Saturday 31 December 2011
A Year to Remember
As we are about to usher in the New Year, I can't help but reflect upon this past year and the illustrious acts of the Lord in our life. His faithfulness to see us through whatever the challenge and to encourage us in so many extraordinary ways. I could not have imagined where the journey would take us, the people He has brought and the places He has taken us. We look forward with anticipation to the plans God has for His body of believers for 2012, Our heavenly Father faithfully watching over His word to perform it. There is nothing He does not know and He is not surprised by anything but knows the beginning from the end. Take courage in the New Year that with God nothing is impossible! Happy New Year and may the blessing and prosperity of the Lord Jesus be on you!
Saturday 8 October 2011
Suddenly the New Dawn Arises!
On a recent trip to Jerusalem I had a dream on the plane and in that dream I saw the desert with small groups of people in many pools of beautiful blue water. As I was watching this, suddenly helicopters started rising up out of the ground.....
Later, as I was pondering this whole scene in my heart, the revelation came that there have been many of us in that 'desert place' where we have felt isolated and yet it is in those desert places where the Lord has been restoring, purifying, refreshing and equipping people to move out in the ministries that they are called into. They have been soaking and being made ready to be positioned and launched into the 'suddenly' that God has prepared them for.
What does it mean exactly to be in that desert place? To me these are the seasons where you are holding to the truth of the destiny God has revealed to you when the facts you are facing today sometimes don't line up. You can even have those around you who question or even doubt where you're going and many will leave you because the going gets tough. However, there is a time limit to every dark night! It is holding onto the truth of God's word over your life that is the trial of your faith. God will change the facts to line up with HIS truth. We must speak the word of God over our lives so that our confession is the same as His word. We are not moved by what we see or hear but by the Word of God. The one thing that all these men and women had in common in Hebrews 13 was faith. The simple trust and confidence in God.
Why would God use Helicopters as a picture? Helicopters can manoeuvre and fly into places that other means of transport cannot get to and they represent individual ministries. The pools of water represent the Holy Spirit and anointing that flows out of the place of intimacy and relationship that has been cultivated and developed over time with the Lord. Its also the place of rest and peace knowing that God has all things in control and is reigning over you. The people prepared in this way know the voice of the Lord and are 'ready' to fly. As you speak the truth of the word of the Lord over your life and destiny then the 'SUDDENLY' shall come! God moves in the realm of suddenlies!
What does it mean to have a 'suddenly'? Throughout the Bible God has made a way of escape and delivered those who put their trust in Him and walk in obedience to what He asks. " For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed" (Isaiah 50:7).
Sometimes God asks us to do unusual things as we read in Joshua 6. The Lord told Joshua that He would give him Jericho and its King into his hands but he had to march around the walls seven times and when they heard the trumpet sound to give a great shout and when they did they would suddenly see the walls of Jericho come down and they did!
Hezekiah had a 'suddenly' victory from the Lord. He had received a letter from the King of Assyria which said 'Let not your God in Whom you trust deceive you by saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the King of Assyria'. The King of Assyria had a reputation of utterly destroying all the lands they took. However God had a plan (Isaiah 37 vs 34). "By the way that he came, by the same way he shall return and he shall not come into this city, says the Lord. Vs 35 For I will defend this city to save it, for My own sake and for the sake of my servant David. Vs 36 And the Angel of the Lord went forth in one night and slew 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians" .
Whatever you may be facing in your life today God is NOT surprised by it and has a victory waiting for you! He knows the end from the beginning. Clear out anything that is separating you from the Lord and stand firm to the vision that God has laid on your heart.
You know He is able! He will do something so radical it will surprise you! Whatever the impossible situation God is able. Ephesians 3: 20, 21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory....
Get Ready! Get Ready!
