Believing in God's Word -- is it ACTIVE in You?

Do you believe God's Word is alive and full of power?
Do you believe God's Word is energizing?
Do you believe God's Word is effective? 


I do.

A bible study, that  I am doing has me thinking and looking beyond what I read -- and asking, is this TRUE?

Is His  Word alive and active in me?

I am created in the image of God -- His words are omnipotent   = meaning have UNLIMITED power.
My words are potent = they have power too........ with God in me - with Holy Spirit as my constant companion, and with Jesus as my Savior -- are my words omnipotent?  
- With unlimited power?


No.   But. 

God's words are omnipotent.  He has unlimited power. 
If I believe I am created in God's image and He abides in me....and I am a joint heir to His Kingdom             ...then my words are almost unlimited.... or as close to unlimited as my 'flesh' will allow myself to believe! 

Or can I have that unlimited power? 

I know I can have an unlimited prayer life....
I know I can have an unlimited love for chocolate...
I know I can have an unlimited love for a child ..... 


Our words are potent.
Spoken words are more powerful than 'thought up ones'.   That is why  the spoken word is so powerful. 


God SPOKE  "in" our world - our earth came to life because  God spoke it. 
God SPOKE in the sky...the animals...the sun....the waters....  man...  see in Genesis!

Satan wants to hinder me -- or you -- from ever using your mouth the RIGHT way --

God says that as I draw near to Him, He will draw close to me --
God's Word says that his words are like fire in Jeremiah 23! 
God's Word is God speaking -- the most powerful words are His......


I know God's Word is alive and active in me.    I have seen mountains been moved cause we prayed it to happen. 
I know God's Word is alive and active in me, as He has used His Word to teach me and  then I have been able to teach others and have seen victory over  strongholds! 

I have gotten victory over strongholds -- by memorizing scripture and using THAT to battle the firey darts that Satan or his helps throw. 

I have a few blogs on the back burner - ready to post, but  Holy Spirit has not confirmed them, nor allowed me to post.     And.

When 3-4 days have passed and I have not had the chance to write or blog -- the enemy begins to remind me that I have nothing to say of any interest. 

Then I rebuke him, pray, and seek God and at times, the words come FAST and other times, HE waits and tonight --   it seems, that I am just going to blog some prayers.    I say "Just" and yet -- THAT is what we should do constantly without ceasing! 

Tonight, I am having to USE HIS words to do some bold praying for some ... several... I will keep it generic but I  pray that it touches anyone who reads it and that you would agree with me in prayer for these requests I am pouring out --

As I believe my prayerful words are almost limitless...cause God is in me...   and His Word is alive and active in me; so therefore,

(Before I begin ...Lord...forgive me -- show me my sins...ones I did on purpose an ones I did not mean -- but clearly show me if I have offended or done wrong...as I come to you with a clean heart  - and this mouth is speaking words that will uplift and glorify --  always....)

Lord, tonight there is one so confused by the present situation around her that she should have some order and clarity and there seems to just be continued disorder, worry, and uncertainty... may she know, that YOU will answer her...YOU will provide the clarity...and give her the courage to do something rather insane or difficult if indeed is it YOUR will.....Lord, I will just pray that the 'insanity' stops.... 

Lord, tonight there is a family dealing with the loss of a loved one, they are hurting still so and have not been able to move beyond the constant daily grind of missing that one --  Lord, show them purpose, show them comfort, and give them a heads up to WHAT You want them to do next in that person's memory or honor....or maybe Lord, show them -- that they are still VERY much alive and that YOU want to use them......

Lord, tonight a bunch of teachers are thinking as they go back to school tomorrow about this upcoming testing and assessment -- Lord, it is so easy to equate the results with their performance and their ability -- Lord, we bind that spirit of insecurity away from them and I pray for supernatural eyes and brains to be open for the next 3 weeks as we review and pour into their heads what we believe they they practice on....but Lord, help us to teach the whole child - not just a skill for the test....Lord, help us to remember that they are just children....

Lord, the upcoming Encounter Weekend, as many have been praying for months now, I humbly come before you and state --  that I  am not worthy of this calling, this   adventure - but I will DO WHAT you ask...DO what you tell me to do...and I will allow YOU to lead and take over....  so, within that - I pray for each of the intercessors that have been in diligent prayer and for each recipient that will travel to Titusville shortly -- Lord, show up, show off and heal..... and Lord, I want numerous physical and spiritual healed women....ready to continue Your Kingdom work as time is short.... And with that, there are are still some that need a physical healing to attend and to lead...and, protect finances and every detail of this endeavor -- YOUR Encounter Weekend...

Lord, for that little one -- who revealed a painful truth -- help her mother and father know exactly what to do, I pray for a supernatural healing to happen within her life and the life of her family -- Lord, thank you for  providing the answers but first  for the revelation which hurts but now -- satan can be bound, generational sin and curses can be bound, and victory is achieved....as You will set these little ones apart and you will be their champion and they will serve you in a great and mighty way... 

