Saturday, August 30, 2014

Expecting #25 - Facebook / Social Media

Ok, here we go.

Facebook - social media - Snapchat - Linkin In - Instagram - text messaging - sexting - cyber bullying
etc. etc. etc. etc

I was challenged a month or so ago by a dear sweet sister in Christ that stated - to just spend AS much time in God's word  as you did on Facebook and then post it -- become accountable.  We can 'add up' all the time one spends on FB - as it posts time and dates -- can we post how long is spent reading God's Word?

The 'new messenger facebook app' ....I have seen about 4-5 video warnings on FB about not downloading it - whoops - too late.  Did it.

I have seen a few stake claim and declare they WOULD never allow Messenger to be on their phone and today I saw local news time on the TV reporting on it.

John 8.12 says:   " I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".

Quite frankly -- I am over it.

I am not too worried about BIG Brother ...and being stalked on FB.  I am more 'worried' about people that continue to use FB as a way to disrespect their children, their spouses and their selves.  

FB like all the other social media things...are an escape mechanism -- to live and read about another and take your mind off your own life.

Like alcohol or pleasure drugs.... it is a way to escape and for many - it become their reality.

FB was instrumental in a person contacting me  -- and this person spoke life into me -- when I needed it. So...I will always be a bit partial to the application.

FB is a way for me to actually SEE what some of my family is up too - as we no longer call each week, send photos across the mail box, or even see each other as now -- their lives are so busy with their own children.

FB today blessed me - as my Aunt was able to post a video of my Grandma and my cousin and I got to be RIGHT there.

FB allows me to message a person privately -- and encourage them or get them a message -- thus 'messenger' application is NOT that bad.

And...quite frankly --   I am going to cover it in blood...NOTHING comes into my path that God has not already known about -- so,  I am going to pray that we - I am - protected.

I am claiming God's protection.  I don't see what the big deal is....

I am more worried about  what is happening oversees with  ISIS, human sex trafficking, and the fact that people are more consumed about being politically correct than being morally right.  

But I am NOT going to be stupid ....  you can change privacy settings very quickly -- You can make sure that ONLY your friends see your stuff and you can make sure that only the ones you want to read a post will see it.

I don't think FB is trying to control us - it is just another way -- to communicate and of course ...Satan can get into anything and mess it up.

As far as the Messenger app -- it seems to me that some should be more worried about what Jesus says in Chapters 14-16 of the book of John  or read the book of Galatians....  to me ...THAT is more of something to be concerned about.

And get this....you can delete or inactive your account...YOU do not have to be friends with a person that is driving you nuts.

It is what it is...

To me...it is just another way for people to put blame on something else...rather than themselves.

Maybe they ARE spending TOO much time on FB and it has become an Idol.
Maybe they post EACH and every emotion on their FB.... and after awhile ....we ignore -- kind of like the story of 'crying wolf'...

But maybe ...FB encourages you and teaches you something new.
Maybe FB blesses you because you get to catch up with a childhood classmate and laugh a few laughs.
And Maybe FB is one way another gets ahold of you -- and that person speaks into your life  -- and you know that you know -- what God has told you to do -- is being confirmed.

Just saying.

But it is not just FACEBOOK - what else is consuming your time?
...watching TMZ on the computer or TV
...watching several different soap operas each day or 'dramas' that are just soap operas at night
...watching a show that you must then find Season 1, 2 and you have to go to NETFLIX to find other past episodes
...spending time on the phone - with a friend - daily when other stuff needs to be done...
.....maybe being so obsessed with a certain football team that everything gets lost ...?

The list could go on --  and please -- I am speaking to MYSELF on this one.
Since my friend challenged me -- I have been paying attention as to how much time I am on FB compared to reading my bible ....and she was right - I was lopsided...

Changing that... Changed that!

I don't claim to know it all - I just know that the Holy Spirit wanted me to address FB and the issue of Social Media -- we must make sure it is NOT an idol and it does not dictate us.

