I asked, He answered....

 I mentioned yesterday that I was praying God would get me through the message yesterday - no coughing or sneezing or runny nose - and He did.  I coughed on the way up - but once I was there - it all stopped.  The only distraction I had was the microphone.  I don't know what it is with me and microphones!  Every time they try to help me with a pin on microphone, or an earpiece microphone - I always mess it up.  Yesterday it kept rubbing against my cheek and I could hear it - but I couldn't fix it.  One lady in the choir who was close to the stage said that she saw a lock of hair laying across the microphone - which was causing the noise I kept hearing - and to me I was so distracted by it.  I told them no more - next time I will use the handheld - I could control it!  But God did answer and I didn't cough or sneeze until we got back home.

We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way home and had 'brunch'.  While I was walking through the store part, a lady stopped me and commented on my dress and how feminine it looked and how nice it was, how she hated wearing pants to church but it's hard to find a nice dress nowadays.  I had to agree with her - and this particular dress I had bought online from Penney's last year - and it was the first time I wore it... I told her what section I looked at online.  It was nice to be 'called out' by a stranger on looking nice. 

This season is preparing us for a great revival come the first of the year.  Why do I say that?  Because there is so much upheaval, so much darkness, so much pain going on around us.  It's in my own family.  It's in my siblings. It's in relationships.  Until one will relinquish hanging on to it and nursing it (the darkness, the pain), they won't get better.  I understand broken relationships; over the years you have heard about ones I have had.  You know the pain I have felt.  But I also know I can't live in that pain or it will destroy me.  And for some, they refuse to let the pain go.  

I am mentally preparing for my fast in January.  I haven't said too much about it to hubby just yet, but may need to start sharing my intentions this week to get him thinking if he is going to do it or not.   I'm not sure what he is going to do this year - it is really hard for him to give up food, although he determined that for 40 days he was giving up lunch every Wednesday until the end of the year.  I haven't been tracking or watching him, so don't know if he is keeping it or not.  I am not to monitor him, it is between him and God.  Just like my fasting is between God and I.  I know what I want to do - and yes, I struggle with 'what if I fail; what if I let hubby badger me because he thinks I need to....' and yes, that has happened but not going there now.  Fasting for 21 days is a joy and when I keep my focus on God and not on the food I choose to give up, it is really fairly simple.  I choose His blessings.  I know I don't HAVE to fast, but it's something I've done now for several years, and it just comes natural for me to think about come the first of the year. And it is something I want to do.

Why do I think there is going to be a big revival come the first of the year?  Because I believe in the power of prayer and fasting.  I'll touch base on that as we continue to the first of the year, so will hush on that right now.  But be prepared to watch and see what God will do.  Take note, God is already at work and He will be victorious.  It may not happen in my timeframe, or yours, but He will be victorious.  Hallelujah - what a day that will be!

Psalm 85:6 (NKJV):  "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?"

Oh that people would call on the name of the Lord again as in days of old, and truly seek His face and His favor upon them and upon their generations.  We have become lax in our time; we have allowed the enemy a foothold.  And the enemy is taking our families and our land; our nation.  Oh that we as God's people will fight the fight that is needed to reclaim this land, to reclaim our families, to reclaim our children!  And then, when we do, we will receive God's favor upon us, He will look upon us, He will bless us, bless our children, bless our land.

II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV):  "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

What are you going to fight for this year?  Your 'rights'?  Your 'freedom to choose'? Your ability to do whatever you want to do?  Why not determine to fight for your spouse, your children, your siblings, your generations to come?  Oh my prayer list is long, and I am sure warfare will be intense as prayers are offered up.  Satan doesn't let go of his claims easily.  But even Satan has to submit to the Lord, for there is none greater than the Lord.  

We're counting down to Christmas... it's this coming Sunday!  I am pretty sure I am DONE with shopping... I mean, about a week ago I just quit shopping.  Decided that what I've bought - is bought - and is enough.  I have cut back..some.. I want to focus on my children more than I do grandchildren this year... but I think the great-grands made out pretty good.  Just couldn't resist.  All my wrapping is done.  Now I can get the other stuff out of this room and clear some space.  The bed has been cleared off for over a week since I've been sleeping in it.  But now that my speaking engagement yesterday is over, hubby is already after me to come back to our bed.  With both of us coughing and sneezing for awhile, we were trying to quit sharing back and forth.  I don't speak now until New Years Day so surely I will be over this cold by then totally.

