Lioness Arising - Lisa Bevere

Author Lisa Bevere has written a book that is full of encouragement.  What woman can resist the charge to "Wake Up and Change Your World." 

Excellent Read!  Let me know what you think after you have read the book.

Gift of Healing-Asking Voice

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 14:1

So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church – 1 Corinthians 14:12.

4-11 God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. (The Message Bible.)

I love these verses and their promise to create fullness and wholeness in my own life. Just as importantly, I can be used in wholeness by the Triune to function where ever he calls me to “Go. Make disciples. Heal the sick. Cast out demons.”

I have been giving thought to the belief that some hold to that they can only have 1 gift from God to function in. I am not sure that is the truth God would have me believe. For instance, many have said to me, you have a gift of wisdom, or wise counsel. I have an ability at times to make the complex simple and clearer in understanding. As I mentor and coach, many have a found they can give me simple trust as together, they are guided on their personal journeys with Jesus Christ. I have seen and participated in the miraculous acts of people being saved; seen people freed from demonic oppression and have discerned spirits – both good and evil. I have both spoken in tongues, and I have interpreted tongues. I have prayed for healings, both spiritual in nature and physical in nature; and have seen some healed and some that were not healed both spiritually and in the natural. These are all the gifts. Some of these I walk more strongly in, but I have been given the privilege of functioning in all of them at one time or the other.

Over the years, I found that I was very impacted by my youngest brother’s death at the age of 19 in an automobile accident. Of course I prayed that he would come out of the coma he had been in, and not have brain damage due to the severe trauma he had suffered. We saw many young people come to the Lord during the wait in the hospital through prayer. We experienced an outpouring of love through prayers of our church body over the course of 3 days while waiting within the hospital walls. My mother saw an angelic couple that offered her words of strength and courage to sustain her loss of her youngest child as she made the decision to turn off all life support after he was declared brain dead. The greatest impact however of his death, was in the resultant loss of belief and faith in healing, and my decision to withhold the gift of healing by my laying hands on someone and asking for their healing…adding faith together to come into agreement. My smoke screen for this belief? I must not have the “gift” of healing since my brother died.  All the good that was manifested in so many gifts we experienced that few days in the hospital, but I reverted to the negative – God did not answer prayer for healing and restoration of life for my brother – where was He? Why?

Now do not get me wrong – I know it is not ME that heals. It is only by the ONE whose stripes we appropriate to be healed, as a result of the finished work on the Cross, which makes it possible. But, the requirement is that I am invited and am seated in the heavenlies, with ALL authority that has been given to me as a Believer; whose identification is Christ in me; I have the responsibility and privilege to lay hands on the sick – whether physical or spiritual in nature – and ASK for healing – because of HE who is in me. It is the model He gave to me, stating, “AND you will do greater things than these.”

I am supposed to be eager for the spiritual gifts manifesting in my life and eager for gifts that build up the body. So, where do we get mixed up thinking that we can limit what God is doing, when He does it, the way He wants to do it? I want to be very careful not to limit God with His limitless potential in my life. I want all the gifts He wants for me to have. And that “all” may be that in HIS fullness, I walk with more than 1 or 2 or 3 gifts. But I function in them when God activates and provides what is necessary for any situation, circumstance or opportunity I find myself in while ministering.

What I found recently in examining my brother’s death so long ago, was that I had a root of fear that made me question stepping out and praying for healing…because maybe my prayers would not be heard, or the person would not be healed and per chance…I would have egg on my face because “I” failed – and my fallback experience was that my brother died after I and so many others had prayed for him. That one experience was trying to negate the other years of seeing so many others who have had cancer, be healed. Heart problems that were healed and surgeries were not necessary because of prayer. Demonic oppression was healed – because I asked in “HIS NAME.”

My point as I write this blog is this – the enemy has tried to kill, steal and destroy VOICE. This reluctance to speak aloud a prayer of healing for emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental or in the realm of healing sickness – is another way the enemy wants to limit God’s potential – the VOICE He has released and gifted within us. The enemy wants to limit the “when two or more are agreed in His name by VOICING and requesting the will of heaven to be released upon this earth – those possibilities! And He wants us to ask, regardless of what we may believe the outcome. I have come to understand that when requesting healing for a believer – they WILL BE healed, in Jesus name, either on this earthly side of heaven or when they enter the Promised Land to be healed for eternity. Praying for healing is one of the best win-win situations I have ever had the blessing to lend my VOICE to be part of.