If you are easily offened by a person's post - delete them - prayerfully.
Messenger is NOT that bad....seriously -- I reset my privacy settings and I am not being tracked - at the moment....

But even if I was or could be...don't you see ....this is must MORE of prophesy coming to life...
At the end of our God Encounter Weekend, the women gave a short testimony about WHAT God had done for them that weekend.

The Holy Spirit spoke to me and one lady shared her heart and afterwards -- I knew God had more to say to us through her...so I told her, "God has a word for us, and He is going to use you to share it!".

I knew that I knew HE would, HE was, and HE was going to use her.... having the Holy Spirit as my best friend - HE tells me stuff.  HE is trustworthy.


John 14:16The Message (MSG)The Spirit of Truth15-17 “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!


Later - she shared.   You see -- THAT is what the Holy Spirit does for us...for me...and that is not all.  There are more gifts from Him!   So,  She testified that she was unsure about the Word from God...but as she prayed, she clearly got 4 words...

With tears and with the greatest heartfelt and humbled emotion - she said - God gave her 4 words, "forgive, repent, praise, coming soon "  ...  We must forgive, repent and praise HIM for - HE is coming soon.

And so therefore, until God tells me to get off FB and not use Messenger...I will use it for HIS good - to get HIS word out....but...HIS word will be read more often...

And with that - I will always question myself and recheck - to make sure NOTHING becomes an idol !

And with that....  when we are so full of Christ and HIS word...and that becomes our priority -- we won't FEEL the need to post a status and get our needs or feelings stroked by FB...  as we will be whole and healthy...in HIM.


And then we can use FB for fun and silly stuff .... instead of tearing another apart on it...

IN Jesus name, Amen.


Lord, I am so thankful for the women and /or friends that are on my list....that continue to speak life, encourage and make me laugh -- may this blog prayer speak to the heart that needs to re-evaluate their FB usage and may it speak to the one who needs to be in  a church tomorrow -- seeking God's FACE through hugs and smiles of other believers...may they be filled with HIM - not social media.  IN Jesus' name...amen.  


 Galatians:  6: 14-16 For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. Can’t you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!
17 Quite frankly, I don’t want to be bothered anymore by these disputes. I have far more important things to do—the serious living of this faith. I bear in my body scars from my service to Jesus.
18 May what our Master Jesus Christ gives freely be deeply and personally yours, my friends. Oh, yes!

Expecting #24 - ONE notch above cautious....


Today -- August 30, 2014.  As I stated with my last few blog/prayers -- the Holy Spirit gave me 7 topics with which to write about.  7 is a perfect number.  And GOD did this for me, cause He knew I would be in recovery.  If you read this on a regular basis, you know I was a part of a team of women that walked WITH God and His mercy to Titusville where 27 women got some freedom last weekend. Exactly one week ago - about this time, I was showered  ( 6am ) and preparing to be on my way to Publix to pick up the 'celebration cake' when God spoke and clearly gave me insight into the day and how it would transpire. 

 The next morning, Sunday, the HS spoke again and directed the events on Sunday.  I say that - to say this...the HS continues to lead and guide me.  And as I spoke to the women last Sunday, I advised them to allow the HS to keep them in 'recovery' until they were ready to received visitors -- just like in the hospital.  The first few days....the first week after a God Encounter Weekend is critical ...as the Enemy comes back stronger and ready to steal back what Jesus clearly reminded everyone to leave at the Cross.  

With that being said, I too was attacked and knew -- God had me.  Exodus 14.14.  I do not claim to be some know it all.  I don't want anyone to 'do what I did' or 'do what I said'.....I want that woman to seek God...to know that she knows...she is following God's divine plan.  Praying with sisters in Christ, seeking godly counsel is all a part of that - but when it comes down to decision making  --- I will stand before God and give an account for me....

And I know, because I was placed in a position of Spiritual Authority for that weekend - I will give an account for THAT....

But as for our day to day lives....praise God that I am NOT the SAVIOR or that it is NOT my responsibility to 'save' another....as they will stand before God themselves and give their account.  

