SweetWater Ministry

Land of Milk & oney

2012-01-23T23:39:00.006-06:00

Numbers 14:1 ¶ And all the congregation lifted up their voice,and cried; and the people wept that night.

2 And all thechildren of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the wholecongregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt!or would God we had died in this wilderness!

3 And wherefore haththe LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives andour children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?

4 And they said oneto another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

5 ¶ Then Moses andAaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of thechildren of Israel.

6 And Joshua the sonof Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched theland, rent their clothes:

7 And they spake untoall the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passedthrough to search it, is an exceeding good land.

8 If the LORD delightin us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land whichfloweth with milk and honey.

IF, big word. So many of us expect God to just show up andperform without any return from us. Wait does not mean to sit down stony faceduntil God comes with our gift/s or makes us what we should be for him. A waiteror waitress is a server. One who serves. Serve the Lord and He will “grow” youin Him. Then you will be what He desires for you. Then “all these things willbe added unto you.”

The job of waiter barely has time to take a break. Yet weseem to expect God to come and hand out the blessings. God you promised me! Iam waiting for it.

You get a prophecy, immediately you start “looking” for thegreat work to happen. Immediately you expect all things to change and for youto want nothing. God’s Word says that He will supply our needs, not our wants.He will make a way, not give to you on a silver platter. He also said, “workwhile it is day for the night cometh when no man can work.”

I told a young lady about a revival coming up at GospelTruth. The words that came out of her mouth grieved me. She said, “Good, I willgo and get my healing.”

Not one word about serving the Lord or repentance – shewasn’t even trying to live right- not one indication that she was interested inthe Lord, only HER wants. Still today, she is not right with God. Yet, theexpectation that God will “give” to her is still there.

How is it that those of us that are called by His name donot or cannot seem to expect Him to show up and do that which is needed andyet, a sinner not even trying to serve the Lord expects Him to just give themall they want? God has made promises to us, He also gave us commandments tofollow. We don’t get to choose which ones we want, we must obey them all if wetruly love Him.

All In God's Good Time

2012-01-03T16:10:00.000-06:00

God said we would find Him when we seek Him with all of ourheart! Why then does it seem that we don’t find Him? Don’t get an answer or theresult of a request when we expect it?

We tend to look for God in the wrong places. We can see Hischaracter in creation if we are looking for Him. But more often than not, we seek Himin a churches, in revivals, in famous preachers or singers. Instead of “waiting upon the Lord” we try and rushGod into doing what we want in our timetable. Or even try to make it happen whenit is not even in His plan or the path that He has for us. We even go so far asto tell Him that if He exists we want an answer right now, or perhaps we giveHim an afternoon to give us what we want. That is not putting a fleece before Him;it is outright trying to control God. Trying to push God into giving you yourway! Gideon wanted a sign from God yet he did not demand one, he asked humblyfor his sign that God was on his side and victory was eminent. He did not usethe fleece to get his way.

Judges6:36 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel bymine hand, as thou hast said,

37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in thefloor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earthbeside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hastsaid.

38 And it was so: for he rose up early on themorrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece,a bowl full of water.

39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thineanger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I praythee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece,and upon all the ground let there be dew.

40 And God did so that night: for it was dryupon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

God told Joseph and Mosesahead of time that they would deliver Israel even though it was years laterthat His plan was actually accomplished.

Thinkabout your own life…. If you knew ahead of time where you are today would you havetried to take that short cut? We tend towant the details of life right now… a crystal ball is not the guide you need.God leads us by the light of His Word and only then is life what it should be.Yes, we sometimes take detours. Detours that teach us - if we are willing tolearn, detours that take you through the fire, through the trials, through tovictory and maturity that only the tests can bring.

Haveyou ever went camping? If so, then you know that the lantern only shines in theimmediate area you are in. You have to move it to see what is further out. Justlike our walk with the Lord. His light illuminates our life so that we see theway, but we have to keep walking to see further ahead of us. He does not showus everything that is ahead. We may have knowledge of where the path leads butto get there we must take one step at a time.

Ifyou are drifting and feel as if there is no purpose to it, know this! God hasa purpose for you and for your life; a definite purpose. His purpose. It is infinding that purpose that leads us to joy, peace and happiness.

Itis time to be on our journey! The new year 2012 is a new opportunity to makethe changes in our life. First you must trust God with your life. Many of ushave messed things up in our life trying to do it “my way”. Allow God to directyou, guide you. You have to be willing to let Him guide you by taking steps infaith when you are not certain of the way things are going. Read God’s Word daily,prayerfully ask Him to make it plain to you for your understanding of His Wordand His Ways; His thoughts and His character; taking on the mind of Christ.Finally, don’t worry if everything doesn’t get fixed right away. You will stillhave battles - tests and trials even after you begin the journey. Yet, He has a marvelous way of getting you where youneed to be!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know thethoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not ofevil, to give you an expected end.

Godhas an expected end for you and me. It is up to us to submit to His will andway. I have traveled a pathway that took me places I never thought I would go. Ifsomeone had told me when I was young the things that I would do in my life, I wouldhave never have believed it. But I did those things. I went to those places out ofthe will of God. Now I choose to follow the plans God has for me. I choose touse the experiences I have had to help others choose the right path. I was nota murderer but I was a bad person. I was not a prostitute but I was a bad person.You don’t have to be the worst of the worst in this society to be on the pathto hell. Do not follow the truth of the Word of God and you are just as lost! Makingno choice at all you may think is ok, but in reality you made a choice by notchoosing God you chose the evil path. We tend to deceive ourselves with thosechoices. We cannot get by with excuses. I did this because they did that. It doesnot work! This generation is so full of excuses. So often playing the blamegame. I am this way because…. I did that because… my parents …. The school…. Mybest friend…

Overand over we have allowed the delusion of innocence through excuses.

Galatians 6:7 Be notdeceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he alsoreap.

Theonly one deceived is you. God already knows. He sees and hears everything. Iheard a story of a person telling a minister that God would not hear theirprayer. The minister in the wisdom of the Lord, spoke and told them to curse.If God does not hear you, curse! They replied, “oh, no I can’t do that.”Understand this, if God hears you cursing HE HEARS YOUR PRAYERS.

Heis not deaf, nor is He blind or stupid. You cannot fool God. You can onlydeceive yourself.

GiveGod your all and He will make all things right concerning you – IN HIS GOODTIME!

2011-12-14T13:03:00.002-06:00

A lighthouse sitssolid. It has a purpose. It cannot be allowed to deviate from its schedule. Itmust be MAINTAINED at ALL TIMES...if it does go out there is the likelihood ofdisaster. The person hired to take care of thelighthouse must be completely TRUSTWORTHY and faithful. Lives depend upon thededication and commitment of the person in charge of maintenance.

A story is told asfact in some saved literature written many, many years ago. It states that thelight finally gave out in an old lighthouse… and a ship was on its way in toport. The lighthouse manager asked a radio broadcaster to tell everybody withinhearing range to go straight to that dock and turn on their headlights – a shipwas in terrible danger of hitting the dock; they could not see where they weregoing. Lives were in peril!

When the captainand crew came in to dock, they reported that all they saw were hundreds oflights stretched out for miles and miles. ALL THOSE WHO HEARD THE CALL ON THERADIO BROADCAST WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DOCK WITH THEIR HEADLIGHTS ON!

The call is goingout…lives are in peril! Tell someone that Jesus saves! He is the light of theworld! He was born and He died that you might have life and have life MOREABUNDANTLY. This Christmas season shine your lights that others may safely dock…avertingthe disaster of a life gone astray! If you have your ears on and are listening,your light may be the light that will prevent disaster in someone’s life today.KEEP YOUR LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

'Tis the Season...

2011-11-30T20:36:00.001-06:00

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go..."

Feel the excitement in the air, the expecation of celebrating Jesus' birth?

We give gifts to one another in semblance of God's ultimate and incomparable gift to us. His son, Jesus. We hang lights in representation of the Star of Bethlehem that shone brightly as it led the way to the baby Jesus; then it shone over the place where baby Jesus lay in the manger.

Don't get all stressed over who to buy for, what to get them, or even how much to spend so they will be happy with the gift and give a good one back to you. THAT IS NOT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. The spirit of Christmas is ALL about love, giving when not expecting anything in return and praise to/for Jesus who gave the most. You cannot give back to Him the value of what He gave for you. We can honor Him by giving to others and most of all giving ones own self/heart, life and love to HIM.

Christmas is not presents, decorations or trees! It is God making a way of escape from our sins. It is the birth of the only sacrifice that can atone for our sins. The Wise Men showered Him with expensive gifts, the shepherds came to see and honor this savior born to die so that we might live. What do you offer Jesus today? Stressing, squabbling, pouting, anger or hate? I hear many say they hate Christmas. What they fail to realize is they really hate what Christmas has been turned into by man, not Christmas in it's true spirit.

Let us not argue over whether or not Christmas began with a pagan ritual. I too believe that Christ was born at a different time of the year. I understand that worship of anything other than God is idolatry and a sin.... decorating a tree perhaps is not the sin, but having a spasm because you "just have to get that tree up" can be a sin... Matthew Henry's commentary calls it idolatry...

Jeremiah 10:1 Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
5 They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

Don't worship the tree or the lights or bad mouth your neighbor because their decoration might be a little better than yours.... it is the HEART that must stay pure for the spirit of the season to be right. Keep that feeling of excitement. Keep that expectation of joy and peace and love...

Share it with others, spread hope and cheer.... because Jesus is the reason for the season!

Matthew 2:9-11

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Don't forget the most important gift recipient of all... Jesus Christ. The only gift He wants is YOU. Your love, your trust, your worship, your praise and you to believe!

Just what is a Hypocrite?

2011-10-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

noun

1.
a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

Does a hypocrite set out to be a hypocrite just for the fun of it? I don’t think so. The children of Israel did not turn from God over night nor did they purposely turn away from the only real source of hope for them. Just like today, they were swayed by enticers, convinced by self - because they wanted it their way, or deceived by what they considered necessary instead of heeding the Word of God. Instead of KNOWING God is always there for them.

Read all of Hosea 4

We have used the “grace” card so much for an excuse trying to condone our own desires and actions that our conscience no longer pokes at us.

1Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Totally believing our own lies, thinking we are okay with God when we are in reality soooo very far from him!

So many cry “why” is trouble in the land, why do I have to live this way, barely making ends meet? Look at Biblical history and you will find the answer. Lack of knowledge is the reason we ask why, knowing that when people get comfortable and complacent many times in the Bible we are shown how they turned away from God. They didn’t need Him anymore, He is so outdated and old folksy! We are doing GREAT and want to do life MY WAY! God understands!

Stop asking why and read the Word so that you have the knowledge you need to overcome and know WHY these things happen. Through troubles and trials we are made strong WHEN WE HOLD ON TO GOD. Instead of blaming God for your difficulties, look into your heart and find what is in there. Do you know God and do you know that He is your only hope and salvation for life eternal? Or are you like a petulant child demanding your way, your wants, and your comforts?

As parents we often give in to our children even if we believe that they don’t need what they are wanting. God is a good Father that does not always give you what you want but does give everything that is NEEDED. Yet, if you continue to be rebellious and demanding – He will let you travel that road not intended for you. He will let you take the long way through the wilderness trying to get you to comform to His thoughts and ways. If you don’t, He will let you go your own way to destruction. Hosea 4:17 … let him alone.

Matthew 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled:
16 But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.
18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:
19 That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it!
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

History – study the Word!

Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

You and I will find grace in the eyes of the Lord when we live our lives as God intended and not lean to our own understanding. Seek His ways – in His Word. Learn from the Word. Stop making excuses for lack of knowledge and get wisdom!

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

How Close To Eternity Are You?

2011-10-07T10:08:00.000-05:00

A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights, and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by. The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body, was in the shape of a cross.

Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained for repairs.

Do you know where you will spend eternity? Or are you on the diving board with the lights off?

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Recently, a family member told me to stop preaching and just be family! I was astonished mostly because I had not been preaching "at" him. I daily posted scripture or comments on facebook but they were not directed at any particular person/s. Now I know he was looking and reading but I hate that he thinks one can seperate God from family. His statement that he goes to church (which he doesnt) to hear preaching and goes to facebook to aggrevate and have fun sounds so much like the rest of the world today. Put on the robe of (seeming) righteousness and take it off at the door as they leave. God is not a garment to be discarded at will!

I was told once that a preacher preaches about what they are dealing with or going through. I find this is often true, but also I find that God puts things on our heart and in our mind that we often do not even know why it is there and then we expound on it as the Spirit of the Lord gives the unction to do so, knowing that God has a purpose for it.

Don't stop sharing the love of God with others, you may just be the only "church" some people go to or hear. Like the young man in the story earlier, his friend talking and preaching about God did make a difference! It is so imporatant that someone's life depends on it whether you realize it or not.

And you are the light of the world or you are walking in darkness!

The Stuff

2011-09-26T11:46:00.000-05:00

A woman recently called and asked me to pray for her daughter, so I prayed. AS I prayed the Holy Ghost came upon me and I began to pray in the spirit (unknown tongue). Then she asked me to pray for her. I did.

She was not satisfied. She then asked me to pray in tongues for her. I was at a loss just for a few seconds, but she said, "that is all right if you can't." I replied, " It isn't that I can't, but I speak in the Spirit language by the unction of the Holy Ghost. I am not His boss that I just command the Holy Ghost to speak at will. God is my "boss", my redeemer, I am His servant not vice versa." I prayed for her as scripture states... the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much! God hears you/us... we don't need to scream at Him, demand of Him, or false tongue Him and His promises into existence!

