A Quick Word on the Word

Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here." He replied, "You give them something to eat." They answered, "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd."
(About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." The disciples did so, and everybody sat down.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

I can just imagine how the Disciples of Christ felt at that moment they realized they had to feed ALL 5,000 men!

Just try to imagine looking at a crowd of 5,000 men and wondering how you could possibly feed them all!

We go through similar trials in our life where we wonder “HOW AM I GOING TO DO THAT!?”

But what did Jesus do…

He took what they already had,
looked to heaven,
gave thanks,
and blessed them with food to eat. It says that they ate as much as they wanted and afterwards the disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftovers!

How great is our God!

The next time you look at your situation and say, “How am I going to do that,” Look at what you already have and thank Him for it and he will increase it for you to the point of abundance!

Father thank you so much for strength, faith, hope, peace, health, and grace! I ask in Jesus name that you multiply these things in me so that your kingdom will be glorified!

Picture from: http://www.faithclipart.com/

My Personal Revelation!

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

I couldn’t wait to write this down today! God has given me a revelation so strong, so important, so needed right now in my life I am rejoicing! (In my personal relationship with God, He teaches me in a unique way through my dreams and He also gives me understanding. So, a revelation to me through dream is not uncommon.)

Last night I dreamt that I was at the house I grew up in. I was sitting on the couch watching this little girl running around and playing. She was so adorable, but as I watched her I thought to myself, “what a brat!” She ran from one end of the room to the other, all I wanted to do is give her a hug, but I felt her feelings too and she didn’t like being hugged. So I watched her thinking, “what a stubborn brat! But goodness I love her so much!” I longed to hold her and love her, but I didn’t mind just watching her and loving her from afar. The little girl was me! I knew I was watching myself and I saw myself in a way I never had before... a loveable child, who despite being stubborn, is worthy of love… and the love was authentic!

I have struggled my whole life accepting and allowing myself love, even the love of God. I have always been told and even believed that God loves me, but it lacked a genuine understanding because I never loved myself. Just like the little girl I refused the affection, a stubborn act on my part, because I didn’t ever feel ‘worthy’. I sometimes recite the mantras, Jesus loves me, I am loved by God and so on, and even though I believe them, the love never penetrated my heart. This dream allowed me to really see myself how God see’s me and love myself the way he loves me… unconditionally! The feeling was so real and true and I feel it’s a big step towards the relationship God is calling me to have with Him and myself. Today I see myself in a new way! For the first time I can say from my heart, “I LOVE MYSELF!”

I pray I do not forget the love God has lavished on me and allow the world, which does not know Him, to cloud the image I truly am … A beloved child of God!

Picture from: http://www.faithclipart.com/

He Makes ALL Things New

"And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." Revelation 21:5

Yesterday I was covering the front desk at work, as I sometime do, and I was re-reading 1 Corinthians which was I was totally engulfed in. Of course people would pass by and I would nod and to say hello and try not to break concentration on what I was reading. Then a man walked in the building and walked up the stairs towards the front desk. I lifted my head to smile at him and he smiled back. I quickly went back to my reading but noticed that this man had a familiar smile. I looked again and to my surprise it was my husband!!! In all the years I have been with my husband he has never surprised me with visiting me before, and along with that he brought lunch for me and my friends! I looked at him and I was filled with Joy to see him and immediately there was a smile in my soul! The reason I write this is because my husband was recently saved and God makes ALL things new  I have been witness to TRUE transformation in my husband’s life! From breaking addictions to simple ways of thinking, all this in weeks mind you. God proves faithful to those who cry out to him. I can’t tell you I had great faith in that I would ever see this day and most of the time I don’t feel I was very patient, but God is merciful and He brought life to my husband despite my worries. It has set a new fire to my spirit and recreated a whole new relationship with not only my husband but with God himself. I am most blessed to see the Power that my Jesus performs in transforming a life to a new beautiful glory! Thank you Jesus for making all things new in my life!

Eternal King

You are the Eternal King O’ God
Your majesty and Grace consume
From certain death and a sin filled life
My soul, you did exhume

You are the Eternal King O’ God
My spirit desires to be in your presence
With the choirs of heavenly angels as they sing
Worshiping you in reverence

You are the Eternal King O’ God
You reign with exaltation
Everyone will know your name
Every tribe, tongue, and nation

You are the Eternal King O’ God
From on high is your boundless Throne
By no other way can we obtain
But by your name alone…
JESUS

~MichaelAnn~

Our Father who art in Heaven….

Prayer is one of the most intimate times of fellowship and relationship with our Father. We are able to come into the presence of His Spirit and worship, petition, and intercede through prayer. Many things are accomplished through this obedient act. To witness the fruit of ceaseless prayer is an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness. Some are confused on how to pray or approach God in prayer, but Jesus himself gave a “guideline” of how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father who art in Heaven Hollowed be thy name… Worship and Praise

When beginning to pray, acknowledging God as Holy and in heaven would be an act of worship. It gives a chance to connect with God. Not all worship is done in words, some like to sing songs to worship God, while others like to quietly acknowledge His presence. Either way worshiping and praising God in prayer is one of the commands the Lord teaches thru His word.
When beginning my time in prayer with my Lord I also like to call on the names of God and acknowledge them as truth in my life. For example “Lord my Banner” I say, “Lord you are my banner I have victory over smoking through you,” “Lord of Peace” I say, “Father you are the Lord of peace in my life because you have given me peace over my household.” There are many different names of God that are in His word, I encourage you to learn about them and claim them in your life through worship and praise in prayer.

Lip-service worship is not enough. Isaiah 29:13

Worship in spirit and truth. John 4:20-24
Worship with reverence. Hebrews 12:28

Give thanks always. Ephesians 5:20
Offer sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 Praise God with song. Psalm 69:30

Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven… Pray for God’s Will

You don’t have to wait to experience all that God has in His will for you! He says, “His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” How amazing is it to know that we can have those fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control now! God proclaims His will and promises’ for us through His word. It is up to us to seek out and find what we are to pray for. Ask God to see through His Holy eye’s, so that we can accomplish His will.
If we know “His will be done,” our prayer life will be a lot more effective! Don’t use God’s name in vain, know His will and believe it for your life and the lives of others!

Pray for Christians everywhere. Ephesians 6:18

The Ten Commandments. Exodus 20
Works out His sovereign purpose. Ephesians 1:11

God’s truth is everlasting. Psalm 117:2
Makes all things work for good for believers. Romans 8:28

Give us this day our daily Bread… Asking for provision

God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow, is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you… (Matthew 6:30) Ask for your daily provisions…
Ask for strength for the day, knowledge, wisdom, discernment, faith, hope; love etc. anything it takes to possess the character of Christ. Ask for daily provisions of food, finances, and anything it takes to make it through the day. God gave the Israelites manna from heaven, He will surly take care of our needs also. As we hunger physically we also hunger spiritually. Ask for your Daily Bread, Jesus said He was the Bread of Life! Ask for spiritual fulfillment. Do not tire in your walk take it one day at a time!

Bread of life. John 6:48

Trust God, not money. 1 Timothy 6:17
God is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 9:8

God will supply all needs. Philippians 4:19
Seek first Gods kingdom, all else will be added. Matthew 6:33

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us… Confession and Cleansing

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) When we sin we usually know that we have sinned, but when we are not familiar with Gods commands through his word we may commit unconscious sin. Ask forgiveness of all sin committed, consciously and unconsciously, and ask God to bring forth to your mind all that needs to be confessed. During time of confession you can ask God to bind and render useless all: hate, discord, anger, lust, or negativity you have spoke out against someone or someone has spoken against you. It’s not only important to confess our own sin, but to forgive sin committed against us. God calls us to bless those who curse us; there is power in confession and forgiveness!

Confess your sins. 1John 1:9

Confession lead to healing. Psalm 41:4
Confession cleanses guilt away. Psalm 51:2

Model prayer of confession. Psalm 51
Keep yourselves pure. 1timothy 5:22

Be Blameless. Philippians 2:14-15

Lead us not in to temptation but deliver us from the evil one… Asking for Protection

We know that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour (1Peter 5:8) and temps believers to immorality and to lie (1 Corinthians 7:5; Acts 5:3). This is why Jesus gave us this example to ask for protection. This battle is not between us and Satan, but rather between God and Satan. When in prayer ask God to protect: your finances, your relationships, your spirituality, your mind, your health, your home, your decisions, your actions, your words, your family, your job, etc. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help or protection, because God is truly the only one who can protect and help us! “For this battle is not mine, but Yours”

Divine wings, a refuge. Psalm 17:8-9; 27:5; 31:20

God is our hiding place. Psalm 32:7
Put on the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18

Put on faith, love, and hope. 1Thessalonians 5:8
Cloth yourselves with the armor of light. Romans 13:12-13

I encourage you my brethren, to grow a personal relationship with the Father through intimate prayer! Seek God with all your heart and you will find Him!

Can I Get a Witness!

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10

As followers of Christ it is our obligation to live in constant testimony. Most people see more than they hear. If we are to spread the gospel of Jesus, aren’t we to live the gospel also. If we witnessed to non-believers about the goodness of Jesus Christ but did not display the character He displayed, we would be an unreliable source and the non-believer would not think the gospel had any validity. We are human and God knows we are not infallible for he said in John 2:25, “He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.” I know that this is a work in progress stage in my life, but I know the only thing that sustains me is being in constant fellowship with the Lord. I could just imagine the pure excitement John must have felt in Revelation when the angel of the Lord brought him up to reveal Gods plan. He was so awestruck with God’s angel that he fell to his knees and the angel replied "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” Wouldn’t it be awesome if when people looked at our transformation through Christ they wanted to fall to their knees to worship and give thanks to God? “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15

The Narrow Gate

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

Thank the good Lord that he is speaking of a spiritual gate. I don’t think I would be going through any narrow anything right now, I have yet to accomplish that through Christ. Nevertheless this passage leads us to a very serious matter, our perception of the narrow gate. Today our perception is blinded by the immorality of our nation and the tolerance of things that are in opposition of Christ. In the book of Luke someone had asked Christ how many would be saved, and he replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” OK if that doesn’t hit you lets go back to Genesis in the days of Noah. In those days the entire world was evil. God was so angry that he made plan to destroy all that he created, all except Noah, his wife, his children, their wives, and of course two of every kind of animal. Granted the world was not as populated as it is today, but the whole world was evil with the exception of Noah and his family. God had made a covenant with his people that he would never flood the Earth again, but naturally evil has found its way back into mainstream daily life. The reason God had spared Noah was because he had walked through the narrow gate. He lived a life worthy of Gods Blessings. The world’s ways are not Gods ways, so the world tends to turn its back on those who choose to turn to Christ. The road to hell is paved with half truths. The most dangerous untruths are truths moderately distorted (Georg Christoph Lichtenberg). Many times we tend to justify our faults, sins, or even our way of thinking. The Lord will hold us accountable for every thought, word, and deed we have done; unless we have confessed and repented. Galatians 5:19-25 tells us, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Then he goes on to say “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Are we walking the path to the narrow gate by being obedient to God and living under his yoke, or are we on the path to death by being of the world and our own selfish desires?