Write 4 Revelation

Is Your House Being Remodeled?

2011-05-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Have you ever remodeled your house while trying to live in it? I'll be frank, it's hell on earth. To have your living space distrupted on a daily basis for an extended period of time is frustrating, uncomfortable and you just want it to be done. So much so that I have people who will buy a new home just so they don't have to go through a remodel of their current one. I believe this accurately describes any type of major transition.

Having worked in construction and having recently purchased a house, Holy Spirit has been depositing images and thoughts about this season being like a house remodel. The difference is that God is the Architect and Designer. I see remodels on all levels from a paint touch up to a structural repair. If you were like me and began walking with Christ later in life then maybe His re-design feels a bit more extensive.

I can't help but think of the scripture in Matthew 7 where Jesus speaks about what we choose to build our house upon. The wise choice would be upon the rock, which is Christ. Many believers most likely had a foundational update in the first few years walking with Christ. For anyone who has owned a home for a long period knows that there comes a time when updating is needed to keep the structure solid. Wood begins to rot, roof wears out, paint peels, etc... all due to normal wear and tear. What would make our spiritual lives any different. As we walk through relationships, life, work, health, etc... we collect things, wear a groove in an unsightly spot, poke holes or peel a layer off. So the question begs to be asked, "Are you allowing the Architect and Designer to re-design your house?" Or have you barred the doors waiting for the season to end or better yet just decided to vacate and get a new house?!? I have to admit I've probably been doing all three depending on which area.

On a last note, as I was looking for a images to put on this blog, I saw this house. This is a real house and was designed on purpose that way. Let's not question the Architect and Designer on why it's built that way, just know that it's on purpose and has a specific functionality that is unique. Not all houses are boxes and neither are we. Age old saying, 'if were all the same organ we wouldn't be 'one body'.'

Food for thought!

Blessings,

Bethany

God's Perfect Timing

2011-02-27T21:38:00.000-09:00

I have been pondering the last few days about God’s timing. Those that know me would probably say I’m a calculated planner with a flares of spontaneity. I used to be much more spontaneous. As I have reflected on the years gone by and see that some of my biggest mistakes were in those moments, I now tend to guard against them. So what happens when God’s plans interject? To us it might feel like spontaneity or wrong timing? It then requires TRUST! In Genesis God promises Sarah a child and she laughed at the timing. Gen 18:13-14 – “ Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Even when God created the earth in Genesis 1:14 He gave time…. “And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,…”
This last week God opened a house up for us to buy even though it was out of my calculated and planned time. Today I heard from a young gal back in California. I had wanted her to come to church with me years ago. Last night she ended up at that same church and God spoke to her about me. He has a perfect plan and with it carries PERFECT TIMING! It doesn’t make it any less perfect just because we don’t understand it. So today I am grateful for His timing and I lay aside my calculated plans and expectations.

Agape,
Bethany

Showing Appreciation

2011-01-30T18:00:00.000-09:00

Earlier this week I was sharing a story about a how I had been working well beyond regular hours for a customer and my heart wasn't really in it. It was late and I was tired. Then then the email came in and it said, "We appreciate you.....". I was instantly renewed and filled with a desire to help them. In that moment I realized that though there are many things that I need to keep my "love tank filled", I am driven first and foremost by genuine appreciation. If I am appreciated I go beyond my normal level of giving into a true, heart felt desire to help.

As I was relaying the story I heard a question in my spirit, "what would it look like if we appreciated what God has done and is doing for us through genuine appreciation?" I then heard the last part of a scripture, "....how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13. Now don't mis-construe this wasn't a way to get more out of God or to make Him love me more - I mean genuine appreciation. It says God looks at the motive of our hearts so if ours are full of genuine appreciation how much more would He pour out His Spirit upon us.

The pastor today talked about a honoring the King! He reminded us of Esther that she honored the king twice before ever petitioning her request. He also said that he believed that our willingness to honor the King in this season will determine how much of Him we will have access to in the coming following season.

Appreciation and honor according to the dictionary have a similar root, "to hold in high regard". This is the season to hold Him who reigns forever and ever in high regard and honor Him as the King of Kings and Lord or Lords.