So, enough of me 'explaining'....this is #6 of HIS topics -- waiting on God.  

And I went back to August of 2011 when I posted a blog called, "one notch above cautious"  -- as I was blessed by reading it, I pray now - that the intended readers will also hear God through this blog.  It is a LONG one today - grab coffee or tea...read it in parts...but I pray it will explain how to wait on God.   - michelle 



 August 2011
It is funny -- no it is God's timing that today I just sort of 'went' one notch about cautious. What does that mean? Well, for so long there has been a trial, a problem, an event, or just a big old plain elephant in the room. So many things, events, people, and just STUFF involved. One goes through SO many emotions that you almost become RAW at one point and then HARD and vow NEVER to be hurt like that again, and then you really RE-evaluate and think -WHAT DO I want? What I wanted -- more of God. I wanted to be in the CENTER of HIS will and I wanted to hear those prophetic words, "well, done my good and faithful servant Michelle".


So choices had to be made.


James 1.12 says: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


Blessed is the woman, hurt, that perseveres under trial, because when she has withstood the test, she will receive the crown of life that GOD has promised to those who LOVE HIM.


Blessed is Michelle . . it is hard to sometimes really believe that GOD loves me as much as HE loves Jesus. It is hard to wrap my mind around it.


And so, I have been cautious with my heart. I am cautious, I have good reason. But, when I really reflect and think -- I broke God's heart too. I loved HIM but I really did not WANT HIM . .nor did I really understand HOW to love HIM the way I was suppose to, nor did I understand HIS true grace and mercy. But now . . .I believe I can say that I have experienced HIS grace and mercy and so therefore, I must give it. Period.


To give grace and mercy .. sometimes it takes extreme patience. Patience is to have the ability to endure, but it does stop there. Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate. In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting. We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relatioinships as well. Easy to say, HARD to LIVE.


Job Stood firm.

I remember the day I had a revelation -- God loves me like HE did JOB. God has allowed this trial in my life .. this journey .. this hurt . .because HE wants to see if MICHELLE will stand firm. I chose that. I have. I tired. I failed but I tried again. I choose this each day I wake up.


And with that, I have become cautious. People say and act a certain way . . .but sticking around long enough and listening and watching sometimes shows one's true heart. That is why, I would say . .I am one notch . above cautious.

God's restoration power is at work, God's healing is at work, but it is not complete as of yet. The smile on my face, praises GOD for the glorious miracles I see and hear and witness, but I realize the ENEMY is still fighting mad and won't stop! Together, and I am claiming this ..together, my husband and I can defeat the Enemy's schemes for our family and friends and I am so anxious to watch how God brings this about. I am believing that we, both, together can make a difference for HIS Kingdom and I want that. And I believe that God will reveal even more to my husband and do a migthy miracle with everything we have encountered and endured.


Every trial must come through HIS love but every trial has a purpose. Every pain, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face. 


Scripture says: " The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger, I trust in HIM with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy." Psm. 28.7


Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply - rooted confidence that God is in control.


I can say, this deeply rooted confidence. . that God is in CONTROL . .won't be shaken from me - ever . . .HE will do what HE says HE will do.

Today -- August 30, 2014
God has healed MANY of those concerns and so forth that I implied about in the above blog.  My husband and I are healed and together we share our story when HE says to -- we pray for couples and individuals when HE says we are  and when HE brings their names or hearts to our minds.  I believe that my husband and I are doing our part....to make a difference within HIS Kingdom as we both know and are aware that we will stand before God and we both want to hear - 'well done my faithful servants'.  That motivates us -- That moves us -- that keeps us HUMBLE!  

Waiting on God is HARD. 
Waiting on God can suck. 
Waiting on God is what HE is asking us to do. 
If you are not hearing from God to 'move' or 'change this'...then HE Is telling you clearing to WAIT on HIM and be STILL.  

Being still is HARD.
Being Still can suck.
Being Still is what is asking us to do - so often but we try to manipulate and move God....that is not what waiting is.  

