I believe with all my heart that… MY MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH IN GOD… is one of my strongest assets. It has molded and developed me into the person I am today. I have had to climb one mountain after another in my lifetime; and I will continue to climb them until Jesus comes back..
The first, and emphatically the biggest…REJECTION. (Many of you will probably relate to this!) I would try and try repeatedly to get over it, only to land back at the bottom, staring up at it. It had a STRONG HOLD on me. Remember that word? I discuss it at length in my article on fear. Every mountain that you face is actually a stronghold that is intent on controlling your mind. Here is a great scripture for battling strongholds… 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down vain imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Fear appears as this small four letter word. Do Not Be Deceived! This little word has been having a huge impact on peoples lives for as long as I can remember. It can and will become a Stronghold in your mind, and have a harmful effect on your relationships, your health and your business, if you allow it.
The word F- E- A- R means: False Evidence Appearing Real. Let us examine this a little closer. False evidence says that fear is not even real. On the contrary my friends…The SPIRIT OF FEAR is very REAL.
Psalm 103: 2-4 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
God wants every Church filled with HOLY GHOST PRAYER WARRIORS; fully equipped and empowered with “The Whole Armor Of God” to stand strong…IN FAITH…against the strongholds and temptations of this world. We must combat, defeat and destroy the powers of darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness at every turn. If every church was operating, and every believer was walking in KINGDOM AUTHORITY and FEAR and REVERENCE OF THE LORD …I truly believe we would see more miracles, signs & wonders being manifested in our churches and our own personal lives.
So the question is… What do we need to do?
First and foremost we need HOLY GHOST POWER!!
JOHN 14:15-17: “If you love me you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him for he lives with you and will be in you.”
Being baptized, filled and empowered with the HOLY SPIRIT is an ongoing process of having a personal relationship with the Comforter (Holy Spirit)
When we receive this precious gift from our Heavenly Father…we are given many benefits.
Here are some benefits from Isaiah 11. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him, the Spirit of WISDOM and of UNDERSTANDING, the Spirit of COUNSEL and of MIGHT, the Spirit of the KNOWLEDGE and FEAR OF THE LORD, and he will DELIGHT in the Fear of the Lord.
W-O-W!!! Look at all those wonderful gifts! I cannot speak for you… THAT EXCITES ME!!!!!!!!!
One of these gifts is more important than the all the others …Can you guess which one it is? The Fear [Reverence of the Lord]
We will never experience HOLY GHOST POWER without REVERENCE FOR GOD and All that concerns GOD!
Did you know that you cannot have Spiritual Wisdom without the Fear and Reverence of the Lord?
So… What are some hindrances to the Fear and Reverence of God?
How about being LUKEWARM? If you are lukewarm God says He will spit you out of his mouth. Rev 3:15
INDIFFERENCE – APATHY: The Holy Spirit desires to be in communion with those who hunger and thirst after Righteousness. Matt: 5-6
That simply means that we need to eat and drink God’s Word daily, and always stay in an attitude of Prayer, Worship and Thanksgiving.
CONVENIENCE: I am pretty sure I am going to ruffle some feathers here. Church is not first priority with a lot of people. Some people come to church when it does not interfere with other activities in their life. Many treat Prayer, Worship and God’s Word the exact same way.
Making a Total Commitment to God the Father, Jesus Our Lord, and The Holy Spirit includes all of the above. It is impossible for minds set on the flesh to please and obey God. It may not always be convenient…I promise you…It will always be rewarding.
Please do not let that day come when you stand before the Lord and He says to you…”Depart from me for I never knew you”
PROSPERITY can also be a hindrance to God’s Reverence. So many come crying to God when they have a need…physical, financial, or emotional. After He meets their need, many times they do not even give Him the Thanks, Honor and Glory He deserves. They forget about Him until they have another need. One thing you should never forget… IT IS GOD WHO GIVES THE POWER TO GET WEALTH!!!
Here is another fact from the Word of God… It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” Matt 19:24
God has also given us “The Whole Armor Of God” He did not give us this precious gift to just ignore it and leave it lay on the ground.
1st Peter 5:8 says the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. We need “The Whole Armor of God” to resist and defeat the enemy. That should be the very first thing we do every morning before our feet even hit the floor.
Last, but definitely not least…We need FAITH!
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Heb 11:1
FAITH is actually the very first step you take in getting to know GOD.
FAITH is also another precious gift of God. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephes: 2:8
God has already given us everything we need to overcome every sin, sickness and temptation that comes our way. Now it is up to us to stay built up in our FAITH, through His Word, Prayer, Worship, Thanksgiving and Daily Communion with the Holy Spirit.
It is also IMPOSSIBLE to please God without FAITH!
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Heb 11:6
What this verse is clearly saying to me is…If I am not PLEASING GOD, and SEEKING HIM WITH MY WHOLE HEART, He is not going to reward me with miracles, signs and wonders.