And... with that... I'm going to hush and get off here - time to jump in the shower and face a new work day.  Hope that your day is filled with favor and good things.

Blessings!

Do you believe?

We went to the RV park yesterday and hubby spoke on the subject of prayer and fasting.  I've done a lot of both, so knew most of the information he gave, but occasionally he would say something that would click.  Prayer I can do, but fasting is lot harder.  Some people think they can fast the TV (yeah, hubby has done that) - but fasting isn't really that.  Unless you take that time to spend it in prayer.  He didn't.  He just read a book.  Or decided a movie wasn't giving up TV, so he could watch a movie.  I didn't argue with him - it wasn't my fast.  No I'm not sharing that to criticize him.  I'm just saying that isn't real fasting.

Fasting is giving up something you love (like food) for something you love more.  And the point of fasting is that you spend more time in prayer and solitude, seeking God for specific answers to your prayers.  I don't enjoy fasting - but I find it brings me closer to God, if I fast His way.  We often do the Daniel fast, which is eating only fruits and vegetables (the first 10 days Daniel fasted, he ate only vegetables).  Hubby just can't give up meat and I don't fight him anymore.  I need to.  I need to fix for him, and then fast the way I want to.  I remember the last time he 'let' me fast the way I felt God was calling me to fast - I mean, God TOLD me He wanted me to fast about something - and it was a 3 day fast - and I spent more time praying and I had only water.  That was the best experience I can ever remember.  I used to give up food totally one day a week.... but ...  church and life got complicated and I stopped.  I've tried to get back into now but ... I can go one or two meals without hubby noticing....but he always likes us to have dinner together.  I think I'll pray about that and see how God directs me.  I don't want it to be about me... but I want my prayers answered and sometimes one has to pray AND fast, for an answer to come.

Mark 9:29 (NKJV)  "So He said to them, 'This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.'"

If the results you are praying for aren't happening (and you know that you are praying in God's will), try fasting with it.  You will be amazed how God answers.  I fasted before a service a few years ago, a service in which I spoke on healing of the heart... healing of painful pasts, of words said, of things done, and for physical healing.  After the service, hubby and I stood at the front with oil and anyone who wanted prayer for healing to come forward and we would pray for them.  There was one man I prayed for - at that time we didn't know these people very well - but he asked me to pray for him - and I didn't know specifically what it was for.  He has since told me that he had kidney cancer - and when he went back home to his doctor, it was gone.  THAT IS ALL GOD.  But that has endeared me to him since.  I give God all the glory for his healing and praise God that He is still in control.  It's been 5 or more years since then and this man is still strong and healthy - and he is in his 80's!

I was surprised yesterday when we were at the church.  A man who got us to first come there hasn't been in the greatest of health, and I saw he was walking with a cane with great difficulty.  I went over to talk with him and he stood up (respectful gentleman he is) to talk with me.  He told me of the vertebrae in his back pinching a nerve, pain in his left leg, and a few other things.  I felt impressed to pray for him and I asked him if I could pray for him.  His comment surprised me.  "Where were you a few weeks ago when all this happened!  It's too late now!"  I looked at him and said, "well, I don't think that God cares when He heals, He just needs to be asked to bring healing."  So the man said I could pray for him, and I did.  I was so surprised at what I felt was a lack of faith.  As we were leaving, he was walking out - with his cane (I really wanted to tell him to let it go and walk!) - and after we chatted with him a few minutes, I just told him to have faith; God is still in the healing business.

And it made me sad that people do not believe in healing anymore.  Oh, they want healing, but they don't think God will do it for them.  I say, "Why not you?"   When I am sick, I pray for my healing.  When hubby is sick, we pray for his healing.  But you have to believe for the healing to take place!  I read once of a healing pastor whose sister was in a wheelchair.  They had had a healing service and others were praying over his sister to get up out of that wheelchair.   She felt her legs tingling, she was literally raised up (not by man, but God) from her chair a few inches - but instead of putting her legs down to the floor and standing up - healed - she grabbed hold of the arms of the wheelchair and pulled herself back into it.  She didn't believe she could be healed - and she remained in that wheelchair the rest of her life. How sad is that?

If you don't have faith for healing, do you have faith at all?  Pray for more faith, that you can believe that Jesus is that Son of God and that He is still in the healing business - no matter what type of healing is needed!

