A New Path

Here is another prophetic word received from the group I belong to. I will refer to the person who received this from the Lord as R.S. This word also spoke to me. I had seen this word I believe last week, and I could feel the Holy Spirit, in fact I believe I sent R.S. an email to tell him so. However, it resonated more with me on the prayer end of the word. Today the word resonated within me and I feel applies in more than one context.

I am in the process of trying to find a new church so I can get the mentorship/internship that I desire. My one internship did not go the way I had hoped and I did not learn alot about the practical aspects of pastoral ministry, but I did learn some things about how a church reaches out and different problems they had to face. The church where I have been is not set up to assist me. So...I walk on another path. I am excited in one sense and overwhelmed at the same time. I am in a new city, only here for 3 months now and still trying to learn the different sections of the city. I was held back, my vision was not as strong as it had been in the past, and it was hard. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for me and His Kingdom. Thank you R.S. for listening to His voice.

The following in italics is the word:

Led Out of the City

Behold, My child, I have led you out of the city. It has been a long and hard walk for you, but I have done this that you may see more clearly - away from the hubbub and distractions within the city. It is a time of clarityfor you. A time of vision and pronouncement. Yet it has been hard on you;being on the outskirts of the city you were so familiar with. And even when you tried to enter a new city, I suffered you not to remain, but withdrew you again that I might restore your sight. You have lost something valuable which I long to restore to you - vision, hope, and a future.

You have developed your other senses to compensate for your lack of vision.But now, I, your Lord, desire to restore you to fulness. I have longed forthis for you. For in My Word, I restored sight to the blind in many ways;some instantaneous, and to others through a process. You have been dealt with as the blind man who I led by hand out of the city. At first he saw men as trees and then fully shortly thereafter. Behold! My hands are upon your eyes this very moment and I am restoring sight to you.

It has never been my intention to have you remain alone on the outskirts ofthe city forever. I have felt your loneliness and I have great compassion for you. I tell you these things to encourage you, My child. For I know it has been hard on you. But even now, a ray of sunshine is piercing throughthe darkness you once had. Rejoice, oh little one who has endured much. Rejoice and be glad for your blindness has come to it's end!

Hallelujah! Mark 8:22-25 Isa. 60:1

Note: The cities that the Lord makes mention of are church/cities for my application. The Lord may intend another meaning for you, unique to yoursituation.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your wonderful generosity and kindness of heart. Thank you for your healing touch. In the name of Jesus I pronounce the opening of blind eyes to your beloved people. May the light which you spoke of permeate their darkness and cause them to rejoice in your presence. Bathe them in the joy you so long to give everyone of us. I bless you and thank you from the bottom of my heart. My love and my Father. Amen........(I saw oil-like light shooting out in many different directions as I prayed this)

The Narrow Path

This is the verse from Matthew that I shared when I gave my first public testimony in the fall of 2002:

Matt. 7:13-14
13 "Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it.
14 But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it. (GNB)

I used this verse when I gave my first public testimony to a large congregation because it was the verse that most suited my walk with the Lord. My walk has not been an easy one. From the time I was very young I have had many struggles, trials, traumas, and disappointments. I have experienced that of being raised in a broken home, have suffered chronic illness, child molestation, verbal/emotional/physical/sexual abuse, rape, debt, unemployment, workaholicism, burnout and many, many hurts.

The reason why I am sharing this is that although life has been hard and continues to have its trials and adversities, there is one constant: Jesus Christ.

He will never leave me nor forsake me. Nothing can separate me from the Father's Love. Absolutely nothing.
Romans 8
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Wow! What an awesome piece of scripture. It gives me such comfort with the trials I am going through. I am in a position of having to make difficult decisions, relinquishing control of my life and others completely into the hands of the Lord, and living by faith.

One decision I made awhile ago and am reconfirming today is making Jesus Christ my number one priority in my life. Without Him I am nothing. Without His guidance I run in circles. Without His voice I am lost. He is my supreme shepherd and best friend. I rest in His peace this evening. Hallelujah!

I made a decision to come to Bible College to pursue the call of God on my life. I came here to Alberta from Ontario with such passion, throwing all caution to the wind and completely trusting in God. I sold my home, gave my business away, gave away four truckloads of items and started a new life out here. Ever since I came, it has been a struggle. My relationship with my boyfriend has suffered, I have moved from one city to another and am about to make another move. I have only been here since July 2004. On top of that I ran out of money and could not find employment. I think maybe I was overqualified for some of the retail positions I was applying for plus did not have experience. It had been at least 14-15 years since I operated a cash register! I had no money for rent in February. However, people I knew from Ontario received a word from the Lord and sent me some money. That paid for a month's rent and about $60.00 in gas and groceries. Thank you lord! Then my brother was able to pay me back some money he owed me...now I have rent for March and April! Hallelujah! After seeking employment since December, I finally got a job and started Monday March 14th this week. Praise God!!!!!