Now as I read the scriptures, I read that the "tongues" are the evidence of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly language that the carnal mind cannot comprehend that which is spoken without an interpreter. I don't believe that people can or should "command" God and being that the Holy Ghost, Jesus and God are three in one, then trying to "command" the Holy Ghost is trying to command God. That is not to say that we don't have the option or right to speak God's Word, His promises to us as they are TRUTH and for us to claim. Boldly and with appreciation.

Yet, we as a whole seem to come to church lately to "see" the show. What will God do next to WOW me? I am reminded of the woman that I overhead saying, "I am going to get mine!" This young lady did not and does not attend church anywhere. Still, she went to church that night to "get" hers. We implore people to "come get your miracle", "come expecting God..." or "... a miracle for you" - what happened "let's have church!" ? We now think we have to entice the world into the church even if we have to bring the world into the church to do it. People come looking for the "show".. if the minister/preacher does not perform then it was not a "good" service. If no one shouts or dances or jumps the pews, then God must not have been there. Oh my, how we have turned from the REASON for church gatherings. Turned from the teaching and preaching, even the true fellowship that gives strength to the weary / weak and salvation to the lost. For it is the WORD of GOD that feeds us and makes us strong. In the Word we don't continually look for the next sign or wonder. IN the Word we find EVERYTHING that we need as we apply it to and in our lives! THEN signs and wonders follow...

I want to share this article by Matt Sorger:

Matt Sorger:

"Just Show Me the Stuff!"

I am witnessing an alarming trend in some of our charismatic circles and services. I travel full time on the road all across the United States and other parts of the world. Each week I am ministering in another state to a new group of hungry Believers wanting to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. Several times in the last few months I have encountered a disturbing and grievous observation. Before I share it with you, let me give you some of my personal background.

A FIRM FOUNDATION

I was saved at the age of 14. I am thankful to have been raised in a solid Bible preaching, Spirit-filled Church. The Word was always given a priority. An understanding of living a holy, sanctified life was always preached with conviction. I took my first steps of walking, living and ministering in the Spirit there. As a young pastor I was given some room to begin to spread my wings as the anointing and power of God began to move through my life. I took full flight when I launched out from pastoring six years ago to travel full-time in a "prophetic revival" ministry.

My years before pastoring were spent seeking God as a young person, spending time in personal devotion and study of the Word, as well as nearly four years in a great Bible school in Rhode Island where I served as class president during my time there. Upon graduation I stepped into the pastoral ministry. I learned many valuable things during those years that I carry with me to this day. Life experiences have a way of shaping you into the person God has called you to be.

I want to define to you what I consider "prophetic revival" ministry. For me "prophetic" means hearing and then declaring a true word from God, either through preaching and teaching God's heart as revealed in His Word, or declaring and speaking forth an unctioned word from His heart. But even that kind of prophetic word will be solidly rooted and grounded in Scripture. "Revival" holds a dual meaning for me. I see it as stirring up the Church for a deeper passion for God and learning to live and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and then seeing that passion overflow through the lives of Believers into the world around us. The power of God in the life of the Believer cannot be contained by oneself. It must overflow and impact the world around us.

AN ALARMING TREND

Now I must share with you an alarming trend I have witnessed taking place. I have even experienced it in my own meetings! Because this is hitting so close to home I can no longer be silent. I am a man of deep convictions. And it is time for me to share them with you. Recently, after a meeting I was standing near my resource table greeting people. A woman approached me to share of the wonderful overflow of the Holy Spirit she had experienced from the meeting the day before. She could sense a whole new level of God's presence with her. It was clear she had been deeply touched. But she proceeded to share something with me that caused me to raise a "red flag."

She said, "You know, when you started preaching, I thought, I have heard this before. I really came looking to hear something I had never heard before. But the presence of God in the meeting did have a profound impact on me, and I am not the same." I rejoiced over what the Lord had done for her, but at the same time I was grieved.

That same week a pastor I was having lunch with shared with me his thoughts concerning the meetings we were holding. We had only finished one day of meetings when he shared his thoughts with me. The night before I had preached a word the Holy Spirit had placed on my heart. After the preaching of the word I proceeded to be led by the Spirit in calling some folks out from the audience and prayed for them with a clear demonstration of God's presence and power. I left the meeting rejoicing.

The pastor didn't quite feel the same. He said to me, "You know, if the preaching of the Gospel could have gotten the job done, it would have been done a long time ago. What we need are the signs. I just want to see the stuff. I don't want you preaching. Preach just a few minutes. We want the miracles." Only once before had I had such pressure put on me to "perform." It became apparent very quickly to me that what they were really wanting was a "charismatic show." They wanted the "signs following" with no preaching of the Word. I'm sorry, but I am making an announcement to the world: I am a WORD preacher.

I see an alarming trend. In the prophetic movement, it seems we may be unintentionally cultivating a mindset where the truth of the power of the Cross and Blood of Christ are no longer good enough. We need signs, signs and more signs. A life transformed by the power of God's amazing Word is no longer enough. "Let me hear and see something new. Something I have never heard or seen before, something that will wow me!" So we have hundreds of hungry Believers fascinated by and following stories of supernatural encounters that have been, at times, exaggerated by charismatic personalities.

Trust me when I say I have seen stories stretched and exaggerated to be something they never originally were. And I have seen people eat it up like popcorn and cotton candy. I want you to hear my heart in this. I am all for supernatural encounters. I have had many myself and I know of others in ministry that have had some beautiful, real, life-changing supernatural encounters with God. But I am not into charismatic hype or manipulation. Just say it like it is. Don't exaggerate, add to or blow something up just to make a good story or to sell a bunch of CDs. I am not being negative. I am seeking to bring balance back into a movement I am so proud to be a part of—a movement that didn't just want to hear empty words, but wanted it backed up with real substance, power and glory.

I want the real thing! I want the real manifest presence of God. I want the real miracles, the real signs and wonders, the real angelic encounters (as God chooses to give them to me.) I don't want a hyped-up version. I don't want to just hear something new and different, just for the sake of hearing something I have never heard before. I want my everyday life encountered in a real way by God's Word and anointing. I want to hear something that I can apply to my life. I want the fullness of God's Word to renew my mind, change me from the inside out, and fill my life with real power and glory.

People who only want to hear something they have never heard before are in serious danger of opening themselves up to a Gospel that is different from the one we find in Scripture. If you are running around only looking for a new revelation without first putting into practice the hundreds of revelations given to us in God's Word, you are looking in the wrong direction. God has called us to be solidly grounded in Him, to preach the Gospel, and to impact the world around us as salt and light.

I love the prophetic. I love the supernatural. But the moment we start wanting signs without the Word of God, we are in trouble. And this is what I have been seeing. Recently I had two pastors in different parts of the United States both proceed to tell me that they wanted the preaching of the Word to be kept to a bare minimum with an emphasis placed on "the signs and the wonders." I need to set the record straight: signs FOLLOW the preaching of the Word. If you become a sign seeker apart from the Word of God, you will become ungrounded and will reproduce that in your ministry. It will build an unhealthy and weak foundation in people's lives.

THE MOST PRECIOUS SIGN

The sign I am most after these days is the sign of a life transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to see people hungry to truly apply the Word of God to their lives and not just want to hear something new, but put into practice what they already know. I want to see people walking in love. I want to see people living righteously. I want to see people knowing who they are in Christ so the devil can't continually beat them up. I want to see people experience the abundant life Jesus came to give them. I want to see people preaching the Gospel in power, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. But we can never forget that the power of the Gospel is revealed through the foolishness of preaching. Not just preaching our good stories, but preaching the Word of God with power and authority. A sign without the Word points nowhere.

I want to encourage the Body of Christ in these days to evaluate everything you have believed and be sure it is pure Gospel. Go back and read the New Testament from cover to cover and ask the Holy Spirit to write upon your heart the full counsel of God's Word as revealed in the New Covenant. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and to be sure your foundations are strong and solid. Never neglect God's word. It has the power to change your life. As you soak in God's Word and in His presence, you will truly live a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life that will make a real difference in the world around you.

Go and be the salt and light God has called you to be. And always remember—there is power in God's Word and in the Holy Spirit to give you power for life!

Matt SorgerMatt Sorger Ministries

1John 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Tangles

2011-09-12T12:48:00.001-05:00

Have you ever tried to un-tangle a rope? If you flop it around it just seems to tangle more. If you pull it, it tightens into a knot. The only way to untangle a rope is to look for the right way to pull it through and to take your time in getting it through each loop. Work it out!

You cannot use tangled rope, won’t hold or secure the load. If you are trying to pull something, the tangled rope can be so loose that it don’t pull tight (until you have pulled it into a huge knot ).

OR a shoe lace with a knot in it: Perhaps you tried to use it without removing the knot? The knot won't let the shoe lace pass through the hole. It is tedious and difficult to get that knot out but it must be removed before it will work properly… you need to lace your shoes to tie them and hold them on your feet. The knot won’t let it work.

That is how we tend to try to live righteous… we want to fudge, not have to do the hard thing. Don’t take the time to get it right - we want God to “understand” and just over look the fact that we have a problem. It is too hard to get it right. So we leave the knot in and attempt to use it anyway making it harder on ourselves; then it takes longer and is more difficult to accomplish the thing we set out to do. Often, it cannot be accomplished to satisfaction when we don't follow directions.

John 10:1 ¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Park by a puddle of water, try to step over, or wade through instead of moving the vehicle - you try to get out anyway. More often than not, you will have wet feet at the very least making you uncomfortable and miserable when all you had to do was move the car. Our attempts or willingness to “get by” or try to get away with something makes us miserable when we don’t have to be miserable. Just give it all to Jesus. Stop trying to get around or over or under - follow God’s plan for your life and GO THROUGH! The children of Israel traveled 40 years trying to get to the promised land and in the end only their offspring got in. Why? They wanted their way, complaining, disobedient they even talked of returning to their previous BONDAGE instead of pressing on. It was hard. They didn’t want to try anymore. Yet, it was their own fault that they were still out there instead of enjoying the milk and honey!

Only one way: the right way. Even Jesus had to do a certain thing, a certain plan, a certain way…it was the only way for you and I to be redeemed. The only way for the plan of salvation to WORK was for Jesus to follow THE plan. His flesh did not want to follow the plan. His mind screamed for a change of plan! Yet, He CHOSE to do the will of the Father EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HARD.

Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Except God allow this plan of salvation to be fulfilled, the soldiers could never have touched Jesus. For He is God’s very own Son! Made flesh to be the sacrificial lamb for our transgressions!

John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

God gave you a plan for salvation. His great love for you makes Him desire your love in return. He will not go against your will and force you to love Him. His plan requires you to CHOOSE.

Step in the muddy water and ruin your shoes or move the car to the right place for a smooth exit? Will you choose to repent and turn from the mud puddle of this life or will you walk away from the greatest love you could ever imagine?

What do you choose?

2Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

2Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I choose Jesus! I choose to take the time to learn and follow God's plan for my life!

The Earth Will Shake

2011-08-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

A message from Bro. Andy Morgan:

The Lord took me out in the spirit (like a vision) and I saw Jesus standing in the United States (right in the center) on the map at first it was like a satellite view and it changed into a clear view. I was able to see all of the United States ,towns, cities,etc... Immediately I saw Jesus and he stood VERY TALL and he was facing forward (facing me) and he turned and twirled with his hands out, palms facing out , and when he did ripples began to move across the United States and I heard these words: THE EARTH WILL SHAKE! I saw Jesus' face and it was glowing at 1st but then it got even brighter, it changed into a gold color and it was very bright for a brief moment, and then changed back into its former state. During this time the presence of God was overwhelming.

Isaiah 2:

17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.

Haggai 2:

6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
10 ¶ In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
11 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,
12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.
13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.
14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

Hear the Word of the Lord! Just as in the days of Noe -

Luke 17:

26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

Hear the Lord! God has been sending signs to us to awaken us.

Dancing in the Dugout

2011-08-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Excerpt from "A New Thing Ministries":

The story was about a young boy who was playing in the Little League World Series; his team was losing 20-0. Not a very fun thing for a little boy. They had already lost one game and this game, which was an obvious loss, would eliminate them from the rest of the tournament.

As the little boys walked into the dugout, they were all in tears, one little boy, with tears streaming down his face had to go up to bat. As the little boy approached the plate his father came up to him and asked him a question; he said 'do you want to do this crying or happily?' The little boy decided to do it happily. He began to dance. As he walked back to the dugout, he danced. When he was in the outfield he danced. Before he knew it everyone was laughing and the loser atmosphere had totally changed, and he just kept dancing.

Did they win? No, but they did score three points after he stopped crying and began to dance, I can only imagine what would have happened if they had that attitude of joy from the very beginning. Beyond that, they enjoyed themselves.

The little boy said that his father told him to enjoy himself, so he did. How simple.

Did you realize our Father has told us the same thing? Jesus said 'I came that you might have life and enjoy it to the full.' Do you enjoy life every day?

I know there are times and situations that are challenging, but are you enjoying life, the life that Jesus came to give you?

Sometimes joy and gladness doesn't come naturally, sometimes you have to make yourself be glad.

My friends, we have every reason to rejoice and enjoy life, regardless of what challenges we face, we serve a mighty God, who will never leave us nor forsake us.

If it looks like you are losing the game, dance in the dugout. If it looks like everything is stacked against you, dance in the dugout. If you have been feeling depressed or confused, dance in the dugout. Take a few minutes today and dance before the Lord.

Praise stops the enemy. The dance will change the atmosphere. Dance before the Lord today, praise Him with abandon and watch the outcome change.

