The first day of the rest of my life...

Monday morning e.g. yesterday... 

I was packed up and in the car ready to drive the long 16+ hours home to Michigan. I had made my way to Louisiana Camp a few weeks ago to sell my book. I really had no intentions to go to Louisiana but felt led from the Lord that this was what he wanted from me. I then stayed over in Texas and was planning on going to Mississippi camp as well to sell my books. But that didn't really work out for my budget so I had just decided to go home after a week, well that was the plan anyways. 

I had argued or conversed as I usually do with the Lord before I left for LA camp, "Are you sure this is what you want Lord?" Needless to say I was conflicted. I didn't really have the money to come this time. The more I prayed about the invitation to sell my book, the more God was telling me to "GO". 

I sold everything I could get my hands on! I had multiple yard sales! I sold things on Craigslist! I sold things on Ebay! I sold my antique bed to an antique dealer (and I hauled the metal frame there myself, ouch!) I even sold my entire DVD collection!!!! Then I returned some unopened DVDs and got $42.47!!!! I was in awe I had the money to go and so I went. 

It has been the hardest thing I have ever done to walk into the doors of my promise and feel like it would never happen. :( I was broken. I will honestly say that if I could walk in that church with feeling like the biggest jerk in the world then sweeties let me tell you, "there is no where I won't go for God!" 

I had been praying about moving to Longview, TX since last year. I was going to move in October 2012, then January 2013 and then and then... The door just wouldn't open and God kept saying, "Wait." 

And so I waited and waited...

When I arrived in Texas it was only to be for a week tops! Every time I wanted to go home God kept telling me to stay... I was driving the loop 281 and I was crying and said, "God if this is really you then you will have to lead me to someone who will lead me to someone because I just can't do it anymore :(" 

And then I met Dale... 

We met at Starbucks and he told me he knew the Mayor and told me to contact him and give the Mayor his name... I think I went to the Mayor's office 4x and was supposed to meet with him several times and it just kept falling through. And I had contacted a State Representative and had faxed them my resume and touched base with them. I had knocked on every door that I could knock on but it wasn't what God had told me. He said to me a few months ago, "The job will come to you and when it happens you will know that is God without a shadow of a doubt." Well to be honest I didn't know what to do with that? So I applied over and over again for jobs more than a 150 jobs...

It is like I had a bite but it was not catching the hook... 

And so I was ready to go home! 

I had been ready to go home when an evangelist preached the greatest prayer you will ever pray, "Not my will but thy will be done!" And I asked God, "What do you want me to do?" I want to go home but what did the Master of it all want? He told me to wait... I accepted and I waited but I was kicking and screaming...It was about me being obedient to the voice of God. If you don't know His voice, sadly I can't really explain it all to you...

I went to a youth rally this past weekend in Tyler, TX and it was an amazing message about being "prepared and positioned." See God had been preparing me this past year for ministry in prayer, fasting, the word, and following the Gospel commands. It has been a long and lonely journey. I have wanted to give up many times. I have had literally every one in my life turn their backs on me. People I thought who loved me and believed in me. It is true though the closer you get to the Lord the more He weeds out those who would hinder you in your life. I am not saying that those people are not amazing because they truly are but it goes back to a blog I had written awhile back about how God will remove the hindrances of people out of your life even if they are amazing people, it just means they are your hindrance. 

The best part of the rally... 

On my way home God restored my joy. I laughed and laughed at the devil and declared that he was liar and the father of all lies!!! I rebuked him off of my life and those that I love and said, "You almost got me devil!" And had the greatest breakthrough in months... 

It was then that I knew that I knew...

God this might just be my time to be knocking on doors. You have the best for me. If you want me to go home then so be it but I will not stop knocking and pursuing my promise of souls in Longview. It is where He has called me, it has broken me and stomped me and created me over and over again. Who am I? I will tell you I am a child of the King and His word cannot return void. It is only me who can step away from my promises and not do what He is telling me to do. People often wonder why their promises are unanswered. The answer is that they have not pursued them and listened to the voice of God. When you say No, when God says Yes, you might be used but you are really standing in a holding location. You will NEVER fulfill your purpose. You will be sad, lonely, broken, alone, hurting, bitter and then wonder...What's wrong? 

The answer is that you are running from what God is telling you! See I know because I am an expert I have run from God my whole life...

Here were my excuses!

"God I am not good enough. Your'e not really talking to me. If I keep my mind busy He won't be able to speak to me. If I keep doing busy work, well then I am doing His work, so I am OK. When He does speak to me then I can explain it away and justify my actions by saying,Welp I just can't do it so I won't step out in faith."

God had to teach me that the pain of doing what He was telling me was better than living in utter despair and never moving forward. Why are you running? The only thing that will happen is that you will be loved. You will be helped. You WILL do everything God has called you to do! See when we are weak just like Moses, He sent Him Aaron to hold up Moses' arms... God will send you an Aaron. He will not leave you in the miry clay sinking... Or will He? You choose? 

So today was the first day of the rest of my life...

Yesterday, I was in the car packed up and ready to go home.  

