KEY scripture for 2012
2 Corinthians 4:18 - While we look not at the things which are seen , but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. KJV
The amplified says to consider and look not at the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. for the things that are seen are temporal (brief & fleeting) Subject to change at any given moment but things that are invisible are everlasting and eternal.
We are self-employed and things can literally change in a day. It seems like it's either feast or famine. We just finished a line of jobs that carried us through the holidays and now there has been no work for 4 almost 5 weeks.
Naturally MY EYES want to look ,MY MOUTH wants to speak, and MY MIND wants to think or dwell on the circumstances that surround me BUT at the same time my spirit man is wrestling with ALL those thoughts.
This is what the Lord spoke to me...
When you entertain those thoughts you are keeping a Poverty Mentality. (POVERTY - the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions. MENTALITY - mental attitude that determines how you will interpret or respond to situations.) That is NOT My desire for you!
I want to bless! I want you to have more than enough! It is not My plan for you to live in lack! Do I not always meet your needs! It may not always come in the way you expect or in your time frame but it comes!
Part of the wait is so that you will TRUST ME. It's training your senses to see My Provision for you!
His Word says that HE will supply ALL my needs according to HIS riches (not the world's system or riches) Phil 4:19
We have to re-train our thinking and this is HARD! So very HARD at times! It is such a struggle to keep our eyes off our circumstances. What we have to do is LOOK to see God's faithfulness and provision in the situation. It's ALWAYS there if you CHOOSE to see it.
God says I am your Provider! Trust Me! I am in Control! Trust Me!Consider and look not at the things that are seen!
Lord, give me eyes to see from your eternal perspective! Help me to walk by faith. Hebrews 11:1 - Faith perceiving as real fact that which has not been revealed to the senses.
You see, HE has the POWER and AUTHORITY to keep us even in the hard places. It's in those times of trusting Him that our faith becomes stronger and we realize that He knows exactly where we are and exactly what we need when we need it. He forever wants to bless us AND He delights in the Prosperity of His servants (Ps. 35:27)
Consider and look not at the things that are seen...this is a word that I want to sink deep into my spirit this year!
I'll leave you with this the message translation of 2 Corinthians 4:18...
So, we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration He has prepared for us. There's far more than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today and gone tomorrow but the things we can't see will last forever!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Word for 2011/2012
I was given this word last year but I believe that it will carry over into 2012...
Word for 2011
1. This year more than ever you will need to realize that it’s not by your own strength but by His power and His grace!Zech 4:6 (b) Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord!v.7) For who are you, O great mountain of human obstacles? As we realize that it is His strength and we begin to speak to the mountain it will become a molehill before our very eyes as we shout grace, grace!!
You will need to rely on Him and not on your own understanding. Pr. 3: 5-7
Trust Him unconditionally – even when you don’t understand. He is God no matter what happens.
Be confident in Him with ALL your heart! Be not wise in your own eyes but recognize and acknowledge Him - then He will direct your paths!
Prov. 16:9 – A man’s mind plans his own way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Prov. 19:21 – Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it’s the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.
2. Don’t despise the day of small beginnings!
I have been at work in you and your circumstances all along – working behind the scenes. Even when it looked as though NOTHING was happening – I was there ALL along.
It’s like the story of the Chinese Bamboo Plant – for the first 4 or 5 years it looks as though nothing is happening at all on the surface but then all of a sudden it can grow up to 80 ft in one year – that’s because underneath there was a massive root system taking place! This will begin to happen this year!
This will be a year that many will be thrust out – new ministries will be birthed. It will look like it has happened overnight but I have been preparing them for many years to bring them to this place of maturity!
3. A time of Impartation and Activation!
This year is a time for some to step out and release mantles. There are those waiting to be released into their destiny – to be stirred to go on to the next level!!
Impartation stirs a fire inside! It activates our purpose, gives clarity and releases one into their destiny!
4. Hebrews 4:12 – This is what you will see the Word will do this year!
1. You will begin to see it sift, divide & expose! Individually as well as corporately.
· Sift – shake out the impurities
· Divide – separate the true from the false
· Expose – bring the hidden things to light
2. A year to begin to see God’s Word for what it is – powerful, quick, sharp!
· Powerful – possessing great force or energy, exercising great authority
· Quick – done or occurring in a short time. Rapid, swift
· Sharp – capable of cutting or piercing
You will really begin to see its power at work. Speak it, decree it and loose it over your situations! It has the power to break even the most stubborn resistance. Jeremiah 23:29
5. Jer. 15:19 (amp) – God said to Jeremiah, Give up that mistaken tone of distrust and I will fill your mouth again!
Ps. 62:8 – Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us - a fortress and a high tower.
A year for Prophets to come forth and decree His word!
Some have felt as though God has stopped speaking – He says to begin to trust me again and I WILL fill your mouth and begin to use you to speak forth MY word!
Give up that mistaken tone of distrust and despair then I will give you a place of settled quiet and safety.
Cleanse your heart from unwarranted suspicions concerning my faithfulness then you shall be My mouthpiece!
I WILL give you words to speak!
Ps. 89:8 – O Lord God of hosts, who is a mighty one like unto You? Your faithfulness is round about You - an essential part of You at all times!
6. A year that He is going to deal with the FALSE SHEPHERDS.He is going to deal with those who feed themselves and have abandoned the sheep – the weak, diseased, sick & scattered.
Those who are more concerned with themselves than the sheep and using their positions of power to their own advantage.
Ezekiel 34
v. 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you kill the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep.
v. 4)The diseased and weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt and crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them.
7. A year of exposing some things in the church
Expose – to reveal or make known publicly. I Cor. 4:5 – He will both bring to light the secret things that are now hidden in darkness and disclose and expose the secret aims, motives and purposes of hearts.
