Welcome to Spirit and Truth Ministries Bulletin Board!

Below you will find last month's prayer letter and the exhortations and reports of victory from many other prayer letters. Occasionally there will be special notices or information. For the current prayer letter click on Prayer Letter above.

PREVAILING PRAYER FOR END-TIME ENCOURAGEMENT

Preparing God's People for Works of Service so That the Body of Christ May Be Built up and Become Mature

Volume 8 Number 6                                                             June, 2010

Back to Peace and Rest

This has been a stressful month though I still started  my days with the Lord in His Word and praying. I must admit when more than three things are going on especially when I am out of my comfort zone, I get very stressed and this week most every day we have something new going on. On top of that, my husband reacts differently to stressful situations than I do and so dealing with one another's personality quirks has been challenging as well. At first I tried to encourage myself in the Lord and calm myself by quoting these three scriptures that Holy Spirit brought to my mind.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
      Whose mind is stayed on You,
      Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share...1 Timothy 6:17-18

Starting in a few hours as I am writing this now, my husband, Scott and I will be starting a new chapter in our life. After 22 years he is transferring his business to another  company. This  was an opportunity that came out of nowhere. After prayer, talking to one another, going to a lawyer and then all kinds of negotiations and fine tuning today is the day everything is officially transferred. Though Scott will still be doing training and consultant work we are seeking God for what He wants now that Scott is retired. (Yet as far the Lord and the ministry is concerned we want to be refired!)

Well back to my quest for peace. About two weeks ago no matter what I did the peace didn't seem to come so I called in my prayer partners and my friends to intercede. Just their immediate encouragement helped me so much. Little by little and day by day I received a little more peace and courage. I could hear the Spirit of God encourage me with four more scriptures and an exhortation from the Word to watch and pray confirmed by the last  two scriptures included below.

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34

 Whenever I am afraid,
         I will trust in You.
 In God (I will praise His word),
         In God I have put my trust;
         I will not fear.
         What can flesh do to me?
         Psalm 56:3-4

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...Ephesians 6:18

I started to truly rest in the Lord as I realized the truth in 2 Timothy 1:12

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

Scott and I had prayed and believed this change of direction was God's will and we trusted He would shut the door if this was not His timing.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9-10

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

I also was encouraged by the Spirit of God to both enter into praise and worship and to use my prayer language more often during this transition time as we wait to walk into our "new beginning" and listen for His clear direction in the months to come.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:18-20

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. ¹⁵ What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 1Corinthians 14:14-15

As I was more at rest, more opportunities to minister kept coming. Some were asking for prayers, others wanted to talk and then pray and some came for godly counsel. These didn't add to my load because God gave me more grace and I felt His anointing as I obeyed Him and He touched others through me. It was an extra blessing.

There were many other lessons I learned but the purpose of sharing all this was so that you too will be encouraged when life and circumstances overwhelm you. I pray the scriptures and what I wrote will give you the courage to trust God in the midst of anything you are going through. In these end times there will be harder tests even for those who are Christians. I just received a quote from an end-time group in my e-mail that fits perfectly with what I am writing.

God by His Spirit will surely expose our compromises, foolishness, worldly-mindedness and evil desires. It will all be part of the working of His perfect will to bring His church back to Himself and on to holiness. I know we will experience a supernatural calm and rest that the world won't have. When the awful storms of chaos break out around us God will have those who are followers of His Son at peace; even when others hearts will fail them for fear. We will enjoy a peaceable, quiet rest. Any chastening as described in Hebrews 12 will lead us closer to our Bridegroom.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

A thousand may fall at your side,
         And ten thousand at your right hand;
         But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
         And see the reward of the wicked.
         
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
         Even the Most High, your dwelling place Psalm 91:7-9

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
         For my soul trusts in You;
         And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
         Until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1
 

The work of righteousness will be peace,
      And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
       My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation,
      In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places...Isaiah 32:17-18

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

If you need prayer or have comments or ideas about this prayer letter please write.

OneinHim@InSpiritandTruth.com

Or on the web-site http://www.InSpiritandTruth.com click on contact us

We praise the Lord for those who have given a gift of any amount to this ministry.  In the last year we have been able to help some of our own financially and also given offerings to four ministries that continually feed us on the various groups. We look forward to see what our Faithful Father will do in and through the Spirit and Truth Ministries' family now and until Jesus comes. I am trusting our Lord to give each of you a year filled with answered prayers and all of His best.

THIS MONTH'S PRAYER NEEDS 

JUNE, 2010

 * Christ Centered Church * Christian Music Lovers * Christian Remnant * End Time Encouragement * Living by Faith Fellowship * Reflecting Christ *  Scripture Prayers * Worship in Spirit and Truth

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Volume 8 Number 5                                                             May, 2010

From Old Habits to New Spirit-Led Priorities

Just one sentence a person reads can be life changing. That is what happened this week to start me on a new journey with God. When I read it I thought this can't be true but as I meditated on it I knew it was Holy Spirit fine tuning me again. What I read in a devotional was, "What you thought was your hour with God was really your hour with your habit." I could have felt condemned but I saw what was being said as it pertained to me. Almost all my life as a born again Christian I have gotten up early and written in a journal, reading scriptures and praying and reading in one or two devotionals. I know it has brought me closer to God but it was also  routine; even though a good habit  Now I saw that God wanted more. Then I heard this scripture -

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.1 Corinthians 13:11

I admit the idea of routines was started by my parents "to do" lists when I was a child. It was me though that turned lists into great expectations and perfectionism. Though I have been delivered from perfectionism, I think some residue may be left. The next day before I decided to make changes in my morning time I read  in another prayer calendar about correct priorities, I wrote in my journal, "We have to be led by the Holy Spirit and have a clear knowledge of God's Word in order to understand what correct priorities should be." I definitely knew that this was another step of God's directing me out of my comfortable routines. I didn't yet have all the wisdom I needed to just go on and change things. I knew it wouldn't be any better to start a new habit in my own strength. I later read in a word of wisdom that came in an e-mail a few words that I applied to what I was now seeing - "Wait for My direction...Rest in My presence and be rejuvenated." Though I felt like I had done something wrong I soon knew that God was not upset with me for the many years of routinely reading the Word, praying and writing in my journal or getting wisdom from Christian devotionals. I did know though that any changes would have to be Spirit led.

It was necessary to take time to commune with God as I waited before Him." I thought of how I do that throughout each day as I go about what comes my way. I started to think that God may want that in my morning time with Him. Maybe I had missed His best or His quiet whisper because I was reading something He told someone else. This is not to say reading Christians books is wrong. I am sharing how the Holy Spirit has been speaking to my spirit and shaking me from routines I had held dear for years.

As I was waiting on God I thought and read about priorities. I wrote this in my journal, "A Christian's two most important priorities come directly from the Word of God - to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves."

And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

I knew this wasn't as complicated as I was making it though it seemed like a major change to me. I simply had to be obedient to the leading of the Spirit of God. Again I was exhorted by a word that came in my e-mail through a pastor in Colorado. He helped with a puzzle piece that was missing by encouraging with these words, " Move with your faith today and move with truth...begin a fresh journey."

I knew what I had to do. I had to submit to God's will and make the necessary changes. This wasn't about just my morning time with Him but other times in my day where routine had been ruling me.

Due to hay fever and other life challenges I had gotten behind on my reading in the evenings. Life was getting harder as I tried to catch up. I felt the pressure mount and was getting overwhelmed and now after this correction I saw I didn't have to catch up. This was my own expectation not God's.

Suddenly this colored my vision about other things like the church. We too often think it is our ideas, programs, tracts that will bring the people in or get them saved but what we need is more of God. He wants to guide us but are we willing to repent and obey what He shows us to do and say. The unsaved are seeing too little of God and too much of man in the churches today. Our modern day churches are too often structured to please man and with worldly or self-promoting ways. Is God exalted; does He get the glory?

I then saw that all of this had to do with His children being hungry for more of Him.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

God by His Spirit was showing me how I personally could have more of God's presence in my morning time by laying down my own expectations and routines. The same is true in our churches. Are those who say they are hungry for more of Him ready to leave behind their comfortable routines and set out on a fresh Spirit-led journey to where God wants to take us personally and in the body of Christ. Don't we want God's Word to be living and powerful? I think those that are hungry are craving fresh manna...the bread of life.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:34-35

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

Over the years I had prayed let revival begin with me. It looks like I am getting the answer to my prayers.

Isn't this like returning to our first love and the first works?

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 8 Number 4                                                             April, 2010

From Strength to Strength

My devotional journal for this month I titled, "Standing strong in faith and in the power of Your might." I had forgotten this when over a week ago as I was reading around 5:30am on the 8th and heard Holy Spirit speak to my spirit, "I want you to go from strength to strength." At the time I knew that I needed to stand stronger and to not faint or want to hide  when I was rejected, neglected or persecuted because of my faith. I was thinking that the Lord was trying to deal with how I handle opposition especially in the church. I knew there was a scripture in the Psalms about going from strength to strength.

As they pass through the Valley of Baca*,
         They make it a spring;
         The rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
         Each one appears before God in Zion. Psalm 84:6-8

Baca means Weeping

I also recalled these scriptures on strength.

Fear not, for I am with you;
      Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
      I will strengthen you,
      Yes, I will help you,
      I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
         Whom shall I fear?
         The LORD is the strength of my life;
         Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

At this point I was beginning to see this wasn't about me being physically or even emotionally stronger but about trusting in the strength that was in Him. For three days in a row I got more scriptures to confirm what the Lord was showing me by His Word and His Spirit.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
         Be acceptable in Your sight,
         O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
         For God is my defense,
         My God of mercy. Psalm 59:17

My soul, wait silently for God alone,
         For my expectation is from Him.
 He only is my rock and my salvation;
         He is my defense;
         I shall not be moved.
 In God is my salvation and my glory;
         The rock of my strength,
         And my refuge, is in God. Psalm 62:5-7

I wrote in my journal after I read in Isaiah 40:31, "As I wait on You there will be a change... a passing on of change. The word translated renew is better translated from the Hebrew word halaph to change, pass on, exchange, replace, renew. So I wait on You with confident expectation knowing that for my weakness you will exchange Your strength. As I commune with You in prayer I begin to absorb Your strength. You impress Your mind and Your heart on my mind and heart."

But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This also brings a clearer understanding of what the Lord told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.

This morning I was worshiping as I sang You Are My Hiding Place and the end of the song also spoke this same message.

You are my hiding place

You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You

I will trust in You

Let the weak say "I am strong in the strength of the Lord.

I will trust in You

© Micheal Ledner 1981 Maranatha! Music/ASCAP
Used by permission. CCLI license # 2921071

I was going to conclude and edit this message when I heard a sermon. The pastor was Carter Conlon of Times Square Church and he confirmed what the Lord is showing me with these words - "Jesus Christ is the only source of lasting and true strength in life for us. Invite the strength of God to flow through you to others." Later in this message Pastor Conlon spoke, "There is your strength" God says "I will open this banquet of truth to you. I will show you where the power is. I'll put in your heart a total other value system. I'll give you the power to love people that will cast the fear of man out of your heart." Just before the ending prayer there was more that spoke about our need of His strength. "When you agree with God you will find your sin covered, your failing covered and the power of the cross is coming right your way. God will be your strength in that area of weakness. That thing you felt you could never do you will start to do. The testimony of God will so explode in your heart. You will be singing "How Great is our God." Then in the prayer the service was ended with "these people have heard your Word and turned to You from something that was giving them weakness and sending them in a powerless direction. As we have turned to You, You have turned to us...Bless us that we might be a blessing. This is a brand new beginning for many. We thank You and praise You. Hallelujah!

So the message to me and through me this month is pray for, wait on and receive His strength. We are to stand strong in the power of His might and not our own. I pray this has helped any others who are struggling this month and need an infusion of God's strength.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 Amplified

I will end with a psalm that I have also sung as a scripture song that the Holy Spirit also reminded me about this morning -

 Whom have I in heaven but You?
         And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
 My flesh and my heart fail;
         But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:25-26    
 

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 8 Number 3                                                             March, 2010

More Refining and Fine Tuning

For months I have been mentioning course corrections, changes and shaking that has been going on in my life. It is part of our continual refining and what a friend of mine calls fine tuning. I am glad that I am hearing continually from the Lord in the Word and through His Spirit yet I have found I have to trust Him a lot more because my understanding is not as clear. Though I see the ideal is to not add to or take away from the Word I find that the process of leaving traditions/religion and even teachings I embraced that now I don't see in the Word has been challenging. I am not as sure footed. I do know the foundation is Christ and am astounded by how many places the Word talks about preaching Christ. Here are just a few but there are many other examples.

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. Acts 17:2-4

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. Colossians 1:27-29

Holy Spirit has been refining/ fine tuning my understanding about spiritual warfare. Too much of it was so complicated and I got to think if I tried this I would have the results of  the seven sons of Sceva

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:13-16

I pray that I will be able to make clear what I am learning as I believe this will help others of you who don't want to neglect biblical spiritual warfare yet have gotten confused by all that has been taught in the modern day church.

First we must resist the enemy instead of just retreating and or hiding from him. I believe we will stand stronger when we really realize in our hearts that Jesus has conquered/disarmed satan; this is a finished work. We have continual power/authority in Jesus' name. I found out that many times authority and power was the same word in GK (exusia).

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 1 Peter 5:8-10

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:13-15

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18

Thoughts of unbelief  will arise. These are only Satan's suggestions and we must choose not to listen. This is true when we have thoughts of discouragement. We must not entertain these for a minute. We have to see that for far too often we have been petting these "demons" . We must say in faith something like - "The Lord rebuke you, satan... I resist you in Jesus' name. Jesus You are my conqueror!"

Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 9

I have heard it said before that when the enemy comes to the door let Jesus answer it. Well that is true. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith and it is His authority that will help us to overcome. So when the enemy makes his suggestions we are not to answer him or even let him talk to us. He is our enemy. We are not to treat him like a friend and let him have so much access to our mind, our emotions, our homes etc. So now at the first thought that I know does not line up with the Word I have come to realize that I must turn him over to Christ, Who is God's answer to him and his lies for all eternity. Satan is wise and cunning but his wisdom and tactics are not too much for the Lord.

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1b-2

I am seeing how vital it is to not trust in my own thoughts but to ask for the mind of Christ. Also  we need to know that it is the enemy who gives us the spirit of fear. It is not of God and we must resist it and other spirits contrary to the Holy Spirit with the blood of Jesus and through His all prevailing name.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18

The Holy Spirit just showed me more to go with what I have been sharing. We are I pray taking up our individual crosses and fighting the good fight of faith. Too often when bombarded with hellish thoughts and nightmares we can actually feel unclean. We too often listen to these mental invasions thinking they are our thoughts. We must ask for Holy Spirit to help us know how to deal with the enemy's tactics and free us from any bondage. Holy Spirit's still small voice guides us and empowers us in the midst of these battles. There are many causes that we believe these accusations from the enemy in what ever form they take. It can be due to our past or feelings of rejection and we also live in this world during times when the wicked one is out to entrap many with his lies and schemes.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:25-27

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 arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (KJV says imaginations for arguments)

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

There is one verse in the Old Testament and four  verses in the New Testament that seem to be always in my heart and I keep before my eyes. I pray them to be true in my life and in the lives mine touches

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
      That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Galatians 4:18-20

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Now read this portion of scripture about the parable of the sower asking Holy Spirit to reveal if you are allowing the devil to hinder your harvest. God's refining and fine tuning is God's best for us so we need to choose to say yes to Him and no to any other voices that are vying for our attention that conflict with His Word.

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.  Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. Luke 8:11-15

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

If you need prayer or have comments or ideas about this prayer letter please write.

OneinHim@InSpiritandTruth.com

Or on the web-site http://www.InSpiritandTruth.com click on contact us

We praise the Lord for those who have given a gift of any amount to this ministry.  In the last year we have been able to help some of our own financially and also given offerings to four ministries that continually feed us on the various groups. We look forward to see what our Faithful Father will do in and through the Spirit and Truth Ministries' family now and until Jesus comes. I am trusting our Lord to give each of you a year filled with answered prayers and all of His best.

THIS MONTH'S PRAYER NEEDS 

MARCH, 2010

 * Christ Centered Church * Christian Music Lovers * Christian Remnant * End Time Encouragement * Living by Faith Fellowship * Reflecting Christ *  Scripture Prayers * Worship in Spirit and Truth

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Volume 8 Number 2                                                             February, 2010

Pressing on by the Spirit

So much has happened since I last wrote. I was called to fast for those in desperate need in my life as well as seek Him personally. There have been answers and I praise God for His faithfulness. I was also humbled by how hard it was to fast for an extended amount of time. In my twenties and thirties I did this much more easily.  Then less than a week after the fast was over I dealt with the worst and longest hormonal symptoms than I have had in years. I sadly did get frustrated and weary. I would like to say how I triumphed and overcame but in truth I was clinging to the Lord and asking for more grace and mercy to be able to persevere. I am glad that I continued with the fast and endured the ever changing and debilitating symptoms. I learned so much about pressing on and enduring. Below  are the scriptures that helped me to not just sit down and believe these life challenges were impossible for me. I had eventually told my soul, "It is possible. God is with you and helping you." I knew I had to have faith in Him and His promises and trust in His strength and wisdom and grace.

If you are in a difficult place or God has called you to something that it seems like you can't do, I exhort you to yield to Him and don't give up in the trial. He knows the way and He can keep you on the path He has for you. Keep walking, don't turn back or get stuck by believing the lies of the devil or even your own flesh.

So here is what I heard Holy Spirit speak to me in this season. I call them reminders or course corrections. I am writing the words together with the scriptures in the order I received them.

1) press on

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Philippians 3:12-15

1) weights

Galatians 2:20

“ For yet a little while,
      And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
      Now the just shall live by faith;
      But if anyone draws back,
      My soul has no pleasure in him.”

 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:37-39

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. 1 John 3:23-24

6) it's worth it

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

I know it will be worth whatever we must endure when we see Jesus! I was reminded of the lyrics of a song that I heard a long time ago. If I could remember the melody I believe I would also remember the name of the song and at least who sang it. The words are - "It will be worth the waiting; the anticipating when we see Jesus!" Let us like Paul be able to say -

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 8 Number 1                                                             January, 2010

New Songs of Faith and Victory

Even before 2010 started I knew the Lord was talking to me about praise and worship. As I changed what was the guest room back to my office after Christmas I knew God wanted me to gather my praise and worship tapes and put them all in one tape rack. Holy Spirit had been speaking to me about singing psalms and choruses that I had learned when I was a new Christian.

He had brought up this scripture when I had been seeking Him a few days earlier.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

I knew the Father was  wanting me to really know that my foundation was secure not built on anything other than Christ and the teachings of the apostles and prophets.

This scripture spoke to me as I was seeking God for the New Year.

This people I have formed for Myself;
      They shall declare My praise. Isaiah 43:21

Again I was hearing that praise and worship was going to be an important focus in 2010. 

In December I had been learning about the need to be more thankful especially in the midst of troubled times. I had heard a sermon about how when the world sees God's people praising Him and at peace and joyful in the midst of difficult circumstances it would minister to them and they would want to come to the Lord.

You are my hiding place;
         You shall preserve me from trouble;
         You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah  Psalm 32:7

I also read a ministry newsletter that talked about that we too often sing and rejoice when the answered prayer comes. Even those who don't know God can do that. I meditated on this and then realized the Lord would be more pleased if we sang songs of faith and victory before the answer comes. This would glorify Him and others would also see that we trusted Him no matter what it looked like. Here is a quote from the newsletter I mentioned by David Wilkerson that really confirmed what I was starting to see.

"What the world hungers for is the sight of a Christian who is being deeply tested - someone who is in trouble, his back against the wall, with no way out - yet he sings. He doesn't complain of his situation. He trusts not in man nor in circumstances but in God."

Today so many are in fear but we have God who is with us in these times of testing. He can be trusted.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:3-5

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
         For my soul trusts in You;
         And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,
         Until these calamities have passed by. Psalm 57:1

Since it was a new year I started to read in the psalms about new songs.

Praise the LORD with the harp;
         Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
 Sing to Him a new song;
         Play skillfully with a shout of joy. Psalm 33:2-3

I loved this because I worship God weekly with my omnichord which is like a harp to me. The sound is so peaceful and it reminds me of how David played the harp for Saul when a distressing spirit came upon him.

And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.1 Samuel 16:23

Here are more scriptures on new songs.

He has put a new song in my mouth—
         Praise to our God;
         Many will see it and fear,
         And will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

I will sing a new song to You, O God;
         On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You...Psalm 144:9

Then on the 10th of January Holy Spirit interrupted my worship time talking to me about different areas of my life and ministry. I knew I had to stop singing and write down what He was saying or i would forget some of it. Most of these were personal course corrections that I may write on at another time but again it was during praise and worship that He spoke so clearly to me.

On the 14th I was born again for 32 years. I took a spiritual gifts test that day and saw that  my top gifts were still pastor/shepherd and leading worship but this time also giving. I then re-read a recent word from  the Lord through Marsha Burns at Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, CO that spoke about giving being an act of worship.

I speak to you about your giving, and many of you, My people, have allowed your tithing to be no more than religious duty. Beloved, I want you to give as an act of extreme worship. Give with thanksgiving and joy, for it is My desire to honor your spirit of generosity, and it is My delight to open the windows of heaven and pour out My blessing upon you, says the Lord.

Again He was expanding what I had known about worship from reading the Word and singing to Him all these years. Last night I was reading in an older book called Praise and Worship...in Earth as it is in Heaven by Anne Murchison. These scriptures spoke to me as I read -

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:15-21

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh...Philippians 3:3

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

The author clarified that Psalms was a hymnal and should be used for instruction, example and encouragement. This brought me back to me spending more time not only reading the psalms but singing them. She then talked about the subject of Davidic praise and worship and Jesus being the Lion of the tribe of Judah. (Revelation 5:5). Judah in Hebrew is Yhudwdah which means "celebrated; praise to God." The root means to revere or worship with extended hands.

She wrote about three spiritual principals about praise and worship

" Praise overcomes the enemy. Praise overcomes our flesh (carnal, ungodly desires). Praise and worship brings us into right relationship with the Lord and the rivers of living water begin to flow forth from us in abundance"

This year I want to sing songs of faith and victory before I experience or see the answered prayers come to pass in my life and in those loved ones I intercede for. I pray that you too will sing songs and worship God in every way the Holy Spirit shows you.

Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
         Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
  Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
         Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:1-2

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
         And into His courts with praise.
         Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4     

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 7 Number 12                                                             December, 2009

For Those Who Are Having Trouble Looking Up

I have been weeping a lot as I read e-mails or think about those suffering physically, emotionally and financially. It hasn't been easy to cast the care. It doesn't seem enough to pray for these or even give what I can of what I have been blessed with.

I was reminded of these verses in Acts 3.

 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:1-7

So as I meditated on what I can give to those who are at the point of losing hope, grown weary and are giving up, I thought I can give them the Word and the fresh manna that the Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning. First I read from from Lamentations 3:19-23 -

 Remember my affliction and roaming,
      The wormwood and the gall.
       My soul still remembers
      And sinks within me.
       This I recall to my mind,
      Therefore I have hope.
      Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
      They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.

I then thought of these scriptures I had heard twice this week from two different pastors.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I remember what Jesus said as He read from this passage in the temple -

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
      Because the LORD has anointed Me
      To preach good tidings to the poor;
      He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
      To proclaim liberty to the captives,
      And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
       To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
      And the day of vengeance of our God;
      To comfort all who mourn,
       To console those who mourn in Zion,
      To give them beauty for ashes,
      The oil of joy for mourning,
      The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
      That they may be called trees of righteousness,
      The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3

I thought of a scripture that encourages my heart and one I often use to encourage those who minister in any way.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Lord knows what we are going through and we must remember what He endured.

‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust. Psalm 16:1

Even those we love most can betray us. That is why we have to trust God.

Do not trust in a friend;
      Do not put your confidence in a companion;
      Guard the doors of your mouth
      From her who lies in your bosom.
       For son dishonors father,
      Daughter rises against her mother,
      Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
      A man’s enemies are the men of his own household.
       Therefore I will look to the LORD;
      I will wait for the God of my salvation;
      My God will hear me. Micah 7:5-7

Sometimes we begin to feel sorry for ourselves. I recently heard about a way to look at this that I never thought of before. A pastor said that when we feel sorry for ourselves we've forgotten what God has done for us and all the prayers He has answered. We then may become bitter and act as though He actually owes us and this makes it impossible for Him to be gracious to us. I sure have never seen how a "you owe me" attitude toward God and others can cut us off from His grace. I repented for times when I have looked inward for far too long or even let these thoughts get into self-pity.

During my morning devotions I read this quote from the Worship Bible about the importance of our focus - "We who were self-centered have to be completely changed so that we can shift our attention outside of ourselves and become able to worship Him." Raymond C. Ortland. This doesn't go for just those of us who are too self focused but also those who think too much about what we are going through or how unfair we believe we have been treated. We need to look up and out more than in.

As I was worshiping this morning I sang this song and I know that you can't go wrong by believing these words and saying I will turn my eyes on You, Father no matter what I see or or feel or think.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

from Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Words & Music: Helen H, Lemmell, 1922

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

Have a blessed and safe Christmas and even if you can't be with loved ones know that Jesus is with you. He will never leave or forsake you. If your need is on this list someone at this ministry is praying for you everyday.

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 7 Number 11                                                             November, 2009

How Shall We Then Live?

Last week I didn't get much sleep but one early morning I heard the Holy Spirit speak these words - "How Shall We Then Live?" I thought this had to do with a survival dream about the end-times I had earlier. As I meditated on what was being said I then heard the reprimand that we can't live as we always have; that times have radically changed. I prayed and these scriptures came to me about what we must do in these challenging days.

We are not to be troubled or in fear.

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6

We are to be ready

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:40

We are to watch and pray

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. Mark 13:32-33

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. Luke 12:37

We must do business until Jesus  comes. We just don't sit and wait for the rapture. We are to endure and persevere.

Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ Luke 19:12-13

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

We are to look up!

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”. Luke 21:28

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

This next scripture is very timely as the modern church still has so much religion that complicates and confuses us and too often distracts us from being Christ-centered.

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

And in vain they worship Me,
      Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

  For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”  He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. Mark 7:7-9

making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13

We also must have oil which is representative of being filled with the Holy Spirit like the wise virgins.

“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’  Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.  “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’  “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:6-13

 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:15-21

I then meditated on the actual words the Holy Spirit spoke to me, "how shall we then live?" and couldn't find them in scripture but I did find a scripture with a similar message.

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness...2 Peter 3:11

I know that in these end times everything that can be shaken will be shaken and so we must learn how to live in times that are not stable.