We need more Miracles, Signs and Wonders happening before our eyes. Too many of God’s Beloved are plagued with sickness, sins, trials and temptations, which are strongholds that need to be broken. Now is the time for… HOLY GHOST POWER, THE REVERENCE OF GOD, AND FAITH… to be prevelant in our churches and our lives, throughout the earth.
I would like to dig deeper into this question. Hopefully, through God’s Word, I can provide some insight into helping you recognize your hidden emotional pain; find those open wounds and stop the bleeding.
Our Precious and Holy Lord was beaten and hung on the cross to die. He had nails driven in his hands; in both feet; and he had an open wounded bleeding side. He applied Love; Mercy and Forgiveness to his wounds. In Luke 23:34 Jesus says: “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Those words stopped the bleeding and initiated healing for all the land.
Emotional pain has the tendency to settle deep inside; leaving you with open wounds. These emotional wounds will continue to bleed until they are exposed and treated. Many times these wounds are left unattended and bleeding for many years. This can cause irreparable damage to your body, your heart, your mind, and your relationships. It will shatter and destroy every area of your life; if you do not face it and deal with it.
I would be a fool and a liar if I said this healing process was easy. Quite the contrary…Facing those open wounds is extremely difficult and painful. Just as Jesus suffered for you and I on the cross; we must keep our eyes on Jesus because He is the author and finisher of our Faith. We must endure the suffering through our pain, in order to begin to heal.
Hebrews 12:2Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Who, for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Pain associated with the emotions can disguise itself in various forms such as: sorrow, hurt, rejection, fear, failure, unforgiveness, bitterness and anger. We usually do our level best to deny those wounds and pretend they do not exist. You can get away with denial for a period of time. Eventually, when you are ready, God allows situations and people to enter your life; to help you to face your giants and expose your hidden emotional pain.
What causes emotional pain; and how do we stop the bleeding from the wounds? I believe there are two major factors involved with any hidden emotions…WORDS and DECISIONS!
Earlier I told you how Christ used words of Love and Forgiveness to initiate the healing of all mankind. The bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit..”Simple explanation: Words can heal…Words can also destroy!
When we are dealing with the sorrow of a loss… If we are not grounded in the Word Of God; sometimes we allow anger and bitterness to control our emotions toward the one who left us, or possibly the one who caused the loss. Even worse… We direct our anger towards God. The Truth is… NO ONE IS TO BLAME!
GOD And ONLY GOD, can give you the HOPE, the UNDERSTANDING, the COMFORT and the PEACE you need to heal those deep emotional wounds.
Romans 13:15 says: The God of Hope will fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust In Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When a person is angry or hurt, critical words are spoken in haste. After the words have been spoken, the damage is done. Those seeds of destruction are planted deep inside; festering until they develop into open wounds. The only healing salve to apply to these wounds is Forgiveness and Love. It could be a loved one, a friend or an enemy that planted the seeds. Much of the time it is ourselves that we need to love and forgive. Only then will we begin to heal our hidden emotional pain.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another.
Decisions that we make, play a huge role…and have a major effect on our emotions that cause us pain. Once again I refer to the Word of God.
Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy…meditate on these things.” When we make decisions based on the Word; it will ultimately turn out for our good.
On the other hand…When we make decisions based on our emotions, due to confusion, (the enemy is the author of confusion) and the pressures of life, it usually results in disaster and pain.
1st Peter 5:8 says: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowels around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
This Faith proclamation has helped me through many temptations.
Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth…and the meditaions of my heart…be acceptable and pleasing in thy sight…My Lord! My Rock! and My Redeemer!”
Let the Power of God’s Word erase all hidden emotional wounds from your memory bank permanently. Refuse to allow hidden emotional pain to destroy your life!
The Word of God says: We live by Faith and not by sight. The Word also tells us …Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things yet not seen.
Are you living your faith leaving them wanting more? How do you answer that question in regards to your own life? I would like to evaluate this more closely by sharing my own story with you.
I have had a love for horses since I was a little girl. My father was a Livestock Dealer, but he loved Thoroughbred Horse Racing. Being my father’s daughter, I also developed a strong love for Horse Racing…it became my ministry for many years. Read the rest of this entry »
I am very proud to say that I started out as a member of one of the first…the Original Cowboy Church in Fort Worth. We met every Sunday morning in the Bull Riding Arena at the famous Billy Bob’s, in Fort Worth, Texas. We held midweek bible studies and many other times of fellowship. It was here at Cowboy Church that I witnessed many salvations, miracle healings, and deliverances. I also received my first impartation of the Holy Spirit, with evidence of speaking in tongues. It is an experience I will never forget, and am forever thankful.
