Praising God is not a situational experience. Even in my hard times when I can profess my praise to others who do not know God as I do- I believe God has moved them in their heart. They can see my broken  heart that is not broken in the Lord. In my praise they will get to see the goodness of the Almighty. Oh God is cracking some hearts! I have my chisel, but he has the glory.

Praising God even through your tears delights God. Job argued with his friends about the goodness of God when satan attacked him with hard times and devastation in his life. It is hard to see God's goodness when you suffer- But God does not fail you as people will. The world will destroy you but it has no power over your mind.

If you turn your back on God when things become hard then you are not allowing Him to be your rock and fortress. I need God in my worst of times. I take steps to do what I THINK God wants, but I also wait on his direction becasue only He can change me and my circumstances. Yes, the locus will destroy what I have but satan cannot take my love and faith, and he cannot make my turn from my Father. satan can pound me down and destroy my dreams, but they will be re-made. I will be given in abundance what has been taken. God will use my circumstances to strengthen my understanding of Him. And what others see in me will become a light that shines. Because my faith is unshakable it will shake others in their belief. In this time of crisis I speak louder about the grace of God and His fortress and that speaks volumes in itself. I can see that when I speak it others stop to consider. They get to see what it means. And as God delivers me it will be a witness to them. I can't force them to understand but I can show them understanding.

Always praise. Delight God. Be encouraged.

Wow, what beautiful people are on here!

People so full of the Lord. So full of love and a giving Spirit. I see so much growth and rejuvenation, trust, and vulnerability. So many people opening themselves to Christ, and directing others to do so. I am so amazed and thank-full for what I see and hear on this site. You strengthen me and give me new confidence and drive for my God, for His will and purpose. I am so thank-full to have been lead here. Praise God.

I pray God's direction will continue to flow and for the Spirit to continually be revealed in God's beautiful people here. Always love... Amen.

This is the Lord’s day. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Put your worries away, for just this day- leave them behind. If only just for today let them rest. Keep your mind set on our Lord and our voices full of Praise; for on this day our King had risen, and our oppression was graciously released. Let us remember with all we have. Jesus had suffered for what I deserved to suffer for; His plan was that we could live. God's plan was that Jesus could leave with us the grace God gave him. What a wonderful saviour.

Keep your mind focused for today- ponder the experience, the joy, and feel the humility that comes with the deep understanding of what Jesus’ sacrifice meant.

Put all things aside and remember Jesus today- above all else. Be re-made.

I went to church again today, I'm glad I did. I found out the church was a Lutheran church. I look up the meaning and beliefs of a Lutheran church and lo and behold the passage of 1 Corinthians 1 10-13 makes more sense then ever. I encourage you to read it. I knew I did not agree with such division of Christianity as it is written "Is Christ divided?"

This denomination was named after Martin Luther. We still follow the ways and beliefs of men. What is the purpose of this division? Why do we not unite? Why do we keep ourselves divided based on works of men and differences of mind and though. We are in the midst of the most important time of rejuvenation of the church and the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Why should we continue to dived the church and quarrel about what is right? Would Christ ask this of us?

I doubt this was Jesus’ intent when he rode into Jerusalem to proclaim his kingdom and fulfill prophesy. If we want to do what is right we need to be united under the direction of the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Christ. Let’s walk in His ways and become greater, more blessed, and more righteous than ever. Let us feed our wisdom in the truth. Let us not rely on the words of men but seek the word of God. Let us seek what is right, and just, and true. The true word is written in the Bible. There you will find wisdom to be closer to God. Lean on the cross in the troubles of this world that will come.

I pray the church- God’s church- the true church that Jesus hoped for would rise up and lead us in the only way and truth in the light. Is pray we may be one voice and proclaim loudly so that every man will have the chance to hear that JESUS IS LORD. Amen.

Praise God. Seek wisdom.

I feel that the front lines of Jesus are close. I see so much confusion and confliction about religion. Oh, yes satan is crafty. This is exactly how he wants it- people confused. Anything to keep people from turning closer to God. Anything to keep us humans from giving up our ‘power’ to God. The same power satan so eloquently tempts with. The same power that crumbles the strongest of men. The same power that will raise you up but cannot hold you up. The same power which will never fulfill the happiness you thought it would provide. Oh God up lift your people, your children. Jesus, give us the grace of wisdom and confidence of speech. Make sure what you know is true, ask God for wisdom of truth. Do not even think for a moment that you know for sure what is right and true lest you be caught in the trap. Continually ask God for truth and guidance, and have the humility to understand when you need correcting.