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Matthew 12:25-28  

I know that for the last year God has been seriously weaning me from the world. He first told me to not watch the news much as the truth was not being reported but opinions and that His Word was the truth. We are to not be like those in the world. Heaven is our true home.  Jesus spoke about this as he prayed for His disciples

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. John 17:14-18

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,  having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.1 Peter 2:9-12

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.1 Peter 4:1-3

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven.... Colossians 1:21-23a

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:8-10

There are so many scriptures about us not being like the world and not loving it but here are three more that we should meditate on

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1John 2:15-17

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.1John 5:4

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.1 John 5:19-21

This may be a lot to consider. We each are dealing with our own life trials and challenges. I have seen more financial, relationship and health prayer needs in the last few months and not only more but they are more urgent too. Some are fainting and others clinging to God like never before. I don't see many who are standing strongly now. We do need to stand on the Word and to put on the whole armor of God but we also need to ask for prayer from those who we believe will really intercede and pray in faith knowing all things are possible with God and that He can be totally trusted no matter what is going on in our lives or in the chaotic storms around us. Jesus is still speaking, "Peace be still."

You will keep him in perfect peace,
      Whose mind is stayed on You,
      Because he trusts in You.
       Trust in the LORD forever,
      For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3-4

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

I am praying you have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. No matter what you are dealing with there is so much to thank Father God for. Give Him thanks with a grateful heart!!!

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Volume 7 Number 10                                                             October, 2009

Let The Words of my Mouth be Acceptable in Your Sight,
         O LORD

This month I didn't have to seek the Lord about what He wanted me to minister about. It became obvious as I read the Word and listened to several pastors and teachers. There is no way that I can cover all the scriptures on the mouth, the tongue, our words, how we speak and our confession but I will include many scriptures. They will be in various translations as I studied them. Some of what I have learned is that we can undue what you have prayed about in faith with words of unbelief.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 NKJV

For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. Matthew 12:37 Amplified

As believers we shouldn't speak like the world. What comes out of our mouths is the result of what we hear, read or watch. We also become like the people we spend the most time with and too often we can even speak like they do.

There are many ways we can use our words in a wrong way. We can lie, curse, use our words as weapons or brag.

The Lord will stop those flattering lips
       and cut off those bragging tongues.
They say, "Our tongues will help us win.
       We can say what we wish; no one is our master." Psalm 12:3-4 NCV

Who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
         And bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words,
 That they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
         Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. Psalm 64:34 NKJV

Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. Matthew 15:17-18 NKJV

You are snared by the words of your mouth;
      You are taken by the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2

We need to examine what we are saying and then make them work for us instead of against us. We can listen to  what we are saying and our lives will turn around.

Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3:10 NKJV

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
         And the deeds of a man's hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:14 NAS

We can choose to have our words agree with what is in the Word and be more consistent at doing this. We need to say the same thing when we are talking to our friends that we pray to God in our prayer closets. We can stop talking defeat, failure, sickness and lack. Listen to Holy Spirit as you read these other scriptures from Proverbs, the book of wisdom and a few other places in the Word.

chatter

In all labor there is profit,
      But idle chatter leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

confession

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

lips

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
      But he who restrains his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity
      Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Proverbs 19:1

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

mouth

A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth,
      But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.
       ³ He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
      But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:2-3

In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride,
      But the lips of the wise will preserve them. Proverbs 14:3

The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
      But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Proverbs 15:2

 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
      And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!  Proverbs 15:23

  A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
      From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.  Proverbs 18:20

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Colossians 3:8

speak/speech

For my mouth will speak truth;
      Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:7

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6      

tongue

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
      But the tongue of the wise promotes health. Proverbs 12:18

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
      But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
      And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26

 word/words

The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
      But the mouth of the upright will deliver them. Proverbs 12:6

A soft answer turns away wrath,
      But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
      Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

I pray as you have read these scriptures and searched your own heart that Holy Spirit showed you some areas where you can improve in the things that you say. We can be more like Jesus. Look what was said about His words in Luke 4:22 - So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
         Be acceptable in Your sight,
         O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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  Volume 7 Number 9                                                              September, 2009

Redeemed From What Curses?

Recently I was reminded about how we have been redeemed from the curse of the law. Jesus has redeemed us from the curses named in Deuteronomy 28:15-68. I had to ask myself if I have I truly believed this? Or have I allowed worldly or my own carnal ways to distract and deceive me from God's truth.

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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 Volume 7 Number 8                                                              August, 2009

Loving as God Loves Us

It wasn't difficult to know what God wanted me to write about this month. I started seeking Him early. I knew the topic would be on the love of God. I first heard a message by Keith Moore called He Loves Me. That was my first confirmation. Then that night I went on-line to watch a video of a recent sermon by David Wilkerson at Times Square Church in New York City. Though it was called Reaching the Lost in Uncertain Times, it mostly talked about us loving one another as God has loved us.

And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26

I remembered that early the same morning I had read in a devotional by Neil Anderson about how God loves us not because we are loveable but because it is His nature to love us. The next day I Joyce Meyer wrote in a book I was reading to be more "quick to love and slow to judge."

Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Later in the day  I was cleaning the kitchen and turned on my Ipod and the first song that came on was My Father's Love from the Vineyard CD My Redeemer Lives. I have been studying daily the course I am taking on Christ-likeness and what do you think the next subject that same day was on? The Perfection of Love. Even when I met with my neighbor Jackie that evening for our worship, study and prayer time, the first song on the worship video, You are my World which we hadn't used for worship for weeks just happened to be God So Loved. I never had so many confirmations about a subject I was to study or write about.

Here are two more scripture passages that I read this past week also.

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love Ephesians 3:16-17

We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness,
         In the midst of Your temple.
 According to Your name, O God,
         So is Your praise to the ends of the earth;
         Your right hand is full of righteousness. Psalm 48:9-10

The love of God and His love expressed through us must be very important to Him. Of course it is. Look at what Jesus says are the greatest commandments.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

Some of the things that I learned from the various teachings, sermons, devotions and scriptures I trust God will minister to you and have you look to see if this is an area in your life where Holy Spirit is making a correction or at the very least an improvement.

1) If we know God then we know love. He is love and we need to walk in love. God is not impressed by how much we know but how much we love. He knows who loves Him.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

I believe that since God is love that it must be the very atmosphere of heaven. We will bask in the love of heaven.

Your kingdom come.
      Your will be done
      On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

“Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. “For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him— then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. Deuteronomy 11:18-23

2) God wants us to love His other children the way He loves us.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

3) Do we really believe  that God loves us? Many of us face seasons in wilderness experiences that last far longer than they need to be. I see how vital it is that we know God loves us. Look at this Old Testament scripture -

“Nevertheless you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God; and you complained in your tents, and said, ‘Because the LORD hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Deuteronomy 1:27

Do we believe what the Bible says about God or what we feel or have been told? We need to know for ourselves how much God loves us and how much He loves others too. He loved us when we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) and he knows the number of hairs on our head.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-8

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

3) We are to follow Jesus and to be like Him. Look how much He loved us and He still is interceding in heaven. I believe that Father God wants us to reveal the character He sees in Jesus to the world today. We are His body and we know that God was well pleased with Him.

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Matthew 17:5-6

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:34-35

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.1 John 4:17

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:17-18

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

Shouldn't we also be choosing to stand in the gap instead of finding fault and accusing like the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10)? We need to remain merciful and in agreement  with the heart of God. Like Jesus we need to be crying out, "Father forgive them; for they do not know what they do." It isn't easy to be different; to pray when others are fault-finding or cursing and to let love be perfected in us in the midst or our suffering and life's conflicts.

I believe God is still looking for an intercessor to stand in the gap. Are there many who haven't hardened their heart and will care and go to Him in prayer for the rebellious, the mean, the lying, the corrupt , the complacent, the self-indulgent, the worldly, the carnal and so many more.

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Remember how Abraham stood in the gap for Sodom asking for even ten righteous in that city so it could be spared (Genesis 18:26-33)?

Moses too was an intercessor.

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

The enemy may use the ones we are praying for to come against us. We can choose to not give our hearts to frustration and bitterness over this. Jesus bore much heartache from betrayal. There was a time when everyone betrayed Him.

Do we really love enough to truly know Him and obey Him? We must want to be made into the house of prayer that is His and the Father's desire.

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:21-24

Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” Mark 11:17

but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Hebrews 3:6

Like Paul can we truthfully say more and more each day  -

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:17-18

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

* * *

 Volume 7 Number 7                                                              July, 2009

The Lord has been revealing His ways to make my path easier. I want to share some spiritual experiences that I pray will help you as they have me. A few weeks ago I was about to do a project that should have taken ten minutes but everything went wrong. There were obstacles no matter what I tried and I found myself getting frustrated and on the verge of reacting in anger. Suddenly I heard Holy Spirit speak to me to call for the fruit of the Spirit I needed. I called for patience and peace and my attitude changed and I even felt joy in the midst of the task. I knew this wasn't a one time quick fix. This revelation would change me forever and it is. I find myself calling forth the fruit of the Spirit often.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did Romans 4:17b

I will list the fruit of the Spirit below and other meanings in the Greek. Then we will look at what we deal with in life's challenges and when we can call upon the fruit needed.

* love - agape - active love of God

* joy - chara - rejoicing , happiness, gladness, delight

* peace - eirene - peace , harmony, safety,  reconciliation in a relation, quiet, rest

* patience - makrothymia - patience, forbearance, internal and external control in a difficult circumstance, longsuffering

* kindness -chrestotes - kindness, good

* goodness - agathosyne - goodness, benevolence, generosity

* faithfulness - pistis - faith , trust, assurance , fidelity, faithfulness, actions based on trust

* gentleness - praotes - gentleness, meekness, humility, considerateness

* self - control - enkrateia - self-control, temperance

Now when do you call on these spiritual fruits? Let us look at some times we need to call on these most.

* love - when we feel hate, dislike, disapproval rising up

* joy - when we feel sad, disappointed, despairing

* peace - when we have feelings of agitation or frustration or there is strife, conflict in our life

* patience - when we are anxious, inflexible, hasty or impatient

* kindness - when we start feeling cruel , hard-hearted, cold or unkind

* goodness - when we are tempted by evil, corruption , dishonesty or want to hurt someone

* faithfulness - when we want to be disloyal or are acting deceitful, untrue or untrustworthy

* gentleness - when we feel willful, abrupt, harsh, discourteous or severe

* self-control - when we are feeling or acting unstable, self-indulgent

Now I believe you know in your heart that this can't work if you really don't want to change. You can't call for joy if you are determined to stay sad and discouraged. I know that Holy Spirit will help you if you want these fruits to be evident in the situations where you need them. He sure is at work changing me.

I was then reminded that I am in God's presence. That is His presence is with me. My favorite singer wrote in her last letter to me about the importance of His presence in her life and I had been meditating on it. earlier this month. I remembered what Moses said in Exodus 33 (see below). Knowing God's  presence is with me is both comforting and empowering yet I must yield and submit to Him and also resist the enemy and his lies.

Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. Exodus 33:13-15

You will show me the path of life;
         In Your presence is fullness of joy;
         At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

I pray that what I was shown this month will be as life changing for you as it has been for me.

Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:4-6

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:7-8

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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    Volume 7 Number 6                                                              June, 2009

Restored Hope and Faith

A week ago I knew I would be writing about hope. So many I was praying for needed it more than ever and every time I read the Bible hope seemed to be the theme. It wasn't until a few days ago that the Lord showed me something about faith that I needed to see that was hindering answers to prayer in particularly one area.

One week this month it seemed that there were five people in my life that were in the trial of their lives. I prayed fervently yet had a hard time casting the care because I so wanted to make all the pain/frustration go away for these that I loved so much. Then I saw how the Lord worked in these very difficult situations. Hope had been restored.

Yet I know others who have given up even praying in certain areas of their life. I ask God that what I wrote to the Lord in my journal will help them.. If this is your prayer/heart's desire talk to the Father using your own words or even some of mine but personalize it for yourself.

Father, I want to be a person who refuses to to stop hoping no matter what happens in my life. I know I must hope in You and believe for the good that will be in my future. I want to think and talk more positively and expect good news. I know that a positive attitude will relieve the pressures of life. I choose to put a smile on my face.

Abraham hoped in faith. I want to be like him instead of my heart getting sick by hope being deferred. This only causes depression, despair and discouragement.

Positive believing opens the way for You to work Your will in my life. Walking with You includes agreeing with You. Your thoughts and plans for me will be even better than I have hoped.

Scriptures I got this week on hope are -

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor (trouble) as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. Hosea 2:15

Do not let your heart envy sinners,
      But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;
       For surely there is a hereafter,
      And your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So [numberless] shall your descendants be.He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah's [deadened] womb.No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, Fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Romans 4:18-22 Amplified

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].1 Corinthians 13:7 Amplified

And yesterday morning the words from the chorus of the song Whispering Hope that I heard my favorite singers Guy and Ralna sing on one of their CDs also added to my thoughts on hope -

"Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice, how welcome...making my heart in its sorrow rejoice, rejoice."

Now for what I learned about the need for faith when we pray. I knew this in my head and my heart in most cases yet there are areas where I was in hope more than in faith. I then read about how Abraham interceded about Sodom so that it wouldn't be destroyed.

Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?  Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? Genesis 18:22-23

The end of his prayer and God's answer was -

Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place. Genesis 18:32-33

I suddenly saw how I had gotten discouraged because so few seemed to be standing for God. What I read and see on the news seemed so horrible and who was standing for truth, for God' s people, for Christian rights, for the unborn etc. I knew there had to be ten and then I wrote this in my journal -

True faith obtains Your promises. Through faith which works by faith and by love we grow even when we think we are weak. In Christ we are made strong. faith shuts the mouths that try to devour us with their words of discouragement and fear.

who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions...Hebrews 11:33

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God... Ephesians 2:8

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5:6

I will stand for truth and there are others who will too. Evil enters through our negligence and will leave through our diligence

I then asked myself these questions.

I have gotten my eyes off those around me and I now ask myself

* Where do I stand?

* Where have I fallen from confident expectant faith?