Andrew Murray, a great man of God has written for our edification: “The Lord Jesus, who in His love is to unspeakably near us, is the Almighty One with whom nothing is impossible.” God says, “For in him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.”
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NRSV).

Healing is included in that YES. And it is given to me as a gifting. It becomes more precious and priceless as I respond with VOICE to ask for healing in His Name.

Contagious Joy

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. Thank you John Wesley, Theologian. You remind us that God is issuing you and me an invitation to celebrate - whether in the midst of challenges in the valley, or walking up the mountain to see it from His perspective.

Celebrate today's blessings - the ones that are right in front of you....your husband, children, parents, people you work with, those who serve you this time of the year in retail and restaurants who are doing their best while being overwhelmed!

Be contagious in your celebration, in your joy - it is your salvation...and your example could make the joy of salvation someone else's also.

Truly - make it a Merry Christmas through the presence, contentment, gratitude, joy and thankfulness that is within!

Workmanship

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!” Psalm 139:17 NLT

You and I are so desperately loved by God. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, HIS personal treasure of great value, as payment for our life. How deep is the love of God the Father! Regardless of our enmity and rejection, God still sought you and I, relentlessly pursuing us, through His eyes of grace, mercy and compassion for each of us.


In Genesis 1, notice Elohim in His creative ability, and then He breaks into poetry about His crowning achievement: “So God created man in his own image, In the image of God he created him; Male and female he created them.”

Paul states in Ephesians 2:10, “We are God’s workmanship.” The Greek word for workmanship used by Paul was the same source of the English word poem. Humanity – man and woman together – were God’s master poem – created by the poetry master himself with precious thoughts for our purposes and our destinies; plans to give us hope and a future!


Psalms 139:6 (TLB) states, “This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! I can never be lost to your Spirit. I can never get away from my God!


Because of God’s precious thoughts about us, that we can never, ever be lost or get away from Him, we can have confidence in His mercies. Even if we think He is a long way from us, He is faithfully quite near.


He has set His glory in and above the heavens. We see His glory as flames from the sun and stars. He is the center and soul of every sphere, of which we are included. Because of His loving heart, our God is always near. Yes, how precious are His thoughts for each of us. We can only love Him, because He has first loved us. I John 4:19 (KJV).

Love this question…What is God’s absolute principle that should guide all our thinking concerning gender reconciliation between men and women? It is equality – absolute equality.

Pondering today what is modeled for us in the Godhead between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Equality – with no hierarchy in the Trinity, only absolute equality states Vinson Synan from “Women in Ministry” Ministries Today (January/February, 1993), 46.

What was laid down in the Garden of Eden when God, Elohim-a plural unity – created man and woman in His image? Equality. Elohim spoke out of the darkness that He hovered in…and spoke creation into existence – including man and then woman. It was voiced they were both to have dominion, to be fruitful and multiply – both were necessary and valuable to the process of the ability to create life, and have voice!

What absolute is never contradicted in Scripture? Equality.

In early history, from the book of Genesis, people decided to build a tower. There are towers built every day today, but our towers are more subtle than the Tower of Babel for instance. Our modern towers are hierarchies, pyramid charts, and structures that appear to give some people more value than others. Our hierarchical structures begin in pride and self-assertion, not in God or His Word, and then end in injustices based on religion – not Christianity.

Even in Satan’s original temptation to man and women in Genesis 3 – “you will be like God” – suggested that they should assert and elevate themselves. Refuse this temptation! We all have equal value, even though we have unique personalities and different giftings, callings and functions. God created each of these. His integrity determines value and place within the Kingdom. I am reminded often of the Parable of the Talents…will I, as a woman, be a good and faithful servant of all that God has called me to, anointed me to – that I may give a good response when standing before Him being judged as to why I did or did not, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit – regardless of those who have differing views on a volatile subject matter dealing with women and their role in ministry in this 21st century.

God set up a human judicial system in Exodus 18 out of necessity. He gave certain people control over others based on need for order in a sinful, imperfect world. He set authority in earth, whether parents to lead families or leaders for the church or leaders for government, because we have practical need of them to function. HOWEVER, we should not confuse function with value or permission to set limitations.
Each of us is valued before God – and I for one want to walk copying the loving, humble pattern given by the Trinity and backed up by the Word of God. Jesus taught me to wash other’s feet and to serve others. This principle should rule in the Body of Christ and ultimately in every society and every nation: the absolute equality of male and female to serve others as they Go – Preach the Gospel, making disciples where God takes them. Humanity - made in the image of God. Jesus payed the supreme price on the cross for male and female – souls that He deemed are valuable in all kingdom work – so that all might do His will and follow the same call.