Be Blessed!
Bethany

Faith Like a Potato

2011-01-30T00:11:00.001-09:00

Tonight I watched a movie I'd seen a long time ago called "Faith Like Potatoes" based off of an inspiring true story. There was so much I was gleaning towards the end but the parts that stuck out were of tested faith and trusting what God gives us.

Towards the end the main character feels led by God to plant potato seeds during the middle of a drought in Africa. The local pastor (church) has become his sounding board and had always been supportive but in this moment he says, "there is a fine line between faith and foolishness..." and discourages him from planting. His friends kept saying, "it's impossible". Then the bank (world) called to place fear in him. I realized in that moment God was testing his faith and even those placed around him didn't believe what God had spoken to him. Tested faith becomes it's purest when there is a grand canyon of opportunity to doubt and fear but instead we choose to trust in Him.

The man's response was poetic, "A condition for a miracle is difficulty but for a great miracle its impossibility."

I have spent many times gauging how well I heard God based upon the response from those around me. Not too long ago I shared something and it didn't get much support in the beginning and it caused me to doubt. But there was a tenacity inside me that KNEW I had heard correctly. As God grew the word inside me and I continued to speak it out He began to open it up to those around me. As I look back my faith was being tested and built to not rely on man's response but on God.

As the movie continued the man was obedient and still the rain never came. On top of the soil the plants appeared to be dead and the crop lost. Harvest day came months later and what they dug up were potatoes larger than they had ever seen. At this point I was once again crying out to God. He then spoke, "you are in a season where the rain has not come and yet I have had you plant seed on what looked like dry land. Below the surface the harvest is growing and I need you to trust in Me." This hit a very tender place as this morning I found myself literally fighting for my thoughts to stay in Him and not agitated at my circumstances.

If you haven't seen the movie - I recommend watching it. I also encourage you to hold tight to the Word God has placed inside of you.

As we have heard many times....
2 Corinthians 4:18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Blessings,
Bethany

Making The Supernatural Be Your Reality

2011-01-12T21:34:00.000-09:00

Can you follow the rabbit trail of my thoughts!
Let's say you have a thought or idea and you mull it around until it grows. You create with it, build off of it, speak it out, envision it's future until it becomes your reality or truth. Now let's test that theory. Remember the last thing God told you or showed you. Have you marinated in it and added a measure of faith to it until it has become real to you? If so, it has become your reality even though you may not yet see it in the natural but you are living according to it.

I watched the movie Inception a few days ago. The concept of the movie is to plant a thought or idea into someone (unbeknownst to them) while in a dream state so that when they awake it becomes their reality. The movie stirred my spirit with revelation so I started asking God questions. He showed me a picture of the Garden of Eden while the enemy spoke an idea to Adam and Eve. In just a brief moment they received an idea, envisioned it and then believed it to be an alternate reality from the one they had been living (a lie they believed was real).

In Matthew it says "...out of the abundance of our heart the mouth speaks". What we believe defines the reality we choose to live in. Example: If I believe a lie and live according it, I unfortunately make it apart of "my reality". So if I believe the truth (Word of God) then won't I make that my reality and live accordingly?! We as Christians talk about "having the supernatural become our natural" and many of us are amazed at the fleeting moments we get to experience it but it hasn't yet become our everyday reality.

God recently asked me to write down what I was believing for in an area that I tend to rely on forecasts instead of Him. I found myself giving Him what I thought was "realistic" obviously according to my reality. That isn't what He was asking of me. Yet He wanted me to shift my reality to Him and His possibilities, which are endless.

I challenge you today! Pick one area where your current reality doesn't line up to His reality of Truth and begin to think, speak and believe for what His supernatural reality says.

Blessings, Bethany

WWF Spiritual Tag Team

2010-12-03T12:05:00.007-09:00

Perfectionism and Condemnation are a WWF Tag Team of sorts. Picture one in the ring with you and one hanging on the ropes waiting to be tagged in. Perfectionism starts in and says, "It has to be perfect", "Now make sure you have all your T's crossed and your I's dotted", "You can't mess this up or......", "Don't drop the ball on this one", "That isn't good enough, do it again", "Strive for Excellence" and the list goes on and on.