* Where am I imprisoned in unbelief?

* Do I see this nation or even Your church entrapped in sin? Then haven't I fallen from faith about them?

* Am I alive and awake to what You are doing?

I prayed to see the harvest, and hear the call of the Spirit and be open to the emerging, unified church, Christ's bride. I know that in the midst of darkness that God is sending His brightest light.

I spoke to God about shining His light in my heart to show me places where it wasn't pure or had been divided. I asked that my heart will be united with His holy army that is being raised up in this hour. He knew I didn't want a heart that promoted division in His church and among His people. I knew I had more than hope than i had before and that God would help me to have strong faith  for where He has placed me -

* for my family

* for the body of Christ where I live and on the Internet in the various "communities" I am part of

* for this country

* for the nations (as I have been praying for them by name for a few months now)

I know that God loves all of these even more than I do and will turn their hearts back to Him. We need to intercede and He will draw them.

Each morning I pray for the Holy Spirit to birth the Christ life in those who don't know Him and bring the promised fullness of the Christ life, the abundant life into those who already do know Him. I pray that Holy Spirit will release the light of the glory of the gospel in every situation, that Jesus will be exalted in every life and that the destinies of those who belong to God will be fulfilled. I ask that His anointing that was on our Lord Jesus Christ would break the yokes of sin, ungodly relationships and anything else  that stops us from following Him. I pray also that we will stand strong and steadfast, unconditionally loving as He loved and speaking His Word over  the lives of those who touch my life (which includes you if you are reading this). I pray that Holy Spirit would work in me and touch through me and keep us on God's brightest path as we are watching and waiting for the rapture and meeting our Beloved Lord Jesus in the air.

I have had four rapture dreams and always as I rise up toward Him there is no joy or freedom like I ever known here on earth and these are just dreams not the real thing. Jesus is coming soon and I pray His bride will not only be ready but be hopeful and faith filled.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:21-23

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue
 

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 Volume 7 Number 5                                                              May, 2009

Caring is wonderful when expressed toward others yet how many of us are taking too much care for ourselves. This is true for many Christians. Instead of looking up and out there is still too much unnecessary inward searching. "What is in it for me? When do I get mine?"

Are we really trusting God to take care of us in these end times? Jesus talked about the importance of denying ourselves and following Him

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

We must leave our own interests to follow Jesus as the disciples left their nets.

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. Luke 9:24

When we say, " no" more and more to self-care we are letting God be God in our lives.

I am reminded of the story of the man who fell off a cliff and kept grasping for branches and as he held to the last branch he looked up and prayed for help and the voice from heaven said, "let go. ' Then the man responded, "Is there anyone else up there?"

How often when we are waiting on God do we end up trying to work things out for ourselves in our own strength and our own time? And why is it so hard to cast the care on God as we are encouraged to do?

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.1 Peter 5:6-7

Self-seeking is not of God yet we all do it and many don't even know to repent for doing this.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

We are even instructed to be self-controlled and self-control or temperance is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians3:23)

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,  to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

One of the ways we know that we are in perilous times is that people will not only be lovers of themselves but without self-control.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,  traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3: 1-5

This week as I sought the Lord about this letter I was led to the word carnal. As I read the scriptures with this word I saw that carnal was about self-preservation and being fleshly and independent even rebellious toward God and His ways.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:6-7

I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 1 Corinthians 3:2-4

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 arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ... 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I've heard the term carnal Christian and that really doesn't seem a true description of one who would follow the Lord. How can we follow Him and still be carnal?

We have been given a new nature. We are to walk in newness of life

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:3-5

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

We can become more selfless and put others and especially God before ourselves. It is a choice but it won't be easy.

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12:3

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Why are we part of the body of Christ? Aren't we God's family? Doesn't a family take care of one another, spend time together, encourage and serve each other? Sadly in too many church services we truly feel left out and alone and not a part of a family at all. We aren't known, accepted or encouraged as we should be. We've become accustomed to receiving and not giving; being served and not serving. We have learned to do our own thing and even church denominations and others who gather together have different visions and ways of doing things rather than centering on God's purpose of us being built together as Christ's body with only one Head.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,  in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

I will end with a scripture I looked up in many translations this month. It was a scripture I heard Holy Spirit speak to me one morning early and I had to find where it was. I wasn't sure why I heard it but I can see it goes  well about the attitude we need to have which is far from self-seeking and self preservation. It is so much more like Jesus, our Lord and Master.

Servants don't deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do. And that's how it should be with you. When you've done all you should, then say, "We are merely servants, and we have simply done our duty." Luke 17:9-10 Contemporary English Version
 

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue
 

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 Volume 7 Number 4                                                              April, 2009

There has been so many changes and even shaking going on in believers lives. Tests have been harder too. Some have been dealing with circumstances that affect  their health, relationships, their work and this of course affects them emotionally, mentally and eventually spiritually. Early one morning I was reminded of this scripture -

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...Philippians 1:6

Too many of us are looking back or think of how we wanted our lives or each situation to turn out. Do you have regrets about what could have been? Some I know even seem to be stuck. They are not moving forward and they certainly don't want to go back to where they were hurt in the past. I want to give you a hand up as the Holy Spirit ministers through me.

You can press forward. You are a work in progress. What was or what you see or feel now is not the final outcome. We are God's workmanship and He isn't done yet

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28

Not long ago I was singing a song I used to sing when I was going through my longest and most difficult time back in the mid 80s. Even then I loved to listen and sing Christian music. I was on the praise and worship team at my church for several years. I can't remember the words exactly of this song but the way I remember them I believe is pretty close since  I couldn't find the lyrics in any songbooks or when I did a search on-line. The chorus goes something like this -

Changing me, changing me from earthly ways to the heavenly.

That is exactly what is going on now. I may have mentioned this before but Holy Spirit showed me a wrinkled wedding dress a few years back. He asked me how I was going to get the wrinkles out and then proceeded to answer His own question. He said, "by heat and pressure."

If you are reading this I believe you are at least a believer. I pray that you will continue in the faith and are awaiting the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, so you will certainly be His bride.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard...Colossians 1:21-23a

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27

Two years ago the Lord pretty much commanded me to not look back or around to what others were doing or not doing. I was at a point of fainting and this was the way He used to strengthen me and keep me pressing forward. At first it was an act of my will to obey Him because I love Him but now I am more passionate and fervent as I pursue the depths of all God created me to be and do. Focus was another key. I had to keep my eyes on Him and to meditate on His Word day and night.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You.
 Blessed are You, O LORD!
         Teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:11-12

I had to knock on every door of opportunity as it came. Some opened but others slammed shut.

Too often we limit our lives because we stop progressing. The work Father God is doing in us is ongoing. It is a process and we are to grow and mature. We don't want to stay babies by wanting our own way or by agreeing with worldly ways. Satan is called the god of this world.

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.1 Peter 2:1-3

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Let go of all the self-talk you express like, "What is wrong with me? I should do better and be better and be farther along than I am." Start focusing on how far you have come even thanking God for salvation, for health, for a new day, for your loved ones. Even on the worst of days you can thank Him for waking up, that you have food to eat or that you can hear the birds singing.

What we all become is determined by our daily choices. We are taking steps toward our destiny. I have decided to respond spiritually rather than react emotionally. I have learned that allowing my emotions to lead is a very bad idea. It becomes like a runaway train and it never ends well.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:5-7

Pleasing people or even being self-indulgent is no longer a goal or even something I want to be a part of. I want to please the Father and be as Christ-like as possible. I know that God already loves me. He loved me even when I was a sinner but by obeying Him is the way I show I love Him.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.1 John 2:5

Search the Word about pleasing the Lord and the Father. I will get you started.

I will praise the name of God with a song,
         And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull,
         Which has horns and hooves.
 The humble shall see this and be glad;
         And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. Psalm 69:30-32

When a man’s ways please the LORD,
      He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. Romans 8:8-9

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Well now you know more about pleasing God. Your motive is not to get Him to do something. You want to show Him how much You love Him because He is your Father because He sent His son to earth and because of the finished work Jesus did on the cross.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Romans 8:32

I know I am checking my thoughts, my motives, my attitudes because I know I am His and I want to represent Him well. We are an expression or a reflection of the Father as Jesus was when He lived on the earth. Watch Jesus. He said or did nothing unless the Father told Him. Look at some of the things He said about that.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. John 17:4

Yes Jesus is our standard. I know that can be intimidating yet we can make steps toward being all we can be for Father God because we love Him. We all can read the Word, listen to the Holy Spirit and yield to Him  in obedience.

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
      “ God resists the proud,
      But gives grace to the humble.”   
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:6-8

So I exhort you to come out of your comfort zones, say yes to what God is speaking to you by His Word and His Spirit. Repent when you are convicted of a sin or some way you are walking that is not in line with the Word. Forgive others and yourself too. Align your thinking and your speaking to what the Word says about that. These are all choices that must be made often and not just once when you accept Jesus as your Savior. I want to daily choose the abundant life. We can each make a difference for His kingdom in our time left here on this earth. We are His representative; His ambassadors.  The Bible says the Lord's disciples will be known by their love. Have courage because we can do this!

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

I want to be on Father God's brighter path, don't you?

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
   which shines brighter and brighter until full day. Proverbs 4:18
 

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue
 

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 Volume 7 Number 3                                                              March, 2009

These little trips through the Word led by Holy Spirit have been intriguing. I thought I would be writing on not being lukewarm and then I got into revering and fearing the Lord and then into praying for revival and this morning I was stopped in my tracks by a sentence in a new devotional by Joyce Meyer. I have been studying on this off and on all day.

Here is the sentence that got my attention -

"Dividing the sacred from the secular causes us to live disjointed lives where we always rush through the things we see as mundane in order to get to the spiritual activities we feel God is pleased with."

She then suggested that if we come to the realization that we have lifted all our life up to God it becomes a prayer, a type of living intercession. Wow!

It's true I don't want to be lukewarm and I want to revere and fear the Lord more yet by living a life that is wholly consecrated to God is key, isn't it?

Now read and meditate on these scriptures. Then examine your heart and life

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men...Colossians 3:23

God looks at our hearts. If we do an activity with a godly motive we are not self centered but wanting to exalt God. An example is to eat healthy, exercise and dress nicely so we can look and feel our best. Not to glorify ourselves but to glorify God.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

As I read these scriptures I saw that I do separate my life into different parts. My Word, prayer, worship and study time is for God. My cleaning house and being available for my husband is for Scott. My writing this prayer letter, posting to groups, discipling my neighbor and e-mailing is mostly for ministry. You get the idea. I started to think of everything as for God's glory and if there were things in my life that were not appropriate for Him then ideally they should be removed. This will make more room for the things that will glorify and honor Him.

I then studied about glorifying, honoring and exalting God. I first looked at what Jesus said and did .

Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.  If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. John 7:16-18

Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. John 8:49-50

We can be more Christ-like. We can also glorify God by being an undivided church at least in our hearts and minds.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:8

As disciples of Christ we can show godly love and bear spiritual fruit.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:38

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:8

We can honor God by giving.

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,  while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 2 Corinthians 9:12-14

We should live our lives to please God and not man.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:6-8

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16

We can change but will we? Do we love God more than our own comfort? Will we say yes to Him or to our own flesh and what others ask of us? I want to be like Paul who said -

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

We who are His body and the beloved bride of Christ will be without spot or wrinkle but we must be willing to do our part.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.1 John 3:2-4
 

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 7 Number 2                                                                February, 2009

First Means First

This will be like a puzzle to put together as I  write this prayer letter. For over a week Holy Spirit has been reminding me of scriptures and almost every book I read adds to what I believe the Lord wants me to write. The first scripture I heard was in Revelation and part of what Jesus spoke to the church at Ephesus in Revelation.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

I have been thinking of Jesus as my heavenly groom lately. I know He is coming for His bride. As a soon to be bride we must be faithful to our groom. He is our first love. One of my favorite scriptures speaks of us even as His virgin.

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

We are to be eagerly waiting for our heavenly bridegroom.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

How often do even the most devoted Christians say yes to others and no to what we know the Spirit of the Lord is prompting us to do. I want to be even more devoted to Him and immediate to be obedient when I know He is speaking to my heart to do something. Would a bride do anything less for her new earthly husband?

I was then doing dishes and heard a preacher on TV talk about the economy and how the Bible had the answer. He said something like we don't want to lose our things - our houses, cars etc. He then told us to go to this scripture.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

I do get up and read the Word and pray first but I know I can put God first in other ways too.

One morning recently I heard Holy Spirit speak to me about the commandments that Jesus talked about. He then said what is the first commandment? I knew what it was but then opened my Bible to the passage and meditated more on it.

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. Mark 12:29-30

I knew that honestly I didn't love Him as He was asking of me. He spoke to me about having a divided heart and being double minded all too often. I don't get into condemnation when the Lord corrects me like I used to because I know His correction is always what is best for me. I truly love His corrections now.  Can't we all improve on loving Him and by following whatever He is showing us in the Word and by His Spirit?

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
      Nor detest His correction;
       For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
      Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12

Yesterday I was working on the study that I have with my neighbor on Mondays and there was another comment made on a first. The author was talking about who we go to when we are in trouble and exhorted the reader to learn to go to God first. Yes, He can use others and anoint them to help us but isn't it best to head to the Secret place or to the throne in time of need?

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
         I will be with him in trouble;
         I will deliver him and honor him. Psalm 91:15

Notice this promise has  conditions. Verse 14 says we must set our love upon Him to be delivered and we must know His name. I will later touch on the names of God and Jesus as Holy Spirit spoke to me this morning.

