This morning, I was thinking about the power that’s behind our words and the Lord took me to the story of Moses. At the time he was tending sheep in the wilderness, the Lord called him to stand before Pharaoh and speak His words to him, doing some signs and wonders in the process.

Let’s begin in Exodus 8:13; So the Lord did according to the word of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courtyards, and out of the fields.

This is what I want you to see, “So the Lord did according to the word of Moses.” Do you see that? We need to remember that God listens to the voice of our words and He responds to them. Don’t tell me that our words don’t mean anything. That’s been our problem from the beginning. EVERY word had meaning and purpose!  We think we can say whatever we feel and there will be no repercussion to them. We must change our thinking if we want to see things change in the natural.

Matthew 5:37 Jesus said, “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘

No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” It would be a shame to see our children reap the fruit of our mouths.

If we want to have mountain moving faith, than we must begin to clean up our mouths. I don’t know how many of you were subject to having your mouth’s washed out with soap for telling a fib, I sure did, many times. Well, this is equivalent to that wonderful experience; SHUT YOUR MOUTH! Seriously! Guilty as charged! I’ve said some pretty stupid things in the past, things that I’ve reaped the consequences of. I’ve had to go home, repent, email or call the person I said it to and repent, pray for crop failure and I still have to watch my tongue.

It’s an ongoing battle, but one we must conquer if we truly want God to do what we say.  We absolutely will watch what we say! If we want to see healing manifest in our bodies, we must stop stating how we feel and only confess what the Word says. If we want to see breakthrough in our finances, than we must stop saying our bank account is empty and begin speaking abundance.  But don’t just say it to others and than go home and say how bad it is to your spouse. Be consistent in your words because God is truly watching every single word that comes out of your mouth and you will give account for them.

Oh faithful Father, the one who is ever watchful, put a watch guard over my mouth that I may only speak Your Word day and night. Before you only, I have sinned with my words. I repent and thank you for the blood of Your son, Jesus who has redeemed my past, present and future sins. It’s not what I deserved, but it’s what You gave. I receive forgiveness and ask that I allow the Holy Spirit to build me up in these weak areas of my life. Help me to pray always in the Holy Ghost, that I may be fortified and the words I speak may reproduce and bring forth fruit in the earth.  It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

I was waiting in line at the post office yesterday to mail out some records for work. There were two men waiting on customers, one was pleasant and smiling, the other was critical and nit-picky. When a man, holding a very small dog in hand, stepped up to the his counter, he asked, “Is that a service dog? If not, you may not bring it in here!” He must have gone on about it for a couple minutes. Secretly I hoped to get the ‘nice’ guy, but as I waited my turn, it really looked like I wouldn’t.

Suddenly, it was the nice guy calling me up to his station. I smiled and asked if he was having a nice day. As he was weighing my envelopes, I suddenly heard ‘nit picky’ blurt out these words, “I don’t believe in God! I don’t think he exists and I HATE when people try to shove him down my throat!” I looked at my guy and quipped, “How sad! Is he always like that?” He nodded his head, “All day, everyday!”

Those words kept ringing in my ears and I found myself thinking, ‘You may not believe in him now, but someday you will’. The uncertainty of life is one thing, but, to live life in fear of the unknown, to not be certain of your future, to not have hope in God, our perfect love, made me so sad inside for this man. I began to pray for him, that he would know the love of God and be assured of his salvation.

Often how we feel inside affects those around us, even when we’re unaware of it. Someone who is full of Love, can light up the entire room. We have Love living inside of us, we should reflect that. Simply existing, being self-absorbed, problem focused, keeps us from being a light. So to BE Love, we must TRUST in Love (God) completely, with everything, every care, every problem. His job is to take care of us, our job is to be a light and share His Love.

Father, I cast all my cares on you because you care for me. I won’t worry about what’s next because you have the best plans for me! May every person that crosses my path be aware of Your Love today. May it ooze from my pores and bring healing and hope. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 10:22, And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Having just celebrated those who gave their lives for our freedom, I’ve been reminded of battles around the world where men died bearing the torch of freedom for all. I’ve always loved hearing stories of those who overcame great obstacles to save a race or people. But those who are remembered for the sacrifice they made, this is one woman who is grateful.