Waiting is not getting that pizza from Dominos, putting it in your car and then while at the stoplight sneaking a bite - which BURNS your lips...

Waiting is not being on the highway and you notice a detour sign but you decide that the construction  people JUST put it there and the road would STILL Be open.... until you find yourself stopped with no road to take....

Waiting is not sitting at a 4 way stop and deciding to go first rather than yield to the right....

Waiting is hard....it can be the MOST painful time of your life ...but if you are waiting on God - trust that the outcome will be BEYOND what you can imagine.  


Many times, I go back to blogs I wrote in 2010 - 2011....and just revel in what God has done in my life...there is a record of the hurt - yes - but there is MORE glory than hurt now...and it speaks volumes as I go back and read.  

I have always tried not to spew the HURT too much ....as I realize  - lives - real lives are touched and maybe rehurt ....but I also know that one needs to see - there is HOPE  and there is redemption and that GOD does heal.  

So often - we just don't wait.  



Heavenly Father - for my BB ...for my sisters in Christ...for the one released this week, for the  one who spoke life into my life for many years and hurt my flesh...for the ones reading this that have NO clue of whom I am....God...that each of them, would read and see...waiting on YOU...obeying YOU...is what YOU have called them to do ....

God, that they would open their bibles and get their own word from YOU....that they would wait.  God - only YOU can heal - only YOU can save...and ONLY your HS can comfort them now -- I love you Lord,  I grow to love and trust you MORE each day and with every new trial or blessing - I stand in awe of your Presence.  YOU are indeed my best friend and my love and Lord, thank you for the husband I have now.... He has been the covering I have needed this past week - and God submitting to his counsel and knowing he walks and talks with you daily -- is the most gracious gift and loving gift.  As through marriage -- as this was your intention -- through marriage we are to reflect the relationship between Jesus ....and His bride...we are the bride of Christ...when Jesus presents 'us' to You... well.... that will be glory.   My human brain can't quite  put its finger on it...but -- it is good - Thank you Lord, thank you for giving my BB a special man as well...bless him Lord ...in Jesus name, amen. 


Thursday, August 28, 2014

Expecting #23 -- prayerfully walking not emotional walking....

Psalms 149.4  - The Lord delights in his people -- you -- he crowns the humble with victory. 

Ecclesiastes 7.9 - Control your temper; for anger labels you a fool.  

Galatians 5 The Message (MSG)

The Life of Freedom.Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.4-6 I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.7-10 You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.
13-15 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?19-21 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.



True freedom -- being able to walk in freedom and know that you know God has you in HIS hands --------------and no matter what -- HE will make things right.  
Prayerfully walking - rather than emotional walking in that freedom.  
Seeking help -- Seeking counsel.  
Coming under spiritual authority.

These are ALL phrases and thoughts spinning in my head right now.  On Monday the Holy Spirit awoke me and gave me a list of topics for this blog/prayer.  Tonight - the one needed -- is walking it out -- prayerfully.  

I can only speak of my own situation -- but when the Lord allowed a major heartache to be revealed, I sat back and got angry and mad.  And I had a few ugly months where I destroyed physical things and if you were close - you got an earful.  I spewed to some that I NEVER should of opened up to.   But I was VERY careful not to spew it out on Face Book or to ALL...I choose a few close friends.   Somehow I just knew...if my marriage would be restored - there would be much I would have to correct ...and if we did not make it through...no matter what -- that man was the father to my children.  I was NOT going to stand before God and have God look at me and say, "michelle, why did you NOT do what I asked?".  

That was the motivation for showing grace and mercy -- cause THAT is what God clearly had said to me.  

 God actually brought me a few new friends -- that knew NOTHING about me....and that was refreshing, as they always spoke life to me and about me...and about the person that was hurting me.  
I sought godly counsel -- and I listened and DID what they suggested - prayerfully.  When I did not want to -- I called them to pray. 
I also sought professional help - and I listened to WHAT she stated to do -- we both did.  It was hard....it was NOT easy ...it took over a year of counsel.  