The least will be made greatest, and the greatest the least? Who is considered the greatest in the church? Is it ironic? I see it now more then ever, the manipulation and twisting of religion. The whole attitude about what Christianity is needs to change. Christians attempt to prove the validity of Jesus with cloaks and caves- desperately wanting others to have a reason to believe. And there are those who will use intimidation or exclusion to prove their righteousness before the heavens. It is these things that can be used and twisted. This is not the way to reach non-believers. Praise God for such devoted believers who want the world to know God through Jesus. But the approach needs to change.

Speak about the love of Christ, if anything- this is the language others need to hear. Jesus said it was the most important thing, and this is the very thing that will change you; and penetrate others. It will crack their hearts. Love is our strongest weapon in challenging the forces of evil, and witnessing for the grace that was given. Love others, and no matter what promote love in others, it is the right way. Accept all… just as Jesus did, forgive everyone… and live shinning in your faith. Speak up and do not be afraid to tell others about Christ, using love.

I want to write about something that has been revealed to me recently through God’s word.

We believers know the Holy Spirit. We understand how, as soon as we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour, a flood of the Spirit washes over you. We know the difference because we have experienced it, the feeling of a presence we can’t deny. Those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for our sins, our atonement, cannot comprehend the difference. Only we can understand the connection to God we receive through this gift that was left with us when Jesus ascended to Heaven; as was prophesied repeatedly through the Old Testament scriptures and spoken diligently through the disciples.

I think something is lost, or misinterpreted, in understanding of how the Holy Spirit works in you. Jesus left the Holy Spirit here because it was God’s plan for us to have it. satan has tried very hard to dilute the truth. He has twisted it somehow, and I think it is so satan can corrupt us and deceive us. He can speak to us louder.

I have been meditating on 1 Corinthians the last couple day. I have three messages from it on the tip of my tongue, but I wanted to point out one on understanding the messages of the Holy Spirit.

It is important to understand how the Holy Spirit speaks to you. It comes from inside you. It is the whispering from yourself, to yourself; your thoughts that guide you in the way of Truth. It tells you what is right and what is wrong. ``The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit within him.`` 1 Corinthians 2:10-11. Understanding ourselves and searching for understanding in the word of God, surfaces enlightenment on interpreting God`s Spirit within us. When we are lead in the Spirit within us. As we grow closer to God we become more connected with His truth.

The spirit of the world (or of the deceivers’ plans and corruptions) combats the spirit of God within us. ``We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.`` 1 Cor 2:12. Freely we have the Spirit of God. This is the `voice` that speaks to us, within us. Jesus said the spirit will not work for God and against God. The thoughts we have that are from the Holy Spirit direct us towards God and would not guide you to do anything that is of the world or against the words of God. You make judgements about things spiritually discerned. We need to separate what is from God and what is from the deceiver (I don’t even what to give him credit to him name).  

``This is what we speak [when lead in the Spirit], not in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit [our own Spirit, the Spirit that is ours], expressing spiritual truths and spiritual words [guidance]. `` 1 Cor2:13. We need to look into the word of God, the Bible, to understand what is of God and what is not. When we hear and act on the word, a bit of the Holy Spirit is inspired and will move. You move He moves. You gain wisdom and He will give you more. The Spirit in you, your way of living and thinking and acting, becomes more God-like.

We need to feed the Spirit. Feed the things are righteous and loving. The cross has the power to change us, but we must desire to seek it. God wants us to know Him but how can He reveal Himself if we don’t look to Him.

It would be wise to submit to the whispering of YOUR Spirit, and act upon the opportunities to learn and to speak about your God, and your saviour; who has given us the greatest thing He has to give, a piece of Himself.

I hope you can understand this. I encourage you to listen today for the Holy Spirit. Maybe open your Bible and sit with it for a minute, then open a page that stirred your thoughts, and then begin to read with the mind to understand it. Check the cross references to the Old Testament that will come up in the footnotes, read those when you have time- right then or after you have meditated on what you just read. I think this is a good place to start. Also guard your heart today. Close your ears, eyes, and speech to things that are unGodly and worldly. Try to express some love to someone today. And let me know how it goes!

Be transformed today. Praise God, in Jesus` name

I wanted to share something that happened recently for me. I have had problem with my wisdom teeth for some time. The bottom ones have not been taken out yet because they need to be seen by a specialist and taken out surgically. For the last year I have been sitting on it, not having them done because I didn't want to have the extra expence.