I realize the road is tough, but God is always there. He provides for His children. It has been and continues to be a challenging journey. I have been called crazy, have been asked if I am sure I heard from God, have had people tell me I made a mistake moving here and going to bible college. Just this week someone I love very much told me I should drop out of Bible College and pursue a different career, and also told me going into ministry was not a good idea because it did not pay well. Not a good choice for me so I was told. I have recently had suggestions to move back to Ontario. I get told all the time about my biological clock and what if I don't get married? I really could go on. I have been rejected, insulted and have been treated badly by Christian and non-Christian folks, all in a matter of 8 months.

Praise you Lord! With all of this difficulty, I know you are preparing me! Satan has no power and no authority! I choose to follow you, to make you number one, to remain in College and pursue you as my passion!

I choose the Narrow Road. It is the Only Road that leads to Life!!!

The Unnecessary Circle

The following corporate word came from a prophetic group that I associate with, and I will refer to the person who delivered this word as "J". This word came at a time when I was seeking the Lord for answers in prayer. I felt some things stirring in my spirit, directions, guidance from the Holy Spirit and this word came through.

I had a vision of a circle. It was a very large one and had been well paced. Some of the circle was in a place of ice and I could see where the walker had slipped, got up and walked on. Another part of the circle was in a place of intense heat and I could see the footrpints in the dust. Another part was in a place of storms and I could see thick mud. Far in the distance I saw the person, coat buttoned against the gales, head down, walking this endless circle. As I watched, the Lord laid this in me:

Now, I say now, even today, is the time to break the circle. You have walked a long and wearying route, holding on to what you have, and yet you wonder why your steps take you no where. I have heard you say that you take one step forwards and four steps backwards. I have seen you ponder on this, yet again you walk the same steps.

It is not to be like this. There is a new route for you. A route of plenty and joy. A route of healing and restoration. That route is not along the way you know. It is not the familiar route. It is my route. It is the route that you take in faith, with your eyes fixed firmly on me, with my promises in your mouth, with my Spirit by your side, guiding you. Did I not say I will tell you "This is the way walk in it"? Yet you walk the endless circle and it is time to break out.

Different. I am taking you a different way and all you need do is trust me. Will I leave you to be an orphan of the elements? Will I let go of the hand of my beloved and leave you to the wolves? Do you remember that I am He who will restore the years the locust has eaten, the small and the large locust. Everything will be restored and more. Everything, and I say there is a day and it is called today when there must be a change.

When the circle must be trod no more.Do not walk on when I call. Stop and listen to me. Let me lead you, let me guide you, let me take you from the slippery slope and the desert heat and place you where I have prepared a place for you. An abundant place. A place that is waiting to restore and renew. A place of joy, a place of much, the place I have for you. Trust me, that is what i ask, that you trust me and walk into the new walk I have for you.

I really do feel like I have been walking around in a circle, truthfully. I feel like that person who has been walking through the storms...weathered, beaten, bruised and in need of my Father. I need the warmth of your breath and the comfort of your arms Lord. I am ready to walk that walk of faith with you. I stretch out my hand and say, "Come and Get Me Lord!"

Irish Blessing

May the Road Rise to Meet you.
May the Wind Be Always at your back
May the Sun Shine Warm Upon your Face.
And Rains Fall Soft upon your Fields.
And until we Meet Again,
May God Hold you in the Hollow of His Hand.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Browsing the Blog

Tonight I decided to browse through different blogs as I took a break in between studies. I noticed quite a variety in what people write about and how they express their feelings. Some blogs are about products or focus around a particular group.

My heart felt saddened as I read some accounts of people who are bored, negative, have nothing going on in their life and don't care in general. One girl wrote, "I have no life, nothing to write, so if you are reading this then you must have no life too". Her other entries consisted of a life focused around the TV and overall sluggish comments about work and her life. I felt like writing her to encourage her somehow but could not think of anything to write, so I prayed for her instead.

The other night I happened to read some blogs by teenagers, one Christian and the others not. I was surprised by the Christian girl, writing of hating her mother and expecting that life would naturally be crappy...yet she professed to go to church and know God. My thought was...do you know Jesus? Really know him? Has she even become born again?