Thursday 28 April 2011
Royal Wedding
It is the eve of the Royal wedding between HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton. This modern day fairy-tale is probably what most young girls dream about - meeting a handsome prince, falling in love and getting married. This young woman who is not from the nobility has captured the heart of a future King. The nation has watched their relationship go from strength to strength and now the fruit of this is their imminent wedding. The preparations that have been taking place behind the scenes we can only imagine. It is exciting to be here at this particular time and people everywhere are in the spirit of the event as if it was their own family member about to be married. Everywhere street parties and home parties are planned and many have been camping out near Westminster Abbey to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on their big day. The Palace has released a thread of what we will see and what the day will bring. The guest list includes Heads of State and dignitaries as well as the local shop keepers from the village where Kate grew up. A stunning array of some 30,000 flowers will reflect the English country style of Miss Middleton along with a few trees to adorn the inside of the church. I can only imagine the wonderful aroma it will give off. A carriage procession of the bride and bridegroom with a Captain's escort of the Household Cavalry followed by the Queen's procession with a Sovereign's escort of the Household Cavalry leaves Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace followed by a fly over by the Royal Air Force. The banqueting table has been set and the spread I'm sure will be grand. We wanted to get a feeling for the excitement and drove the route today. The Union Jacks were lining The Mall which is the tree lined road through Green Park that leads up to Buckingham Palace. The Media Village was huge and present throughout the area. There was great excitement in the atmosphere! When it comes to events of this nature the British do it incredibly well. The attention to detail is both exquisite and beautiful and the world will be watching. It is a marriage preparation fit for a future King and Queen of Britain.
I can't help but ponder in my own heart about the wedding preparation for the coming of the King Christ Jesus for his bride - those that have believed in Him. The word says 'no eye has seen no ear has heard or entered into the heart of man all that God has prepared for those that love Him' I Cor 2:9 He is preparing for us! How are we preparing our own lives for the coming of the Lord? The Goring Hotel in London spent a vast amount of money to host the bride and her family. This whole wedding season is a shadow of how we should be preparing our own lives for eternity. The huge cost that Jesus paid for His bride was His life. He gave it so that we might have life and spend eternity with Him. That is LOVE, that He would lay down His life in order to save ours. Its not about religion its about a love relationship with Jesus.
I can't help but ponder in my own heart about the wedding preparation for the coming of the King Christ Jesus for his bride - those that have believed in Him. The word says 'no eye has seen no ear has heard or entered into the heart of man all that God has prepared for those that love Him' I Cor 2:9 He is preparing for us! How are we preparing our own lives for the coming of the Lord? The Goring Hotel in London spent a vast amount of money to host the bride and her family. This whole wedding season is a shadow of how we should be preparing our own lives for eternity. The huge cost that Jesus paid for His bride was His life. He gave it so that we might have life and spend eternity with Him. That is LOVE, that He would lay down His life in order to save ours. Its not about religion its about a love relationship with Jesus.
Sunday 3 April 2011
Mothers Day
It is Mother's Day in the UK and I woke up this morning to the smell of a delicious cappucino, scrambled eggs and toast brought to my bed on a tray with a pretty handmade bouquet and cards. The day started with an out pouring of love from my 8 year old that has continued throughout the day! The sun was shining and the magnolia and cherry blossoms are in full bloom! It is an amazing blessing to be a Mother and I can't think of anything more rewarding.
There are a lot of amazing examples of incredible women in the Bible. Deborah (Judges 4: 4 -10) A judge and a prophetess who lead Israel to victory. Miriam (Exodus 15:20 - 21) who led a nation of women in praise to God. Ruth (Ruth 1:16) A woman of commitment and devotion. The Shunammite woman (II Kings 4: 8 -10) a wealthy hospitable woman of great faith. Esther (Esther 4:16) a woman who risked her life to save her people. But then when we read about the Proverbs 31 woman in vs 29 it says 'many daughters have done virtuously, nobly and well (with strength of character that is steadfast in goodness) , but you excel them all'. I find this really interesting how this passage gives a shining description of this woman's private life and says that she has done more than the other great women! The chapter starts out in verse 2 about instructing her children. ' what shall I advise you son of my vows and dedication to God'? Her husband trusts her, relies on and believes in her securely! vs 11. She manages her staff and also buys land. vs 15 - 16. This woman is a wife, a mother and a business woman. But how did she excel them all? It was her devotion to God in both the spiritual and practical that impacted both her work and the relationships in her life. The key to her greatness and her success in life was that she 'reverently and worshipfully feared the Lord' vs 30 which is also the beginning of wisdom. Prov 9: 10. This woman has a lot of colour in her life by being diligent and making every effort to develop virtue, intelligence, self control, steadfastness (patience and endurance) godliness and affection in love.
Even though Mother's Day isn't being celebrated outside the UK today but will be celebrated in other parts of the world in May, I want to honour my own Mother and Mother in-law who are both great women of faith and exemplify the Proverbs 31 woman. They have persevered and have had their own great faith journey. Set the standard for yourself to be a Proverbs 31 woman. What do you need to do to be a modern, faith filled Godly woman in uncertain times? Ask God to show you how to bring a new level of richness to your own life and see what He will do.
