God became very real.
I had a wonderful vision that answered a prayer for me that I ask of God some time ago. When praying for a situation, person or healing I always forgive any sins first, (John 20:23) then pray however the Holy Spirit leads me. I try not to think, but just to let the Holy Spirit guide me. The Holy Spirit is so good at what He does.
I questioned the Holy Spirit, wondering if this was truly His guidance, (in forgiving sins first) and the vision I received answered that question. I pray it will bless you also. I am so grateful to God for His loving direction and faithfulness!
As I sat in my friend's living room taking in the awesomely beautiful mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, I was aware in my spirit of how Jesus carried the cross and drug himself up the hill to his crucifixion. The Holy Spirit helped me to understand (in the spirit of my mind, Eph 4:23) how we drag and pull our pains, needs, sickness up the hill to the cross as well. That is why it seems so difficult at times, as we struggle with the mountains in front of us. That as Jesus exchanged our sin at the cross for the Glory of God to our salvation, we too can put our needs at the cross, trusting it to be a portal to heaven, to be blessed for the Glory of God.
Suddenly I saw the outline of a beautiful iridescent cross at the top of the mountain. It was surrounded by light of colors I had never seen before. In fact the lights made the shape of the cross as it had no other substance. It was so beautiful I was in awe and began to understand the cross is a point or portal of faith into heaven where forgiveness and repentance are exchanged for all the loving attributes of God (Gal 5:22). Do we have to 'see' this to do that….no, but how wonderful it is to open the eyes of our heart to the supernatural as a position of faith.
I ask the Lord how I might describe what I saw to others so they might see it in their imagination and heart. His answer was to take all the colors of a rainbow and inject lightening and there it would be. As I have shared many have been able to see it as well….more importantly that even though Christ Jesus is risen (no longer on the cross) the cross still remains as a place in the supernatural of exchanging our sins and the sins of others in forgiveness, for Christ Jesus resurrected Glory. (John 10:10)
This was personal to me, but available to everyone….a gift, God can use to show us many things….His Loving Mercy,
Compassion and Grace! May it be yours today, through Jesus!
Pressing in and pressing on….
