Deborha's Palm Tree

2007-02-08T11:55:00.000-06:00

Come and rest a while with me....

.....THOSE WHO LOVE MY PRESENCE
MORE THAN THEY HAVE
LOVED THEIR OWN AMBITIONS...
THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED MY PRESENCE
MORE THAN THEY HAVE LOVED THEIR MINISTRY,
TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED TO BE WITH ME
MORE THAN THEY LOVE TO BE USED BY ME....
IT IS TO THESE THAT THE FATHER SHALL REVEAL
HIS MAJESTY AND HIS CONSUMING PASSION FOR
HIS CREATION.....

And so it has been that in our walk with Him upon the earth in this past Church Age, that we have grown to know HIS ways and grown to know HIS book, and grown to know HIS voice in more intimacy and greater sensitivity.

But I see HIM with HIS hands outstretched to us, and HE has come to take us on the last part of this great journey. And even now as you sense HIS person and HIS presence so unmistakably, and you reach out your hand and place it in HIS...know this...that HE HIMSELF will come and lead you out of this present Church Age and beyond that which has been veiled that you may know the power and the glory and the majesty and the terror and the all-consuming passion that My Father holds for you. For surely, the last and most glorious of revelations has been held back for this very day and for this End-time hour of the Church--the revelation of MY FATHER.

And so this day, I walk among the cities of the Earth seeking, seeking for those who love to be with US. Seeking for those whose hearts hunger for OUR presence. It is to these that the powers of the ages to come shall be entrusted--to these, the friends of the FATHER and the friends of the SON and the SPIRIT.

And so My Beloved ones, as you draw unto ME in worship and in adoration, I tell you that in this time, the FATHER shows HIMSELF. HE will stir from HIS throne toward the ones that I love and the Glory and the Majesty of HIS person shall descend upon these ones. The ones who have truly loved ME, those who have sought ME in their closets and secret chambers.

The glory and the power and the majesty shall fall like a mantle. And the fear of HIM shall descend. And the awe of HIS person shall fall. HIS love, HIS everlasting mercies, HIS great compassions, shall overshadow, as a mantle, thick with HIS glory...and they shall know the love of MY Father.

For even as My Father, loves ME , HIS son, Oh how my Father's hands and heart are outstretched to HIS CREATION, Oh there is none like MY Father. I would that My Church would know My Father. He is MY very breath. There is none like HIM. And HE is coming to HIS people. HE comes swiftly to HIS people.

This was given to me during prayer today...

2006-12-07T05:17:00.000-06:00

http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/outcome.php

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.
You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.
You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.
Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.
Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.
In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

2006-12-07T05:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all God bless.Psalm 55:22 --- you really need to read this."Friends are God's way of taking care of us."This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician.I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die - I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a Gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay.When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to give it to her. It was a nickel.At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95.I asked her if she was okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very hard for her right now. So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a little, but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me."I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling, walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car, who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the pump eating fries and talking a little.She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City . Her boyfriend le ft 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet. She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there.So she packed up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going to California f or Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with her for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people."It was so incredible to be a part of someone else's miracle. And of course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the flutter of their wings...Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."My instructions were to pick four people that I wanted God to bless, especially for the months in 2007 and I picked you.Please pass this to four people you want to be blessed and a copy back to me.This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive.There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for one another.Here is the prayer:"Father, I ask You to bless my children, grandchildren, friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace, In Jesus' precious name. Amen."I know I picked more than four and you can, too.When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could You please get that for me?"Being blessed is GOOD...being HIGHLY FAVORED is best!

2006-10-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

Is the Kingdom the Church? There are those who "spiritualize" the Kingdom of God into the church, drawing on metaphor, analogies and subtle inferences from scriptural ambiguities. The simplest way to disprove such theories is to see what the Bible says about the church. Christ said, "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter [Greek; Petros, a pebble, or small stone], and upon this ROCK [Greek; Petra, meaning a craggy cliff, monolithic rock, a mountain of stone] I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell [Greek; hades, meaning the grave] shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16: 18). The Greek word for church is Ekklezia, which is better rendered "assembly" or "group." Today, the word "church" in the English language has become corrupted. Most think of a "church" as either a national or international organizational hierarchy (like the Catholic "Church"); as a denomination, (like the "Methodists"), or as a building ("That is my church over there on the corner"). One might say, "I will see you in church today," meaning they will meet inside a building called a "church." But the Bible was not written in English – it was written in Hebrew. Greek . and Aramaic. The Greek word, Ekklezia which Jesus used. no more means "building" than the word "typewriter" means "airplane"! There is simply no connection between the two! Christ meant He would establish His group of specially-called and chosen disciples (who would become the original apostles), empower them with the Holy Spirit, and that "assembly" of individuals would represent, collectively, the church! Christ is the HEAD of His true church. "...and gave Him to he the HEAD over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:22, 23). Paul went on to say, ''Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners. but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20, 21). Both I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 represent the church as analogous to a body, or a building, having various members and parts. The Church of God (its authorized name, used more often to describe the church than any other) is that group of converted, called-out ones who are committed to perform the WORK of God on this earth; that of fulfilling Christ's great, two-fold commis.sion. Notice! "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all rations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world [margin; 'age'], Amen" (Matthew 28:19, 20). The commission to the church is to preach the Gospel OF THE KINGDOM! The church is NOT the Kingdom – it is the spiritual organism, made up of individual human beings who may, from time to time, be organized, humanly, to perform the work of the church – and the church is commissioned to preach the advance good news (and warning) contained in the gospel! And what is that Gospel? It is the "glad tidings," or "happy announcement" of the coming KINGDOM OF GOD! The church is NOT THE KINGDOM, it is the organism responsible for ANNOUNCING the coming Kingdom! Christ told His disciples, following His resurrection, "...that repentance and remission of sins should be preached..." IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem! (Luke 24:47). He prophesied, "And this gospel OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14). In a sense, the church is a type of the Kingdom; a microcosm. But it is NOT THE KINGDOM! The church does not "rule them with a rod of iron!" or smash governments of hostile, God-rejecting nations like shards of broken pottery! (See Revelation 2:26, 27.) The church is called OUT of this world (John 15:18, 19; I John 2:15-17), and told NOT to partake of its Babylonish sins (Revelation 18:4). It is not "ruling" or holding sway over governments IN this world! Contrary to the belief of those who like to justify a church organization structured as a vast, rich, powerful, worldly hierarchy, Jesus Christ spoke of His true Church as a "little flock" of persecuted, rejected, despised people – not having great, worldly pomp and splendor, NOT accepted by this world's leaders! Christ predicted His true servants would be DRAGGED before kings. emperors, dictators, prime ministers, presidents and various heads of state – NOT WELCOMED WITH A RED CARPET! "Behold, I send you [THE CHURCH] forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues, and ye shall be brought [manacled, under arrest] before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when-they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be HATED OF ALL MEN for MY NAME'S SAKE, but he that endureth to the end [of his life, if need be], shall be saved" (Matthew 10: 16-22). Christ never intended His true church to have concourse with world leaders; to become respected, receiving accolades and approval from governments! He said, "If they have hated me, they wil1 hate you!" It is a terrible PERVERSION of scripture to suggest the church is the KINGDOM OF GOD on earth. It is NOT. The church is the instrument in the hands of God to ANNOUNCE the coming Kingdom – it is described as a small, weak, sometimes scattered group, not rich in this world's goods, yet rich in faith, doing the WORK OF GOD!

Be careful church! Don't be drawn away by every "thing" that happens by! We are "the church" and the Kingdom of God is at hand. It is within, not without.

2006-10-23T11:38:00.000-05:00

TAKE THE PROMISE BY FORCE!

Blind Bartimaeus is a good example of a man who took a promise of God by force. In Mark 10, we see that he was sitting beside the road begging, and he heard some good news.

Look at what verse 47 says: "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" He heard about Jesus and immediately chose to receive what Jesus had.

The voice of faith began to come out of him. He began to cry out, "Jesus, have mercy on me! You are for me!" That's how radical he was. He was so bold and aggressive that the all the religious people around him got nervous, and like a lot of religious people do, they began to warn him, "You'd better not cry out so loudly. Be quiet!" It's interesting to note that people will use sophisticated and acceptable words as a mask for their own unbelief.

Bartimaeus' crying here out of a pure heart was exposing the rebellion that was in the people around him. He was going for God. The others acted like they were, but they were really worshipping themselves, as they seemed offended at Bartimaeus' faith-filled actions.

Jesus never rebukes your crying out to Him when it is from your heart! Pay the price of faith, and cry out! Don't let religious, backslidden christians stop you. Bartimaeus didn't! He kept his faith toward Jesus and cried out all the more for Him. He didn't just cry out a little; it says he cried out a lot! And through his cry he was saying, "I receive! I want YOU! Jesus, You're for me! What You promised is for me!" And he received it.

We saw that when the woman with issue of blood received the Word, she began to say, "If I can only touch Him!" Even when it looked impossible with all the people around Jesus, her faith spoke! We've seen how Bartimaeus received it; he began to cry out for it and draw it over himself. What did they do? They heard; then they received.

What have you heard? What do you believe? Cry out! Press in! Receive what Christ has for you today! Are you desperate?
Are you desolate? Press in! Cry out! Don't worry about what others think or say...just ask them if they've cried out to Jesus today. Believe that it is true...God is for you...Read Mark 11...

bye for now................

2006-10-05T04:40:00.000-05:00

I've got exciting news for you! No matter what the devil has told you, it's a lie! No matter what he says he is going to take you out with, it's a lie! He's the father of all lies. He can't help but be a liar. He even lies to himself. Ever thought about that? He lies to himself every time he thinks he can destroy you while you're trusting in the Lord! We serve a mighty God who is more than able to take care of us! He is the Lord of Hosts! He's the Lord of a multitude of soldiers! We have been chosen as soldiers! We don't have to be tied up with the snares of the enemy! I keep hearing the Lord say, "Prevailing Peace". Prevailing peace is peace that wins every time. But it must be used. Psalms 34:14 says that we must, "Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.". You may ask yourself, "How do I pursue peace?" Look at Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep (guard, preserve, conceal) him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You". Peace is a weapon that will completely stop the enemy's voice. Not only will it guard you, but it will also conceal you! It will hide you from the voice of accusation and distraction! There is a strength that we all need to live in right now. It's the power of the kingdom of God. It's righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. The enemy cannot win when we choose to walk in the Spirit. Depart from evil - depart from the torment that the voice of the enemy brings; do good - lift up the standard of God against your enemy and walk in "Prevailing Peace". "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalms 119:165. Follow the Word, live it, and what presents itself to you as a stumbling block, God will make it a stepping stone! Remember... "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose". You have been called and chosen to be a soldier. We must focus our minds on the promise and not the problem. Problems are sometimes like gnats. They'll fly around your head aggravating you until you do something about it. Peace will conceal you. It will hide you in His presence. Dress in your camouflage! It belongs to you! Seek peace! Pursue it - chase it down! That's walking in the Spirit!

2006-09-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

STROKE...UNCONSCIOUS...OR WHAT?

So many people are questioning why we, the Church, lack the power of the early church. To me the answer is simple. The early church was a whole and healthy body of Christ, in tune with the Head.
Today's church is, for the most part, out of touch with the Head. You can't expect an unhealthy and deformed body, with many of its members not aware of their function, to produce much for God.

Have you ever seen a person who has had a stroke? How some have difficulty communicating , their smile is lopsided, their gait is unsteady or even lose control of most of his or her bodily functions. Most strokes are caused by clots that effect the blood flow to the brain or head. The life-giving flow is blocked by a clot. So the body can no longer function as it should. Another type of stroke is hemorrhagic, or rupturing of a blood vessel to the brain. How many of us know some people who are bleeding all over the place and are not even aware of it?! That brings me to unconsciousness. A person who is unconscious has no control over his or her bodily functions or the function of others for that matter. Some require support to breathe, to move, for daily toileting, and require feeding through a tube.

I am seeing healing come to the Body of Christ, the Church. Unity is increasing daily. I am looking forward to some exciting days ahead. The world has yet to see the power of signs and wonders on a world-wide scale, but I believe it is near and maybe here! Everyday I am finding more and more people with humble hearts who are desiring to see God's glory, rather than glorifying themselves. Many are recognizing that it is not their great spiritual giftings and annointings that should be praised, but, the God who has given those things to man for the strengthening and developing of HIS body...the Body of Christ, the Church!

We are not a stroke-laden, unconscious Church! If you find yourself weak...HE is strong! HE has provided everything that we need. If you need healing today..take hold of the cross! Don't walk around unconscious, expecting others to hand feed and clothe you! Seek HIM out for yourself. Talk to HIM. Study HIS word! If the flow of HIS power is blocked by something in your life...give it to HIM...let go people! Let the power of the HOLY SPIRIT perform angioplasty on those places that are occluded or plugged up...so that God can arise in and through you! HE will, that's HIS promise..."seek and ye shall find...ask and it shall be given"....

It will be worth it!

2006-09-19T13:09:00.000-05:00

JUST A QUESTION, THOUGHT? HMMM?