Insanity is doing the SAME stuff over and over -- in a marriage that has been broken...in a marriage that has suffered a loss and in a marriage where vows were broken.... you can't put a band-aid on it.  You can't say 'I am sorry, and you are forgiven' and expect it to remain perfect.  There is a sweet spirit there -- and the Lord will cover you -- but HE asks us to change.....  

One piece of advice or thought process our Therapist stated and we quote often -- "an affair is a symptom"  of other problems.  Drinking and taking some drugs or pills to 'numb' the pain is a symptom of other problems and add that to a marriage....ouch.  

When we prayerfully walk out our healing with counsel - godly and professional - and we take the time to MAKE the necessary changes of our own behavior -- I believe we can see  and I  have seen restoration.  

When we allow our emotions to do the healing and the counseling...I have seen changes...but changes that did not last.  Changes that hurt. 

Humbly seek counsel....be willing to come under authority of a Pastor /Counselor and follow their suggestions.  And if it is not working...go back to that Counselor and seek God and that person....many times... it takes some major surgery to fix a problem.....  there is a cost....  we think nothing of the cost to run to an emergency room to get help....why not RUN to a therapist that CAN be a new set of eyes.... and allow them to help - change the habits.  

The bottom line is -- I don't think some people WANT change. 
I don't believe that some WANT to do the HARD. 

People want QUICK fixes...  God can do that- but many times ...it takes time.  
HIS timing is perfect.  

As I said, the Holy Spirit gave me 7 topics...to blog on over the next week.  Many of the women that have returned from the Encounter Weekend are in recovery ....there was Holy Surgery done -- and the Holy Spirit warned them...to only allow a few visitors for the first few hours...to guard their hearts and head - as Satan ( and he is real ) and his helpers would be seeking to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY...and I have seen it happen....not only within those women that went to the Encounter...but others too...
.....but others who have been told to ...seek counsel....won't follow it....
....others who have been prayed over -- and given advice to take it slow...and yet..they decided to manipulate the situation...they decided all was well...and it was not....

God is the God of second chances...and God will heal a humbled heart...  HE crowns the humble.... but His word also says -- HE labels one that can't control their anger -- as a fool.  

God is just. 
God is love.....and God is good....but HE is just.  
Exodus 14.14 - says that HE will fight for you -- God will....we must let God fight our battles...

Love covers a multitude of sins... and we must always forgive.  
But we must also do the HARD.  
If the Lord, has released your from a relationship because of adultery...then let it be......
But if God has NOT released you -- DO what God says... You will stand before Him one day - and YOu will have to account for your actions...what will you say?  

Lord....use these words this eve...I pray YOU will be glorified.  
In Jesus name...amen.  
- Humbled...
Grateful...and expecting that tomorrow -- one will do the HARD and  not allow the emotional walking...but will be prayerful and seek help - real help and do the HARD.   Or one will probably allow the enemy to tell her more lies -- and she will blame the accused or even me....but I know that I know - these words spoke truth.  God knows the desire of my heart - to speak life and encourage...

The hardest part is when 'the one' does not see that - and the spewing falls back upon me -- that is when I proclaim over and over -- Exodus 14.14 -- God is fighting for me - I need only be still -- and quiet too..  

Amen.  



Expecting #22 -- Our WORDS... HE is asking us to be different!

  On Monday morning......


The Holy Spirit awoke me up and gave me a list of  of subjects for this prayer /blog for the next few days -- today is the FIRST one HE gave me....


  Mathew 5.37

37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.[a]  - NIV  




Matthew 5:37The Message (MSG)

Empty Promises

33-37 “And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.


  And finally:  


Philippians 4:8New International Version (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



This means....I watch my tongue.  
I watch what I 'share' on FB. 
I watch what I comment on.  

And it may mean that it is time to refine a few things.  

Our words and our speech should always glorify HIM.  And show Jesus' love.  