My heart cries out Lord!!! All these lost souls in and out of the church. The churched is in great need just like the unchurched. Lord I pray these people writing so despondently in the blogging world would come to know you. There is life outside the cyber world and that life is in you Jesus!!! I praise your name Lord. Please do a work in these lives, Lord let your light shine in on their blogging world. Give them hope Lord. Lord allow me to be that vessel for lost and hungry souls! Amen!!!!

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)

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What is a curse?

When I first entered the world of Christianese, this is a word that came up that often puzzled me and I was intent on finding out what it meant and why it is used. It is used in several scriptures, one of which is Rom 12:14 "Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse." (NIV)

So....I naturally thought Christians were strange or too focused on witchcraft. I thought a curse is like a spell you put on someone, curses don't exist, all that stuff is in fairy tales. In fact, I had grown up not really believing even the devil was real.I did not learn any of this until the Lord brought me back to him almost four years ago. Then I learned that a curse can be any word that is spoken against a person. '...what? You cannot be serious.' However, as I examined the scriptures and sought the Holy Spirit this is true.

Webster's College Dictionary gives several meanings for what a curse is:

1. the expression or wish that misfortune, evil, doom, etc., befall someone.
2. a formula or charm intended to cause misfortune to another.
3. the act of reciting such a formula.
4. a profane or obscene word, esp. as used in anger or for emphasis; swearword.
5. an ecclesisatical censure or anathema (a person or thing that is detested or loathed) .
6. to wish or invoke evil, calamity, injury, or destruction upon.
7. to swear at.
8. to blaspheme ( to speak evil of God; slander; abuse).
9. to excommunicate.
10. slang for menstruation or menstrual period.

This is part of Jesus' teaching. To bless and not curse. See the next two verses.(NIV)

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies [ Some late manuscripts enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you] and pray for those who persecute you, (Context Matt. 5:43-45)

Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Context Luke 6:27-29)

We are to love our neighbours as ourselves. We are to speak blessing into others' lives. We are not to retaliate against someone if they are angry or have done harm to us. We are to bless and pray for those people.

Have you ever noticed well meaning Christians find different ways to express their anger that they feel is acceptable. "You do not know what she did to me, one of these days she will get it back ten fold for hurting my feelings." Well, who made them judge and jury? Is this not cursing the other person? Wishing bad things to fall upon your neighbour or brother and sister in Christ? Scripture also gives direction in this area:

Matthew 7
Judging Others 1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

The example of how we Christians treat each other is just an example. Not only that, but how we treat our neighbour. I am not one who has completely abided by this teaching either, although I do strive to bless and not curse. I find that a good majority of us stumble in this area of our lives. We are driving along and someone cuts us off. How do you react? Most of the time now I say "Bless You and pray for the person's crazy driving." Not all of the time. Sometimes I say things I shouldn't and have to ask the Lord to forgive me for calling someone a name which meant they have no brain, etc. Before I came back to the Lord again, in my rebellious days, I just overused a particular finger. Regardless, our actions and words can be curses against the other person.

How about the way we treat others in different denominations or the homosexual community? I often find brothers and sisters in Christ saying things about other denominations that are curses. They feel justified in expressing what they do because their doctrine or theology may be different from their own. It is okay to express your opinion but not to the point that you resort to name calling. You are cursing and not blessing.

Now, as for the homosexual community...why do Christians resort to such anger and vulgarity to express what the scriptures say. We are to love them just as any other person who sins on this earth. Bless and pray for them. We are not the judge. We are the salt and light of this earth. However I hear cursing and profanities expressed by brothers and sisters that breaks my heart.

As a final note, we need to ask ourselves..."What would Jesus do?" He is a friend of sinners. He would allow anyone in his company to listen to His teaching. He loved them. He loved us all so much he died for every single one of our sins. I encourage all of you to bless as often as you can. Do not judge. Pray for others. You can make a difference in this world just on this teaching alone. Not only that, your life will change drastically. The devil has no power when you speak blessings over others. I strongly believe that what you reap, you sow. If you bless others, you will be blessed.

Peace and Joy

Romans 5:1-5 (NIV)

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The bible tells us to rejoice through our sufferings, but it is a very hard process. Most of the time we will grumble through our pain rather than thank God for the suffering. We will cry out to God, "Lord I want to grow closer to you" then when hard times come we cry, "Lord, please take it all away." I have to admit I am no different than a good majority of saints out there who struggle in this area.