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a man or woman who have lost limbs in their fight for others. You see, when I talk with a soldier who has seen battle, who has been in combat and survived, they have a story to tell. Their wounds have gained them a platform. They’re credible witnesses of things we will never have to experience. Their sacrifice has kept evil at bay.

I awoke this morning thinking of the people who have endured things in daily life that God has used as a platform to help others. Those whose focus is forward, not backward. They’ve survived where most of us would have given up, quit, fell apart, thrown in the towel. These are the people that speak most in my life.

When doctors gave a death sentence, they fought for the right to live! They’re determined to make a difference in others, they use their strength to make others strong. They use their words to encourage and build up, not tear down and destroy. They will not go down without a fight!

Jesus has earned the right to speak into my life. He bears the scars of suffering for me. He never sinned, yet took all of my sins so that I could be free. He conquered death, hell and the grave, than gave me access to the same power that raised him from the dead. How dare I not use it! How dare I not do what he commanded me to do. How dare I not love! How dare I not be moved with the same compassion to raise the dead and heal the sick! How dare I not encourage others to keep pressing on!

Father, for those who have suffered great loss yet survived, we thank you. May you show them their purpose help them endure to the end. Send others to them that they might minister your grace and love. Make their suffering count for good and not for evil. Show them your glory today. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

I Corinthians 14:3, But those who prophesy are speaking to people. They help people grow stronger in faith, and they give encouragement and comfort.

I simply love the people God has placed in my life. They’re always speaking into me, encouraging me to do things I’ve never done.  They lift my arms when I’m weary, and distract me when I’m too focused on the problem. This morning, I’d like to a special thanks to just a few of the many.

First, my husband Walt. In all my life, I’ve never met anyone who emanates the pure love of God like he does. He’s the most honorable, respectful man I’ve ever known and I’m not exaggerating. Those who know him can attest to that. How I ever deserved such a gift is beyond me, but God knows, I need him. He’s so gifted with organizational skills it blows my mind. As we sat and talked about the next chapter in our lives, he agreed to free up time so that I could complete my coaching certificate and continue working. My biggest fan and daily encourager; my best friend.

If I named all the friends and family who constantly speak into me on a regular basis, who pray over me and keep pushing me toward the finish line, I’m afraid I’d leave someone out, but you know who you are. My prayer warriors. Those who lift my arms and give me a kick in the butt when needed. We’ve travailed, interceded, worshiped, sang, talked, prophesied and pushed each other. I’m so thankful for each and every one of you.

And for Holy Spirit, who is my constant guide, protector, provider, wisdom, comforter and encourager. Since you’ve filled me with your presence, I’ve never been the same. You took me from shy to bold. You enriched my life with wisdom that comes only from you. I shudder to think where I would be without you. Someday, you’ll present me to my Father, and Jesus my savior. What a glorious reunion that will be.

Until that day, I will continue pressing toward the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus. I will try to fulfill what He’s commissioned me to do so that I can hear Him say, “Well done, daughter! Enter into the joy of the Lord.” I will encourage, build up, teach and pray for those placed in my path, dragging them along with me to a deeper place in Him.

We’re in this together, my friends. I’m thankful that I can run along side you! I hope I’ve encouraged you along the way. Don’t ever give up or quit! Someone out there needs what is in you. People are always watching you because you are filled with light. Give them the direction and encouragement they need so that they can do the same for others.

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; Proverbs 29:18a

I would just like to make an observation this morning, perhaps get you to think on it, share your thoughts if you wish.

Dictionary.com speaks of vision as; a vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation: the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be.  Vision can also be something we actually see, but this particular vision is seen with the heart or imagination.

I mentioned the other day how prophesy is God’s way of getting us to see us in the future. God created us with a strong sense of vision so that we would use it to pull into the now, what has not happened yet. Make sense? Visions can be something we actually see, but it can be something we see ourselves as, or perhaps see ourselves doing.