There are things that may have been present for a long time before they were detected then they slowly appeared but you considered these things a small matter and covered them over instead of dealing with them. Then they begin to spread and multiply.
Like a fungus – these things have been undercover - permitted to grow site unseen – been there for a LONG TIME eating away at the foundation!
This is the year that things will be uncovered & exposed for what they really are and He will begin to deal with these things!
8. The church of today is like the Tabernacle of the O.T. – most of the church is stuck at the BRAZEN ALTAR and can’t go any further. (See word on Tabernacle)Heb. 9:8 – You won’t be able to enter the Holy of Holies as long as the outer portion remains a recognized institution and is still standing.
Woe to you, experts in the law – you’ve taken away the key to knowledge, you did not go in yourselves and you hindered and prevented those who were entering! Luke 11:52
When you come into the church “the brazen altar” is the first thing you experience. You come to the altar and bring your sins to the priests – that is why you see the people coming back week after week. They must move past the brazen altar into the Holy Place through worship. There they will receive revelation of who He is (lamp stand) and experience His presence (table of showbread). Worship brings you into that Holy Place to meet with Him Then they are ready to move on to the true altar (altar of incense) where you sacrifice yourselves & allow Him to burn up those things that do not honor Him so you can move to the Holy of Holies.
When the people are allowed to seek His face first and have a true encounter with the only one who can set them free – you will see true repentance and a true awakening!! Then His glory will fall!!!
9. There will be a winding down – shifting into place – a coming into order – a coming into proper alignment.
I felt a shift in the spirit – a winding down of sorts for this year. We have been saying that we are in transition but this is truly a transitional year! Transition meaning the act of passing from one place, condition or action to another. Change.
We will be shifting out of chaos & confusion into a place of divine order as we move into 2012. Twelve is the number of government and order.
This year will be a very Strategic and Significant Year!
The church is at the banks of the River Jordan – a deciding place – a place of division and a place of decision!
Joshua had to decide if he would stay or go! Would he put his trust & faith in the one that would deliver him? Would he leave his religious mindset & become kingdom minded? Would he cross over?
Many will be brought to that place – individuals as well as churches.
He is basically giving you another chance to hear & to obey! The waters were held off for a time – time to make that decision to cross over,. They had to keep moving to the other side. They could not stop half way through or the waters would overtake them.
The church will go where God is wanting to take them this year or they will be stuck in the old system.
Church as we see it will fall! God is going to re-invent the church.
Jordan (strongs 3381) To descend, to go downwards, to fall, to bring down.
He is tired of watching you go in reverse instead of forward! Jer. 7: 23-24
So, to those who will choose this year to listen & begin to shift into that new place of order and alignment - He says to you , eye has not seen nor ear has not heard ALL that I will do for you!
10. Like Esther, He will give you a preparation time this year – to be prepared to say Yes! Esther is a very timely book this year – many, many women are being raised up for such a time as this! (see complete word on Esther)It’s a preparation time and a time of purification. Esther was given twelve months for purification. Every month this year will be significant. Every month will be a new opportunity to conquer a new area or a weakness.
· Purification – ridding ourselves of any impurities in our lives that would hinder us in this new season.
· Preparation – A time to prepare and count the cost.
11. Isaiah 61 – A year to get healed of past wounds and move forward! Rise up out of the ashes and begin to move forward with a new resilience.
The Lord spoke the word “resilient” very clearly to me and I believe that it is a KEY word for this year!
· Resilient – Springing back to former shape or position. Capable of recoiling from pressure or shock – unchanged or undamaged. Buoyant.
Refuse to stay in that place of bondage. You have a choice to make. Put the past behind you and determine to become “Resilient” in this New Year! Arise and shine!
· Resilient – rebounding, elastic, flexible
· Flexible – limber, bending, pliable, moldable, yielding, adjustable, stretchable.
So, this year be determined to BEND in His direction with your heart SOFT and PLIABLE in His hands. YIELDING to His purposes and plans while being FORMED in His image – ADJUSTING your life according to His will.
Prayer for this year:
Father, Thank You that You will bring us to that place of complete trust in You – that unconditional trust that no matter what happens in 2011 we can say that You are still God!
We will not dwell on the past but realize that You have been at work – working for our good all along!
We will allow the Word to convict in the areas where we struggle and at the same time realize that it is the Word that set’s us free!
We will trust You to give us words to speak and if You do not speak – we will be silent!
If there is anything hidden in our lives that is not pleasing to You, Lord, reveal these things so they can be dealt with once and for all!
Help us Lord to not be a part of the old religious system any longer. Bring us out Lord! Allow us to experience Your presence as never before. Allow us to enter the Holy of Holies!
Shift us into place – bring us into order!
Your kingdom come – Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!
Prepare us Father for what is ahead. Help us to get rid of any impurities in our lives that may hinder us in this New Year.
Heal us of past wounds – bring us up out of the ashes and help us to move forward this year being resilient – springing back when we fall.
Micah 7:8 – Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise!!!!
Word for 2011
1. This year more than ever you will need to realize that it’s not by your own strength but by His power and His grace!Zech 4:6 (b) Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord!v.7) For who are you, O great mountain of human obstacles? As we realize that it is His strength and we begin to speak to the mountain it will become a molehill before our very eyes as we shout grace, grace!!
You will need to rely on Him and not on your own understanding. Pr. 3: 5-7
Trust Him unconditionally – even when you don’t understand. He is God no matter what happens.
Be confident in Him with ALL your heart! Be not wise in your own eyes but recognize and acknowledge Him - then He will direct your paths!
Prov. 16:9 – A man’s mind plans his own way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.
Prov. 19:21 – Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it’s the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.
2. Don’t despise the day of small beginnings!
I have been at work in you and your circumstances all along – working behind the scenes. Even when it looked as though NOTHING was happening – I was there ALL along.
