by admin | Aug 6, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Personal
Talking to the Holy Spirit about writing a blog….lots of things on my mind, however He said write on “Good and Evil”; and He is the Senior Partner in our relationship, so I said, “Well, OK then…..however, I will need Your help as that wasn’t on my mind.”
There are so many issues that we disagree on…..in the Church….to sprinkle or dunk in baptism….are the ‘gifts’ or ‘tongues’ for today. In politics, etc. And one that comes to mind was an issue debated during the campaign. When talking about abortion, our now President Obama, said, “If you believe life begins at conception, then we have nothing to talk about.”
I was some what surprised because I think anyone who is elected to the Presidency of our country must be intelligent and educated. Then I realized I used to think the way he does…..well, not really….I didn’t think…..I just assumed that babies have life when they come into the world. Then I met Jesus personally and I began to think about things like abortion and learned the scientific truth and the Biblical truth of life from the very beginning.
So what seems right to President Obama is a lack of knowledge of God’s ways and scientific facts about the growth and development of a fetus. How many others lack that knowledge and how do we get the word, the understanding to them? It actually seems ‘good’ to many not to bring in unwanted babies, and to others abortion is not an answer it is ‘death’ not life, and is evil.
To some who believe they are ‘gay’…..that it is a good lifestyle. They feel it is ‘good’ that they have found someone to love and who loves them. Others believe it is un-natural and evil.
I understand from the Bible, anything that is not faith is sin. Boy, you put ‘good’ or ‘evil’ to that and you could sure be confused, because faith to one is different than faith to another. And, P. S. to that, God is not the author of confusion.
Years ago, in an attempt to be more ‘holy’ I fasted and prayed for 8 days. I was going for 40 days but only made it 8. That night when I went to sleep I told the Lord He could have my ‘halo’ back, I just couldn’t cut it…..I gave up. Then next morning I felt the presence of Lord on me and I rushed into a quiet room and fell to my knees to hear, “You have never loved Me, you love what is right.” Tears poured out of my heart in repentance and sadness. I immediately knew what He meant. I felt convicted, yet still loved…..repentant but forgiven. My life was changed from that moment and I remember it clearly.
Jesus said, “They will know you by how you love one another.” When our focus is on good and evil, we will strive to be right at any cost–we will judge without thinking, let alone any counsel from the Holy Spirit. When our focus is loving, forgiving and ‘what will bring life’ to a situation, we will get the help we need from the Holy Spirit. There are times we will be called to stand for our faith and trust in Jesus….hopefully not at the expense of others.
Loving and helping people the way they are, not the way we want them, is the toughest thing in life. We must lay down the fuse-lit-bombs of good and evil, and take up the artillery of mercy, grace and forgiveness…..and pray for those we don’t agree with…..especially those we don’t agree with!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jul 26, 2009 | Personal
I am reading a Christian book….and I don’t know about you but I feel guilty when I don’t agree with someone (the opinions in their book), however, there are times we just don’t! Because I write, I know the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ it takes to get one written, edited (and that never ends) and published. But, I sure disagree with this author!
This book is on women and the author is stressing ‘beauty’. She writes well about many things however, she says the cry of a girl or woman’s heart is, “Am I attractive? Am I beautiful?” From the time we are little girls through out woman-hood, that we women need to hear that from our fathers, husbands, etc. And I assume little boys need to know they are strong and handsome.
Well, if we grow up in America we might think that is true. We have the cute, thin little Barbie Doll, and the handsome Ken. Even in the church we have been pressed into stereo-type attire and admire the thin, the cute, and the pretty. While perfectly wonderful women and girls are ignored and left to feel rejected. How many men and boys are rejected because of some physical problem?
We are programed from cartoons to full length movies that to be beautiful is the prize. TV Anchor women and men lose their jobs when their beauty ‘wains’. Not so much any more…..some of the older people are still popular. How many of them have had face lifts, tummy tucks and what ever? Again, in the church as well. Well-known speakers have face lifts because they face the public and are on TV. What example does that give to others to enjoy, respect and accept what comes with old age–is it a blessing or a curse? What example do we set when we don’t honor and give special place with a gracious attitude to the ones who aren’t all they want to be?
If beauty was the answer, Marilyn Monroe would have been the happiest person on the planet……Michael Jackson would not have had a personal relationship with a Plastic Surgeon.
Our true heart’s cry is to be accepted, whether man or woman, girl or boy. We join cults, gangs, groups–drink, take drugs–have sex–under peer pressure to be ‘accepted’. Even in church and at work we work our heart out to be accepted.