By: Kim Potter

Psalms 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

I have personally witnessed God move in a mighty way when I rejoiced in Him instead of crying in despair! The joy of the Lord IS my strength and it will be yours too when you put your faith into action and DANCE IN THE DUGOUT!

Anna Fugatt

Knots

2011-08-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

The Great I AM said you can....He made the way where there seemeth to be no way and instructed you to BELIEVE!

No one told the bumblebee that he could "KNOT" fly! So he does....

Spread your wings and soar. Jesus is there to carry you when you call on Him.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Identity Crisis

2011-07-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

Have you lost your heritage? And how did you lose it? Did you even know you had an inheritance?

Ezra 2:58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

Results:

Nehemiah 9:36 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:

37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

38 And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.

Forgiveness:

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

13 ¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Hebrews 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

1John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 ¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

Adam and Eve sinned and lost the Garden of Eden as God’s punishments. Other times, others sinned against the Lord……Cain slew Abel because of jealousy as God favored Abel and his sacrifice. Cain wanted to do it his way instead of following the instructions. Sound familiar? Here in Ezra we find that because of their ancestor’s sin of seeking a “better” way for themselves, the children were unable to prove their lineage and rights as children of Israel. Yet they sought out the Lord and His glory as they searched for a way to become a part of their true lineage once again.

Your inheritance can be restored to you…through Christ Jesus by repentance, washing away the sins of the flesh through water baptism in Jesus Name, and renewing your mind to the mind of Christ unto receiving the sweet Holy Ghost to guide, correct and teach you. To be a part of this wonderful Bride of Christ that will soon be carried away from this sinful world that only seeks to “do it my way”.

Elvis Presley “Did it My Way”, Burger King says “have it your way” and are an epitome of the way these generations think and live.

Matthew 11: 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Choose to be the child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Be who He created you to be. Lay claim to your IDENTITY today!

Fear NOT...

2011-07-14T20:36:00.002-05:00

With all the commotion and consternation over our economy, we must remember God's Word.

Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Why has David never seen the righteous begging bread? Because God takes care of His own! His righteous will ALWAYS be provided for. The children of Israel were in the wilderness.....God gave them what they needed. When they became discontented with their portion and wanted more, God gave it - with instructions for it's use. Only when they disobeyed ( just like in the Garden of Eden ) did God show His displeasure.

Understand that God will provide, it is up to you to OBEY, to be righteous in His sight. Your own righteousness is as filthy rags, so don't expect God to go along with your program.... it has to be His Way. He loves you and wants the best for you. He will make you prosperous in the midst of the calamity. The downfall of this world is based on selfishness. God requires selflessness! Love one another - give to each other - not give IN to your or another's wants or ideas. Share the Word, share His love and live as if He is coming now.

There is no time left to procrastinate. Now the time IS. The Great I AM is at hand. Is your lamp lit or are you going to have to run and get some oil?

Pray for this nation, family, neighbor, yourself and enemy alike for all will have to have the anointing of the Lord and the Holy Ghost to be able to stand! God's righteousness is all that will get you through these times that we face. Making excuses and proclaiming that God don't mind if you stray a little is a lie from the pit of Hell. "I will repent later" will possibly be too late! Hell is real and it is HOT.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

RUN, RUN, RUN....run into the the strong tower!

Sneaky Little Foxes

2011-06-23T11:58:00.001-05:00

Where in the Word does God allow us to curse or use vulgar slang? When did we decide that these words substitute curse words (crap, freaking, frigging, etc) are better than the ones they are substituted for? Look them up in the dictionary, side by side, you will find that they are both identified as "vulgar slang" and when used in the same manner with the same attitude it is no different than the "vulgar slang" used by "sinners". The World knows they mean the same thing yet we call the World cursing when they use the original words. These words are not supposed to be coming out of Christian’s mouths! It is NOT Christ like. We have allowed too much of the Secular habits and ways into the Church that it no longer is any different from the World.

Our members, children and adults run around in two piece bathing suits with very little left to the imagination. AND post it online no less. Where is the difference? We preach “just get them in and God will change them” – as I read the Word, it says for the elder to teach the younger. Not wait and let God do it. Yet, the “elder” are doing the same things, using the same words, and undressing in public too.

We are supposed to teach a Younger Christian that you have to leave the World behind and you cannot do that by continuing to do as you did before in word, actions, or dress. A poured on, shape molding dress is every bit as wrong as the bra and panties in public (bikini). I believe we have failed to follow God’s directions when our leadership is acting, talking and dressing just like the secular world.

God asked “how did you know you were naked”? They knew because the deceiver convinced the woman it was okay, God was being selfish and it was okay for her to eat that. Then she offered it to Adam and he took it because she wanted him to. Is this what we are doing, allowing ourselves to believe that it is okay to do as the secular world? That we must entice them to serve the Lord by doing what they do? Are we so blind that we now think that sin is okay? IF bikinis are okay, why don’t we wear them to church on Sunday Morning? IF pole dancing is okay outside the church why is it not okay inside? God stills sees and hears us. We have even allowed the sanctuary be a place to eat and drink now. Have we really changed our minds that much? That the “holy” place is no longer HOLY? I am not talking about children now, I am referring to the adults that eat and drink in there; soda pop and such.

Where did it start? What little fox crept in and brought its friends and cousins in later? How long do we turn a blind eye or stick our head in the sand and say “it is okay, God will handle it?” How do I tell my children and grandchildren it is wrong to curse, go in public in skimpy bathing suits and you cannot eat or drink in the church when the “leadership” is doing it?

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

I have heard this message preached many times and I wonder why I have never heard any preacher say WHY Peter grabbed his coat and jumped in the sea? Why preachers won’t tell the church that Peter was ashamed for Jesus to see him naked? Because Peter knew he was not supposed to be naked in front of Jesus or anyone else.

God made the coats of skin to cover them (Adam and Eve). Now it does not tell us how he did it or what size they were. And many pictures in story books show leaves over the male and female but in reality…God covered them. We have uncovered ourselves like Peter did and then we want to “cover up” to waltz into church as if we are righteous and holy. But we do not wear our speedos and bikinis to church, oh no that would be wrong.

Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.

24 ¶ And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.

Noah cursed the son that saw him naked and blessed his sons that covered his nakedness, even though he was in his own dwelling. His sons, guys, men folk…not women, nor was he public. In his own dwelling he was naked and needed covered. I don’t mean to sound like a dress code critic. I am gleaning from the very Word of God to say that we are slack in obedience to God’s Word. We have allowed the deceiver to beguile us just like he did to Eve. IT IS NOT ALRIGHT.

1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you

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

Collossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Matthew Henrys Concise Commentary

It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions of sin must be avoided: the lusts of the flesh, and the love of the world; and covetousness, which is idolatry; love of present good, and of outward enjoyments. It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them, they will kill us. The gospel changes the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the rule of right reason and conscience, over appetite and passion. There is now no difference from country, or conditions and circumstances of life. It is the duty of every one to be holy, because Christ is a Christian's All, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness.

Song Of Solomon 2:14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.

15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:

The church is Christ's dove; she returns to him, as her Noah. Christ is the Rock, in whom alone she can think herself safe, and find herself easy, as a dove in the hole of a rock, when struck at by the birds of prey. Christ calls her to come boldly to the throne of grace, having a great High Priest there, to tell what her request is. Speak freely, fear not a slight or a repulse. The voice of prayer is sweet and acceptable to God; those who are sanctified have the best comeliness. The first risings of sinful thoughts and desires, the beginnings of trifling pursuits which waste the time, trifling visits, small departures from truth, whatever would admit some conformity to the world; all these, and many more, are little foxes which must be removed. This is a charge to believers to mortify their sinful appetites and passions, which are as little foxes, that destroy their graces and comforts, and crush good beginnings. Whatever we find a hinderance to us in that which is good, we must put away. He feedeth among the lilies; this shows Christ's gracious presence among believers. He is kind to all his people. It becomes them to believe this, when under desertion and absence, and so to ward off temptations.

I pray that this writing is a help to all who read it. A testament to the Love God has for us and a warning to defeat the little foxes before the vine is spoiled. Please note that I do not apologize for any concept herein but don’t want a war started over it either. I believe that the end of time is near and it is VITAL that we spoil the fouler’s plans now. Prepare for the battles ahead and be ready, willing, and able to fight the good fight and finish our race by keeping the FAITH.

Collossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

KNOW YOUR GOD

2011-06-07T12:03:00.001-05:00

Do you sometimes feel as if you just can't get your brain to function properly? Do you wonder why you do some things you wouldn't normally do, then ask yourself "did I do that?" Maybe you volunteered to do a task that you know you could not do. Perhaps you gave your water bill money to a person on the street. Ask yourself why it was important to you. Was God using you or were you trying to impress someone else? Or could your thought process have been influenced by devils of deception.

Devils try any way they can to destroy you. Even to using the very Word of God (if possible) to tear you down. John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. The Word tells us to give to the poor, not to give your sustenance that God provided for you to anyone that comes along and say they need it. Many there are that will deceive you into giving to them. You must use Godly discernment when "giving" of your time, money, and service to another. John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

All that say "Lord, Lord" will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Everyone that says "help me" is not honestly seeking help. The devil knows that if you are distracted with "helping" others that are in reality deceivers that it can cause you to fall into hurt and anger as their real designs are revealed.

So I tell you today, know your God! Know in whom you put your trust and believe that He will keep you as you follow His commands.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Little Foxes

2011-05-22T00:15:00.001-05:00

A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf!

This scripture comes to mind :

Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

The world curses and we preach to them. We curse and it is okay? The only difference between "oh, sh**" and "oh, cr*p" is the spelling. It is said with the same attitude and means the same thing so where is the difference? An expletive is still an expletive no matter who says it or how it is spelled.

We tell ourselves that one sounds bad while the other is okay. Why? Because we are taught the one is bad - general consensus says it is bad. But in reality they are equally bad when used in an equal environment and manner.

I have watched a dedicated Man of God as he was influenced by someone he loved. I never heard such words come out of his mouth until this woman came along and she used "cr*p" extensively. Then he began using the "cuss word" that is not a cuss word in most people's mind.

Those little things that we tend to overlook can come back to bite us one day. It can lead to losing our rights to the Promised Land.

Song of Solomon 2:15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

The first risings of sinful thoughts and desires, the beginnings of trifling pursuits which waste the time, trifling visits, small departures from truth, whatever would admit some conformity to the world; all these, and many more, are little foxes which must be removed. This is a charge to believers to mortify their sinful appetites and passions, which are as little foxes, that destroy their graces and comforts, and crush good beginnings.

Father, forgive us.

Two Horses

2011-05-18T20:36:00.000-05:00

There is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two horses, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.... Good friends are like that... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember ... be kinder than necessary --- everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.... Leave the rest to God!

By: Tina Hammond

Happy Mothers Day

2011-05-07T22:24:00.002-05:00

The Only Real Peace

2011-05-02T11:09:00.000-05:00

With all that is going on around us today...remember that God is still your source and will still be in control if you let Him. I am thankful today that He kept his hand of protection on us even when it feels like we were/are alone. He is always there for you and me.

No weapon formed against thee shall prosper...that does not mean that conflict or disaster wont come - it does mean that it wont prosper (be victorious, succeed, overwhelm).

Isaiah 54:14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.
16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

It is a promise to God's own. His righteous ones. That nothing has the power to prosper against you.

Storms come and storms go, emotional and physical, they can only destroy the things of this world. Only God can send judgment upon the spirit and soul. Often, God will use the sorrow or calamity in our life to turn us toward Him. That we will seek Him for guidance and comfort. For the ONLY real peace in this world comes from the Lord.

If you don't know Jesus - today is the day of your salvation. Turn your life to Him and live in peace eternally!

Life is a struggle!

2011-04-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

Are you struggling because of your choices or due to circumstances? Often our difficulties stem from our own bad choices or stubbornness.
Although everything is not the devil’s fault and we like to blame him for our distress, there is a condition that we struggle for the ministry sake.
Jesus’ life was a struggle from before he was birthed. Mary could have been stoned to death for His conception. But, God knew that Jesus was and is the ultimate sacrifice, that without him no one would stand a chance of reaching heaven.
Jesus lived daily just as you and I live, with the temptations of the flesh and the lies of evil to contend with. Jesus was the only child that knew more than his parents, he had the secrets of all things within him, yet he obeyed and honored his parents. Boy when we think we know something we are determined to loudly proclaim it. Declaring others as wrong and idiots because “I” know the truth! I got it! Jesus held his peace and obeyed those that had rule over him. Think about it….if it were me – that would have been a major struggle. Not to tell it.
When his ministry began, Jesus faced many persecutions and many falsely accused him. Ridiculed him. Abased him. Laid traps for him. Questioned him. While others sought him for what he could do for them. Like the 10 lepers…all were healed but only one returned to thank Jesus, hence he was made completely whole. Jesus struggled. Do you think thoughts of “nobody cares” went through his mind? He faced this life as we do, he felt what we feel so what makes us think for a second that he did not have disappointment, discouraged when rejected just like you and I have felt? He did, he overcame..just like we can if we only will. It begins with instant forgiveness. Not waiting until you have cuddled that offence for a while and then decide , “okay, I will forgive.” Jesus' example was immediate forgiveness. When Peter sliced the guard's ear off, Jesus immediately replaced it, rebuking Peter for his retaliation.
When Jesus was in the desert, Satan tried to tempt him. We struggle to find the right path. We struggle to discern false from truth. Which way do I go? People all around you seem to know more about what you are to do or not do than you. One voice pulling this way, another voice pulling that way….which way do I go? Listen for the voice of the Lord, knowing who he is and knowing who you are – you will make the right choice. We make several mistakes along the way. It is the way we learn. When we begin to walk as babes, we fall down. To walk – we don’t stay down.
When Jesus was before Pilate, he could have easily told all that he knew. He could have called the angels of heaven and got himself out of that place. So often we want to run from our trials and tests, even from our calling. It is a struggle.
Don’t let anyone tell you that this walk and work for the Lord is easy. He did tell us “my yoke is easy and my burden light”….think about that. A yoke is a restraining item around the neck to guide with….a burden is a load, heavy, and cumbersome. So why do we expect easy street when we come to the Lord?
It is a struggle. It is a struggle worth all that we deal with. A struggle that molds us and makes us strong. Strong enough to forgive, strong enough to love the unlovable including our self, strong enough to follow Jesus footsteps.
Some struggle just to get through the door, to cross the threshold into God’s kingdom. Others will be made to struggle through a tight keyhole…small space that feels like it is impossible to get through. The reason for your keyhole walk is that when you get through the keyhole, you are shaped like a key! You become the key to open the door for someone else to get through! Jesus is THE master key. Jesus opens the door for all of us to get through. Now it is our turn to become a door opener.
In Luke 6: 19-37, Jesus speaks of forgiveness and mercy. He tells that there is a reward for every action. It is up to you what that reward is: woe or consolation.
It is still up to you, it is your choice of struggle…struggle without hope living in a sinful world or struggle with hope of eternal love and peace? What do you choose?