If we settle for the way we are, as the way we will always be, we will also settle for unproductive, hum-drum lives. But if we are always anticipating the promises of God, speaking about them, pulling those future things into the present, our physical bodies will respond.

Healing is a prime example; you may be sick in your body, but when you see yourself healed and whole, continue to speak the unchanging word of God, it must respond. I know, I’ve experienced it myself as have many others. Don’t allow your current situation keep you where God wants to take you.

Vision is a powerful thing, without it we’re blind both physically and spiritually. Where there is no revelation of God and His word, there is no restraint. If you see yourself differently than you actually are right now, you have vision. If you can’t see it inside, it will never manifest outside.

Father, increase my vision, my ability to see as you do. To believe that what I say WILL come to pass just as you do. I want to be like you in every way. I want to love like you, give like you, rule and reign like you want me to. Thank you for giving me your Holy Spirit which leads me into all truth. Who shows me what my future holds and who holds my future. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

When we moved last year, a dear friend who was moving long distance, gave me a nearly new leather sofa and loveseat. I also purchased her dining room set and her grandmothers beautiful antique dishes, which are displayed in the matching china hutch. My entire married life, I’ve only owned mismatched pieces purchased here and there or passed down by friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, hey they were new to me and they served their purpose, but wow, owning quality furniture does make a difference.

Have you ever been dissatisfied? Sometimes we tend to settle for what comes our way when it’s not what was intended for us to have. Think back on your life. What was God trying to place in your hands but you got impatient, ran ahead and did it yourself? Oh, I can think of a plethora of things. I will also admit that I’m not the most patient person on the face of the earth! And Walt would say that’s an understatement.

Isaiah had a word from the Lord in chapter 43:18-19 when he said, “So don’t remember what happened in earlier times. Don’t think about what happened a long time ago, because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert, and rivers will flow through that dry land.”

It’s hard to imagine life changing so dramatically like that, isn’t it? Your age or social status doesn’t matter to God, He’s doing something new. Your current age or physical condition doesn’t come into play in this. God is doing something new. Just like the day I arranged my new furniture in my condo and stood in awe at the faithfulness of God, so will you stand in amazement at what God will do for you.

So let’s let go of the old thoughts and habits. Let’s say goodbye to secondhand stuff we’ve hung onto for far too long. Let’s wrap our minds around the promises of God for NEW. Let’s prepare and make a place for it. If you don’t get rid of the old, there will be no room for the new.

Matthew 9:17, “Also, people never pour new wine into old wineskins. They would break, the wine would spill out, and the wineskins would be ruined. People always put new wine into new wineskins, which won’t break, and the wine stays good.”

Father, I release to you my questions and fears, my confusion and cynicism, my frustration and impatience. This is not about me, it’s all about YOU. It’s about your plans and purposes, your ways and your thoughts. I lay down disappointments and doubts and pick up excitement and expectation. My eyes are on the horizon, for the sun will surely rise yet again and with it comes a new day, new season and I want to be ready to receive it. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

In the book of Acts, after Saul, persecutor of Christs followers, had his miraculous conversion and became Paul, servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, I found that it didn’t matter what he faced, he was determined to tell people of the Gospel of Grace.

Acts 20:22-24; “But now I must obey the Spirit and go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what will happen to me there. I know only that in every city the Holy Spirit tells me that troubles and even jail wait for me. I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I finish my work. I want to finish the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.

The church under pressure, looks a whole lot different than the church with no pressure. Where there is pressure, there is urgency to do something. For instance, when everything is going fine, we just go through life with ease. No worries, no problems! But the moment crisis comes, we knock down the doors of heaven. We cry out, we pray, we seek help.

We don’t seem to take serious our assignment until just before the ‘due’ date. We may have had weeks to finish a project, but we wait, we procrastinate until the pressure is great and then we rush like a bull out of the pen a day before.