                                                                                                                                                                                            (She loved me :) )

I wasn't giving up this time. I was just honoring the man of God in my life. I knew in my heart that this trip could have just been about opening doors and I was at peace with that idea. Isaiah had to do what God told him to do 3x before God had made a way and this was only my second time stepping in faith. God is in the impossible working business! I had packed up the car. I was making one last trip to the Mayor's office, the State Rep and to a Temporary agency. 

I already had the call on my phone before I even woke up... 

I just didn't know it! God had made a way for me to be a case manager for a local homeless organization in the Longview area. I got the call on my voicemail but I didn't listen to it until I was on the road to make my last stops. 

I WAS HIRED OVER THE PHONE! I NEVER APPLIED FOR THE JOB! THEY NEVER SAW MY RESUME! and yet God has shown me   favor! 

I had volunteered at this organization last week because I wanted to get my feet wet in volunteering in the area. The coordinator did not have a job for me last week. Then on Sunday night the previous case manager resigned for a new job!!! And I was called at 8am the next morning.... 

Just like God had said, "The job will come to you and you will know that it is me without a shadow of a doubt!"

(At the Host Church)

Anyone who knows me at all knows that this is my dream job! I am ministering in a Christian organization that is helping homeless families in Texas. I am working right there doing the work that God has put in my heart for over a year. And He made a way at literally the last minute. He saw my heart and made a way when there was NO way! 

My heart is the homeless on the streets, street evangelism, tent revivals, outreach, community activism, community center and etc etc etc... Not to mention the rest of Matthew 25 that will be on my agenda in the near future! BE A Spark! Change A Life For The Kingdom And Then He Will Lead You To The Next Life!

So God made a way for me to have a place to live! With the best Nanny in the whole world! He gave me a job in outreach, and He opened a door for me to volunteer at the local homeless shelters. 

Today after work I went to the host church and spent the evening pouring my life into those families that I am now called to! It is my heart. It is my mission. I will go wherever He leads me! 

Jeff and Janice (J & J) Ministry Team at Host Church

What an amazing first day at my ministry job! 

My office! 

"One Church Reaching One Community"

“One Church Reaching One Community”

I have been praying, fasting, reading the Word, and reading radical Christianity books over the last several months. I have been inspired and felt led by the Lord to create my own plan for radical ministry in the town where God has called me to. Is it really that radical to be doing what God has called us to do?

I have followed several ministers and their outreach evangelism ministries. I have been wowed by the idea of weekend mission trips to help the needy and the homeless in choice locations all over the country. God truly is stirring His people back to the streets for evangelism. Over the past year God has put me in contact with countless likeminded people who are all trying to do the same types of works.

What do you do when the hype is over? So let’s say you plan a weekend trip and people come from all over the country to help you. What do you do when the help goes home? How do you implement the same ideas and keep it going throughout the year? I am not knocking anyone’s ideas for ministry but what happens when those same people you helped on the street are still there when you leave that city?

The problem I find with this model is that there is no continued friendship and follow up. Also when there is a huge weekend (which is amazing) it can be overwhelming for the host church after it is over. I think it is like the starfish, you helped that one but a church any size is not prepared to help 500 homeless people per say after one weekend of radical ministry.

So what can we do…

After reading, gleaning, and praying I feel God has given me a weekend model for one church (the whole church) to get involved in radical ministry. It would have the same concept as some of the weekend mission trips that I have read about but it will focus on one local church body reaching into their own attainable community.

Keep an open mind… 

I am sure the kinks are not worked out and I am sure the plan needs some tweaking but I do feel that the plan as a whole is a solid way of reaching the community…

Mission Plan

“Teaching one whole church how to minister effectively”

Day 1: Thursday

(Whole church begins outreach @homeless shelter)

Building relationships and friendships as an entire church body

Invite to Revival Service on Saturday

Bring in needed items for those in need

1.  Socks

2. Clothes

3. Food

4. Hygiene

5. Etc

Day 2: Friday

(Whole church to underprivileged neighborhood)

Invite to Revival Service on Saturday

1. Mowing lawns, paint houses, etc

2. Diapers & Formula, etc

3. Groceries

Day 3: Saturday

Tent Revival @ 7pm

Whole church spends daytime doing a bus route for kids on Sunday

Follow up calls to Shelter and neighborhoods arrange for rides for Saturday Night

Saturday Night Tent Revival

Community Meal after revival Cookout BBQ

Day 4: Sunday

Pick up kids on bus route

Kids Church Extravaganza !!!

1.  Prize giveaways

2. Puppet shows

3. Kids Service

The entire purpose of the plan is to teach one church how to minister to their community. It is about teaching them how to give back and to inspire them to help the least of these. There shouldn’t be a lot of hype but it should be heartfelt ministry in their own community. I feel that hype will fade away and then where is the church after a huge event?

The point of ministry is to inspire, help, and change the mindsets of those who will continue a consistent ministry. I like the idea of the boot camps and the ministry teams. What happens when all of the extra help goes home? The point is to be teaching the local church body how to step outside the box and to help who they can help within their own community.

