by admin | Feb 6, 2009 | Kingdom Comments, Personal
A week ago, I asked myself and everyone else, ‘Why do you do what you are doing?” As, not in the moment, but in life itself. I shared I am blessed to be doing what I want to do. However, there are parts, a large part of ministry that is not necessarily what we enjoy doing, like every job in the world.
But talking to the Holy Spirit after writing the last message, (I talk to Him a lot, and hope you do too.) that many people are not doing what they want to do in life, so what’s with that and what do we do about it.
The ‘motivational’ answer would be to set a goal for what you want, write it down, picture it and pray about it. Good idea…..but what do you do in the meantime?
Recently I was called on to do some things for friends and I started getting tired, then received some gentle criticism about something, and I started to be a little offended, and very tired. Then I remembered that I serve God because I want to, not because I have to and I am doing this for Jesus not for my friends.
That does not in any way discount my love or desire to help and bless my friends or strangers for that matter. That attitude of doing what ever I do for Jesus, puts me on the right team and in my case as I changed my attitude about the ‘challange’ before me the Holy Spirit immediately blessed me with peace and more energy.
We are told in the Bible to pray for those in charge, and of course forgive those things that offend or hurt, commit out way to Jesus and thank God for our job, whatever it may be, will definitely see us through when we must do that we do not want to do. Doing it not with grimace, but with a grin. Grin for Jesus…..wow, we could make a bumper sticker out of that!
Bottom line, we can enjoy the Holy Spirit in our lives…..our Heavenly Father loves us so much…..staying on the right team with our thoughts and attitudes is the key and brings beau-coup blessings!
Pressing in and pressing on…..
by admin | Jan 31, 2009 | Personal, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
What Bible are we reading? And, I am not talking about condemning Gays!
I listened to the interviews with Ted and his family and was so grieved that he is still struggling, and truly did not offer much help to anyone else. I have prayed for him; had no problem forgiving him–but for the grace of God who knows where any of us would be.
I was and am one of his fans….someone who admires all he accomplished before this sad period of his life started. We who know Jesus do not follow men, even those we admire. We follow Jesus with love and devotion. So I have prayed with faith for Ted’s well-being and restoration to the thing is he is so gifted in–preaching!
Discussion, discussion and no one mentions evil spirits, evil influence, demons, the devil or deliverance. WHAT BIBLE ARE WE READING? Jesus cast out demons over and over and over. Acts 10:38 says, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.” Well, Ted certainly still seems oppressed to me.
What am I talking about? Deliverance! Demonic influence is not, I repeat, not the character and nature of the person under influence. Having talked with several men who were living a gay lifestyle and were totally healed of the desire and went into a heterosexual relationship, I know there are answers, we don’t often look at. They were very good men who had been subjected to something in their life or family relationship that opened the door, to those strong emotions and drive for the same sex.
Am I saying all homosexuality is demonic? Well, how would we know if we don’t consider it? There should be no shame in having deliverance, or thinking there is a need.
Astonishing to me in the electronic age, the age of knowledge expanding faster than it can be absorbed, that Christians would deny the possibility of demon influence not only in somethings but in everything that is painfull, wounding or hurtful. Seems it started in the beginning (recorded in Genesis) and what pray tell has changed?
There are many ways of being delivered: As Jesus did–cast out demons! Praise and worship many times drives them out! Inter-healing and counseling sessions drive them out! And probably many ways I am not aware of. But, denying or ignoring the possibility probably won’t work.
Here is a man, Ted Haggard, who has a wife and children but inside he is dealing with conflicting emotions and feelings. Since his lifestyle was successful to a degree wouldn’t it make sense that there could be evil influence? Especially due to childhood traumas he revealed? I am just grieved that Ted did not mention or talk about the possibility. He is not the only one with a struggle.
More and more young adults are calling their family to tell them they are Gay–just out of the blue–not long term. If we taught more about the work of the devil and what can be done without shame or guilt for the people involved, I am certain many lives would be changed.
I have had deliverance and am very grateful, as there were strong emotions and desires in me that could have destroyed me, and after deliverance I was free, happy and thankful! I have worked with others who set many free from sexual desires, depression, suicidal thoughts, worry, grief, and the list goes on.