This past month many have questioned why the 'number' of people who attend churches have plummeted. So, being the inquisitive person I am, i decided to ask God what was happening. This is the answer that I received....

"What if I am bringing unity and strength to the few to effect many?
What if the strength and unity that I bring to 30 will bring in 300, or 3,000 or 30,000? What if my people were not fearful in this, but, faithful in it? What if my people would trust ME as Provider at this time? What if, by MY SPIRIT, I would arise among the few...I only need two and I will be there? Isn't that what MY WORD says? I am bringing strength and unity to MY BODY in this hour. Unity in a way that has never been known throughout the history of MY CHURCH. Do not be amazed at how I will bring this. Do not be afraid. MY CHURCH must walk in strength and unity in this hour! Do not view this as regression but PROgression. For I AM a God who is for you (PRO) not against you. Do not be afraid!"

Hmmm? Hey, Church.....? What if?

Deborha

2006-09-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

...HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD?

I will be forever amazed and awed by the things of God! This past Saturday I attended a conference in Geneva Illinois. Not sure that I should take the time to do so, I did so anyway. The Holy Spirit just kept telling me to "GET THERE! GET THERE! GET THERE!" . I have learned in my walk with Elohim, my beloved, that when instruction is given, especially 3 times, there is no argument. Needless to say, I did wrestle with it momentarily due to the deadline of a conference that is fast approaching and all that needs to be accomplished in a short amount of time. But, GOD had a different plan. God knew that there was other preparation that had precedence over my agenda. Imagine that! HE has been depositing bits and pieces into my spirit by means of visions and words for the last few months. HE has been depositing HIS message for the conference goers and HIS church. HE is ultimately in control, not this writer.

The morning of the conference a women by the name of Paulette began speaking on building the walls. She used scripture based on the "walls being our salvation and the gates our praise". I have had visions of walls being built around a city, unity of the workers etc. . The amazing thing here is God confirms HIS word by three or more witnesses and throughout her message....GOD confirmed what HE was showing me! Those of you who know me, know that Nehemiah is my favorite book of the Bible, so God uses this book many times to show me Kingdom things. Paulette spoke of the workers being placed to the back of the weakest walls....well, I just about came out of my seat! I was on the edge of my seat to be exact! I won't go in to anymore detail, because I want those of you who can, to attend the conference to receive from the Lord, not this writer.

Then, in the afternoon, we were blessed to have Ben and Brenda Peters as our speakers. If you are not familiar with this couple go to www.ohmint.org and visit awhile. Again, GOD confirmed HIS word to me for the church! Brenda was so honest and frank that I received a measure of strength to do HIS work. Now, trust me, I am not so prideful or conceited to think that God did this all just for me....but, HE is speaking through HIS people and using HIS people in this hour and HIS message is very clear! Whether in Mozambique or America, HE is speaking the same thing. HE is sharing HIS heart and HIS concern for us. He is using the nobodys of this world to affect nations! So, HE can use the insignificant nobodys of a city to affect cities. All it takes is a humble heart, clean heart, and clean hands and the will to die to self so that CHRIST can live in and through us! We are co-laborers with one another and with Christ, you know?

In summary, I have been blessed. I will no longer, and can no longer be the person I was before Saturday. I am changed. Forever, changed. Not by might or by power, or by words of man or woman's wisdom, but by HIS spirit. This is the way it should be...this is the way it was and is! To God be all the Glory. But I must give honor where honor is due....to Pastor Teresa Forkins-Phillips and Robert, her husband for organizing the conference and for being the rock she is! To Paulette for the tremendous and annointed teaching gift she is....to the prophetic presbytry for praying and diligently seeking HIM and HIS word for the church and to the Peters for the example they are setting before the Church. What a standard that was raised in that meeting! Also to Dawn and the worship team for taking us to the throneroom of God...and THE DANCE!

In, through and to HIM, forever....
Deborha

Please understand that this is not an advertisement for the conference in October...but, IT WILL BE WORTH IT to attend....God is speaking to HIS church...come and sit awhile with me....it will be worth it!

2006-09-11T08:27:00.000-05:00

Today my mind wonders at the remarkable faith of a canaanite harlot. For what Rahab did, the Bible says, she did by faith. (Hebrews 11:31) And my mind wanders back easily to the circumstances of her world.

The whole country was filled with fear. The massive multitude of the children of Israel (perhaps 2 1/2 million) had destroyed the kingdoms that tried to stop their move toward the Land of Canaan.

The Bible describes the state of the area's kings; "Their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel" (Joshua 5:1).

The inhabitants of Jericho, a Canaanite city-state, were terrified. Yet in the midst of a frightened population, one woman exercised faith so great it gained for a good report from God and a place in two Bible 'halls of fame': the lineage of Jesus, and the elders of faith. (Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:2,31.)

Every circumstance of Rahab's life and society was against her exercising such faith. The headlines- so to speak- of the day warned of impending doom. Her religion was against her. The Canaanite religion sacrificed children in the fire and centered on sex. Jehovah's plan seemed to be against Rahab. The Creator of the Universe determined it was time to execute judgment upon her society. AND she lived in the most dangerous spot on the globe! Her house was on the city wall which God decreed must fall!

Rahab's faith deserves close consideration. For it reveals a way to use the power of the Blood in the face of today's events.

Joshua sent the two spies into Jericho. They lodged at the harlot's house, possibly because it would not arouse suspicion. When the king of Jericho heard it , he sent men after them. Rahab hid the spies under stalks of flax upon her flat roof while she managed to get rid of the king's men. Before the Hebrew spies left she said to them:

JOSHUA 2:9-11
9...I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan...whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neith did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is in heaven above, and in the earth beneath.

Rahab heard the same news everyone in town heard- the supernatural acts of Israel's God. Fear filled the hearts of the overwhelming majority. FAITH filled Rahab's heart, for she decided to BELIEVE Jehovah must be the true God.

Based upon her belief, her FAITH spoke.

JOSHUA 2:12, 13
12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me true token:
13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethern, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

Rahab dared to ask for the lives of her father, her mother, her brothers, her sisters-and she wanted all their posssessions! Their material goods. Their belongings.

It's a good thing she hadn't talked to some people today. They'd have talked her out of such audacity!

It evidently pleased God! (Hebrews 11:6,31) Rahab also wanted a true token-a sign. If the spies had not been running for their lives, they might have slain a lamb and placed the same token upon Rahab's doorposts which was sprinkled upon the Hebrews' doorposts when judgment was coming to Egypt forty years earlier. This time...a scarlet cord would have to do for Rahab and her family. A scarlet line would represent the Blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

JOSHUA 2:21
21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. and she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.

Sometime later, with no natural weapons, Israel executed God's plan to the utter destruction of Jericho. Rahab, her family, and their possessions, were saved!

If a Canaanite harlot's faith can protect family and goods, how much more can a New Testament believer's fatih in the power in the Blood of the risen Redeemer protect loved ones and possessions?

If we cannot draw a Blood line around our loved ones and property in this hour of peril and even judgment, then we do not have a better covenant based on better promises.

BUT WE CAN! (Hebrews 8:6)

Tokens are signs. They are to be displayed. We are to continually display the token of the Blood of Jesus and its power over the doorposts and boundaries of our lives. How? By faith. By the words of our mouth because we believe in our hearts.

Take hold of the gift of faith within you and draw that line around your homes, family and possessions!

It will be worth it!

2006-09-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

YOU ARE ALL INVITED..............

It Will Be Worth It!

A Conference for Women October 6th and 7th
( Conference will be open to all on Saturday, October 7th at 7PM )

Theresa Forkins-Philliips, Sr. Pastor of Praise Ministries in Geneva IL , will be our guest speaker. Her heart is to see People come to the Lord, and to see the Calling on their lives be made complete.

Come and Bask in HIS Beautiful Presence and Find Strength for the Journey... Find Peace and Gain Revelation...

Conference will be held at World Thrust Christian Center, Rte 150, Orion, IL. Sessions will be as Follows:

Friday, October 6th, 2006, meeting begins at 7PM.
Saturday, October 7th, Morning sessions begin at 9AM.
Lunch will be provided on site by the ladies of WTCC.
Saturday afternoon sessions will be from 1pm-4pm with various speakers: Joan Williams, Deborha Johnson, Karen Stroops, Diane Wilder, and Amy Mathews.

Saturday night is open to everyone and begins at 7PM!

I Corinthians 2:1-5....."and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power." (KJV)

Conference is being held at no charge.

For more information contact: Deborha Johnson @ 309-368-2481

2006-08-21T18:35:00.000-05:00

Thanx to everyone who is praying for my mother. It was a rough couple of days; however, she is recuperating well now. God Bless You!

In, through and to HIM!
Deborha

2006-08-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY MOTHER .... SHE IS GOING TO WISCONSIN FOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY. SURGERY WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY THE 16TH OF AUGUST AT 8AM. I WILL BE TRAVELING TO MY SISTER'S ON TUESDAY AFTER WORKING 5 TWELVE HOUR NIGHT SHIFTS...WOULD APPRECIATE PRAYER FOR SAFE TRAVEL.....THANX....

2006-08-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

WHAT FIRE BURNS IN YOU?

Very few people get the opportunity and privilege to have an impact. I like to think that each day I do my job, in some small way, I have changed something for the better. It doesn't need to be anything huge; when I was six it was as simple as getting my cat from the top of a tree. I always wanted to be a nurse. Now that I've become what I admired, I've had to learn to deal with situations that are both unexpected and difficult. There have been times when I've seen something so powerful the tears begin to fall before the emotion even registers. It's during those times that I fall back on memories. The difficult experiences in my life make every other moment better than it would have been otherwise. Why do I do what I do? Because I need to find the moments that change the places and lives around me, and more importantly the moments that change me. It's what I live for. The desire to walk through each day with that ultimate goal in mind is the only fire that burns forever. The God in me is that fire. He places the desire within me to "make a difference". He changes me through each experience. I praise Him for this. Even though, walking through them, may be difficult...I see that the "me" becomes more like "HE". For "He that has begun a good work in me is faithful to complete it"...I thank HIM for that. He is faithful and good and true.

May I ask.....what fire burns in you?