As I examine verses 3 to 5 I see several truths that help me to understand suffering as a Christian. First of all what does suffering produce? My flesh says it produces alot of pain, heartache, turmoil, agony...and on and on. When we are in the negative cycle of suffering it is like a disease that eats away at our spirit. Now what does the bible say? It says in these verses it produces perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope. What does hope do? It never disappoints us. Why does it never disappoint us? This is because of the love God has poured into our hearts.

What an awesome piece of scripture. So, how do we positively rejoice in our sufferings as scripture says to do so? We have to put the word of God into Action! I have noticed that when I have been down in spirit, struggling with God, struggling with life and I put this into action, I experience peace and joy. Sometimes it is hard. I will be crying and feeling pretty down and sometimes it will feel like it takes all of my strength to overcome it, but through the suffering I manage to put my hand up in the air and start praising God.

At first my hand will feel so heavy and my voice feel strained, as if forming the words with my mouth are straining muscles with which I use to speak. Then I feel stronger, happier, more joyful. I cry out, "Praise you Lord! I love you Lord! Thank you Jesus for giving me life! Thank you Jesus for dying for me on that cross! I pray in tongues, I sing in my spirit and with my own tongue, I dance before the Lord and cry Hallelujah!!!" I feel remarkable peace and joy as I rejoice through my suffering. As a result I grow, I feel the hand of God at work in my life and I push on to win the prize...eternal life with my Father...

Phillipians 3:14 (NIV) 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I have eternal hope and feel the love of God in my heart, in which nothing can separate me from the love of God. Hallelujah!

I encourage you to praise God in the hard times, fill yourself to overflowing with the word of God, and press into Him. You will NEVER be disappointed. Scripture says so.

If you would like me to pray for you, please email me. If you do not know Jesus Christ as yourLord and Saviour please email me and I will help you. No one should go through life not ever knowing the love of God, nor should we not ever know that God loved us so much, He gave his one and only son, Jesus to die for us on the cross, for our sins so that we shall have everlasting life. (please read John 3:16-19) Ifyoudo not ahve a bible you can access any scripture in several versions through www.biblegateway.com.

God Bless You.

Hmmmm...Let Me Think

Have you ever just sat in front of the screen, wanting to write, thinking of a variety of topics and yet could not formulate what you wanted to say in the first place? I think fatigue has set in. I thought of several scripture verses, then quotes from significant historical figures or events. I then thought maybe I will quote a devotion or even a book. In the end I chose the most realistic source...me. Sometimes we walk around in circles or wander along difficult paths in life, perhaps hit a dead end seeking for the answers. Sometimes that answer is the reflection you see in the mirror. Most often the greatest gifts we can give others is to express ourselves from our heart, be open, transparent and real.
Well, now reality has truly set in for me. I would love to write a heart warming story, but my pillow is beckoning. To all those bloggers out there, I do pray that from deep inside you write from your heart this evening. Allow yourself to be you. God Bless and Good Night.

Our Tongue is a Fire

James 3:1-9 (NIV)
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
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I felt led by the Holy Spirit to share the following scriptures.

It is incredible how we can speak blessings and yet curse with our mouth at the same time. James here is teaching that the tongue is a deadly poison, one that can kill. The tongue can also be a giver of life. The tongue is such that it can produce an entire forest fire with one little spark. Imagine. That is alot of power.

From a negative perspective, we can destroy one another in the manner in which we speak. One word can cause a person extreme hurt, can cause depression to set in, can make one angry, irritable and even violent. Only one word, a little spark of evil.

Positively, we build one another up, encourage and love with just a single word. One loving word can alleviate depression, rejection, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, heartache....the list goes on. One word can bring a smile to one's face, can give courage, ambition, excitement and love. Only one word, a little spark of warmth.

Our words can produce great fires. A great fire can wipe out whole communities, destroy lives, greatly affect the economy and cause complete and total devestation. A great fire can produce heat, warmth, and maintain life.

What fire are you producing? Are you a giver of life or do you taketh away?

A New Beginning

Today is the start of a new day, a new era and my first entry. I entitled my blog "In The Presence of The Almighty" as there is no other place I would rather be. I want to live my life all out for God, to grow closer to Him, to create an intimacy with my Father, the Creator of all things.

I attended a large worship service tonight, with hundreds of people in attendance. The church was filled with people of all ages: elderly, teens, a father with a baby. It was magnificent to see the unity and love of God's Family all worshipping Him. The music was for the younger generation, and was VERY loud. I watched the elderly couple three rows ahead. They worshipped, prayed and smiled. No grumbling, no murmuring. Just there to worship our Lord!
It made my heart smile.

I thought it fitting to quote David, in Psalm24:1-6 (NIV):

1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God his Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, O God of Jacob.