On My Father's Side

2011-04-12T17:20:00.002-05:00

Living Word!

2011-03-26T14:23:00.001-05:00

A friend sent this to me and I want to share it with you:

His name is Tim. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it,

jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire

four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a
Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative
church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not
sure how to go about it..

One day Tim decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his
T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Tim
starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat.
By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable,
but no one says anything.

Tim gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he
realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the
church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Tim.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a
three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very
courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy,
everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane.
All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing.
The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With
great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Tim and
worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion...

When the minister gains control, he says,
'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'

'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Borrowed - Author unknown

Spiritual Exercise

2011-02-23T09:43:00.000-06:00

I like this article by Wanda Keller so much that I wanted to share it with you: healthy hearts and exercise go hand in hand.

I wonder just how we would look if our physical bodies exemplified the condition of our spiritual side. Would those we see naturally as “beautifully fit” bodies appear as extremely overweight because they have been focusing only on themselves? Have they been selfish? Or what about those we view as “needing to lose a few pounds?” What if we saw them as the perfect physical specimen because they had been doing all of their “spiritual exercises and taking care of their hearts?”

Just what are some spiritual exercises we need to do to keep our hearts healthy?

The first exercise is a “Deep Knee Bend.” We need to bend our knees and bow in repentance. We realize we are in pretty bad shape if our sins have not been forgiven and we haven’t asked Jesus to be our Savior and Lord. Scripture tells us that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Sit-ups are our next exercise. We need to sit up and notice those around us and minister to them.
We must always remember to lift up holy hands in praise and worship to the Lord. We can’t do too much of this exercise!
Our next exercise involves jumping. Remember to jump for joy instead of jumping to conclusions.
For a rest break, sit at His feet with Him in heavenly places.
Now back to exercising. Begin by stretching out of our comfort zones. This may seem difficult but it is well worth the effort. It won’t be long before you see the result of this exercise.
Run the race with patience; keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t quit! Don’t give up!
For another rest break, stand still and know that He is God.
Our next exercise is working in the garden. Sow the seeds of the Word of God and you will reap a great harvest for the Master!
Pulling and pushing are our next exercise. Remember to pull up to God’s table to feast and push away from our tables to fast.

All of these exercises are important and should be done on a daily basis. Acts 24:16 tells us “And herein do I exercise myself, to have a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” In other words, “I do my level best to keep a clear conscience before God and my neighbors in everything I do.”

After all of this exercise, be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep. Psalm 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The Hebrew word for “dwell” means to remain or abide; to dwell in or inhabit. The Hebrew word for “abide” means to spend the night. “He that remains in the secret place of the Most High shall spend the night under the shadow of the Almighty.”

So, now let me ask you, what kind of shape is your spirit-man in? Have you done your exercises today? When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, when there is no one there but you and God, how will you answer this question: Is your conscience clear before God and those around you? If you cannot answer “Yes,” then let’s start back at the beginning and do some “deep knee bends.”

To Please the Master...

2011-02-17T09:43:00.001-06:00

Remember Aaron's rod that was placed in the Ark of the Covenant as a testimony, forever surrounded by the presence of God. The rod, as stated in the book of Hebrews, is forever in a place that few items have attained to; the Tabernacle which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. What a place of honor! But...it wasn't always that way for Aaron's rod.

In the beginning of the existence of Aaron's rod - it wasn't a rod at all, but an almond tree planted by its master. It was just a twig, a sapling. The master of the field planted it and carefully tended to it each week. The little almond tree struggled to grow and produce fruit but these things don't happen quickly, it takes time to produce fruit, a strong root structure must be developed first. This takes lots of moisture and much time.

It seemed to the little tree that it would take forever, nevertheless, the tree decided that it was going to be the best and biggest almond tree around and it would produce the best crop of almonds...because you see; he just wanted to please his master. Finally, he burst through the ground and began to grow strong and tall. When the sunlight appeared that year it began to activate the buds and stems and leaves. He was sure that this year would be his year to produce fruit.

The master came by and checked on the now strong tree, he paid special attention to his roots and bent it to make sure it was strong. And it was. Then without warning, the master took his ax and chopped the little tree at the very root. The almond tree was astonished and could not figure out what he had done wrong. All he wanted was to be the best almond tree, and to please his master.

If that wasn't bad enough, the master then broke off each branch and stripped off all the leaves, the little almond tree was left bare, reduced to nothing but a stick. Then it got even worse, the master began to peel away the bark from the almond tree. The bark, you see, protects the heart of the tree; it is its covering, its protection. It helps the tree keep its moisture and remain healthy.

Then the master lay what was left of the tree in the hot sun. Each day, the almond tree hoped his master would graft him back in, but he never did. One day the master declared that the almond tree was now ready; he picked it up and began walking with it, leaning on it for strength.

Now the almond tree understood - he was no longer an almond tree - now he was a staff, a rod. So he decided that he could accept this change of plans and he would be the best rod ever for his master. There he was, stripped down to nothing, dried out beyond repair and laid in the hot sun, only to become something that someone else could lean on...but that was okay with him. Yes, his dream of being a great and awesome almond tree had to die but he still simply wanted to please his master. He lived to please his master.

For years, he gave his master strength and walked with him through many roads. He had surrendered to his masters need and had grown to enjoy his existence. Then one day, in a meeting with other masters, he was thrown into a pile with all the other rods and left without the company of his master. A man came along and picked up all the rods and placed them in a dark room.

And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and get from them a rod from each father's house, all their leaders according to their fathers' houses--twelve rods. Write each man's name on his rod. And you shall write Aaron's name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father's house. Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the testimony, where I meet you and it shall be that the rod of the man I choose will blossom. Numbers 17

Once again the rod finds himself in a dark place, wondering what in the world he did to deserve this. He lay there in the dark for hours among the other rods that were discarded, wondering what was going on and if he would ever get out of this dark place and see his master again. Suddenly he felt something happening, something growing from within him. He said 'it is impossible, I haven't had branches or blossoms for many years, I have had no moisture to grow, nor sun to produce fruit, it is impossible.' But as morning broke, everyone could see that the almond rod of Aaron had blossomed and bloomed and produced fruit - in an impossible situation and in just a few short hours. It was, just as God said it would be.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Life doesn't always turn out the way we expect it to. We may have one goal in mind and God have a different one. We may think we are headed in one direction when the wind changes and we go in another direction in our life. Like the little olive tree, we must adjust to flow with the changes that God orchestrates in and for us. For He knows the best plan for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Study

2011-02-07T11:15:00.000-06:00

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105

There is a key to these scriptures.........STUDY

2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

To hide God's Word in your heart, you have to study it. To follow the lighted path that God has for you - you have to study. To be a workman that is not ashamed and is rightly dividing the Word of truth.....YOU HAVE TO STUDY the WORD. Not any word, not any book, not any teaching but the express divinely inspired WORD OF GOD.

As I began to write this blog I first put "hide thy word in my heart that I might not sin against thee". That is wrongly quoted. I was quoting it wrong. When I went to get the scripture to further promote the topic....I found out that is not what the Word says. Instead of God hiding His Word in my heart...I am to hide His Word in my heart. Me. I cannot do that if I don't study His Word.

I thought I had it right. I thought I was quoting the Word when I was only quoting someone esle's word. Someone I had heard "quote" what I wrote. That is why it is imperative that we study for ourself and not just "quote" another and call it scripture.

To follow the lighted path that God has for us, we must know the Word or the "light" on our path may not lead us in the right way or direction. As long as I wait for God to "hide his word in me" I am not hiding His Word in me through study. This seems to be the attitude of a lot of people these days....waiting for God to do everything for them. Waiting for a minister, man or woman of God, to do it for them. Looking for the next mega preacher to bring them the Word or a miracle. I have heard so many say "God has got to....". NO HE DON'T!

God has done His part, all that He can to make it possible for us to live Holy, think Holy, and minister Holy before Him and for Him. His Word tells us "there is no more sacrifice". When Jesus lay down His life to save us....He is the ultimate sacrifice and there is NO MORE to be done. God gave His only begotten Son... Through Jesus, God sent Grace and Mercy to carry us when we mess up. Yet, He REQUIRES that we do our part by first believing that He is, second - repenting, third - STUDY to know God and His ways. If we choose to not do that then we have condemned ourselves. God passes judgments but we determine what that judgment will be. Heaven or Hell.

God bless you all!.

Anna Fugatt

Watch and Pray

2011-01-15T11:29:00.001-06:00

The Butterfly Effect

By Andy Andrews

(Introduction of the book)

Not long ago, I finally told the story of when, at the age of twenty-three, homeless and scared, I was given guidance in a most unusual fashion by an old man named Jones. What the old man told me did nothing less than change my life and my future. He said..."With a little perspective you can live a life of permanent purpose."

When I asked what he meant, the old man answered with a question. "Do you sometimes find yourself unconsciously judging your actions by level of importance?" I frowned a bit, not certain I understood. "For instance," he continued, "the time you spend with friends is important, but the time you spend with family, is more important. You might rank an hour fishing as very important, thirty minutes visiting a sick friend in the hospital much more important than the fishing, and a sixty second conversation with a convenience store clerk as not very important at all."

I nodded my understanding and he returned to his initial point. "When you know that everything matters - that every move counts as much as any other - you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse, and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

EVERYTHING we do(or don't do) is important. We just put emphasis on what we "think" is important.

A smile here, encouraging word there may not be significant to you and yet it is a life and death matter for the other person. Be vigilant about God's work.Your choice to go to church or not is important, sometimes vitally important, to your spiritual life.

I remember as children, when Mom would leave us at home to do chores as she went to pay bills or go to the store, we would "watch" for her return and act like we had been busy the whole time. Looking out the window, listening for the car, etc...then run to finish what we should have already done. Mom usually is not fooled by that but we didn't realize that until we saw our own children pulling that same thing.....

God is not fooled - ever! He knows if you are doing what you should. He knows if you neglect prayer time or scripture time or if you snubbed someone. He is not Santa Claus, but He knows if you are vigilant or slumbering!

Mark 13:33-37 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

There was a time that I considered going to church an option. Then one day God asked me this question, "How do I use you if you are not there?" Oh my, was I feeling foolish! We pray God use me, send me, work thru me! But, where are we? Physically and spiritually we have to "be there" or God cannot and will not use our talents. Someone else will exercise their Faith and grow spiritually by utilizing their talents. We have hidden our talent. God is a God of increase! WE MUST USE what He has given us. Yes, God did send some to me by phone or a visitor to minister to...but what about all the rest that did not call or come by? God sent them to someone else because I was not there.

Watch and Pray!

Greater is He!

2011-01-07T10:58:00.001-06:00

1John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.....

2011-01-05T10:04:00.001-06:00

Excerpt from A New Thing Ministries:

The word prosper means to advance, make progress, succeed, being brought to a successful end and to experience prosperity.

All this was sounding really good to me, I felt God was saying 'this year, as long as you seek me I will cause you to succeed and prosper in anything you put your hand to', after all that is the word of God.

Yet knowing that God is usually saying something much deeper than I first think, I began to do a cross reference on that scripture. First of all it took me to 2 Chronicle 15:2 which was talking about the day a prophet went to Asa and said to him; Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin, The Lord is with you, while you are with Him. If you will seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.
God is issuing instruction that is still in place today: The Lord is with us, while we are with Him. Seek Him and He will be found by you. Forsake Him and He will forsake you.

I know what you are thinking...the Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us - and this is true - but we can forsake Him and if we do, He does not go against our will - He walks away.

Now all these things were interesting but as I continued to search I found that the word sought came from a root meaning of those who fear the Lord. This doesn't mean that we are afraid of God - it means that we have so much respect and honor for Him that we wouldn't even consider disobeying Him in any way or manner; we would never go against His word. It is a reverential fear and greatly lacking in the Body of Christ.

We have become so accustomed to a God of Love - which He is. And a God of Mercy - which He is. Yet we forget He is also a God of judgment and a God who ALWAYS honors His word - which means if we go against His word He has no choice, but to acknowledge it and deal with it.