2006-07-31T16:28:00.000-05:00

Ten Lies the Church Tells Women
FOR CENTURIES, A PATRIARCHAL SYSTEM OF CONTROL HAS KEPT WOMEN IN SPIRITUAL CAPTIVITY THROUGH DISTORTION OF THE SCRIPTURES. IT'S TIME TO DEBUNK THE MYTHS.
By J. Lee Grady
We live in the 21st century, but if we're honest we have to admit that in some ways the church is still in the Dark Ages--especially when we look at the way we treat women.
Even though the Scriptures never portray women as secondary to men, our male-dominated religious system still promotes a warped view of female inferiority. Women are tired of this, and as a man, so am I--because such demeaning attitudes don't reflect God's heart.
Jesus challenged gender prejudice at its core when He directed so much of His ministry toward women. In a Middle Eastern culture that considered women mere property, He healed women, discipled them and commissioned them to minister. Yet today we spend much of our energy denying them opportunities--and using the Bible to defend our prohibitions.
I've identified 10 erroneous views about women that for too long have been circulated in the church, preached from pulpits and written in the study notes of popular Bible translations. I believe we must debunk these lies if we want to see the church fully released to fulfill the Great Commission.
LIE #1 - GOD'S ULTIMATE PLAN FOR WOMEN IS THAT THEY SERVE THEIR HUSBANDS. How sad that so many Christian men view women from a selfish perspective. This view is often promoted by misreading the account of Eve's creation in Genesis 2:18-25, in which Adam is provided a "helpmate." The Hebrew word used here often is translated "companion," denoting intimacy and partnership. But through the centuries it has been used to imply that Eve was some type of domestic appendage.We men have assumed that God gave Eve to fulfill Adam's sexual needs as well as to serve as his cook, laundress and maid. But the Genesis account does not say this.After Eve's creation, God did not tell her: "You are Adam's helper; I command you to serve him well." She was not created for servitude; she was fashioned to be a co-laborer with Adam so that they might rule together over creation as God commissioned them to do (see Gen. 1:28).
LIE #2 - WOMEN CAN'T BE FULFILLED OR SPIRITUALLY EFFECTIVE WITHOUT A HUSBAND.From the time she was released from a German death camp in 1944 until her death in 1983, Corrie Ten Boom taught the world about a Savior who could forgive the cruelest Nazi. Yet she never married. Did the fact that she did not have a husband make her less "complete"? Some Christians would say yes.We have spent so much energy defending the concept of the biblical family that we are guilty of idolizing it. We've preached that a woman's primary responsibility is to find a godly husband, have lots of babies and stay home to raise them for Christ.But marital status is not a qualifier for ministry. The Bible does not even state whether certain key followers of Jesus, such as the 12 disciples, were married or not.The highest calling of all believers--married or unmarried--is to develop a relationship with Jesus. Any other earthly relationship is secondary, and Christ Himself warned us never to allow people we love to become idols that distract us from Him.
LIE #3 - WOMEN SHOULDN'T WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME.Many evangelical churches have preached that women who work outside the home are breaking a scriptural commandment, but this conclusion can be reached only by distorting the biblical record. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is often used to bolster a traditional view of the June Cleaver-style matron who spends her day baking casseroles while her husband is at the office. But a careful reading reveals that the Proverbs 31 woman, in her ancient Middle Eastern context, functioned as a real estate agent and ran a textile business.Titus 2:5 instructs women to "take care of their homes" (New Living Translation). But most scholars would agree that this passage simply exhorts married women not to forsake their children.It is true that, because of ambition or materialism, some Christian women neglect their children even though the Holy Spirit has urged them to put their career objectives on hold. But rather than placing a legalistic burden on women by telling them that having a career is ungodly, we should tell both men and women to submit their career plans to the Holy Spirit's direction.
LIE #4 - WOMEN MUST OBEDIENTLY SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS IN ALL SITUATIONS.A distraught Christian woman who was regularly beaten by her husband finally gained the courage to seek counsel from her pastor. After she told him about her husband's fits of rage, the pastor responded, "If your husband kills you, it will be to the glory of God."The pastor reached this irresponsible conclusion because of a distorted view of "male headship." We often portray marriage as a hierarchy, with husbands on the throne and wives at the footstool, and we use Scripture to justify this view: "Wives...submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22).We assume this verse means women have no say in family matters or that their opinion is second-rate. In extreme cases, women have been told to submit to abuse in order to honor male headship. But this is not a Christian view.Paul also told the Ephesians, "submit to one another" (5:21, emphasis added). I have heard teachings by male clergy on the subject of male headship, but I've never heard a pastor encourage men to submit to their wives! Yet in a loving marriage, a man and woman will defer to one another as they make decisions.In my 16 years of marriage, my wife and I have had plenty of disagreements. But when we reach an impasse, I don't announce, "I am the head of this house, so what I say goes." Rather, Deborah and I either agree to pray about the matter, or we choose to defer to one another.The point is never who is in charge. I view my wife as an equal. I am not "over her." We function as one.
LIE #5 - A MAN NEEDS TO "COVER" A WOMAN IN HER MINISTRY ACTIVITIES. This idea came from a distorted interpretation of the apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 11:3, "the head of woman is man" (NKJV). People have used these words to bolster the idea that women are subservient to men or that they cannot approach God without a male authority figure in their lives.Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11 about head coverings is a difficult passage, and Bible scholars don't agree on its meaning. However, most teach that Paul is addressing specific cultural concerns in first-century Corinth and that he is calling for propriety and order in a society where immorality and paganism had blurred gender distinctions.Paul was not placing men in a position of generic rulership over women. Because there is "no male or female in Christ" (see Gal. 3:28), women can pray, worship, study the Bible or minister without a man present. How silly to think that a man, because of his gender, could add credibility to prayer or Spirit-empowered ministry! To believe this would be to trust in the flesh.
LIE #6 - A WOMAN SHOULD VIEW HER HUSBAND AS THE "PRIEST OF THE HOME."Search your concordance. Scripture never describes men as "priests of the home." This man-made concept was popularized in evangelical churches in the last century. We have one priest, Jesus Christ, whose blood atoned for our sins. It is a mockery of the gospel to suggest that any human being needs an additional priest apart from the Son of God.The Bible says all believers are priests (see 1 Pet. 2:9, Rev. 1:6); there is no gender restriction. Husbands function as priests when they pray for their families or when they minister the Word of God to them, and wives also function in this role.My experience in marriage has been that God speaks both to me and to my wife. He doesn't say to me, "Since you are the head of this house, I'll tell you my plans for your family, and you can tell the others what I said." Often God has revealed His plans to my wife before I heard anything!Christian men need to stop being defensive and recognize that God has called us to function in unity with our wives. We need to listen to their counsel, consider their opinions, and pray together for the mind of the Lord rather than putting our foot down and shouting, "I am the leader of this family, and what I say goes!"
LIE #7 - WOMEN ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES.The most common mistake we make in biblical interpretation occurs when we take one isolated verse and build a doctrine around it--even if the verse seems to contradict other passages. This is often what we do with 1 Tim. 2:12, "I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man" (NASB).Most theologians believe that this passage was addressing an isolated situation in Ephesus. They came to this conclusion after studying the myriad of references in the Bible to women in spiritual authority. The Old Testament records that Deborah was a judge over Israel--and God blessed her leadership in battle (see Judg. 4-5). Other women who held authority over men include Miriam, Huldah and Noadiah.Jesus issued His first gospel commission to women (see Matt. 28:1-10), and both men and women were empowered to preach on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Priscilla, Chloe and Phoebe were leaders in the early church, and one woman, Junia, is called an apostle by Paul ( Rom. 16:7).The promise of the prophet Joel was that "sons and daughters" would prophesy after the Holy Spirit was given to the church (Joel 2:28, emphasis added). Yet we have taken one misunderstood verse from Paul's writings and used it to negate hundreds of other passages that support the full release of women into ministry.
LIE #8 - WOMEN MUST NOT TEACH OR PREACH TO MEN IN A CHURCH SETTING.Since 1 Timothy 2:12 obviously contradicts the overall biblical endorsement of women in authority, how are we to understand it? What is Paul actually saying in this passage?In their book I Suffer Not a Woman, Richard and Catherine Clark Kroeger explain that certain cultic worship practices involving female priestesses of Diana had invaded the first-century church. These priestesses promoted blasphemous ideas about sex and spirituality, and they sometimes performed rituals in which they pronounced curses on men and declared female superiority.What Paul was most likely saying to the Ephesians was this: "I do not allow a woman to teach these cultic heresies, nor do I allow them to usurp authority from men by performing pagan rituals." He was not saying, as some Christians have assumed, "I do not allow godly Christian women to teach the Bible." In his day, Paul would have been thrilled to have had more skilled women who could teach the truth!
LIE #9 - WOMEN ARE MORE EASILY DECEIVED THAN MEN.This idea has been taught by twisting the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:14, which says, "It was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression" (NLT). Some have suggested that because Eve was tricked by the devil, women have a stronger propensity toward deception. Others have gone so far as to insist that women are to blame for all the evil in the world and are therefore under a greater curse than men.No respectable Bible scholar in the church today would promote such a view. The Bible clearly states that Adam and Eve were both held guilty by God for their disobedience, and they were both punished. In 1 Timothy, Paul cited the creation account not to place extra blame on Eve but to refute a bizarre teaching that was circulating in Asia Minor.In the first century, Gnostic heretics were mixing Christianity with paganism. One of their teachings stated that Eve actually liberated the world when she disobeyed God and gained secret knowledge from the devil.Paul was not teaching that women are more prone to deception. He was explaining that what Eve did was not right, and that the Christian view of the creation was that Adam and Eve sinned when they listened to the serpent.Women are certainly capable of spreading deception because they have a fallen nature as men do, but there is no evidence that they have greater gullibility. That view is rooted in demeaning stereotypes and prejudice.
LIE #10 - WOMEN WHO EXHIBIT STRONG LEADERSHIP QUALITIES HAVE A "SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL."Once I was listening to Bible teacher Cindy Jacobs speak at a prayer conference in Colorado. When she approached the pulpit, two men who were sitting in front of me turned to each other and began to pray softly."Lord, we bind the power of the devil from bewitching this audience," one man said, adding, "We bind the power of Jezebel in the name of Jesus." These men believed that the crowd would automatically come under a spirit of deception when Jacobs taught them--simply because she was a woman.How absurd! Was Barak "deceived" when he took orders from Deborah? (See Judg. 4:14.) Did baby Jesus come under a harmful influence when Anna prophesied over Him? (See Luke 2:36-38.) Was Apollos spiritually emasculated when he submitted to the teaching of Priscilla? (See Acts 18:26.) Of course not!To associate godly women with Jezebel, a wicked Old Testament despot, is unfair and offensive, yet men in the church today often pin Jezebel's label on strong, anointed women because they feel threatened by them.Let's stop the insults. If a woman is using manipulation to usurp authority or if she is spreading heresies, then she certainly deserves the Jezebel label--as do men who do such things. But women who walk in spiritual integrity and preach the Word of God with power deserve our respect!

Just something to think about..

2006-07-21T06:22:00.000-05:00

Chuck Pierce: "Israel Prayer Request--From Eitan Shishkoff"
I am forwarding a prayer request from Eitan Shishkoff, who is the apostolic leader of five congregations throughout the Haifa area of Israel, one fellowship being in Nazareth. Blessings,Chuck D. Pierce
Israel Prayer Request from Eitan Shishkoff Dear Intercessors, The Book of Esther focuses on the attempt of Persia (Iran) to wipe out the Jewish people. An unchangeable edict is made demanding their destruction. The power and authority of the Persian Empire is aimed at (exiled) Israel's total destruction. This attempt is foiled when the King's wife, whose Jewish identity has been hidden, appears before the king after calling her people to a breakthrough fast. In the process, Esther's mentor Mordecai, utters these immortal words:Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:13,14Here are some gripping parallels with Israel's situation:1. The principality seeking Israel's destruction was Persia---modern day Iran.2. Esther, representing believers in Israel's God (Jesus' true followers of today), had a choice whether to speak up, identifying with the Jews, or to be silent.3. The cost of not speaking up and interceding for the salvation of the Jews at a time of catastrophic danger, would be their own demise.4. Implied in Esther's timing and availability, was the dimension of God sovereignly choosing her to bring God's deliverance.5. Esther went before the King, who alone had the authority to stop the murderous attack upon the Jews. Being his bride, she had favor.Beloved friends, I believe this comparison is given for our instruction and inspiration. Those who love Yeshua, must now arise and go before the King to secure Israel's physical and spiritual deliverance.
Current Developments
I cannot possibly write these words or send out this e-mail fast enough, to keep up with the developments in the war on my nation of Israel. The entire region around Haifa is under bombardment. Many 100's of rockets have fallen throughout northern Israel, the Galilee, where I, and thousands of Messianic believers live, work, and worship.
Akko, Upper Nazareth, Tiberias area, Haifa, and theKryot (nearest the large oil refinery Hizbollah is targeting), are the exact locations of the congregations I serve. Towns that have never been hit this way, or at least not for decades, are experiencing the wickedness of Hizbollah, propelled to this madness by Iran (Persia). Israeli citizens have been killed in their own homes, after our government has gone to sacrificial extremes to withdraw from conflict. But conflict is obviously not withdrawing from us.In recent years, the Spirit of God has been arousing Christians on every continent, to love and pray for Israel. It would seem that you have been brought to the Kingdom for just "such a time as this," when there is a life and death need, to intercede before the King for Israel's enemies to be destroyed.
How then, Shall We Pray?
Here are a few simple suggestions. May God guide you and take you to an unprecedented place of identification with Israel, intimacy with Himself, and intensity in spiritual warfare.LET GOD ARISE. LET HIS ENEMIES BE SCATTERED; LET THOSE ALSO WHO HATE HIM FLEE BEFORE HIM. Psalms 68:1
This is God's battle. Let us call on Him who loves Israel and has established her for His testimony in the earth. We can authoritatively pray confusion and dissolution upon Israel's enemies. Pray utilizing passages like Isaiah 41:8-14, in which God makes clear that He has brought Jacob back to his land, and that He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. "Those who were incensed against you, shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish." Isaiah 41:11.
It is entirely Biblical and would grab the attention of our nation, if this war were to be decided through overtly miraculous intervention on God's part. Let us pray so. SALVATION BELONGS TO THE LORD. YOUR BLESSING IS UPON YOUR PEOPLE. Psalms 3:8
This entire chapter is vividly relevant to our situation. It also speaks of the danger we are in, of God arising and of the enemy being broken. But God's interest is always ultimately in the salvation of His people. "How shall we look to Him whom we have pierced." (Zechariah 12:10)
We are surrounded by enemies and pressed to look beyond our previous national conclusions about who or what Messiah is. It is time to pray for our eyes to be opened to Yeshua. This is not the final battle, but it is a prelude. Please pray for fresh BOLDNESS, FAITH, LOVE, UNITY and the SUPERNATURAL LEADING of the SPIRIT for all of Israel's Messianic believers. BUT YOU, O LORD, ARE A SHIELD FOR ME, MY GLORY AND THE LIFTER OF MY HEAD. (Psalms 3:3).
Clearly, we need God to be our shield. Some missiles have been falling into the Mediterranean Sea. Another hit a grove of trees inside a very crowded residential/commercial area in Haifa. I just spoke with the leader of the Akko Messianic congregation, who told me that the three-story building that was destroyed in Haifa, was EMPTY! He said a synagogue in Akko, was wiped out only 10 minutes after its worshipers walked out. Angelic protection is an established reality in the history of Israel's conflicts...both in Bible times and in recent history such as the Six Day War in '67.
Father, we call upon You, to release angelic hosts to deflect weapons aimed against us, and to place shields over our soldiers, and over our citizens. And may those who are truly innocent in the territory we are having to counter-attack, be spared as well.

by Chuck Pierce

2006-07-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

I just feel a need to offer up a prayer today...

Join with me if you like.

Father, I thank YOU for YOUR word. I thank YOU for the wisdom and skill of understanding that you are willing to impart to me. Cause my heart to seek to receive revelation from you as purely as you desire to give it, without interjecting my opinions, judgements or self-personalization upon it. YOU are not a GOD who desires to hide answers from those who are genuinely seeking them. But you will hide truth from those who believe they already have all the answers.