…Considering that as the righteous remnant brings their lives into line with what God shows, modeling truth as salt, and teaching others His light through love of equality – the World will respond to the love. More and more individual’s lives will be transformed as the church. Then the nation and world, become more influenced by laying down their opinions, and raising the banner of truth – truth that sets us free – as society grows in grace and knowledge, attaining peace, freedom and prosperity for all. This is God’s absolute for us all.

I for one must respond toward God's purposes, and not quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit at work...but responding in God's truth and not always what the majority of people might believe.

God, YOUR grace still amazes me. Your love is so pure.

Reference:
Cunningham, L. & Hamilton, D. (2000). Why Not Women? Seattle, WA: YWAM Publishing

Speaking Peace to the Storms

Isaiah 43:1-2, 4-5 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

Since you are precious in My sight, You have been honored; And I have loved you; Fear not, for I am with you. Other translations say – “Fear not, I am protecting you.”

It’s been a few days of pounding rain and flooding in Hampton Roads. Our neighborhood streets and cul-de-sac have been flooded; cars in the neighborhood were under water, sunrooms, sheds and backyards full of water, families were evacuated from apartment buildings and their houses. There is no way to get in or out of my neighborhood, even in hubby’s 350 “big diesel truck” because the water in the streets has nowhere to go. Toilets were backing up due to city sewer lines being overwhelmed – wet towels piling up – that cannot be washed because there is no place the laundry water can go except overflow the garage. The smell of sour and polluted water, is taxing on ones senses. I would mop up, and the rain would begin again, negating everything I had already done.

I have a much greater appreciation for areas that have been devastated by hurricane systems or tropical storms. I have a greater appreciation for how numb one can become when there is nothing we can physically do but watch weather elements cause destruction. I have learned more about what it means to have no control – except to step into the authority of prayer – and partner with Jesus to command that the devil have no power to kill, steal and destroy – and ask for the storms to be still. “For if you ask anything in My name, I will do it, so that the Father will get glory from the Son.” (John 14: 14 – The Voice).

I have come to a greater appreciation of He who Lives in Me! I am thankful that in my uncomfortable circumstances; The Father has sent a great Helper, the Holy Spirit, that in His name He teaches me everything and reminds me, His peace is the legacy He has left to us. He does not give gifts like those of the world. And He says, Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful” in these storms of life – in which it is so easy to lose focus on the “Eye” of the storm – where peace and quiet and still – our Jesus – reigns. (John 14:25-27).

The Holy Spirit is present with believers – and I am called to be a redeeming force on this earth, and reclaim the peace of Jesus Christ, even in the midst of storms. I stand in the place of declaring “This all belongs to God” as I live and breathe in the power of the Holy Spirit. As I am uncomfortable in the midst of the storms that may happen, I can rejoice in the Holy Spirit as He plants and teaches dependence on Him – through the teachings of the Lord from within me where He dwells and reigns.

I am grateful to know that even in my concern as the water rises in my neighborhood during profuse rainstorms – I hold on to the promise that calms my fears – “I will never abandon you like orphans; I will be with you.” (John 14:18). He has us in the palm of His hand – and that is an understanding of great magnitude. He who lives in Me, loves me, cares for me, knows me and has me in every circumstance in life. How awesome that as I abide in His truth, HE abides in me…

El Shaddai

You may have weaknesses, but God has strength.
You may have sin in your life, but God has grace.
You may fail, but God remains faithful.

El Shaddai - YOU are the all sufficient One - God Almighty.

God is the all-sufficient source of all our blessings. He is all powerful. Our problems are not too big for God to handle - what an amazing promise we can hold fast to. YOU have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand...Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mery and truth go before Your face...Psalm 89:13-14.

Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting ... You Are God!

This past week I participated at a She Speaks conference to study and learn more about the art of speaking in front of others. While reviewing my notes I had written down, I came across a note to myself about the personal ability to control results of speaking to an audience. It made me consider that you and I must always partner with God, and recognize HE is the One who needs to be large and in charge while bringing conviction where conviction is needed, comfort where comfort is needed, and change where change is needed. I must be willing to complement and support what is doing, so that God can advance the gospel message in HIS creative glory. It is only in this manner that He can use my voice to share life experiences and current circumstances as part of your good and my good. For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose! Romans 8:28 (NIV 1984).