I remember a story John Bevere told one time. He had interviewed a minister who was very well known and had fallen into sin - he actually was in prison during the interview. John asked this man when He stopped loving God. The man responded 'I never stopped loving God, I stopped fearing God.' That was the beginning of his fall.

The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We have got to get back to being a Body of has a reverential fear of God. You will find this all throughout the Bible, study it for yourself.

By: Kim Potter

God will let you go your own way. Let you do your own thing...just know this, He loves you anyway and yet He will withhold His favor as long as you travel away from Him. His promises are for those who love and obey Him and His Word.

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Abide - to dwell in, inhabit, to live in.

Anna Fugatt

I want to share my 2010 Christmas experience with you...

2010-12-26T11:07:00.004-06:00

I had a tooth in the front - on the bottom that has been loose for some time. Eating was a real chore as I would often bite down only to find that I had bit wrong and it pushed the tooth forward, blinding pain pierced me as I did.

I did not want to pay the dentist to pull it and I intended to pull it myself. I was only waiting until after Christmas dinner so as to enjoy the season with family.

After dinner yesterday, I came home and pulled it out. I packed it with the gauze and settled down to "endure" the evening. Three times I changed out the bloody gauze. Then the fourth time it was only full of saliva.

I took the gauze out intending to only drink liquids and possibly have oatmeal for breakfast the next morning. In the meantime, I used the meat juices from the Christmas dinner that I had cooked, ham and turkey, to make more cornbread dressing and it was smelling soooooo good.

I was a little puzzled because I was not in any pain at all. So I went to the bathroom, got a mirror and looked into my mouth. Being right in the front it was not that hard to see. There was no blood clot, no gap, no wound looking spot at all. I saw pink gum in the place where I had pulled that tooth. I thought WOW! So I told my husband to get the flashlight and look at my "hole".

He said, there is nothing there. I said,"as if I had not just pulled a tooth"? He said, "yeah. Go get some dressing and eat it."

Praise God.

Five hours after pullling that tooth I was eating corn bread dressing. I did not have to wait a day or two to eat or drink as normal. Without a doubt, God healed that wound!

And thank you Lord for the beautiful white Christmas!

Praise the Lord!

Anna Fugatt

Add in: I left a vital part of this experience out....now I am adding it in.
Before I pulled the tooth, I prayed. I did not even know if I could do it. I know what it feels like when the dentist pulls a tooth even with the "help" of them deadening it first. So I asked God to help me do this. He did.
Consider the power of prayer!

Jesus is the Reason for the Season.....you have a reason to "be" too.

2010-12-17T11:02:00.000-06:00

A GIRL'S FIRST CHRISTMAS
By Saralee Perel

Thirty-three years ago, a young girl made Christmas cookies for the very first time in her life. All of the cookies came out of the oven looking beautiful . . . except for one.

As she picked up the misfit cookie to put it in the trash, she suddenly stopped and looked at it closely in her hand. Something about throwing it away simply because it was misshapen didn't feel right to her. "Just because something is different," she thought, "doesn't mean it no longer belongs anywhere."

So she kept the cookie. She even made up a word for it. She called it a woodle. With colorful paints, she gave it a face. This made it seem almost alive. The girl decided not to tell anyone about this new treasure. Late that night when the others were asleep, she sat by the light of an old oil lamp and wrote this story.

A Christmas Tale

There once was a lonely woodle,

sad as sad can be.

It knocked on doors, saying to all,

"Can you find a purpose for me?"

Christmas Eve was coming soon.

He always spent it alone.

But on this Christmas Eve, he put on his gloves

and set out to the street where he'd roam.

As usual folks would slam their doors

saying, "I have no use for you."

So he'd brush off the snow and try again,

but others would slam their doors too.

Soon he was ready to give up all hope

of finding a reason to be.

He walked down the street with his head hung low.

"I think it's all over for me."

But then he saw a magical house.

On the door there were ribbons and pine.

There were little dog prints throughout the yard.

"I guess I'll try one more time."

From the chimney came smoke that smelled so good.

Through the window he saw a tree

that sparkled and glowed with love and warmth.

"Oh, what a fine family!"

Popcorn and berries bedecked the tree.

His eyes filled with tears just to gaze.

"Boy, would I like to be part of this home

and be loved for the rest of my days."

The husband and wife came to the door.

"Oh I know they'll have no place for me."

But the woodle was taken into the home

and brought forth for the family to see.

And then he was given a most special gift.

They gave him a reason to be.

For the husband and wife loved him so . . .

that they placed him on top of their tree.

This was written by me when I was 25 years old. I was celebrating the first Christmas of my life, in 1977. It was the year I married my Christian husband, Bob.

I presented the poem to him that Christmas Eve. Bob had not known about the misshapen cookie. When he had finished reading the poem, I pointed to the top of our tree, where just moments earlier, I had put the woodle.

For thirty-three Christmases, the woodle has had its special place on top of our Christmas tree, where it has certainly found a reason to be.

To me, a special message of the season is this: It is not just our duty; it's our privilege to make room at the inn. On the very first Christmas, one individual grew to help millions. By helping even one person in need, we never know what that person will accomplish, once given a chance to belong.

And of finding a reason to be.

MISSING THE GUEST OF HONOR

2010-12-10T09:43:00.002-06:00

By Dr. Michael A. Halleen

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2)

There's a story that has become legend in a small Minnesota town. I can't vouch for its truth, only that people tell it as though it really happened. It seems that the retiring mayor was to be honored at a party as he left office. He had been responsible for a number of significant improvements to the town, so it seemed good to have the community pay tribute.

The party was held at the VFW hall, and all agreed it was a great celebration. The music was loud, the room crowded and noisy. The finger food was unusual in its quality and liquid refreshment flowed without restraint until late into the evening. Over coffee the next morning in the Main Street diner, someone wondered aloud if the mayor had enjoyed it, but no one knew. No one in the diner had talked to him or had even seen him there. Only later did they learn that the mayor had checked into a hospital the previous day and had missed the party in his honor. Apparently no one had noticed.

It sounds a lot like Christmas. People get together, the food is great, the music warms the heart — but has anyone seen the guest of honor? The season has become about us — our menus, our travel plans, our expenses. We've lost perspective. Our celebration will be more authentic if our hopes are not only for good sales figures but also for good will among mankind. Christ will be seen among us if our prayers are not only for peace in travel but also for peace on earth.

Our church set out its nativity scene the other day. Life-sized figures of all the familiar characters are in place, kneeling around the manger — all but one. Seems the baby Jesus is missing. We couldn't find him this year. Mary and Joseph and the Wise Men are gazing reverently at some wisps of straw.

Sign of the times. Hopefully the Christ child will be found by Christmas.

2010-11-30T01:07:00.001-06:00

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ← ↓ → ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
☼ ^A^ ^A^ ^A^ ^A^ ☼

Christmas, Christmas time is here ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫...time for joy and time for cheer ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫...ringing in the Christmas season, excitement in the air.

People ripping and running trying to find the perfect gift for the ones they love (or the ones they don't love - just feel like they have to give them a gift cause they gave one to them last year). Christmas music filling the air everywhere you go. Some are smiling, some are frowning, some are doing neither. But all are bustling, hustling, working at getting somewhere.

Some say "Merry Christmas", some say "Happy Holidays" and some just give you that stare! In the crunch of December pressures, many will not remember just how we got here. Even the ones that say "I am a Christian" will have stressed over the presents they share.

Was it enough or should I have spent more?

Did they like it or was it a bore?

Christmas has become such a chore!

Let me remind you this wonderful time of year

- is not about presents that cause such wear

on your love, joy, peace and happiness.

Don't let it become such a mess!

Remember, the reason we started it all

the child born long ago in a stall.

To the Christ child the wise men brought

Gold, frankincense and myrrh we're taught

But the shepherds simply gave their love

for the Christ child from God above

Gold and myrrh they did not have to give

yet still their life they lived.

Only because the only perfect gift available

was born one night in a lowly stable

and lay in a manger bed

the only place for His head.

Thank you Jesus for your gift to all mankind!

Wishing all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!

Beating with the Word?

2010-11-03T09:56:00.017-05:00

Proverbs 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

We (supposed to be God's children/Christians) have so many excuses for not doing that for which we are charged to do.

Lately, I have heard a lot of one statement more than others; "to beat them with the Word". Just exactly what are we reffering to? Corrections? Rebuke? Instructions? Guidance?

How do you "beat" someone with the Word? If the Word bites you then it is as God intended...you are under conviction and now you have to decide will you follow the path of rebellion or will you work to correct that which is wrong. God called the Word a two edged sword - it not only cuts the person it is swung at, it cuts the person wielding the sword too. The Word is for both! Often, both are in need of that same Word.

2Chronicles 34:21...for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do after all that is written in this book.

Proverbs 13:13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

I contend that the Word is not the problem. Now if you have a bad attitude, an attitude of superiority when you approach someone expecting them to do what you say just because you say it...then you have the problem and it is not of God.

Acts 2: 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Definition of untoward: unruly, troublesome, adverse, hard to guide or control, improper, unseemly, disaster or annoyance.

Gladly receive the instruction, the Word of God, and you will find happiness beyond your imagination. Reject, rebell, refuse the Word of God and you will be a person most miserable!

God loves you. Enough to correct you. So stop blaming the person that loves you enough to tell you and look to yourself for what is amiss.

Blessing in Jesus Name,

SweetWater Ministry

Isaiah 66:2 ... but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Victory Trophy

2010-10-29T09:12:00.000-05:00

I read an article this morning about a High School coach giving the football trophy just won by his team to the coach of the team that lost! Both teams fought hard to make the move that would bring them to the goal of victory. But, there could only be one winner in this game. Yet, this coach recognized the efforts and awarded the victory trophy to them out of respect for their efforts.

Instead of gloating over the narrow margin of the win, coach recognized the need for encouragement in the other team. He had been there himself with many losses and knew how hard it is to keep an upbeat attitude for the next battle/game.

The same way we need to encourage one another as we work toward the "prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:14. No need to gloat over the work/s that God does through us. For we are not the healer, deliverer, or savior - only God has that ability. We are simply a pile of dirt that God breathed life into and called His own. Even after many failures and disappointments in our lives, God still works His wonders through us for the good of ALL.

We battle principalities and our own flesh daily. Reach out to another and give them a lift....a victory trophy....for their efforts as they face each day too. Take a hint from a compassionate coach and pass the trophy on to who needs to be encouraged. You know you won, now help someone else know that they can too!

God is LOVE.

Anna Fugatt

IF you love me.....

2010-10-25T10:08:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from Kim Potter motivationals:

On Friday I was spending some time with God, reading the word and talking to Him. I thought about an email I had received about the 'law' and how it applies to us today. The Bible says that we are no longer under the law but under grace. Many people use this scripture to avoid obeying the precepts of God.

So I was asking God about this. I said "God, when I teach about giving and tithing people always respond by saying 'I am not under the law but under grace." Now, generally God simply leads me straight to the word of God but this time He spoke to me, an entire conversation took place.

He said 'true, you are not under the law but that does not eliminate the principles and laws I have set in place - once a law is set in place it works every time, if that law is obeyed.' He said 'the difference now should be that you do these things NOT BECAUSE of the law but because of your love for me.'

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

The Devil Made Me Do It?

2010-10-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

Cruising down the road at 76 MPH. Yeah, I know; the sign says 55, but this baby will run like a flaming arrow, and I got a 'need for speed'. Besides, I need to blow out the junk and get to where I am going.

WHAT?? WHERE DID THOSE LIGHTS COME FROM?? WHERE WAS HE HIDING AT?? LORD, I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER TICKET!! STUPID COPS!!! NEVER AROUND WHEN YOU NEED THEM, BUT ALWAYS THERE WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN!!

Isn't it funny how we always seem to blame someone or something else, when we get caught doing something wrong. Sure, there was a speed limit sign, and everyone else was doing the speed limit, but it just seemed like that need for speed kept urging me to go faster.

I can remember one of my favorite excuses as a child, was, "Everyone else is doing it!" Of course Mom always wondered, out loud, that if my friends were to jump off a bridge would I do it as well.

And then there was that popular statement, that I wasn't everyone else, and I wasn't going to do that particular thing that everyone else was doing.

I was so deprived.

In our Christian lifes, there are written laws in the Holy Bible, that we, as Christians, are expected to follow. Unfortunately, today many "churches" have "watered down" many of those commandments in order to boost enrollment and/or income. Instead of taking responsibility for wrongful actions, many "Saints" caught in sinful ways simply blame it on other factors or teachings. The act of Repentance seems to be a forgotten, little taught, act in many churches in this modern age.

Many times, we play games with our salvation believing that we won't get caught or it isn't that big of a sin. I wonder sometimes, if on that fateful day when we stand before the Lord our God, and he begins to read our sins aloud to us, if we will be tempted to place the blame on someone or something else. Do you really think God will accept that the reason that you committed adultery, was because your spouse was doing the same thing, or you were just bored with your spouse? Do you believe that God is going to overlook your stealing, becuase you were deprived as a Child? Do you think Jesus is going to be more lenient, about your forsaking to attend your church because you were too tired when you got home from work on Tuesday night?

We can't be perfect, but we can be forgiven. Repentance means to ask for forgiveness, and then NOT to commit the sin anymore in the future.

If the rapture were to occur in the next 30 seconds, what would be the thing(s) that would keep you from getting off the ground and spending eternity with the Father? You might want to give it about 25 seconds of thought, just in case.

Herman Burney Jr.

Noise.

2010-10-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Kim Potter daily motivationals.....

