Living The Blessing

How's Your Circulation? 1 John 1:7 (message)

2009-08-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

That scripture says, "But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin."

Well, I was listening to Mark Hankins again today (I am ON that series right now!), and he talked about the Body of Christ and how as a body, we have to be ASSEMBLED. When we are assembled, as in fellowship with one another, the Blood of Jesus circulates through the body, bringing life to one another. We are all different and we all have something that the Body needs. When we are not in our place, the Body suffers (whether we want to believe we are that relevant or not, it is true).

Don't you think that is why the devil tries so hard to bring offense? IF WE LET HIM bring that offense, it will cut off the blood flow to that part of the body, like a tournaquet, and it will die. Don't just check those offenses at the door, get rid of them! They will kill you!

We have to look outside ourselves at all times - just like Pastor Kevin taught last Sunday. Whenever we start looking to fulfill a corporate vision, God will fulfill your vision. And when we look inside and get selfish, offense is a lot more likely to come!

OK, I'm done for now!

A Whole New Thing - 1 Peter 1:15-16

2009-08-28T20:04:00.001-07:00

Since a week or two before Go Deep went to C4C, living a sanctified, set apart life has been the topic of prayer and discussion in our household. And when I was recently listening to a teaching series by Mark Hankins about the Blood of Jesus, it really got my full attention when he started talking about sanctification in one part of the teaching. He said that God cannot fully use us the way He wants to when we let everything else use us.

How do we let everything else use us? We expose our spirits to all kinds of worldly junk that would have made us cringe 20 or 30 years ago and we say, "it's not that bad." (I like the analogy Pastor Kevin used about the poop in the brownies. I've used that with my girls all their lives!)

Then he said, if you were in an operating room about to undergo a surgery, and the surgeon said, "where's my knife?" and one of the nurses said, "oh, it's in the kitchen. We were making ham sandwiches with it." Brother Mark said, you wouldn't want that thing used on you because it is an instrument set apart for a particular use. Just as we are to be for God, to be pure for what He needs.

In the past, I have let sanctification and consecration be a product of my trying to change my own life to be good enough. Then when I really started listening to the Holy Spirit, I realized a few things. In and of myself, I know nothing. In and of myself, I have nothing. In and of myself, I can do nothing. Jack Myers said, "Holiness is not an outward show, but it is a continual working of the Holy Spirit to bring pureness to one's heart." I see now that the only thing I do to make this successful is to submit to the Holy Spirit. When I am trying to figure out how to get "there," I don't hear the Holy Spirit as the Lord is trying to prune me.

For Such A Time As This - by Jordan Baker

2009-03-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is something that Jordan wrote and she asked me to put it on her Facebook notes while she was at work, but alas, I do not have her password - I probably did and forgot! So, I am posting it on my blog because it is worth reading!

I know this is long, but this Word that God has been showing me has set me straight on some things. So, I figured it might help someone else too!

I am through letting life just happen to me.

In Proverbs 29:18 it says, "If people can't see what God is doing (revelation), they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed."

Every individual person has a call or destiny for their life. It's that thing you know in your heart you were made to do. Whether or not you know exactly what that is right now, you know in your heart it's there. We have to see what that is to complete it. It's vital as the body of Christ that we have vision for our lives. Many times I've thought to myself, "How in the world am I ever going to know what I'm really supposed to be doing on this earth?" Well, who better to ask the purpose of something than the creator of it? Think about this. You just created this wonderful invention that you knew would cure every problem for your friend. But, the friend you gave it to didn't listen to your instructions on how to use it or even what it was for! So this amazing thing you made just sits and collects dust...never to be used. Now think back to how God feels about us! He created each of us with a unique purpose and He just wants to show us how to fulfill that. He doesn't want the gifts He's placed inside of us to just sit and collect dust and never be used! God wants so badly for us to know what He made us for and how to fulfill that!! He doesn't want us to be lost and confused wondering if we'll ever reach the end of the race! So, how do you tap into that revelation of your purpose? Spend time with Him. Pray with Him. Converse with Him. Actually get to know Him. When you do, His purposes and desires will become your purposes and desires. And in Psalm 37:4 it says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

I don't want to spend my whole life like this verse says, stumbling all over myself. I want to know and attend to what He reveals.