In our workmanship of His purposes and plans - we can be confident in our El Shaddai.

Quick Refresh

A few months ago, my dryer finally not only quit, but burned up in a few internal areas to make sure the message was loud and clear... it was NOT repairable! It seemed logical that probably the washing machine was not in very good shape any longer either after so many years of use. So, after shopping around a bit, I now have a fancy silver and grey washer and dryer! I have been learning how to use and program the various cycles, spin levels, temperature levels and which laundry detergent works best for us in this new learning curve of operating both the washer and dryer. After arriving home from She Speaks 2012 I dutifully unpacked my suitcase and added it to the ever growing pile of laundry that was to be washed and dried. The last washed load went in to the dryer last night fairly late in the evening and my tired mind was reminded a few times - don't forget to hang up certain items before I went to bed - to avoid the dreaded iron and ironing board tomorrow morning. Well, you know what happened. In the midst of the early morning routine...I stepped into the garage to get dog food first thing for the "puppy girls" and remembered the clothes left in the dryer overnight. Of course the black dress pants and jacket were in just a wee bit of a twisted, wrinkled mess. My first thought of course was oh no - I don't have time for this! And, today I am meeting "so and so" and I want to feel comfortable and look my best...well, I really wanted these two items available to wear. But then, I remembered a new button on my dryer - one which my son has asked me a few times as to whether or not I had used it yet - called "quick refresh." Well me and quick refresh had a very successful 12 minutes learning together its powerful workings! The end result was clothing I could hang up with a fresh scent and with no more wrinkles in my garments. Quick Refesh! Wow! What a wonderful feature on my dryer. The best "quick refresh" I know however, is the Word! Isaiah 50:4 was my quick refresh this morning; "The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak a word in season to him [or her] who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning." (NKJV). Now, who would not be quickly refreshed in knowing our God has awakened us this morning! That He has provided a Word, every moment in due season to be encouraged from any weariness or dismay. God, the one who is speaking voice into our lives that we no longer have spot or wrinkle - through both the "quick refresh" when we need Him at a moments notice, or in those long extended sweet quiet times we have. Matthew 11:28-30 says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light" (NKJV). Rest in the natural and spiritual "quick refresh."

Living the Glory Supernaturally

"Let your glory come down Lord."

It is amazing that God "in us" is also His glory from heaven, that enables the supernatural in not only our lives, but to impact the lives of other as it is perfected and displayed. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love...to the praise of His glorious grace. Ephesians 1:4-6 (NRSV). Grace is but glory begun...and glory is but grace perfected! Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. \o/

Isaiah 11 - The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon you and me.

Isaiah 11:2-4 New American Standard Bible (NASB) 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; 4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. “Half the Sky” by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, is an awesome book I reviewed recently while studying for my Master’s degree in Divinity. Amazon.com describes the book like this: “From two of our most fiercely moral voices, a passionate call to arms against our era’s most pervasive human rights violation: the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. With Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as our guides, we undertake an odyssey through Africa and Asia to meet the extraordinary women struggling there, among them a Cambodian teenager sold into sex slavery and an Ethiopian woman who suffered devastating injuries in childbirth. Drawing on the breadth of their combined reporting experience, Kristof and WuDunn depict our world with anger, sadness, clarity, and, ultimately, hope. They show how a little help can transform the lives of women and girls abroad. That Cambodian girl eventually escaped from her brothel and, with assistance from an aid group, built a thriving retail business that supports her family. The Ethiopian woman had her injuries repaired and in time became a surgeon. A Zimbabwean mother of five, counseled to return to school, earned her doctorate and became an expert on AIDS”. This book’s pages are filled with stories of hope. The stories declare victory because of God’s working through real life sisters in Christ as described in Isaiah 11:2-4. Studies have opened my eyes to the plight of sexual trafficking throughout the world, and more surprisingly, to the trafficking right here in the backyard of the United States. As a woman Pastor and the Director of a Women’s Ministry, I question myself in how I am doing preparing to serve the harvest of women to come through the doors of my church in the near future? To be truly like Jesus Christ, with the same spirit of wisdom and understanding requires attention to world events. To be in the Word desiring to have deep within the spirit of counsel and strength requires discipline. Evidencing the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord require days when I know I must tirelessly serve and step up even more requires dedication. When choosing to use Jesus’ standard and delight in the fear of the Lord, it motivates me further. But, in that motivation and desire, will I judge others by what my eyes see, or allow Jesus’ eyes to help me see both in the natural and in the spirit? Will I have the same righteousness to bless the poor rather than judge them? Am I the blessing of fairness and compassion for those afflicted in the earth – such as those women who have been trafficked or sexually abused? Do you ever catch yourself wondering what you can do to help? What can you do individually to make a difference? This is exactly where I find myself right now. And with those questions come the weight of responsibility to make a difference. Because of the Jesus that dwells within, He should be flowing out of me to others. With these questions comes the reflection in the mirror; women in the world calling out to me through the Holy Spirit; women who look so much like me but walk in different shoes – or walk with no shoes at all. And, I have a closet full! I am changing. My values are changing. My wants are changing. I’m beginning to look more outside the gates of my own yard with eyes that are seeing pain and ears that are hearing the cries in my neighborhood, my community, my country and overseas. And , I know that God, since the very beginning, hovered in darkness over the earth and then spoke and gave Voice to light that penetrated. It has made the difference. I want to be like that….making a difference! You and I have a voice, and we have opportunity to also speak into the darkness our sisters around the world suffer in. We just have to find the way…the way to help and give Voice.

