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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

One Day at a Time

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I have finally come to a point in my life where I truely appreciate the truth of this message to us. I don't know about anyone else but most of my days are pretty full. With trying my best to take care of my family and myself, manage our home, prepare our home studies, not to mention taking the time to teach the studies. I really don't have time in my day to fit in the concerns of tomorrow. I am so greatful that everyday is a new day when we walk with Jesus. At the end of my day when I sit down to read and pray, it is so refreshing to know, tomorrow truely is a brand new day!!!!!! No matter how tired, discouraged or stressed I could be, God promisesto bring refreshing to all my tomorrows.......one day at a time.

In this I find hope and joy......

Be blessed all!
More later.......

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Gods Consistancy

I don't know about anyone else but in a world that is constantly changing, I am so grateful God is consistent!
In the world today everything seems to change so incredibly fast! You can purchase a computer today and in only a months time it could be considered obsolete. Not to mention cell phones, or
i-pods, televisions and the forms in which we listen to or watch movies and music. Maybe it's just that I'm getting older, things seem to be changing so much faster than they use to, but I think its more due to the increase of knowledge in technology. The increased rate of our growth in technology seems to have kept in step with our schedules as well.
This rapid rate runs so against the grain for me, that when I find myself caught up in it, I panic! Not in the sense that I become fearful, I become frazzled!!!! I can keep up for a day or so, but after that I go into some sort of a melt down, and I find myself hunting for any place to sneak away, kind of like someone who is addicted to nicotine and just has to have that smoke and every where they go it's no smoking allowed! So, I guess now it's out in the open, I am a quiet time addict and no form of rehab will ever change me!!
The one thing that keeps me always going back for more to my times of solitude is that my Father, my Friend is always there, always the same. It fills me like fuel in an automobile, I can't run without it. Although, it may cost me more, it doesn't matter, I'll pay it. Because without it, I'm going no where! I find myself becoming more dependent on those times much more often than I use to. In a time when we can get so caught up in the whirlwind of life, I find this so refreshing, knowing no matter how fast and furious this world can get, no matter how much change goes on around us Our heavenly Father is always there....always loving.....always merciful......always compassionate.....always forgiving.....always full of hope....always passionate about us.....always dependable........

"For I, the Lord, do not change"
Malachi 3:6a

I pray this brings you peace and sends you into His presence today.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Article from the Elijah List

This article touched my heart and spoke to me in relation to the study we will be starting, "Made to Count", I hope it speaks to yours as well.
It is a bit lengthy...but well worth the time.
Be blessed and walk in His presence today,