However they have bothered me. My teeth were perfect from birth- I mean SO straight, but now my bottom jaw has been moved and shifted by the teeth coming in, and my front teeth are slightly crooked now- that is nothing I spend time worrying about. But I have had headaches, and my jaw was aching for the last year.

About two weeks ago or so, when my teeth were aching again as I lay in bed trying to sleep, I was also meditating on God's promise. I was thinking to myself "God I need the money to get this done", I knew God could, and would. But then I was thinking 'is there an easier way?'. And God spoke to me "through Him ALL things are possible". The spirit spoke and I realise I COULD fix it the easy way. I was told to rebuke it in the name of Jesus.

I stepped out in faith and I spoke out loud and rebuked the pain I felt, and I rebuked the teeth themselves claiming "RECEDE!, never to bother me again". And I believed it would happen without doubting what God will do. He already told me I could do that. He already told me Jesus came so we may be directly in contact with the Father. He already told me to ask and it will be given. Well, I still have the old X-rays that showed the growth of my wisdom teeth, and I know for a fact that they have done just that-receded. (I can feel with my tounge that they have! And X-rays to prove it.) Can you believe it? (Teeth dont recede, they grow!)

I rebuked them, and they became under the function and control of God. His promise is true (are you mystified?). This should be a testament to what God can do. Just as Moses struck a rock from which water poured (really? that is scietifically impossible...)because Moses spoke. Just as promised plagues came true on the Egyptians when Joseph spoke. Men walked into a furnace of fire and were not harmed (one's name was Shadrach, the other one's name was Meshach, and the other name was Abednego.) when they spoke against praising and bowing down to a certain King. This is physically impossible! Not with God its not....

With God nothing is impossible. I praise God for what he has done for me. I testify to his power, and His will for my life. Believe it will happen, and it will. My teeth will never bother me again, and I will never have to pay to have them removed. It is off of my mind and in the hands of God, and it is done. Not my problem. Faith has no room for doubt.

BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE! Be faithful in God.

God is calling us to an awakening. I believe His word is flowing through His children.

I remember growing up, I would hear the same words I hear now, but then they were empty to me. My problem was that I was hearing, but not acting upon the word, and the Law of God. James 2:18-19.

I remained unfulfilled because I chose to continue to live in my flesh, and disregard what the Lord was asking of me: to be faithful, to grow and seek wisdom, and to LOVE. I heard, but I did not seek. I loved God, but I did not follow His ways.

The first step I took was in Love. I began to actively love others, and approach others with that love. I tell you, it shines! The love of Christ shines to others when I speak it, and show it, and use it to bless others. Once I felt the healing spirit of love, I craved to know more. I earned to grow in the word of God. To understand more, and be more like Him. To love more. If you love your neighbour- you are doing right. James 2:3

Faith without deeds is not faith at all. Faith without BELIEF means nothing. I realised this, and when I asked things of my God, and did not DOUBT- they would happen, the promises came true. I needed to walk in Faith.

 When Jesus called the deciples to be fishers of men, it was in faith that they stepped out of the boat they fished from, the boat that brought their lively-hood. They trusted Jesus without knowing where they were going, and without understanding the extend to which they would be used in God's glory. I too chose to step out, and act in faith. I've spoken to men who I wouldn't dream of being a light to. I took opportunities in the name of our Lord, without knowing where I will be lead. Praise God's name! My God. My God who is good, unfailing. His promise is so real. What do you think Jesus would have said to the deciples if they walked with Him, but whined about their next meal. If they complained about their sore feet. If they challenged Jesus' plan because they were thirsty. Or if they whined 'how much farther???...' My guess-"YE OF LITTLE FAITH!". How could Jesus have used them if they doubted? How could they have been a solid foundation for scriptures today if they did not walk in faith? If they could not trust their unfailing God, how could God have used them for His glory?

Its a much different to hear the word of God versus believing and acting with the word of God. I did not walk with God for a long time, athough I knew His promise. I could not hear His echo in my soul, because I did not embracing the will of God or the journey of discovery and growth He wanted me to have. I needed to allow myself to grow in His wisdom. I continue to grow.

"But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind" James 1:6 You are not under the control of God.

Its true- seek God and you will find. Listen for the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. Believe without DOUBT. This is not an easy thing for us humans. It is not easy to descern the word of God apart from the deceptions of satan. But when you grow stronger in Christ, it becomes more and more clear. You cannot know God without knowing His word. He cannot fullfill you if you do not follow Him in faith. He can not bless you like He wants to if you do not let Him lead you. He leads you when you walk with Him. You are in His will when you submit.