Lord, for the one reading this that has NOT related to any of the previous prayers but is in pain and hurting -- Lord, I pray they will seek You and believe as they state out loud ...." I am going to be healed as Jesus will heal me".....   And I pray another will use her words to state...." Satan will not have my marriage nor my children, so I will fight for them Lord, and I ask you to help me soar and I claim my troubles will be in the past very shortly...In Jesus name".    And for the one who is living with an unyoked believer - may he see Lord, WHAT he may need to do or change so that  YOUR love and the LOVE he has for you -- will reach the wife....will reach the one right next to him -- God, move within that marriage ...within those hearts...  time is running out!  ......

And finally Lord,   create in me a clean heart .....sing over me Lord, direct me - show me...Lord, for the secret desires of my heart and for the stated ones....   Lord, that I would always walk in your will and be an example of Your grace and mercy to the lost and to the loved ones around.... 

Lord, and for the ones that need a good 'cattle prodding' zap...  Lord, allow or do what is necessary so that they COME to Jesus - come back to you...and Lord, USE me if it is your will to minister or keep me at bay...but send in the right troops... as I am TIRED of Satan claiming another because of poor sexual choices and so forth -- freedom and liberty for those loved ones Lord...  I will stand firm and believe it shall come into pass...as my words are potent -- especially when I add in Your Word and that Word is that You desire NO one to perish bu have everlasting life -- so with that I will HOLD OUT until I see it!    And as I hold out, help me lord to show grace to all and show love when it is not returned.....IN Jesus MIGHTY name....amen. 


PS Lord, I would just remind you that I am so grateful and thankful for what you did on the Cross for me and for others...  Without the Cross there were be no Crown or victory...  Thank you Lord 

Expectations - updated, from a different perspective.

Expectations.

I have written a blog about expectations before. 

Today, Holy Spirit reminded me of something.  So, I went back to that blog and am looking at it, reading it with a new pair of eyes --- 

As a kid, I had GREAT expectations.  Prince Charming was to swoop me off my feet.  My family would become that model family...eventually  - like the Osmond's  and that I would live happily ever after.

Expectations.

The picture may bring back awesome memories or perhaps it brings back an illustration where you counted on the other person to continue to 'teeter tot' with you -- only to find yourself let down and in the dirt because he or she quickly found a different friend to play with or  just simply GOT off without  giving you the time to prepare.....???  

Sometimes I think the family with live with and the work family we work with become so close to us that when the expectation I had of them is shattered or broken....it hurts so much WORSE!  


My therapist/counselor  had to remind me and I had to retrain my brain...if I have NO expectations for some human behaviors...than....when something does not appear or transpire...there is NO unmet expectations and no hurts....

And YES...I sought a counselor for a year and then a professional therapist for a year as well.  If you have never read my blogs -- this is my therapy.  I totally believe in allowing a trained professional to hear my heart.  But I also believe there needs to be godly counsel and prayer.  However, there is NO shame in seeking help.  I can tell you more often than not...once a sin or problem is revealed and brought to the light -- the power is taken away from it.  And....it can't hurt you in that same way - ever again.  Satan will try some new ways to cast doubt and continue to throw the firey darts, but it is different!   

For example,  if I am expecting flowers for an anniversary and I don't get them....then my feelings are hurt and I will probably react.  But, if I have NO expectations for flowers..when they come -- I can be pleasantly surprised.    And I must add in here, since I have changed my perspective on gifts and getting them, my husband has listened to Holy Spirit within him and has blessed with me many a sweet note, or another comes to tell me of his words of affirmation.  So, ladies... wives...  there is HOPE!  

This really is NOT knew info.

 I am willing to bet that as you are reading this, you have been told the same thing.  Or perhaps you have been told to LOWER your expectations.  When we look to humans ( a spouse, family member, child)  to meet needs...to fulfill a destiny....or   to provide something for us, we will almost always be disappointed.  

Humans fail us. 

People will fail us. 

Our spouses will fail us.

Our Pastors will fail us.

Our friends will fail us.

Our boss will fail us.  

Or perhaps when we look to a colleague or a peer that we work with each day, who has a professional license to educate children and not to  harm them --- when we are disappointed in their performance --- cause they are not living up to the expectations we all agreed upon??      THAT hurts. 

Ouch.


 All we  really can ONLY count on or  look to is  our Heavenly Father...for HE lives up to our expectations. 

I am reminding myself today:  

I can expect Jesus to always interceed for me on my behalf.
I can expect God to always love me unconditionally.
I can expect the Lord to hear my prayers.

He touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you." Matt 9.29  
 
I can expect the Lord to move mountains.
I can expect miracles from the Lord.
I can expect HIS will to be done within my life.
I can expect that I will find ALL answers to whatever I need to know with the pages of HIS Word. 

I can expect that God will do what GOD wants to do.

I am God, and there is no other: I am God and there is none like me.  Isaiah 46.9


I can expect that I am whom God says I am ...through Him.
I can expect much from my best friend...the Lord and the Holy Spirit.
I can expect the Holy Spirit to constantly speak to me, comfort me, and teach me.
I can expect an eternal home...

 -- be eternally minded -- this place is temporary --- 

But when a colleague fails us, when a professional we trusted in  fails us, when we see something posted by a person we are mentoring and it hurts us....... I think we must GO back to  placing all expectations before HIM.  

However, I think it is OK to grieve for a brief moment, maybe even  kick at a box kicking dummy as we have worked so hard and prayed so hard with this one......and yet, he or she  failed us. 


Place any and all expectation -- in the LIGHT of HIS presence...  Measure it all against heaven and eternity.     Place every expectation within HIS hands.   

And with that, I can forgive the temporary stupidity....
I can forgive the way another treated another...
---and I can get back to speaking life and praying over that one  or situation and believe that God is at work and I will wait on HIM.  

Peace came.    The "situation"...may not of turned out as I had hoped, as  the person may of failed the expectations I believe I was to see....but God will  make something beautiful out of it. 

And I trust my LORD to WOW me...to work it out and that... I will look back at this time and situation and know that I know -- and see ...HOW HE moved.


So, after I have said ALL of that, and I pray I have not rambled but that THIS  post speaks to you and that HE speaks to you through it --


There is one reading this  - today  with  disappointed expectations  and or with expectations that have been shattered...broken...and she does not even expect a healing....but HOLD ON....  God will answer.


HE is close to the broken hearted and HE will and can heal -- seek HIM.
EXPECT HIM to answer -- EXPECT HIM to help...

Amen.

Getting Ready V -- Boundless Grace!

If you go back in my blog archives  - you will notice a Getting Ready I, II, and III and IV. 
If you have read my blog for the past 5 years, you know or have an idea of what is going to transpire next month.
If you want to join me in believing God can change lives - read on.

                                                        ***

Tomorrow---  these past 2 months have been purposed.    Expecting --
The Lord gave me an incredible God Encounter weekend back in Feb of 2011 and it changed my world and my relationship with Christ.

For the past 2 months, several women and my church have been getting ready for something that will happen again in April.   I don't want to make light of it - but I also want to EXPRESS the JOY that is in my head and heart -- God is moving and at work.  

Here is an except from the previous blogs: 

I can't share too many details - or I would have to 'kill ya'.  But My Encounter Weekend back in February of 2011 really changed how I felt about God, it changed how I perceived my current situation,  and it prepared me to begin a healing process.

I remember HOW excited I was - meeting GOD face to face...well, sort of speaking.  Like I said, I can't reveal too much, but basically it is a God Boot Camp, it is a time to dig deep and see WHAT may need to be cast off and what may need to be forgiven and then, God comes in if your heart is open and HE does some corrective surgery.

I have blogged about it before.

Anyway....I still refer back to that experience when I am trying to encourage a new believer.  The ladies that walked me through that weekend are forever friends and they have touched a part of me that will forever be different. They were part of my refining process!

It will be in Titusville.

There will be  leaders.  And this time...there is an Intercessory TEAM!

There will  women who God is going to meet personally and HE is going to ROCK -it.


Tomorrow we begin to prepare hearts with the beginning of some Pre-Encounter classes. 

Psalm 19.14 reminds us that David cried out to God and asked that the words of his mouth be pleasing to God in HIS sight...So, Lord, may MY words be pleasing in YOUR sight...

I hope and pray that I seek HIS counsel on everything.

Ephesians 6.19 says  Thank you Father, that YOU will grant me freedom of utterance so that I may open my mouth boldly to speak that WHICH YOU give me to speak.....

After an Encounter weekend....we always pray and believe:  

We pray these women will walk away..
...hopeful...
...ready to do the HARD...
...free from worry and/or guilt...
...set free from strongholds that have been on her for too long
...refreshed...
....ready to pray the long haul for an unsaved husband or child
...ready to stand in the gap for a wayward child, niece, or husband
...blessed
....loved and understand HOW much HE does love her

So with the beginning of these classes and as we begin to prepare in these final 4 weeks before the actual event ...... I  will pray ahead of time ---- 

Lord, I pray that each and every one of these women  that go,  get so  set free and have such an unique experience with You that they will begin to win souls for Your Kingdom as well and they too ...will impact others.....
Lord, I pray as leaders, we are also touched and taught and we are open to what ALL You have planned....

Lord, I pray for the Intercessory Team a team You placed within the heart of both Barb and I, a team that would be leaders within the Body staying at home and not traveling to Titusville, that they know and understand that value and worth they are to this next Encounter.....