The good newsis that when we receive Jesus into our heart–by a heart-felt decision of our will–we have just been accepted into the Kingdom of God by our Heavenly Father, Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It is so simple most of us miss it….I did, for years. But like so many simple things it is complex in that we must know and understand this experientially for it to penetrate our brain–to have this acceptance thing all settled, a done deal. So that we feel secure in who we are, not how we look. We just feel beautiful because Jesus loves us!
Raising children we need to reinforce how much we love them because of who they are, not always how they look, until they are old enough to receive Jesus themselves. And, they should know how much they are accepted because we have modeled and taught them.
The book of Galatians in the bible is very big on clearing out ‘bondage’ Paul saw with some of the Christians…..Chapter 3, verse 1, he says, “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you? “ verse 28 tells us (as do many other places in Scripture) “we are all one in Christ Jesus.” Through Him we all have ‘acceptance’. Paul was not referring to beauty as I am, but to bias because of gender, nationality, etc.
Now being worthy is another thing. We can never do enough to be worthy…..but because we are part of Jesus who is worthy, God considers us worthy also. So we can feel…..yes, I said ‘feel’ worthy by just experiencentially knowing we are part of all He is. Our position with God is secure, however, our ‘condition’ on earth depends upon how we think and what actions we take.
Jesus gives us the security we need to then, be the best we can be….because we want to! Look the best ossbile….because we want to–not because it is demanded by society….and enjoy ourselves and others for who they are inside and out without bias to beauty. God has put great beauty in the world. I love trees, but none are alike and they all have some bad spots or some weird shapes (especially after some years)….flowers too. Yet I would not reject them because they are not perfect or match up to some painting or picture as we do each other.
Then when we truly know this, what we do is determined by who we know we are!
I didn’t mean to imply that we don’t all enjoy a heart-felt compliment on how we look….men or women….we all do. But our security cannot depend upon it. The nicest, most sincere, loving people I have known were not beautiful-beautiful, but have had a special glow that comes from ‘character’ and the love of God beaming through.
There are people who are naturally beautiful. I think they really have a hard job not to get caught up in their looks, and lost in working to keep them. My heart cries out for those who are trapped or rejected by society’s norm.
In a song we sang at church today, one line was “All authority and power has been given to Him (Jesus)”. I thought to myself, “And Jesus belongs to me.” What a happy thought! Does Jesus belong to you? Is He yours to have forever? How could we have anything to give us more security than that!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jul 14, 2009 | Personal
There has been so much coverage on Michael Jackson, and some on Farrah Fawcett….appropriately as both were loved and treasured by family and friends. Also, Ed McMahon left us recently…..a favorite for many years.
However, I discovered someone I think was overlooked. Because a friend and I decided to watch THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN movie last weekend, we found information on the Internet, I want to share. Harve Presnell played the role of J J Brown, a wealthy gold miner in Colorado who married Molly Brown who became famous because of the heroic survival of Molly from the sinking of the Titanic. Based on some facts the movie is one of the most delightful musicals ever filmed. Harve has a wonderful voice and was great in the role, with Debbie Reynolds playing Molly.
A tall (6’4″), imposing baritone with roots in the musical theater, Harve Presnell played the hubby of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” on Broadway (1960), on tour (1962), and in the movie with Debbie Reynolds (1964). But filmed musicals were on the wane, and he spent four decades on stage until such films as “Fargo” (1996) made him a viable character player of the big screen. Also, many character parts on TV.
Each generation has those entertainers that touch the heart and make you feel as though you know them. Michael was certainly one of them. Since I am an older movie and entertainment “buff” I wanted to give homage to one of my favorites–Harve Presnell. Harve left us on June 30, 2009.
I pray the Lord will comfort the families of all these entertainers and their movies, CDs and DVDs will leave a lasting legacy for all who cared about them.
A dear friend named John went to be with the Lord as well, this last month. John and his wife, Caroline did no entertaining, but set an example for all who know and love them, in their marriage and their life style. They gave many hours to the Healing Rooms, and in other forms of ministry. John had a good career as a Senior Pilot for a major airline (before he retired), a loving father and husband.
Famous or not, loved ones leave (so to speak) daily. How grateful we are for what they meant to our lives but that brings up a couple of things we should ask ourselves. One, do we tell our friends and family how much they mean to us on a regular basis. Two, do we pray for those we know…..and for those we don’t know…..like entertainers, and media people. Our prayers are powerful and we need to care enough to bring our requests to the Lord so they will be blessed.
I also want to recommend THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN movie. One of the songs Harve sings in the movie, I’LL NEVER SAY NO TO YOU is unbelievably romantic, and Debbie Reynolds singing the words “I hate the word down, I love the word up….” will lift the mood of any listener and the background of the Colorado mountains is the sheer beauty of God’s creation. I celebrate the joy Harve Presnell brings to my heart, and I am so glad Debbie Reynolds is still with us.