Mark 9:14-29 shares a story about a man who brought his son, who often would throw himself into the fire or water.  The disciples couldn't heal him.  When Jesus came to where it was being discussed, He said:

Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV) "Jesus said to him, if you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

I believe that if we pray according to God's will, that He will do whatever He wants!  I've seen prayers answered; I've seen prayers not answered.  But when I do my part and pray  - and sometimes fast - for what my request is, God always answers.  Yes, I may get upset that God didn't answer the way I wanted Him to, but He always sees the big picture and knows that what He allows then, will be answered in the now.

This message is totally different than the one I had planned to write.  Guess God wanted me to share this, instead of our lazy Sunday.

Do you need to say to Jesus, "Lord, help my unbelief"?  

Blessings!

What if.... I wonder....

As I sat here and pondered upon what I would write today, the thought occurred to me "what if I didn't write anything".  Would it matter?  Probably not much, because most of my writings are ramblings of things going on in my life, or in my mind, anyway.  And yet, perhaps, God will give me one small thing that I should happen to write about.... and it hits home.  Is that my calling in this life... to share one word that will turn your heart to Jesus?  I pray it is so.

So I will continue to think of things to write about - some boring and uninteresting, I'm sure - and yet, hopefully, things that will make you think and begin to tenderize your heart and mind toward those you love, and towards the One who loves you more than you can ever imagine.

Do you remember the story in the Bible of the fall of Jericho?  Remember, God had the Israelites march around the city walls one time every day for six days without saying a word.  The seven priests leading sounded the trumpets, but the people remained silent.  On the seventh day, they walked around it seven times and on that final trip around, the word was given to shout - and shout they did!  And the walls came tumbling down!  There is even a song about it!   Look up the lyrics to 'Joshua fought the battle of Jericho' by Cedarmont Kids.  It's a cool song.

What made me think of Jericho this morning is that I got a new book (imagine that).  You know how it is when you are looking at things on Amazon and it will bring up things at the bottom that 'because you were interested in that, you may be interested in this.....'  and I made the mistake of looking.  There was a small book there entitled 'The Jericho Fast.  How to Break through Walls with Prayer and Fasting'.  You know from previous pasts that I do fast and pray throughout the year or whenever God lays something on my heart.  I don't always post about it, because I am actually very private about fasting.  I don't even want to let hubby know when I'm fasting something.  Why?  Well, it's a long story, and I'm not going in to it toady.  I don't do it as often as I would like to; or even as often as I used to.  Which does make me sad.  And which is why this book caught my attention.  What in the world is the Jericho Fast?  Not talking?  Walking around buildings and praying and see if they fall down?  I honestly have no idea.  But my copy of the book arrived yesterday and I did get started on it last night, but only the introduction part.  I hope I have time to read some yet this morning.  It's a small book, which is in my favor, but I hope it is packed with the information my heart and mind is seeking.

Fasting and prayng isn't 'fun' as some people may think.  It's work.  Giving up food, or something that I love to do or enjoy doing, isn't fun.  Giving up food for even one meal is sometimes difficult and if not doing it very consciously and purposefully, one can forget and eat.  I know.  It's happened to me, and then I beat myself up because I 'had to have that cracker'.   The devil is sly and will do anything to keep one from fasting and praying.

What am I hoping to learn from this book?  I'm not sure.  Curiosity is what caused me to buy it.  I long for the closeness I get when I do seriously and consciously pray and fast unto the Lord.  I love to sit quietly before Him and let Him speak to me.  I don't hear Him every time, but many times I have.  I want to push through the things that keep my mind too busy to be with Him.  Stay tuned.  If I don't forget, I'll share what I learn from this.  I've already been thinking if I have time to focus the next seven days.  I do know for the next couple of weeks we will be eating a lot more than usual... after all we have my birthday and our anniversary that we will be celebrating.  Hubby definitely would not like it if I told him he could not take me out to dinner for either one because I was fasting.  Naw... probably would not be a good thing to do.  That's how he likes to 'show me love' is by taking me out to eat.  He does love to eat out.

Fasting is God's secret weapon against the enemy's strongholds.  Jesus even said that some evil spirits cannot be cast out except by prayer and fasting. (remember that story?)  That should tell us a lot about the power of fasting - it's what we can call God's nuclear option.  By wisdom and biblical truth we can overcome lies used by the enemy in erecting walls in our lives.