LORD, my city, church, family and nation, even the earth..desperately need revival. In your word YOU have said, "If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves , pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity, my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land...my eyes will be opened, and my ears attentive to the prayer offered...(2 Chronicles 7:14-15, AMP). Lord, let this be so in me (us) right now.

FATHER, let YOUR mighty HOLY SPIRIT serve notice on the territorial spirits over this territory that there are people "doing" that which needs to be done to unseat them. We will not only unseat them, but we will occupy the land, and forever prevent their return. FATHER, don't let us just seek victory by creating a vacancy. Let us press on through and hold the territory as we all begin to agree on the only thing we could ever all agree upon to bring healing to our land: That YOUR will be done. Father, not out wills, never our wills; but YOUR WILL BE DONE. And Father, let us not be ignorant of the fact, that not all is due to territorial spirits, but also of the flesh, man's will. Therefore, FATHER, I ask in the name of JESUS, that YOUR people be reconciled to YOU. That they would once again find that perfect love, their first love in YOU. YOUR word say that the "...love of GOD compels us". This means that YOUR love constrains, confines, grips us tightly together, a grip so tight that it prevents escape. That compelling love, YOUR love, leaves us no choice except to live our lives for YOU! Father, compel us. Thank you Father...in YOUR son's precious name, the name of JESUS ...Amen

2006-07-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

HEALING COMES FROM TOTAL SURRENDER

You cannot heal yourself by a strong will to survive or by working a "program". You are healed by surrendering everything in your life - past, present and future - to the will of God and then receiving healing from Him. This can be a fearful thing if you have always managed to avoid dealing directly with God, but there has to come a time when you finally want to be free. If a counselor, program, or group has helped you come to this point, then they have served you well. But they cannot heal you! The only way to be truly set free is to strip down your old nature of everything it derives power from, tear down the strongholds you have erected and them allow God to spiritually realign your life.

We are our strongest when we realize we need HIS help for everthing, from our breathing to our believing!

2006-07-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

STRUGGLING CANNOT BRING RENEWAL

I am one who understands struggling. I spent many years struggling before becoming a Christian. I also spent many years struggling after becoming a Christian, earnestly searching in, copying down and quoting from the Word that I was a new creature. I claimed every promise I could find, even those for certain people during specific time periods in the Old Testament. I didn't care if theologians said I could properly do so or not, I personally claimed every good sounding word I could find! But my past still haunted me when certain circumstances arose.

Some healing and renewal came through the Word, good Christian books, fellowshiping and prayer. Yet I knew there had to be more for God's people, so I set out to find it.

I read in more than one book how we need to allow God to open up our past memories and walk us through them again to relive their outcome and forgive and be healed. I experienced this to some degree, but it didn't seem to bring lasting answers.

Several books insisted that a wounded person needs to confront the one who hurt them. I couldn't see how that tied in with the greatest healing of all...forgiveness. What if confronting would inflict devastation on innocent parties? What if that person had long since died? And I had a real problem with the esoteric suggestion of confronting an empty chair or a headstone in a cemetery!

The majority of the books urged those who were wounded to seek counseling and support groups. The reality of today's troubled economy is that few can afford professional counseling for any length of time. Others, through fear or denial, will not approach a support group. Instead, a great many use family members, friends, spiritual leaders, counselors or groups as relief valves to vent just enough pain and pressure to go on . This also enables them to avoid dealing directly with God.

I have read several of the twelve-step program books written for Christians and I see their merit in helping men and women to come out of denial. But rarely do these programs deal with the strongholds that cause people to oppose themselves.

I attended one Christian twelve-step program meeting, still seeking understanding of this phenomena sweeping our nation. The leader repeatedly stressed the necessity of "working the program every day," saying, "I have been working the program for years. Your lifeline is that you can always call someone or go to a meeting when things start to get out of control." I was concerned that a leader who had "worked a program" for nearly a decade would remain so dependent upon it. I am sure the leaders of these groups have the best of intentions, but I question the depth or permanency of healing that comes from such programs.

The Bible gives no record of Saul of Tarsus finding a counselor or a support group to overcome the guilt of his treacherous past - nor Peter for his monumental failings - nor Moses for his anger and act of murder - nor David for ensuring that Bathsheba's husband be killed in battle. Jesus did not send the woman caught in adultery (in John 8) away to find help. She knew she was exposed before HIM as she stood there and she submitted herself to the inevitability of whatever HE was about to say or do. HE simply said, "There is no one left to condemn you and neither do I. Go and sin no more."

Beautiful words from the living Word, Jesus Christ. He forgave her of her past and directed her towards her future. He told her she was not condemned by HIM, nor was there anyone else with the courage to condemn her in HIS presence. These words of truth brought her spiritual and emotional freedom. Each one of these Bible personalities received mercy and healing from the Lord.

2006-07-06T01:39:00.000-05:00

Hello...is anybody out there?

2006-06-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His names recorded in Scripture.There are twelve covenant names of God which reveal His character so that we can know Him. He also reveals Himself to us through the Bible so we can know how to walk with Him.ELOHIM-God Our CreatorJEHOVAH-Our Eternal GodJEHOVAH EL SHADDAI-God our Supplier. JEHOVAH-JIREH-God my Provider:JEHOVAH-RAPHA-God my Healer:JEHOVAH-NISSI-God my Banner:JEHOVAH M'KADESH-God my SanctifierJEHOVAH-SHALOM -God my PeaceJEHOVAH-TSIDKENU-God my RighteousnessJEHOVAH-ROHI and JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, God my ShepherdJEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, The Abiding Presence

2006-06-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

HOPE THIS ANSWERS SOME QUESTIONS

Never attempt to any praise or worship dance without first seeking the Lord in prayer. Before you hit the dance floor, hit the prayer closet! We need to spend our 'quality' time with Him so that He could accomplish His plan through our ministry. The message expressed in the music should be of great importance when choosing a selection to dance to in a public setting. We are called to praise and worship with our whole hearts, and we should prayerfully choose a song that we are able to worship with our minds, spirits, and bodies. Below are just a few of my own suggestions to help you focus on Jesus when lifting up His name in the dance:

1. Spend time in prayer first. Seek His face and spend time in His presence. Look to Him to show you if there is anything offensive in His sight, then ask for His mercy and forgiveness and to cleanse you of your sin. He is faithful and longs to bless us when we seek His face.

2. Learn the words to the song and sing them while you are dancing. You may even ask the congregation to join you in singing if it's a song that is familar to them so you would be able to worship as one body of Christ.

3. Spend time doing bible study on the 'idea' expressed in the song (i.e.: if you pick a song that speaks about God's mercy, sit down with a concordance and soak in exactly how merciful God has been throughtout the bible. Then meditate on how merciful God has been in your own life).

4. Use colors symbolic of the idea of the song. For instance, if your song includes words about the blood of Jesus, use the color red to symbolize His blood, or if it speaks about God's redeeming love, you may wish to choose silver symbolizing redemption.

Color combinations may also express meanings, such as "His Majesty" can be expressed with red (blood), purple (royalty), and gold (God's glory), or ""His Bride" can be white (purity), silver (redemption), and pink (right relationships). Mix different color streamers - use two on one wand, or use one streamer in each hand. Two different color flags may also be used.

Whenever we do anything in the Lord's name, be sure that He is our main focus and He will always bless us by manifesting His presence and awesome power. He has come to set the captives free!

2006-06-27T15:17:00.000-05:00

A FEW WORDS ON COLOR...
God loves color! Colors have great significance spiritually as they do in the natural realm. Additionally, combinations of colors (used separately) may also have different meanings. When choosing a color of flag or streamer, I feel it's important for the dancer to keep in mind the symbolic meaning behind each color and choose according to what his or her spirit is feeling. The Lord has given me another revelation about color, thanks to my dealings as an artist- If you think about the individual color breakouts that it takes to make a color, the symbolization is awesome! For example, if you take white (which means purity, salvation, light - see reference below) and red (meaning Jesus' blood, atonement, sacrifice), you get pink which means right relationship, heart of flesh, or intimacy. This solidifies that God is a God of order - even individual colors broken out all work out and make sense. I just think this is SO cool. Try some for yourself!

Below are a few examples - this is only a basic list from personal study, and we always suggest digging into the Word yourself to see what the Spirit teaches you as an individual:
Red: Symbolizes blood atonement, sacrifice of Christs blood (Isa. 1:18, Heb. 9:14)
Gold: Symbolizes the glory of God, divine nature, holiness, precious (Rev. 3:18, Rev. 4:4, Mal. 3:3; 1 Peter 1:7)
Silver: Symbolizes paid price for redemption, price of a soul, Word of God (Matt. 27:3, 1 Pe. 1:18, Ps. 68:13; Heb. 4:12)
Blue: Symbolizes heaven & authority, spiritual or heavenly realm, Throne of God, authority/overcomer (Ex. 24:10, Ez. 1:26, 10:1; Rev. 12:11)
Green: Symbolizes new life, growth, prosperity, health, eternal life, restoration (Ps. 23:2, Gen. 1:30, Lk. 23:31; Rev. 22:2; Ps. 92:14)
Purple: Symbolizes Jesus' royalty, Believer's royalty, Majesty, wealth (Jdg. 8:26, John 19:2, Mk. 15:17-20, Lk. 16:19; 1 Peter 2:9; Esther 1:6)
Pink: Symbolizes right relationships, heart of flesh, intimacy, child-like faith (Romans 3:25, Rev. 19:8; Ez. 11:19; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Song. 1:2; Matt. 18:3-5)
Yellow: Symbolizes sunlight of Jesus, joyful, celebration, God revealed (Matt. 17:2, Rev. 1:16, Ps. 84:11; Ps. 46:4-5; Ez. 1:4; 8:2, Ps. 68:13; 1 Thes. 2:20; Romans 8:18)
Iridescent: Symbolizes overcoming power, fruit of the Spirit (Rev. 4:3)
Orange: Symbolizes praise, protection, harvest, fruitfulness, fire of God, works tested (Matt. 9:38; Col. 1:9-10; 1 Cor. 3:13; 2 Chron. 23:13, Zech. 2:5)
White: Symbolizes Creator, righteousness acquired thru blood of Christ, Bride's garments, Salvation (Rev. 4:4, 6:2 Rev. 19:8, Dan. 12:3)
Black: Symbolizes death, punishment, famine, sin, affliction, death, repentance, bondage (Lam. 4:8; Rev. 6:5; John 3:19-20;; Ps. 107:14)
Rainbow: Symbolizes God's promises (Rev. 4:3), Covenant (Gen 9:13 & 16)

2006-06-27T15:12:00.000-05:00

"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I bethrothed you to one husand, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:2-3

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The Lord has been speaking to me about equipping Christians with the knowledge of the importance of building an intimate relationship with Him as a prerequisite for praise & worship. I believe it is so much more important than just providing the 'props' to do so. How are we to offer up our praise and worship with flags, streamers, or tambourines if we do not know the Person to whom it is being offerred? The word of God tells us that in order for our sacrifice to be pleasing in His sight, we are to have clean hands and a pure heart, and to do this we need to be washed in His word. We wash our faces every day, and we eat every day. As followers of Jesus, how much more important should our spiritual life and growth, which is eternal, be to us? His word tells us that in order to reap the blessings He has for us, we are to seek His face (see Psalm 24). I believe that people are missing out on so many blessings because they do not invest the time seek His direction and just sit at His feet and listen for that still, small voice (see 1 Kings 19:12). Are we more like Martha and attempt to do things through our own abilities and less like Mary who seeks her Lord and His Presence? What does the Word say about what our priorities should be? (see John 10:38-42) Out of the abundance of the heart, the worship will flow. We need to "abide" and 'be rooted' in Him and in His Word. These are two great words to begin your study!

I believe the Lord has placed this on my heart because those offering praise & worship need to put their relationship with the Lord FIRST, before preparing the routines, and props, and costumes. If what we are calling what we do "ministering" and not performing, I challenge you to examine the fruit of your ministry. Are we more worried about what people think rather than what God thinks? In order for the fruit to be 'sweet' and anointed, we need to be filled to the rim with God's Spirit. This is a daily filling, and comes from spending time with and intimately knowing the Person who created us. Without that relationship, our praise and worship will be fruitless. The closer we walk with Him, the more apparent our "fruit" will be to people, and, in turn, our offering will draw people to Him and we will become transparent. People will be able to see His beautiful heart in us.

May you be abundantly blessed as you seek His face and are obedient to His call to "Seek me first"!