My ideas and plans are of course only a tentative outline. The idea is to make it small enough that it can be continued consistently and large enough to inspire the hearts of saints to take up new ministry to be fulfilling the Gospel of Matthew 25.

1) This weekend would be a kick off for continued ministry in the local shelters e.g. bible studies and bringing them to Sunday service.

2) Which would bleed into the once monthly community meal where basic needs would be supplied to each person who attends the meal.

3) Then once a month the church could have a work day in the community where they go to surrounding neighborhoods cleaning up debris, painting houses, giving groceries, diapers, needed items.

4) Would launch a children’s bus ministry. Sunday school (kids church) would happen and then the kids would be taken home.

5) Continued follow up for adults in the local neighborhoods and shelters. A ministry to pick them up and bring them to church. Breakfast provided each Sunday morning prior to Sunday church.

6) An additional ministry to be organized would be nursing home ministry. Once a week getting the youth involved in preaching and singing.

The ministry weekend would happen once a year or every six months. With continued ministry throughout the year.

I hope this plan has inspired you!

Stepping Into My Promise!

Stepping Into My Promise!

Have you ever received a promise for something? Has it come to pass, or are you still waiting?

I would like to spend this blog giving my testimony of what God has spoken to me about and while waiting for His promises in my life. I was at a point in my life where I was ready to give up on my promise. This breaks my heart to even have to admit it to myself. It’s not that I doubt God in the least, how could I? It’s just that I was feeling like I had probably made it all up in my head. Or else other parties disliked me so much and I cared more about not hurting them than myself that I was willing to step aside.

Here is my story…

On May 13, 2013 I drove across the country to Texas, my most favorite place to be on earth. I don’t know why I have such a love for Texas. God has put that love in my heart. Even as a little girl when we lived in Houston, I never wanted to leave! This time I came to Dallas for a singles conference and to sell my new book, Unfolding the Rose. God amazingly gave me a new friend, Mandi. She lives in Kilgore, TX and we went to the singles event together. I love how God keeps giving me new friends and contacts in Texas. Her family is a delight!

On May 14, 2013 a Tuesday I believe a dear friend called me from home and told me that God had put me on her heart strong. She gave me a word from the Lord, the word was “protection.” I told her thank you and was so grateful for her being sensitive to the Lord and sharing the word with me. I will be honest I didn’t know at the time what the word meant for me. Yet, the word “protection” made me aware all week of what God was trying to tell me.

There were some emotional roller coasters for me that week in the Longview area. There were some things I told God I didn’t want in my life anymore but He seemed to have other ideas. I didn’t want to go somewhere with all my heart but God again had another idea. I wanted to give up on my promise from Him but God said, “No, this is your promise.”

I was at my friend Mandi’s house and was in the shower and I broke down begging God to release something from my life. I cried out to God, “Please let me go from this Lord.” He kept repeating to me, “No, this is your promise and step into your promise.” He repeated it over and over again. With all my heart I was ready to step away from what God has been telling me for about a year now because it seemed like it was never going to happen. It still has not happened to date…

I went to the Dallas singles conference and oh how I was blessed. From the first minute I arrived at the service there was an anointing and a refreshing I received in the Spirit. It was almost like I breathed a heavy sigh of relief in the Spirit. Then the pastor there preached the first night. He preached about Psalms 23 and how the Lord is our protection. And how that the entire passage was everything we need in the Spirit. The devil cannot get to us because we are protected because of our walk with the Lord and He keeps us from harm. OH MY WORD! “protection” the word my friend had given me earlier in the week. I knew God had his hand on my life, to keep me safe.

But there was more God was trying to tell me later…

Here is the kicker----

I said already I had been praying about giving up on my promises and I will be honest even today I am bit discouraged. Then the message the second day was “step child” and how that now is the time to step into your promises. At this point as you can imagine I was broken before the Lord.  It seemed that every part of this weekend, God in His love and mercy had seen fit to talk to me over and over again. He was showing me that my promises were just on the horizon. I believe this with all my heart and I know God is working out my miracle. When it happens mark my words the only thing I will be able to say is , “well done my sweet Lord and friend of mine!”

So…

I had told God before I went to Texas this last time that I did not want to do something. And then wouldn’t you know it God told me to go. He even told me to do something more than once. If you have ever been told to do something from God, you know like I know, you can’t turn off the still small voice or in this case the yelling voice to “GO”. I sat in my car for 30 minutes the first time working up the courage to go inside where He had told me to go. I sat there tears streaming down my face staring at my impossible promise. It makes no sense to me why God has honored me and called me to this humble abode but it is my promise!

I walked into the building and I almost ran right back out. I don’t think I have ever been so sick to my stomach in my life. I listened to what God told me to do and then I left as quickly as I came in. I think it is hard for a person to feel so unwanted and it made me feel like an idiot to be honest. If ever I was humbled in my life it was that day. I would have never never never never never never never (is that enough never’s?) gone into this place unless God had told me. Yet, I will say this I care more about what God wants from me than my own feelings…

Then it happened again…

I was leaving to go home and God said go again. I will be honest with you my friends, I had to ask God for a sign. I hated to ask Him for a sign. He had already told me from July 2012 that this was where I was to be. And at one point last year He even said to me, “I am not going to give you anymore signs.” So you can imagine my reluctance. It’s not that I doubted God it was that I doubted myself. Tears streaming down my face and this time almost a panic attack, I listened and I went in the doors once more.