We were all cowgirls and cowboys and we had a lot in common. First and foremost we all loved the Lord and we were not shy about sharing the Love of Jesus. Most of us had our horse and our dog…. just one big happy family. I had a precious little girl and her name was Hallelujah…I called her Hallie. Back then our dogs attended church service with us. Many times our Prayers would last a long time. My little Hallie would sit right beside me with her little paws folded and she would not move until the Prayer was over. She was truly a “Gift From God!” My horse was an Appaloosa, part Bay Thoroughbred, with a perfect blanket and his name was Kochese, but I called him “Coach.” He had been badly abused, so it took a lot of Love and Patience on my part. Eventually he, Hallie and I became a perfect team. Coach was high spirited, and sometimes quite a handful, but so much fun to ride. Hallie always went right along with us…running her little legs off through the pasture. I trained Hallie to lead Coach, with the lead shank in her mouth. I actually have it on video. It is one of my most precious memories to see those two bond together. Kochese and I also became a great team at a rodeo event called Team Penning. Those were some of the most fun times of my life.
We had many different singers and groups that would come and minister; but the one that impacted me the most was Susie Luchsinger. Susie is actually Reba McEntire”s sister. The Anointing Of God is all over Susie. I learned most of her songs, and I believe to this day that she was my Inspiration to “Sing For The Lord.” I also believe that Cowboy Church was my first stepping stone to lead me to the the “Backside” of Thoroughbred Horse Racing, to my Ministry of many years.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for strolling down Memory Lane with me, and allowing me to share one of the most wonderful and happiest times in my life.
Yesterday most of the world celebrated a Glorious Easter Holiday. We attended our Easter Sunday church service to hear the the beautiful message of the Resurrection of Jesus. We sang Worship songs such as… “Up From The Grave He Arose” He’s Alive and “Christ The Lord Has Risen Today.” Many Easter Eggs were hidden for children to find. Families and Loved One’s gathered together for fine food and loving fellowship.
JESUS HAS RISEN!!
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:1-3)
Do we understand the…TRUE MEANING OF THE RESURRECTION…And How Vital It Is To Our Daily Lives? How many TRULY KNOW that when the stone was rolled away…WE WERE RESURRECTED WITH JESUS!
Now is time for the Body Of Christ to stop looking for the living among the dead. As a Child Of The Living God, you must stop wasting your life in the cemetery of sin, sickness and failure, and step into RESURRECTION LIFE!
As a resurrected created being, you are not an accident waiting to happen. Your life is not just a combination of events and circumstances. GOD HAS SPECIFIC PLANS FOR YOU!
Maybe He intends for you to have the greatest Healing Ministry of this century. Or perhaps He wants to turn you into a tremendous Preacher. Maybe He has a REVELATION prepared for you that will enable you to Be A BLESSING to the entire world. You will never know what GOD has in store for you until you put your attention on HIM.
Because of God’s plan, the devil works overtime to keep you focusing on the problems of life. That is why he tries to keep your attention turned away from the LIVING WORD OF GOD. He does not want you to know that you are full of the RESURRECTION LIFE OF JESUS. The TRUTH of You Knowing…WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS…absolutely terrifies him.
Why? Because once you truly understand that you have the LIFE OF GOD INSIDE YOU…THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE! You will begin to act more like Jesus. You will lay hands on the sick and they will recover….You will cast out demons. You will preach the gospel to every living creature.
You will be just what God intended you to be… The Body Of Christ On The Earth!
Stop letting satan bind you with the grave clothes of yesterday’s sin and defeat. You Are Not Dead Anymore!
YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD WITH JESUS!
Come out from those cemeteries and start living RESURRECTION LIFE TODAY!
Before Jesus was taken to the cross to be crucified, He was persecuted, mocked and treated with scorn by the people and the soldiers. Even though He suffered more pain and torture than you and I will ever endure, our precious Lord and Savior never harbored any thoughts of bitterness, or revenge. On the contrary, He spoke these words: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
The Love and Compassion that consumed Jesus during his time of suffering, is a living example for you and I to follow. There are going to be times in our life, when we are persecuted, mocked and treated with scorn. We have a choice to let our natural man strike back in anger and retaliation, or allow our spirit man to operate in peace and forgiveness. I used to give in to my flesh, more times than I want to admit. Every time I did, I would lose my Peace and the Joy Of The Lord. God gave me these words when I was going through a very tough battle… “Though you fight the waters of affliction and enemy attacks on every side; be diligent, be faithful and constant in Prayer, for I am with you in every stride. Though you are persecuted, mocked and treated with scorn; stand firm, keep your eyes on me. I have a special plan for you, saith the Lord; a plan for Victory.”
I strive daily to remember God’s words to me, and allow the Holy Spirit to dominate my flesh. I am no longer willing to compromise my Joy and my Peace, under any circumstance.