2006-06-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

THE BATTLE FOR INTIMACY

There are many spiritual battles we engage in throughout our Christian life but I believe the greatest one is the battle for intimacy with the Lord . A fruitful life in the Kingdom flows out of intimacy. The character and nature of Jesus is formed in us through intimacy with Him. It is no wonder that this is the area so often assaulted with distractions, insecurities and disappointments.
Have you been disillusioned and disappointed?How often have you, the reader, cried out for deeper engagement in the Lord only to find emptiness and silence? How many times have you attempted to seek His face with all your heart and were pulled on by distraction from every direction? How often have you left your devotional time disappointed with hope deferred? This, my friend describes the battle for intimacy. The enemy will attempt to pull us from the posture that is the most critical to our life in God – the posture of abiding; the posture of intimacy.
Intimacy – this is the battle field. This is what the enemy desires to steal more than anything! If he can steal our intimacy with the Lord, he gets everything. Intimacy is the most important factor of all in our Christian experience and when you understand the importance of something, you are willing to fight for it.
By FaithWhat does intimacy look like? What does it feel like? I remember a number of years ago when I felt so desperate to connect to the Lord in intimacy. I set a month apart to seek His face…and I did! The first 10 days were grueling. I cried out to God with deep longings for intimacy. I so wanted to connect with Him. Hour by hour I would cry out to Him. I had felt so distanced and distracted and now was my time to really connect. Although I cried out by the hour, confessed any sin that might be in the way, engaged in warfare, fasted, stayed up many nights, I still could not sense the Lord's presence and I definitely didn't feel intimate. I was so disappointed. I had never been so desperate and yet so empty and unfulfilled in my longings. On the 10 th day of faithfully seeking Him, I finally heard Him speak to my heart. I had been crying out in tears, “Lord, where are You?!!!???. I was on my knees pounding the floor as I cried out in desperation. His still, small voice finally spoke, “I am right here. I have been here all the time. Why did you doubt?”
I realized at that point that I had been in an “anxious hoping mode” rather than a “believing mode”. I was hoping to be intimate but not believing to be. I was longing for His presence and so wanting Him close to me but hadn't determined that He was right there. Hebrews 11:6 was highlighted in my heart at that time: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must first believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
I had to BELIEVE that He was right there and that He was meeting my hearts desire. Faith is different from hope. Hope is an expectation but faith is the substance of what we hope for. It is the evidence of what we do not see. (see Hebrews 11:1)
Over the next number of months He taught me more about the faith required to walk in intimacy. I remember once, crying out in worship. “Oh Lord, I want to be intimate with You.” I was worshipping but felt empty and emotionless. In this state, I felt condemned. I have always known the importance of intimacy but seldom felt it .I found myself striving in that worship session. In the midst of my desperation, The Lord whispered, “You can not be any more intimate with Me than you are right now.” That took me by surprise. I didn't feel intimate, only emptiness. What did this mean? He further revealed that His finished work on the cross was the deepest embrace that God could ever express to mankind. He said, “You are in Me and I am in you. We are one for eternity. You can't get any more intimate than that.”
Immediately I began to worship from a different perspective. Instead of hoping to be intimate, I believed I was. This was not based on what I felt. It was based on what was true. The enemy tried to throw all his usual lies at me, “You are not loved by God and you are failing in your love for Him. He is disappointed with you because you are falling short of intimacy." This time, the accusations didn't stick. My intimacy with the Lord was not based on what I felt but what was true. I pressed in and won the battle.
The battle for intimacy is not a one time fight. It is constant and we need to know how to stand. The enemy will use many measures to distract us. Condemnation, busyness, lack of focus, distractions with time priorities, and insecurities are a few. We need to learn to fight through all of these things. This is the battle for intimacy.
The following are some practical things that can assist you in the battle:
• Believe that you are loved and cherished by God and that He deeply longs for intimacy with you.
• Believe that you have been drawn into intimacy through the finished work of the cross. Let all striving go and believe that you are already intimate. Rest in the truth.
• Set time aside each day to worship Him…to love Him…and to pursue Him in faith. Write this time on your daily calendar as a priority and do not let anything distract.
• If distractions come as you are worshipping Him and engaging in intimacy, fight them off and do not get discouraged. The enemy loves to discourage. Press through with a rest of faith. The Lord will honor your fight. Even if you spent a whole hour battling off mental distractions, it would be better than not spending time with the Lord. He will reward you. Continue to battle. You will get a breakthrough. Keep focused on Jesus.
• Journaling helps you to keep focused. You might like to write down what He reveals to you and also write love letters to Him. You can meditate on these precious things weeks, months and even years later.
• Abide in the Word. Spend time in the scriptures each day and allow the Lord to speak His heart to you.
• War in the heavenlies. We can battle against the enemy's strategies through prayer and declaration of the Word. This wins the battle in the heavenlies before it hits the earth. Contend for intimacy for yourself and the rest of the Body. What you sow into others you will also reap.
• Throughout the day look for opportunities to express love to the Lord. Keep this as your priority in life. He loves your love. It is a gift to Him. Express you love verbally and through prayer throughout your day.
• Make intimacy a lifestyle. This is not something that you engage in for an hour a day, this is something that you live in.
Declare WarThe scripture says in 2 Corinthians 2:14, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” You are guaranteed a win! The battle for intimacy has been won for you in Christ. Take the victory by faith and don't let go. Declare war against every distraction that has been thrown at you. The devil will be sorry he ever tried. Put the pursuit of intimacy high on your list of priorities. It is your inheritance in Christ.
Prayer Directives
• Pray for the Body of Christ to be protected from the enemy's assault in the area of intimacy with the Lord.
• Pray for grace (God's divine influence upon the heart) to be poured out on His people in the area of intimacy.
• Pray for your personal breakthrough.
• Believe for increased faith to be released in the area of intimacy.
• Pray for a spirit of worship to fill the people of God.
• Pray against distractions.
• Ask the Lord for breakthrough for His Body in the area of intimacy and worship.
• Pray for children to be drawn into intimacy with the Lord at an early age (even from infancy).
• Pray for ministries and leaders in the Body of Christ to establish intimacy as a priority.
• Pray for powerful, tangible,l visitations of the Lord's presence for those who are seeking Him.
Bless each and every one of you. I am praying for breakthrough for all who read this. The Battle for Intimacy is won and the victory is yours to enjoy!

2006-06-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

I am back from vacation and am bone tired! We traveled 2500 miles in 7 days...went through 7 states and ended up on the east coast looking at the Atlantic ocean! Cape May, New Jersey is a beautiful place. On the way to Cape May we stopped in Hershey PA and went to the amusement park, took in a few sights, stood under a shelter twice due to storms. I have got to tell you that those old wooden roller coasters are the best! When you get off those babies you know you have had a ride! We rode every one of them. I couldn't get enough! The newer coasters are fun, but, there is just something about the sound and feel of those older ones. We visited the Amish country and I was pleasantly surprised to see them working in the community, waitress, laborers, police, firemen etc. . I guess I thought that they pretty much stayed to themselves. There were several children that I visited with and played with. So precious...anyway...I am not going to bore everyone with details of Gettysburg, Strasburg Train Museum, Golden Palace ( the place outside of Bethlehem PA where the Hari Krishna's temple/village is....this will be another blog entry at another time!)., Wheaton village (glass blowing, stained glass, pottery, wood carving), many lighthouse tours, and Philadelphia ....the Liberty Bell etc..

Soooooo now ... I am getting ready to return to work, get the laundry caught up, yard work done, buy groceries and we have Johnson's blacktopping in our driveway even as I write, laying a new blacktop drive for us. Man, does that stuff stink! But, it will be nice when it all gets done.

I gleaned much while on this trip....and will be writing about my "discoveries"
in upcoming blogs. I was absolutely amazed at the different climates, both in the natural and the spiritual. I am amazed at the beauty, splendor and diversity of God's creation. HE is amazing!

Got to go for now. I will be speaking at a women's conference June 23rd and 24th in Clinton IA at Presbyterian Church, 400 5th Avenue South, Clinton, IA., need to finalize some things.

In, through and to HIM!
Deborha

2006-05-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

Frustration.....frustration .....frustration.....

I don't exactly know how to express what I am feeling in words. I am soooooo frustrated with people right now. I am sooooo disappointed in people right now. I am sooooo disappointed in myself right now for feeling like I do!

When on God's green earth will we learn that God has HIS timing, HIS purpose, HIS people, HIS word, HIS work to do and accomplish, and get our stinkin' minds off from around it and stop trying to figure it out and dictate what we think?! When will we allow God to move in HIS sovereignty in this city without "trying to make it happen"? If we, as the Body of Christ would just be the true worshippers that God wants us to be .... and step out in faith believing....then GOD .... not "my church" or "my pastor" or "this prophet (ess)" or "this program" or "this persons tape series"....it is about RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD PEOPLE! Having clean hands and a pure heart!

Worship the ONE TRUE GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!

OOOOOOHHHHHHH....uuuuuuggggh!

Did I mention that I was frustrated and disappointed? hmmm?

Help me Lord....I love YOU Lord...I can't imagine how you feel sometimes. My heart is breaking....no matter what I will worship YOU...just because of who YOU are....simply...because of who YOU are.

2006-05-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

Good morning.

Another weekend in the Emergency Room and it literally has been a blood-spilled weekend. . . a young girl who was dragged beneath a car for two city blocks...a drunk who was brought in by the police and while in our X-ray dept. decided he would "head-butt" our x-ray equipment causing a HUGE gash across his already bleeding skull! ... and...it went on and on....! I spent most of the weekend in protective gear, avoiding "the blood" of others. Perhaps there is a message here? Then while trying to help these people they are yelling obscenities at me and spitting in my face. Hmmm? You see I am a "whitey" and I don't understand. "You don't walk where I walk." They said, " You don't have the issues that we have. Just fix her. Can't you fix her? Oh, God. Can't you fix her face? Where her face!?" Not an easy thing... You see, people do need the Lord. How are we going to reach them. When will we walk where they walk, without fear, in the power of a Holy, Righteous, Victorious God? HERE I AM LORD! SEND ME! Thank you for the opportunity to serve YOU Lord in the workplace....please extend my tent pegs...I want to see YOU in the streets of this city!

All I am going to say for now is ... Thank YOU LORD for your protection. Thank YOU LORD that YOU have me covered. Thank YOU LORD that because of YOU I can comfort those who need comfort by YOUR HOLY SPIRIT. Thank YOU for YOUR peace and YOUR rest. Father heal that young girl not just physically but spiritually as well. Show her she has an Everpresent Help in time of need. Teach her that at what time she is afraid she can trust in YOU. I ask that no bitter root grow from this. Father, I ask that her brother, who is a pastor, would receive revelation and wisdom directly from your throne room. Be Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Sabbioth...Be the I am that I am....God...just be...in me...I love You, Elohim, my beloved!

In, through and to HIM....
Deborha

2006-05-12T06:49:00.000-05:00

Come and sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me....

WANTED: UNITY

For the last 10 years I have been leading an intercessory prayer group. We have been praying for unity in the body of Christ for at least that long. Many times God will annoint a leader to be a Joshua for the city. This Joshua will have unusual favor with God to gather pastors and leaders together. Other leaders appointed by God will join in a covenant relationship of prayer for unity.

Cindy Jacobs writes:
Humility has a particularly devastating effect on the power of religious disunity. As pastors and leaders in an area bless each other, instead of putting up more walls, as they realize that they are often paranoid and protective of "their" sheep,
God's unity will come and ideological strongholds will be broken. Sometimes these strongholds are broken when a church takes up an offering for another church. Wouldn't it surprise you if a pastor from a neighboring church offered to help with a day of yardwork, church maintenance or provided a potluck for another congregation, after service, on a Sunday?

The pastors must first believe that God can tear down the ideological strongholds among Christians-between denominations and groups of believers. They must see that they are all one Body and that their city will never be won with just part of the Body working. Every joint must supply effort to win a city for Christ. Just as it took all the tribes of Israel to conquer the Promised Land of Canaan, it takes all of the parts of the Body of Christ to inherit our promised land in a city.
(Cindy Jacobs, Possessing the Gates of the Enemy)

The intercessory team has sensed that a Joshua is in the city. We have been praying for unity to come. We have been asking God to bring together the "true" intercessors of Galesburg and the surrounding areas, to come into agreement with the plans and purposes of God for this city.

We are not a team of intercessors from one congregation. We represent anywhere from 4-6 congregations depending on attendence. God has his watchmen on the wall, we know that there are more. We are asking God to bring our Pastors together to pray with us. We have had one pastor show up so far, but are believing for more. He has opened up his church for us to gather together...2 Thursday nights a month. Interesting enough, this church is outside the city gates!

I have encouraged the other team members to speak to their pastors about this.
We need to "know those who labor among us". My heart is crying out for the unity of the Body of Christ. For prayer to go up in this city like it never has before...in the unity of the leadership, hand in hand with the Aaron's, Hurs, Jonathans, Deborahs and the Levites (worshippers).

I am convinced that God is in this...what part do you play?

2006-05-11T07:37:00.001-05:00

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO ANSWER GOD'S CALL!

I am amazed at the beauty of lacy-winged, brilliantly-colored butterflys! I enjoy watching them flutter from flower to flower. My garden has many plants that attract these colorful insects.

THIS IS NOT A SCIENCE LESSON...I'M GOING SOMEWHERE HERE!
Caterpillars go through stages of change, first as caterpillars (worms!), who eat with voracious appetites, then cocoon themselves away, and are in time transformed into the lovely creatures that emerge to fly thousands of miles, cross-pollinate plants, and fulfill their destinies.