Proverbs 31: 10 - 31
10A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]
17She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!
There are a lot of amazing examples of incredible women in the Bible. Deborah (Judges 4: 4 -10) A judge and a prophetess who lead Israel to victory. Miriam (Exodus 15:20 - 21) who led a nation of women in praise to God. Ruth (Ruth 1:16) A woman of commitment and devotion. The Shunammite woman (II Kings 4: 8 -10) a wealthy hospitable woman of great faith. Esther (Esther 4:16) a woman who risked her life to save her people. But then when we read about the Proverbs 31 woman in vs 29 it says 'many daughters have done virtuously, nobly and well (with strength of character that is steadfast in goodness) , but you excel them all'. I find this really interesting how this passage gives a shining description of this woman's private life and says that she has done more than the other great women! The chapter starts out in verse 2 about instructing her children. ' what shall I advise you son of my vows and dedication to God'? Her husband trusts her, relies on and believes in her securely! vs 11. She manages her staff and also buys land. vs 15 - 16. This woman is a wife, a mother and a business woman. But how did she excel them all? It was her devotion to God in both the spiritual and practical that impacted both her work and the relationships in her life. The key to her greatness and her success in life was that she 'reverently and worshipfully feared the Lord' vs 30 which is also the beginning of wisdom. Prov 9: 10. This woman has a lot of colour in her life by being diligent and making every effort to develop virtue, intelligence, self control, steadfastness (patience and endurance) godliness and affection in love.
Even though Mother's Day isn't being celebrated outside the UK today but will be celebrated in other parts of the world in May, I want to honour my own Mother and Mother in-law who are both great women of faith and exemplify the Proverbs 31 woman. They have persevered and have had their own great faith journey. Set the standard for yourself to be a Proverbs 31 woman. What do you need to do to be a modern, faith filled Godly woman in uncertain times? Ask God to show you how to bring a new level of richness to your own life and see what He will do.
Proverbs 31: 10 - 31
10A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
16She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]
17She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.
18She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying],
29Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Perseverance
The other day my daughter was in a swim competition at school where she won a silver in the breast stroke and a bronze in the freestyle. It was only a year ago that she would complain every Saturday morning that she didn't like swimming and wanted to stop. "Mommy when can I stop?" My response was, "well when you've shown me that you have mastered the sport of swimming and have full confidence in the water then we can talk about it". Perseverance had to come into play on both our parts. I had to encourage her and she had to persevere and push pass the point where it was coming more naturally for her. Now she is being rewarded for her hard-work and perseverance!
The dictionary defines perseverance as:
"continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence"
It's a bit like that in life, we can struggle with what we need to accomplish. Keeping the vision and goal ahead of us. Pressing for the promise that we've been waiting for. We get weary and tired and I think if we knew how long it would take or how hard it would be we'd pass for something less. We'd end up settling for something other than the dreams and visions that God put within us. When God is going to do something spectacular it is always contested. God brings victory over these difficulties and that's where perseverance comes in. Romans 8:25 says that we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. A strong inward life anchored on God means a strong outward life. Victories are won first in the spirit realm. God's given us dreams and vision so that we seek His mind and timing. Then when we move with the nudge of the Spirit we are assured of the outcome.
How do we establish the victory in the spirit realm? We must clearly anchor God's word to us in relation to situations that we are persevering through. Joshua 1:8 says to meditate on His word so that our way is made prosperous and so that we have good success. When we know God's word in the situation that we face it allows us to release our faith and persevere. Romans 10:17 says Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. If you're in that place of perseverance surround yourself with people who can support. Don't be isolated. You need people of faith to encourage and cheer you on. Hebrew 12:15 directs us to support and encourage one another so that a root of bitterness doesn't set in. Don't fling away your fearless confidence for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance so that you may perform and accomplish the will of God and receive and carry away and enjoy to the full what is promised. But the just shall live by faith. And if he draws back or shrinks in fear My soul has no delight or pleasure in him, now faith is the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 10: 35-38). This ties in with Habakkuk 2: 2 - 4 from the last blog which is to write the vision....