I saw the look on the pastor’s face as I walked in the door. I knew God had changed his message. I don’t think he was looking at me it’s just that I noticed him look past me. He got up to preach and he said, “God just changed my message.” You can imagine how I must have felt. I think I gulped and forgot to breathe that much I know for sure. I sat in the back trying my best to hide, oh and yup he called me out. Hahhaha so much for blending in.

He preached the message, “A hedge of protection.” Yes, I was just as amazed as you who are reading this blog. There was that word again, “protection.” This was the third time in one week that God used this word to speak to me. Only this time he preached about how to get protection and a different kind of protection that I had never understood. He preached about how we get protection in the Spirit which is through holiness and our personal integrity. Both of which can only from ourselves they are not things God can give us, we must determine to do these things to be closer to God.

Let me tell you why this word was significant…

I had been asking God a question for the past several months. I asked, “How did I know I was being used correctly in the Spirit?” I had been so afraid to step out and be used in the gifts of the spirit for fear that I would be wrong. I have such a fear for the order and righteousness of God. I have seen so many people used in the gifts go so wacky and I just want to be right. This was my answer, He is my protection, and will protect me by my holiness and integrity. God went on to tell me later in prayer that as long as I am praying in the Spirit, I am protected by my holiness unto Him and my life lived in integrity.

I was blown away…

Protection can mean three things:

1) Protection from physical/mental harm

2) Protection from the devil as in Psalms 23

3) Protection in the Spirit through intercessory prayer and living a life of holiness unto God and not compromising on your personal integrity.

I am amazed; God was really showing me in all three areas that He was my “protector.” It is comforting to know, He will never leave me or forsake me!

So then…

As I sat there in the church the pastor said, “And those of you who have the Angel of the Lord on your life and you’re asking God for a sign when God says “Go” you go!”

I think I almost literally and truly passed out. As my Mama says to me all the time, “God gives us a slap and a kiss.” I knew right then in that moment, I was not insane. Everything God has told me will come to pass. It will not happen at all the way I think it will happen and it will be better than I could dream up. My only expectation can be from the Lord. He is the only one who cannot fail us. Whatever He is doing He is working out for my best. I am willing to wait. I am willing to go. I am willing to work for the kingdom where I am planted. A wise man once said, “If God calls you to preach, you preach.” Meaning wherever you are you must be willing to do what you are called to do!

Needless to say my promise has not happened yet…But I have been praying lately and He has told me it is upon me. Even as I write this I am encouraging myself because I have been discouraged the past few days. This is only a trick of the enemy because every time I have spiritual victories as I mentioned in my last blog, the devil comes at my mind. So I guess that just means I have to come against that spirit in prayer. HE WILL NOT DEFEAT ME!!! And he can’t defeat you either!

Another testimony of protection…

I drove home from Texas for twenty hours. When I got home and was turning into my driveway I felt a weird feeling in my car. Welp I was tired so I went to bed. The next morning I went out and my tire light was on. So when I got out of my car at the store it was almost flat. I drove to the tire store right away. They pulled out a 3 inch nail and a 3 inch piece of metal out of my tire! The guy told me it was a miracle that I didn’t have a blow out. A lady in the tire store said, “You are blessed and have the favor of God.” I looked at her and said, “Actually I do!” This was my physical protection!!! If God before you than who can be against you? I tell you my friends no one!

I am asking you my friends and family who read this blog to please pray for me and my mission to help people. I know He has called me to evangelism to the streets. Helping people where they are located. Reaching into the community and meeting their needs. I need a job! I have been applying since last October and God has told me He was preparing me and that’s why I didn’t get a job. He has also told me recently that my miracle is upon me. Will you help me pray for a job? Will you help me pray for sponsors? Or would you like to help sow into my ministry? I covet your prayers. I don’t want to miss any footsteps. The fields are white and ready to harvest. The time is now and I am ready to “Step into my promise!”

God Bless You!

My Open Door!

“My Open Door”

First Part of the Evening

This past Thursday I went and volunteered at a local food pantry. It is a Christian organization, “Open Door Pantry” that feeds about 400-500 needy families a week in the community.

 How it works is that cars drive up to a warehouse door and the food is loaded into their vehicle. It is quite a production. They have a laminated card with their number on the card and they radio inside and their number is crossed off a list.

Blue- Large Family 6+

Yellow- Medium Family 4-6

Green-Small Family 1-4

Boxes are tailored to family size and the appropriate amount of food is distributed into each box.

I was honored to be asked by a friend and her family to volunteer. The organization is run completely by food donations and donated funds. They have no government help or subsidies. It was quite an operation; it is in a large warehouse east of Ann Arbor. This particular Thursday they were short on volunteers and I spent the first part of the evening working the assembly line. Let me tell ya, “I have new respect for assembly line workers!” I was completely wore out…lol It was good for me to say the least. This organization that week had about #40,000 of food to distribute.

