by admin | Jun 20, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Personal
Many of you know that I recently went to San Diego to visit family and give a seminar on the SUPERNATURAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. And I experienced a strange miracle in the process. I think ‘bitter-sweet’ discribes something that is both good and bad at the same time and this was it.
I am sharing this because it is a great (yet, for me very uncomfortable) present day example of II Corinthians 12;7. “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”
I have met many who think if they ignore the devil, he will leave them alone….so I want to be clear. I definitely do not expect demonic interference nor do I dwell on the possible ‘fears’ of our life on this earth. However, I spend my life seeking the heart of God, and building my faith in the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, and thanking Jesus for the authority and power He has delegated to us. (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 10:19) Not only to teach the Kingdom of God on earth with our King Jesus but to fight the enemy when he attacks. Am I ‘super-saint’ …..happy horse feathers, no…..just like Paul saved from being one of worst of all sinners, and excited about the things of God and His work in all our lives.
If people ignore the demonic realm (God love them) I just don’t know what Bible they are reading as it is all there……especially John 10:10.
I had forgotten the amount of work and effort it takes to put on a seminar. Without a team–and I am blessed with a great one–it could never happen. The hosting Church was gracious and the accommodations super-duper, as the Pastor made sure all our needs were met–I am so impressed with the heart of that leader.
This is no different than a meeting, or special occasion, you may have or be planning. It is a group effort and truly enjoyed as such. My personal prayer partner, (we all need at least one) was invaluable, and a very special friend came from Los Angeles and covered every detail for me, so I could focus on the teaching. Don’t we all need a ‘keeper’ at times–special friends and I am so blessed with many.
We gathered in a group ahead of time and prayed. Just as we parted to take our ‘posts’ an excruciating pain hit my head, neck and shoulders. I never, I mean, never have headaches. I immediately fought the attack and asked others for help. The day was a ‘roller-coaster’ of physical discomfort and pain. When Paul writes in the scripture quoted above, ‘ thorn in the flesh to buffet me’ I could personally relate. ‘Buffet’ means to hit with clenched fist, metaphorically to assault.
The MIRACLE in all of this, was, that I was able to teach for six hours, despite my physical condition. The Holy Spirit is always with us….never leaves or forsakes us….and it was clear to me, He was working through me to express the revelation of His work and will, and I was just the vehicle.
That scripture says, ” lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelation” reveals the threat to the enemy and his evil work. In other areas of the Bible all the disciples encourage us to seek boldness to speak the Word of God, etc. so it sure isn’t God worried about our ego being inflated…..but just the opposite…..the devil and his demons want to discourage, halt and bring discord, and confusion to our lives.
We finished the day, giving Glory to God, and thanking Him for the breakthroughs that were experienced by many. More on their stories later. For me, the attack lasted almost three weeks. Each day I got better. Judy and other faithful friends prayed for me often. I sought the Lord, like Paul, that it would depart from me. We questioned how this could of happened? With my focus on my presentation and direction of the Lord, did I forget to cover myself with the Blood of Jesus ? And I think I might have forgotten to do that–Something we should always do–for protection–especially when praying for others. How could that happen? The demonic world are experts in distraction.
Was it a physical attack because of a new ‘hair spray’ I used that morning? Maybe! Possibly an allergic reaction? That was a possibility.
We are so funny….it seems easier to ‘see’ the physical, logical answers, rather than deal with the supernatural realm. I am pretty good at this, but I still search for answers. In the process of being healing I had several revelations that will serve me well in helping others. I think it says, “God’s grace is sufficient….” Many I have found, think that means God is saying, ‘just grin and bear it’. We get so wrapped up in our self-righteousness we think suffering is to our credit. Hardly!
I didn’t take this laying down…..(excuse the pun) even though I spend a great deal of time in bed for the past two weeks….I continued to ‘stand’ my ground on my belief in the power, willingness and love of God in Jesus to heal…..Acts 10:38 for all doubting Thomas-es.