It’s like the story of the Chinese Bamboo Plant – for the first 4 or 5 years it looks as though nothing is happening at all on the surface but then all of a sudden it can grow up to 80 ft in one year – that’s because underneath there was a massive root system taking place! This will begin to happen this year!
This will be a year that many will be thrust out – new ministries will be birthed. It will look like it has happened overnight but I have been preparing them for many years to bring them to this place of maturity!
3. A time of Impartation and Activation!
This year is a time for some to step out and release mantles. There are those waiting to be released into their destiny – to be stirred to go on to the next level!!
Impartation stirs a fire inside! It activates our purpose, gives clarity and releases one into their destiny!
4. Hebrews 4:12 – This is what you will see the Word will do this year!
1. You will begin to see it sift, divide & expose! Individually as well as corporately.
· Sift – shake out the impurities
· Divide – separate the true from the false
· Expose – bring the hidden things to light
2. A year to begin to see God’s Word for what it is – powerful, quick, sharp!
· Powerful – possessing great force or energy, exercising great authority
· Quick – done or occurring in a short time. Rapid, swift
· Sharp – capable of cutting or piercing
You will really begin to see its power at work. Speak it, decree it and loose it over your situations! It has the power to break even the most stubborn resistance. Jeremiah 23:29
5. Jer. 15:19 (amp) – God said to Jeremiah, Give up that mistaken tone of distrust and I will fill your mouth again!
Ps. 62:8 – Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us - a fortress and a high tower.
A year for Prophets to come forth and decree His word!
Some have felt as though God has stopped speaking – He says to begin to trust me again and I WILL fill your mouth and begin to use you to speak forth MY word!
Give up that mistaken tone of distrust and despair then I will give you a place of settled quiet and safety.
Cleanse your heart from unwarranted suspicions concerning my faithfulness then you shall be My mouthpiece!
I WILL give you words to speak!
Ps. 89:8 – O Lord God of hosts, who is a mighty one like unto You? Your faithfulness is round about You - an essential part of You at all times!
6. A year that He is going to deal with the FALSE SHEPHERDS.He is going to deal with those who feed themselves and have abandoned the sheep – the weak, diseased, sick & scattered.
Those who are more concerned with themselves than the sheep and using their positions of power to their own advantage.
Ezekiel 34
v. 3 You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you kill the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep.
v. 4)The diseased and weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt and crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them.
7. A year of exposing some things in the church
Expose – to reveal or make known publicly. I Cor. 4:5 – He will both bring to light the secret things that are now hidden in darkness and disclose and expose the secret aims, motives and purposes of hearts.
There are things that may have been present for a long time before they were detected then they slowly appeared but you considered these things a small matter and covered them over instead of dealing with them. Then they begin to spread and multiply.
Like a fungus – these things have been undercover - permitted to grow site unseen – been there for a LONG TIME eating away at the foundation!
This is the year that things will be uncovered & exposed for what they really are and He will begin to deal with these things!
8. The church of today is like the Tabernacle of the O.T. – most of the church is stuck at the BRAZEN ALTAR and can’t go any further. (See word on Tabernacle)Heb. 9:8 – You won’t be able to enter the Holy of Holies as long as the outer portion remains a recognized institution and is still standing.
Woe to you, experts in the law – you’ve taken away the key to knowledge, you did not go in yourselves and you hindered and prevented those who were entering! Luke 11:52
When you come into the church “the brazen altar” is the first thing you experience. You come to the altar and bring your sins to the priests – that is why you see the people coming back week after week. They must move past the brazen altar into the Holy Place through worship. There they will receive revelation of who He is (lamp stand) and experience His presence (table of showbread). Worship brings you into that Holy Place to meet with Him Then they are ready to move on to the true altar (altar of incense) where you sacrifice yourselves & allow Him to burn up those things that do not honor Him so you can move to the Holy of Holies.
When the people are allowed to seek His face first and have a true encounter with the only one who can set them free – you will see true repentance and a true awakening!! Then His glory will fall!!!
9. There will be a winding down – shifting into place – a coming into order – a coming into proper alignment.
I felt a shift in the spirit – a winding down of sorts for this year. We have been saying that we are in transition but this is truly a transitional year! Transition meaning the act of passing from one place, condition or action to another. Change.
We will be shifting out of chaos & confusion into a place of divine order as we move into 2012. Twelve is the number of government and order.
This year will be a very Strategic and Significant Year!
The church is at the banks of the River Jordan – a deciding place – a place of division and a place of decision!
Joshua had to decide if he would stay or go! Would he put his trust & faith in the one that would deliver him? Would he leave his religious mindset & become kingdom minded? Would he cross over?
Many will be brought to that place – individuals as well as churches.
He is basically giving you another chance to hear & to obey! The waters were held off for a time – time to make that decision to cross over,. They had to keep moving to the other side. They could not stop half way through or the waters would overtake them.
The church will go where God is wanting to take them this year or they will be stuck in the old system.
Church as we see it will fall! God is going to re-invent the church.
Jordan (strongs 3381) To descend, to go downwards, to fall, to bring down.
He is tired of watching you go in reverse instead of forward! Jer. 7: 23-24
So, to those who will choose this year to listen & begin to shift into that new place of order and alignment - He says to you , eye has not seen nor ear has not heard ALL that I will do for you!
10. Like Esther, He will give you a preparation time this year – to be prepared to say Yes! Esther is a very timely book this year – many, many women are being raised up for such a time as this! (see complete word on Esther)It’s a preparation time and a time of purification. Esther was given twelve months for purification. Every month this year will be significant. Every month will be a new opportunity to conquer a new area or a weakness.
· Purification – ridding ourselves of any impurities in our lives that would hinder us in this new season.