My job was to find boxes, put in a juice, and then help put in vegetables and fruit when the line got backed up. In a two hour time-frame I probably packed 250-300 boxes. And let me tell you it is hot working in a factory but I loved every minute of it! There is something about digging in and helping in the community for those in need…

Second Part of the Evening

I know and believe that what happened for the rest of the time that evening was a God thing! My friend who I was volunteering with showed up a little later than me. She and I were asked to go in the parking lot and pray with the people in the cars who were coming to receive food. Since it is a Christian organization with no government funding, there is a freedom and liberty to pray with people. The people who run the food pantry are so busy running the food end of the program that they don’t have people who are willing to pray with people.

This is where Jesus shines! I was thrilled to death to pray with people. My friend Annette and I went up to every car and this is what we said, “Hello, what is your name? My name is Linda. Is there anything you would like me to pray about?” This went on for about two hours. In a two hour time frame we were able to pray for about 50-75 people. WOW!!!!

I am telling you the people are hurting, hungry, and broken. They are hungry but more so they are hungry for God. In all those people we probably had only about six people refuse prayer. But oh the other 50-75 people!

Here is the best part…

Of those who were prayed for there were about 7-10 people who said they needed prayer for sickness. One lady said she had tumors riddled throughout her legs. A sweet couple a man and a woman both had tears streaming down their faces as they said, “You want to pray for us?” They were both sick in their bodies and had physical and spiritual needs! Here is what I said to the people sick in body, “I believe in laying on of hands for those sick in body, would you like me to lay hands on you?” Every one of them said, “Yes, please lay hands on me.”

When people are sick and desperate and need a touch from God they are willing to try anything. I was amazed how God used me to step outside of the box once more. He is stretching me to reach people. I was so honored and humbled that God used me in such a mighty way. People there at the pantry could see something in me. One man who was a volunteer in the parking lot said, “You have a gift for this don’t you?” See when you let your light shine people can see it inside of you. I told him that I really did have a gift for evangelism.

Evangelism

Evangelism is my heart! Every week at the shelter more and more people are coming to meet me. Most of the new faces I have never seen before, but they all know who I am. Last Sunday before I went to the food pantry on Thursday God had impressed on me to stand in a circle with my homeless friends and pray for their needs. This probably prepared me for my outreach on Thursday. We went around the circle and I asked for specific needs from my friends and offered words of encouragement to those there that Sunday. I then told them so as not to be alarmed that I believed in speaking in tongues over their prayers. Every one of them was glad that I took the liberty to pray how God intended me to pray.

Then this week at the shelter…

I was gathering up the extra clothes and food, then I heard one of them say, “let’s go.” The lady said, “No, not until she prays.” And another one said, “That is why I came, I came for the prayer.” These statements about made me break down and cry. The one who came for the prayer was a new face. I had never seen her or met her before. She had tears in her eyes… She had heard about last week so this week she had come. I didn’t even have to find her and tell her, she was told by another and she came on her own. WOW!!! God you are amazing! To God be the glory!!!! He is working even when I am not there.

My only intentions when I first came to the shelter in December were to help people and show them love, and to meet them where they were located. I was just trying to let my light shine and to fulfill the Gospel in Matthew 25:35-41. I don’t want to miss any footsteps and I don’t want to stand before God not helping and reaching the least of these in love. And here it is 6 months later and the people are growing in number. They know who I am and they look forward to seeing me. One has received the Holy Ghost and has been baptized. There are about 7-8 a week who get on the bus and go to church regularly. One lady who we prayed for last week has gotten a job, she said she had a “praise report” I laughed inside my head. She is already a Pentecostal. She is one who goes to church every week!!!!

The Last Part of the Evening

I had asked the people who ran the pantry at the beginning of the evening, if they would be willing to donate to my homeless ministry in Ann Arbor. I supply about 95% of the items myself, yet God always seems to be supplying my needs. They told me they normally only supply to individuals and families or churches who distribute to the needy. I told them that was fine with me and either way I was there to volunteer. I had made friends all evening and God found favor…

The blessing…

The pantry loaded up an entire pallet of probably 500 orange peppers. They gave me 4 huge boxes of expensive cucumbers. I received 4 large bags of potatoes. I then also received 6 large boxes of bread and additional bags of bread! I was stunned!!! Here I had asked for a little and I received 100# of food which was over and abundantly more than I had ever asked for!

I knew I could not distribute this kind of food to my homeless friends at the shelter. I have a dear friend who works with needy and displaced families in Ann Arbor and Tecumseh. She was able to take the food and distribute to 50 families. I was able to keep some back and distribute to 4 families. Then I was able to share the bread with the homeless. I bagged up pita breads in sandwich bags and a local fast food chain donated butter and honey for the pita breads. WHAT A BLESSING!!!

I drove away that night feeling fulfilled. I clapped to the Lord and said, “Well done Lord!”

The BEST part!

Sunday this week repeated itself. I prayed with a large group of homeless friends on the streets. I am expecting God to perform great miracles in their lives. He is working in the community. I am also going back this week to the pantry to volunteer and to pray with people again.