After reading the Word I was catching up on a book I had been reading that I hadn't read for several days. In it I found more about God being first. I read about how the enemy entraps believers and seduces them into having  good things take the place of God in our lives. The author even said God needs to be first in our lives. Holy Spirit seemed to fill in the blanks as I read. He showed me how idols can truly be good things like our families, our work, our home or even a church or ministry. I saw how the enemy divides and then conquers. Yes, he divides families, friends and those in the body of Christ but he divides our heart and mind and we cooperate with him because we don't see what is truly happening.

There is a question that Elijah asked that is Very relevant today - “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” (from 1 Kings 18:21). We can replace our "pet" idol for the name Baal. Our little gods can maybe satisfy a little while but it is only God who hears our prayers and can truly satisfy our lives long term actually eternally. It is time to become whole and change our divided hearts and double minds.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Then I heard Holy Spirit talk about hallowing the name of the Lord. There are many names for God and Jesus. I will touch on just a few of them. God is called Elohim our Creator, Adonai, our Master, El Shaddai, the all sufficient one that is more than enough. He also has many names that go with Jehovah meaning I AM.

So Jehovah Shalom (Isaiah 9:6) is the I AM who gives  peace * Jehovah Rapha  is the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26) * Jehovah Jireh - the Lord who provides (Genesis 22:14) * Jehovah M'kaddesh - the Lord who sanctifies/makes holy (Lev. 20:8) * Jehovah Shammah - The Lord who is ever Present (Ezekiel 48:35) * Jehovah Tsidkenu - The Lord our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6) * Jehovah Nissi - The Lord who is our banner and victory (Exodus 17:15)  * Jehovah Rohi - the Lord our shepherd (Psalm 23:1) * Jehovah Sabaoth - The Lord of the hosts (1 Samuel 1:3) * Jehovah Gmolah - the Lord who recompenses (Jeremiah 51:6)

There are other names for God. Jesus also said, I AM * the resurrection *the way * the truth * the life * the light of the world * the bread of life * the door of the sheep *  the good shepherd * the true vine.

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58

I truly believe that whatever the need we have that God and Jesus' names will meet that need. In the Lord's prayer we see that God's name is to be hallowed. The Greek word is hagiazo which is used in other places in the New Testament to mean to sanctify, set apart, make holy or honor as Holy.

Though I just started studying this I know that when we put God first we will give Him honor and hallow Him. As I study His names and their meaning I know He will be to me even more than He is now. I know many of you reading this need Him to be your Healer and others need Him to be their peace. As we put Him first and hallow His name our Christian walk becomes stronger and we are more blessed so we can in turn bless those He brings into our lives. Let's not keep Him waiting and put Him first place in our hearts, in our minds, in our days and may He truly be our First Love.

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 7 Number 1                                                                  January, 2009

The Christ Centered Church Part 2

Last month I started sharing about all that I am learning about the church according to the New Testament. I wrote about how surprised I was that the modern church and even the church starting less than five hundred years after Jesus was crucified changed but not according to God's plan.

As the church we are to be God's family. We are to be brothers and sisters who share this new life in Christ. We are also called to love one another and bear each other's burdens.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Many churches today cater to those who are self-serving and materialistic. They sadly run more like a business than a family and the pastor more like a CEO. In the New Testament even those who guided and guarded their brethren were easily accessible to them. There were loving households of faith; communities of believers who had personal relationships with one another.

If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-17

The church today is far too complex. It is more business-like than spiritual. God intended it to be a close-knit, bonded community of Christ-like and compassionate brothers and sisters - a family centered on Jesus Christ alone. Our Lord longs for His bride, the church to be pure and not forget the simplicity that is in Him and His teachings. Holy Spirit will remind us of what Jesus taught.

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

Isn't that what we are looking for? I've heard many say they want to return to simplicity and to be part of a nurturing and caring church family.

Today we may have exciting praise music, sermons with many points and almost every kind of program for all ages and interests but are we a community that functions as a close-knit family. Isn't it love that is to be how others will identify the Lord's church?

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Church leaders are to oversee and direct. According to the New Testament they were elders meaning that they were more spiritually advanced yet just older brothers. They were sometimes called shepherds for they were to instruct but also guard the flock from spiritual predators. Oversight of the church was shared. We see churches were planted and the elders came from within each church. We are to follow biblical examples rather than modern day church plans that are thought up by men.

It was a group of elders not one man who oversaw the early churches. You will see this in Acts 15:2-6, 21:17-18, Titus 1:5, James 5:14 and in many more places). These elders were men of proven character who were servant-leaders. They were examples to the flock and they were as fathers to them.

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.1 Peter 5:1-3

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 6 Number 12                                                                  December, 2008

The Christ Centered Church 

This won’t be a Christmas message even though I pray that Jesus will have first place in your heart this Christmas and always. I want to write about the church that the Bible talks about. I have been studying about the early church in the Bible. I have read in Acts, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and 1 Timothy. I have been writing extensive notes and mediating on what I am learning, actually relearning. We think that the church we go to or what we have come to know as modern church must be what God wanted, right? We’ve become comfortable with what we have learned from pastors and teachers and even our parents and grandparents. We need to ask ourselves were we taught tradition or the truth? 

I want you to know my heart. What I will be writing is out of love and not judgment. I have gone to church most of my life. I have been a born again Christian for almost 31 years. My husband and I have had home churches and even had a church in two different towns believing we were following the Lord. Now after much prayer and study I resign from what has been known as the modern organized church. I am still part of the body of Christ and will promote Christian unity which I have always loved to do. 

Whether you are a young Christian or mature, in an organized church or not, I want you to ask the Lord to reveal the truth to you. He knows the path He wants to take each of us on. I am going to share my path and what I see is the Christ Centered Church. I am finally at peace with being different as Caleb had a different spirit as he followed the Lord fully. After studying for almost two months now on the church as is described in the New Testament I see that it doesn’t resemble the organized modern church much at all. Jesus is to be the Master Builder and the Head of the church, after all we are His body. We are to be one body without all the divisions and without looking to mere men as the head of the church. The elders described throughout the New Testament were mature men who guided and guarded the church but were part of the group of believers not over them. 

You may remember that my quest started when the Holy Spirit showed me that worldly or shallow Christians or those content in traditional churches were for the most part satisfied with where they were. They wanted to blend in or fit in and not rock the boat. He then told me that He would be pouring His new wine into new wineskins. I then read in Acts and 1 Corinthians 11-14 about the early church. I was shocked to see how far we have strayed from God’s original intent. I know that right now he is calling those who want to shed their man-made traditions concerning what they had learned about the church in other places than the Bible. He is looking for a people who will hand the church back to the complete mastery of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Never forget that the Biblical church belongs to Christ and not to us. If we retain our old yet comfortable “wineskins” how will we receive the new wine of the Spirit?

Let’s look at a Christ centered church meeting. Every member is to express Christ with our Holy Spirit endowed gifts. The purpose of our meetings is mutual encouragement or edification. 

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:26

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

In church meetings we are to all participate in the building of the Body. Too many today fear trusting in the leadership of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide their services so we have substituted with pastors and teachers we look to instead. Yet in the New Testament example we don’t see one leading and the rest following him. We should all have a shared responsibility to pass on to one another what we have received of the Lord in our individual times of prayer and Bible study. Sadly the modern day church has too often instilled the notion that the congregation should stay spiritual babies and not participate in the services but be passive receivers. It is now time to reclaim the ground lost and be believing priests.

We are to express Christ’s fullness. Of course His fullness cannot be expressed by just one person. He is to be formed in each of us not just a pastor, teacher or prophet. None of us know it all or have all the spiritual gifts. We need each other.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 1 Corinthians 13:9

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,  for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,  till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;  that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,  but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

Let this be said of each of us -

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:7

He shall judge the world in righteousness,
         And He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.          
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed,
         A refuge in times of trouble.
 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You;
         For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:8-10
 

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 6 Number 10                                                                   October, 2008

Embracing the Cross and Following Jesus

When I named my journal this month I had no idea what life would be like. The words now look prophetic -

Obey the truth. With patient persistence do good. Continue in the faith grounded and steadfast. Turn from self-seeking and self-will.

I needed to follow these wise words through windy and bumpy roads. At times I wanted to sit down on the sidelines. While seeking God about this month's prayer letter, Holy Spirit again encouraged me to share some of His private leading. Again hurt, betrayal and loss turned to anger and then sadness like the autumn leaves changing colors now. It is amazing how the Lord led me. First I went to Colossians 2 instead of Colossians 3. It wasn't a mistake though. In verse :22 I was meant to see the words "doctrines of men" and in the next verse "self-imposed religion and false humility". The center column reference took me to Titus 1:16 about those who profess to know God

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:15-16

In the past week I have forgiven those who have hurt me and turned from things that have been said or done to me. I read 1 Corinthians 13 about the way God loves and we should love others. On a day when I wanted to be protecting myself from life's pain I heard Holy Spirit speak three scriptures to my heart. I've underlined the parts that ministered most to me.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:10-11

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11

I saw my foolishness for praying that  the pain and suffering would end. I knew instead of running from the cross I needed to embrace it. I remembered the millions who are persecuted in countries where Christians are considered second class citizens and many are beaten, raped and murdered.

Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. John 15:20

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Matthew 5:11

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

God knew we would be in this generation when the love of many is growing cold, violence is increasing, people love themselves and the world more than God and so many are being deceived, defiled, discouraged and distracted. I started a biblical study about spirits that are contrary to the Holy Spirit. So far I have found spirits of infirmity, heaviness and lying, unclean, evil and deceiving spirits. Also a spirit of the world. Too often those who call themselves Christians side with the world instead of the kingdom of God.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1 John 2:15-17

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.1 John 5:19-21

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:16-17

“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:29-34

I have heard  some prophetic words for the coming year. We are to abide in the Lord's love and that we are cycling into the restoration of all things. These are for those who are true followers/believers of Christ not for those who just say they are His but have no spiritual fruit..

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.  He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:23-24

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matthew 24:7-10

Look up, Jesus is coming soon!!!

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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 Volume 6 Number 9                                                                   September, 2008

It's Time For a Sacrifice of Praise

We are living in troubling days. So many are suffering in this world. I am sure you know this from watching the news and even in your own lives when you go to the gas station and food store. In just the last few weeks the DOW in the stock market fell over 800 points, the gas has gone up at least $1 a gallon (much more in some places), we have had a hurricane that has devastated many on the coastline of LA and TX and flooded other states where rain has been falling for months. There is so much more that people are contending with and this week in my life I have heard about a man suddenly dying of a heart attack, a motorcycle accident that involved a pastor friend of ours, we have had someone close to us deny the Lord and even curse God. There have also been quite a few changes and course corrections all summer for Scott and I. I am so thankful for the Lord's keeping power. I have had nights when I have slept little, warring with the enemy of my soul who tries to convince me his lies are truth. Through it all God has been so faithful and has helped me to resist all that is coming against us.

I have found that in times of stress and so many adverse circumstances that singing praise and keeping an attitude of gratitude is vital. These two scriptures that I have read more than once this week confirm to me that especially in these times we much choose to thank the Lord and to praise and worship Him.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
         And into His courts with praise.
         Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
 For the LORD is good;
         His mercy is everlasting,
         And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:14-16

The phrase "sacrifice of praise" stood out to me. I know in my own life I often put on praise and worship music when I am struggling or feel sad. As I sing along I end up entering into the worship and my mood changes almost right away. Yet we know that we must make the choice to praise or pray or read the Word instead of allowing the trials and our own feelings pull us down.

These will also encourage us to make sacrifices that are pleasing to God -

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
         And will call upon the name of the LORD. Psalm 116:17

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-3

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,  you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

I encourage those of you who are reading this who are broken hearted or afraid or confused to look to God. Pour out your heart in prayer but then thank Him for what is good in your life, for all that is left and stop focusing on what is gone. Stop looking back and rehearsing the hurts. Lift up your eyes, your hands and your hearts and praise Him. Sing to Him a new song. He will meet you right there where you are. You will know His presence and even find yourself smiling again.

Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
         And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
         And declare His works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:21-22

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

* * *

  Volume 6 Number 8                                                                   August, 2008

Course Correction

Writing this prayer letter will not be easy. I am brokenhearted over a loss in my life. Someone didn't die but it is a loss still the same. There are a few who are reading this who know what my husband and I are going through. I can tell you that Scott is doing better than I am yet I do know that Jesus is still Lord and I am so thankful that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). When thinking about writing this month's exhortation I didn't believe I could do it. My biggest struggles are emotional and at first I do tend to suppress my emotions to keep them from gushing out and doing more damage or hurting anyone else. I don't want to write about all I am going through but instead the lessons I am learning that I pray can help you too if you are going through a course correction.

No matter what "fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16)  may be heading your way, remember that Jesus is still Lord and God is in control. Nothing is ever wasted in God's kingdom and as my spiritual daughter reminded me, He who began a good work in me is able to complete it (Philippians 1:6). He will complete the work be has begun in you too. I remember in another time when I thought I couldn't endure a great loss in my life that my spiritual Mom pointed out this scripture -

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (gardener). Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1-2

OUCH! I don't like being pruned yet I do want to be more fruitful. I have yet to receive clear understanding about what has happened. It came suddenly and nothing we could do would stop it from happening. I have a tendency to be naive and I thought for sure everything would be ok and put back the way it was and even better. It didn't happen that way. I know God is with me and He is with you too if you are reeling from a life circumstance no matter what it is.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

My number one desire is to always be falling into the arms of the Lord not just leaning on Him. I want Him to catch, hold and comfort me. I want to be so close that I can hear His whisper. When I was suppressing my emotions for awhile I did well. I was acting as if what had happened didn't happen. Worse than that I could feel my heart hardening. I cried a few tears and I told Him a few things that I was feeling. Of course He knew it already. The most difficult part was asking for prayer and explaining what happened to others. I wrote to about seven. The one I look up to the most I couldn't even tell what I was going through except to tell her I was hurting and I needed prayer.