· Preparation – A time to prepare and count the cost.
11. Isaiah 61 – A year to get healed of past wounds and move forward! Rise up out of the ashes and begin to move forward with a new resilience.
The Lord spoke the word “resilient” very clearly to me and I believe that it is a KEY word for this year!
· Resilient – Springing back to former shape or position. Capable of recoiling from pressure or shock – unchanged or undamaged. Buoyant.
Refuse to stay in that place of bondage. You have a choice to make. Put the past behind you and determine to become “Resilient” in this New Year! Arise and shine!
· Resilient – rebounding, elastic, flexible
· Flexible – limber, bending, pliable, moldable, yielding, adjustable, stretchable.
So, this year be determined to BEND in His direction with your heart SOFT and PLIABLE in His hands. YIELDING to His purposes and plans while being FORMED in His image – ADJUSTING your life according to His will.
Prayer for this year:
Father, Thank You that You will bring us to that place of complete trust in You – that unconditional trust that no matter what happens in 2011 we can say that You are still God!
We will not dwell on the past but realize that You have been at work – working for our good all along!
We will allow the Word to convict in the areas where we struggle and at the same time realize that it is the Word that set’s us free!
We will trust You to give us words to speak and if You do not speak – we will be silent!
If there is anything hidden in our lives that is not pleasing to You, Lord, reveal these things so they can be dealt with once and for all!
Help us Lord to not be a part of the old religious system any longer. Bring us out Lord! Allow us to experience Your presence as never before. Allow us to enter the Holy of Holies!
Shift us into place – bring us into order!
Your kingdom come – Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!
Prepare us Father for what is ahead. Help us to get rid of any impurities in our lives that may hinder us in this New Year.
Heal us of past wounds – bring us up out of the ashes and help us to move forward this year being resilient – springing back when we fall.
Micah 7:8 – Rejoice not against me, O my enemy! When I fall, I shall arise!!!!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Underneath the Masks
This past week God has been dealing with me in some areas and He has begun to show me how very much we need each other. Underneath the masks - we are ALL the same - we deal with the same issues over & over again. We are ALL wanting to be loved, wanting acceptance and just wanting someone to say it's going to be okay - we love you unconditionally and we will stand by you and help you walk through your circumstances or personal issues without judging you.
There are A LOT of hurting people in the Body of Christ. People who are hurting, wounded, rejected, feel worthless, shameful and the list goes on and on. They are trying so hard to perform for those who have laid heavy expectations on them that they actually can never meet. We can never meet the demands. They will always be adding more loads that we were not meant to carry.It will always set us up for what we feel is failure and so the cycle begins.
I would ask you to pray and see where you are -
are you one that is sinking under man's expectations? If you are God wants you free!
OR are you one who is laying those burdens on someone else? If you are God wants you free too!
Galatians 5:1, Matthew 11:28-30, John 8:36
There are A LOT of hurting people in the Body of Christ. People who are hurting, wounded, rejected, feel worthless, shameful and the list goes on and on. They are trying so hard to perform for those who have laid heavy expectations on them that they actually can never meet. We can never meet the demands. They will always be adding more loads that we were not meant to carry.It will always set us up for what we feel is failure and so the cycle begins.
I would ask you to pray and see where you are -
are you one that is sinking under man's expectations? If you are God wants you free!
OR are you one who is laying those burdens on someone else? If you are God wants you free too!
Galatians 5:1, Matthew 11:28-30, John 8:36
Monday, March 14, 2011
Re-evaluate Your Priorities!
I have been reading in the book of Haggai and I believe that there is a word to the church of today within the pages.
It is time to rebuild My temple but you say, the time has not yet come. I say, Consider your ways!
You have lost interest - stopped at the foundation and become consumed with your own selfish interests.
You haveYou have put yourself first in all that you do and left the building of My temple in ruins.
Some for selfish reasons, some weary in well doing and some just tired of the opposition.
And you say, where is the new wine? Where is the oil?
BUt, you didn't desire change - you longed for the past. You were satisfied with the old system even though you were told the new will be greater than the former. You longed for what was - not willing to move forward.
Listen to and obey the Lord completely for I am with you!
I am arousing the spirit of Zerubbel, the spirit of Joshua and the spirit of the remnant of the people.
Be strong, alert and courageous! My Spirit abides within you - fear not!
It is time to rebuild My temple but you say, the time has not yet come. I say, Consider your ways!
You have lost interest - stopped at the foundation and become consumed with your own selfish interests.
You haveYou have put yourself first in all that you do and left the building of My temple in ruins.
Some for selfish reasons, some weary in well doing and some just tired of the opposition.
And you say, where is the new wine? Where is the oil?
BUt, you didn't desire change - you longed for the past. You were satisfied with the old system even though you were told the new will be greater than the former. You longed for what was - not willing to move forward.
Listen to and obey the Lord completely for I am with you!
I am arousing the spirit of Zerubbel, the spirit of Joshua and the spirit of the remnant of the people.
Be strong, alert and courageous! My Spirit abides within you - fear not!
Friday, March 11, 2011
and He saw the city and He wept...
And as He approached, He saw the city, and He wept over it, exclaiming, would that you had known personally, even at least in this your day, the things that make for peace (for freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin and upon which your peace, safety, prosperity and happiness depends) But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the time is coming upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank about you and surround you and shut you in - all because you did not come progressively to recognize and know and understand (from observation and experience) the time of your visitation (that is, when God was visiting you, the time in which God showed Himself gracious toward you and offered you salvation through Christ). Luke 19:41-44
Psalm 130
Out of the depths have I cried to You, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If You, Lord should keep account of or treat us according to our sins, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You (just what man needs) that You may be reverently feared and worshipped.
I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchman for the morning.
Hope in the Lord!! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption.