Finally be encouraged, we all have a great plan and destiny that is unfolding in our lives, its up to us to press in and take it! If God is for us who can be against us! Romans 8:31
The dictionary defines perseverance as:
"continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence"
It's a bit like that in life, we can struggle with what we need to accomplish. Keeping the vision and goal ahead of us. Pressing for the promise that we've been waiting for. We get weary and tired and I think if we knew how long it would take or how hard it would be we'd pass for something less. We'd end up settling for something other than the dreams and visions that God put within us. When God is going to do something spectacular it is always contested. God brings victory over these difficulties and that's where perseverance comes in. Romans 8:25 says that we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. A strong inward life anchored on God means a strong outward life. Victories are won first in the spirit realm. God's given us dreams and vision so that we seek His mind and timing. Then when we move with the nudge of the Spirit we are assured of the outcome.
How do we establish the victory in the spirit realm? We must clearly anchor God's word to us in relation to situations that we are persevering through. Joshua 1:8 says to meditate on His word so that our way is made prosperous and so that we have good success. When we know God's word in the situation that we face it allows us to release our faith and persevere. Romans 10:17 says Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. If you're in that place of perseverance surround yourself with people who can support. Don't be isolated. You need people of faith to encourage and cheer you on. Hebrew 12:15 directs us to support and encourage one another so that a root of bitterness doesn't set in. Don't fling away your fearless confidence for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance so that you may perform and accomplish the will of God and receive and carry away and enjoy to the full what is promised. But the just shall live by faith. And if he draws back or shrinks in fear My soul has no delight or pleasure in him, now faith is the assurance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 10: 35-38). This ties in with Habakkuk 2: 2 - 4 from the last blog which is to write the vision....
Finally be encouraged, we all have a great plan and destiny that is unfolding in our lives, its up to us to press in and take it! If God is for us who can be against us! Romans 8:31
Monday 28 February 2011
The word Canvas means coarse unbleached cloth used for sails or as a surface for oil paintings. It also refers to the actual painting itself.
Have you ever walked into an art gallery and been captivated by the colour and depth of a painting? How it draws you in and the emotion that it can evoke.
Our lives are like a canvas. God is the painter and has put within each person a vision for their future along with hopes and dreams. Jeremiah 29:11 says
''For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
As I was winding down from a full day of activities I felt the Lord say that the colour has faded from peoples' lives because of the challenges, trials and issues of life that they have had to contend with. So many have been holding onto a promise yet to be fulfilled or pressing for a breakthrough that has yet to come. When you are in a hard place and struggling your vision can become marred and you can end up loosing the hope that is within you.
Many have lost sight of their purpose and the vision on their canvas has faded but God wants to bring back the colour in your life. He wants to re-ignite our dreams, give us a fresh vision and renew the hope! Expand the canvas - what dreams are yet to be explored? Enlarge the territory - open up our influence. God wants to renew the passion for the calling that is upon each one so we can make a difference in the world we live in whether it is great or small or we're young or old, it doesn't matter. Its never too late! Daniel 11:32 says 'the people that know their God will have strength and will carry out great exploits'. If there were no limitations what do you think your life would look like? I can guarantee that it would be full of colour.
I love what Habakkuk 2:2, 3 says which is to write down the vision plainly and the herald will run with it for the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day! End. Each life is a canvas that is waiting to reflect the beauty and glory of the Lord.
Have you ever walked into an art gallery and been captivated by the colour and depth of a painting? How it draws you in and the emotion that it can evoke.
Our lives are like a canvas. God is the painter and has put within each person a vision for their future along with hopes and dreams. Jeremiah 29:11 says
''For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
As I was winding down from a full day of activities I felt the Lord say that the colour has faded from peoples' lives because of the challenges, trials and issues of life that they have had to contend with. So many have been holding onto a promise yet to be fulfilled or pressing for a breakthrough that has yet to come. When you are in a hard place and struggling your vision can become marred and you can end up loosing the hope that is within you.
Many have lost sight of their purpose and the vision on their canvas has faded but God wants to bring back the colour in your life. He wants to re-ignite our dreams, give us a fresh vision and renew the hope! Expand the canvas - what dreams are yet to be explored? Enlarge the territory - open up our influence. God wants to renew the passion for the calling that is upon each one so we can make a difference in the world we live in whether it is great or small or we're young or old, it doesn't matter. Its never too late! Daniel 11:32 says 'the people that know their God will have strength and will carry out great exploits'. If there were no limitations what do you think your life would look like? I can guarantee that it would be full of colour.
I love what Habakkuk 2:2, 3 says which is to write down the vision plainly and the herald will run with it for the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day! End. Each life is a canvas that is waiting to reflect the beauty and glory of the Lord.
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