"And the walls came falling down!"  You have read about some of my walls I have built up over the years, and I'm sure you have built up as well.  I want the walls to fall, and by the grace of God, and His help, the walls will fall.  Perhaps not immediately, but they will fall.  And yours will too, when you lean into Jesus and ask for His help in getting through each day.  Go ahead, try it.  He will lead you.

What is your Jericho?  What wall in your life do you need to knock down?  

"Wall, fall down, in the mighty name of Jesus!"   May it be so, O Lord, may it be so.

Blessings!

Another Wednesday morning....

What a beautiful day it is outside!  I hear it is to be around 78 degrees again today.  No, I'm not out in it, but can see the outside from my window as I sit here at the computer.  I was out yesterday doing some mindless shopping.  Actually, there were a couple things I wanted to look at - and did - and bought a little bit more.  But, it was beautiful being outside.  I'll be going out later today as I have a meeting to go to.

But for now, wanted to add a few notes and then make myself get busy and clean out my closets.  You know, where we keep stuffing all our clothes whether they fit or not.  I don't want to get rid of a lot, but there are some things I haven't worn for awhile that I probably won't wear - you know, like long black skirts, and things like that.   Yeah I could still wear them, but I don't think I need three of them - especially since I haven't worn any of them for a few years.  Need to fold the t-shirts and put in a drawer rather than hanging up.  I work out in them - who cares if they are wrinkled!  But, when my hubby does the laundry, he hangs up everything on hangers - it makes it so easy to just go ahead and hang up rather than take off the hanger and fold.

Also need to get some things done for church.  Tom asked me to put something on the bulletin board regarding the fast some of us in the church are doing.  I don't know how many or who specifically, except for another couple who said they were doing it, but one doesn't have to fast to bring requests before God.  If they don't feel called to fast, they can still pray.

Tom and I are doing well on the fast.  Of course if I do the cooking, I can make sure that Tom holds to what he is giving up as he eats whatever I fix.  I've stuck to my fruits and vegetables and water, but he has only given up red meat and pork, bread and desserts.  I've managed to be creative with dinner.  For example, last night we had a big salad, edamames, an orange, baked potatoes, and Tom had some chicken with his meal.  Healthy and filling.  For awhile.  This is day 4.   I fixed Tom an omelet for breakfast while I had a fruit protein shake.  Glad we have an orange tree out back - we are raiding it for fresh oranges daily.

How are you doing thus far in 2012?  Did you decide to go on the 'diet' everyone always says they are going to do?  Did you choose to do a fast to focus on specific things to bring before the Lord?  Or fast just to draw near to Him?   Whatever you have chosen for 2012, I pray that your choice is the right one, and that you are striving to achieve that goal.  If you have a special need you would like prayer for, please let me know.  I'd be honored to bring you before our Father in prayer.

Blessings!

Waiting....

It has been an interesting week, one in which I will have to separate out what has been going on.  Since I last mentioned prayer with fasting in my last post, I want to share God's goodness.

Monday I chose to give up food for breakfast and lunch,  praying throughout the day and worshipping at His Throne of Grace, putting our questions at His feet.  I ate fruit and vegetables for dinner.  Tuesday, the same.  Wednesday, the same.  Some times it was difficult to get some time alone as I was still working as well, but He provided for me the opportunities to spend time with Him.  I told no one other than you, my readers, about this fast time.  

Thursday morning I again gave up morning food, spending time praying and bringing my requests before Him.   About 11AM a co-worker came by and said that they were having a luncheon for a couple people who were retiring and invited me to join them.  She commented she would come get me when the food was ready.  I began praying for God to show me if I was to give up the fast at this point, or continue, either not going to the luncheon where I would have to say why I wasn't eating, or eat.  A little after noon my co-worker comes back and says "Ok, it is time to break fast and come have lunch."  Now THAT got my attention!  Why would she say that but that God had put it in her mouth?  I had no intention of eating prior to that point, but when she used the exact words "break fast", I felt it was God telling me He had heard my prayers and I could stop my fast.

Some of you may wonder what fasting is all about.  It is giving up something that you enjoy for something far greater.  Giving it up, not exchanging it for something else.  For example, you don't give up going to the movies for a month then spend that time sitting in front of the TV watching movies. 