Psalm 130
Out of the depths have I cried to You, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
If You, Lord should keep account of or treat us according to our sins, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You (just what man needs) that You may be reverently feared and worshipped.
I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope. I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchman for the morning.
Hope in the Lord!! For with the Lord there is mercy and loving-kindness, and with Him is plenteous redemption.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Prepare Your Hearts - A Word to the Women for 2011
ESTHER Chp. 1 -
In the beginning King Ahasuerus decided to throw a HUGE party, in fact, it would be a seven day feast! In the meantime Queen Vashti decided to hold a party of her own for all the women. All was well until the seventh day when the King who was very drunk demanded that the Queen come before all the people to show her beauty.The Queen refused. This could have been for many reasons and they could have been legitimate ones. I’m sure that she even wrestled with the decision – should I go or should I stay? But in the end, she decided not to go which enraged the King. He then sought counsel who advised him to divorce her and give her position to another. He took the advice and afterwards, He remembered Vashti. He probably begin to have second thoughts about his decision.Then the servants suggested that a call be put out for young, beautiful virgins to come before the King and whoever pleased him would take Queen Vashti’s place and become the new Queen.
Chp. 2
So, the King's call went out and the search began for a new Queen! They were looking for someone to replace Queen Vashti. In order to be able to come before the King they would have to go through a “purification” process. A process that would last for twelve months.
vs 7 - says that Esther was beautiful and that when her father & mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. vs. 8 -she was to be taken to the Kings house and it also says that Esther received favor right away! He (Hegai – keeper of the women) speedily gave her the things she needed for purification. He moved her and her maids to the best apartment. Even then she did not reveal her nationality. She was silent. There are times that we need to keep certain things to ourselves. It was her time to be silent and hear God speak to her heart
Twelve is the number of government or order. Isn't it just like our Lord and King – to give us a preparation time. A time to get things in order – a time to count the cost – a time to make a final decision to give our all!
*Purification - Ridding ourselves of any impurities in our lives that would hinder us in this new season.
* Preparation - A time to prepare and count the cost.
v.12) the time came for each maiden to come before the King - after the time of purification.
This is what the Lord showed me about the (12) months of purification.
1.The 1st month was the beginning of a new beginning for her. She had been at this place of a new beginning before but she knew deep down inside that this was going to be different IF she decided to go forward .
2.The 2nd month was a time to judge some things in her life. A time to discern and separate those things that did not belong in the new season. It was a good time to take inventory to see what pleases the father and what doesn’t.
3.The 3rd month was a time to begin to conform to His likeness. (Romans 8:29) To realize that she was called according to His design and destined from the beginning.
4.The 4th month was a time that she would begin to see her authority and rule that she has in and through Him. As she conforms to His likeness and begins to walk in that she will begin to exercise her authority.
5.The 5th month was a time to get free from the bondages that have held her captive, that have kept her in a confined place. She no longer would be a slave to them. She would have to come to the decision that she no longer wants to be in bondage but desires to be free!
6.The 6th month – She is dealing with some areas of the flesh - the image of herself. She was beginning to walk in that freedom and then all of a sudden – she is hit with the old image again! The enemy immediately came in with doubt but her eyes were opened to see the attack for what it was.
7.The 7th month – complete – some things are completed. She is half way through the process! She can now begin to rest.
8.The 8th month – Put off the old man – the works of the flesh. Now she is able to move into that grace that is freely given.
9.The 9th month – At last,she begins to see some fruit! It’s been a long, slow process. Romans 6:22. She begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
10.The 10th month is the month for the purpose of accepting or rejecting. This would be a testing period in her life. Would she continue or would she go back and reject His purpose?
11.The 11th month is the end! The last stop! If she makes it to this point – it is pretty much complete. She just has to move on to the next and final step. She must not stop her!!
12.The 12th month – Whew! She thought she never would get to this place. Now she is joined to Him and is given over-sight – governmental authority!
There is almost always a waiting period after He has given a certain assignment. During this waiting period we must go through a period of purification – of counting the cost. It has to be settled in our hearts! Our heart is the seat of all our emotions. So, it is taking the time to search our hearts and make that final decision knowing that we won't turn back.
For some of you it will take 12 months, for some 12 days and for others possibly 12 steps. We are all in different places and you are the one that will have to decide where you are and how llong it will take. The most important thing is to allow God to take you through this purification process to get free from any impurities that might possibly hinder your decision to follow through on your assignment. You must prepare your heart by counting the cost! And, after counting the cost - He will give you everything you need.
Like Esther, after she counted the cost - she was able to say if I perish, I perish!
In the beginning King Ahasuerus decided to throw a HUGE party, in fact, it would be a seven day feast! In the meantime Queen Vashti decided to hold a party of her own for all the women. All was well until the seventh day when the King who was very drunk demanded that the Queen come before all the people to show her beauty.The Queen refused. This could have been for many reasons and they could have been legitimate ones. I’m sure that she even wrestled with the decision – should I go or should I stay? But in the end, she decided not to go which enraged the King. He then sought counsel who advised him to divorce her and give her position to another. He took the advice and afterwards, He remembered Vashti. He probably begin to have second thoughts about his decision.Then the servants suggested that a call be put out for young, beautiful virgins to come before the King and whoever pleased him would take Queen Vashti’s place and become the new Queen.
Chp. 2
So, the King's call went out and the search began for a new Queen! They were looking for someone to replace Queen Vashti. In order to be able to come before the King they would have to go through a “purification” process. A process that would last for twelve months.
vs 7 - says that Esther was beautiful and that when her father & mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. vs. 8 -she was to be taken to the Kings house and it also says that Esther received favor right away! He (Hegai – keeper of the women) speedily gave her the things she needed for purification. He moved her and her maids to the best apartment. Even then she did not reveal her nationality. She was silent. There are times that we need to keep certain things to ourselves. It was her time to be silent and hear God speak to her heart
Twelve is the number of government or order. Isn't it just like our Lord and King – to give us a preparation time. A time to get things in order – a time to count the cost – a time to make a final decision to give our all!