Lord, I pray that 'us' leaders won't allow our flesh to dictate our minds that we refresh each moment with YOUR word and believe that YOU will do what YOU want to do...

Lord, that goes the same for the Intercessory Team!!  

Lord, I pray that I continue to impact others - I want to hear 'well done my good and faithful servant' when I see you....I want the rewards in heaven.  I do.

Lord, I WANT each and every Leadership member and Intercessory member to WANT this too...

I want freedom for each of these ladies and I want a fresh word, a direct word for each of the leaders as well...

Lord, I believe You will use the Body to answer this --- 

Now as I close, I pray God that if someone reads this and wants this Encounter as well, that they would seek YOU and seek me out...as they can participate too, in YOUR time and at our next Encounter.  

Lord, that NEXT Encounter is upon us, this week Lord, there is time and a spot for THOSE that You have orchestrated to read this and want to attend....but they must seek me out -- 

I believe and KNOW,  YOU are going to do great and mighty miracles  that Weeeknd in April ...I can SO believe it will happen, as the Enemy has been attacking like a roaring lion  -- wow and whoa...but with each distraction and disturbance...Victory was claimed.  

Do I really FEEL this peace Lord, that ALL is under Your feet -- yes, I do.  

YOU have lead us, YOU will continue, and YOU will be doing the work...as we are obedient, we will be blessed.

Lord, for my sisters in Christ...for each one hurting -- that they would believe YOU are the answer.
Lord, for my sister in Christ...that our  prayer for a miracle is in the works.  And Lord, for every detail ...may it be blessed.  IN Jesus name...amen. 

1 John 2.27 ....'the anointing will teach you '...... Believing that EACH women attending this next Encounter Weekend will do JUST as the photo says --

She was stronger - than she ever imagined...
She was closer to Jesus  - than she had ever realized ...
and she was LOVED more than she ever knew.

So, Holy Spirit had me update and re-post this blog today -- as an invite.  As we, as a body of believers believe God is using this tool to reach the Church of Okeechobee. 

If you have read this and have your name on my list for April....I will see you at class tomorrow or next week. 

If you read this and are interested - message me privately. 
If you read this and know that you know...this is God's way of showing you  - something has to change - then let it. 

For those of you whom had attended a God Encounter Weekend and know the impact and importance of it - I would ask that you say a prayer for all of us and those women that are going to be set free.  As Your prayers are heard!  Bless you.

Michelle

What HE asks....our actions.....

So, Holy Spirit has been speaking to me -- HE speaks to me often.  I know I don't grieve Him anymore - at least NOT on purpose, but I grieved a bit this past week --

I have grieved over some actions.

God draws us near.  He wants fellowship with us.  I know and realize that many are at 'different stages' of this life.  Some are just getting by - only by the grace of God.

Some have it all figured out.
Some will come to this blog, read only a bit of it and think..."I don't have time for that"..... and yet, others are hungry and searching.  

 Some don't even know God.

  But I do...

After wandering in the wilderness for some 38 years -- my eyes were opened and a veil was removed.    It took a Crisis of Faith, but it opened my eyes.  He has changed me.  I want THAT for anyone and everyone  within my circle of friends, family, and  the strangers around me.

Jesus did give us all a commandment - to LOVE all...and to LOVE God above all others.  Jesus also gave us a commission -- to share HIM with others.

One day we will stand before Him and be judged on WHAT we did do for Him...with Him...and sadly...where we failed in THAT department.

 Praise God I have a perfect lawyer to plead by case -- Jesus, but I want more.  I want to hear, "well done by good and faithful one".     As I tell myself, I want to hear God say, "atta girl".  

With that -- I choose to live my life and I pray, as I am NOT perfect, that my LIFE reflects my walk with HIM and for HIM.

That includes my circle of friends....my work place... even when I walk into the Comcast office and fuss about my slow internet...I am representing HIM???  Lord, I pray I have.  Forgive me when I have fallen short.   



And that.. has grieved me.
As this past week, I have witnessed  several incidents  that  have grieved me....cause some people  did not act Christ like.

And they have  proclaimed to be Christians.....and those that are on the fence,  that are watching them, and  questioning this entire "Christian thing" have voiced and stated  thinking, "if THAT is Christian behavior...then how am I any different?" 

Is it not true?

  Have you been hurt before by the 'Christian' acts of another?
  Men/  Women/ Friends/ Lovers/  Spouses/ Humans will fail us - the only perfected  one is Jesus.

I thought and thought about HOW to express this today and then...of course, HE provides in His Word. And, each Saturday I am sitting under Beth Moore doing a Bible Study and she is a bit influential  as well!   But it was truly God's Word that spoke.  It was God's timing as He knew what had transpired this week, and Yet, He also knew, I would come to 2 Corinthians 4! 