For many years women have been relegated to the worm stage and have been oppressed and suppressed by cultures, wrong attitudes, mores, and religious systems. In this season, the Lord is feeding HIS handmaidens with the truth of the Word of God. He is cocooning them in HIS love and beginning to transform them, to heal them of old wounds, and to redeem them to the full purpose for which He designed them.

Butterflies look very fragile, yet they are extremely strong- able to traverse continents and overcome many obstacles. In this season, the Lord is bringing forth women of all colors and nationalities, infused with HIS Spirit-called to reflect HIS beauty, to demonstrate His love, to proclaim His message, and to release HIS power in all the nations of the world.

Satan's desire is to keep women bound in a cocoon of intimidation, trapped in oppression, hiding under the bruises of abuse, shrouded with apathy and misunderstanding, unaware of God's call upon them. In this season of restoration God has begun to strip away the cocoon and is bringing liberation! Like Lazarus, many have been wrapped in garments of death and kept from the destiny God intended.

This is a time when God is crying out, "Women, come forth!" Many around the world are shaking off the old and being renewed. In past times, some women, like Aimee Semple McPherson and Maria Woodworth Etter, broke out of their cocoon and were successful in fulfilling their destinies. In this season of restoration, I believe multitudes of women will answer God's call and pursue their destinies.

I lived in bondage to intimidation. I thought, I could never do anything as well as so-and-so. I don't have anything to say. I can't because....I can't ....I can't...!

That cocoon of fear, inferiority, and intimidation held me for a long time. YOU CAN'T...You'll never amount to anything, rang in my ears for many years. You see, God has a timetable for our lives, but many times we think we have missed it or we can't do it. Fear, intimidation, discouragement, and the words, "you can't, " hold us captive and immobile. God is saying: "You can, and you will!" He is removing the cocoons that have held us captive. His word is working in us to produce faith.

We are being set free to be who we are in HIM. We are humble, yet bold, having a heart of submission, yet are not afraid to let our gifts make room for us. We refuse to usurp authority, yet boldly move in the authority of God's word. We know our God and His calling and move out to do exploits.

You see, now is the time to emerge from the cocoon. When a butterfly emerges, it sits in the sunlight, not moving for several hours. This allows the heat to dry its wings and give the heart time to pump blood into the wings to expand them to their full size. What a beautiful analogy of what God is doing for women. As we sit in the Son's presence, He is forming our wings so we can fly. His heart is pumping HIS love, HIS Word, and HIS life into us to mature us, sot that we will reach our full stature in HIM and fulfill HIS destiny for our lives. It doesn't matter what age we are. It only matters who we are in the Kingdom and what God's specific call and destiny is for our life.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO ANSWER GOD'S CALL!

In, through and to HIM!...
Deborha

2006-05-03T20:39:00.000-05:00

Hello...this is a picture of my mother when she was 17. I have been scanning our family's old pictures and then I plan to make videos of them for each family member. Mom is in her 70's now and has been extremely ill recently. She is in the hospital even as we speak. She has been there for three days...had an MRI and Bone Scan yesterday (full body) and the doctors are telling us that they don't have the results yet ! Hmmm? It is difficult for me to keep my cool as I am in the medical profession and know that things can take a while. But, she has been in for 3 days now and hasn't improved much...it's a mystery, I guess. Her name is Watha Juanita. She is 2/3 cherokee indian. She goes by Juanita. Please pray for her.

Thanx and God bless...

Deborha

2006-04-29T05:10:00.000-05:00

I woke up at 3am ...can't seem to sleep! Bing cherries are not working. So I got up and began to pray. There is a vision that keeps coming during my prayer time. I shared it with my Pastor's wife. It is of the youth of many different congregations, coming together in dance, flags, banners, etc...anyway, they form a processional and are marching in the streets. The song that is being played is God Bless America. When these young people pass by the onlookers, some of the onlookers begin to weep and others cheer. There are young and old alike in this processional, however, the youth are going before them ... it is so powerful!

I keep hearing the words Independence Day....

Diane, my pastor's wife, and myself are going to begin to organize this. We will be contacting many churches and requesting participants. We are contacting a dance team from Davenport to help us choreograph the dancers. Diane and I will be working with those who desire to use the flags. We have many large banners to be carried as well. We don't want anybody left out. Please be in prayer with us concerning this. We believe that we should plan this for the 4th of July.

Thank-you...

In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-04-26T23:54:00.000-05:00

Something is shifting in this season. Everywhere I go, I see so many in their late teens and twenties wanting to connect with my generation. I have never seen anything like it. They are not ordinary. They are the Deborahs, Esthers, Nehemiahs, Davids, who will change the world. This group is not like Gehazi. They have the spirit of Elisha. They want to serve the older generation, so they can glean everything essential to fulfill God's plan for their life. They want to hang out to talk and talk and talk so they can glean wisdom, counsel and experience to move into the next place. They are searching for God and spiritual reality. They are looking for relationship that touches their depths. What would happen if my generation would actively recognize and embrace them?

They are not thinking small. I have met young men and women who are preparing now to do what is in their heart.

The upcoming generation is not religiously correct. They are like a young girl who I spoke with recently and I asked who she was. She boldly replied, " I am a missionary to Africa". She is 14 years old! No hesitation, no awkward shyness, just bold words blurting out answers to questions. She never thought to be careful, thinking someone might disagree or think she was presumptuous. She knows who she is and what God wants her to do.

Our youth don't want to wait until they are older to do what God has set before them. So it is with many of her generation. They are looking for those of us who will reach out and grab their hand and pull them into everything we have and know. They want to grab hold of us so that they can grab hold of their future.

Let us rise up and grab the hands of these young people. Let's become mentors, mothers and fathers who will give them everything we have learned and take them into the river of a Mighty God who will carry them to the shores He desires to set them upon. Let us teach them to pray, intercede....let them wail and weep between the porch and the altar... teach them the word... .

Last Thursday night there were two young girls at the intercessory prayer meeting. We prayed for them and the Holy Spirit showed up mightily on their behalf. Then, I was lead by the Spirit to ask them to forgive us, for many things ( I won't list them). They forgave us. Then they prayed for us. They told God what they needed from us as leaders and mentors and asked us and God to forgive them for many things. I believe that this is the beginning of an awesome move of God with our youth in this city! I believe that the youth from different congregations are going to come together in unity of God's purposes and we are going to see Jesus lifted up !

Please pray that God will continue to lead, guide and direct by His Spirit concerning this emerging generation.

2006-04-25T07:49:00.000-05:00

Difficult night. Difficult because I can't talk about what happened...or what was seen...what was experienced.... . Difficult because my heart is aching for the youth of this city, even before last night. Difficult because one less heart is beating, no more breaths to breathe. Can't talk about IT... but, I will continue to pray.. I will continue to stand... and I will believe that God will use me to make a difference in the lives of the youth of this city! I can talk about HIM. I can believe in changed lives... and the power of a Mighty God. I am a hope-pusher .... nevertheless, this was a very difficult night.

2006-04-23T01:07:00.000-05:00

Come and sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me.....

Part 2

What is a stronghold of fear? Very simply put, it is something that has a STRONG HOLD on you! Vain imaginations, ungodly beliefs, fear of man, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of death, fear of the devil-and the list goes on and on. We must learn to identify our fears, confront our fears and destroy our fears in order to be all God has called us to be.

Apostle Paul recognized that the young man he was mentoring in ministry was not pressing in to the fulness of his potential. He knew that Timothy had many gifts that were imparted to him by God, nevertheless, they were lying dormant within him. Fear had paralyzed Timothy's giftings and caused him to be ineffective.

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. Fot God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." II Timothy 1:6-7

Scripture is clear that God is not the author of fear. There is an appropriate fear of God, born out of respect and awe for His sovereignty. But it is not this type of fear that controls and dominates men's and women's lives and keeps them from fulfilling destiny. This type of fear is from the devil and from our own minds coming into agreement with the powers of darkness. It will torment us, paralyze us and prevent us from receiving all the good things God has for us. It is a bondage that shows no mercy and keeps us from walking in the life of His great love towards us.

" There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment . He that feareth is not made perfect in love." I John 4:18

By the annointing of His Holy Spirit, God has given us the power to be free from tormenting spirits of fear. As we break our agreement with the power of fear, and receive instead the power of God to deliver us and make us free, God releases faith ... which is opposite of fear... to go in and possess our promise.

"And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. " Hebrews 2:15

I believe that God has a people of courage who are ready to venture into uncharted territory to explore and discover qualities of that area. They have to face a world of uncertain dangers in order to settle and establish their new land and make it fruitful. They are a people who have a spirit of adventure, who are willing to risk safety and security in order to obtain a better way of life. Much like the pioneers of old.

I believe these people will walk in courage and release an impartation of courage, both to those they directly effected, as well as throughout the land. Many settlements in America's far west were birthed with only a couple of families who forged ahead through many trials, oppositions, hardships and adversities to settle the land. Later, others followed in the path that had been laid down, and they shared in the blessings of the land.

I think we can agree that there is land here that needs "settled". There are things that the people of God need to take back and possess. There is a "settling of the land" that is about to happen. You see, courage, born out of faith and trust in God, can accomplish His purposes in this land.

God is looking for a people of courage. God is looking for those who are willing to pray as the prophet Isaiah prayed when he said:

"Here I am; send me." Isaiah 6:8

2006-04-21T12:45:00.000-05:00

"Here am I, send me." Isaiah 6:8

Fear is contagious, but so is courage! God is looking for those who are willing to pray as the prophet Isaiah prayed.

Whenever God speaks to us regarding our call or destiny, it may seem that what He is saying will be too impossible to accomplish. We must always remember that God's perspective and our perspective are usually two different things. Words such as "impossible" and "can't" are simply not in God's vocabulary. Unfortunately, they are in ours.

By definition, courage is not the absence of fear but the "capacity to meet danger without giving way to fear." (Websters)

One should not feel condemned because fear is present; it is what you do in the face of fear that counts. Do you press through to freedom and victory, or do you give in, give up and retreat?

In order to embrace the fulness of our calling we must be willing to face our fears. The term "fear not" appears over one hundred times in scripture. Why? Because God knew, when He was writing to us that we would have cause and reason to be afraid.

In Joshua chapter one, God tells Joshua to go in to possess the land that He had already given to him. But he also told him four times in that chapter to "be strong and of good courage". Why did he say this so many times when He was clearly saying that the land was already theirs, and all they would have to do is go in and take it? Because God knew that there would be plenty of opportunities for Joshua and the people of Israel to look at the natural circumstances and become overwhelmed by the impossibility of the situation. After all, there were mighty giants in the land! Some of them even stood nine to ten feet tall!

God instructed Joshua to possess all that He had promised them and settle for second best on the other side of the Jordan. God was letting them know that he would have to face his fears and overcome them before he could overcome his enemies.

Many times God speaks something wonderful to us in the same manner that He spoke to Joshua. "I've given you your healing, your finances, your family, your ministry, etc... . Don't be afraid, go on and take it!! Oh, by the way, did I mention tht you'd have to face, and defeat, a few hundred giants along the way? But don't worry! Don't be afraid! I've already said you could do it!"

Most of us turn and run at the first sign of opposition. We then try to convince ourselves that the word we heard must not have been God after all. How many times have we sold ourselves short of reaping all the blessings and doing all the possessing that God has made available to us because of a stronghold of fear over our lives?

......to be continued......God Bless...

2006-04-19T10:57:00.000-05:00

If you don't deal with your emotional pain, it will deal with you and your loved ones. Pretending it doesn't exist won't help you get emotionally fit.

When a warning light comes on in a car, putting a piece of black tape over it won't fix the car. When a car is broken, it needs to be taken to someone who knows how the car works and understands how to fix it.

For a long time, I pretended that my pain didn't exist. I covered up my warning signs. My life did break down, and I was forced to face my feelings.

I walked away from God, telling HIM that I wanted no part of Him or His church. I made the statement to God that if and when His church became real, then I would come back. I was a divorced mother of one, no job, living on $120.00 a month, going from one bad relationship to another, hoping someone would rescue me. But not God! I was angry and hurt. I couldn't believe the infidelity I saw in the church. In the natural and spiritual! I didn't realize from what height I was about to fall.

I had to "get real" about who I was and who I was becoming. A few years later, I finally got real with God.

If we are not honest with Him about our emotions, we will die inwardly. God is the God of truth-and only the truth can set you free (see John 8:32).

If you are having trouble identifying what you are really feeling, and why it's affecting you, pray and ask God to show you any hidden hurts that need to be healed. Come out of the shadows into His light and be set free to fly!

Have you ever thought to yourself, I shouldn't be feeling this way? Why can't I be joyful about this?

It's time to get real with God. Voice to God your bitterness, your jealousy, your envy, your hatred, and your resentment.

The Scripture says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Phil. 4-6, NKJ).

Many times we tell everybody, but God, how we feel, but we must never forget that He loves us despite any emotions that we are experiencing.

God sees behind the curtain that covers your heart. Don't give a performance for God; invite Him into the dark rooms where you hide your pain.

He promises to be your strength when you are weak. He will be a light in your darkness.

So get real with Him. Don't hide your emotions in your heart. Confess them to God, and ask Him to give you His strength to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

In closing, He has promised that when we "walk through the water, He will be with us and the river will not overflow us......."