Ted Haggard had the opportunity to expose the possibility of demonic influence and did not. Maybe he does not consider that–the demons sure wouldn’t want that. And we have allowed such talk to be scary, embarrassing or just for the ‘fruit-cakes’ of religion. Well, Jesus did it and He is my Idol, my Hero and the Keeper of my soul. And, He was no fruit-cake!
So for all those who are hurting in some area, there is hope through Christians who are willing to pick up their cross, do what Jesus did and set people free. Deliverance cannot and should not be hidden or ignored. Nor should it be mocked in the movies as entertainment for the unaware!
I feel so strong about this and abuse I see in the world, I wrote a book on the subject from our ministry team experiences. ANGELS AND DEMONS, HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE is available at the top of this page in ‘Carol’s Books’ as an e-book or a published copy. We of the church need to be more vocal and more enthusiastic about what Jesus set the example for us to do….it shouldn’t be a secret…..but a reality!
After posting this Blog I had a discussion with my son, Greg, that we would like to share…. click below:
Pressing in and pressing on….
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 20, 2009 | Politics
I thought others might enjoy this personal email I received:
Dear Carol,Just found your site in the past week. Looking forward to reading it.
I am a tall redhead from Canada, living in a suburb north of Japan’s second largest city, Osaka!
On the evening news a few hours ago, the enthusiam, hope and dreams for the incoming US President B.Obama is just outpouring everywhere.
Naturally, the
biggest hope is that Mr. O. will “fix” the world ecomomic situation PDQ– for J.people.
There’s even a city in Japan named “Obama” –on the Japanese Sea.
Apparently, a sleepy fishing town looking for a way to revive itself financially.
Seems the town’s people have learned the “hula” and are all dancing enthusiastically! It may be 5 or 6 degrees outdoors, but these people are basking in warm hopes — of what’s going to start in a few hours.
They’ve prepared an exquisite calligraghy to send to congratulate the incoming president.
Sorry, the ceremonies will start about 1:30 am. here & I have to leave to teach by 7 am. Argh!
So I’ll see the reruns tomorrow night! We’re 14 hours ahead of EST district.
God Bless America & all the caring people of the world.
Somehow this ALL feels so reminiscent of the start of the Kennedy administration!
I was just starting H.S. — telling my age! Yes, our prayers are SO needed — in a world we’ve NO idea what wonders The Lord is working out!
RMarie
by admin | Jan 20, 2009 | Politics
This, the day we celebrate a new President, who speaks of common humanity, everyone regardless of religion or none at all can have peace. No matter what you believe, in a society established upon the precepts of a Christian Bible Belief allows for freedom for everyone to believe, operate and do as they choose–as long as it does not harm others.
The prayer for this Inauguration was that of a Christian Pastor; the oaths given ended in “So help me God!” That allow everyone the freedom to choose. God gives us that choice–should we do less? So, for hopefully four years….all freedom in our country is yet established.
I did not personally vote for this President because of my own faith, and belief in the protection of the ‘unborn’ –but now I must bend my knee to pray for this new President, his cabinet, his family that God will be an influence in his life, his work, and to protect our Nation. Respect for President Barak Obama far exceeds the man, but respect for the office of President of our county, and my love for my country.
And, as I watched all the festivities tears came to my eyes many times–so significant that we finally have a Black American in the White House–may it be even more than we can hope for or imagine. Yesterday I watched a short recap of the civil rights movement. I personally did not experience much of what took place, however, I truly did have many tears as I thought of what the Black community in America suffered, how they fought for what is truly right and just, and how exciting this new President is and should be, to all of us.
Forgiveness must be foremost in the minds and hearts of Christians everywhere because leaders world wide are human and susceptible to temptation, to greed, to fame and only prayer will protect us. Only God can change the hearts and minds of man….”For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood (contending only with physical opponents), but against despotisms, against the powers , against (the power spirits who are) the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” Ephesians 6:12 Amp.
May God help America…..God bless America and all who govern.
Pressing in and pressing on…..