Infectious Voice?

If God be for me, who can be against me? I am convinced that neither death nor life; neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers; neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, My Lord! Romans 8:31, 37-39 Have you ever thought about the word “infectious?” Disease comes to mind; spreading from one person to another. Another thought is in how fear spreads more quickly than even the worst of a fever! And its infection can run rampant if the right prescription is not ingested to counter its attack. How often “birds of feathers flock together” to gossip, tear others down, or try to inspire a rebellious point of view differing from that of authority over us – especially when we are afraid of the new thing or change. I can refuse the spirit of infectious fear in my life in its rule and control. And, I must remember that that spirit of fear never comes upon me from God. For His Word is sure and faithful and it promises that when my heart is wide open to the Spirit of “power and love” then I will receive both a calm and a well-balanced mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (AV). For my sake, and for the sake of others, I must refuse infectious fear. I have also come to realize that when I succumb to the fever of fear; when I am downhearted, or downcast, moody, weak in faith through the timidity the words that my voice expresses, or the body language I negatively inflect – that the God I serve, the King of Kings, is not to be trusted. What a dishonoring thing! He has never failed me and never will. He has loved me and guarded me throughout my life! He is my rock! He is for me, not against me! Lord, help me never let my fear so infect me that I exempt myself from doing what you are asking me to do! Break any habit of fear that holds me back from complete obedience. May I find courage, cheer and strength as my eyes fix on you to be happy, healthy, whole and holy in the name of Jesus!

Living the Saved Life

Luke 24:14-16 from The Message (MSG):  When it was time, he sat down, all the apostles with him, and said, "You've no idea how much I have looked forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of suffering. It's the last one I'll eat until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God." 

I close my eyes and the face of Jesus flashes before me.  Jesus, the God-Man with his own termination date known to Him as he eagerly dines with the disciples.  Jesus, the God-Man who came to save me, to save all captives and set them free from sin; free from self inflicted prisons of fear, guilt, depression, and sadness.   As his disciples quarreled among themselves who was most important, I consider again, with an expiration of less than twelve hours, what did Jesus count as most important?

I consider the Passover scene instituting New Covenant symbolism beginning with the foot washing as Jesus transformed the truest meaning of servant hood...

John 13:12-14:  Jesus said, said, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as 'Teacher' and 'Master,' and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do. I'm only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn't give orders to the employer. If you understand what I'm telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

Then Jesus gave thanks for the body and blood He was going to sacrifice for us.  He gave thanks!  And he blessed it – to bless me, and all mankind who calls Him Savior, Our Portion and Deliverer! 

1 Corinthians 10:16 (NIV), “Is it not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? 
And is this not the bread that we break, also a participation in the body of Christ we come to His table in remembrance? 

Luke 22:17-18 -Taking the cup, he blessed it, and then said, "Take this and pass it among you.”This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you.

Thanksgiving – giving thanks in everything – prepares the way that God might show you and I – salvation in Christ – the fullest salvation in Christ.  You and I can experience the fullness of our salvation, in the fullness of thanksgiving every day, every meal and we remember Jesus Christ as elemental to living the saved life.

Communion or Eucharist, Eucharisteo is the meal that prepares the way for God to show us His fullest salvation from all that estranged us from Him.  Christ broke His heart to heal mine and yours.  Christ, the complete accomplishment of salvation.  The miracle of Eucharisteo, the Passover, instituted in the Old Testament and New Testament never ends.  Personal thanksgiving is what precedes the miracle of that salvation being fully worked out in our lives.  Thanksgiving – giving thanks in everything – is what prepares the way for salvation’s whole restoration.  May this season of holiness and remembrance be poignant for the fullness of understanding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. 