In order to win this constant battle with the flesh; it is mandatory that we do not conform to the ways of the world. We must be transformed by renewing our mind daily with the Word of God. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. I do not know about you… I know it is my desire to stay in God’s Good, Acceptable and Perfect Will. We must keep looking to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our Faith. We must allow the Love Of God to be shed abroad in our hearts. All evil comes forth from the heart and proceeds out of the mouth. We need to ask God to “set a guard over our mouth.” Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.”
I remember, back when I was in grade school, the kids would always say: “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” That statement is absolutely false! Words can cut deep like a knife; or they can sooth like a healing salve. Words can build up or they can tear down. Words can bring Hope or they can bring destruction. Words can bring success or failure. Words can bring health or they can bring sickness. You have the power to prophesy to yourself. Choose today…to use your words to bless…not to curse.
Jesus warned his disciples clearly in the Book of John, chapter 15:19… “Because I have chosen you out of this world, the world will hate and revile you, just as they hated me.” The evidence is very clear…the world hates the message of the Gospel. There are satanic cults, internet games and all kinds of evil activity raising their ugly heads all around us. This is no time to back down. If God has called you into ministry, and you are being persecuted, mocked and treated with scorn; the bible tells us in James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Let me make this very clear…WE NEED TO STRIVE DAILY TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS!!
Do you have loved ones and friends in your life that, no matter how many times you try to witness and share the Light of God’s Word, they refuse to receive it? That has been one of my greatest frustrations.
Through my Daily Devotional message this morning, God showed me a revelation about this. We see these people as being stubborn and obstinate, and we literally want to shake them.
There may be some people out there that truly are adamant and resistent to receiving any form of a Salvation message. However, most of our loved ones and friends are taking this attitude because of an evil spirit, controling their mind.
1 Peter 1:8 [Amplified Bible] Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and are exulted and thrilled with inexpressible and glorious [triumphant, heavenly] Joy.
What exactly does this profound statement mean? I would like to give my thoughts on what it means to me.
When I ponder the words “Unspeakable Joy” I do not think of it as a reaction. It is more like an overpowering presence within me. Because it is a presence; it is a gift from God. It is constant and unwaivering through all the trials, sorrow and pain. Although my flesh will act at times like it is not even there, it never leaves me. That is why… Many times when I am crying on the outside; my spirit is rejoicing within me. My spirit is one with The Holy Spirit… He Is My Joy!
Joy Produces Patience!
James 1: 2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Every day we are tested and tried; and our choices will ultimately produce a positive or negative outcome. I can say from personal experience, that God is always working in us, to produce Patience. He will allow us to keep taking the same test over and over, and over until we pass. I would Love to tell you that when you finally pass the test; it gets easier…unfortunately not so. You have just allowed God to peel off the first layer of the onion. The levels of tests become more difficult with each layer; but GOD IS FAITHFUL. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
We may leave God, but He will never leave us. No matter how bleak the situation, no matter how empty the feeling comes, God Will Never Leave You! His Promises are true! His Word is above all! We can overcome because He goes before us. And if God be for us, nothing and no one can stand against us?
Joy Is Everlasting!
Isaiah 51:11 Those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; and Everlasting Joy will crown their heads. Gladness and Joy will overtake them; sorrow and sighing will flee away.
When Jesus is truly Lord over every area of our life; the EVERLASTING JOY that He gives is stronger; and will withstand any temptation, sorrow or pain. The enemy is relentless and totally comitted to…kill, steal and destroy. It is up to you and I to never let anything or anyone steal our JOY.
Joy In The Holy Spirit!
Romans 14:17 For the Kingdom Of God is not eating and drinking, but Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit.
Those of you who recognize and understand the Spiritual realities of God’s Kingdom; will not choose the brief joy of satisfying your own selfish desires over the Spiritual Joy of being a Blessing to those in need. When this happens others will begin to see the fruit of the Joy In The Holy Spirit; operating through you; and they will want what you have.
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength!
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the Joy of the LORD is your Strength.”
Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Psalm 28:7-8 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
The Joy of the Lord is that Joy that springs up within our hearts, because of our loving relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. It is a God given gladness that wells up within us when we are in communion with Him. When we are hungry to know more about God; He rewards us with His Strength. The word strength here means: place of safety…a refuge…a strong tower.
That is also why I can say: “When I am weak…I am Strong!”
2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
You Shall Go Out With Joy!
Isaiah 55:12 [Amplified ] For you shall go out [from the spiritual exile caused by sin and evil into the homeland] with Joy and be led forth [by your Leader, the Lord Himself, and His word] with Peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Wow! That is so P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L!
The rejoicing of God’s people on the Day of Salvation; will be so full and powerful; it will seem like the trees, the hills, the mountains and all of God’s Creation will join in the celebration with glorious applause. I hope I have inspired you to dig a little deeper into *God’s Infinite Word* to experience…