Lord,  for my sister in Christ who KNOWS this and has taught me more than she knows....this post is more for ME today -- than another -- God - my words will be few...
God my words will edify.God - forgive me -- thank you for allowing me t be made new - each morning...In Jesus name...Amen.  

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

The Commission STATEMENT -- from Capturing Liberty - Wknd

Here you are  ladies...it is in print:  

( For the Women that participated in the God Encounter Weekend with His Church Leadership in Titusville this past weekend - here are the written words for your commission)

Beloved,
God is the state builder of my life,
He has pulled back the curtain this weekend,
We are not on a new stage,
I am the Center of God's Theater,
All my pain, sorry, and hurt WILL be redeemed,
I will praise you Lord for every trial,
Because I know it brought me here today,
I praise you Lord, for I know:
I am loved,
I am forgiven,
I am blessed,
 I am redeemed,
I am accepted,
And I know my stage is now bigger,
Lord, I know it i s my time now to show others grace and mercy,
I know it is my time to believe that YOU will win,
Lord, I kNOW I am at the center of Your stage,
God, YOU will help me make some changes,
The Holy Spirit is my best friend,
I have NO more unforgiveness,
And God wants me to know, that soon,
SOON it will be my time,
SOON the desires of my heart will be received,
And shortly, the hurts will only be a scar,
The pain won't cripple me anymore,
And when I sin, I will seek repentance,
And my time of barrenness will be over,
God is making my stage bigger,
I am going to receive the desires, the good and righteous desires of my heart,
God has done a work inside me this weekend,
God will continue to meet every need,
I will not worship my past,
I will walk on day at a time in my freedom,
As I go home today,
God is sending out my casting call,
New characters will be added to my story,
It will look and sound different,
God will enlarge my stage,
He will send something new,
And when a hurt occurs, cause man will fail me,
I will trust again as God never fails.

Am I ready?
Are you ready?
Are you going to stand on your own two feet and believe that the freedom you now have will stay?

Then take your place  - God knows you are !
So go now and make a sequel to your former life...take your place on God's center stage!
Amen.

Expecting #21 - WE won't be attacked. 27 women!


27 women were embraced with Robes of royal purple.  I can see  them all --  it was a dream that came true -- 
    ---- beautiful woman,   walking in GRACE and slow -- very methodical -- towards.... heaven and their  destiny, but "her" head was held high and  she KNEW where she was going, and she knew that THIS is the time...and she was fully aware of WHAT she was getting into and she continued to go forward.  
I remember the Story of Ester.  Here is a recap of that Book in the Bible:  
Esther was a young, beautiful, Jewish woman living in Persia. She was unknowingly thrust into one of the greatest stories of all time, due to a very strange turn of events. Esther proved to be a woman of unusual wisdom and courage, facing adversity and wickedness with a quiet confidence and grace. While God is not directly mentioned in this book, His hand and perfect timing are seen in every turn of events. 
Then her story can teach us some lessons:  
Esther saved the Jews. Her life can teach us several vital lessons
1. There is a preparation time.
She allowed herself to be prepared for the task. God's preparation time can sometimes be long and uneventful. Moses spent 40 years in the desert looking after sheep before coming to deliver the Israelites. The refining of our characters is very essential to God's plan for our life. God cannot use a proud woman (or man).
I believe there was a season in my life where GOD prepared me.  HE changed the way I felt about Him and myself and then, when I was ready -- HE did allow some revelation and I know that I know that my 'time' was THEN to walk with HIM and walk in faith and learn to TRUST God.  

I believe these 27 women clearly gained their freedom because the leadership team DID bathe this in prayer ...we decided that   this had to be bathed in prayer, prayer over the ladies, their rooms, their group assignments and even throughout the entire weekend, prayer always went before the session or teaching. 