Jesus is coming soon. We’ve heard it. We know it. We’re aware of the lost, the bruised and broken, but hey, we have time, right? Wrong! Jesus gave us an assignment to go and preach the good news of the gospel, not the gloom, doom and despair of hell. He said to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out devils. Freely we’ve received, freely give.

What are you waiting for? Be a doer not just a hearer. Don’t leave it up to your pastor, your church leader or evangelist. We’re all saved by grace and therefore are qualified. You don’t need a degree to do. The world is under pressure and are waiting for the sons of God, you and me.  Let’s get busy!

How do you see life? I’ve realized that everyone sees things through different lenses. Some need very strong lenses, some have 20/20 vision. My mom has always been far-sighted, but as she’s aged, her vision has gone to 20/20. I think that’s amazing.

Aging does something more than mess with the lenses of our eyes, it causes our perspective to be different. We appreciate things like, staying upright, sunrises, sunsets, relationships. We seem to understand the meaning of, “Life is but a vapor,” and continually try to find ways to slow down the speed and momentum of it.

There’s only one thing that never changes and that is God (Malachi 3:8). He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). So to slow down the ‘clock’, I spend time meditating on His Word and His promises. I remember that ‘With long life he satisfies me and shows me His salvation’. That because of what Jesus did for me, I’m redeemed from the curse of the law and made perfect by His grace.

I know that life and death are in the power of MY tongue and that those who love it will eat it’s fruit. I will think on His word so that I speak His word in times of trouble and lack. My situations are subject to change because of what I speak over them. It’s not ‘mind over matter’, it’s God’s unchanging word over opposing situations.

Today, may you change your perspective to that of God’s. His is the only one that really matters because if we agree with it, and don’t doubt, we will have whatever we say. So slow down and know that He is God and is the rewarder of they who diligently seek Him.

How do you plan vacations? You get a picture of what you’d like to experience, then you make the arrangements to go there, right? You don’t just get tickets, land there, then check out the hotels and things available to do. No, you make the reservations BEFORE you arrive.

When you hear that winter is finally over (for my northern friends, that may be a bit harder to predict), you begin to prepare for spring. You get the lawn mower ready, sharpen the blades, schedule a tune-up. If you’re going to plant a garden, you get your gardening tools ready, your seed, you prepare the ground.  Here in Florida, we just get ready for humid and hot. We get the pools cleaned, make sure the chemicals are right, the pump is working.

I hear a lot of people who are dissatisfied with where they are, but refuse to do what it takes to make the transition into the next season. They’ve been talking about a new season, but they do nothing to get ready for it. They expect God to pick them up and move them to a new job, a new city, new health, but are doing nothing to make ready for what they’re believing for.

To quote Lance Wallnau, “To get to where you’ve never been, you have to do something you’ve never done.” Some of us have been stuck where we are, when we’ve been given a clear word from the Lord to do something different. Do you know what a prophetic word is for? It’s to get you to see yourself in the future. I love Kim Clements song, “I’m somewhere in the future, and I look much better than I look right now.”

If you’re sick but know God’s will is health, ask God what you should do to get to your future healthy place. It could be, “Wash in the Jordan river 7 times,” or “Stretch out your hand,” but if you hear something, your obedience will bring the miracle. If you’re being attacked financially, it could be a don’t make no sense word like, “Make a meal for the man of God first,” or “Give $100 to that person right over there.” Wait, that doesn’t make sense! I’m already short on money!

You are in the same place because you refuse to get out of your comfort zone to experience the blessings of God. Don’t wait for your wife to fix your problems, YOU get on your face before God and listen, than obey. Perhaps you’re not hearing because you’ve stopped listening. God is always wanting to commune with you! He’s waiting for you to come in and sit with Him and listen. He already knows what you have need of. He’s got it all planned out, your future. Do you trust Him?

Thank you Lord for always challenging me to come and lean in a little closer. Anxiety has kept me from stepping out into the river. The ‘what if’s’ have crippled me from exiting my comfort zone into the supernatural risky realm of your glory. Help me to pick up my feet and walk, knowing that you will part the waters and stop the flow of the river so that I can get safely to the other side. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.