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
by admin | Apr 9, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Personal, Relationship Not Religion!
Celebrating the resurrected life of Jesus Christ this week brings to mind a scripture in three of the four Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23…..
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me’.”
I delight in the fact that no matter how long we read the Bible we will find new understanding and revelation that will enhance and bless our lives. One that came to my mind this week was on the above Scripture.
The focus of course, is on Jesus, what He did, how He suffered for mankind, forgave and changed the world forever! Thank God we dedicate a day to celebrate, honor and rejoice for our good fortune and love on Jesus, the man, the person He is for us today! But, how do we take up our cross and follow Him?
I am sure there are many answers to the question. I respectfully want to share mine! When Jesus said, “Father Forgive them, they know not what they do!” set in motion a supernatural phenomena that will never end. Forgiveness and repentance have more power spiritually than an atom-powered locomotive on a down hill track. That declaration of forgiveness and the payment of His blood, His life, has taken the penalty of sin in the world, for those who chose to accept His gracious selfless gift–available to each and every person on the planet.
We can pick up our cross, and do as He did, in forgiving others. (John 20:23) This really does take denial of self, because most of the time we don’t feel like forgiving. Wonder how much Jesus felt like forgiving as He hung on that cross racked with pain, having taken the weight of the world upon himself? The magic of forgiveness is not a game or a shallow act of being humble but a decision of our will to have the will of the Father in Heaven, not ours!
It is not always easy…..but always possible! Because God has put supernatural power in the act of using our will to do His. Sometimes we must get rid of our judgment of the person or incident to forgive. Sometimes we need to be healed of the hurt or pain, to forgive. But, the greatest power and reward comes when we forgive out of our pain, as Jesus did!
Forgiveness is not:
- Stuffing our feelings and emotions!
- Condoning the act–“Oh, it’s OK.”
- Taking part in–“Well, it’s just this once.”
- Agreeing with–“Well, everyone does it.”
Forgiveness is, giving our pain, hurt and offense to a Heavenly Father, because the price has already been paid by Jesus, and the very act and declaration by a decision of our will, cleanses, heals and restores!
Jesus died once and was resurrected to give abundant Life…..just once….and every year we are reminded because of Him we too, can deny self, pick up our cross and follow Him. What a precious Easter gift He has given us!
Forgiveness never loses it’s power or effect. Forgiveness can restore relationships, bond groups and communities together, end wars and most of all, bring the presence of God right into our lives! Thank you, Lord–You are so special and more than enough in every situation!
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!
Pressing in and pressing on….
Note: If you are new to this Blog, you are invited to take advantage of the FREE BOOK OFFER given on the page to the right of an indepth study of this subject on forgiveness in the book–THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!
by admin | Apr 3, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Personal, Relationship Not Religion!
That is what a friend of mine said the other day…..and she really touched my heart. So as I talked with her I began to think about my own prayer-life and how many others might feel the way she does. There is such an emptiness and sadness in what she said. I now pray my comments will change hearts as it has mine in writing it!
If we ever think prayer is work or boring we must ask ourselves several question:
- Why are we praying?
- What does God represent to us?
- Do we believe He hears us?
- Do we believe He will answer?
- What is the alternative?
It is so simple, a sovereign God, in His love for His creation of mankind, has limited His own powers to give us free will. He wants our love and relationship because we chose to love Him, to be with Him forever. However, our Gracious Loving Heavenly Father sent Jesus that we might really know Him, His heart and His purpose for us in eternity. Then God Graciously established communication, the Gift of Prayer, to bond to the powers of Heaven!
What a privilege and honor He has given to His children, those who chose to love Him. There is an evil spirit of ‘Urgency’ that convinces and deceives us into thinking we don’t have time to pray…..there are other priorities…..immediate needs….doesn’t God understand? Why can’t He just take care of it for us?
The Majestic Communication of Prayer is our bond to the Throne Room of a Loving Father. The Bible tells us we are the bride of Christ. I ask my friend and myself…..would I want to be married to someone who never talked to me? Would I want a husband or wife who went everywhere without me?
They might do their chores or support us, but never to talk to us….never to share with us feelings and emotion? I don’t think so! Not for me! If prayer is only at a structured time in a specific place, that could be work…..sounds more like religion than relationship. If we pray to feel good about ourselves, to move the Hand of God, to feel ‘justified’ in our Christian walk, we have missed the point and we are groveling in self-righteousness.