*Purification - Ridding ourselves of any impurities in our lives that would hinder us in this new season.
* Preparation - A time to prepare and count the cost.
v.12) the time came for each maiden to come before the King - after the time of purification.
This is what the Lord showed me about the (12) months of purification.
1.The 1st month was the beginning of a new beginning for her. She had been at this place of a new beginning before but she knew deep down inside that this was going to be different IF she decided to go forward .
2.The 2nd month was a time to judge some things in her life. A time to discern and separate those things that did not belong in the new season. It was a good time to take inventory to see what pleases the father and what doesn’t.
3.The 3rd month was a time to begin to conform to His likeness. (Romans 8:29) To realize that she was called according to His design and destined from the beginning.
4.The 4th month was a time that she would begin to see her authority and rule that she has in and through Him. As she conforms to His likeness and begins to walk in that she will begin to exercise her authority.
5.The 5th month was a time to get free from the bondages that have held her captive, that have kept her in a confined place. She no longer would be a slave to them. She would have to come to the decision that she no longer wants to be in bondage but desires to be free!
6.The 6th month – She is dealing with some areas of the flesh - the image of herself. She was beginning to walk in that freedom and then all of a sudden – she is hit with the old image again! The enemy immediately came in with doubt but her eyes were opened to see the attack for what it was.
7.The 7th month – complete – some things are completed. She is half way through the process! She can now begin to rest.
8.The 8th month – Put off the old man – the works of the flesh. Now she is able to move into that grace that is freely given.
9.The 9th month – At last,she begins to see some fruit! It’s been a long, slow process. Romans 6:22. She begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
10.The 10th month is the month for the purpose of accepting or rejecting. This would be a testing period in her life. Would she continue or would she go back and reject His purpose?
11.The 11th month is the end! The last stop! If she makes it to this point – it is pretty much complete. She just has to move on to the next and final step. She must not stop her!!
12.The 12th month – Whew! She thought she never would get to this place. Now she is joined to Him and is given over-sight – governmental authority!
There is almost always a waiting period after He has given a certain assignment. During this waiting period we must go through a period of purification – of counting the cost. It has to be settled in our hearts! Our heart is the seat of all our emotions. So, it is taking the time to search our hearts and make that final decision knowing that we won't turn back.
For some of you it will take 12 months, for some 12 days and for others possibly 12 steps. We are all in different places and you are the one that will have to decide where you are and how llong it will take. The most important thing is to allow God to take you through this purification process to get free from any impurities that might possibly hinder your decision to follow through on your assignment. You must prepare your heart by counting the cost! And, after counting the cost - He will give you everything you need.
Like Esther, after she counted the cost - she was able to say if I perish, I perish!
Friday, December 3, 2010
What do You Need to Sacrifice?
The Lord gave me this message a few years ago for a Bible study and He keeps bringing it back up so I believe that it is significant to where we are today and for the new year!
This word is found in Psalm 118. This Psalm, I believe was written by David in the midst of the warfare he faced as he was about to become king.
Vs. 1-4 - David starts out by giving thanks to God and exhorting all the people to do so with him. He knew what he was about to face and he knew the only way he could have a taste of victory was to praise God in the beginning of the battle.
Vs. 5-8 - He was in distress and he called upon the name of the Lord and began to encourage himself. He speaks about the Lord setting him free and in a large place. He was speaking those things that be not as though they were because he was still in a confined place. He was also reminding himself that the Lord was on his side and because of that he should not fear man. He said the Lord takes my part and fights my battles. I will put my trust and confidence in God not in man. Man with all his good intentions can and will fail you. God will not ever leave you or forsake you!
Vs. 10-12 - David was surrounded...he was hemmed in by his enemies BUT he knew where his help came from. He said (3) times..."In the name of the Lord" I will cut them off!! He knew there was power in His name!
Vs. 13 - My adversary thrust at me that I might fall....the enemy wanted to remove him from his position and his calling...he didn't want him to succeed in his destiny but David shouted in verse 14 - The Lord is my strength and my song! He has become my salvation, my deliverer!!
Vs. 15-16 - the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength... In 2 Cor. 6:9 it says the right hand is to attack or defend...the Lord's right hand is the place of His power...
Vs. 17 - David said "I shall not die but live' …It sounds like he had a near death experience. The enemy hoped that he would die but he proclaimed...I shall NOT die but live and declare the works and the great acts of the Lord!! He realized that God had brought him through some stuff!!
Vs. 19 -Open to me the Temple Gates of righteousness and I will enter through them and confess and praise the Lord. Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. He said again in verse 21 I will confess, praise and give thanks because you have heard and answered my prayer. You are my SALVATION and my DELIVERER.
* David was a TRUE worshipper. The scriptures say that he was a man after God's own heart...
Vs. 22 - I believe is talking about David and the rejection that he suffered prior to becoming king. Men had rejected him but God was promoting him and putting him in a position of honor. Psalm 75:6-7 says that promotion comes from God. He will make room for your gifts and position where you need to be.
David said "Lord, this is your doings" you brought this about so I will rejoice and be glad! Then in verse 25 he asked the Lord to bring prosperity or success. He is realizing that he would still need God's help and he acknowledges where that help comes from...Psalm 121 – Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord of heaven and earth!!
Prosperity in Strong's (6743) the prim root means to push forward...He is asking God to push him forward...to do whatever it takes to move him into everything that God has for him in this season of his life.