Now Condemnation has been waiting to get tagged in but knows that if he's patient and you fail to meet Perfectionism's expectation - it is a sure tag into the ring. "How could you.....", "Why did you.....", "See I told you, you weren't good enough", "You weren't made to do this", "This isn't your calling", "There is no next time, give up now", "You should be embarrassed", "You didn't try hard enough." He's relentless once inside.

Anyone who has suffered with or worked in environments where Perfectionism and Condemnation are present, then these sound all too familiar. I've even heard those say, "I'm not a perfectionist, I just strive for a spirit of excellence". Let's face it - we've been sold and bought the Corporate America lie that is really Perfectionism in sheep's clothing. Can you see all the motivational posters around your office about striving for excellence? Do they motivate you? If so, with what motive?

Here's the revelation:

Anytime you are striving in this connotation - it's not of God.
The enemy knows the Word and twists the truth.
Perfectionism and Condemnation keep Grace out!

I found myself today saying, "but I'm only human" as if to try and justify or silently beg for Grace! God didn't put Grace behind a counter and say that we had to come justify why He should hand it out to us. He freely gave of it! I struggle with Grace but today I needed it and knew that God was the only one that could provide that perfect measure. After Perfectionism and Condemnation beat me up - God showed Grace and today I received it! It's freeing!

Now don't get me wrong, I know the bible talks about working with excellence but ask yourself does your version of excellence make room for the Spirit of Grace? Does it allow room for God to teach you through your imperfection? Or does it provide an open door for Condemnation to step into the ring when it's not "excellent"?

NUMBING AGENTS: TV, Video Games, Etc.....

2010-12-02T17:55:00.001-09:00

I started writing the other night for my own therapy, realized that I might not want to share with everyone and then decided what the heck. Who knows maybe someone will gain revelation from sharing....maybe even me :-).

Let's start with my fingers are really sore and so are my feelings but I'm working through both of them. Last year for Christmas my husband bought me guitar lessons. It's this deep desire but up until now there hasn't been time or money. When I finally told my husband I made my appointment he whined (yes he whined) and said he wanted lessons too. So I thought it would be a great idea to make guitar lessons on date night. Was this a good idea.....not sure yet!

We took our second lesson Tuesday night. After lesson one I was frustrated that Shawn was learning quickly and then trying to tell me how to do it while failing to realize that we learn in different ways and paces. I kept hearing the little voice say, "you should be excited for him that he is learning so quickly."

About 5 years ago I spent quite a bit of time picking out a very nice acoustic guitar with a beautiful, rich sound. I tried to learn from someone that is much like my husband; learns quickly and expects everyone else to also. Then I tried self teaching via DVD and Internet; that was ugly! I want to hear sounds played on it and I want to be the one to do it. A few days ago Shawn says, "let me see your guitar." Yep you guessed it, salt gushed into my open wound as he played it. OUCH!! Then tonight at practice the teacher let me stumble along and seeing how Shawn was quite bored, he told him that he was going to challenge him. In a matter of minutes Shawn learned 4 new chords and 2 strumming patterns. Unfortunately, the teacher not realizing my internal pain said, "don't worry Bethany you will begin to play like we do", referring to Shawn and him. Ouch again!!

Now you may say all the things I heard, "don't let the enemy win", "don't take offense", "your being a self-centered brat" and my favorite "Shawn just became the star student and I should stop taking lessons now." Then God opened a window for me to peek out of. I believe it was a window not even from my own house. Fact: My husband has a high IQ and gets bored easy. Fact: My husband hates being pushed to advance and doesn't make it a habit to self push either. Revelation: This doesn't just apply to playing the guitar.

With it still raw and rolling around in my brain I started a conversation with Shawn when we got home. Not always a wise choice but in this instance there was God's grace. First I shared that after the five lessons we paid for are over, we will begin separate lessons so he can advance at his own pace instead of bored at mine. Then I spoke to him about how intelligent he is and how I believe that some of the areas where I don't see passion is because he's bored. It's that simple!  He smiled and agreed. After much discussion two things stuck out. He told me about how all through school he was in the MGT (Mentally Gifted and Talented) courses. Through a course of events he found out he couldn't do what was passionately in his heart so and I quote, "so I surfed my whole senior year instead." It opened a discussion about the things we use to numb us because we are utterly bored.  We may even think that they are necessary things to relax, let's say a the TV or Video Games but reality is we are using it to check out. Guys you may even call it your "nothing box" as Mark Gungor calls it. Either way if we are using it as social alcoholic or drug attic would use it, as a numbing agent to mask the pain or boredem, it's not productive.