I remember another friend that was in a battle for her daughter's life.  Her daughter was gripped with an eating stronghold and even the pediatrician told her - that the daughter would probably not 'survive' the disorder.  But...that mom KNEW - SHE knew GOD WAS able and she continued in prayer and guess what -- God did -- that young woman is a warrior for HIM!   God heals.  
2. We need the favour of God.
Esther found favour with the King and so did Mordecai. Even Jesus grew in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52). When you live a life pleasing to God, by obeying His will you will find favour with Him. God will also give you favour with people.
I have had people come to me and say, "pray for me as YOUR prayers are heard".  God hears each and every prayer.  We do need God's favor and it comes with our obedience.   The key is living a life pleasing to God.  I believe many times we give up or give in ....right before the blessing comes.  And so often, we give up or give in cause God does N OT seem to be moving in our timeline - and we get impatient.  God's timing does seem slow, but trusting it -- brings favor.  

I believe these women have  God's favor...each one  is walking in it.  
3. God works in His own time and season.
Esther got her timing right. Maybe God has put it on your heart to do something for Him. Don't just jump into it but wait for his time. Joseph was in jail until it was God's time for him to be released. God will move in His time when we remain faithful and alert to His leading.

Another lesson from Ester on God's timing.....it does seem like God is really trying to TEACH us something.  I believe there is a woman reading this tonight -- and right now, she knows that God is telling her -- NOW is the time...

Maybe NOW is the time to fast and pray for a specific child that  is lost or mixed up in sin...
Maybe NOW is the time for you to sit next to a friend who is in a storm and just PRAY with her...
Maybe NOW is the time to get off your butt...and DO something....for HIM...instead of expecting God to lay it all before you...
Maybe NOW is the time to actually pray and seek counsel on something or a stronghold that has plagued you for FAR too long...
Maybe NOW is the time to go to church - find one...worship one...and maybe ask yourself, "does God know me?"...
Maybe NOW is the time to give and extend forgiveness...
Maybe NOW is the appointed time for restoration within a part of your family...
Maybe NOW is the appointed time...

But I know some 27 women that WOULD tell you --  GOD does heal a broken heart...GOD does show you HOW to walk in your freedom and GOD meets YOU right where you are and as each day passes...these women will probably tell you - THEY LOVE God more than they ever have......  

But you can ask one of them....
4. Your background does not hinder your future with God.
Esther was an orphan. God still exalted her and used her. Some of Jesus' disciples were fishermen, tax collectors and one was a doctor. Your background does not determine what God can do with you. Your faith does.
I did a bible study on Ester with Beth Moore.  A major part of the study is taking a look at 'our past' and that it has BROUGHT us to this point - here and now.  Our past was our destiny.  Our past did shape our future -- but it never has to dictate it.  

God has allowed experiences within out lives -- as we walk through it with HIM...we can then, do that for another and help another walk through the pain of..... a death....a betrayal....a rejection....

God gave each women the courage to share with some of us --their past...and yet.. now...IT NO longer is a stronghold for them...they are FREE!

God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary -- our faith creates miracles!  
There were 27 ordinary women that were already EXTRAORDINARY last Friday at the beginning our Our God Encounter Weekend...but NOW they BELIEVE they are!!   amen.  

And I get to WATCH and see the EXTRAORDINARY take place....it already has in many lives!  


There is NOTHING God can't heal, restore, or redeem.
There is NOTHING that can separate the love HE has for us -- expect maybe us....
Are you in a season like Ester was?   Is now the time to step it up -- and help SAVE a child or friend around you?
Only You and God know the answer to that --
If Ester had NOT spoken up when she did  -- what would of happened?
She saved a people....
Who have you helped God to save today?

I bet if you know one of those 27 women....they will change your thoughts today....

- humbled, Michelle


Yesterday -- was DAy #20....  I was SO physically EXHAUSTED from our wonderful weekend that all I could do was pray a simple prayer and then hit my pillow -- but you know what -- GOD knew...and GOD honored  that prayer .....and today --  today is another day in HIS presence....and HE will guide and direct.

Today I am blessed with "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings, My soul clings to you: your right hand upholds me."  - Psalm 63: 7-8


 Homework:   Thank God for ALL that transpired this past weekend or today - give thanks!