Verse 27 - The Lord is God, who has shown and given us light - He has illuminated us with grace, freedom & joy. He has given us grace to do what He has called us to do. He takes our inabilities and weaknesses and exchanges them for His strength & His ability. He has given us freedom to walk it out and joy to celebrate His goodness & deliverance!
In the Amplified Bible it says to decorate the festival with leafy boughs. That is speaking of the "Feasts of Tabernacles" The people would build shelters and cover them with branches. The shelter was temporary meaning God did not intend for them to stay in that place. They would bring sacrifices daily. It reminded them of their wanderings and made them realize that everything rested on God's redemption!
Now he moves from the gateway to the altar…
** Bind the sacrifices to be offered with cords to the horns of the altar.
This is a time of letting go of old issues that have held us back. Everyone is at a different place but we all have things we need to deal with (to sacrifice) things that are consuming you and keeping you from the freedom that God has for you and from entering into His presence...
YOU MUST LET IT GO IN THIS SEASON! YOU MUST SACRIFICE IT - LAY IT ON THE ALTAR!
What are the sacrifices - us... our whole selves... (Romans 12:1 it says to present your bodies as a living sacrifice to Him) our gifts, our talents, our ministries, hurts, wounds, rejection, fear of lack, or maybe it is our children or spouse who are not serving God or maybe they are just not walking in the fullness that God has for them.
God says...give them to me! Bring them to the altar and sacrifice them. It is time to deal with those things BUT we can't do it on our own. How many times have we tried to leave them there only to pick them back up again...that is why they have to be bound with cords to the altar...
Let me explain...
* Altar is a place you build or set aside to meet God - to dwell in His presence.
* Sacrifice - an act of surrendering or giving up something of value
* Bind - to tie or fasten with cords
* Horns - symbolic of power & authority. The horns on the altar were ornaments made of iron or brass projecting from the four corners of the altar.
In the Old Testament when people brought their sacrifices it had to be a live animal indicating that they were giving up something of value that they owned. They were giving up ownership to God. Since the animal was live they would tie or bind him to the altar with cords.
** Why do they need binding - 1. The sacrifices need binding because they are naturally resistive. We are going to resist giving them up. Paul stated in Romans "I do what I don't want to do and what I want to do I don't. We don't want to give up control. We think we can fix things better than God. 2. There are things that tend to drive it away from the altar such as discouragement and unbelief. Discouragement = no hope. We are thinking things will never change. ( I've been dealing with this so long I just don't think I will ever get free from it) John 8:36 says "whom the son has set free is free indeed!" He can and will set you free!!
** To what are they bound - They are bound to Jesus. Our victory & our deliverance is through the work of the cross.
** What are the cords - The cords are the Love that Christ has for you & me. His love is unconditional. He loves you with an everlasting love. He doesn't condemn you. He just wants you to walk in the freedom that He died to give you.
So, we bring our sacrifices to the altar and allow the constraining power of Christ love to bind them to the altar where they will be consumed with His love...
Exodus 30:24 - You make for me an altar and I will come to you and bless you. God promises He will meet you at the altar! When the altar is built...the fire will fall! He will burn up those sacrifices!
I believe that this is a time of reflection, a time of freedom, a time to sacrifice those things (issues) in our lives that keep us from entering in and from coming to Him when we are thirsty...keeping us from drinking deeper. It is also a time to move past our temporary shelters that we have built. He doesn't want us to stay in that place...bring your sacrifice, leave it at the altar and move on into the new place He has for you! He gives us time to deal with those things BUT now we MUST move on!
Your deliverance & freedom is a sure thing if you are willing to bring your sacrifice to the altar and as you are delivered God will open up your path before you and push you into that new place He has for you.
Only you know what you need to give up...to sacrifice. If you've been holding on to your ministry, your gifts, your poverty mentality, your spouse, your children...RELEASE THEM! SACRIFICE THEM!
Remember we can't do it in our own strength that is why our sacrifices MUST be bound to the ALTAR...Bound with CORDS of His Love. His love for us is SO strong that it can overcome any obstacle...If we could only get that revelation...that it is by and through His love for us that we can press on and move forward...
We build an altar for you Lord and the things that we've held back and haven't been able to release because of our doubt, unbelief or because we haven't fully trusted you. God, we release those things today...as an act of our faith - we release them! We put them on the altar as a sacrifice to you. We tie them with cords of your love for us and decree that it is you that will make us free!!
Father, I pray that each person would be rooted deep and founded securely in your love...that they would be able to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of it...that each person would come to know for themselves the love of Christ which far surpasses all human knowledge.
This word is found in Psalm 118. This Psalm, I believe was written by David in the midst of the warfare he faced as he was about to become king.
Vs. 1-4 - David starts out by giving thanks to God and exhorting all the people to do so with him. He knew what he was about to face and he knew the only way he could have a taste of victory was to praise God in the beginning of the battle.
Vs. 5-8 - He was in distress and he called upon the name of the Lord and began to encourage himself. He speaks about the Lord setting him free and in a large place. He was speaking those things that be not as though they were because he was still in a confined place. He was also reminding himself that the Lord was on his side and because of that he should not fear man. He said the Lord takes my part and fights my battles. I will put my trust and confidence in God not in man. Man with all his good intentions can and will fail you. God will not ever leave you or forsake you!
Vs. 10-12 - David was surrounded...he was hemmed in by his enemies BUT he knew where his help came from. He said (3) times..."In the name of the Lord" I will cut them off!! He knew there was power in His name!
Vs. 13 - My adversary thrust at me that I might fall....the enemy wanted to remove him from his position and his calling...he didn't want him to succeed in his destiny but David shouted in verse 14 - The Lord is my strength and my song! He has become my salvation, my deliverer!!
Vs. 15-16 - the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength... In 2 Cor. 6:9 it says the right hand is to attack or defend...the Lord's right hand is the place of His power...