The cross broke the curse. Women have been set free...

The cross broke the curse. Women have been set free…

WOW – this is the revelation the Lord shared with me over 15 years ago as he began pulling me to be a pastor, anointing me to minister to both men and women, and help set captives free.

The main question I have asked for so many years that Kris Vallottin also speaks to below is, “Why is the fall of man the one sin that the blood of Jesus cannot cover, based within so many religious denominations? Why would the consequences of that one sin remain, that by its fruit, shows division of the genders to this modern day, in spite of the fact there is a new covenant that came with the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! That all things are made new in Christ Jesus!

Recently Kris Vallottin shared the following on his Facebook site. He and his wife Kathy are on staff at Bethel Church in Redding, California:

“The best statement I have on women in leadership is my wife, Kathy. We have co-lead and co-labored in our marriage for 36 years. Together we have owned 9 business, all of which we co-lead. Kathy is a pastor on our staff and one of 12 senior leaders over our church team of 500+. Kathy travels internationally speaking/teaching in conferences and leadership gatherings. She is also a brilliant administrator, has a great prophetic gift, impeccable character and she can spell! She is one of the most respected leaders in our movement and is beloved by everyone who knows her. Our children love her and go to her for insight and wisdom. She is a peacemaker and literally has no enemies except for haters of God. She is a great lover, my best friend and she believed in me in my darkest hours. She NEVER speaks evil of anyone and has the patience of Job.

Anyone who is opposed to women in leadership in the church has simply not met Kathy or still believes in the tooth fairy. Even the Apostle Paul would have empowered this woman. She rocks and so do millions of other women. I am determined to help set them free from thousands of years of prejudice, oppression and bullying in the name of God. There is no single people group that is more is worthy of honor and has been more mistreated in the history of the world. Although men commit 92% of all violent crimes in the world we are still convinced that women are still the ones who are most deceived. I would contend that in six millenniums, Eve's daughters have learned much more from their mistake then Adam's sons. Sadly, it is religious people from every creed, who have been at forefront of this horrible metaphoric genocide from the foundation of the world. As men, we need to invite women on to the world stage with us, because like Joseph, they have been learning some things in prison that have prepared them to lead us out of this famine. He who finds a wife finds favor with God!!!!”

Reference: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries

I am absolutely amazed by the references Kris makes that 92% of violent crimes are perpetrated by men… (And yet so many are convinced women are still the ones most deceived.) And, more and more in the studies that I have been part of in the past 15 years in my personal journey to minister without gender prejudice, I have come to recognize the absolute determination of the enemy to kill, steal and destroy through the inflicted physical, spiritual and metaphoric genocide that has resided from the foundation of the creation.

It is very true that many women have been learning some extremely personal and very valued lessons from within “prisons” from messages they have endured for generations that they are not fully accepted by the kingdom of God in all service for and by the ordination of the King of Kings to come out of the prison cages of abuse, low self-esteem, and thoughts of being worth less or of having less value, children and women forced into prostitution, raped, sold into sexual trafficking ,slaving in low paying jobs, worrying about poverty, single parenthood, and lack of education. Even if they had the brains to go for education to better themselves, yet they find there is no financing available to do so.

Sometimes we think these are the atrocities visited upon sisters in countries other than the Americas – yet, do not be deceived, these are some of the same atrocities found right here in our own backyards, in our own neighborhoods and churches.

Lots and lots of room for thought, and much room to be seeking God’s revelation where God would shine His light on the subject matter of women in ministry, to be repentant if finding there has been genocide in any form perpetrated against the women within our realms of power and influence; investing in the the renouncing of every evil work that would keep women in the devils plan to kill, steal and destroy the destiny of God for their lives, and then coming into the fullness of blessing every woman for a time such as this, as they magnify the kingdom of God, making His works manifest upon this earth.

Re-Calculating

I was recently navigating many twists and turns in an unfamiliar neighborhood, both exiting and entering my search of a home address, with the use of my friendly GPS. As I was in traffic, and there was no quick clear evidence of the street name in my view, I went past my intended right hand turn. Quickly, I heard the words"re-calculating." As I waited to hear further instructions, it dawned on me there were some attributes of the re-calculating, that are much like listening to the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 78:1-4
Listen, dear friends, to God's truth, bend your ears to what I tell you.