Destiny isn't just something that comes up in climactic points in your life and in big decisions you're making. It isn't something that starts up when you're an adult. This is for you and me, here and now. Every step we take in this life leads to somewhere. We're not just going to end up where God has planned for our lives just because it's God's will. It takes that focusing on Him and praying out every step of the plan.

When I think about my whole life this way, it takes away all guessing and haphazard moves. It makes my reliance on the Lord sky rocket because I know that it's in Him and His grace (God's ability) that my whole life will be complete and I will finish my race with joy.

We were born for such a time as this.

This is our time.

This is our generation.

We will take this world for the name of Jesus.

I pray that God is illuminating as much to you as He has been to me along these lines!

by: Jordan Baker

If you will let Him . . .

2009-03-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

You know, sometimes I wonder, especially after the class Pastor Susan taught last Thursday night, where I could be if I would have been cooperating more fully with the Holy Spirit. He will grow us up if we will let Him. But, you know, we can't do anything about before, we just have to go forward where we are and do it now!!! So, here's the lesson learned last night:

I sat up last night talking to my girls and one of my girls is having a little problem with someone in her life. Not a bad problem - just someone she is around really seems to have developed an irritation with her and she doesn't really understand it. This person is a lovely person and we love them very much. She knows that she needs to keep her mouth closed, and that is the wisdom of God operating in her life! And of course, speak the Word over the situation.

Well, in the course of talking to her a little, I started on a discourse of "well, maybe you should say this," or "maybe you should do that." Why would I do that if I knew she was operating in wisdom? I was being so noisy that I couldn't even hear fully what the Holy Spirit was saying on the inside of me! Well, I went on to bed at about 12:30 a.m. or so and when I laid down and got quiet, I heard Him! I got up out of bed, went back to my daughter's room and said, "just completely disregard my comments. I apologize for running at the mouth. You are doing the right thing. You know you are anointed to do what you are doing, and your gift will be seen if you continue to be diligent and faithful. It's really easy to be quiet until you know that your children are concerned in a situation." I know the Holy Spirit would tell her if she did need to DO something. So we sat and talked with each other, very aware of what the Holy Spirit was telling us, for almost an hour.

So, learning to fully follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I'm getting it! I'm getting it! We are all getting it! I am overjoyed that God has set us in a place to be able to learn the things we are learning and to be in a local body that is also hooked into the Word and teachings! I know we are in the right place at the right time and we are DOING what we are learning!

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm . . .

2009-02-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, a while back, Lauren and I were in the Van Buren Super Center and ran across an invention that left me speechless.

It is the amazing Slipper Genie!The package says, "slip them on and they will do the cleaning for you!" Wouldn't you feel a little silly scooting around house like a little 97 year old man? Think about it. Probably some guy invented them after sitting up all night watching old episodes of Carol Burnett. And the functionality! "Can you help me? My legs are stuck!" "Uh, honey, how did that happen?" "I was dusting under the bed." "Oh, of course! How foolish of me to ask!

Either I don't get it or this is simply the laziest cleaning product I have ever seen. And if it is the laziest cleaning product I have ever seen, I still don't get it. O_O

NOW HEAR THIS!

2009-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, today is Lauren's birthday! You all knew this was coming, huh? So, wish her a happy one, give her a hard time, or whatever you feel appropriate!

I have to say, my heart swells when I see the woman of God you are becoming, Lauren! I love you, sweets! Happy birthday!

Would you really like that?

2009-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

You know, Lauren and I were talking the other day. She had brought a scripture to me that was like a rhema word for her, and she was so excited! And as we talked about it, we started talking about being used of God. You know, how so many people say (either to others or to themselves), "oh, I would love to be used of God like THAT!" I've said it too and I heard "Well, BE used of God like that!"