For myself, when I first became born-again, I found the scripture that says 'I will call upon You and You will answer me.' I remember to this day how I felt when I read that this Almighty God would speak back to me if I would talk to Him. It was a rhema word to me and I grabbed hold of it and have been able to clearly hear God's voice since that day.

However, if I allow things to get too busy or too noisy, then at those times it is hard to discern the voice of God among the many voices. Most people think there are only two voices, God's and the devils. But I believe there are many voices, God's, devils, mine, my family's, circumstances, facts - the list goes on and on. In the midst of all these voices it is important to discern God's voice and it is not in the noise.

In 1 Kings 19, we find Elijah had run from Jezebel, just after He witnessed fire come down from heaven. He ran into a cave, trying to save his own life. The Bible says God showed up to talk to him, first there was a great wind - but God was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake - but God wasn't there either. Then there was a fire - but God was not there. God was in the still small voice. He wasn't in the noise of the wind, the earthquake or the fire - He was the still, small voice and Elijah knew that voice well. The Bible says when he heard the voice he went outside to hear what God had to say.

The word 'still' means whisper and calm and comes from the word silent. The word 'small' means fine and the word 'voice' means noise.' From my experience, God is not going to yell at you - He is that calm, still, whisper that comes when you have shut out all the other noises in your life. He is the very origin of peace and calm, His voice is filled with all He is which is peace and calm.

If you are anxious or fearful or angry or yelling - it is extremely difficult to hear His voice. You have to come to a place where you are calm, still and silent - that's when you will hear Him.

Too much noise in your life can be dangerous. Too much noise in our own life can hinder us from hearing warnings from God. Too much noise in our life could cause us to go the wrong way. Too much noise in our life could cause us to miss a rhema word from God.

I've Got You!

2010-09-08T13:43:00.004-05:00

Recently I asked the Lord, "Why do I not WANT to go to church? I love you more each day. I am still reading your Word and talking with you; seeking to learn more of you and your ways. Striving to live a holy and acceptable life for you. What is wrong?"

As I was reading an inspirational article by Kim Potter this morning, I began to weep. This article tells of how God spoke to Kim: In those times lately when you felt like you were surely falling, in those times when you felt all alone, in those times when you felt I had left you and nothing was ever going to be alright, it was in those times that I pulled you close and said 'shhh,it's okay, I've got you.' He continued 'it was during those times when you would cry 'but God, what about this and this and this, it's not okay!' that I would wrap my love around you and say 'it's okay, yes, it is, I am right here, I will never leave you nor forsake you, everything is going to be okay, I showed you the end from the beginning and it is going to be okay.'

An accumulation of "things" had weighed me down. Not realizing the load that I had gathered, I was staggering under it. Leaders preaching one thing and doing another. Leaders claiming holiness yet allowing friends and family to hang out in short shorts and swimming in their 2 piece bathing suits.. Church members, Sunday School teachers, LEADERSHIP looking and acting like the world yet supposed to be "Christian". We talk one way yet our actions portray the opposite. Pastors talking about members to other members. We hear it preached how worry is a tool of Satan and we are not to worry, but trust God in all things. Then I hear one of our "leaders" tell someone how they are worried about them?

A short time ago, I was rebuked by a missionary friend that was not even in the state of Alabama for my 'ungodly behavior'? Someone from "my" church had told them all about my rebellion and attitude!???? I was astonished, it was the first I had heard of my behavior problem. I was not being rebellious or have an attitude toward anyone.

Lately, I sent scriptures to two young men (ministers) online because of what they had posted. One was wearing a t-shirt that had a picture of ladies undergarments on it. He was "tweaking" himself as if in a sexual manner and making faces. I sent the message to them via the facebook page of the one that posted this picture asking them what kind of ministers they wanted to portray. I was bombarded with "stick in the mud", old fogey, and rejected by them and a few of their family. The man who posted this picture removed me as a friend when I told him he was as guilty as the one doing the "funny" since he posted this for the world to see. I did not give them my opinion, I sent them the Word of God.

I was sick for a period of time, not one person called to check on me. Although I worked from home, I worked for the church. Approximately 6 weeks I was out of church unable to go with absolutely no contact from them. My husband is a truck driver and he would go occasionally. I am sure he made mention that I was having a problem but more than being sick in the flesh, I was sick in my spirit. I needed answers. I do not wish to convey that I expect the Pastor to call me every time I do not attend church. Nor do I need a call from the secretary when I have not been there for the mid week service....but after 6 weeks you would think that someone would have contacted me. I believe everyone expected the "other" one to and no one did.

I see pictures online of our church members wearing bikinis in public, young girl (13) laying on the couch with a boys arm wrapped around her as they sleep (her Mom took the picture) and we are supposed to be teaching the younger? People WAKE UP. We have been lulled to sleep with the thought, "I don't see anything wrong with it" or "I don't feel conviction and I don't think God would let me do this if it was wrong", and even "God made me this way" ideas. God did make us, but not necessarily "this way"... we cultivate our character ourself mostly. God gives us divine directions in His Word to follow to please Him. If we would only READ it and FOLLOW it as God's divine instructions.

I know pastors, preachers, evangelists are human and make mistakes. But where is the line drawn? How are we so blind that we don't see what we are doing to others with our self righteousness? We are all responsible, not just the preacher or teacher. The world looks at us and will say one of two things; I want to learn what they know or why should I want to go to church there, they are just like everyone else?

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

As I read the motivation this morning, I wept. God was talking to me....I've got you. Don't distress yourself over the sins of others, I've got you. He was not telling me that I am perfect either, although, I am striving for the mark! Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

He was not telling me to stop preaching His Word or standing for His righteousness. NO, He was telling me that He loves me and I am to continue to call sin wrong and proclaim victory over all unrighteousness even in my own life. If it pains me this much, I can only imagine what our unrighteousness does to Him.

John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

I'VE GOT YOU!

Thank you Kim Potter!

Worry

2010-08-27T12:22:00.002-05:00

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength." ...Charles Spurgeon

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Worry is a wasteful emotion. Although we do not need to pretend that all is well when we don't have a job and expect someone else to pay our way.
We do not need to worry when the funds have not met the need for God will not see His seed begging bread!

Too often I have seen people demand that the church pay their bills just because they think it is their right. And if you don't give them what they ask for they will preach to you about how bad a Christian you are.

God said a man that does not PROVIDE for his family is worse that an infidel. This day and time - in our society - the same can be said for the women. If you are "grown" enough to have a child/children then you are responsible for their food, housing, clothing, etc. Don't play around and then expect Christians to hand out to you because you don't want to work.

Yet, God does provide for those that help themselves. Often in most people's lives there comes a time that the road don't meet the highway. There just is not enough. Have faith, cast your care on Him and He will provide for you.

Don't worry about things you cannot do anything about anyway. Worry is the tool to distract you from what you CAN do for the Lord and your fellow man. Worry keeps you bound up and unable to progress each day. What are you worrying about? Ask yourself, "What can I do about this situation?" If the answer is "nothing" or "the situation has not happened yet" then decide to replace worry with praise. Praise the one who can do something about it. Praise the one who can prevent "it" happening. Praise the one who deserves all your praise and then ask Him, "what can I do for you Lord?"

Amazing Grace

2010-07-29T17:37:00.004-05:00

Rhema Marvanne - 'Amazing Grace' REVISED 6/11 from Black Olive Media.com on Vimeo.

Almost 8 years old and missing her 2 top front teeth AND lost her mother 2 months before this production....and we think we have to have a more of something to do what we are called to do!
Here is the evidence that all we must do is OBEY. Answer that call of God to minister. Just do it!
Let this video bless and inspire you as it did me.

Climbing

2010-07-29T10:16:00.000-05:00

Being so drained, I decided to take a few days off. Yesterday I was hiking a mountain in Hawaii with a friend. I was laboring up this beautiful green pastured mountain, looking down at my feet trying to be sure of my footing, while at the same time trying to catch my breath from the altitude. At times, I would make big steps, sometimes all I could do was take small ones. The terrain was uneven and rough at times. It took a lot of effort and a lot of thought so, needless to say, I was getting really tired and at times wanted to stop or just turn back.

I got to one peak and I thought "I'm here, great, we can rest now" only to realize that just because I was at the top of one peak, that didn't mean I had arrived. There were more...more valleys to go through and more heights to reach. It was interesting to me, that in order to go higher, we usually had to go down through a valley, and it went on and on and up and up. I was tired and wanted to sit down but my friend said, "Come on, let's go a little higher." So, not to be outdone by a girl (lol), I dug my hiking boots in and went a little higher. We finally got to one of the highest points and she said to me, "This is the best part, now turn around." I turned around and behind me was the most amazing view that I had seen in my 40 years on this earth. As far as my eyes could see, beauty reigned. The Hawaiian Islands seemed to be leaping up out of the silver blue sea, stretching up to catch the dust of the sky. The clouds seemed close enough to catch in my hand and make a wish; rays of sunlight danced through them trying to find a path to show off their own glow and power. Not even Picasso could have out-painted the canvas that was before me. The heavens were declaring the glory of God. I saw Him in motion.

I said to my friend, "When did we get this high?", and she said, "It was in the climb." I couldn't help but think about life - mine and maybe even yours. I thought about how hard it had been for me chasing down my dream. I thought about how hard it can be to believe sometimes. I thought about the entire struggle, all of the pain, all of the hope, all of the doubt. I thought about the times I was working a dead end job, trying to believe; moving through day-to-day with my head down just taking one step at a time, some small, some big ones, wanting to give up; wanting to stop and sit for a while; wanting to lay in my sorrow; nobody believing in me; nobody thinking it would come to pass and never realizing that every step was taking me closer to higher. That hike was painful, it hurt, but through it all I was getting higher and had no idea how high I was. That's what it's like to chase down a dream.

Sometimes in life dreams are hard to follow, like that climb. You don't know how high you're going or even if you're moving, but every step, even when you can't see what's behind you, will take you closer to your goals. It's in the climb. I know you may be struggling right now, but you're in the climb; things may be hard right now, but you're in the climb; people may not believe in you, but it's part of the climb. They may take shots at you, but stay in the climb; you may have to stand alone, but you're in the climb. Even if you're not where you want to be right now, I want to say to you what she said to me, "This is the best part, now turn around." Look how far you've come. God has not brought you this far to leave you. Stay in the climb.

Excerpt from via Kim Potter:
www.tylerperry.com

Sly fox trying to get "in" the hen house?

2010-07-16T20:21:00.001-05:00

Dear Bound4LIFE Gadsden,

A possible miracle is breaking as we speak in Washington DC. If you recall, on my visit, our senator, Jess Sessions’ office issued the director of Bound4LIEF and me special passes to the Supreme Court confirmation hearings. These passes were not attained by the general public and even Shelby’s office could not give them to me. Sessions is the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Matt Lockett, Bound4LIEF director, and I believe now we were there on special assignment.

As we sat in that heading praying and watching, joining with your prayers here, and other prayers across the nation, much was happening in DC. The night before, Americans United for Life had uncovered even more disturbing info on Kagan regarding her advising Clinton on partial-birth abortion. If you recall, I sent you a link to this picture:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/photo.php?pid=4340864&id=757878117

As Kagan was questioned about partial-birth abortion and whether she deceived people on this procedure, we sat where my Life Band was positioned over her head the entire time. We declared this as a prophetic act, but I think even I felt it was more prophetic in the sense it was declaring the WILL of God more than anything. LIFE! LIFE TO THE COURT! LIFE OVER KAGAN.

Today news broke. AUL had prepared a 54-page report on Kagan’s duplicity and took that report to OUR Senator. Our Senator called for an investigation into whether Kagan’s answer THAT DAY AS WE SAT PRAYING WITH THE LIFE BAND OVER HER HEAD were actually perjuring herself.

I am not sure how much you know about Supreme Court nominees but it’s a rare thing for a nominee to get this far in the process and then to have anything happen. Sessions has stood for LIFE throughout this and yesterday got the vote extended a week due to some other matters with her, but accusations of perjury could cast an unrecoverable shadow on her. These accusations are founded in truth and supported with documents. She has not yet been voted on.

We can stop this! We didn’t know if we could or not but we knew we were called to pray. Still, even among our team, we felt unless something happened it was a done deal.

Something happened.

We need to focus our prayers on this issue. God has opened an unbelievable opportunity for the church.

I wrote this article today for Bound4LIEF. If you have a moment would you read it and pray? http://bound4life.com/blog/2010/07/15/will-kagan-be-confirmed (it contains links if you missed today’s news)

In this for LIFE,

Sue

The Times

2010-07-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

2Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

There are some in every congregation, every home/family in the nation. If such were not with us or among us how would we be over comers? You cannot overcome something that isn’t there. Everything and everyone has a purpose under the Sun.

Yet, in the scriptures it tells us to treat them as brothers not enemies???? Remember now “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”….. Yes you can love your neighbor as yourself even if they are busybodies. Nosy and always gossiping; we have some of our “loved” ones that have nicknames like: the Gadsden Times, radio announcer, or hotline. Just tell them or let them see a thing and EVERYONE knows it. They feel it is their responsibility to “share” with everyone – they have a right to know. Hmmm,. Are you one? Busybody <> Judgmental go hand in hand.

God said to not treat them as enemies but as a brother. Yes, I have to work on how I treat them too. We CAN DO IT.

God bless you and yours,
Anna

Casting Crowns - Slow Fade (2009 GOSPEL MUSIC AWARD WINNER!)

2010-06-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

Outpouring of God...