Well my sob story has a happy ending. Shawn is actively researching something he wants to do that will be more engaging that the "numbing agents". Please keep him in pray as I believe God gave me this window to really start a dialogue in an area where there hadn't been breakthrough before...Praise God!

As for me, I got to face my numbing agent in the process and now I need to deal with it. I escape into movies. It's numbing to watch someone elses story for a moment when yours doesn't look so appealing. As for my guitar playing abilities, I can only ask God for more of Him as I practice.  He created this desire to play since I was a little, little girl so he'll lead the way.

As for you, what's your numbing agent?

Does Your Heart Hear?

2010-08-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have these random thoughts and wish I had time to post more regularly. Tonight I was up working late and just got caught up in my worship music so I opened the blog to post.

What do you think you could "hear" if you stopped to listen with your heart? Let's test it... Your next conversation with someone close your eyes, seal your mouth closed for at least 5 minutes, turn off your preconceived opinons and let your heart listen.

I believe in these moments we allow God to penetrate our hearts and we get to hear His heart for that person. We may or may not hear words but He will give us a heart to listen, to be compassionate, to love.

Twice tonight I have started typing and what I hear in my heart ends up being the very lyrics to the next song. And so be it again. David Crowder's bridge to a song says, "Wait for it; quiet now...Wait for the voice to speak".

So as I mull this over have you ever really considered how much we judge based on what we see. After I became a Christian, I used to say, "I saw" while pointing to my ear. It was because I realized that I saw what He spoke. Although when I've disengaged my heart it becomes a dangerous road of hearing with eyes of the flesh.

The scripture says, "...out of the abundance of the mouth the heart speaks." Let your heart be tuned to listen so that out of our mouth speaks life and encouragement.

Blessings,
Bethany

Defeatism VS. Victory Expectation

2010-06-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

This is one of those times when I am writing with the hopes of receiving revelation because at this point it is a lot of rhetorical questions bouncing around.

I heard my pastor speak yesterday about victory and how we are headed into a season where it will be easy. If I was honest I can't receive it which means I don’t believe it. Why? I started taking inventory as I call it. It began when I prayed for someone yesterday. When I pray or God gives me something to believe for in regards to others dreams and destiny - I see my mustard tree! Yes, a whole tree but for myself I can't find even find the mustard seed. As the inventory grew I realized I really don't know Victory. He's never been my friend or fearless leader. I type this and hear, "or is it that I have never followed Him into Victory for myself?"

DEFEATISM DEFINITION - the attitude, policy, or conduct of a person who admits, expects, or no longer resists defeat, as because of a conviction that further struggle or effort is futile; pessimistic resignation.
Anyone who has known me knows that I am a "survivor". I have had to fight hard to only see fleeting moments of gain usually followed by insurmountable defeat. I've never had anyone who believed in me and have always been up against, "you'll never be", "you’re not qualified", "you'd never be good at" and "you don't have what it takes". I spent most of my life either succumbing to it, trying to prove them wrong only to still be told 'no' or quietly shutting them out. Now don’t get me wrong I did a lot of renouncing and repenting for believing those lies so why am I still in the spin cycle!?

I remember a moment where someone spoke words of life and it still sticks with me. He said, "I'm not going to say you can't do it because every time I have thought it, you have taken it on and learned it." Unfortunately today I see that I've spent a life STRIVING without an expectation of Victory. It's been like a beginner dart player hoping that the dart even makes the board with each attempt but never expecting to hit a bulls eye.

God keeps speaking to me and saying, "Quit striving". I guess I'm saying to God, "HOW? I don't know what that looks like to even begin to model it." I haven’t had any examples….. As I type that I see my husband. I'm not always sure what goes on inside but outside he gives the appearance of just laying back and waiting for it to come to him with a knowing that it's going to happen. And if I'm to be honest again, it drives me nuts. Unfortunately he hasn't always had victory either but he didn't fret along the way.