Lauren and I talked about how God is no respecter of persons, and how he is not looking for a vessel of a certain make-up, as in silver or gold, but that He is looking for yielded vessels. Someone that will make themselves usable in the hands of God and their hearts pliable toward His Word.

An old pastor of mine used to say, "I can say, I would love to play the piano like the church pianist! I would love to play the guitar like Brother So-and-so!" But they don't really want to enough to take lessons and practice every day. I have thought about that many times over the last several years. And so, it is a checking point for me.

There is a price to pay - however that terminology seems so painful to me. Because as I yield, I find such a joy! Line upon line . . . .

A birthday

2009-01-30T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well, if you don't already know, Saturday is Jordan's birthday! So in honor of the occasion, Lauren and I dug out some old photos.

Everyday with the Lord

2009-01-14T07:34:00.000-08:00

You know, I have been meditating and pondering the class last Thursday that Marty Blackwelder taught on living in the presence of God. I don't know if that was the actual title, but those of you who were there know what I mean.

That was such a special message. Darlene and I sat in my kitchen the next day and talked about it. We talked about how personal the Lord is. She got so excited when she listened to the message at the prospect of living that way. For me, it was a very gentle and intimate thing. I know that the Lord wants to have such an intimate relationship with us, and when Brother Marty preached that message, (like I told Dar) my heart was so very overwhelmed, I just started to cry. I couldn't hold it back! I told her that if he had not closed when he did, I could feel audible sobbing coming! My heart was just so tender to this.

Anyway, it has stirred my heart to just be alone with the Lord. Just to love on Him and spend time in His presence for no reason except just to be with Him.

I guess that's all I have to say. Amazing huh? :)

Right action, wrong action . . .

2009-01-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am, for those of you who wondered if I would ever post again! I do love writing, but sometimes life is so full in the living of it that writing about it does not take priority!

But I digress from the subject on my heart, which is, God is doing so much work in me, it is exciting to me! I love reading the Word, but I also love reading books about the Word that comes from the experience of others in the Body of Christ that I respect. I love to hear what God has revealed to them and sometimes I get such an explosive rhema word as I am reading! That has happened to me lately with a book by Mark Hankins.

When I first bought the book, I started reading it and it really didn't hit the spot at the time. But I picked it back up recently and wow! He goes into great detail about corresponding actions to faith (which is also what PK has been teaching about lately) and I got such a clear picture of something.

A couple of years ago, we were in one of the biggest battles of our life, during which time, my brother went to heaven, so it was tough. I was very careful at that time to not talk about the problem. I mean, I was standing firm, and even avoided people (especially at work) that tended to be negative. I firmly closed my mouth and was faithful to not say the wrong thing. However, the thing did not turn out the way I expected. You see, the part I missed was opening my mouth to say the right thing. I did not understand the part about the corresponding action to my faith. I burned up so much energy trying to keep my mouth closed!

So, God got us through it, and put us in a better spot! And He has taught us more, and praise God, we won't ever go through something like that again! I will not let intimidation have a foothold in my life! I am going forward and I am not looking back!

A blessed day

2008-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today has been a very blessed day! Church was awesome! Praise and worship was just good. You know? What I mean is, it was good for me. When we sang that song, "The More I Seek You," it really was overwhelming, just like the song says. My heart just swelled with love and the tears just started to flow. I couldn't stop! Not that I am complaining. It is good to be overcome by the reality of the love of God. That is a truly anointed song.

PK's message was anointed also. We are still on the love series, which is good. Faith pleases God, and faith works by love. So the more we love, the more our faith is boosted, yes?

We had some great fellowship with good friends this afternoon. We got to play some games and just laugh! I love to laugh! I didn't win one game, but I had a lot of fun! I guess I am not competitive enough or something, but it's just like a road trip . . . getting there is more than half the fun!

Well, more later . . . . I love you all! (not a faith statement!)

A Friend Indeed

2008-12-01T11:19:00.000-08:00

OK, yes, this is more of the love stuff, but about the time I think I am moving on to something else, PK delivers another message (that hits me between the eyes) in his gentle way. Anyway, I have been studying the Body of Christ and our relationship one to another - you know - what is the Body supposed to look like if functioning the way we should?