I have been used by God for over twenty years to be there for those who are hurting yet when I am hurting only God knows why so few are there for me but this time I was pleasantly surprised by the love of those who wrote me or came by and a few called to show their support. One lady met me while I was grocery shopping and we went into the back restaurant area and we talked and prayed. My spiritual daughter never got an e-mail from me because I have been having trouble for months with my ISP and was only able to send e-mails intermittently. It showed that I sent the e-mail but she never got it. God is bigger than that so He put her Mama on her heart very strongly and she called. I can't thank God or these friends enough for hearing my heart cry.

I know that there are times though that even friends can't fill the empty places or answer the deep heart cries. I know my favorite singer has experienced this and I have learned so much from her. I am now really understanding what she told me too about quiet times. Until we talked about this I filled my days  with music, teachings and other voices. Though I love music I now make time to be quiet in more than prayer times.

My prayer has been for Father God to lead me on. I am still walking with Him. I haven't understood a lot of what He has said by His Spirit. The first unclear words were "shake the dust from your feet" and a week later "have nothing to do with them". These seemed harsh and I thought that my hurt was turning to inner anger again. I now see that He was warning me. He wants me to grow up and to see the times are changing. We are in the end times and I can't be listening to voices that are not in line with His. I saw in two different "words" from the Lord through Bill and Marsha Burns of Faith Tabernacle in Kremmling, CO just what the Lord was trying to show me.

You cannot be bound to past disappointments and heartaches. I say, shake off the dust of defilement, rejection, and abuse. Rise up to become that which I have called you to be, and prosper in all things as you turn your eyes upon Me and worship with a whole heart. Lift up holy hands and declare My purposes. The seed of the kingdom is within you; allow it to manifest, grow, and mature. (through Bill Burns August 4th)

If it seems you cannot see clearly at this time, or that you have lost your way, go back to what you know to be the truth. Go back to the place spiritually where your direction was certain, and regain your perspective and clarity. Many things have happened to create doubt and confusion, but My presence with you is still absolutely indisputable, says the Lord. (through Marsha Burns August 13th)

Course corrections don't mean that we have failed. It means that the Lord is leading us in another way. Of course this is true if we are faithful to Him and if we are obeying Him and not running from Him or trying to do our own thing. I am grateful for a devotional I read that brought up the following scripture. It was perfect timing as I wanted to just do anything so that the pain would go away even though I knew God wanted me to wait on Him.

“ Who among you fears the LORD?
      Who obeys the voice of His Servant?
      Who walks in darkness
      And has no light?
      Let him trust in the name of the LORD
      And rely upon his God.
       Look, all you who kindle a fire,
      Who encircle yourselves with sparks:
      Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—
      This you shall have from My hand:
      You shall lie down in torment. Isaiah 50:10-11 (underlines my emphasis)

I know that is a quite severe yet it stopped me from walking "in the light of my own fire."

I talked to Scott about the scriptures I heard from Holy Spirit after He told me to "have nothing to do with them". Here they are below and yet when I shared them with Scott He said but we are not to judge. I went back to prayer and listening to what Holy Spirit was telling me and He spoke clearly that there was a fine line between judging and being critical and judging and being discerning. Now let Him speak to you as you read these.

I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.  Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Holy Spirit showed me more but also added  that I can still pray for these but that by obeying what the Word says here I can save myself from "toxic" relationships. Yes even in the body of Christ there are people who are not good for us. They may be carnal, worldly or shallow Christians or those who want to stop us from following the call of God in our lives. I am now asking the Father to help me to distinguish between the right and wrong people. I believe that I could have saved myself so much pain and anguish if I had known this long ago.

Now on to what I thought I would be writing this exhortation about. Obviously we are in the end times. All around us we see what the prophets and Jesus spoke about would be happening. One painful truth is that many who say they are Christians are going to be deceived and fall away.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons...1 Timothy 4:1

We do not want to be spiritual casualties so we need to watch and pray. Who we associate with is vital. We can love and pray for people without falling into their "pits". By listening to wrong voices we can get off track

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? Galatians 5:7

The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The one who guards the door opens it for him. And the sheep listen to the voice of the shepherd. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he brings all his sheep out, he goes ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger. They will run away from him because they don't know his voice." John 10:2-5

The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12

We don't want to be what the King James version of the Bible calls a castaway.

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (a castaway KJV).1 Corinthians 9:25-27

It is time to be more than a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ or even a disciple of His. We are His bride.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,  that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27

I hear this scripture over and over in these end times -

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! 2 Corinthians 11:2-4

Let us stop putting up with wrong teachings that don't line up with God's Word or with those who are complacent or asleep or who want to compromise and not fully follow the Bridegroom. Any of you who have been a newlywed knows what it is like to be a bride. You so want to please your new husband. You are in love and you are in awe of his every word. Our Bridegroom Jesus is coming soon and let our first desire be to love, please and be faithful to Him above all others in our lives.

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,  those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

"Draw me after you and let us run together!
         The king has brought me into his chambers "
          "We will rejoice in you and be glad;
         We will extol your love more than wine.
         Rightly do they love you." Song of Solomon 1:4 (New American Standard Bible)

and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:3-5

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-13
 

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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                                                                      Volume 6 Number 7                                                                   July, 2008

The Path of the Righteous

Most of this study will be taken from Psalms and Proverbs. I was watching Christian TV yet I can't tell you what was being preached at the time. The phrase path of the righteous came up and Holy Spirit has taught me so much as I studied this phrase and the word path. If I went further using the word "way" or went into all the whole Bible said this prayer letter exhortation would turn into a book.

The Hebrew word for path is orah and means road, way, path, way of life, manner of conduct

I have been made aware that many are going through a major shaking now. I have seen or heard of and even experienced major trials this last year. Some are dealing with symptoms and standing for healing, others are dealing with relationships with spouses, children or friends not being faithful. For others finances are causing them to move, downsize or even move in with relatives. I have also heard of others who have had a sudden loss of a love one due to illness or accident. sadly I have witnessed too many going back to the world for comfort and answers and I pray that these prodigals find their way back home.

More than ever our everyday choices are vital. We must keep our focus on God and our feet on His path. What I am learning and want to make my lifestyle come from these scriptures in Psalms and Proverbs

1) Father God knows us better than anyone and He is aware of our paths as well as our words. Are we always mindful that He is watching us?

You have tested my heart;
         You have visited me in the night;
         You have tried me and have found nothing;
         I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Concerning the works of men,
         By the word of Your lips,
         I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
 Uphold my steps in Your paths,
         That my footsteps may not slip. Psalm 17:3-5

You know my sitting down and my rising up;
         You understand my thought afar off.
 You comprehend my path and my lying down,
         And are acquainted with all my ways.
 For there is not a word on my tongue,
         But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:2-4

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
      And He ponders all his paths.
      His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,
      And he is caught in the cords of his sin. Proverbs 5:20-22

2) He leads us in His paths of righteousness and truth. Letting His Word and His Spirit lead us makes all the difference. This doesn't happen without our cooperation. Our will is involved in choosing the right path and staying on it.

Show me Your ways, O LORD;
         Teach me Your paths.
 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
         For You are the God of my salvation;
         On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

Your word is a lamp to my feet
         And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

3) We must stay humble. We know that God sets Himself against the proud. Too often we don't think that our self indulgence or even self preservation is really pride. I know I was shocked when I realized that years of what I thought was hurt was really inner anger. Check out attitudes and ways that might not be pleasing to God.

The humble He guides in justice,
         And the humble He teaches His way.
 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,
         To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:9-10

4) We may be forsaken by family or friends. This isn't easy especially when we have invested so much of ourselves in the lives of those closest to us. God is with us and He cares for us.

When my father and my mother forsake me,
         Then the LORD will take care of me.          
 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
         And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
         For false witnesses have risen against me,
         And such as breathe out violence. Psalm 27:10-12

5) Don't follow others who follow after wicked and immoral ways

Discretion will preserve you;
      Understanding will keep you,
      To deliver you from the way of evil,
      From the man who speaks perverse things,
      From those who leave the paths of uprightness
      To walk in the ways of darkness;
      Who rejoice in doing evil,
      And delight in the perversity of the wicked;
      Whose ways are crooked,
      And who are devious in their paths;
      To deliver you from the immoral woman,
      From the seductress who flatters with her words,
      Who forsakes the companion of her youth,
      And forgets the covenant of her God. Proverbs 2:11-17

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
      Keep her, for she is your life.
       Do not enter the path of the wicked,
      And do not walk in the way of evil.
      Avoid it, do not travel on it;
      Turn away from it and pass on. Proverbs 4:13-15

6) Especially in times of testing our focus must be on God and His Word

Blessed is the man
         Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
         Nor stands in the path of sinners,
         Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Let your eyes look straight ahead,
      And your eyelids look right before you.
     Ponder the path of your feet,
      And let all your ways be established.
       Do not turn to the right or the left;
      Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-28

7) When we trust God rather than self, the world, the devil's lies or the opinions of men, we will find so much more. We

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
       In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct your paths.
       Do not be wise in your own eyes;
      Fear the LORD and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

You will show me the path of life;
         In Your presence is fullness of joy;
         At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
         Your right hand has held me up,
         Your gentleness has made me great.
 You enlarged my path under me,
         So my feet did not slip.
         
 I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them;
         Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed. Psalm 18:35-37

You crown the year with Your goodness,
         And Your paths drip with abundance.
 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
         And the little hills rejoice on every side.
 The pastures are clothed with flocks;
         The valleys also are covered with grain;
         They shout for joy, they also sing. Psalm 65:11-13

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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 Volume 6 Number 6                                                                   June, 2008

The Word on Relationships

This month the Spirit led me to do major studies in the Word. I learned what the Word said about relationships, holiness, truth and the power of God. It was easy to decide what to write on in the prayer letter. Most months the majority of prayer requests that come in are for healing and provision but this month by far it was about relationships. I have listened to many who are discouraged or weary from strife or tension in all kinds of relationships. This was not just in marriages or with children or parents but in the workplace and even churches. I knew some things to say to encourage those who were wounded or angry but I needed to know what God says.

As always I will share as the Holy Spirit spoke to me not only from the Word but to my heart. I pray this will help any of you dealing with strained relationships and improve any other relationships you have. The first scripture I was reminded of was

And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:20-21

Here Jesus spoke of our family being those who hear and obey God. This often isn't who we consider family. Maybe like me you have family members who are not Christian and are not open to even reading the Word or listening to you witness to them. Jesus spoke about this too.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. Matthew 10:34-37

You might think that doesn't sound like Jesus but it is the fact that believers and unbelievers are from different kingdoms and the world doesn't have the same ways that God and His family have.

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:14

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

Jesus Himself was about the Father's business from a young age (Luke 2:49). Over and over again in the book of John it says that He did nothing or said nothing unless Father God told Him (John 5:19, 30, 6:38, 7:16, 8:29 etc.) He was totally yielded and completely dependent on His Father as should we who call ourselves Christians.

As I continued the study on relationships Holy Spirit showed me the importance of love.

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:12-13 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,  with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,  endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 

Let brotherly love continue. Hebrews 13:1 

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Too often there is strife and self seeking. This is not God's will and definitely not God's best for us.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!  Galatians 5:14-15

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:14-16

We should build one another up and not tear each other down. Who are we siding with the intercessor of the brethren, Jesus or the accuser of the brethren, Satan?

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Romans 14:19

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

Too many in their families and even in their churches want their own way and not what is best for all. Are we seeking for and following after what God wants? Disagreements start because we are not listening for God's wisdom and direction. This is what I was thinking about when God brought me to study about gentleness and when needed to forgive others.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Galatians 6:1 

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Philippians 4:5

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:12-13

I have often used the example of the body of Christ, God's church being like an orchestra or a bouquet of flowers. Each of us like a musical instrument has a sound and like a flower has a fragrance and color that is distinctive yet together the sound is fuller when the instruments are played together in harmony. The fragrance and color in the bouquet when blended are even more beautiful than one flower alone. Harmony and blending of desires and opinions so they agree with Gods is vital for the church to be effective. We also need to appreciate one another and the gifts and fruit of the Spirit that God has given to each one.

And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,  that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.1 Corinthians 12:23-26

Holy Spirit then spoke to me about pastors and those in leadership.

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;  and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4

Look at Jesus and Paul as examples.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:17

But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,  I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you. Galatians 4:18-20

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7

There are also hard sayings about realtionships. Here is one of them.

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,  who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:29-31

 You can dig even deeper in the Word than I have about being a good spouse or parent or friend. Here are just a few.

So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. Ephesians 5:28

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Colossians 3:19

let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 1 Peter 3:1-2

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:20-21

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

As for friendships I have learned that there are three kinds. There are people who say they are your friends but they want you to be the way you used to be before you walked with the Lord. There are also those who are in your life that don't want you to go on with God. They put you down when you are hungry for more of Him and pressing on to do things His way. Yet there are friends who will encourage you and say I will pray for you and they cheer you on. What kind of friends do you have? There is a saying that goes "we become like the books we read and the company we keep". In modern times TV shows, movies and web-sites we watch are also a major influence like the books we read. I can personally attest that the hardest fast for me was not from food but when Holy Spirit told me not to do any channel "surfing" for six months. I watched Christian television and only the shows I knew were on. That was also the most spiritual time in my life and I am starting another fast like it this week. I may make this a lifetime fast.