Q: How do you believe for something you've never seen in your life?
A: FAITH - is what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Heb 11:1

Q: How do you continue to hope when you've lived a life of strife and disappointment?
A: Rejoice in our suffering, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

If I take a detour in seriousness and take a ride on some humor…..I guess I could say I’ve had a lot of character building along my journey. :-)

So where does this leave me……….in waiting on God for greater insight and understanding!

Laying it at His feet,
Bethany

Pray and not lose heart

2010-04-19T20:38:00.001-08:00

This was really good Word with so much truth. Enjoy!

Francis Frangipane:
We Ought to Pray and Not Lose Heart

Approximately two thousand years ago a decree was issued at the judgment seat of Almighty God. It provided "legal" protection for the Church against the devil. Indeed, when Jesus died for our sins, the "ruler of this world" was judged (John 16:11). Our debts were nailed to Christ's Cross and canceled; principalities and powers were disarmed. In truth, because of Jesus, we have a legal right, not only to be protected from our enemy but to triumph over him (Colossians 2:13-15).

It does not matter what nation you come from, the sacrifice of Christ was so complete and the judicial decision from God against satan so decisive that divine protection, enough to cover every need known to Christians, has been granted (see Revelation 3:10). Christ's death is the lawful platform upon which the Church rises to do spiritual warfare; His Word is the eternal sword we raise against wickedness.

Having said that, we must also acknowledge that the Church has only rarely walked in such victory since the first century. Why? At least in part, the answer is this: To attain the protection of Christ, the Church must embrace the intercession of Christ. We must become a house of prayer.

Indeed, Church history began with its leadership devoted to the Word of God and to prayer (Acts 2:42; 6:4). Every day the leaders gathered to pray and minister to the Lord (Acts 3:1). In this clarity of vision and simplicity of purpose, the Church of Jesus Christ never had greater power or capacity to make true disciples.

Today, however, our qualifications for Church leadership include almost everything but devotion to God's Word and prayer. Leaders are expected to be organizers, counselors, and individuals with winning personalities whose charms alone can draw people.

In Luke 18, Jesus challenges our modern traditions. He asks, "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (verse 8). His question is a warning to Christians who would limit the power of God at the end of the age. Jesus is calling us to resist the downward pull of our traditions; He is asking us individually, "Will I find faith in you?"

Before we respond, let us note that Jesus associates "faith" with "day and night prayer" (Luke 18:7). He is not asking, "Will I find correct doctrines in you?" The Lord's question does not so much concern itself with our head as with our heart. What we believe is important, but how we believe is vital in securing the help of God.

Indeed, procuring the supernatural help of God is exactly the point of Jesus' parable in Luke 18. His intent was to show that "at all times" we "ought to pray and not to lose heart" (Luke 18:1). To illustrate the quality of faith He seeks, He followed His admonition with a parable about a certain widow who petitioned a hardened judge for "legal protection" (verse 3). Although the judge was initially unwilling, yet by her "continually coming" (verse 5) she gained what was legally hers.

Jesus concluded by asking, "If an unrighteous judge will respond to a widow's persistence, shall not God avenge quickly His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them?" Jesus said, "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily" (see Luke 18:1-8)

Understanding God's Delays

Our Heavenly Judge will not "delay long" over His elect, but He will delay. In fact, God's definition of "speedily" and ours are not always synonymous. The Lord incorporates delays into His overall plan: Delays work perseverance in us. So crucial is endurance to our character development that God is willing to delay even important answers to prayer to facilitate our transformation.

Thus, we should not interpret divine delays as signs of divine reluctance. Delays are tools to perfect our faith. Christ is looking to find a tenacity in our faith that prevails in spite of delays and setbacks. He seeks to create a perseverance within us that outlasts the test of time, a resolve that actually grows stronger during delays. When the Father sees this quality of persistence in our faith, it so touches His heart that He grants "legal protection" to His people.

Desperation Produces Change

It is significant that Jesus compared His elect to a widow harassed by an enemy. The image is actually liberating, for we tend to conceptualize the heroes of the faith as David or Joshua types—individuals whose successes obscure their humble beginnings. But each of God's servants has, like the widow, a former life that is brimming with excuses and occasions to waver.