Fasting turns your attention towards God.  It gives you focused attention upon Him.  When I give up food, my thoughts turn to God and reminds me to bring my requests before Him.  When my stomach begins to feel empty, and growls, it reminds me to look to God and His Word for my food. I become more sensitive to His leading.  His Word comes alive for me.  I can more easily hear His voice when I quiet myself and spend time with Him.   I just want to worship.  To be silent.  To be still in His Presence.  Father, there is none like You!  Your love embraces and surrounds me.  You gather me into your arms, and hold me.  I praise You, Father!  You are my God!  There is nothing I keep from You or put before You!  I bow down and worship.  Hallelujah!  Praise you, Jesus!  Bless Your Holy Name!

Fasting can also cause you to lose yourself.  Can you even imagine losing yourself in the Presence of God?  How precious it is!  What a delight!

Fasting can consist of many things.  It can be giving up a meal, or more.  It can be giving up desserts or sweet things for an extended period. (no, not dieting intentionally)  It can be giving up the TV, or movies, time on the computer, or something else you enjoy doing.  It can be giving up sleep by getting up early in the mornings to spend alone time with God, or by staying up late to focus upon Him.  If you are thinking about fasting, ask God what He wants you to give up.  If you still are not sure, Elmer Towns has a great book called 'Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough" that gives you several fasts from the Bible.

Don't fast because you think you want something and you want God to provide it for you.  Those are wrong motives.  Examine why you want to fast, and what you want God to do.  Remember, He sees your heart and no matter what you say, He knows what the reasons are.   Don't let others know you are fasting if you can keep from it.  It isn't to make you greater, it is to make you smaller.  Humble yourself by fasting and seek God, and see what He will do in and through you and for you.

What is it that you need to lay down at His feet?  Do you have a habit you are struggling with?  Every time you struggle, pray for strength to get through it.   More than anything else, believe that when you ask in Jesus' name, fasting and praying, and coming to God with a clean heart, He will answer you.  True, it may not be the answer you want, but He will answer. 

In the meantime, while you wait for Him to work, spend time with Him and tell Him how much you love Him.  He likes that.

Blessings!

Indecision....

I love the times I have to sit and wait on God.  I tried to use other words for 'love', but felt that 'love' was a much better word to use. :-)  Waiting.  Indecision.  God, I need an answer!  Father, please guide me and direct my path!  What?  Where?  Why?  Say what?!!    Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is waiting upon You.
All these thoughts run through my head, even yet today.  I so desperately want to hear from God and know what direction He is taking us.

Every time Tom and I come to a decision, we feel guilty in some ways, and unsure.  Why can't God just speak up and say "GO" or "STAY, I'm working in this"?   The past couple weeks things seemed to fall into place and we felt the assurance of  'go'.  Because we love people, it is hard to go, and we wonder if we are to 'stay'.  Is God putting the obstacles in our path to draw us to where He wants us to go?  Or is our love for some of the people going to prevail?  I don't know!

So we have decided to fast with our prayers.  We are going to focus our time and energy upon this decision and seek God for an answer.  We both have agreed to give up some things that we enjoy to pray and seek God's answers.  We covet your prayers that we can hear God and understand what we are to do.

All we want to do is love God's people and shepherd them, teach them about Jesus, disciple them, help them develop a loving relationship with Jesus.  Help them to find their way in this world of contempt and confusion.   The enemy is doing all he can to keep us from serving as we feel we are called to serve.  So we are laying it all down.  Holding nothing back.  If we are to serve, we are asking God to open doors of opportunity, where we are to serve, what He wants us to do.  After all, to want people to know about Jesus, we need to tell them about Him.  He is more than a 'tag' at the end of a  prayer.  He is real. He is ALIVE.   We need to be telling others about Jesus and how to abide in Him and He in us.  We are to be leading by example how to live.  If we are not to serve, then we ask that God shut the doors of opportunity and allow us to receive food for our souls.

I am trusting in His sovereignty to hear my heart, and answer.  Lord, please help me to be quiet and listen for Your still, quiet, voice.  Your Word says that You have plans for me.  I wait for You.  I love you.

Are you going through something that you just can't get an answer on?  Try fasting with your prayers.  Jesus said that some things require fasting as well as prayer.   It does require commitment and discipline.  Commit to even one day to start.  Choose how and what you want to fast.  Spend your meal times in prayer.  Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Fasting is not a guarantee the answer will be what you want it to be - it helps you to focus on what IS important - your relationship with an All-Loving, All-Knowing God.

Blessings!!