- I pray because I want to…..because I love Him…..because I have needs I want to give to Him!
- God represents to me–Heavenly Father, Loving Lord, Comforting Spirit….my future….here and forever!
- As Jesus said, I know He always hears me!
- For many years He has answered, I have seen miracles, been comforted, enjoyed laughter at His Hand and comfort in my grief. The answers I don’t receive are because of fear, doubt or unbelief in my heart. So I seek more of Him to forgive the past and build another future….knowing He will not leave or forsake me no matter what the devil, and evil in the world may throw at me!
- The alternative is have no one to call on, to lean on, and no excuse when things go wrong that I did not pray about.
One of the ten commandments says not to take the Lord’s Name in vain. So if we pray just for our needs and then hope for an answer or doubt His faithfulness, we are taking the Lord’s Name in vain, and our so-called prayer will avail little. Do I set aside special times for prayer…..yes….just as I would want special time with a spouse or friend. Do I enjoy prayer meetings….whee….yes, it like having a party to celebrate someone special!
It is so fun to talk to the Lord just like we talk to anyone else through out our day. If we have asked and received a gift of a prayer language, where the Holy Spirit prays with us, through us, we can do that, all through the day while accomplishing other things. The action of connecting to the power of God with prayer builds our spirit strength and resolve to be led by the spirit and not by our fleshly worldly thinking. The Spirit of God has more wisdom than all mankind and can lead us in blessings, endurance in hardship and joy in just being with Him.
In writing this I realize PRAYER is the greatest gift I have on this earth….until I face Him face to face and can personally converse for ever! I am so grateful for my friend, that she brought me to remembrance of something I was taking for granted! I ask the Lord to forgive me….He is quick to do so…..another great gift from God….
Pressing in and pressing on…..
by admin | Mar 23, 2009 | Kingdom Comments, Personal, Relationship Not Religion!
“Double portion” has been on my mind and heart for over a week. The Holy Spirit impressing upon me all the ways our giving can bring a double portion blessing!
- In Giving both the Giver and the Receiver are blessed!
- When giving an individual something, even a cup of water, a smile or handshake….the honor given by the Givor is a double blessing to the Receiver!
- The Bible teaches ‘seed, time and harvest,’ so when we give into a ministry, a good work or just to a person we have planted a seed in the spiritual Kingdom of God that will bring a harvest….a double portion blessing!
- Because God is the greatest of all ‘Givors‘ (hope He doesn’t mind the term I just made up), that is His Character and Nature ….He is pleased with us when we give….another double portion blessing…pleasing our Heavenly Father.
- In the United States giving to a non-profit ministry or company is tax-deductible making the gift a double portion blessing!
- When we give and the receiver in turn thanks us for giving–we are not only blessed by giving, but also receive a blessing by the receiver of the gift–double portion.
- When we give something of ourselves we make room in our heart or our house for something new that will definitely be a double portion blessing.
- When we pray for someone our prayer is a gift of eternal measure….and the love of God flows through us…a beautiful double portion blessing…..knowing every time we bless we are being blessed!
We could go on and on….isn’t this fun to think about the positive side of life…that of being a ‘Givor’ with a joyful heart?
GIVING IS ALWAYS A BLESSING BECAUSE IT COMES RIGHT OUT OF THE HEART OF GOD WITHIN US….IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE…THANK YOU, JESUS!
Just for fun, see if you can think of more double portion blessings in life…..sure more enjoyable and inspiring than trying to figure out the ‘news’ these days! Even more fun will be to figure out how to give in new and exciting ways knowing it will bring a double portion blessing!
Pressing in and pressing on…..a double portion return….Absolutely!
by admin | Jan 29, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Personal, Relationship Not Religion!
Well, there’s a provocative question…..if you thought I was going to answer or give some great insight, forgive me, I am not going to do that. Rather it is just a question we should all ask our selves on a regular basis.
When we just flow with life, we may look back and say something profound like, “Why in the sam-hillhave I been doing that?” Taking inventory occasionally is helpful!
I definitely want to share why I do what I am doing. I was 47 years old before someone, my middle son, Patrick, told me I could have a personal relationship with Jesus, with the Creator of the Universe–God. And, some wonderful ladies prayed over me and told me to take a paper and pen when I prayed, as God would talk to me and I should write down what He said so that I wouldn’t forget or change what He (the Holy Spirit) shared with me. Well, I did, He did and He still does!