Look at the widow: She has legitimate reasons to quit, but instead she prevails. Indeed, she refuses to exempt herself from her high potential simply because of her low estate. She makes no apologies for her lack of finances, knowledge or charm. Giving herself no reason to fail, she unashamedly plants her case before the judge where she pleads for and receives what is hers: legal protection from her opponent.

How did a common widow gain such strength of character? We can imagine that there must have been a time when, under the relentless pressure of her adversary, she became desperate, and desperation worked to her advantage. Desperation is God's hammer: It demolishes the stronghold of fear and shatters the chains of our excuses. When our desperation exceeds our fears, progress begins.

Today, the force prodding many Christians toward greater unity and prayer has not been the sweetness of fellowship; more often it has been the assault of the enemy. We are in desperate times. When it comes to touching God's heart, other than for a few essential truths, unity of desperation is more crucial than unity of doctrine.

God's Elect

Our nation is suffering from a deep social and moral collapse. If we have ever needed God's anointing, it is now—but where are God's elect? Where are the people whom Daniel says "know their God" and "will display strength and take action" (Daniel 11:32)?

Is there no one divinely empowered who can fell the Goliaths of our age? Perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Perhaps we need only to look in our bathroom mirror. If you believe in Jesus and are desperate for God, you qualify as one of God's elect. Remember, in the above parable the widow typifies Christ's chosen.

We have erroneously held that God's chosen will never be assaulted by the adversary, much less driven to desperation and "day-and-night" prayer. But, this desperation is often the very crucible in which the elect of God are forged. Jesus portrays this characteristic metaphorically in the picture of the widow; He reveals the means through which His elect prevail in battle at the end of the age.

When all is said and done, it is also possible that this widow may not have been a singular person but a corporate people—a "widow Church"—united in Christ in a singular, desperate prayer for protection against her adversary.

We need the "legal protection" that a national revival provides. But it will not come without unceasing prayer. You ask, "Where was the prayer behind the Charismatic Renewal?" The Lord spoke to my heart that the Charismatic Renewal was His answer to the cries of a million praying mothers—women who refused to surrender their children to drugs and the devil.

It is our turn to pray. We are the widow who cannot give herself a reason for failure; God will answer our day-and-night cry. Let us position ourselves at His throne on behalf of our cities and nations. Certainly, as we persevere in faith, the Lord will grant us legal protection from our enemy.

Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our provision not our discipline

2010-04-06T22:08:00.001-08:00

Unexpectedly I went to a conference Saturday at a local church in Anchorage. There was so much revelation being poured out that I was typing notes non-stop on my Iphone. Today I will share one point about how we can shift our perspective.

Let's look at the story of Jonah. The speaker as well as most people preach about how the whale was Jonah's discipline but was it really? God spoke to the speaker and said, "it was his provision not his discipline". See God knew before Jonah was ever formed in his mothers womb that Jonah would make those choices so God made a provsion, the whale. 'Wow!', I thought, 'that's grace'!

The bible goes on casually to say that after being vomitted from the belly of the whale that he went to Nineva to do what God sent him to do. BUT what the bible doesn't elaborate on is that where he was vomitted out was exactly where Jonah would have ended up had he taken the boat to Nineva. See God's provision took him exactly to the place where he got off track. See there was a destiny and purpose that Jonah was to fulfill given by the Lord. We know that God plans will come to pass an thus there is provision to do so.

The bible also doesn't explain that to go from the beach to Nineva was approximately another 365 miles. 3 days journey the bible says. It also says in Jonah 3:3-4 that he entered the gates at the end of day one. God redeemed the lost time!!!! We may unintentionally make a decision that takes us off the path but God has a provision for and He will redeem the time! In looking at my life this gave me hope!

Praise you Father that you redeem time and have provision for all!

Blessings!