(And God only need a crack in someones heart to flow His truth into it. Don't fear what you do is not enough, God will make it enough)

Praise God! Be fulfilled!

I am a sinner, and I have willingly sinned for the last time. I have been a smoker for almost 7 years. I confess my sin with humility to the Lord and I wanted all of you to know so it will be final. This will be one of the hardest things I will do. Pray for me as I pray for myself.

Ode to death
To the memory of our first bitter kiss
I cannot forget why we began, so
I will take a step forward in faith
And be rid of you once and for all

You teased me into submission
You told me you were what I needed, but
You gave me sickness and disease
And turned me into a dead man walking
You will no longer control my life

I will remember the lies you created
I know you will not bring me Joy

I know your deadly power to deceive
I know you are nothing without me
NOW your time is up

No longer will you haunt me
I live today in the memories I create
I live tomorrow in my own free mind
I live to be freed of the bitterness you created in me
I will no longer find satisfaction in you.

Goodbye death!
I am done with you now and forever
I forget I even knew you
I leave you in my dust while
I run in the other direction

This is your Ode,
Remember me with a vengeance
I am the one who will destroy your intentions
I can say goodbye and turn you into nothing
Because you are not worthy of me

What does it mean to have faith? I attended church today for the first time in years. I've had a hard heart against it for a long time. What are these denominations that each church hides behind? I don't know what any of them mean, and I couldn't care less. If I'm not mistaken, Jesus did not call himself a Chirstian. He did not call him self babtist, or other cordinations of christianity.

I am a believer, plain and true. I do not think it is right for people, and churches to separate themselves according to what another denomination thinks. Whatever that is. A walk with Jesus is much more important than that.

I am reminded of a time Jesus was angry at a tree not bearing fruit. I bet He was hungry, and weary. I bet His feet were tired and He was aggravated by the disbelief He spoke against daily. I bet he felt as i do sometimes, when I want to shake someone into submission to God, because I know how powerful it is. Jesus cursed the tree, and it withered, never to produce again. Jesus is the ultimate projection of faith. Which church produces fruit? It is the people of the church that bear fruit? Walking into the new church today, the message was "all are welcome, come as you are", 'do not feel judged by us". but the fruit was so young.

I did not feel the Holy Spirit in the church today. I hope it was not judgemental of me to note that. There was an aire of 'show' and 'tell' that struck me s strange, being apart from a church for so long. But such good intentions were there. They wanted to be so welcoming and honest. But who are they being honest with, men or God?

I do not feel that church is necessairy. All these years, and more so recently, I have sought the Lord as He had asked. He asked me to gather together with believers. He asked me to seek the word. I may be a light in a church, but I am not a church. I am not a denimonation, I am not a show and tell worshiper. I didnt feel the power of worship today. I can whole heartedly sing praises, in the shower, during my house work. But there, I felt like there was a lack of the touch of God.

However, this mornign I was pulled strongly there. I heard God tell me "go, go today" I had 30 mins to go, and the time was now. I had heard of a new tent church in my area weeks ago, and it was in my heart since then. So in Faith, I packed up the baby and left, not knowing what was waiting for me. I got lost, and found a different church, but the pull to go inside wasn't there. It wasn't untill I found the church, when the timing became absolute. I may have something to offer this particular church I was looking for. 

This is a testament of Faith. Moving forward when you hear the call of God. You will know it because those with the Spirit can reconise the Spirit. The sheep can reconise the shepards voice.

Walk steady, because you are led by the one who knows your future, knows your struggle, and knows your heart. He has a path set out for you. If you can trust the Lord, you will find the peace He wants you to have. Never worry about what you will eat, or where you will work. I saw a broadcast on Tv the other day. He talked about a financial situation that he was trying to controll. Every other area that was in God's control flurished. The only part that saw financial red lines, was the one he worried about. So do not worry, when you put your faith in God, and let Him be fully in control of your direction and happiness you will be fulfilled. its a PROMISE, and God does NOT break His promises.

SOmetimes I forget not to worry, and I have to remind myself in every turn that I have put Him in Controll. The still waters he promises to lead you by means more when you accept the path He want to put you on, in His presence, under His wings, and by His waters. Do not try to control what you have put God in controll of, when you do you are at risk of veering from His path.

FAITH, faith means... do not worry. Do not greive. Do not forget that you are heading somewhere amazing. Believe. Know. Seek. rest your weary head, and sleep tonight knowing you are safe in the arms of the one who Loves you beyond measure.