One of the definitions of Grace is the the Empowering presence of God. We want and expect healing to be immediate and that is a good thing…..a very good thing. However, sometimes it is a process and the Empowering presence of God will sustain us and lead us to victory.
My total release from this attack sent by Satan came this week when I attended a two-day training class by the Bethel SOZO Healing Team. First the Holy Spirit told me four or five times (sometimes I am a little dense) to attend. Second, during the first session the leaders ask if anyone had been on a mission trip and felt they had come home with ‘something’.
Since I don’t consider myself a ‘missionary’ I didn’t stand. Until the Holy Spirit said very clearly, “STAND UP”! Boy, I sure can be dense at times. As I stood and they prayed I was ‘jolted’ from head to toe, top to bottom for several seconds and it was gone! A strong confirmation from the Lord that it was a “messenager who had brought a thorn in the flesh” to buffet and discourage me from the truth of God’s Word and even more to give up sharing that truth when ever possible.
Did I get discouraged and feel hopeless? You bet I did….and this certainly isn’t the first time. I have wanted to give up (whatever that means), go a different way (whatever that means) and not trust God. Those thoughts come from the enemy and are easily captured in our mind because pain is a great conditioner.
Many will say to me, “Well, God will never give me more than I can bear.” That is a mis-understanding of I Corinthians 10:13, in my opinion. In truth, God will not, but in reality the devil will. He comes to ‘kill, rob and destroy’ (John 10:10) and he will if he can. Miracles and healings are now more abundand than any time in history, since Jesus. And, the good news is that if, the devil, his demons manage to take our life Jesus is standing at the door to receive us into His Heavenly Kingdom. It is a win-win situation for those of us who love and follow our Jesus! And, how foolish it would be not to fight the good fight of faith until our last breath! That’s my plan I pray it is yours also!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jun 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
There are rules in the supernatural that affect our lives daily, minute by minute. Hosea tells us we perish for lack of knowledge…..that is lack of knowledge of God’s ways.
Jesus said in the parable of the sower, “If you receive the Word and do not understand it, the devil will steal it.” That’s pretty powerful! The important bottom line is to know and understand who God is, what is His plan and purpose. Who are we in Christ….how does that compute in today’s ‘perfect storm’?
More than any time in history people are seeking spiritual answers, and this is a great time to build the Kingdom on God on earth, with Jesus as King, here on earth. Love is the basis of His message, and we can all communicate that to those around us.
However, the more we know and ‘understand’ the more capable we will be….the more we can overcome in our own lives. We must believe God is….and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Let’s be diligent! Let’s be passionate! Jesus is awesome, let us let Him shine in our lives!
Pressing in and pressing on…..
by admin | May 24, 2009 | Personal
Blessings on this Holiday Weekend….one in which we honor our men and women serving our Country all over the rld….we are so privileged to have them and those that have given their lives and destiny to protect freedom….one Nation Under God! May God bless and prosper, protect and give favor to all of them, their families, and His love and empowering presence, where ever they are!
There is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy. 25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names and obscenitis on this rock, changing its’ character many times. A few months back, the rock received it’s latest paint job and since then it has been left completely undistrubed. The talented teenager is Ray ‘Bubba’ Sorensen! Thanks so much….good job!
by admin | May 16, 2009 | Kingdom Comments, Personal, Uncategorized
Several months ago I decided to offer chapters of the book I wrote several years ago (and have added to…since then) called THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!
Working and praying with people for 23 years I have learned that very few (myself included) have a real picture of who God is and His power and plan for life. I have a passion for seeking answers and to know more and more.
I offered the book because I did not want anyone to miss it because of ‘money’–especially those in the rest of the world. At the time of Jesus death on the cross He said, “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.” How interesting that His Heart and the Heart of the Father are almost summed up in that one sentence. Well…..hardly! Since God is beyond anything we can truly conceive.
But it represents the Heart to heal and restore relationship and open the doors to a Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. If we learn true forgiveness, how to release ‘judgment’, to know the power of ‘repentance’ (that in the Greek means ‘to change the way we think’) it is a good foundation to build on for the rest of our life on this planet.