I pray that each of you will pray about what you read and watch and look at the relationships in your own life. Of course remember your relationship with God must be first and this is a choice. You must be willing to want Him to have first place in your life.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:8-11

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

Have you too often wanted your own way? Do you now want God to have His way in your lives, homes, friendships, workplaces and churches. This starts right now in each of our hearts and homes. We can choose to obey God and make each relationship better than it was before we read this prayer letter and applied the scriptures in it.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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                                                                Volume 6 Number 5                                                                    May, 2008

This week as I was meditating on what the Spirit of God was speaking to me about; again as happens quite often I was meditating on the Lord Jesus. I was thinking about how here on earth He followed the will of God and even in the garden when He was in such intense prayer before going to the cross He chose the Father's will over His own. Later that week in a devotional called Beyond by Greg Laurie I read, "Jesus went forward to the cross."

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. John 6:38

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem...Luke 9:51

When I read the words about Jesus going forward to the cross I thought about too often we as Christian run from our cross or anything that is uncomfortable for us. I asked God to forgive me when I have allowed my flesh or feelings or laziness to stop me from following His will or taking up my cross.

When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Mark 8:34

I did a Bible study on being willing and on God's will. I learned that this flesh doesn't want to do do God's will. It wants its own way.

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5

There are so many scriptures on God's will. My favorite is -

Rejoice always,  pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I also love this one about praying God's will.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

I was convicted years ago about praying from my soul; from my feelings, my thoughts or will. That is when I started writing and praying scripture prayers. I read much about praying and doing God's will in the New Testament.

So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

      Our Father in heaven,
      Hallowed be Your name.
      Your kingdom come.
      Your will be done
      On earth as it is in heaven. Luke 11:2

So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21:14

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16

I looked up the word "willing" in the Greek. Prothymos means not only willing but eager and ready.

In the gospels are examples of those who were unwilling. These are harsh but also show us the importance of following Jesus and making the Father's will our top priority.

And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:  “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.  Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.”’ But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.  And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Matthew 22:2-8

Read on about the outcome of this parable. It is quite eye opening.

Here is the heart of our Lord.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! Luke 13:34

But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. John 5:38-40

It is clear that God's will is not just about saying we will but doing His will

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21

“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’  He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went.  Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.1 Peter 4:1-2

I have prayed that I would be more willing to follow His will even when it is hard for me. This study on God's will and being willing to do His will is so much more than I could cover in this prayer letter. I encourage you to study yourself. I now pray for each of you according to Colossians 1:9 and Hebrews 13:20 -21. Seek God about how you can be more willing to pray and live according to His will and not your own.

Father God, I pray for these who are convicted by the above scriptures and the work Holy Spirit is doing in their hearts now. I ask that they may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. May You, the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make these who I am believing are more eager and willing to be complete in every good work to do Your will, which is working in them, what is well pleasing in Your sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen

For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” ~ Jesus (Mark 3:35)

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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                                                                Volume 6 Number 4                                                                    April, 2008

For at least a year now I have been watching the Lord refine His church. I recently read a prophetic "word" about how the Great Physician is doing surgery to remove the "cancer" that has been growing unchecked in the body of Christ. I am amazed in my life and in our church how the Lord is fine tuning us and even throwing out traditions and beliefs that we have held dear thinking they were truth. In this exhortation I am going to briefly touch on the areas in spiritual warfare where I am not only learning biblical truth but getting rid of where I have added or taken away from the Word. I am going to major on the corrections. This really started when my husband, Scott gave our church homework to see where we were not obeying God and that led me to study on the new covenant.

Concerning warfare I saw that our part in warfare is to fight the good fight of faith being obedient to the Word and the Spirit of God and to stand in His Might using His armor.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.1 Timothy 6:12

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

We now are obedient to the new covenant. After the work Jesus did on the cross everything has changed even from the ways we read about in the gospels. Jesus has disarmed principalities and powers. For this purpose did He come to destroy the enemy's works. Now we are complete in Christ. We put Him on. We use His authority.

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.1 John 3:8

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10

More of what we can do is resist the devil, stop being conformed to this world and stand fast in the faith. Remember the simplicity that we have in Christ. We have made our Christian walk far too complicated.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13

For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:2-3

Our God has greater power, greater love and greater everything. Why do we spend so much time giving Satan credit and in truth glorifying him. He is like a roaring lion. Jesus made him toothless and clawless. We have to trust in the truth of all Jesus did for us on the cross. He said on the cross, "it is finished". Now as believers we believe the truth. We have overcome the wicked one.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.1 Peter 5:8-9

I (Jesus) have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. John 17:4

I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father.1John 2:13

We too want the Father to be glorified in our lives and give the enemy no place or glory.

Now take a look at Acts through Revelations. How many times did anyone cast out devils? You will be surprised. We are now more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37). We have been redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), justified (Romans 5:9), cleansed (1 John 1:7), made holy (Hebrews 13:12) by the blood of Jesus.

Take the time you have used to war with the devil and now out-truth Him. Believe the Word and act on it. Do or say nothing unless the Father tells you like Jesus did. Really be a Christian, a follower of Jesus. To follow in the Greek I saw means we accompany Him and are His disciple. We don't go our own way. We show Him love by obeying Him. This includes taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and not giving Satan a foothold.

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...2 Corinthians 10:5

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,  nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

There is so much more we can do but whatever we do is because we love God not because we want to earn His love or any special privileges because we are being obedient. Remember our reasonable service is to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Because we love Him we renounce sin and put on Christ.

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” John 14:21

I will end with a quote from Neil Anderson that I read last week that totally confirms what the Spirit has been teaching me as I am studying the Word on scriptural warfare.

"There are no programs, rituals or formulas that can set someone free. Christ sets people free and a person's response of repentance and faith in God sets him or her free. If God isn't in it, then no program will work, no matter how Biblical it may appear...It is critically important that believers understand that any authority and power we possess in Christ is not ours and they cannot be exercised apart from Him."

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 6 Number 3                                                                    March, 2008

After two weeks of seeking God about several areas where I needed to have clear direction, I was thankful to have answers in many different ways. In this prayer letter exhortation I will share two areas and what I heard. I pray that these will be helpful to those reading here this month.

                                                                   Volume 6 Number 1                                                                     January, 2008

Between Christmas and New Year I seek the Lord; praying and listening as I meditate about the year that is ending and anticipating what God will do in the new one. Personally I want to live John 15 and abide in the Lord and His love and His word be continually abiding in me.

As I looked at the ministry prayer list of those I encouraged, prayed for or taught over the past year I was very surprised to see how many are not as spiritually hungry as they used to be and some are more than complacent than they were. I have been interceding about this and reading the Word about complacency, lukewarmness and even the great falling away.

But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1

It is sad how all of us can drift and eventually  backslide. We can be so devoted to the Lord and committed to reading the Word and daily prayer and ministering to those in our lives and find ourselves far from God eventually thinking, "how did this happen?" I personally am concerned about those who are following worldly ways now. Some may still say they love the Lord but they don't follow Him and you can tell in a few minutes they are not close to Him anymore. I am sure that most of this started in small ways. The person was deceived or got off course because of a distraction or even a seduction. We need to be extremely careful when we find ourselves getting angry, lonely or tired.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons...I Timothy 4:1

For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.  “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Mark 13:19-22

The Bible is clear about being lovers of the world or fleshly/carnal.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. Romans 8:5-7

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.1 John 2:15-16

If this is you, I encourage you to come back to Father God now. He isn't as far back as you think. You can ask Him to forgive you and help you back onto His path. I am sure you can think of Christians in your life who can pray for you and help you too. Start reading the Bible again and get involved in a church where not only the Word is preached but also that there are smaller groups or bible studies where you can have regular contact with others who are following Jesus and want to stay close to Him. It is so true that we become like the company we keep and the books we read. It is so important to stay in the secret place of God.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
         Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
         My God, in Him I will trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Blessed is the man
         Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
         Nor stands in the path of sinners,
         Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates day and night.
 He shall be like a tree
         Planted by the rivers of water,
         That brings forth its fruit in its season,
         Whose leaf also shall not wither;
         And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3        

Ponder the path of your feet,
      And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
      Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:26-27

Maybe you know someone who isn't in church anymore or who you saw at the store or in your neighborhood and they never even mentioned the Lord but talked about new unwholesome hobbies or you noticed their words were more worldly. As the Holy Spirit leads you talk to them about what you see in love. If they are not open to you please keep praying for them and send them a card. Invite them to a bible study or give them a devotional or book that you think will make them want to take steps toward God again. Don't put them down or make them feel bad unless they are in such sin that the Bible tells you to turn from them. Know there was a reason they strayed from the Lord. They may or may not tell you but I have ministered to enough people to know that they were hurt or deceived and they looked for comfort somewhere else than running to the Lord or their prayer closet. Keep the door open when possible and if you are sure that the Spirit is telling you to withdraw fellowship be aware that this may be only for a season if the person later is repentant.

This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man*, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.2 Corinthians 2:6-11

*  See 1 Corinthians 5

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard...Colossians 1:21-23

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5

With love, New Year blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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I have deleted the prayer letter exhortations from March, 2003 through December 2007 except for the first on-line prayer letter and two each for each year from 2003-2007. If you want to read other contact me at OneinHim@InSpiritandTruth.com

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                                  Volume 5 Number 7                                                                      July, 2007

Ready and Waiting? Here He Comes!

Years ago I saw a bumper sticker that said, "Jesus is coming soon! Don't miss Him for the world." I was so inspired by it I put that saying on my ministry cards. Back then it was important that my focus was on God and not the world but now it is vital. Recently Holy Spirit has been getting my attention with words and teachings on the way the church should be in these end times. My spirit is grieved and I know that our Father's is too. His children are not that much different from the world despite all that is said about the way the church needs to be.

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Galatians 5:7-9

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spiritis in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says:

      “ Awake, you who sleep,
      Arise from the dead,
      And Christ will give you light.” Ephesians 5:8-17

The parable of the sower speaks of when seed is planted in various types of soil. We know the seed is the Word of God. As we see in Luke 8:12 the seed sown by the wayside is taken out of the heart by the devil right away and these do not believe or are they saved. Where I want to focus is the seed sown on the rocky and thorny grounds. These are those who receive the Word yet temptation, cares, riches and life's pleasures stop the seed from developing into mature fruit. The seed that fell on the good ground is heard and kept and bears fruit with patience. The difference isn't in the seed it is in the soil. Any of us who have gardens know we don't want to grow our vegetables or flowers in rocky gardens or those with a lot of weeds. Like gardeners we as Christians are responsible to keep the rocks and weeds out of our heart and life "gardens".

We are not to be of the world and entangled in it's values and priorities. We are to overcome the world. As we read these scriptures know that all these are daily choices we must make. We can and should say no to temptations, cares,  extravagances as well as sins

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  Do all things without complaining and disputing,  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:13-16

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.1 John 2:15-17

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5

We know that Jesus is coming soon and we have read in the Word that we are to be ready and expectant. I was reading in the gospels in two places about the foolish and wise virgins and the verses in Luke that also talk about being ready.

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.  “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.  “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’  But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:1-13

I encourage you to read Luke 12:35-48. I will only put here two portions that really show the need for us to be ready.

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. Luke 12:43-44

And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. Luke 12:47

We need to be making daily decisions and choices according to the Spirit and not out of our own self indulgence and wanting to please others. The Holy Spirit strongly encouraged me a few months back not to look back or around. We must stop saying no to God and His priorities and yes to things that really do not matter eternally.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4.

It is great to know Jesus is coming and to be expectant but the bride is to be ready and waiting.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

Have we become too complacent and comfortable; always thinking it is ok for us to go here or do this or say that? Would we go there or do or say that same thing in the presence of our Lord? I am not talking about going to bars or looking at pornography or having a foul mouth. I believe most of us honor God enough to have cleaned that up but we each know there are things that Holy Spirit is saying has to go and we have to turn from but we have ignored or neglected these promptings.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Over and over again we read in Revelation 2-3, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." He wants us to overcome and this includes overcoming the world and the values, tastes and priorities of the world.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1John 5:4-5

We must stop making excuses and godless chatter/frivolous talk is to be avoided.

Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’” Luke 14:16-24

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—1 Timothy 6:20

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.2 Timothy 2:16

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,  from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 1Timothy 1:5-7

These verses are translated using  many interesting ways of saying idle babblings/talk. The New American Standard says worldly or empty chatter  Wuest translates this unhallowed or empty discussions and the New Century Version uses the words foolish, useless talk.

All of this goes along with what Holy Spirit spoke to me last month as I was seeking God and listening for directions. He told me personally to be ready and even used the term "rapture ready". He said to spend more time hearing Him and obeying and to stop building. At the time I thought He meant building my ministry but now I believe He meant building anything that is self or man-centered like my own "kingdom." I heard more about being whole hearted but the scripture that ministered to me most was in Jeremiah.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Back to talking about gardens and our harvest. Spiritual fruit can begin to blossom and grow when we yield our lives to God's Spirit.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:15-20

Fruit will come from a consistent and intimate relationship with our Lord Who is our life. As the intimacy increases the fruit increases.  I believe that is why in Acts it says about Peter and John

Then I wrote  what the Spirit was saying was my responsibility -

"I must choose to think about the Lord and His Kingdom, focus on what He is saying above all anyone including my own soul is saying. I am to stay yielded, meditate on scriptural promises, praise and worship Him and pray for and bless others.

As I am drawn to this place of more intimacy with Him, He will not only give me more grace to yield to the work of His Spirit but give me the ability and enablement to face whatever challenges that may arise."

I was encouraged to remember that this isn't about doing the work in my own strength but about yielding and allowing the Spirit to do the work through me .

I then was taken to three more scriptures.    

Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” Ezekiel 3:10-11

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes;
         I hate the work of those who fall away;
         It shall not cling to me. Psalm 101:3

Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left. Joshua 23:6

He warned me to beware of those who speak from their own opinions or are controlling. I knew I had to pray for more discernment. Personally he spoke to me about having a humble and gentle spirit and that this was well pleasing to Him. I then was reminded that the way is narrow and few find it (Luke 13:24).

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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                         Volume 5 Number 1                                                                      January, 2007

 As I had been seeking God for the New Year the words that I heard the Spirit speaking to me most about are trust, authority and about being an overcomer. For the last three weeks I seem to keep coming to Psalm 9:9-10. I am hearing a lot about fasting and first fruits. Though I am on a 21 day fast with my church; the week before that I started fasting from using the TV remote to surf the multitude of channels I have on the Dish satellite System. I can watch all the Christian TV I want but as for worldly viewing I can only watch a show or movie if I know it is on and what time and channel it is on. That leaves me with about 5 shows, the news and weather. I am starting the second week of that fast and it surely isn't easy but I am not only on a mission to get the doubt out but to shake the world's influences on me.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:4-5

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Even as a Christian I didn't know what an influence the devil has on this world and it was years before I read and believed that he was the ruler of the world and the god of this age. There is so much more than we see, hear or feel. We truly need the Word of God in our hearts so that we are able to overcome the world. As a young Christian I know I believed more in my head than in my heart. As I learned to live more in Christ than in my flesh I learned to see and discern things the way God has showed me by His Spirit.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 2:14

We can see with our eyes and hear with our ears that the powers of evil are more and more rampant in this present world. God not only wants His sons (and daughters) free from these evil influences but to help those who have been bound in many ways. The truth is that we can live in the world and not be subject to bondage, fear or pain. We can be in a place where we are actually defeating evil powers, ruling over them, reigning in this world by this Christ life. In the church we don't often hear this preached or see it in demonstration but it is biblical truth. In Christ and by the power of His name and Spirit we will reign over the world so that disease and sin. Even death will not have dominion. First we have to not only read the Word but believe and obey it and second we have to choose to be Christ centered and  not self centered. Lastly we have to yield to the leading and teaching of the Spirit of God and not be following after our own ways or even others who don't know and honor Father God or have Jesus as their Savior and Lord. This isn't an easy or popular way and we may find ourselves quite lonely. Yet we are not alone. God never leaves or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5) and I have found there will be those with like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1) that will encourage and befriend us.

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.1 John 4:2-5

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

The Scriptures tell us Jesus has overcome all the powers of the devil and has destroyed his power even the power of death. Do we act like we believe this? Father God challenges us to believe it and He says it will be so. What has hindered us - the enemy's lies, religious tradition, our wrong worldly or fleshly choices and our stubborn human will? We must be wholly surrendered. Sadly I have only seen a few wholly surrendered Christians in my life.

There must not be a division in our hearts. This will not happen overnight. A yielded life is a life where we know we have repented of our sins and are not covering them up. We must bring them to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Most of us know this but do we actually do it? When we have confidence between us and Father God it is amazing how fast our prayers will not only rise to Him but be filled with inspiration and fervency. The Spirit will be praying through us and our lives will be a place of blessing not only to us but to bless others as well.

As we obey God, He will make us ready to challenge the powers of darkness. We won't be afraid. We can be delivered from fear if we believe and have ears to hear which are ears of faith. We are to be epistles of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3). What are others reading when they "read" our lives? Christ is the Word and He will be known in us by our fruits.

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:16-20

Christ is our life and new nature. The Word of Life lived out in us, as it is enacted brings forth what Father God desires. Did we really believe that our fleshly desires were going to be honored by our Holy Father? It is as His Word abides in us that this Living Word brings forth life and this life makes us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). I often pray for not only a visitation but the habitation of His Presence.

There is so much more to share with you but it will have to wait as this is getting long. I will share another inspiring quote of Smith Wigglesworth, who was such a surrendered servant of God. He wrote, "The eternal seed that came into us when we believed produced a life, a person , which is "Christ in you" - in us (Colossians 1:27) and which rises up in us until the reflection of the Son of God is in everything we do." We will be the redeemed, living and moving in Him and our whole natures become perfected (Acts 17:28).

"The weakest believer dethrones the enemy when he mentions Jesus." - Smith Wigglesworth

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

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Volume 4 Number 7                                                  July, 2006

More Holy Spirit Experiences

As I start writing this prayer letter I am remembering a few recent Bible studies, an excellent sermon by my pastor yesterday and a spiritual dream I had last week. Now what does our precious Holy Spirit want me to write on? I know that by all I see in  the lives of other Christians and am experiencing in my own life that each of us are in a "new land". I believe God's purpose is to bring us up higher. Like the Israelites and American pioneers came to know; going to a new land is not easy. The roads are rocky, trees need to fall and homes and towns need to be built. There are usually others like Canaanites and the other "ites" or Indians that want to make war.

My biggest challenge is to keep from getting frustrated by the many challenges, set-backs, and disappointments. I am still amazed though that no matter what I face God is with me and  keeps speaking to me through the Word, the Holy Spirit and last week in a dream.

In the dream I had a boat that was adrift and this young man who everyone considered to be not very smart rescued the boat and left me a note saying not to be concerned about the things of this world that soon we would be putting on immortality. I woke up thinking about how that man was not so dumb after all.

Here are two scriptures on immortality and one about the things of this world. I underlined the words that jumped out at me.

For He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]: To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [springing from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the eternal blessedness of] immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and self-willed and disobedient to the Truth but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. Romans 2:6-8

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54

I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one. Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].1 John 2:14-15

Earlier that same day (last Friday) the Spirit was speaking to me when I was walking back from the storage shed saying that I "was called to be a Mary and to stop trying to be Martha." I then went back in the house to read about that -

Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and was listening to His teaching. But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

After the dream Holy Spirit spoke about the things that make me unfruitful and led me to the parable of the sower. Here is more on that parable -

The sower sows the Word. The ones along the path are those who have the Word sown [in their hearts], but when they hear, Satan comes at once and [by force] takes away the message which is sown in them. And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy; And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Word; Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless. And those sown on the good (well-adapted) soil are the ones who hear the Word and receive and accept and welcome it and bear fruit--some thirty times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some [even] a hundred times as much. Mark 4:14-20

This confirmed a Word that the Lord spoke through Marsha Burns of Faith Tabernacle a few days before -

July 12, 2006: I have given you great and precious promises, and My word is always true, for I am not a man that I can lie, says the Lord. Do not lose heart or give up. Discouragement will kill faith and keep you from My blessing. Stand strong and be faithful. Many spiritual seeds that have been planted in your heart are still taking root, and have yet to spring up and bring forth a harvest. That does not mean that they won't produce; it means that they are still alive, but have not yet come to fruition. Refuse to allow the cares of this world to choke out the promises you've been given so that they are unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."

Then I read the Word the Lord spoke through her for last Friday  -

July 14, 2006: Beloved, set a watch and be on guard, for the enemy has launched an attack to hinder you and set you back. These tests will come through circumstances that you have to deal with that will seem to produce no solid results or fruit, but rather seem to be time-wasters. Refuse to allow these incidents to produce discouragement, a sense of failure, or hopelessness. Choose instead to believe My word and to stand on My promises, says the Lord.

Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

I believe as I said before that we are in a new land that God is bring us to a new and higher place. I read also about these higher heights or higher ground in a devotion by Smith Wigglesworth. He wrote that "we have gifts and graces and we may use them all, but we sit in them and do not go on beyond where we are." He goes on to say that "every touch of divine life by the Spirit is only for one purpose: to make your life go on a higher height than where you are." He later exhorts that "the Holy Spirit only comes into us (His temples) when we are fully yielded to Him."

Oh that we could look at the journey we are on and this new place we are coming to through the eyes of the Spirit and not how it is affecting our flesh. We too often respond carnally or as the world would. I know I am coming to realize more and more that I am not my own (1 Corinthians 6:19). I am not of this world (John 17:14-15 ). I am in the process of being transformed (Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:9-10) and so are each of you who are reading this.

For while we are still in this tent, we groan under the burden and sigh deeply (weighed down, depressed, oppressed)--not that we want to put off the body (the clothing of the spirit), but rather that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal (our dying body) may be swallowed up by life [after the resurrection]. 2 Corinthians 5:4

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Philippians 3:10

We must look at this death that is spoken of as the way to be further separated unto God; to be more yielded.  God continually brings us to Himself and we leave our old nature behind.

Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.2 Corinthians 4:18

Again I see that where we are focusing/looking is vital. Smith Wigglesworth  writes, "To descend is to be conformed. To ascend is to be transformed." We are no longer to be conformed to the world around us. We are part of God's glorious end-time church. I will finish with a scripture that encourages me in the toughest places and during the hardest tests.

Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance [have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you], I also will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial (testing) which is coming on the whole world to try those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown. Revelation 3:10-11

With love, blessings and prayers - Linda-Sue

REPORTS OF VICTORY

My daughter, Katie finally qualified to represent my Dad's estate. Her lawyer said it was the most complicated estate case she has had in 30 years of practice. Katie also was able to sign to put my parents' house on the market and set up an estate sale for Labor Day weekend.  

Scott was approved last week for a mobility chair. It should come in by the end of August and the lift will be mounted on the car plus we will get a grant to put a ramp up to our home and add some other things to make the bathroom safer for Scott too. Later this month we should find out what is causing the weakness in his legs. I think the neurologist has it narrowed down to two types of neuropathy. Now to find out which kind and what can be done. Scott and I believe that he is already healed by the stripes of the Lord Jesus and the finished work of the cross but we haven't see the full manifestation though the intense pain was healed May 1st as I shared before. Though this year has had one disappointment after another I am starting to look at the glass half full and not half empty. I have so much to be thankful for.

 With love, blessings and prayers, Linda-Sue (7/12)

* * *

Hi Linda Sue,

This is an update.

I called Social Security today and they said I was APPROVED on May 3rd and to call them back on July 24th.  I am so excited.  I go see my psychiatrist tomorrow.  This will cover all my medications.  The highest is 520.00 a month.  Bob certainly is happy about it.

I am on  a diet and have lost a little weight.  It is coming off slowly but surely.

Belinda (7/13)

* * *

This is from an IM message between Cindy and I

Linda-Sue - What were the Words God spoke to you?

Cindy - Well, He said You are not alone.  He has sent many to pray with you or (or many prayer warriors) and the unbelieving spouse will be saved and your marriage restored to better than before. That was last night. (7/16)

Last week(7/9) He said  I have seen the beginning from the end. You have been carrying this burden far too long .This burden will come to an end.

Linda-Sue - WOW! Where were you at church, home and I'm sure you received this like a thunderbolt

Cindy - church and yes it knocked me down on my seat lol

Linda-Sue - that is so great

Cindy - got weak in the knees…just cried

Linda-Sue - Now you know what direction you are headed

Cindy - yes and how to pray

 * * *

I JUST GOT BACK FROM MY WEEKLY DOCTOR APPOINTMENT WITH MY PODIATRIST AND GOT A WONDERFUL REPORT.

HE TOOK X-RAYS TODAY WHICH REVEALED THAT THE BONES ARE GRAFTING TOGETHER LIKE HE HAD HOPED. I WAS FITTED WITH AN ORTHOPEDIC SHOE THAT SOMEHOW WEAVES IN WITH THE FIXATIR CAGE THAT I WILL CONTINUE TO WEAR FOR AWHILE...THE REALLY GREAT NEWS FOR ME IS THAT I CAN START WALKING WITH A WALKER THIS WEEK PUTTING SOME PRESSURE ON THE FOOT AND IF I TOLERATE THAT WELL I CAN BEGIN WALKING ON IT IN ANOTHER WEEK. 

I JUST PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS FAITHFULNESS TO ME. HE IS ABSOLUTELY AN AWESOME GOD!

LOVE,
DONNA (7/17)

\O/              \O/               \O/
I LIVE, NOT BECAUSE
I AM ABLE  ...   I LIVE
BECAUSE GOD IS ABLE
\O/               \O/               \O/

* * *

Volume 4 Number 6                                                  June, 2006

Holy Spirit at Work

Many of you know my Dad died in April and my husband, Scott's health has had us at the VA hospital every month since November and sometimes as many as three times a month. Had you asked me yesterday how a prayer letter would have been written this month and who would write it; I would have not had those answers. The tests have been more difficult this year for many Christians and the warfare intense. Again I am in awe of our Father God's keeping power. Personally He keeps showing me things in His Word and comforting me by His Spirit and as I listen to praise and worship music. I did write down a few things yesterday that I believe will be helpful to any of you who are struggling or feeling lost.

We too often are not being led by Holy Spirit or even Satan but by our own unbelief into places God never planned for us to go. We  feel separated from God; yet we need to know that He wants to secure our deliverance from this dark prison-like place. It is the  process of restoring and rebuilding us that can be long and painful for us. We will have to learn some things over again and to replace the devil's lies we have believed with the Truth of God's Word. Our Father will nourish and refresh us by His Spirit until the barren places are saturated and bursting with new life. If you are in that place of discouragement, don't give up instead look up! Get your focus back where it belongs. Help is on the way!

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26

When Father God has real control of us, our future takes on a new outlook. We see an open door of opportunities for God to do new things and use us like He never has before. All the old limitations are gone as Holy Spirit becomes the Revealer of Our Lord Jesus Christ Who possesses everything for us. Our thoughts are brought into line with the mind of Christ. We now move at God's speed which is beyond what we have known before.

I believe that every touch of what I call the Christ life is to bring us to a higher height spiritually. I want to be so totally yielded to Holy Spirit and what God is building in and through me. Here are the four scriptures I received from the Spirit in the order I received them.

Unless the LORD builds the house,