Vs. 17 - David said "I shall not die but live' …It sounds like he had a near death experience. The enemy hoped that he would die but he proclaimed...I shall NOT die but live and declare the works and the great acts of the Lord!! He realized that God had brought him through some stuff!!
Vs. 19 -Open to me the Temple Gates of righteousness and I will enter through them and confess and praise the Lord. Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. He said again in verse 21 I will confess, praise and give thanks because you have heard and answered my prayer. You are my SALVATION and my DELIVERER.
* David was a TRUE worshipper. The scriptures say that he was a man after God's own heart...
Vs. 22 - I believe is talking about David and the rejection that he suffered prior to becoming king. Men had rejected him but God was promoting him and putting him in a position of honor. Psalm 75:6-7 says that promotion comes from God. He will make room for your gifts and position where you need to be.
David said "Lord, this is your doings" you brought this about so I will rejoice and be glad! Then in verse 25 he asked the Lord to bring prosperity or success. He is realizing that he would still need God's help and he acknowledges where that help comes from...Psalm 121 – Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord of heaven and earth!!
Prosperity in Strong's (6743) the prim root means to push forward...He is asking God to push him forward...to do whatever it takes to move him into everything that God has for him in this season of his life.
Verse 27 - The Lord is God, who has shown and given us light - He has illuminated us with grace, freedom & joy. He has given us grace to do what He has called us to do. He takes our inabilities and weaknesses and exchanges them for His strength & His ability. He has given us freedom to walk it out and joy to celebrate His goodness & deliverance!
In the Amplified Bible it says to decorate the festival with leafy boughs. That is speaking of the "Feasts of Tabernacles" The people would build shelters and cover them with branches. The shelter was temporary meaning God did not intend for them to stay in that place. They would bring sacrifices daily. It reminded them of their wanderings and made them realize that everything rested on God's redemption!
Now he moves from the gateway to the altar…
** Bind the sacrifices to be offered with cords to the horns of the altar.
This is a time of letting go of old issues that have held us back. Everyone is at a different place but we all have things we need to deal with (to sacrifice) things that are consuming you and keeping you from the freedom that God has for you and from entering into His presence...
YOU MUST LET IT GO IN THIS SEASON! YOU MUST SACRIFICE IT - LAY IT ON THE ALTAR!
What are the sacrifices - us... our whole selves... (Romans 12:1 it says to present your bodies as a living sacrifice to Him) our gifts, our talents, our ministries, hurts, wounds, rejection, fear of lack, or maybe it is our children or spouse who are not serving God or maybe they are just not walking in the fullness that God has for them.
God says...give them to me! Bring them to the altar and sacrifice them. It is time to deal with those things BUT we can't do it on our own. How many times have we tried to leave them there only to pick them back up again...that is why they have to be bound with cords to the altar...
Let me explain...
* Altar is a place you build or set aside to meet God - to dwell in His presence.
* Sacrifice - an act of surrendering or giving up something of value
* Bind - to tie or fasten with cords
* Horns - symbolic of power & authority. The horns on the altar were ornaments made of iron or brass projecting from the four corners of the altar.
In the Old Testament when people brought their sacrifices it had to be a live animal indicating that they were giving up something of value that they owned. They were giving up ownership to God. Since the animal was live they would tie or bind him to the altar with cords.
** Why do they need binding - 1. The sacrifices need binding because they are naturally resistive. We are going to resist giving them up. Paul stated in Romans "I do what I don't want to do and what I want to do I don't. We don't want to give up control. We think we can fix things better than God. 2. There are things that tend to drive it away from the altar such as discouragement and unbelief. Discouragement = no hope. We are thinking things will never change. ( I've been dealing with this so long I just don't think I will ever get free from it) John 8:36 says "whom the son has set free is free indeed!" He can and will set you free!!
** To what are they bound - They are bound to Jesus. Our victory & our deliverance is through the work of the cross.
** What are the cords - The cords are the Love that Christ has for you & me. His love is unconditional. He loves you with an everlasting love. He doesn't condemn you. He just wants you to walk in the freedom that He died to give you.
So, we bring our sacrifices to the altar and allow the constraining power of Christ love to bind them to the altar where they will be consumed with His love...
Exodus 30:24 - You make for me an altar and I will come to you and bless you. God promises He will meet you at the altar! When the altar is built...the fire will fall! He will burn up those sacrifices!
I believe that this is a time of reflection, a time of freedom, a time to sacrifice those things (issues) in our lives that keep us from entering in and from coming to Him when we are thirsty...keeping us from drinking deeper. It is also a time to move past our temporary shelters that we have built. He doesn't want us to stay in that place...bring your sacrifice, leave it at the altar and move on into the new place He has for you! He gives us time to deal with those things BUT now we MUST move on!
Your deliverance & freedom is a sure thing if you are willing to bring your sacrifice to the altar and as you are delivered God will open up your path before you and push you into that new place He has for you.
Only you know what you need to give up...to sacrifice. If you've been holding on to your ministry, your gifts, your poverty mentality, your spouse, your children...RELEASE THEM! SACRIFICE THEM!
Remember we can't do it in our own strength that is why our sacrifices MUST be bound to the ALTAR...Bound with CORDS of His Love. His love for us is SO strong that it can overcome any obstacle...If we could only get that revelation...that it is by and through His love for us that we can press on and move forward...
We build an altar for you Lord and the things that we've held back and haven't been able to release because of our doubt, unbelief or because we haven't fully trusted you. God, we release those things today...as an act of our faith - we release them! We put them on the altar as a sacrifice to you. We tie them with cords of your love for us and decree that it is you that will make us free!!
Father, I pray that each person would be rooted deep and founded securely in your love...that they would be able to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of it...that each person would come to know for themselves the love of Christ which far surpasses all human knowledge.
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