The answer to evangelism is prayer!!!

If we are willing to meet their physical needs in the community and we are willing to step out in faith and pray for their needs, God will draw the people to salvation! Will you help start a spark? It is amazing to me the people I have been able to touch as one person. I can only imagine what it would be like for another person… Or better yet a whole church?

I have a plan God has given me for one church to reach their community. I have shared this with the church God has placed in my heart… I believe that it will happen and I am standing on His promises…

Do you have a promise? Do you have a dream? Does it include reaching for souls? If not I pray that God will spark you to help. One person really can make a difference if God is standing right beside you to order your steps!

Thank you sweet Lord, you are my all and all and to you I give all the glory. It is not by my might, my only part is the willingness to go and to step out in faith!

UPDATE*** Today on June 16, 2013 My second homeless friend received the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus Name! Also two other homeless friends I found out are backslidden pentecostals coming home to the Lord! My heart is  overwhelmed! 

Blessing vs. Anointing?

Blessing vs. Anointing?

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.    2 Chronicles 7:14 

I had an interesting experience this weekend and it got me to thinking,

“Why do some people seem so blessed when they are not living in the truth?”

It seems every day I see that so many people who are blessed in the Lord.  God uses these blessed people to seemingly help others. I have often wondered how this is possible? Because oftentimes it seems, I am in a holding pattern, waiting to fulfill my purpose in Him. I looked around at the conference I went to this weekend and I would've never guessed these people were a Christian, meaning they looked like everyone else. Yet, they seemed to be so blessed of God. It’s in these kinds of situations where you stop and think, “Have I gotten it wrong somehow?” I don’t doubt my holiness and my separation unto God in the least. But how can these people speak a word into another person’s life? How can they live their life without holiness and still be used of God?

Well…

I went to my knees to get the answer. God gave me the scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14 and it came resonating into my life. God said that anyone who turns from their wicked ways and seeks Him, will be blessed. It's His promise and it's His covenant but that doesn't mean that they have the anointing of God on their lives. It is possible to be blessed without an anointing!

WOW!!!

God really spoke into my heart and gave me an understanding that just because He blesses you, it doesn’t mean He has anointed you. He can use a donkey to speak His words. He will bless anyone who turns from sin and seeks Him with their lives. This reminded me of the scripture, “for many are called but few are chosen.” And maybe for the first time in my life this scripture makes perfect sense to me. I have always been taught that we are chosen, because we choose to be chosen. There is obviously more to the point of this scripture, the chosen are the anointed ones of God. The anointed ones choose to follow after God’s holiness and righteousness. God sees their hearts just as He saw my heart when He led me back to Him in my brokenness.

How are we chosen?

1) We accept the calling placed on our lives

2) We come out from the world and become separate

3) We put on the whole armor of God which includes holiness and righteousness which leads to our protection in the Spirit.

4) We buy the truth and sell it not!

There is only one God! “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord” Deuteronomy 6:4

There is only one mode of baptism! “One Lord, One Faith, One baptism.” Ephesians 4:5

There is only one plan of salvation! “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38

Contrary to popular beliefs, there are not many ways to Jesus. I hear this said so often in society but the truth is there is only one way to be saved. The Lord has been speaking to me in the Old Testament how He had an order of things, and they had to be followed exactly or the children of Israel were killed or cast out. So then if God is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore and His word never changes, then my friend, there is only one way to be saved! You can’t make it up as you go along and expect that you’ll make it to heaven on your own beliefs. Don’t fall into the trap of this world, that you can get to  Heaven your own way because that just isn’t the truth. I would rather tell you the truth now then for you to have wished I told you on judgment day…

How do we get the anointing of God?

We get it through following the truth and then by prayer, fasting, and consecration to God. We are the people of the name of Jesus. We have been called out to be separate. We have power that only comes in the name of Jesus. And how do we get this power? We get it when we are sealed in baptism but baptism in Jesus name. The titles of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost will not seal us because they are not the name of God. God’s name is Jesus and He came to call you to become His chosen child of God. He is calling you to your anointing.

Another thought…

Do you want to be touched or changed?

You can only be changed through the anointing of Jesus Christ. You can be blessed without having an anointing. The children of Israel were blessed but they lost their anointing and were often destroyed because they refused to follow the order of God. I don’t know about you but I want to be changed. If a minister lays hands on me I want them to have power and authority that is backed by the anointing of God, otherwise I only got touched.

Hmmm….

Anointing comes with a cost. You will often be in the wilderness. It will seem at times that everyone else around you has it together and here you are wandering in the wilderness for forty years…

You will be betrayed. You will have people turn their backs on you. You will wonder if you have heard the voice of God. You will have everything stripped away from your life. You will be raw and vulnerable. You will weep in anguish before the Lord. You will want to give up. You will be broken. You will be alone. You will beg God to change His mind. You will want to give up on your promise. You will wonder if it will ever happen.

This is the life of the anointed…

BUT!!!

He will never leave you or forsake you. He will be the father to the fatherless and a friend to the friendless. He will speak to you so sweetly in a still small voice. He will restore a double portion of what is taken. He will put a shield of protection around your life. He will turn your weeping into joy. He will give you determination to never give up. He will take your brokenness and make you beautiful. He chose you and you’ll be thankful He didn’t change His mind. He will exceed His promise to you. He has made a promise and it will come to pass.

This is the hope in the life of the anointed. This is the faith that He gives you when you are determined to be changed in His presence. I don’t ever want to just receive a touch but I want to be made whole in His presence.

When you sell out holiness or you have never lived a life of holiness you are missing out on the promises of God…

Holiness in dress is a reflection of the church. A woman who is clothed in holiness brings power to the church. How a woman dresses indicates her attitude to her husband or father and is a matter of submission to God. A woman who is clothed in holiness in her dress and her uncut hair brings the power of the Angels to the church. She brings the shekinah glory of God to the church. You can always tell a healthy church by the heart and actions of a woman. It’s true that a woman might be dressed holy and has a bad attitude in her heart but the truth is she is still being obedient to the word of God. Obedience is better than sacrifice. There is power in holiness and it becomes our protection from the world. It also becomes our protection in the Spirit world. Hair and dress are the a part of the order of God. I don’t know why He used these things for His glory but that’s what He chose as a symbol of submission. They are the order of God.

In Conclusion:

I want the blessings of God in my life and I can get that by turning from my sin. But I want the anointing more!!! It means I have to sacrifice my own desires to accept the calling and life of an anointed woman of God. The anointing only comes to the chosen people of God. There is only one plan of salvation and I have to follow after His word to be saved! I know God cannot lie and He will never leave me or forsake me. There is only one chosen group of people and it's those who choose to live in the submission and truth of His holiness and righteousness. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because God blesses you that you are anointed! And don’t be fooled into thinking you can do it your own way outside of the word of God and you can be saved…

Nothing I have said in this blog is to down any person but rather it is meant to inspire you to dig deeper in the word of God. There is more than just a blessing waiting for you but there is an anointing that will shake the foundation of this world and it will give you power in the name of Jesus! The power comes through the Holy Ghost which is evidenced in speaking in tongues and we are sealed in His name through Jesus name baptism... 

Don't miss out on your anointing!!!!

F. A. I. T. H. a five letter word!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen"

Hebrews 11:1

Faith is a small five letter word but it packs a powerful punch! Everyone says you have to live by faith to succeed. I truly believe that is true. The hard part though is when you have the faith and people or circumstances seem to doubt your faith. I am here to tell you today, "Don't give into that fear that comes when you or someone else doubts your faith." 

Faith is your greatest tool and if you are willing to step out God will make a way when there seemeth no way! You might stumble and you might make some mistakes along the way but that is what you have God for in your life. He is there  to help you find the broken pieces that you may have shattered. He will help you find the missing pieces. Some might be under the dresser, the stove, or buried in a corner. God knows your heart and He is stretching you to live in His atmosphere. When He makes a way you must "GO" even if no one else understands but you. They are your promises, DON'T GIVE INTO FEAR!!!

Don't Give in to Fear!

The greatest tool you can have while fighting the battle of the Lord is to not give in to fear! It is so easy to do and all of us have done it. It will cripple you, it will make you think you are not good enough; it will stunt your growth in the Lord. It will keep you standing in one spot and never moving forward. You can only get over your fear by stepping out in faith and doing what you fear most.

God uses us in our fearful state for His glory. Abram trusted God but he was a fearful man. In spite of his fears Abram stepped out in faith. I have felt like Abram, I was full of fear, knowing the work God has placed in my life for me to do. God has called me to leave my home and family to head out on a journey where I will not know the outcome just like Abram. I missed the mark the first time because I was too fearful. I am determined not to miss the mark this time.

Are you full of fear? God’s words to Abram were “Fear not.” I always used to think that I had to pray and let God release the fear from me before He could use me. Or before I would let myself think I could be used. Waiting until I was no longer afraid meant that I actually stood still and did nothing. I allowed my fear to immobilize me. I didn’t accomplish very much for God, I wasn’t helping others, and I was hurting myself more in the process.

While reading the Gospels this past year it really gave me an understanding that there is no perfect thing that I am “Supposed to be doing.” I found that when I stepped out in faith and followed His Word that God blessed me. It is when we step out in faith like Abram regardless of our fear, that God will honor our faith to Him.

          Just think if Abram had not stepped out in faith, he would have never fulfilled his purpose. He would have missed out on all God had for him in His life. He would have never become the father of many nations. If I refuse to step out in faith then I too will miss out on His purpose for my life. The same goes for those of you reading this book. Don’t miss out on your promise just because you have fear!

The best part is that when you step out on faith, God is right there to help you. There is a holy boldness that comes on you, and you have the power to do anything you put your hands to do. For His promise to us is that “He will never leave you or forsake you.” He gives you the words to speak and He guides your steps in the Holy Ghost.

If you give into fear you will alter the road of your life. You will go down a different path than the original plan God had for your life. Fear will immobilize you which are the trick of the enemy. The best part is that if you have strayed from His perfect plan, He has already made a new plan. He is the alpha and omega; He knows the end from the beginning. He knows our choices but that doesn’t mean we can sit idly and say, “Oh well God will make a new plan.” We can’t be OK with fear!