So, what was my daily lesson from this? One question - Have you ever gotten frustrated at someone for going through the same thing over and over when they have enough truth that they should know better by now? Honestly? I have. I am not saying it's right, I am just giving you the facts. I realize that this is not by any means a demonstration of love toward members of the Body of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:14, says:

. . . encourage the timid and fainthearted, help and give your support to the weak souls, [and] be very patient with everybody [always keeping your temper].

In Romans 12, the Word also tells us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. In other words, when we think we have it altogether enough to think someone else doesn't, we are missing it. We are of the same body. We need to lift each other up and encourage each other in the Word. There are so many levels of development with all of us in many areas, so even if the devil tries to get us frustrated with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we should remind ourselves that there are those in the Body that are and have been patient with us about so many things.

When we truly love, we will exhort. Not just a smile, or a wave as we walk up the isle of the church, but we need to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. He may tell us to give someone a hug, shake their hand, buy them a book, send them a note or just get their email address and send them a scripture. The more we respond to other members of the Body the way we should (the way the Word teaches), they will get it. I used to have an instructor that often said, "some things are taught, and some things are caught." I don't know if it was an original quote, but it was a true one.

This post didn't turn out at all like I intended for it to, but here it is anyway! I am just so thankful that God didn't leave us alone to figure it out, but gave us His word and His wonderful Holy Spirit! And the more we yield, the more we grow! By the way, I put a link at the bottom of the page to read Romans 12 in the Message Bible. It has some great instruction to us in dealing with each other!

http://bibleresources.bible.com/passagesearchresults2.php?passage1=Romans+12&book_id=52&version1=65&tp=16&c=12

The Threat of Love

2008-11-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

I remember a few weeks (maybe even months) ago, I was reading in 1 Corinthians about taking the Lord's supper. There it was talking about how because we do not discern the Body of Christ the way we should, that there were many sick among the Christians. I meditated on that for several days, and I started meditating on the Body of Christ, the Church. Could we have more sickness in the Body, because we don't realize the importance of each other? That came back to me several times and then, a few days ago, I was reading in one of Brother Hagin's books. He said that part of the reason that there was so much sickness in the Body of Christ (and even premature death), was because of the way that believers treated one another. My spirit exploded inside me with excitement! Not because of the sickness and death, but because I knew I was on the road to some revelation!

There have been some things that I struggled with inside myself for way too long concerning the Body of Christ and my relation to it, but when these revelations began to come, I told the Lord that I wasn't giving any place to that junk any longer! I asked Him to give me truth on this, and He did! and He continues to do so.

So what does this have to do with love? And what threat could love possibly pose? I am glad you asked that! (didn't you?)

Here's the deal. For years, satan has set it all up to make everyone feel . . . feel like they have the right, feel like they have to look out for number one, feel like they are unloved and mistreated, feel like they need to defend themselves, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. After a while, this seeped into the church. Well, how can the Church be effective when it's members are inwardly focusing and not looking out to a world that needs Jesus? When people get inward focused, there is a greater likelihood of offense, schism and division in the Body of Christ. This is a major factor that, in the past, has made the Church weak, because where there is no love, there is no unity. Love, by God's definition, is deliberately taking ourselves out of an existence based on self-seeking ways to a life of love and service to God and to man.

As I meditate and study on this, I see that the more we develop in love, we are able, as the Church, to become stronger and more unified. This threatens satan's kingdom, and as Pastor Susan said, weakens his kingdom. He is exposed for his schemes. When we are walking in love, the focus goes out to a lost and dying world instead of some little boo-boo the devil has tried to convince us that we have suffered. I mean, how could we even let ourselves take one offense against our brothers in Christ (or our family or anyone else) when we know it is a strategy of the devil to keep us ineffective for the Kingdom of God? WE CAN'T!!!!!!!!! He is a liar! He is a liar! We cannot be deceived by him any longer! The Master has need of the church in her glorious state!

Aren't you glad I went for the encapsulated version? :)

Have you ever noticed . . .?

