 When everything in life seems to be going well, we see no need for change. But even if our life changes for the better, and we have no desire to go back to the way things were, we may find ourselves revisiting the familiar place, for lack of a better plan. One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 (NLT) Three years later: The disciples had been fishing all night but had caught nothing. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, He called out “Have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. When they got to shore they found breakfast waiting for them- fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. After breakfast Jesus asked Peter, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: Peter, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord you know everything. You know that I love you.” John 21 (NLT) I believe what Jesus was saying is, “Now that you know me, and have spent time with me, things can not be as they have always been. You can not go back to your old way of life. What you have been doing isn’t working anymore. If you are finished doing things your way, try doing them my way. Follow my direction. Follow my lead. Allow me to guide you. Listen to my word. I have a bigger plan and purpose for your life. I will supply your needs. But from this moment on, you will be fishing for the hearts of men. If you really love me, consecrate yourself to me, so that you can teach others what you have learned from me. If you love me change your way of thinking. I have something new for you and you must find it for yourself, before you can teach it to others. Listen to me, really listen. Allow me to show you a new way.” What Jesus wanted is for Peter to position his heart where Jesus was. Many times we continue in the same way of life and in the same pattern of thinking because its comfortable. But after Jesus has touched your life, you will never be the same again. You will not want to go back to the way its always been. Your past is called the past because it is in the past. It brought you to where you are today, but you don’t live there anymore. Today is a gift and tomorrow is a mystery. Position your heart where Jesus is and see where He desires to take you. Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18&19 (NLT)
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When God is Silent, Listen for the heartbeat. Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10
You are God’s masterpiece. God watched you as you were being formed in utter seclusion, as you were woven together in the dark of the womb. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. You are always on His mind. His thoughts about you are so precious, they cannot be counted for they out number the grains of sand. Psalms 139: 13-18 (NLT)
The bible tells us of a woman named Ruth who was born and raised in Moab. Ruth could have stayed in Moab, a place that was familiar and comfortable to her. But she made a decision, to leave everything she had ever known, to follow after a God her mother in law Naomi had taught her about. She made a decision to honor a mother in law that had nothing in this world to offer her. She made a decision to humble herself in a foreign land. In her heart I believe that Ruth knew her destiny was much larger than what she had been taught growing up in Moab. A destiny which God had written upon her life when she was being formed in her mothers womb. A destiny to become the great grandmother of a king named David (whom was in the lineage of Jesus). A destiny to have a whole book in the bible named after her and written about her. A destiny that would one day change the world. Ruth 1-4 Just like Ruth, God has a plan for your life. A plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) Before you were formed in your mothers womb, He knew all about you, your fingerprint was being designed by the hand of God. Out of more than 7 billion people who live on the earth not one fingerprint is alike. Even identical twins do not have an identical fingerprint, they too are uniquely made and set apart for a special purpose in the earth which God has already written in his book. Sometimes we need to make choices that are not the most popular. Sometimes we must leave the familiar ways we were taught and change our way of thinking. We may even need to move away from our homeland and embrace a new life style. We are to stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around us, and inwardly be transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think. This will empower us to discern God’s will as we live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. Romans 12:2 (TPT) You were fearfully and wonderfully made by the hand of God. Psalms 139:14 (NIV) and an artist always signs their work, it signifies that the artwork is finished, and that the artist is satisfied. Could it be that your fingerprint is God’s signature on his masterpiece? God is raising up a company of Prophets for such a time as this, his voice must be heard in the land.
The people of God must take a stand, for just as in the days of Elijah the spirit of Jezebel would desire to kill and shut down the Spirit of God which lives within the prophetic voice of his people. There is an attack on those who walk and carry the anointing of the prophetic office like never before. We must lift our voice to the heavens, for God is uniting the prophetic voice of his people. The spirit of prophecy is coming together as never before. The prophets are raising their voice to be heard. No longer shall the voice of the Almighty God be silenced, no longer will his word within his people be hidden. The spirit of the Lord would say pray my people, pray like never before, intercede for one another because the attack is real. Pray that you might withstand the attack of the enemy. But know this, those who are for you in the heavens are more than those who are against you in the earth. Walk in faith, yet be aware that you are not alone. I am with you. Stand in undivided unity as you fight this battle together in prayer! Know your calling, your gifts, your identity. How will the world know who I am least they see me in you? For their identity has been stolen, they are searching and crying out, but you are in me and I am in you, you are mine. Let this be your witness of me, by showing them my love for them through you, my word for them through you, Speak up! Do not silence the voice within you with doubt and fear. Speak up! That my voice through you might be heard in the earth. I saw an army of prophets shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, moving through out the land as a mighty army ready for battle. But an army like none that have gone before. There were fires raging out of control, sickness and death, famine, fear and anger, chaos everywhere just as in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah. Sin was running rampant through out the land. The prophets began to march to go forth in unison as the captains gave the commands. As the prophets of God would raise their hand, anger and violence would stop. As they began to speak, fire would come from their mouths and the raging fire of deceit would dissipate. As they would march the ground would tremble, and the sick and dying would rise up and sing praises to God. They continued to march forward not one looked back, but followed the instruction of the king. In unity they marched shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, singing praises to the king, while angels encamped round about them and the glory of God shined brightly, for there was no veil. The face of God was over shadowing the earth, his presence made known to all. This is his call for unity, his desire for all. No jealousy, no questioning, no judgment on one another, only his acceptance and love for the time is near. Know your identity, walk in it, move in it, be confident in it. The time is near, do you not see the hour approaching? Prepare yourself for the battle is real. The time is near. The time is near. Be ready, go forth, speak out, warn the people. For behold I am coming quickly. Kathleen VonSeggern I hear a cry in the land for justice, mercy and grace. It is a cry calling out from the depth of the soul.
A cry for help. A cry from the hurting and the lost. A cry of hopelessness in the land. The principalities of darkness have risen their ugly heads and have infected the people which God created with lies, hate and evil. But there is a voice of one crying in the wilderness for the souls that are lost and dying. The Spirit of the Lord would say, I hear that voice of the one who has come before me in the quiet place of my love, I hear the cries for the hurting and the lost. I will make a way where there seems to be no way. For I am raising up a prophetic voice in the land. A voice not ashamed to speak for me. A voice which will proclaim healing and restoration to the hurting and the lost. They will lead by example, and will be followed into the glory of my presence. I am releasing a company of prophetic voices in a land that has been dry, where my people have called out for rain in the desert place, I have not forgotten you. I have not left you helpless. I hear the Lord say that even in the day of the dry bones, I breathed my life into you. Now prophecy to the people. Rise up, for the well within you has not gone dry but is bubbling up from deep within your being. Rise up! Stand and proclaim my mighty works, for the time is short. Do you not know my coming is near? Have I not given you signs and wonders of my return? Tell the people! Proclaim my mighty works! