Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4:12-13 Message

Well I don’t know about you but I sure needed this word! Life can get real difficult very quickly, can’t it? And when it does, we do tend to think, where is God? Did He step out for a break? Is He at lunch or involved with one of His other children? Of course not! He’s our ever present help in time of trouble. He never leaves us or forsakes us. We know this, but in the middle of the hard things, it’s not the first thing that comes to mind.

But the second verse is what really got me, ‘This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.’ Now that is definitely worth going through the tight spot, the difficult situation, the hard stuff, isn’t it. The glory we’ll see on the other side of this mess is going to be worth it all.

When I think of refining, my mind automatically goes to Zechariah 13:9; “I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’;
And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

If this is just testing toward fulfillment of the depth of intimate fellowship and relationship with God, where when I call on Him, He promptly answers and calls me His own, I’m good with this. My heart leaps within me at the glory this holds for me. The Lord is MY God.

Oh thank You Lord for each difficult refining process I must endure, knowing that on the other side of the test awaits deeper trust and intimacy with You. I’m all in God! Not looking back at the past only to see how far I’ve come. You’re faithful to the end and I’m thankful that You alone are the Rock of my salvation. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

Most of all, I’m writing to encourage you to pray with gratitude to God. Pray for all men with all forms of prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion.  And pray for every political leader and representative, so that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 TPT

I sure do love what Paul said to Timothy in this passage of wisdom.  Let’s take a minute to break this down a little bit. First up is the ‘pray with gratitude’ to God. That word gratitude according to dictionary.com is the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful. So we are to come before God with thankful and grateful hearts, not crying because we didn’t get what we asked for.

The second portion says to pray for ALL men with all forms of prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion. We don’t pray for just those we agree with or those who are Christians, but we pray for ALL men. How? With all forms of prayers. There’s not a right way or a wrong way, but we are to intercede (to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition: to attempt to reconcile differences between two people or groups; mediate.) with intense passion.

Ok, wait for it, ‘And pray for every political leader and representative,’ no specificity as to right or wrong, democrat or republican, good or bad, beautiful or ugly, rich or poor, Christian or heathen, just pray! Why? ‘So that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts.’ 

Our part; pray. It’s the only way we will be able to live in peace. Our peace does not come from man but from God. His peace boggles the human mind. Listen to what David says in Psalm 37:29 TPT; The faithful lovers of God will inherit the earth and enjoy every promise of God’s care, dwelling in peace forever.

I believe the deepest travesty today that is tearing families and friends apart is not allowing our hearts and opinions to be changed in the waiting room. The place where relationship with God becomes the ONLY thing we value and what we receive there, transforms our relationships with others. To set aside our rights and ask God what HE would have us value.

Here’s what Jesus says in Matthew 5:9 NASB; “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” What a beautiful name to be called! I wonder what the name is for those who stir up strife and trouble? We’ll pray for them as well and allow the Holy Spirit to stir them to change.

Father, with a humble heart I come to You desiring Your heart be seen in me. May my love of You and Your Word be more evident then my opinions. I am thankful for those who are in authority over me and I lift up each elected official before You today. I ask that You instill them with wisdom in every decision they make. I believe that they are there for a reason that only You know the plans and purposes for their lives of service. You alone order our steps for Your glory in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”  Proverbs 21:1

This morning there are those who are happy with the election results in their state and there are those who are sad. What I would say to you is these two verses I’ve listed above are still true in either case. If you trust in man you’ll be very disappointed, but trusting in the Lord regardless of what you see is the best place to be.

If you keep your eyes on Jesus and spend time with Him, you just can’t go wrong. We’ve seen it over and over and over again, people get so focused on what’s going on in the world that they loose sight of who is in control of everything. Everything! If He can direct and move a river, he can direct and move a mere man.

This is the season when harvest takes place, crops are brought in before the first snow fall. Vegetables and fruits are canned and stored for the long winter. Be thankful and bless His name for the abundance He’s given. Put your hope and trust in the God who is still in control. For those who do will never be disappointed.

Father, we trust you with our future. You always have our best interests in mind. Regardless of the outcome, we place our hope in the most stable and secure place; YOU. We thank You for our peace that passes understanding and guards our hearts and minds. We will focus on YOUR business and trust You with the plans YOU have for us. It’s in Jesus’ name and for Your glory, Amen.

David said to the Philistine, “You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him.” I Samuel 17:45 ERV

Have you ever felt that way when you hear someone trashing the name of Jesus or using Gods name to damn things? I have! I’ve even said to them, “Hey! Stop already! That name means something special to me!” Well that’s exactly how David felt when he overheard Goliath doing the same thing.

David was just a young boy when he said these words to a giant, a man who had caused all of Israel to freak out for quite some time. But David knew the power of His God, mighty to save and deliver. I loved this translation where he called the Lord All-Powerful! How did he learn these things about God? In a valley while tending sheep. 

Perhaps you’re in a valley tending sheep right now. This is your time when you learn to lean into the mighty power of God to deliver, save and keep. This is the time when you learn who God is and what He’s capable of. There may be a battle you’re about to face that will test what you know about Him. When you face your giant, remember what you learned in the valley. He will never leave you, He’s always got your back.

He didn’t say you would never go through hard places, but He did say He’d be with you. He never said there would be no battles, but He did say He would fight them for you. This might be the day when you face your enemy and say with a loud voice, “You can mock me, but you cannot mock my God and get away with it. He is well able to deliver you into my hand!” Now, go choose your stone and when you throw it, it will not miss it’s mark.

Father, I’m so thankful to be Your child and to have deep intimate knowledge of who You are and what You’re capable of. There’s absolutely nothing impossible for You and the giant I’m facing right now must bow a knee to You. I will walk in victory today because You already won and have given my enemy into my hand. It’s in Your All-Powerful Name I pray, Amen.

Then Moses summoned Joshua. He said to him with all Israel watching, “Be strong. Take courage. You will enter the land with this people, this land that God promised their ancestors that he’d give them. You will make them the proud possessors of it. God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8 Message

I just felt like someone needed to hear this today. Just as Moses said to Joshua, God is saying to you, be strong and courageous, stand your ground, don’t allow what you see with your natural eyes to influence the truth you know in your spirit. Whatever God has promised you, He is faithful to deliver on that promise.

He said, “I am the Lord your healer!” That’s His word and you can trust in what He said. It doesn’t mean the thief won’t try to steal it, but if you stand, don’t be weary and quit, hold on for dear life, you will see the manifestation of that promise.

He said, “I am Your Provider!” That’s His word and you can trust in what He said. It may look bad right now, your account may look empty, your cupboards may look empty, but the same God who takes care of the birds will take care of you. Get up, get dressed, spend time in the presence of the Lord and listen to what He directs you to do. As you go, He will show you what to do and where to go.

He said, “Go possess the land!” That’s His word and you can trust in what He said. Make the offer, trust God to provide what you need. Begin packing up your house. Prepare yourself for the move. God loves to see your faith and trust in Him. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think according to the power that works in you. What power works in you? The power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Holy Spirit that You are in me, working on my behalf, bringing about the will of God concerning me. May I make the necessary steps to possess the promises given to me. I trust in You and know that You will cause me to enter in. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.” Acts 4:8-12

I think it’s time the church took on Peters attitude to speak the frank truth of the gospel to those around us. Instead of being intimidated and cowering in fear of offending someone. We should move in boldness, rise up and speak the truth, not be super agreeable with twisted thinkers just to keep the peace.

It’s time we allow the Holy Spirit to move us out of our comfort zone and into the spotlight. To take our lights out from under the baskets so that the light in us can shine the way to the truth and the freedom it brings. No more excuses! No more fear! No more intimidation to conform!

There’s a world of hurting people out there and we all know that hurting people hurt people. Stop being offended when they lash out at you. Smile and tell them Jesus loves them and so do you! Do what Jesus said to do, pray for those who are hateful and hurtful. Pray for their healing, spirit soul and body. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12:

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”

So there you have it. You can speak the truth in love, but be frank with them. You represent the Kingdom of God and that’s a good thing! Like the old chorus goes, “Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. I am not afraid, no no. I am not dismayed, not me, cause I’m walking in faith and victory, come on and walk in faith and victory for the Lord, your God, is with you.” And all Gods people said, AMEN!

I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life.  I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” Psalm 32:8-9 TPT

We recently decided to begin looking for a home to purchase, so the first thing I do when I get in my car is to add the address of the house we’re going to see into my maps so that I can get directions on how to get there. Immediately the voice of my GPS lady comes on to tell me which way to turn until finally I hear her say, “You’ve arrived!”

When I read this verse this morning, I thought about that. God directs me along my pathway for life. Even in the turns, the unknowns, the traffic and detours, He sees and knows the best way to get me where I need to be to do what I need to do in order to go where I need to go.

Just as there are times when I realize where I am and think, “I know a faster way!” So I veer off the GPS way and hear her say, “Take a U-turn,” so it is with God. He has a better plan, maybe not as easy or comfortable, perhaps it will take longer to get there, but this is a journey, a journey with and for Him.

So that last part, “don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!” Yeah, that’s seriously for me! I’m not going to tell you it’s been an easy road to travel because it’s not been. I’ve gone through some things I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, but it’s still a road I will gladly travel with God guiding me to my final destination. 

When you become dependent on Gods voice leading and directing you and your confidence in Him grows, it becomes second nature to follow His lead. You just know that He’s always got your best interests in mind. You just know that when you finally reach your destination, it will include all the things you’ve secretly asked Him for. He loves to give good gifts to His children, but He also loves you lavishly.

Today as I get in my car, I will ask Your directions because that is where I truly want to go. I don’t want my way, I want Your way. When I hesitate or become fearful of the unknown, help me to lean and rely on You so that You don’t have to tug and pull me along to my destiny. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action!  Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you. For when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to you. 1 Peter 1:13 TPT

That’s a call right there, prepare your hearts and minds for action. What’s he trying to prepare us for? I felt he was saying, “This life won’t be boring! It’s meant to be a life of action not comfort!” So often we want the ‘good life’ with ease and happiness, everything money can buy, but that’s not what Jesus called us to. He said go-that is an action word.

Then the words ‘stay alert’. Why stay alert? What’s coming that we have to watch for? Perhaps it’s the attack of the enemy because we know he’s real and unrelenting in his pressure to get us to give up and give in. Stay watchful, your adversary roams around like a roaming lion seeking who he may devour.

And then these sweet words; fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you. Oh wow! Solidly, immovable, firmly grounded, unshaken hope in the undeserved, unearned grace that’s coming to you. What a place to live. What a place to focus, on Jesus and what He’s done for you.

But He didn’t leave us with that. This last statement shows promise of more, much more! For when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to you. There’s more to know, always unveiling things we’ve not learned, things not seen yet, a greater grace to be released. Oh my! As if the simple grace of God wasn’t already enough, He promises a greater measure will be released to us.

Father, my heart is overwhelmed with this promise. I will stay alert and fix my hope in You who never fails. You will reveal Yourself to me in ways I’ve yet to discover and I will bask in the amazing grace I’ve yet to know. It’s in Jesus’ name I say, Amen.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

As I lay crying on my bed I prayed, “Father, how long before I see the manifestation of my healing? How long will I have this horrible pain? I believe Your word is true, not just with my head, but with my heart! Am I missing something?”

Suddenly I saw a drop of blood and heard the Lord speak to my spirit, “When the first drop of blood was spilled, that’s when your healing happened.  What happened long ago is still as powerful today. Don’t allow your feelings to hijack your promise.”

That was Saturday night. Sunday morning I was scheduled to sing on the worship team and the thought of standing for that long made me want to call off and stay in bed. Suddenly I threw off the blankets and jumped in the shower. Yeah, I’m not going to allow the devil to talk me out of my blessing. If faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word, I’m not missing church!

Did the pain go away? NO! I just kept thanking God for my healing, iced it, did what I needed to do and went to bed hurting. As I lay in bed, I pictured that drop of blood Jesus shed for my healing and as I thanked Him, I fell asleep.

I awoke Monday morning still in pain, still having trouble walking, took my shower, went to work for a friend and while there I received a call from my daughter, Stacy who lives in Michigan.  She told me that when she went to her second service to sing special music, her pastor gave her a word for me. He said, “Anoint your moms head, hands and feet and pray for her healing. Tell her healing is coming through her worship.” She called last night and had her dad lay hands on me and anoint me as she prayed.

I’m taking every opportunity to worship God today, for in due season my feelings will line up with my faith.  What Jesus did for me cannot be taken from me.  The same power that raised Christ from the dead quickens my body. He’s just that good to me! He’s just that faithful to me! He doesn’t favor one of us above another, His blood works for you just as is does me.

May this song encourage you today as it did me.

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 NLT

Well whats it gonna be today? Will you listen to your flesh or focus on the Spirit? Will you pray and fill your mind with the Word or just allow your mind to carry you along like an empty canoe bobbing down a river?  Perhaps you’re complaining because your prayers haven’t been answered and you’re frustrated about that. Your choices today will bring your results tomorrow. No one to blame but you! 

You can’t continue to pay attention to what he did to you. You can’t pay attention to what the doctor said, you can’t even pay attention to what came in the mail yesterday. The things you must pay attention to is this; Whats the Word say about that? If you’re unsure, your blessing has become vulnerable. It’s only those who trust in the unfailing Word of God that see the manifested promise. If it’s not showed up, spend time with the Lord asking for correction on your thinking and your speaking. He will show you! How do I know that? Because He said the Holy Spirit would lead you into all truth and that you will know the truth and it would set you free.

When you think on the Word, speak the Word, agree with the Word, your mind will have peace and you will live. I didn’t say it, the Word said it. So today as you face challenges, make your mind up right now that you will practice Philippians 4:8 today by keeping your mind on good things. It’s the only thing that brings lasting peace.

Relationship with God will trump your natural circumstances because you will have perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 Amplified says: You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. The Orthodox Jewish bible says He keeps you in shalom shalom. That is some heavy duty peace right there!

Oh Father my Father, You have this! All that is in my mind and heart I give to You. I climb into Your lap and catch the view from Your perspective because Your ways and thoughts are much higher then mine are.  You have a plan for it all. You have a purpose for everything that happens in my life, my job is to trust You with it and that is exactly what I will do today. All for Your glory and Your Kingdom in the earth in Jesus’ name, Amen.