2nd Corinthians 4 = Is God's Word.
The Red =  These are my thoughts.....

1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 
Christians are not to lose heart -- that means our actions should not appear as if they have lost heart!  Why are you speaking death??  

2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways: we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.  We should always speak truth.  We should not lie.  If we have stated we would be someplace to so something - keep our word.  Be there.  If we have stated we would pay or do something for someone - do it.  Don't give excuses or forget -- make your word a meaningful one.  Do not distort God's Word.  Do not 'adjust' it to fit Your present needs.   On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commit  ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  Our word should be our word.   Don't lie.  Don't lie.  Don't tell half truths.  Don't.

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  The god of this age is Satan, who holds power over much of the activity in this world - for now.  However it is temporary and conditional.  He continues only as God allows.  ONLY as God allows.   Which will present you and I with a choice...   Those of us that know Christ must realize that because people are blinded to the truth, we need to view them through God's eyes of mercy.  It maybe easier to get upset with another because of their actions -- we must remember that Christ showed humility and compassion for us. 

 The Holy Spirit will enable us to do our work and deal with those that are blinded.....but WHAT about those of us that have proclaimed their veil was removed?     

 Those are the ones that will grieve the Holy Spirit when they know what is not of Him and do it anyway....   sometimes their 'cherished sin'....is still cherished. 
 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the gift of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power if from God and not from us.  But we....did you hear that -- BUT..WE ... BUT me... BUT you... have this treasure....   we may experience a sense of frailty and vulnerability caused by anxiety, fear, grief and weakness; yet, because of God's treasure within us  we are not defeated. 

 We have been called to a crucified life with Christ -- but we don't walk around like we are full of pity...powerlessness...and woe's me...  we are MORE than conquerors through Him  ( Romans 8.37) and that in our weakness, troubles and suffering, it will  open up an opportunity for Christ's love, power, and life to be revealed in us.  We die to self...to be filled with Him.  So WHEN we proclaim to be HIS...ACT like it...
 ...be true to your word -- 
...speak truth --
...do what you said you were going to do --
...get into a body of believers and be a part of His Kingdom --
...do not follow a man to this or that place of worship....get into your home church, the one HE has called you to and serve-- set an alarm and be at church -- 
...seek HIM and HIS Word , not another for affirmation and confirmation -- SEEK HIM --
...watch your tongue...there is power of life and death in it  ( Prov. 18.21)  
...be the person that glows so brightly with Jesus that others  WANT WHAT you have.....  
...we pray and act on what we don't see -- having faith....but, those that are veiled are watching -- don't even GIVE the appearance of EVIL....   the appearance...  1 Thess 5.22...stay away from the appearance of evil

8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ;  
That word crushed is the Greek word Senchoreo which means to be constrained, to be restricted, to be unable to express oneself!!     Did you hear that?   Satan wants to keep us from expressing ourselves...to proclaim victory in the heat of being 'crushed'....  

God's Word is our life... our tool...
It is our loaded gun to fight the enemy.  We must read it, learn it, hide it in our hearts! 
I believe, therefore I speak .... this mountain will move!!  Lord, if it does not move, I will climb on top of it and get over it...  period!   ( Beth Moore's illustration today!) 
In Jeremiah 23.29 it says " 'Is not my word like FIRE,' declares the LORD"


Vs 13...   It is written: " I believed; therefore I have spoken,"  With that same Spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,   Spirit = Pneuma....   but it also means breath...CPR... as we BELIEVE...we inhale His Words, and as we speak, we EXHALE His Words - And cast the burden upon God and His Word!  

God's words are omnipotent and our words are potent!  
That can be  GOOD and it can be something that GRIEVES HIM too...

I will not accept a powerless prayer life.  

"When are you going to make the Devil say "sorry" for messing with you or your family?" ...Beth Moore 

So....  

I started off stating I was grieved.  
I was.  I no longer am.  

Holy Spirit spoke, God's Word brought hope and I prayed.  I prayed for those that grieved me ...as I did judge or I assessed that their actions this past week -- were not Christ like. 

 However...... I am not their judge...I am not their mentor.... I am not their Jr. holy spirit...  
 God has them.   But, perhaps one reading this would stop and think...am I?

People are messy.  I am boldly proclaiming some stuff here and I know that I know, Satan will look for ANY loop hole to TRIP me up within the next 20 minutes once I post this.  He hates me.  

In the past month, Holy Spirit has cemented something within me and used several incidents and people to get it written PERMANENTLY within my head and heart....

I can't get my affirmation from my friends. 
I can't get my affirmation from my Christian friends. 
I can't get my affirmation from FaceBook. 
I can't get my affirmation from my children.
I can't get my affirmation from prayers being answered.
I can't get my  affirmation from my man.  
I can't get my affirmation from my man. 
I can't get my affirmation from my man- husband! 