Grace, grace, His marvelous Grace!

In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-04-18T20:19:00.000-05:00

Oiy! I'm not feeling well tonight! Took advantage of the weather the last couple of days and over-done-it....so ....35 bags of mulch and 10 of topsoil later...my back is killing me! Not to say the nausea that goes along with the pain. How does that old song go..."I haven't got time for the pain..."? Well, I don't ...have to start my work schedule tomorrow, need to get groceries, get laundry caught up, study for recertification in emergency nursing, take mom to the doctor.....it is definately time to delegate...!

2006-04-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning my pastor shared something that I would like to relay to you ...

During the worship service his grandson came up to him and wanted to be held.
I was sitting behind them a couple of rows and could see the look on that little guys face! He just nestled into his grandpa's arms and nuzzled the back of his head into grandpa's neck. So sweet. Pastor related that he began to thank god for his grandchildren and his family. Then, he started to feel guilty about taking his thoughts off of God, (during some awesome worship!) and thinking about his family. He stated that God doesn't usually audibly speak to him; however, at that very moment the 'guilty' thought came in -- the Lord said, "That's okay Bob, I feel the same way when I'm holding you." Enough said.
When was the last time you let God hold you?

2006-04-17T09:09:00.000-05:00

Grab a cup of coffee and come sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me....

IT TAKES A CHURCH ...

During the last few generations we have watched the gradual deterioration of the "community" in our nation. With much grief we must agree that our communities are in great need of major renovation- physically, socially, economically and spiritually.

The deterioating conditions have resulted in further breaking down of the family and a general disrespect for life. Regrettably, the village has abandoned the children, leaving them unsupervised and hopelessly alone.

The community is no longer qualified or adequately prepared to raise a child because the community itself must be raised. But who will do it?

There can only be one answer: the church. This is our day, church, and we must rise up and take responsibility for the community. It is the church that must establish integrity and biblical standards. We must turn to our Lord for a new empowerment and a fresh filling of HIS love.

The community is filled with the oppressed and brokenhearted. A spirit of heaviness pervades the atmosphere, culturally, naturally, and spiritually.

Will we choose to focus on building our own impressive empires of religion, or will we turn our attention to building a new community, empowering those who sit at our very gates?

Now is the time to stand up and extend our hands to these victims, lifting them up into the loving arms of the Lord who can heal them and give them a living hope.

Acts 3:1-10 is the account of a man who was carried daily to the temple gate.
Religion offered him no other alternative but a beggar's lifestyle.

The story is set outside the gate "Beautiful," a very ornate and impressive doorway into the temple that was covered with gold and other precious metals. Throughout his years of begging thousands of people had passed him by oblivious to his desperate need. His misery provided an opportunity for devout Jews to display their generosity as they quickly entered the temple to get on with their religious exercises. He was the object of the righteous pity of a religious system but remained unhealed.

Then one day Peter and John passed by at the hour of sacrifice, the time when religious men perform their duties. As Peter was about to enter the temple, his heart was seized by this man's condition.

On his way to church, Peter shifted his attention away from the opulent beauty of the religious structure and locked his eyes on the lame man. Out of the deep compassion of his heart, Peter said, " I don't have any worldly thing to impress you with , but I do have something that will change your life and put you on your feet. Rise up in Jesus Christ!" (see v. 6).

Peter chose to set aside religious duty and righteous appearance so that he could change one man's life forever. He did not look upon this poverty-stricken man as an outsider but welcomed him into the community and that day gave him a purpose and an inheritance.

There are so many who sit at our gates - socially and spiritually lame from the womb, disenfranchised, generationally dysfunctional, educationally disadvantaged, and impoverished. What will we do?

Will we continue to pass them by as we make our way to our houses of worship?
Or will we reach out and take them by the hand, as Peter did, and raise them up in the of Jesus Christ? Will we seek to impress the community with our pious efforts or will we impact it eternally with our compassionate exploits?

How can we as a church continue to take up building fund offerings when our church attendance is the lowest it has ever been? Why not call it a "building up fund"? We can use these moneys to contribute to the needs of those in the community.

God is calling us out of the temple and into the community. If we want to make a difference, we will have to move away from impressing the community and ourselves with our religious structure to impacting it with the power of God through the tools that He has provided. The future of our community is in our hands.

We must get involved in the life of the community. We cannot restrict the body of Christ to ministering solely inside the church walls. We need to focus on the believer's effective involvement in the world around him. Jesus was concerned with reaching those on the outer fringes of society and lifting them out of their misery. As the body of Christ, His concern should be ours, too.

My prayer is that not only the spiritual gifts of His church will be used but the plumbers, electricians, carpenters, housewives, nurses, doctors, beauticians, seamstresses, etc.....will be used to improve our community. Each one of us has something we can offer someone in the community.

Karen, a dear intercessor had a vision of what this community would "look like"
in the future. She said the Lord showed her that if one congregation did not have someone gifted in marriage reconciliation then they would be referred to another that was. If one church didn't have a drug addiction program and another did, or one church had an unusual number of single mothers who need help with parenting skills and job training and another church in the community has a person or group established for this..send them to that group!

Lets empower one another, give God the Glory, give up "ownership" of the lambs. A team effort, churches united in the community, can bring awesome results.

To God be all the Glory....

In, through and to HIM...
Deborha

2006-04-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

something to think about as you 'sit beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me...

My name is God.

And I am lonely.

I walk within the Wind,
Whispering
For my Beloved without
Who cannot hear within
Except we breathe together.

I cannot speak a word
That is heard...unless I'm Lov'd

And so I live alone
In silence.
Mostly alone I wait
And watch for my Belov'd
Who is unlov'd ...without ME.

Lies supplant Words not heard.
Truth is heed and deed of Word.

Life without Love is death...!
My Word lives...
Oh dear Love! I whisper
to you. I speak softly
So only Love will hear me.

Oh! My Belov'd. My love!
Will you hear?...It is I... ...

My name is God
And I am lonely.
I cannot speak a word
That is heard...unless I am Lov'd.

2006-04-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

Pastor Darrell requested prayer for a man , please pray with me....

I will extol You Lord! Your Love stands forever! Faithfulness...in Your Faithfulness You provide redemption Lord. How can I measure your Faithfulness? With all my heart I will extol YOU! Great are Your works Oh Lord, I ponder them and delight in them. You are Glorious and Majestic. You have caused my heart to know YOUR wonders. You have always provided for those who fear you. You remember Your covenants. You show Yourself Faithful
Lord. Everything You do Lord, In everything you do , You are totally trustworthy Lord. Your Love stands forever! Your love stands firm forever...
Holy, and awesome are YOU Lord. Holy, Awesome and True. You are so Holy...
I just want to say.....i Love You ....for you have caused my heart to sing. My heart sings praise unto You. Most Holy God. Father I thank You for our Pastors and Leaders...strengthen them, encourage them. Father give them fresh revelation of Your Word. Father I stand declaring that the visions and dreams that You have given our Pastors shall come forth in the name of Your Son , Jesus Christ....Praise You Father...Father as we approach the Resurrection Day in the natural, I ask that You would resurrect in the Spiritual,the things that we as the Body of Christ have allowed to die that are of You and are needed in this hour. Help us to see that we arose on that day with You. We are mighty people because of Your great Love. We have power because of Your Great LOVE. Father, we are seeking and knocking ...may we enter in to Your chamber ...we want to be closer to You. ...... we want more of You Lord....we simply got to have more of You...more of Your love and compassion Lord. Father I pray for the athlete that Pastor Garrett mentioned ...I lift him up to You. You are the author and Finisher of his faith. You are his Healer, Restorer and Deliverer. Father, we rebuke the devourer right now, in the name of Jesus, and spoil his goods. We ask that Your Holy Spirit will encamp about him and minister to him in those ways that only You can do. Father we ask that that which the palmer worm, canker worm and locust has taken that You would restore it back to him 10-100 fold, Father that is Your word. Father, we pray for the enemies of this man...we ask that You would bless them with every good thing from Your throne room. Father, bless those who are persecuting ....and bless this dear man. Father, use him for Your Glory and we give You all the Praise, Honor and Glory. For You, Oh God, are High and lifted up above that city and every city.
You rule and reign ...let Your Kingdom purposes come forth...In Your precious , Holy Name, Name above all names.....JESUS. Amen and Amen

2006-04-05T13:10:00.000-05:00

Colossians 1:29 (Living Bible)

"This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me."

2006-04-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul...

Today Pastor Mary Anne Giminez called me to ask for my "bio" as she is putting together the brochure/flyer for the Women's conference in June. How do you begin to express what God has done in ones life and how HE uses us ? Those who know me know that I am very unassuming and much like "Mrs. Cellophane" (see right through me!) . While talking with her, the trail of my 'salt' became very evident. You know, the Word says that we" are the salt of the earth". Today, more than ever, I believe those first words that the Lord spoke to me..." don't be concerned about your future with Me, be concerned with Me, because I am your future." When we keep Him first, He takes care of the rest. HE has always opened doors for me to serve HIM. In my home, workplace, community, and in HIS Church. I have not had to make a way..He has made a way. I am not ignorant of the fact that the enemy has his plans as well. As a matter of fact there have been some serious battles , but GOD, in HIS Sovereignty, HIS timing, and HIS annointing...broke through!

Well, enough said...I guess what I am trying to say ...is be encouraged...stop beside the still waters today and reflect upon the goodness of GOD in, through and to your lives. Give HIM all the praise, honor and glory HE deserves today. Because of WHO HE IS !

What an awesome privilege to be a part of HIS work in this hour. Let's appreciate the miracle, signs and wonders HE has done in our lives and in the lives of others. Take a moment and really praise HIM.

Time for me to go to bed..got to work tonight.......

God Bless,
In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-04-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

BROKENNESS.....

OUR LIFE IS FULL OF BROKENNESS--Broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives?

Thank you God that you are Sovereign ...I ask that you strengthen my heels this day God, that I may continue to crush the works of the enemy in my life and in that of others. I love YOU Lord. Praises to YOU my Lord, my beloved Elohim!
Thank You for Your Holy Presence...

Amen......

2006-04-01T08:55:00.000-06:00

just a thought to share...

God wrapped HIS love
Into my days...

And bound
in infiniteness
I found
infiniteness

My weakness and
My stamm'ring fright
Released complete
His Spirit's might

The holes in which
I fell and bled
As holy steps
to God have led

And sweaty steeps
At Christ's dear calls
Turned into fresh
Cool waterfalls

I followed where
My Savior loved
And found that I
Am His beloved

2006-03-31T21:09:00.000-06:00

Oiy! I have been told that I need to be more brief in my writings. :(
k....

2006-03-31T07:13:00.000-06:00

Wow! The air is so fresh this morning! I really enjoyed the torrential downpour last night.
The wind was awesome. Some of the wicker on my porch had to be retrieved from the neighbors yard. That happens, sometimes we have to go get our "stuff" back after a storm.
I just want to praise HIM this morning. Last nights intercessory prayer time was sooooo wonderful. God showed up in a miraculous way. The air was thick with HIS annointing. We lifted up the pastors in this community and there was such a spirit of intercession that came forth on their behalf. Well, enough said. I could go on and on (obviously by the length of some of the other writings). God is doing something different in our prayer group, like a repositioning. We are finding that we are doing more warfare through worship than through actual prayer. HE is amazing....and HE has HIS way. It isn't our agenda, but HIS.

God Bless You and Yours,

In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-03-30T09:20:00.000-06:00

MY SALT

I have spent my salt
to season HIS good earth.
I have spiraled my thoughts
to trace HIS ways
throughout the star-spun skies.

I have loved my life
upon HIS trail,
Hounding for HIS aroma.
Squinting for each sight of HIM
Who is my own dear image
And my Home, my Kin.

Other trails, are lost to me,
I now no longer know them:
My nose to HIS fragrance
My eye to HIS form
My ear to HIS whisper
My foot to HIS earth
My hand to HIS kingdom
My love for HIS own....

2006-03-30T09:10:00.000-06:00

Wow...
The Holy Spirit is really flowing today. .
Has anyone ever felt like a song seeking sound?

2006-03-30T08:22:00.000-06:00

Guess there's a lot in my spirit today...come and rest...

WHY THE BOX MUST BE BROKEN...