If I but listen, my ears will hear. Simplistic, but yet so deep. How often am I in a hurry, and in the hurry, I adapt an independent streak that leads me down a path of not asking, not seeking and not listening to anything but the harried places in my own mind. If I but seek and ask the Lord to "re-calculate" my steps and redeem my time, He is sure to straighten my paths.

John 3:34-36
"The One that God sent speaks God's words. And don't think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly.

When I listen and am "re-calculated" by the Holy Spirit, I find extravagant assurance and peace that I am walking in the will of the Father FULLY - without any doubt - and that He is extravagant with his complete guidance in every circumstance and situation.

John 16:12-15
"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said.

What assurance we can have in trusting the One who "will take us by the hand and guide" into all truth. Even when I am lost in physical traffic, I can call out to him and He often leads me to taking the right turn, or help me to get my own bearings in my mind. In the spiritual, taking my hand and leading me to the secret place where He lavishes His love and guidance upon me, so that I may walk and navigate the relationship He so desires of me - and not be lost - but completely found in Him. This is truly "re-calculating" in the power of the ministration of the Holy Spirit.

Ears to Hear

I had a conversation with a Pastor last night who mentioned a prophetic word dealing with the ears to hear the voice of God in the context of his 3 children who had double ear infections, and the generation of which they are part of the Kingdom of God now and in the future. As I have been pressing into what it means to have voice via the WORD, my spirit quickened when I heard "ears to hear"...

My thought was, the attack of the enemy would like nothing better than to to distort, twist, destroy and/or pervert what is being heard by our children from the cartoons they watch, the video games they play, and the subtle but outright books that promote what some Christians believe are"harmless" witchcraft; but also to cause damage or muddle what they are hearing through trying to attack the very development of their hearing with the infliction of multiple ear infections that could ultimately cause physical damage to hearing.

In the spirit - I wonder how many who suffer from not having voice, have also experienced multiple attacks upon their hearing - and really are in total silence... This can happen through victimization and abuse that threaten the physical body to be silent and not tell; and it can happen through the physical blows by hands that are not holy clapping onto the sides of faces from angry individuals trying to manipulate through violence. However, in the spiritual - is this not the same case that the enemy tries to manipulate us with...our fear or disbelief that we could actually "hear" from the WORD, and that as He speaks to us, we can speak WORD into those who cross our path. For it is in this action, hearing and speaking WORD, that we break the cycle of enforced silence, physically and spiritually and open up to the heavenly hearing and speaking through the power of the Holy Spirit. And, as we learn this - we come into authority and position to teach it.

Lord, I declare physical and spiritual healing for those who are being attacked and in prayer I ask that you would cause the ears to open and heal, and the eyes that are infected to become wide open and focused on YOU - the WORD. I declare there is a breaking and shifting in the heavenlies that your will be done in the miraculous and that healing is released and appropriated on this earth - and that those who claim to know you begin to praise, worship and speak through the VOICE that is within us, and who positions us as having all authority and power because we are seated in the heavenlies. Give us belief to be in your charge to tear down principalities who would harm your creation - the people you love. We declare the miraculous of health aligning to every God purpose you intended from the very beginning, and by the authority of the One in whose Blood we cover over the body of Jesus Christ. In Jesus Name. Let it be so - Amen.

Enjoying Peace in His Peace & Assurance

Have you noticed how God loves me and you regardless of how well we “think” or “feel” we are performing; Regardless of our feeling anxiety in performing? Generally, I admit my anxiety comes from being moved out of the familiar, out of my own comfort zone, and into the unfamiliar.

Isn’t it crazy how sometimes we feel uneasy, wondering if we are doing enough to be worthy of our Father? We know that no matter how exemplary our behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Yet, our performance and His love are totally different issues, which we need to sort out in our belief system.

God says that He loves us with an everlasting love that will flow out from within Himself - through eternity with no limitations, and absolutely no conditions. That He has clothed me and you in His robe of righteousness – oh my! It is an eternal transaction of the kingdom of heaven. Nothing can reverse that transaction. No one can reverse the transaction. As Christian women, our accomplishments have no bearing on God’s love for us. Our ability to even assess how well we are doing on a day to day basis – it is flawed from our human perspectives; our emotions and feelings; the conditional health of our bodies – all of that can distort our personal evaluation. Yet because HE never changes and HE is always faithful, HE is unfailing in HIS love!

Jeremiah 31:3 states, “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you” (NKJV).