It CAN ONLY BE from HIM.  Period.     

Period.  

Now, He has used my friends, my family, my man...and my kids and He has used FaceBook, and it so blesses me; but, Our Father has so clearly showed me again WHAT he wants me doing for Him. 

 I have a succinct life goal...  to be used by HIM and hear, "atta girl". 

 That  may look like many different things to the outside world, but I have peace as to WHAT it looks like - right now.   Amen.  

And I believe HE will continue to use my friends, family and so forth, but He needed me to truly understand and live and thrive  on affirmation from HIM only this past week. 

 Perhaps that is why my eyes and ears were so sensitive to other stuff and  please, if you live or work with me....don't read this and think, "what on earth is she fussing about?" 

The Holy Spirit will convict you if you read this and wonder.  In the scope of it all .....the certain situations and such have already worked themselves out and I trust that GOD is big enough!

I truly believe the Lord continually is RIGHT there - drawing  us and only until our hearts are open and ready....  will we see.  

For some of us, it takes a major crisis of faith  -- for others - what does it take?  

Are you there yet?  If you are reading this and reading the entire blog -- I would say you are very hungry or understand and perhaps asking yourself right now..."Lord, what is my succinct life goal? What do you want of me??" 

And, I know I only have to answer for myself --  my children are grown and adults.  They will answer to Jesus for their own choices, as their mother, I will always pray for them ...but, I don't get to write an excuse note for their behaviors.    ( And it was NOT my children that grieved me--just for any out there that are still trying to figure me out...LOL)  But, what I am trying to remind you, the reader,  of??   What has HE asked of you?  

What actions does He see?  

Who will God ask you to account for?    
I am thankful I am not a man - as my husband does have to stand and be accountable for his family....  but, my actions will be judged. 

 My life here on earth and what I do in the body of Christ...will be accounted for.  

And Lord, I pray I have not grieved you -- since the veil was taken off!!  

Who will God ask you about?  

Would God be pleased with Your actions?  
Would God be stating "well done"...if you proclaim to be His and yet...hold onto cherished sin?  

Or how about these questions?   
Are you crushed but not defeated?  
Persecuted but not abandoned?  
Struck down but not destroyed?  

Are Your spoken words - words of LIFE?  
Is there an appearance of sin within your 4 walls?  


What is Your succinct life goal?  

What about Your commissioned request? 

  Jesus commissioned ALL of us -- Matthew 25,  I believe -- nope...that is a good chapter; it is in Matthew 28 verse 19 ...go and make disciples of all nations -- 


Lord, that my life be like a love song to you and for you -- that I live a life worthy of Your calling - In Jesus name...amen.  


   

50 came and went...

It happened -- 50 years ....young!!    I am 50 years old.
I don't feel any different.

And yet...  both Brendan and I realize how certain tasks or feats don't come as easily anymore - even with exercise.  LOL


The month of February was filled with excitement and anticipation as family traveled here to celebrate Taylor and Jake's wedding / reception and it was my birthday as well.

My prayer all the time was that...'turning 50 wouldn't be that bad'  and 'that God would shine through the entire event'.   And, the other   necessary prayers---that   God  would be meeting every need.  They were mostly selfish....I wanted HIS best to be for all....
 He did.
 I believe God won.

My words can't capture how sweet and awesome it was to just celebrate and enjoy family for over a week.

Photos could not capture every smile, every laugh, and memory made.  

My words can't capture how blessed I felt....
---how proud I was of God in my children .....
---how proud I was of God in my husband...a
and my words can't capture what it all MEANT to me - but my tears can.


If you could picture me on this side of the computer - there are tears streaming down my eyes -- as the warmth of God's blessings, His grace and mercy are just so overwhelming at times.

You see, as ONLY God could of orchestrated February 26, 2016 the way it played out.
On Friday, the morning of the event as I was driving out to Indian Hammock, I was flooded with a memory.
As on Friday, February 26, 2011, I was headed out of town for another reason -- to attend my God Encounter Weekend with the A/G Church of Vero Beach.

On 2/26/16 I was driving to finish the last minute decorations at the Lodge to celebrate our daughter's wedding to Jake but back on 2/26/11 I was driving north on 441 to meet with God as I wanted to know what HIS plans for me and my marriage were.

Long long long story -- but as I drove out to Indian Hammock, I was overcome with the sweet aroma of HIS presence and HIS grace...  as HE reminded me that at about 6pm on 2/26/11 I was desperate for God to speak to me about my life...my marriage...my husband and GOD knew that on  ----

2/26/16  my husband at 6pm would be professing the importance of God and the union of marriage surrounded by friends, family, and our children.    WHAT a 360!

And Brendan did ....he did a tremendous job as well as the others involved with the ceremony.  Kami Jo, Kerry,  Miss Melanie, Marilyn, and others -- did what God asked them to do .... and they allowed God to shine through them.  