2010-06-03T15:40:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from A New Thing Ministries motivations:

Churches are fasting and praying for an outpouring of God and asking God to pour out His fullness on His body. But I have to wonder if we really know what that would mean.

To find out exactly what that would mean, we have to take a look at the book of Acts - we preach from it all the time. We talk about the way Peter walked down the street and people were healed by simply being in his shadow. We talk about the mighty exploits, the Acts of the Apostles - but that is not all that was revealed during that outpouring of God.

Do you realize that when God pours out His spirit as He did in the book of Acts, not only miracles, signs and wonders are evident but everything becomes evident.

The hearts of Gods people will become evidence when Gods presence and power once again touches this earth. Remember the people who lied when they brought their offering? They dropped dead on the spot. You see, friends, when God comes in His fullness we must be a church without spot or blemish. We will have to be walking upright before God in all areas of our life OR if we are not, those areas will be exposed.

We will have to be in obedience to God concerning our stewardship. We will have to know and understand that all we have belongs to Him and it is our responsibility to do what He says to do with the money He puts in our hands.

We will have to obey God concerning our neighbors, our community. We will have to be walking in love and mercy and kindness - not judgment and condemnation. We will simply have to be walking as Jesus walked on this earth.

If you recall in the book of Acts, when God poured out His spirit - there was great unity - there was great love among the people. They even put all their material possessions together so no one had lack. Can you even imagine that happening today?

Lastly, we will have to be walking pure, holy and upright before God. We will have to be honest before God and His people. In the book of Acts, when someone lied to the Apostles, they were lying to God and God IMMEDIATELY sent judgment. There was no time for repentance - judgment was swift.

As I pondered on all this I had to ask myself if I, personally, was ready for God to pour out His awesome spirit in fullness in my own life. I had to do a heart check and realize that it was not only about the miracles, signs and wonders - but about many more things, such as honest stewardship, walking in love with ALL my neighbors, and walking in holiness and purity myself in every area of my life.

I believe with all my heart that outpouring is coming - and I want us, all of us to be ready. Are you ready? Have you done a heart check? Are there any areas in your life that you wouldn't want exposed? Are you doing what God says do with your money? Are you loving those who are unlovable? Are you walking upright before God to the best of your ability? These are questions I asked myself all day yesterday and I wanted to share them with you today.

As I said, the outpouring is coming...let's be ready.

Kim Potter

Series 24 I Hour 8 - Tried and Destined - Share and Tweet

2010-05-30T22:05:00.002-05:00

I recently had a vision of myself standing on a circular platform with my life ( in the form of a community) in front of me. As I stood there, God started trimming and removing things; including most of the platform until I was standing on tiptoe on the very edge of the platform. NO room to even wiggle it seemed. Then God started cutting out pieces of the "community", things I just knew I needed. As I opened my mouth to protest, God said, "Trust me, you really don't need it." In a instant I made the choice to trust God and I was at peace. I marveled that I did not even have trouble or strain to stand on tiptoe on the edge of that platform. All around the outside of my life was a nothingness, dark and fearful. Yet, I was not afraid and knew that I would not fall as God spoke to my heart that He was holding me there - not me. He had always been holding me up. NOT ME. But, I had to be willing to let God.... I encourage you to not fight against the pricks as God told Paul that he was doing, but ALLOW God to do what needs done to get you where you need to be in God's Kingdom. Allow God to cut and trim that which you may think you need. Allow God to remove those things that actually hinder you from His purpose!

Please take a moment to listen to the following message (all of it) - also about things that are gone!

Lord of ALL?

2010-04-22T12:42:00.003-05:00

Excerpt from A New Thing Ministries...

A message so important to share with you!

The word Lord means; He to whom a person or thing belongs to, One who has the power of deciding, Master, Owner, One who has complete control over a person.

I had to search my heart and ask myself some tough questions. I asked myself if Jesus was really Lord of my life concerning my home, if He is then He has complete control and say over everything that happens in my home. He would then have control over what is spoken in my home, what happens in my home, what is on my television - if He is really Lord of my home, He alone decides.

I asked myself if He is really Lord over my mouth? Is He the one who controls the words that come out of my mouth all the time? If He is Lord over my mouth then I won't be involved in slander, or gossip, or foul language - if He is Lord of my mouth, only things that are fruitful and true will come out of it.

Is He Lord of my money? Is He the Master over my tithe? Is He the one who gets to decide when I give and what I give? If He is Lord of my finances, then He has full and complete control over my finances.

Is He Lord of my body? Is He the one whom I choose to please with what I put in my body? Is He the one who gets to decide if I eat well and exercise? Is He the one who gets to decide that my body is holy and set apart unto Him?

You see, friends, if He is Lord, if He really is Lord then He decides everything. He decides what goes on in your life, what comes out of your mouth, what goes in your ears, what takes place in your home, how you treat your spouse, what you do with your money, and everything else in between.

The only thing I ask you today is; is Jesus your Lord? Is He really? If there is any area of your life that you are in control of, if so, then you have become lord of your own life - there is no blessing there - the blessings is there when and where Jesus is Lord of your life.

It is true that Jesus is our Savior, He is our Redeemer... and He is our LORD. Make certain that He is Lord of your life today and everyday.

Kim Potter

I want to say to you all that say, "God made me this way", no He didn't. He is our creator, you cultivate your activities, attitude and way of life. He wants to guide you if you will let Him but mostly "we" don't. We want to do things our way; like Elvis' famous song "I Did It My Way". We are so busy doing it our way that we don't allow ourselves to listen or hear God's Word telling us the right way to do things. The right way to treat each other, the right way to be holy, the right way to live our lives. And, want to cop out with "God made me this way?"

NO HE DIDN'T.

He did NOT make you want to bad mouth that person, church or congregation.

He did NOT make you want to kill someone because you did not like what they did or said.

He did NOT make you disrespect your parent/s, pastor or church.

He did NOT make you selfish.

He did NOT make you have unnatural affections for the same sex.

YOU DID.

You cultivated that attitude. You grew that garden of discontent. You planted those seeds of destruction. NOW, Jesus will take it all away if you will listen and conform to His teaching and His way! He will forgive you and make you the way He intended for you to be in the first place. Repent and receive what God has for you today.

Awesome God

2010-04-02T17:51:00.002-05:00

This evening I want to share with you what God did today for a friend...

I had an friend from my past cross my mind several times the past few days. As I waited for my husband to get out of the Doctors office, I called this man on a phone number from years ago. The phone number was there in my mind as I started dialing. I left a message that he had been on my mind a few days and I decided to call and check to see if everything was alright. If not I would pray for him; if it was all okay, I would just say "hello". Then I hung up.

Soon the phone rang. As we conversed, I came to know why the urge to call him came over me. His son, William had been released from prison recently. Had a job and was doing good until this past weekend. As he drove home from a job, an officer pulled him over ( don't know what for ) and he could not produce his license. They were at home. He had forgotten them on his way out to go do the job. Now, he is required to carry ID at all times. So just that quick he is back in jail. County had him. I told my friend that I would pray and ask God to give William favor with the people and that he be released. We ended our conversation and I went on with my day.

Later on this same day ( Good Friday, April 2, 2010 ) I was in my office and my phone notified me that I had a message. I opened it and read:

"Thank you. I don't know what you got going on with God, but it's good. William is about to be released! Bless you, I loss the words, good day."

Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! Only God....

A little phone call, to a very old phone number that worked, to witness and God to show His greatness. God made the way and we planted seed for God's harvest.

Then, I read a motivation from A New Thing Ministries about listen and obey. We don't know what God will do with our seemingly small efforts. I want to share it with you too.

The Smallest Things

A couple weeks ago, during my prayer time, the Lord spoke to me to purchase a phone for someone. It really wasn't something I had thought of, but since God had recently rebuked me for giving grudgingly, I was eager and happy to obey. I went that day and bought a phone and gave it to them. I really didn't think a lot about it after that.

That was two weeks ago, this week this same person found themselves in a place where they were cut off from people to a great degree and needed spiritual guidance. Although they were unable to make calls, they were, however, able to text me. Through texting I was able to teach them many things about the word of God and how to come through a situation with victory.

Then today they texted me and asked me about the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues - though I have never tried to teach that via text, I did, it took some time and some passing scripture back and forth and delays - but before the hour was up, this person was praying in tongues.

As I thought about all this I thought about how amazing God is - how deep His love is for this person. That God would see their need, two weeks away, and make a way for them to be ministered to. For a few moments today I was simply in awe at how much God loves us. And if He loves us so much that He will make a way for us to be ministered to BEFORE we even need it, then we can also trust that He has a good plan for us and everything, everything will work for our good, even if we can't see it at the time.

I learned a valuable lesson today - if God tells me to do something or give something, I don't need to know details - or why that person needs it - or what they are going to do with it - that is none of my business - all I need to do is hear and be quick to obey the voice of God. That's my part - and then sometimes, like today, I get to see the outcome and I stand in awe of God and how He uses each of us.

If God has told you to do something for someone, just do it. If God has told you to give, just give. If He has nudged you to minister to someone else, be quick to obey. You never know what kind of seed you are planting.

A few months ago, I talked with a person a couple times about God. They were already saved but didn't really know much of the word of God. I really didn't think I had even shared that much with them - but months later I learned that a family member of theirs found themselves in a crisis situation and he was able to take what I had shared with him - which was seemingly little - and share it with them and they came out victorious. My friends that is what it is all about. Sharing our faith, our God and then seeing the harvest come forth in small and large ways.

Even when you sow the smallest of seeds, you just never know how great it may be in someone else's life. I have often been asked by people if a $1 seed is too small. No seed is too small to God. Nor to me. The important thing is to obey God.

He loves us so much, He will go to any length to bless us and minister to us - regardless of the situation, He will always make a way - He is simply that good. And He has made provision for you even ahead of time, just as He did for the person I mentioned earlier in the motivation. God really has gone before you and made the crooked places straight. He really IS perfecting all things that concern you. He really DOES have a good plan for your future - a future full of realized hope! He really does - you can trust in that truth.

Listen and be quick to obey - you may never know the lives you touch as you do those two simple things...listen and obey.

Kim Potter

2010-04-02T17:50:00.001-05:00

On The Edge...

2010-03-14T23:33:00.005-05:00

March 14th, 2010 1am Anna Fugatt

As I lay my head on the bed after being up when Daylight Savings time changed over, God immediately slipped me into a vision.
I saw a deep, dark chasm in front of me. Sensing many people on the edge of that void - I jumped up and went to pen and paper:

Some of you are on the brink of destruction. Looking over the edge and almost falling over the edge! I am holding you back but I will turn you loose if you don't want to conform to MY WAYS!
You are at the edge! What has a hold on you - what in this world is so important to you- what is worth your very soul?

Turn back, turn back. Turn from sin and destruction! TURN BACK

That thing that you think is hidden I will reveal. For I see all and I know ALL. Nothing is hidden.

Destruction is at your door. The Blood, My Blood applied is your only salvation. Turn to me, seek me, leave off your own agenda.

Repent
I AM COMING!

This was what was on the paper when the unction of the Holy Ghost lifted. God is not speaking to the rank sinner that has not recieved Him. God is talking to those that are in the Church, singing and praying and seemingly doing what is right. God is talking to the ones dabbling in the world - hanging onto pieces of this world still not totally sold out to Him. God is reaching for those that are leaning over the edge (toward worldly things) and about to fall. Teasing themselves into believing they have "time" to dibble here and there and repent later. Perhaps you have convinced yourself that what you are doing is all right even though you have been taught and know that it is against the teachings of God.
God is talking to the one bad mouthing others. He is talking to the one secretly sleeping around. God is talking to the one that cursed like a sailor one breath and wants to preach with the next. God is talking about the ones that don't do anything (literally) yet expect God to "fix" everything for them. Talking about those pointing fingers at everyone else and using them for an excuse to not do right. Yet, they sit in church amening the preacher, "speaking" in tongues, and shouting the roof down.
The devil did not make you do it, your wife/husband did not make you do it, and your neighbor did not make you do it! You make the choices for you, you decide what you will or will not do. Influences are just that influence. You even decide who influences you.

God's Word tells us that He once winked at ignorance. You cannot apply that to you, you are not ignorant - you are self deceived. AND you know WHO you are. So stop pointing the finger at others and pull out that mirror. See for yourself just who God is talking to.

If it is not you, pray for those that it is. If you know someone that is doing wrong, don't tell me. Go to them, pray for and with them, and encourage them to turn away from destruction. Today.

2010-02-18T13:03:00.003-06:00

Emotionalism is not indicative of GOD moving...it is just emotions running high. People always respond to what they WANT to hear or see.

2Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Kelly Crews states:

Familiar spirits take time to practice and have their presentation on lock!! Someone (even with a TITLE!!) can stimulate your mind and spirit with eloquent words, prayers, prophecy and touch all of your senses (That doesn't mean it is God)! Look past the props and really take time to read the un-edited version.. They always expose themselves.. only a matter of time..Yes, you did just see what you thought you saw!!

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Knowing what You Believe...

2010-01-29T10:35:00.003-06:00

"when what you believe marries what you experience, it produces intimacy that can never be stolen from you."

Author Unknown

There is no one more important to you than the person that feeds you faith! For without faith nothing is possible.

Excerpt from Kim Potter Ministries

Egypt - Good or Bad?

2010-01-22T09:39:00.009-06:00

Egypt = place of bondage, despicable, Pharoah’s territory to some of us. God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, freed them, Exodus 13 KJV.