Going back to 2001

2010-04-05T23:50:00.001-08:00

Have you ever said, "if I could go back to high school with what I know now I would ....."? My answer has always been emphatically 'NO'!!!! I didn't want to return to some of the worst times in my life to try and do it again. So today when I read the prophetic bulletin I had to think about it carefully. The whole Word is below but the part that caught me was, "The season you are entering into will parallel and be similar in essence to what you experienced in 2001." It goes on to say that we enter this time with more wisdom and spiritual maturity to assist. To be honest my reason for not want wanting to return was that many of my circumstances were not in my control or I just wasn't victorious. I didn't believe there was enough wisdom or maturity that could have changed the outcome so why relive it?!? If I want to be very honest I still live as a survivor only now I desperately want to know prevail and triumph on a regular basis.

So if God says it will parallel 2001.....what did it look like. TOUGH year!!!! Early in the year I left my live in boyfriend who I found was living a double life (yes there is a Jerry Springer story in my past), I moved in with my girlfriend and her husband because I couldn't afford to live on my own, I spent the entire summer drunk and depressed because I was turning 30 on Sept 2 but then.....9 days later twin towers fell. I was sobered quickly!! I paniced thinking I was watching armegeddon begin before my eyes and I was surely going to hell, that is if there was one cause quite frankly I didn't know what I believed. I ran to the local church and gave my life to Christ. God has since been talking to me that He graciously honored that act but that I came in fear and He is realigning those fears to the truth each day. To top off 2001 I was diagnosed with HPV cervical cancer. So is this a year I really want to paralell?

Now with all that said I know He has plans to prosper me and not harm me but in this moment my flesh cries out NO!!!!!!!! So that leaves me with a need to shift my perspective. Let's see in each of these situations first it was a year where truth was revealed, then favor was granted, then grace and salvation were freely given, the first act of surrendering happened and the first time I believed for healing. If I look at it with these eyes I can receive it. :-)

So from a spiritual perspective what did your 2001 hold for you?

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- April 5, 2010:
You are beginning a new cycle of events. As the earth is designed to go through cycles and seasons, so are you. The season you are entering into will parallel and be similar in essence to what you experienced in 2001. However, you now have more wisdom and spiritual maturity that will assist you in your journey. Be prepared for a new day and a new time of exponential growth, says the Lord.
Genesis 8:22 "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease."

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Shifting Your Perspective

2010-04-01T05:42:00.000-08:00

We've heard the saying many times before, "it's all in your perspective." More and more I am understanding this in greater levels. In December I wrote a short speech in rememberance of my aunt who passed away and it was written from my perspective of how I viewed her.

Yesterday I took a big test through the State of Alaska that I have been studying for the last two weeks. I got in to take the test and truly felt like someone had given me the wrong test. For 80% of the questions I didn't know the answers nor were they in my 700 question study guide I had used to prepare. During the process I did a lot of praying and decided two things. One - I had a promise! Through a very long process God moved me to this new job and I know that my father has plans to prosper me and not harm me....so any fear needed to be quickly erradicated. Two - I have the Holy Spirit. I began asking Him for help and holding dialogues about the answers. Needless to say I passed ....glory to God! After the test I called work where I was then informed that the state has three different exams and I got the hardest one. The multitude of options for perspective at that point were all available to receive. The one my spirit rose to receive was that it happened for a reason. I was grateful as I was quickened that every opportunity is for the glory of the Lord and our growth in Him. This was a teaching moment for me! I am learning to trust for everything, to solely rely on Him and Him alone.

Now don't get me wrong all prior to the test I had stuggled, worried and got physically ill due to nerves. My initial perspective wasn't helpful :-( BUT when I came out of agreement with the garbage and into agreement with His promise my emotions, attitude and perspective all were free to shift into something greater...Him!

Would love to hear testimony of your shifting perspective moments!

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Just Pondering

2010-03-31T07:09:00.001-08:00

As I read the daily prophetic bulletin and scripture something caught my eye. "..... and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." I have reread this a few times and asking for the Holy Spirit to quicken the understanding in my heart.

Now keep in mind I have done nothing but study for a state and federal exam, which I am on the plane headed to anchorage as I type so my brain is full at the moment. :-) This might also explain why I'm feeling a little muddy in the brain.

So the word and scripture are below. I would like to hear what you hear that to mean.