January 21, 2008
Paulette Reed: "Building Upward--It's Time to UNCOVER and HONOR the LIVING STONES!"
The Vision
In a recent vision, I was traveling through time and space at an accelerated rate, just above a dark brown terrain. I realized I was seeing the foundations of the earth, and they seemed to be trembling. I was soaring so fast that my physical body actually became dizzy. I knew in my spirit that the Lord was showing me His rich foundations prepared thousands of years ago--alive with anticipation as they waited for the living stones.
Oh, how exciting to realize our Heavenly Father's foundations are always the glorious base for solid structural elements which lend to limitless possibilities! How marvelous to bow and acknowledge Jesus Christ as the One and only True Foundation--a Foundation of Love. God loved even before the creation of the world (John 17:24). May we long to have Christ's likeness established in every believer, not so concerned with the outward appearance of the temple, but deeply concerned with the foundation. Our focus should be to continually build up people, and not ministries.
With all we're hearing about this being a year of new beginnings, we must be certain to build upon sacred infrastructures while adhering to the basics--those fundamental foundations in place for centuries. For, "In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the Heavens are the work of Your hands" Hebrews 1:10. Don't you just love how God uses chaos to create His divine order?
Living Stones
It's awesome to know that we, living stones--breathing, walking, talking stones-- are carrying the Gospel of His glory to the ends of the earth! Oh how we are "looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10).
As we build together, dear ones, some stones may seem insignificant, but it's so very crucial not to despise even one small stone. For, "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be" Job 8:7. Let's keep in mind, "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world." In other words, we must nurture and edify every one of the Father's children as they grow up to be kings, presidents, justices and queens.
The moment we are baptized into one Body (I Corinthians 12:13), every believer becomes a beautiful stone. Look around. We come in all sizes, shapes and colors; jasper, sapphire, amethyst and more. Each person is a precious gem in the eyes of our God, shining in the darkness upon His foundation of glory and love.
We form this living Church as the Holy Spirit unites us; we become construction materials that must no longer be torn down, but acknowledged and edified. We are stones and the Holy Spirit is the cement. For, "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" I Peter 2:5.
Look Around
Following my vision of the foundations of the earth, Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance a prayer I had sent to the Throne room months ago. I remember it vividly. "Lord, I need You to send someone to fill this position." The Holy Spirit replied, "I already did." This was a moment in time when the hidden became unhidden. The "living stone" was right in front of me and I almost missed it.
Oh dear friends, look around, look around for, "He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them He has set the world" I Samuel 2:8.
How many living stones are in our midst right now who have not been properly honored and seated with princes?
It's time to uncover the stones, dear friends! We declare that those around us will be the best teachers, preachers, managers, mothers, fathers, and servants of the most High God the world has ever seen. World changers! We declare that not one stone will be left unturned as we train and equip, honoring and preferring one another above ourselves. We purpose to love each stone to life, so it is breathing, walking, talking and filled with the glory of God.
It's a wonderful season of "uncovering," beloved. This describes so well where we are at and indicates what we need already exists--right in front of us. Many believe that uncovering eliminates a lot of the emotional and intellectual baggage of "discovering." "Lord, send a stone to fill this hole in the wall." He says, "I already did!"
Hut, Two, Three, Four!
The army of God has been in quite a season of realignment. Some have been obediently deported several times, some resisted, and others have gone AWOL. Many have moved from the tail to the head. Now, we are entering into a season with synchronized marching coming forth. I can hear it! Hut…two, three, four. People are assuming their positions. They are standing strong and tall on firm foundations, ready to move onward and upward, taking ground.
There has been a tremendous amount of preparation in the laying of foundations. As with traditional architecture, so much occurs before design (action) and implementation. The needs of the building (the church) are identified, resources are secured, and finances are in place (or believed for). During the planning, there's a time to get questions answered, so the foundation can support the structure.
The Gifts
Every gift in the Body is necessary and all are about to increase and soar--as they are uncovered. It is time, friends. We must rebuild the temples--the people of God! Each person bears relevant gifts within them from birth, for the Creator lives in us! Sadly, some virtues can be stifled early on, perhaps as soon as we can hold a crayon and someone says, "Now, stay in the lines."
However, we know the gifts are still in "the house" within each vessel. It's time for recovering and uncovering! Blessing the gifts in each living stone as Jesus did--not allowing them to lie dormant. Jesus saw every disciple that came alongside as a gift (John 17:24). May we be like our Savior, ready and willing to identify, bless, and release what the Father has given within our own spheres of influence. May we come up from underneath, undergirding the stones, giving strong support, remembering that foundations are not seen.
Tools for Building on the Lord's Foundations
F – Firmness. As the winds and the torrents come, we simply will not survive on sinking sand. "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock" Luke 6:47-48. "He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved" Psalm 104:5.
O – Openness. Foundations begin with open frames, remaining flexible for refinements during the building up. They are to take on whatever the Master Builder adheres to the frame, not speaking back to the Maker.
U – Unity. Of course a house divided cannot stand. Even if one single domino is pulled out of a pillar of thousands, the structure will tumble.
N – Nails. We can't actually see these construction materials, but they pierced the hands and feet of the Cornerstone of love and they hold the Church together.
D – Developers. The Lord has His developers in place. They train and equip causing the living stones to progress from an embryonic to an adult form. To grow into a more mature state, advancing and expanding. Developers have builders to come alongside and supervise assembling the joining parts so the structure is established, increased and strengthened. The builders mold, form and create, building on the past to mobilize the future.
A – Ascension into the Throne room regularly for the Divine connection that empowers and enables what is to come.
T – Truth. Absolutely no room for the veneer of servanthood--it must be the real thing. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23.
I – Ideals. Clinging to the path our Beloved leads us on, not the one taken by others. We are pioneers and groundbreakers. We must become uncomfortable with the norm and stretch to embrace the truth of Whom we serve.
O – Openness. To share liberally with those who may experience struggle along the way.
N – No status. Foundations are hidden. The dramatic metaphor in Luke shows us God's heart. He draws children to Himself in the midst of His disciples. Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the one who sent Me. For he who is least among you all--he is the greatest" Luke 9:48.
S – Stable. When foundations are being laid, miles underground, it's absolutely crucial that they are not off one millimeter of an inch. If they are, as the building goes higher, the miscalculation becomes more obvious. The final structure must not be weakened by its own growth, leaning toward earth rather than reaching toward Heaven. "He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle" Psalm 107:7.
Let's Pray: Dear Jesus, how amazing that You would come to earth as a baby, a child, Who was to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 12:5). Remind us, Master Builder, that all we do is an offering just for You. May we each serve You with diligence and joy, being changed from glory to glory. May every child of God grow in stature and favor with the Lord and with men as You did. Give us a Heavenly vision of the wall of the city with twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). May the gems You are sending to Your Church be preparation for glorious walls made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. As we acknowledge each brother and sister as irreplaceable components of Your final work, let us honor You by our love. Amen.
Paulette ReedExtreme Prophetic MinistriesEmail: Paulette@extremeprophetic.com