What Satan tried to destroy -- God fixed...exceedingly and abundantly beyond my imagination....

So, my words can relate a story and my words can help you read into my mind for a brief moment but I also pray my words will give another HOPE....that what may seem so hopeless within a marriage or relationship right now --   

---if you will remain faithful to what GOD has asked you to do -- HE will remain faithful and HE will fix it .....to something exceedingly and abundantly beyond your imagination, so keep praying and believing!    Do not give up!  


  HE is faithful.

A BIG thank you again to ALL that made the party  a sweet memory.
A BIG thank you to all of my siblings that traveled and  bared the expense of hanging in Florida for a week.   A BIG thank you to Doc and Lidia that helped host my folks.  A BIG thank you to Marilyn that hosted our lunch and a BIG thank you to my sister  and her husband that was the hostess with the "mostest" with all the company.    A BIG thank you to my mom's, grandparents, and others that made the cakes, cookies, and food  and to Kim and Steve  that did a wonderful job in preparing the place, the decorations, and the food!   A big thank you to EVERYONE that participated, moved chairs and helped keep me  on track, especially my main man -- he  was such a perfect other half and blessed me with the ability to do what needed to be done...    And finally to all that were able to attend, send greetings, and grabbed me for a hug before you left --  I thank God that I only have one daughter -- and THAT was her day!   I look forward to being the 'mother - n - love' when it is my son's turn.  ....But I can wait on that -- in the meantime -- I will continue to praise God for answering every prayer and giving me the BEST birthday I have ever had!   Thank you God!

YOU may be a TARGET......

I am reminded - I am a target.
I am reminding you - You are a target.

I believe I am sharing this again today because -- you , reading this ,  needs to be reminded, YOU are a target.
Satan hates you.  But...


God wins.

 In Girls with Swords...one of the first sessions teaches us....

  You are a TARGET.  You can choose to be a hero.  We say 'choose too' ....cause you can just sit, opt out, or give up - but we pray you choose to be a hero.   We are attacked in areas of our future strength.  This 'attack' could be more about your future than your past.   The enemy  attacks what he feels threatened by.

 The enemy will use tactics of distraction, demeaning, division, and destruction to destroy.   And he uses our family members for an immediate effect! 

That is his main mission -- to steal, kill, and destroy.

Did you hear that -- it is Satan's main mission to steal, kill, and destroy.

To steal any peace,  to kill any hope....to destroy the belief that God is at work.

Satan makes you think -- that God has forgotten you.
Satan reminds you of what 'could of happened'......

If there is anything or anyone keeping the relationship between YOU and your Father in heaven....then the enemy is 'winning'.

 It is so important that we choose to use our Sword - God's Word and be that hero.

Christian means, "anointed one".  EAch day, I pray that I and YOU reading this...make a choice to STAND up for HIM...to STAND for what HIS Word declares and .....chose to speak life.

The battle is really the Lord's....  HE fights for us, but HE needs me...HE needs you, to make that individual choice to RISE UP and find out who you are and bring your part to a much greater whole.

You have an anointing on YOUR life.

The enemy hates YOUR anointing and the power it signifies.

In Session   Two,  there are more reminders:  

A SWORD is Born!  

God's Word is a God Sword and this sword must be put into use on the field of battle -- our lives. 

Be a DOER of the word and not just a listener. 

Remember the enemy is NOT threatened by a piece or a fragment of a weapon.  When swords appear -- motives are revealed.  

Lisa Bevere shares a story from Lord of the Rings and how it says;  "to REFORGE the SWORD".  

Many times,   "far too many factions of Christ's body wield only pieces and fragments of the Word and no longer lift His Word up in its entirety as a whole.  Hard ships and trials will come - God will use these trials and natural happenings to UNITE HIS people so that we are all saying and doing the same thing..with Authority! "

 - Lisa Bevere

This direct quote was inspired and spoken to her by the Holy Spirit.  But I believe these are God's Words and when the Holy Spirit speaks -- we listen and obey. 

 She obeyed -- wrote a book....and this book is being used to REFORGE a body of believers -- the BRIDE of Christ -- as we were instructed in the Great Commission  - we can't sit back and ignore it anymore.  

As a woman who  loves the Lord and knows her purpose -- I must  continue to pray and speak life and ENCOURAGE -- HE wants you to RISE up dear daughter -- the time is now!   - michelle 

Therefore:  

Lord, last night a body of believers gathered to begin a process to help others reach some freedom.  Last night a body of women gathered to hear from You, as we want to do Your will.   Last night a body of believers where challenged to ask You or to determine their life goal.  Lord, as we gathered and prayed, as we listened and watched....  You spoke.  However Lord, the enemy did his dirty stuff as well......and as I type this today,  I know and believe that no matter what, YOUR plans will succeed.  However, I pray right now for each woman represented and for anyone reading this.....that they would see, that the present suffering is because of Satan's continued efforts to steal, kill, and destroy.  However, I pray their swords are active and that they will seek You and begin to grasp a spirit of PURE PERSEVERANCE for Your Will.  I pray they will use their spiritual eyes to see beyond the present circumstance and believe that no matter what -- YOU are not withholding the good.  I pray that they will believe, that You will walk them through this present circumstance and deliver them from every evil.  