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
I am moving you by My Spirit into a higher and more perfect obedience. This will come through greater discernment, heightened awareness and sensitivity to what I am doing and speaking. You will need to exercise self-control so that your thoughts and emotions stay in check, says the Lord. Rejoice; your efforts will produce great rewards.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

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A Journey of Walking Through 2009

2010-01-02T11:33:00.000-09:00

In September 2009 God spoke to me and said ‘I want you to meditate on Psalm 23’. I opened my bible to refresh my memory and to be frank wasn't sure I wanted to meditate on a chapter that held the words, "...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death". Although since God had already been talking to me about the words 'walk' and 'through' it made complete sense as this had been my walk this last year. A few weeks later I sat down with the Lord and WE WALKED THROUGH verses 1-5 which state:

1 The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Let's start with verse 1 - Shepherd is the original Latin word for Pastor. As I did some research on what the role of a Shepherd is - it spoke loudly of provision and direction. As I read verse 2 and 3 they were exactly that but it also speaks restoration and peace. If we notice - all of these things that we like walking in came before the 'walk through' verse OR is He trying to show us that we can have ALL those things as we 'walk through'.

When we got to the first half of verse 4 God had already showed me 'through'. We can't go around, above or under but only through. I certainly couldn't hide under the covers until it was all over either. Then He began to speak to me about 'walk'. I laughed the first time He said, 'walk'. I replied, "you mean I can't run through unscathed." We had a good laugh as I realized that was exactly what I was trying to do.

We looked at the second half of verse 4 that begins with ‘I will fear no evil…’. In July God had answered a question I had for 2 years. In a nutshell I was still walking in fear in many areas of my life. The process of removing those fears began in July but I'm still in the midst of 'walking through' them with Him. I needed to be reminded that it says, 'for you are with me'.

Then He says that His rod and staff they comfort me. So what is a rod and staff? Through Websters dictionary and accounts in the Bible they many times reference discipline and authority. Here began the revelation filled with hope, comfort and understanding. It came in two pieces. The first was that to walk through was not running under His wings being afraid of what's outside but instead to walk with Him in the fear of the lord (reverence) which diminishes all power of the enemy. "Greater is He who is in me that he who is in the world". If we know the first part to be true then we understand it is not by our own strength or fight that we walk through the valley. It is by His authority that we are comforted. Basically it's not our fight - it's our surrender to Him that walks us through the valley. It means a deeper level of release followed by a deeper level of increase of Him – that is the Valley.

Stay with me here as I share with you my questions and His answers that got me to that place. If God allows all things (which we know from the account of Job) and everything is His (Psalm 24:1) then when we feel we are "under attack" or "in warfare" doesn't it beg to ask the question, "Lord what are You working out in me that You would allow this to happen"? We experience Him in deeper levels through testing’s, trials, tribulations, joy, peace, etc...

I recently heard preached - God systematically dismantled each god the Egyptians had through the plagues. The plagues weren't for the Egyptians they were for the sake of the Israelites to know He is who He said He was - I AM! God knew what was coming and they needed to KNOW who He was, is and is to come. So God what part of You will I discover through this valley of shadow of death I walk through? This question really gave me a whole new meaning to "rejoice in your sufferings" and James 1:2-5.

Then it led me to my next thought - then why do we fight with the enemy and allow him to wear us down? How do I praise You through this valley from my heart and not just words being forced through my lips? If my eyes are truly fixed upon You would I even notice the wiles of the enemy....or would I just see my Father who loves me? I believe that He gives me an ample walk to allow the wounds to be healed and lies to be plucked out and exchanges them for more of Him…..all through the Valley. It allows Him to give me the desires of my heart....more of HIM! I told God after this to forgive me for being such a stubborn fool as I have unintentionally fought to keep the very thing I've asked Him to remove.....my flesh!

As I end please don't get me wrong I believe the enemy wars with us but in this last year I have begun to see that if the enemy is warring then God had to allow it. Believe me I know that isn't something that is easy to walk in so this must come with revelation from God above. We can only walk in what we are ready to receive. I'm not sure I'm all the way there yet either as I’m still walking through it and He's not done with me.  Let's keep walking it through one step at a time together with the I AM, our Father.

This is the first blog I hope of many as God walks me through a deeper level of Him through the spirit of Revelation. I believe that there is power in our testimonies. If you choose to follow I would love to build a network of testimonies. Please share yours as the Lord leads.

With His Love and Blessings,
Bethany