The bible tells of the pure spikenard. God purposely used this term "pure" in His Word to show that it is truly spiritual. But if the albaster box is not broken, the pure spikenard will not flow forth.
Strange to say, many are still treasuring the alabaster box, thinking that its value exceeds that of the ointment. Many think that their outward man is more precious than their inward man. This is problematic in the church.
One will treasure his cleverness, thinking he is quite important, another will treasure his own emotions, esteeming himself as an important person; others highly regard themselves, feeling they are better than others, there eloquence of speech surpasses that of others, their quickness of action, discernment, giftedness are superior, and so forth. However, we are not antique collectors; we are not vase admirers; we are those who desire to smell only the fragrance of the ointment.
Without the breaking of the outward, the inward will not come forth. So, individually we have no flowing out, and the church doesn't have a 'living way'.
Why then should we hold ourselves as so precious, if our outward man contains, instead of releases, the fragrance?
The Holy Spirit has not ceased working. One event after another, one thing after another, comes to us. Each disciplinary working of the Holy Spirit has but one purpose: to break our outward man so that our inward man may come through.
Yet here is the difficulty: We fret over offenses, trifle things, we murmur at small losses. The Lord is preparing a way to use us , yet scarcely has His hand touched us when we feel unhappy, even to the extent of quarrelling with God and becoming negative in our attitude.
Since being saved, we have been touched many times in various ways by the Lord, all with the purpose of breaking our outward man. Whether we are conscious of it or not, the aim of the Lord is to break this outward man.
So the Treasure is in the earthen vessel, but if the earthen vessel is not broken, who can see the treasure within? What is the final objective of the Lord's working in our lives?
It is to break this earthen vessel, to break our alabaster box, to crack open our shell. The Lord longs to find a way to bless the world through those who belong to HIM. Brokeness is is the way of blessing, the way of fragrance, the way of fruitfullness*, but it is also a path sprinkled with blood. Yes, there is blood from many wounds.
When we offer ourselves to the Lord to be at His service, we cannot afford to be lenient, to spare ourselves. We must allow the Lord utterly to crack our hardness, our shells, the outward man so that He may find a way for His working to come forth.
We can preach by using our mind' we can stir others by using our emotions, yet, if we do not know how to use the Spirit of God within us, the Spirit of God cannot touch people through us. The loss is great, and is greivous, prolonging time...God's time.
Therefore, if we have never consecrated ourselves to God, let us do so now. Say, "Lord, for the future of the church, for the future of the gospel, for Your way, and also for my own life, I offer myself into your hands. Lord, I delight to offer myself to You and am willing to let You have Your full way in through me."
Let us prepare for the breaking of the box and the release of HIS fragrance within.

In, through and to HIM...Deborha

* In my initial entry I expressed I would give more insight into my statement that the seed is in the fruit. I think this is it! The flesh of the fruit is sweet, but the seed itself comes forth from the fruit. It's outer surface has to be broken to allow a shoot to come. Be blessed...

2006-03-30T06:09:00.000-06:00

Glad to be a fool ...
Come and sit awhile beneath my tree or upon my billowy branches and rest a while with me....

My work schedule is one 12 hour shift on, one twelve hour shift off, then, five 12 hour shifts in a row. That is 72 hours in 7 days if I don't pick up any extra shifts. Needless to say, by the end of my 72 hours I am quite tired, physically, emotionally and mentally. I am saying this because I have learned that on that 5th twelve hour shift, the enemy will try to do his best to distract, deceive, and disassociate. Notice that I said "try".

A conversation recently on prejudice took place in my workplace. Also, the issue of gay rights, elimination of 10 commandments and prayer from public places etc... . Anyway, I just sat and listened to the opinions of those around me. My spirit was grieved. Several people were (are) so steeped in the world's ideas of being "politically correct" and acceptance of alternate lifestyles, and the mind set of social, political and cultural tolerance.
(Honestly, I was hoping a new patient would come into the Emergency Dept. so I could escape this one!) But, as God would have it...no one did. I began to silently pray in the Spirit.
Soon I was reminded that Ephesians 4:15 says that a sign of Christian maturity is to be able to speak the truth in love. As a believer in Christ, who will be forever growing in HIM, I succumbed to the Spirit of truth....Saying, " I have observed some in this place exhibiting prejudice speech and comments toward those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Stating that you don't have a problem with so and so's lifestyle or anothers social status and need for public assistance. Then, in the next breath, making durogatory statements about them through what some call "joking". For me to remain silent is to remain part of the problem, as I see it. Personally, I feel that Christians are the ones who are most discriminated against in this country. It doesn't matter what color the christian is, they are discriminated against. Pharmacists who don't want to dispense the "morning after" pill because of their faith, children and young adults who love the Lord and want to practice or share their faith are being constrained to certain times and places this can be done. Well, for the sake of time I won't bring up the rest of the conversation and the things that were discussed. Someone stated, "Debi, I'm sorry if we offended you." I stated, " I am not offended. I have a great concern for our nation and the citizens of it. Especially our children and young people. My concern is the legacy/ inheretance we are leaving them. Is everything acceptable? Is everything tolerable? We need to visit this. How far do we go as a nation without standing up and saying , 'enough is enough'? Have we cast aside the foundations that this country was established on and allow it to crumble? Do we want our children's minds and spirits polluted with the garbage that is handed to them in the name of tolerance and acceptability? I don't."

Well, the comments were, "Religion is for the weak, wounded females of the world! You notice that there aren't as many men as there are women in the churches."

" What about the Catholic priests molesting all those boys?"

" How do you feel about the prejudice between Catholic and Protestant?"

I just replied that I was sorry for what has happened and is happening and that my only hope is that my story will really be about what God can do despite--no, because of--my weakness. I hope that you will see a story of His love for me and how that love can change not just a person but a community. Because that, is the cry of my heart, and the prayer in my spirit.

I was told I was foolish in believing this.....lol...well, we know what the foolish things of this earth do don't we...nothing else was said...all went about their work after that....confounded.... there was such an awesome presence of God in that place...hmmm. I love it when God shows up like that!

In , through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-03-28T08:27:00.000-06:00

Come and sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me ... SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN'T FIND A VEIN!

This was my 4th 12-hour shift in the emergency room. Early on in my shift I was called to the medical floor to start an IV on a "difficult stick" (Nurse jargon for "this guy has crap for veins"!) Anyway I went to this person's room and he promptly exclaims, "Thank God! I was hoping it would be you! I couldn't remember your name, but I was praying it would be you!" I recognized this man because I had put an IV in him 4 weeks ago. He said, "You're the only one that seems to be able to get this done".
Very quickly I told him to not brag too much, I may not get it! He said that he had faith that I would. Immediately I recognized this man and thought to myself, "Oiy, they (the other nurses) were right! So, I felt a vein pop up and attempted to thread an IV into it and there was no blood return. I apologized to him and told him that he would have to be stuck again. Ugh!( Personally, I hate needles! I can stick anybody. But, when it comes to me ... lay me down cause the minute I smell the alcohol swab, I'm swooning!) He had such confidence in me and I didn't get it. He said, "Honey, last time you asked Jesus to help you before you tried to find the vein. Maybe that's what you ought to do this time." So, I did. I put the torniquet on his arm, placed my hand onto his forearm and asked Jesus for just the right vein so this man would not have to endure another needle stick. His poor arms were bruised so bad from prior pokes. I lifted my hand and felt around thanking Jesus for providing a vein and...THERE IT WAS! Perfect, bouncy, wonderful vein! The catheter went right in and halleluja the man was able to get his medications again. I asked God to bless this man and left to go back to my department and on the way back I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me: There is a "vein of the Holy Ghost" that many are trying to get in without prayer and praise. We want to plug in, we try different ways, techniques, but, sometimes we just can't find it. We say, "Let's try this song or that word...it worked last time". But what we need to do is just ask HIM to come and provide the perfect vein for HIS spirit to flow through. It may not be the one that worked last time! It may not be in the same place it was last time! Just ask...

Lesson learned...
In, through and to HIM
Deborha

2006-03-27T08:01:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone!

Be encouraged~
for the Giver of Good Things,
the Renewer of Hope,
and the Dispenser of Wonderful Surprises
is on your side.
He loves you...and He never fails.

Be blessed!

In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-03-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

Come and sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me....

In the past week I've heard a number of people speaking about pain and conflict happening in local congregations. I believe there is offense coming against these churches.Please pray for God's forgiveness and unity. Please bless every church body the Lord brings to your mind with the godly "rain" of forgiveness and unity. Pray for unity in your church and for at least one other church body. Pray for forgiveness where offense has been felt and unity where the enemy has tried to turn offense into division and broken relationships.God can enable us to give up our right to offense. Even when another's behavior or actions are hurtful, we can still choose to give up our right to offense and choose forgiveness and unity instead.We can do this in marriage. We can do this in our churches. We can do this in every relationship.In so doing, we can bring glory to Jesus and turn the enemy's tool of offense on its head!Pray! God's way is unity and forgiveness.

2006-03-25T18:23:00.000-06:00

Hello again..I forget to introduce another member of our family. This is Ozzy. He loves wearing his harley hat and looking tough. But believe me he is just a bundle of love and kisses. He is very intelligent, he sits, lays, shakes hands, and when I say, "Bang! You're dead!" He does 3 full circles then he rolls over and with his legs in the air comes to a full stop! He can spell as well. He knows the words t-r-e-a-t, g-o and w-a-l-k. I usually have to tell Tim that I am taking the ozzy ambulating! This way he doesn't get crazy on us! But, I think he's on to us...He loves to watch the squirrels in the yard bury their nuts. Then he goes and digs them up and brings them to his doggy door and piles them up there. He watches them through the vinyl door and then he goes running out ... those squirrels jump straight up in the air! It's sooo funny!

2006-03-24T00:21:00.000-06:00

Hello again. Well, thanx to my friend Amy, I think I can do this!

Come sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me.

As you rest let me tell you about my palm tree...

There are 2800 species of palm trees, but there is none that is exactly like mine! Let me tell you how they are all alike, what they all have in common. Then I will explain why mine is unique.

Palms like to grow in places, warm and full of sunshine. They grow close to water and some live in the desert near oases. They have long trunks that don't have growth rings like other trees. Because of this, if the trunk sustains damage, it never heals. The actual growth of the palm comes from the tender bud at the top of the tree and if this bud is damaged, the tree dies. The long trunk doesn't have any leaves until you get close to the top. Its slender, long trunk can reach 40 or 50, and sometimes 80 feet aloft. It's only branches, the feathery, pale green fronds from 6-12 feet long, bending from its top, the palm attracts the eye wherever it's seen. The seeds of the palm tree are in its fruit. (As is most...the seed is in the fruit! More on this later.)
It's seed is called a coconut. Some are called a date. The coconut is too heavy to be transported by the wind or too large to be carried by an animal. So, the palm disperses its seeds by the water. The coconut is hollow and the fruit can float in the water. This makes it really easy for the fruit to be moved by the waves or currents in the water. Sometimes a coconut will float along on the water until it gets pushed up onto the shore and becomes established upon that shore or beach. However, the coconut usually only lasts a week or two in the water before the harsh salt water spoils the seed. There is something called the "heart of palm" also known as the "millionaires salad". These are the young palm shoots that are usually edible...but removing them kills the palm. It takes 10-15 years for a palm to mature adn over watering can discourage root growth and the development of new roots.

So, you see, it is amazing that these things survive at all! The storms along the way can damage the bud that encourages growth of the tree, pests can damage the bud as well, and, of course, man's appetite. These things can kill the tree.

I said, I will tell you why my tree is different from the many others. Why mine is unique. I will begin with the word Tamar. The hebrew word for palm tree is Tamar (the date-palm that is characteristic of Palestine). Described as "flourishing" (Ps. 92:12), "tall" (S.O.S. 7:7), "upright" (Jer. 10:5). The whole land of palestine was called by the Greeks and Romans Phoenicia i.e. "the land of palms". Tidmor in the desert was called by the Greeks and Romans, Palmyra, "the city of palms". The finest specimens of the tree of this tree grew at Jericho (Deut. 34:3) and along the banks of the Jordan. Branches of the palm tree were carried at the Feast of the Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40). At our Lord's triumphant entrance into Jerusalem the crowds took palm branches and went forth to meet Him, crying "Hosanna, Blessed be the King of Isreal that cometh in the name of the Lord"! (Matt. 21:8; John 12:13).

Back to Tamar....in 2 Samuel 13:1-38 a story is told about a girl named Tamar. She was the sister of Absalom, son of David. Well, it appeared that Ammon, the son of David fell in love with Tamar. He actually became 'sick' because of his love for her and scripture says that " ..it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her". I'm not going to go over this story for the sake of space and time.

I, was a Tamar (palm tree). I too had that tender bud damaged by the appetite of man. The heart of this palm was literally ripped out. I should not have lived! I wanted to die! I refused to tell my story to anyone...carried it for many years. Forgiveness, yes, I forgave. The very person who did this , was the same person who took me to a chuch service where I rec'd Jesus as my Savior! I forgave. But, as the enemy would have it. Things happened and the incident became exposed to family, friends and church, years later. Family, friends and my church were no longer the same toward me. So I too found a place of refuge at a family members house! He too said, " Be quiet now and don't take this thing to heart". This person is Jesus...I should have died! I wanted to die! But God protected me. He planted me beside the water, he provided sunshine for my growth, and balm for the wounds. I can stand tall and strong with my branches and fronds outstretched and say.."Look what the Lord has done!"

My name is Deborha...come sit a while beneath my tree or upon its billowy branches and rest a while with me. If you have been wounded...I know the Healer. If you lack strength to go on ...I know the Joy-giver. If you feel you can't go on...I know the Deliverer. If your family is torn apart...I know the Restorer. If you just need an ear...He is near..and so am I ...come...sit a while with me and see... lets smell the splendor of the ocean breeze, watch the clouds pass over and gaze upon the beauty of His creation...it is YOU!

In, through and to HIM,
Deborha

2006-03-22T15:54:00.000-06:00

Hello!
I'm new at this. Hopefully, I'll figure this out though.