Thankfully, we have an Abba Father who desires that we bring any anxiety before Him and receive loving kindness and unfailing love of the Father. We can be assured each day that His loving presence is within us as His deposit, to be with each of us in all that we do. When we ask of Him to direct our steps, our anxiety should no longer exist – as He is sure to answer our request in faithfulness. We can rest in His love, if we chose to enter into the rest because of His presence and peace. The quiet moments with the Lord bring us into rest and peace. My feelings and emotions, or negative thoughts about my self-image in any other regard, do not move God’s mind about His will, His plan or His purposes for us, nor His love for me and you.

Hebrews 4:9, 11, 16 states, “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Rest assured of your worthiness because of identify in Jesus Christ.

Giving Voice

I have been pressing into the study of what it really means to be created in the image of God. To be walking here on the earth as His image.

I have been thinking about satan and his demons and their hatred for God as they opposed Him and were cast down to this earth. Here I am, in the image of God, and I know the principalities of this world seek to kill, steal and destroy every creation that is God's image, you and me, - who have been purposed and planned by Him.

I'm thinking about being a reflection of His image, and how because Jesus suffered here on this earth to restore humanity after the Fall. As His image, we learn of sufferings and we suffer - yet we know we have the ultimate in freedom.

It is no wonder the one who walks about seeking whom he may devour, is diligently looking to silence humanity through the atrocities of war, famine, horrendous terrorism, sexual abuse and trafficking, child pornography, weather events that destroy... satan wants to silence those who have been created in His image - and destroy His image in us so we do NOT reflect it to others.

Go ye therefore into all the world!!!

Yes, because I am in His image, I have His Light in me - I walk in His power. I walk in His given authority to me. As a result, I am in position to minister, to give voice back to those who have been captured to bondage - to give freedom.

Help me to trust in you Lord as you do your best work in taking the darkness of silence and speaking LIGHT into those places. And, as You use me, help me not be afraid to get out of my own comfort zone and move into the unfamiliar. I know YOU are with me. I know YOUR Holy Spirit is guiding me. I KNOW your Son has given me access through the blood to every created tool of your kingdom as Your image - to be, to do, to serve, to reflect and to minister from that position. Where ever I have been afraid to surrender and commit it all to You - forgive me - and set me courageously on the path with your Light. Light that YOU have already spoken into my life.

You are the Alpha and Omega - and I rest that you will finish every good work (and God given image, purpose and plan) in me!

Search for Freedom

Dear Lord,

Help me understand more about my own personal true identity - that I am made in the image of God, and I am Your child - created by YOU for Your pleasure. I desire to experience more, more, more of YOU through freedom bought and purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Show me the areas where I continue to be bound; areas that have been silenced to freedom I should have. Help me to let go of things and the areas of my life that do keep me bound. Help me to let go of anything I have not committed to you, or that I have been unwilling to surrender to you.

Even though it may not be easy, I am more desperate than ever to be free in You and manifest that freedom here on earth in all that my hands find to do. I have You, and want to walk in your ideas and perspectives of what freedom is - not in the fear of man.

God, I have noticed you do some of Your best work creating from the places of darkness. I think you get excited when you are Elohim - the Creative One. I know You hover over me and get excited to take those places of darkness and chaos and void (just like in Genesis 1) and speak your LIGHT into those places. The WORD spoke forth - Let there be light - and there was! And at the end of the day - YOU declared that it was good.

Since I am created in Your very image, from your Word, from your Elohim creativity - I claim that I walk by Your authority with power given by You - to be all that YOU have created me to be; all that YOU have purposed and planned for me - as I serve in the calling and anointing upon me.

Lord, Help me trust in YOU more - not in my own strength, my own mind, my own power - but that it is all in YOU - all in Elohim who desires I walk in victory and freedom in my life here on this earth as it is already portioned out from heaven.

Voice

Thinking about God, The Word...

God's WORD makes Him accessible; our word makes us as human beings accessible...God's essence is found in the WORD; our essence is expressed in and by our voice. To be created in the image of God is to have a voice and speak our voice out into the world. Anything that silences someone's voice destroy's God's image within that person. Forced silence essentially destroys personhood.

When it comes to domestic violence, abuse, patriarchal control in churches, fear and control - it would seem sin in these areas do force a "be quiet and do not tell" atmosphere through its intimidation to be silenced. Something to consider when we are told to go - to be disciples - and yet we can be controlled or limited because of things such as an abusive situation, our gender, our denomimational beliefs....