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

If God Leads He will Provide

Why do we say we believe, yet walk in doubt? Someone recently spoke to me about stepping out into a different field, but that they didn't have it all quite figured out how they were going to manage. I asked if they felt this was a God inspired change or something they just wanted to do? They said they felt it was God leading them in this new direction, but that they couldn't make that step until they knew how other things were going to fall into place. I was able to share with them this testimony of Gods provision in my own life.
I had worked in the dental field in one capacity or another for over 16 years when I gave birth to our youngest daughter, Libby. It was initially not our plan for me to continue to work once I became pregnant, but after trying to conceive for over two years with no success, we bought a house that required me to work to keep up the payments. Then lo and behold I found out two weeks to the day after closing on our house that I was pregnant! Even while I was pregnant I sensed God was directing me to quit my job. But, because I couldn't see how that was possible I continued working. When Libby was almost two I found out I was going to be losing my babysitter and I just couldn't see anyone but , Sandi, watching our daughter. I decided I would now leave my job and give in to this urging inside of me. But, I couldn't leave it there, I began to take classes to be certified as a Travel Agent and began my own business out of our home. As if that wern't enough, I also did day care for the other displaced children left over from "Sandi's" house! My business took off like a rocket and before I knew it I was working well into the night time hours some days. My back issues were then becoming a major distraction and I had to give up both the day care and my travel business. Even still I wasn't being obedient to that call inside of me to just let it go. It was so hard for me, I had not been without some sort of pay check since I had been fifteen years old and I couldn't imagine us making it without me bringing one home now. I then found a job with a local Interior Decorating Firm, a job that I loved doing. In less than a year my back issue became so much worse, I was to undergo an experimental theapy to see if they could slow the rate of the progression, which meant I had to quit my job. As much as I loved that job and hated to leave, I remember being overwhelmed by a sense of "freedom" when I walked out of the studio that last day. I had the treatment done and was in a brace for six weeks and didn't give it too much thought throughout that time. Then one evening I sat down and figured out what we had in bills and what we had to pay them with and on paper, it just didn't add up, we were in the red!
Yet, our bills were paid. One month went by, then two months went by and every month it was the same, on paper we should not have had enough money to pay our bills, but every month they were paid. I still to this day cannot tell you where those extra dollars came from, all I know is that they were paid. Throughout this time a connection with God like I had never known was taking place and I had such a sense of peace, words cannot describe it.
God had been speaking, but I didn't want to listen. Then when I did listen, I still felt it had to be on my terms. But once I was completely obedient, even if by force, God showed His faithfulness to me. I learned that when we have to do things our own way, we could miss out on witnessing God's power in our lives. I also learned that when God leads us to anything within or outside our area of comfort, He will not abandon us or leave us "orphaned", He will provide. He is always faithful to sustain us wherever He leads.
We won't always understand why somethings happen the way they do, but, if we know in our hearts, we are never alone no matter where God leads us and He will always sustain us.
Isiah 55:11
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void.
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it".

Saturday, January 19, 2008

New Blog Home/Persistence

Well, here I am, all set up in my new blog space. My hope is that this space will be much more accessible than the windows live domain I had previously. Life has been so incredibly busy lately I am thankful to of had today to just sit back and catch up, reading this past weeks e-mails and opening snail mail. It absolutely amazes me how much mail one person can get in just a matter of a few days!!! All it takes is to buy something from one mail order company and before you know it your getting offers from every mail order company known to man! Three years ago I ordered a bird figurine for my mom and I'm not kidding I have received at least 3/4 offers a week ever since. Sometimes multiple offers from the same company!!! Although I find this practice to be very annoying, I think there could be something to be learned by their strategy. What if we were as persistent with sharing Christ with those who aren't saved? I don't necessarily mean bombard their inbox or their mail boxes with offers to give their hearts to the Lord. But, what if we just never let up showing them the love of Christ, no matter what? No matter how many times they turn down the opportunity, that we would continue to pursue them for the Kingdom of Christ Jesus!! These companies don't take it personal when we rip up their offers and throw them in the trash or even seem to take offense when we flat out turn them down. They just continue to try to win you over with unbeatable persistence. Think right now about that one person, that one family member or person you work with that doesn't know the freedom of giving their life to Christ. When was the last time you asked?Also, we can't always assume someone is saved just because they come to church or attend a service. I know three people I have had the opportunity to lead to the Lord which I had previously assumed were saved. Then by having a conversation with them realized they didn't know the Lord and had never asked Him into their lives.Lets continue on with our work keeping our eyes, ears and our hearts open with persistence and determination, not ever accepting "no" for an answer.