2008-11-17T07:09:00.001-08:00

Have you ever noticed . . . ?

Have you ever noticed that when the Spirit of God begins to move and we are in His presence, whether in an intimate or in a corporate setting, things become so clear? There can be a little haze about something or there may be thick fog, but when God's presence is there, things just become unmistakable.

Also, have you ever noticed that when you are trying to change habbits, it becomes almost effortless when you are in the Presence of God?

Have you ever noticed, it becomes more apparent in our own hearts who we are when we sit in God's presence? when we spend time in His Word?

In this short writing, you can find the answer to every problem you may have in your life. Yes, I do believe that! Just some things I was thinking about this morning on my way home!

(I will get back to the love subject soon! Much is brewing in my heart!)

Love Is The Tie That Binds

2008-11-14T21:01:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's taken me this long to get back to my blog! I write all the time - either by computer, on paper or in my head! But sometimes things just don't fall together to be able to help others understand what is in my heart.

I am really passionate about this subject. I have recently been studying and meditating about love - the love of God, the love of God invested in us at the new birth - and I, more and more, can see how love affects the big picture. Creflo Dollar says it this way: love is the curtain rod on which everything else hangs. In other words, where the love is lacking, not much success will be realized in the things of God.

When you look at 1 Corinthians, you see that the definition of love includes these elements:

It endures long and is patient and kind
It is never envious nor does it boil over with jealousy
It is not full of itself or bigheaded
It does not display itself arrogantly
It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride)
It is not rude (disrespectful)
It does not act improperly or inappropriately
It does not insist on its own rights or its own way
It is not self-seeking
It is not touchy, fretful or resentful
It does not keep scores of the evil done to it [pays not attention to a suffered wrong]
It does not rejoice at injustice or unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail
It bears up under anything and everything that comes
It is ever ready to believe the best of every person
Its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances
It endures everything [without weakening]
It NEVER fails

We have to make a decision every day to walk in love, because it is totally the opposite of "looking out for number one," which seems to be an anthem of many outside the Church walls, and unfortunately, we see it some inside the Church also. But, in our local Body, I am seeing more and more that believers are walking these things out and seeing big changes. As we walk in love, we begin to see the whole of God's plan more. We see less of how people may be treating us wrong, and develop more compassion for those people because we realized they are deceived. We also see more unity in the Body of Christ, which is what this end-time army has to have to operate at optimum levels to carry out God's plan on the earth.

Anyway, more coming on this subject. I don't want to write a dissertation for anyone to rad . . . at least not all at once! :)

Things I've learned from important people . . .

2008-10-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jordan - never regret the past. It doesn't help anything and can change nothing. Such wisdom. I am happy God put her in my life.
Lauren - love people unconditionally. Lauren has got the love thing down as well as anyone I know personally. She has a very sweet heart and again, I am happy God put her in my life.
Tracy (who now lives in heaven!) - there is always someone watching out for you even when you are not aware!
P. Susan - prayer is like the army . . . it's not a job, it's an adventure! I love my pastors!
P. Kevin - if you don't quit, you win! Such a simple phrase that has come back to me at the most advantageous times.
Monica Fletcher - We all need one friend in our life who actually says what we are thinking! She also taught me that "taking one for the team" can actually be a good thing!
Farah Stout - worshipping the Lord is one of the greatest honors of my life.
Rosemary (who's gone to heaven) - have a positive attitude all the time! See the blessing in the thing that seems so tiring right now!
Kyle Morris - Let the excitement for God on your inside actually show on the outside.
Mona Parker - I never really related to this until I heard her talk about it so much, and that is, God is a good daddy!
Darlene Lambdin - Do what God has for you to do with your whole heart. I never hear her complain even when I know she's getting physically tired.
Shannon Clark and Sheena Schlegel - there are still women whose grace makes them shine with beauty. They are two of the most graceful women I've ever been around.
LWRV Body of Believers (all and each) - it is wonderful to be among a company who loves the Lord and each other, and who are going after God with their whole hearts!
Last but not least, Randy - It is better, easier, and more fun to go through life with a friend you love with your whole heart!