How blessed I was not to question what they told me–had no doubt about it and what a great and awesome adventure it has been. As many know I am now 75 and though the years have questioned and sought God on every issue that I could think of and how to understand what is taught in the Bible.
I think I would like more social life but my priorities are in Ministry of Blessed Abundance. I am a widow and I think I would like to marry again (I had a great marriage and hate living alone) but that would require someone who shares the desire to share ‘all about Jesus’ on a regular basis.
I know, if I spent the time to develop more relationships, etc. I could have both of the things I have mentioned. And, I may do so….
In the meantime, I have one desire…..to share what the Lord has given me over the last 23 years both good (personal knowledge of Jesus, miracles, prayers answered, questions resolved) and bad (failures, disappointments, lack of progress, dealing with some depression, and death of loved ones).
I have worked hard at seeking God–not because I had to—but because I wanted and still want to do so. How awful it would be for me to go to my grave without sharing the beauty, love and joy of the Lord I have received, in a way, that may spare others much of the grief.
Things and money are pretty important in this world, and I could have had more of both, had I made different decisions. Even though I live quite simply, I lack for nothing of comfort and feel I am one of the richest women on the planet!
Do I think everyone should choose this path? No….in fact, quite the opposite! I think many are ‘called’ (motivated) to go into ministry, find the answers and share the ‘good news’ of Jesus, so the rest of the world can benefit and go in their field of endeavor to build a better world…..raise Godly children, set an example in the market place, and bless the entertainment and sports field with appropriate competition, and boy, above all….get Holy Spirit filled men and women into government and media.
So, now you know why I do what I do…..how about you…..have a chat with yourself and be sure you are doing what you do for reasons that will bless you and others in the world! We can all be a champion at home, a sterling example in the work place, and be one of the richest people on the planet. Our Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are always here to help us do it all!
Pressing in and pressing on….
by admin | Jan 10, 2009 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Relationship Not Religion!
I just received word that a precious woman of God, Jill Austin, has left us to be with Her Lord. I cannot imagine anyone loving Jesus more than Jill Austin. Jill started a ministry called Master Potteras she actually had taken a course in college on pottery and her ministry started out of an exhibit she did at a fair.
Jill has traveled extensively for over 25 years as a national and international conference speaker, ministering the Gospel with signs and wonders following. She has a powerful prophetic anointing and releases the fire of the Holy Spirit, bringing fresh passion and hunger for Jesus Christ!
We met years ago through mutual friends when she spoke at home groups in San Diego. I can remember so many stories of how this single woman would travel where ever she was asked to go, to teach preach and heal in the Name of Jesus, regardless of distance, or weather conditions! Many times it was her faith that got her there, especially in those early years.
As part of her legacy to us, and it is a big one, I want to share my favorite story from Jill’s ministry. Jill was asked to minister in a foreign country. One of the Preachers who hear about her invited her to his church. As she began to speak she notice 4 or 5 men in the back, criticizing and grumbling about a woman preaching. They were not very quiet and she was well aware of their sentiments as they were vocal. It turned out that they were Elders in the church.
The Holy Spirit spoke to Jill and told her to invite them to the platform, and she did. Then the Holy Spirit told her not to touch them or speak, just to watch. Each man was picked up, one after another, thrown on the back drop and fell to the floor. The Holy Spirit said for Jill to ask them if they had any thing they would like share. Humbly each crawled up and off the platform and took seats in the front. Jill continued to minister, and many were converted and many healed following the message she gave.
All things are possible with God. I am sure that was a turning point for those men and that church. If we have any doubt of the story we would have to tear the story of Paul being thrown to the earth (Acts 9:3) and led blind into the city, out of our Bibles. We have been told the Holy Spirit is always a gentleman….well, perhaps we shouldn’t say ‘always’ too often. And we should never doubt the power of God in any situation. The Holy Spirit has many Angels at His disposal at any time, such as Gabriel who closed the mouth of Zacharias until John the Baptist was born (Luke 1;19,20).
We assume Paul was on a donkey, and those men were certainly on their ‘high horse’; just a short fall to the ground. This jewel (story) has many facets gleaming to our understanding how our Heavenly Father can change the affairs of men through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Host. There are many more stories that will bless those who know them and share them about the exploits of this Deborah like General in the army of God, Jill Austin!
We can thank God for Jill Austin, and pray many will be the miracles, signs and wonders in the months and years to come because of the legacy she left for so many! Bye, for now, Jill…..we’ll see you later!
Pressing in and pressing on….