So if you have not taken advantage of accepting the free book, please do. We will be taking it off the Blog on Tuesday, May 26th, following memorial day. THAT IS JUST A LITTLE OVER A WEEK….I hope you won’t miss it.
I will be in the San Diego area doing a one day seminar on “SUPERNATURAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT” on May 30th at Grace Community Church in San Marcos, California.
Our publisher is working feverishly to have the book re-published and in print by that time. The Seminar will cover just a small part of the book, and other topics the Lord has put on my heart to help people cope with today’s problems and challenges. To sign up and receive more information just click on the page to the right of this message…..San Diego Meeting, May 30th Registration.
When Jesus left He said, “Go ye there fore, and teach all nations…..” This is a wonderful time to be building the Kingdom of God, bringing His influence and forgiveness to the world. When we set an example, influence others with the Love (wanting the best for everyone) of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will draw people in untold numbers into Eternity. We have a precious privilege to be Ambassadors for Christ!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | May 1, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Personal, Relationship Not Religion!
There are so many things going on in the world as well as the United States, and we probably all have opinions on most of the events. AT A TIME SUCH AS THIS…..what do we do?
When we have a heart’s desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth–when we want everyone to have the opportunity to know Jesus personally–when we love people and want the best for them–just what do we do?
When we state what we believe and stand our ground, too often it comes across as judgment. In other words, we are right and you are wrong, scenario. But does that really bring Life? Can the Truth flourish in an atmosphere of condemnation? My Bible says, “It is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance.” (Romans 2:4)
One of my favorite Pastors says, “I don’t enter any battles I have no opportunity to change.” And, I think that is what I am saying to myself these days, “Choose your battles carefully, Carol, that you do not strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”
There are times when we must stand for Jesus and what we believe…..and I certainly pray I will be embolden when that happens. However, there is a strong group–that I follow–in the Church who are saying we must (as Jesus directed in Matthew) to teach all Nations about the Kingdom of God. That we must have an influence in media, government, the market, education, entertainment, the arts, family and so on.
We will definitely not make friends and influence people with attitudes of superiority, and hearts filled with judgment about how wrong our associates may be. To even enter those fields we must be well equipped and ready to be the absolute best….for whatever is required. Then we need to soak in the Love and Grace of God until it permeates our being and our hearts are filled with a desire to bless and care about everyone we meet.
Do we really trust the Holy Spirit? Do we know that our part is to set an example, pray for others and trust Him to work? Or do we think it is totally up to us to confront with what we know to be the truth, and people will change? In 23 years of ministry I have not found that to work. However, loving and caring with mercy and compassion, is overwhelming to even the nastiest of demons–their power pales under that kind of influence.
Carrie Prejean, Miss California, stood for what she believes and lost the crown for Miss USA. She was put in a no-win situation by the question given her. The Holy Spirit was there for her and has provided the help she has needed through the hours and days that followed.
Ten or twelve years ago I was blessed to meet two great women of God, who were at the time living in Israel. They worked in the community and never talked about Jesus openly, but prayed at night, for those who crossed their path during the day. They learned as time went on, that Jesus was going personally to those individuals and they were accepting Him as their Messiah. And to this day, my heart cries out that we would have that kind of faith for the Lord do His part when we do ours! He is sooooo good at what He does and it is His plan after all.
If I love my neighbor as myself……how would I like Jesus presented to me ?
This is such a dazzling age. Information and knowledge abounds everywhere. But love? It seems scarce and many are searching for it in all the wrong places. I do not mean sentimental love….I mean the kind of love that truly cares about others and their welfare. Jesus spent a great deal of time with those the Bible calls ‘sinners’ ….must be a clue there, for us! May we move, not in self-righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ to move the Kingdom beyond our doors, for the King of all kings, our Jesus!
Pressing in and pressing on….
P S If you would like hear Carrie’s testimony at her church, click here
http://inspirationmanifestation.com/142/miss-california-carrie-prejean-tells-all-at-church-interview.php