Step out in faith even if you are afraid, the rewards will be great, and I promise you God will be there right beside you! If He kept His promises with Abram who was not the bride of Christ, how much more is He trying to keep His promises to you? I implore you to pray right now and ask God to help you step out in faith in spite of your fear. Ask Him to allow you to do whatever He is telling you to do. The time is now. The fields are ripe ready to harvest. We must be about our Father’s business. Stand firm and throw your fears at the altar. Faith is more powerful and can do more than fear can keep you from doing...

Let’s step out in faith together setting aside our fears...

We can beat the Devil at his own game and refuse to live in fear even when it seems like the most logical thing to do!

"You're Not Perfect But You're Mine"

God speaks to us through dreams, visions, and the still small voice. He is longing for our communication daily. I think this is probably one of the hardest things to do as a Christian to speak consistently to the Lord. Why do we struggle with this? Every time we come in His presence He makes us over and we feel so clean and loved. So why don’t we run to this experience repeatedly? The answer is that we are warring against the flesh. The flesh is constantly fighting against the spirit man.

There is a battle going on in the spirit realm that we can not see and rarely do we understand. The answer is not to cut off communication because we have failed Him today. The Lord is not standing with a gavel to punish you because you failed yesterday but He is reaching for you today. When you fail Him in prayer and communication it just means you have to try that much harder to be consistent. The key is discipline! Oh how we love that word… But I have come to find that discipline only has been possible by removing the world from my life.

No longer am a light dimly lit. But now I am a light on a hill shining to become salt and light to the world. You will only be consistent through continuing to pray daily. But you will only remove the constant battle when you remove the world from your life. I will tell you what God has personally been dealing with me about. This is not to point judgment or tell you that you have to do what I am doing but it is just for an example.

I would like to start by saying that God does not require you to change instantly. But He is a patient and loving God who is taking you through a process of change. When He gets you to a certain point, you either listen to His voice and change your actions or you stay in the same place. You will never move forward in the ministry of the Lord if you don’t listen when He tells you to do something. Listen or be prepared to stand still.

Two Personal Struggles 

Vanity

The Lord has spoken to me about vanity. As many of you know I have been blessed to reach out to the local homeless community in my hometown. While working with them the Lord has shown me that a lot of the clothes, headbands, shoes, purses, etc. are excessive. I am not saying the Lord doesn’t want me to look nice but not in excess.

Television and Movies

This is a hard one for me. But the Lord told me just the other night that “He is not a faucet that I can turn on and off at will” meaning that I cannot expect to feel His presence and operate in the Spirit if I am constantly moving between light and darkness. I used to go to the movies all the time and every time a new DVD came out I was first in line. These are weights for the most part but more so they are sin.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Philippians 4:8

So in actuality no matter how we try to justify watching T.V. it really is a sin for the most part. Sure there are cute movies but they lead to more movies and they dull the senses. They cause you to escape the world around you. When your senses are dulled you cannot be tuned into communication with God. By constantly moving between sinful conversations I have been limiting the move of God in my life. Now don’t give up hope! My purpose in telling any of this is to stir revival in your soul. The Bible says:

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,"

Hebrews 12:1

How can we run if we have been lulled to sleep? How can we be light if we are allowing darkness to take over the light? How can we expect God to reside and move in our lives if we are not willing to set aside the world?

Our communication with God is everything. The two examples I used were just a few things the Lord has worked on my heart about. But the main thing we must understand as Apostolic Pentecostal’s is that we must have communication in order to be saved.

God gave us human relationships so that we could understand how God desires to have communication with us. If you did not talk to your spouse one day because you were busy and since you did not talk to them one day you then decide you had messed up too bad to talk to them the next day. Does this make any sense? No of course not! To have a good relationship with a spouse or loved one you need to talk to them every day sure but it’s the same with the Lord. He is willing and loves you so much He is waiting for you to come to Him again.

The more you come to Him the more He will show you His love. The more you seek Him the more you find Him. It is a simple principle that extends to all areas of your life: The more you give the more you get! In marriage, friendships, relationships and most importantly God.

Do not be fooled by the enemy! You can make it and you can build up to a consistent relationship with the Lord. He will not require everything from you at once. It will be a gradual process because He is a loving God. He wants to show you His tenderness and compassion. But He also wants you to be willing to seek Him in all things big and small.

I challenge you today to stand at the door and knock. I implore you to take up the armor of prayer. When you pray and set aside the world you will be able to overcome any battle and all fears and doubts. It is only when you let Him shed the layers of spiritual apathy that you will see God move in your life.

It is by His grace and mercy that we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb at the cross. We are a people of the name we are sealed in baptism by being baptized in Jesus name. We have the power through the Holy Ghost by speaking in tongues. We have the shield and protection from the world through Holy living and setting our lives away from the things of this world. We are a separate people who can not afford to be lulled to sleep by our own lusts. Take back your communication with the Lord and let Him radically change your life!