Matthew chapter 2 God sent his only son into Egypt to hide him. Jesus grew in Egypt. He was hidden from the eyes of those who intended to kill him. He was safe from the King and his jealousy/fear. If you seem to be smack dab in the middle of enemy territory, with no way out, perhaps you are being hidden for a time. Perhaps you are among the thorns so that you can GROW uninterrupted and safe. Often we don’t perceive ourselves rightly. We think if it isn’t easy, it isn’t right. That is not always true.

Your situation may seem unbearable and you don’t know how you will go on. But God hid Jesus among strange people who also did not mean any good for him if they had known WHO he was! Who would have thought to look for Jesus among the “enemy”?

God does not make mistakes. Whatever situation your life deals with…understand that God has a plan. We simply must trust and follow where He leads us. Children, draw upon the Holy Ghost when friends and family cause you strife or heartache over serving the Lord. You may be a hidden one. Husband/Wife the answer is not always divorce when your spouse demands that you stay home instead of going to church; or torments you over your walk with God.
There are many dangers along this pathway of righteousness yet God makes a way. We don’t always understand why He chose a particular way for us. We must trust Him and know that the reason is always to our advantage. So don’t look at the circumstance of your life – glean the good from among the tares.

Matthew 13:24 ¶ Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

You may be a hidden one. God’s Word even tells us that the spouse can be sanctified by your love of God. Every Rose has it’s thorns…

Will you fight the path that God has chosen for you or will you allow Him to make you an over-comer. Allow God to keep you hidden until the time of your “coming out”, until it is time for you to bloom…?

2009-12-08T08:46:00.003-06:00

I awoke this morning from a dream...I want to share it with you.

In this dream I was astounded by the rotting vegetables in the garden. It had been all grown up with weeds and no one cleaning it up. The more weeds that were removed, the more the plants filled with green, almost ripe and ripe harvest were exposed.

Huge tomatoes and pumpkins in this extremely large garden. There were many other types of vegetables planted here. But, most prominent in the dream were the pumpkins and tomatoes. One person had a mountain of tommy toes tomatoes in front of him. Another was preparing to fry some green tomatoes. As I looked on there were so many vegetables being harvested.

I picked a vegetable with a long stem still attached that wasn't quite ready yet so I replanted it away from the weeds for it to continue to grow and ripen. Then I went around this tree at the start of the garden and there were plants as far as the eye could see.

ABUNDANCE....as much as was needed. The "fruit of the field" was in abundance. As I looked - I thought how that usually the harvest stopped at some point and was amazed that in spite of the weeds and vegetation - the harvest continued (Ps 83:2-4). Weeds will choke out other plants. They take all the nutrients from the soil and leave nothing for the other plants to thrive on. Although, the vegetables in the dream were like the woman and her cruise of oil (I Kings 17:16)...they continued to replenish.

God promised an abundance, provision for His people. When others are in need, God's people will have plenty. But, Joseph didn't plan for just his four and no more. He harvested the provisions for all in the land he resided and God's people too. (Genesis 41:49; 55-57 )

Yet, neglect has caused too much of the harvest to be wasted. Lying on the ground rottening and useless. Large sweet tomatoes filled the area around the plants - too rotten to salvage. The spoilage was immense.

Joel 1:11 Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

Mathew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

John 4:35 .....Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Revelation 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Merry Christmas
to you & a
Happy New Year!

Make your resolution for 2010 to do more for God than you have ever done before. Think more of what you can do for others than what others can do for you.

FIRE IN THE FEET

2009-10-29T09:49:00.002-05:00

Some of us dance and look around to see who is watching. We want everyone to know that we are “in the spirit”. Others peek out of the corner of the eye to see if anyone is watching because we don’t want to be undignified, ridiculed or made fun of.
David danced before the Lord. The Word said he danced girded with a linen ephod…. Please don’t’ anyone take their clothes off. The scripture does not indicate here if he was clothed otherwise or not. The ephod was in that era considered a priestly garment.
Perhaps his clothing was not mentioned because his nakedness was not of the flesh…not bare skinned. Perhaps he put off his ego, stripped himself of unrighteousness, pride, and danced unashamedly in worship before the Lord as a priest of God, holy, acceptable unto God. I have seen many dance before the Lord here in this church, but we have become so complacent in our worship that we seem to be afraid to let the Spirit MOVE US. We wait for someone else to do it. We want to bask in the presence of God yet, we want someone else to push or lead us into that spiritual realm.
I have seen Sis. Austin dance before the Lord. She is a beautiful southern lady that loves God. And she was not concerned with who was watching or if they like it or not. She was in tune with God and praising him with all her might! She had fire in her feet.
We must find our way to praise and worship with pure unadulterated love for God and allow our entire being to participate. It is described in the scriptures as “fire shut up in my bones”. When the fire is blazing – you have to MOVE!
We have quenched the fire for so long now….let’s rebuild that fire and DANCE FOR JESUS. I am not talking about sensual gyrations as if you are in the club. Too much of that goes on already, even in the church house. We are not pole dancing in the house of God. If the pole gets in the way though, just dance around it. The only partner you need is the Holy Ghost. Stop watching to see if anyone else is “doing it” or if your friends are watching and laughing. They just might be laughing in the Spirit and happy that you found YOUR FIRE.
The Holy Ghost does not care if you miss a step or two. It is not entertainment for man. This performance is for our heavenly Father and His pleasure at our praise!
We don’t need the temptations of worldly music or dance to entice others to join us. Jesus said that except the Father that sent Him draw someone, they cannot come (John 6:44). This scripture signifies that one must desire God; desire to please God. Anything other than true Spiritual praise - true desire toward God and for God is nothing more than entertainment for man – not God. It is personal satisfaction instead of true praise unto the Lord.
Fire in the feet will make you dance for the Lord. Stir up the fire in our feet Lord. Get the Holy Ghost fire in our hearts, soul, and mind people. Jesus is coming back soon. Praise Him; bring your offering of praise to Him. Stop quenching the Spirit and the fire.
DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!
The children of Israel marched around the walls of Jericho, by God’s instructions and those walls fell FLAT.
Paul and Silas were in the jail. They didn’t know how but they knew God and they praised Him. You cannot make me believe that they stoically walked out of there with their nose in the air - arrogant and prideful when their bonds were released. I can see them in my mind DANCING out the doors.
Have you been taken captive? Is your joy turned into mourning? Is your dance full of sorrow? FIND YOUR FIRE IN YOUR FEET!
Let God’s joy return to you, let your dance leap for joy in the Lord. Get the fire in your feet!
Psalms 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
Psalms 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Dance!

Pestilence

2009-10-18T00:36:00.002-05:00

One night in mid October of 2009 the Lord showed me a vision. As I was standing on this strange land a black bird fell from the sky. I looked down and it was stone cold dead. I sensed a word...Pestilence. I understood that pestilence/death was coming.
Upon awaking, I asked the Lord, "What does this mean?"

I looked up the word pestilence and the definition is: virulent, highly contagious disease unto death.

Death is also the name of the fourth horseman in the Book of Revelation of the Holy Bible.

Revelation 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Friends and loved ones, take heed. God is calling us to repentance and servitude for the glory and Kingdom of God. Pestilence is upon us. The worst disease that afflicts our land is the nonchalance of people. Not caring. It is easier to just ignore the signs and pretend ignorance. So many dont' want to move out of our rocking chair/ our comport zone.
To whom much is given, much is required. Christ gave much, for you, for me. much has been given to us and for us. Our debt was paid - by Jesus Christ. He gave His very life that we might live!

God bless you all,
Evanglist Anna

Broken Pieces

2009-08-06T22:22:00.004-05:00

Broken Pieces

My life has been shattered

I thought I knew what mattered

My heart, my health, and my home

Are now all gone;

Broken pieces!

I didn’t take care of me

When I was young and carefree

I was building my life

Only full of sorrow and strife;

Broken pieces!

When the bank foreclosed

And the kids packed their clothes

I found that I have not been

The good steward that God had planned

Oh, so many broken pieces!

Yet in my misery,

I found that God’s mercy

Still came to rescue me.

With Him I am complete;

NO MORE BROKEN PIECES!

By Anna Fugatt

2009-06-15T08:20:00.000-05:00

Never underestimate Jesus, because He will just prove you wrong.

No mistake!

2009-04-16T09:59:00.005-05:00

I want to share an email with you today...With all the "removing" of things in our lives such as sugar, salt, real food....
I digress.
I am saddened that we think we can remove another part of history to "herd" our nation into the bull pen per se. Driving our nation further away from God.

Please read and share with others. It is way past time for God's people to STAND up and proclaim Him loudly. The day of rolling over for just anything is long gone and we will be accountable for our actions.

SHALL WE HIRE A MONUMENT ENGRAVER TO GO TO ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY AND ADD THE MISSING WORDS ? A MESSAGE FROM AN APPALLED OBSERVER: Today I went to visit the new World War II Memorial in Washington , DC . I got an unexpected history lesson. Because I'm a baby boomer, I was one of the youngest in the crowd.. Most were the age of my parents, Veterans of 'the greatest war,' with their families. It was a beautiful day, and people were smiling and happy to be there Hundreds of us milled around the memorial, reading the inspiring words of Eisenhower and Truman that are engraved there. On the Pacific side of the memorial, a group of us gathered to read the words President Rooseveltattack on Pearl Harbor: Yesterday, December 7, 1941-- a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked. One elderly woman read the words aloud: 'With confidence in our armed forces, with the abounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph.' But as she read, she was suddenly turned angry. 'Wait a minute,' she said, 'they left out the end of the quote. They left out the most important part. Roosevelt ended the message with used to announce the 'so help us God..' Her husband said, 'You are probably right. We're not supposed to say things like that now .....' 'I know I'm right,' she insisted. 'I remember the speech.' The two looked dismayed, shook their heads sadly and walked away. Listening to their conversation, I thought to myself, Well, it has been over 50 years she's probably forgotten.' But she had not forgotten. She was right. I went home and pulled out the book my book club is reading --- 'Flags of Our Fathers' by James Bradley. It's all about the battle at Iwo Jima

I haven't gotten too far in the book. It's tough to read because it's a graphic description of the WWII battles in the Pacific.

But right there it was on page 58. Roosevelt 's speech to the nation ends in 'so help us God..'

The people who edited out that part of the speech when they engraved it on the memorial could have fooled me. I was born after the war.! But they couldn't fool the people who were there. Roosevelt 's words are engraved on their hearts.

Now I ask: 'WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE WORDS OF HISTORY?????????'

Send this around to your friends. People need to know before everyone forgets.

People today are trying to change the history of America by leaving God out of it, but the truth is, God has been a part of this nation, since the beginning. He still wants to be...and He always will be!

If you agree, pass this on and God Bless YOU!

If not, May God Forgive You!

Jesus is coming soon...!

2008-04-17T17:50:00.002-05:00

Signs of the time are everywhere!
Matthew 24:7
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Are you watching the news. I don't usually have time, but even I have read and heard about the earthquakes in divers places. Even I can see that this world is in place for famine, not just in one place, but all over the world.

God promised to take care of His own . Are you one of His? Or are you trying to slide by and do as you please? The Lord said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." NOT one commandment, "my commandments". It is all or nothing.

Get your life in order, your heart after the Lord, for perilous times are no longer coming - THEY ARE HERE!

Invest instead of consuming..

2007-07-15T17:01:00.000-05:00

Invest your life in the Lord instead of existing in a careless world. If you spend your life trying to find happiness, you will miss out on your opportunity to invest in your eternal future!

It is not your job, not your business, and not your customer that blesses you - it is God! You don't necessarily need more resources. You need more direction. Bring your finances under God's protection. We have too often put the gift over the giver. Money is not evil but the love of money is the root of ALL evil.

Turn to Jesus...

2006-08-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

With so many people becoming dissatisfied with their life, it is no small wonder that it is affecting the Church.
We must stand together and rebuke this trespasser, the demon trying to vex God's people, in the name of Jesus! God's people do not have to put up with this. Too often we allow things to come against us without fighting back. God gave us the tools that we need to be strong and resist evil! Why then do we have so much opposition and struggle to survive? Because we don't use the tools God gave us.

I Corinthians 10: 13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God's Word tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. He didn't leave us without a way of escape. Quit playing with that demon and send it on it's way before it aquires the influence over that it works to obtain. You cannot play around with the devil and not get in trouble. If it is not in God's Word then it is not of God!
Broken homes, heart sick men and women, struggling children are all a part of satan's plan to destroy God's people. Husbands and wives of many years are thinking of getting divorced.

I am here to tell you that God is the only way. When things are coming against you and nothing seems fair, turn your heart and mind toward God and let Him fix it for you. You can't.
He did not promise you easy; just that He will get you through it! Especially when it involves another person and their choices, only God has the influence to turn anyone in the direction they need to go. He may or may not use you to do this. But, you must trust God and believe that He is God and He will meet your need. Sometimes the person that needs changed is YOU (or me) not the spouse.
As of this blog, I personally know 3 families that have or are facing divorce proceedings. It is hard but not impossible to focus on the Lord and His work when your life is upside down. Two of these families have 20 + years together. This is not just sad, it is a tragedy!
I ask you to stop judging one another and start praying for each other. Husband pray for your wife and Wife pray for your husband! The next one under attack may be you. Your opinion is not important but your prayer is!

Matthew 19: 4-8
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

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Ivy's parents

2006-04-03T22:55:00.000-05:00

Ivy is born to Derek and Leeann Keener of Gadsden,AL. She weighed 7 lbs 10 oz. and measured 20 1/4 inches. Such a lot of hair this little lady came with! God has blessed us again.

2006-04-03T22:41:00.000-05:00

Ivy Leeann Keener born March 25, 2006