What is in a name?

2008-10-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning as we were preparing for praise and worship, P Susan said she sensed in her spirit we were to make much of the Name. So it prompted me to read after that subject today, and, oh, how powerful!

E.W. Kenyon said:

". . . He has given us the legal right to use His Name.

"As we take our privileges, and rights, in the new Covenant and pray in Jesus' Name, it passes out of our hands into the hands of Jesus; He then assumes the responsibility of that prayer, and we know that He said, 'Father, I thank Thee that Thou hearest Me, and I know that Thou hearest Me always.'

"In other words, we know that the Father always hears Jesus, and when we pray in Jesus' Name, it is as though Jesus Himself were doing the praying -- He takes our place."

Yes! Jesus gave us a legal right to use His name and we know that it will always, ALWAYS produce results b/c Jesus HIMSELF takes responsibility for the thing! Jesus' name only holds integrity so He will follow that until it's done (as long as we don't negate with our words, but that's another topic)! He said whatsoever you ask the Father IN MY NAME, he will give it you . . . ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. He did NOT say, ask and receive . . . if you use the right dialect, or if you comb your hair the right way, or if your breath isn't bad! NO! He said, ask in his name and we would receive! (Oh, Lord, let us not forget one of your benefits!)

I guess I will stop here, but I think there is more on this subject on it's way!

A Personal Word

2008-10-08T06:06:00.000-07:00

In my time with the Lord this morning, the Lord told me to write this down. It was for me, but I felt impressed in my spirit to post it. It may not have been any other reason but for me to be accountable to what God said to me. I hesitated a little for a moment because you know, you don't want the whole world to think you are a slug because God tells you to stop being complacent! But I am glad we have such a personal God that he loves us enough to tell us how our lives can come in line with His word so that we can be fully blessed and fully usable! Here is what I heard:

I want My people to be blessed. Accept this [truth] and you will be. There are many things I want to do through you and ALL My people, which cannot be accomplished if My people are always taking care over money and other cares of this life. SHAKE IT OFF! and rest, rest, rest in Me.

Follow close. Obey in the very smallest of things, and you will unmistakably hear everything the Spirit is saying to you. Make a habit of coming before Me and waiting . . . on Me, on my word to you, on instruction for the race. We must fulfill the Plan! It's time! Arise and take your place! No more complacency . . . no more thinking and not doing . . . no more to not discern the time! Now is your time to arise! I don't care about age - young or old - I am interested in willing hearts, yielded vessels. It is the time. It is the place. Arise and run!

Running Against the Wind

2008-10-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Psalm 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it;"

Have you ever felt like you are running against the wind? Or maybe taking a shower with your clothes on? You are making an effort, but not quite getting to where you feel like you need to be.

Sometimes we are doing things that in and of themselves are good, but not necessarily in God's specific plan for our individual lives. Just because it seems to be working out well for the Pastors or for Sister So-and-so, doesn't mean it's what you should do individually. God may have called your Pastor to give 75% of their income, but if God didn't tell you to do that, you may starve if you do!

We need to sit at the Master's feet and get our own individual plan for our life. We need to spend time in His presence and just wait on Him. The Master has need of us where HE needs us, and when He needs us there.

A quote from Brother Hagin:

Dear friends, if you're too busy to wait on God to discover His plan, you may go through your entire life and everything you do will be in vain. Then what will you say to God when you stand before him in eternity? He won't ask you about those things you did according to YOUR ideas and plans. He will want to know what you did about HIS PLAN for your life.

Selah!

Starting It . . .

2008-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

You know, I wanted to get my daughter, who is home schooled, to do some writing. I thought about having her journal - like I did at her age - but thought that a blog might hold her interest more.

Then I started thinking about how much I always loved to write, and so I thought, "why not?" Not that there will be a great deal of people who will be interested, but I know there is a lot in my heart to say, and I'd much rather write it than say it!

- So that is the history lesson for the blog. It will be more interesting tomorrow, I promise!