All of this makes us reflect on our own lives…..what are we doing…..what could we do, so that we fill our lives with love and joy. I highly recommend Christ Jesus as the answer to all the needs of mankind….just inviting Him into our hearts turns the corner of peace, enjoying the Grace extended to all who wish to receive.
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jun 25, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Personal, Spiritual Warfare, etc., Uncategorized
The move is out! Yes, I went to see it…..and left the theater smiling….the movie was very good! But, wait a minute…. I have a question! Where are the angels and demons in that movie? You will find them addressed and exposed in ANGELS AND DEMONS; HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE.!
I chose not see the movie or read the book, The Da Vinci Code. Author of the book, Ron Brown had a hit, and I was devastated because I felt it was an ‘evil’ indictment of the truth contained in the Bible. I prayed that the Lord would protect those who did read the book or see the movie, would not be influenced.
One of my young adult grandsons went to see the Da Vinci Code , and his report back to me was, “What a bunch of junk! Ugh!!” I invited the same grandson to see the movie ANGELS AND DEMONS, the movie based on the book by Ron Brown, with me. I prayed about going, and had my own personal agenda for wanting to see the movie.
I thought it was a really good mystery, and was not ‘put off’ by the theme around the Catholic Church (since much of it was filmed in Rome, I assume the Catholic Church was OK with it??) I liked the movie…..my grandson thought it was just one level above OK. That was actually an endorsement on his part as young people now days see so many exciting movies, and so many awesome special effects….it takes a lot to get them specifically excited about any one film.
SO OK, HERE IS MY QUESTION…..WHERE ARE THE ANGELS AND DEMONS IN THE MOVIE? Anyone who does not believe in the devil and demons is not reading the Bible. It is pretty clear in Scripture who they are, what they do, and that they are real. Should we focus on that…..ABSOLUTELY NOT. But for believing Christians to be unaware of their place in this world leads to great deception. We should absolutely focus and be conscious of our relationship with Jesus, our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit so that we can address, in faith, and wisdom any evil situation that comes our way.
Not once in the movie do I recall the mention of the devil or demons. Angels were mentioned, because they were shown on the fronts of Churches, etc. in stone images. Was the devil in the movie……oh, yes…..there was real ugly evil being portrayed, and the battle was tough to say the least…..but never communicated verbally what they were fighting. Not at all like the excellent job Mel Gibson did in his movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST–where the devil and his demons were obvious.
This morning I heard Pat Robertson answer an email to the 700 Club, where a young lady stated that she read in her Bible about demons and yet she heard very little of it in the church…..were demons real. Pat said yes, and gave incidents he had experienced in India….but also warned her not to focus on those things but rather on the Lord! Good response!
We go through seasons in Church where we focus on healing, or angels, or prayer, or deliverance (the casting out of demons) one at a time. A few years ago there was a lot of talk in the church about deliverance. It got so out of hand in some places they were casting demons out of everything from chewing gum to house slippers. That is one reason the Pastors back away from deliverance teaching. Actually wouldn’t it be good if we taught and were aware of all the Bible all the time….not in just seasons of interest.
Like the young lady who sent in the email to the 700 Club, I asked the same question years ago. Only, I asked the Holy Spirit for the Truth. He led me to people and meetings where I could learn and know the Truth of His Word. That opened the door to helping many people to be delivered of sins, problems, obsessive behavior and illness, and so on–primarily Christians.
Knowing the need for knowledge I wrote a book of our experiences–ANGELS AND DEMONS; HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE! It is not a hand-book on deliverance, just information to identify the battle, and examples both bad and good that we have dealt with. (There are many good books on deliverance in the book stores)
Why the sub-title HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE, because the devil has no problem revealing and inspiring writers of horror films, supernatural phenomena, and stories of demons. The devil knows that it will de-sensitize young people to the truth. The devil knows church people will not go see the films, or create films on the truth of spiritual warfare. Demonic inspired films make the church look inept, powerless and weak. They do focus on evil and glorify their destructive wickedness–all adding to the deception in the world.
So, I encourage you to buy my book and get an interesting first hand look at God’s Truth and the devil’s deception. It is available as an e-book at the top of this page and in published book form by going to www.angelsdemonsbook.com
So is the movie, ANGELS AND DEMONS a fraud? Well, just a play on words…..yes, to me because I expected dialog and interchange between angels and demons. A fraud to others…. no….. if they just came to see a good movie.
Pressing in and pressing on….
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 | 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!