And,  on a personal note --

I am coming off a 'high' of a month.  In February, I celebrated  my birthday and the joyous event of my daughter   and our son in love's wedding celebration.  Yep....we had a 2nd wedding, complete with vows, new vows, and a dance.  It was set in a beautiful location with family and dear friends, but the most special thing was that my family joined me in church for two of those Sunday's.  It was a tremendous month -- God made turning 50 -- a wonderful event.  And, almost every one of my siblings made it here to celebrate with us - enduring financial hardships and giving when they too have families and expenses of their own.   I totally realize the sacrifice they made to join us -- to join me!   (And Brendan too!)   After all that personal 'high'.... the enemy quickly whispers his crud -- however, as I was telling another, there is something different with these attacks now--- there is MORE if HIS peace.

 When God allows a revealing of a circumstance and situation, that is very personal or with a family member -- there is a Knowing that - this too shall pass as HE revealed it now for HIS purpose.   And   Knowing that I have been positioned for such a time as this -- it is NO big deal, cause God will win.  He asks me to be diligent in prayer without ceasing and He reminds me of who I am in HIM.    Maybe it is being 50 that helps... I have seen more and been exposed to more --- or maybe it is just that I am eating "meat"  instead of the milk of HIS Word, and His Word  is alive and active in me more than ever.  It is...peaceful.

 Grace is my word of the year -- and He is showing me how I do extend grace to others and He is showing me where I must extend more grace.  Maybe THERE is where the peace is coming from .....   unsure ...but I know for sure --- I like this season and I am excited to see WHAT He will do as I am getting a kick out of WHAT HE is already doing.
I am so humbled.
I am so grateful.

BTW...to my sister's --last night-- and my mom that made my birthday month so special -- I love you dearly.  And I can't wait until we can have our next girls night out! 

Watch out Satan - you are going down!   - michelle

Bold Prayers for some marriages.....

Lord God....I am asking you today to speak to each of the wives and husbands that are on my mind....that may read this blog prayer, and for myself...

And I pray for the marriage that will come --

Lord God, I pray that we will ALL be still to hear your voice and allow YOU to fill our hearts with life and peace.

Lord, I pray that you would give each and every person involved the Spirit of Wisdom and revelation so that each one knows You better.  

Lord God, may you be first...not our marriage...not our problems...not our heartache...but YOU -

Lord God, I pray that YOU are at the center - period. 

Lord God, may we worship you and not our spouses or problems...

Lord God, I know you desire to walk with me -- but too often we are too busy to listen and walk slowly with you - God, I pray for each one that reads this today -- that they will make a point of walking slower and listening more intently....

Lord God, I pray that each person within their  marriage will submit wholeheartedly to YOU the Lord - the living God.

Lord God - that each of these people....individually will put YOU first and make YOU their first love....and submit to You and your lead and that YOU may be their highest priority.

Lord, for the ones who are believing the lies ...that this marriage is over or that it can't be saved.....

Lord God, as these couples work on issues....speak to each other.....and move forward...and as a few of them learn that YOU can redeem them....I pray peace and joy over their circumstance...may they find you in the quietness of their thoughts -- and may they STAY there.

Lord God, I pray they will put You first - amen.  

 

PS Lord, for me....there is something on the horizon that only YOU can make sense of.   You can redeem it. 

 

Lord, there is a lost one - living on the streets that needs to be SO miserable that she wants to finally come fully to you and not neglect YOUR call on his life .  

 

Lord, there is another still wondering and hurting and he knows You Lord, but he has hardened her heart -- 

Lord for the church body -- that we carefully LOOK at ourselves in the mirror and do some serious inventory ...."do people want what I have?".  Lord, are we being kind and being Jesus to others?  

 

Lord, is there purity?  Lord, do they believe they have power?  

Lord, for the church body  -- moving forward.   Lord, that they would see WHERE  You are at work and join in.....

Lord, for the events in April ...for the bible/leadership  study -- for the traveling  and for just tomorrow -- that YOU would be the focus.  

In Jesus name, amen. 

This morning I was reminded that - GOD wins and HE has a great plan -- HE designed marriage and HE designed it well......HE fully wants everyone to enjoy the fruits and benefits of a healthy marriage - God my desire is that this  prayer will encourage just ONE couple -- to persist!  

Humbled....michelle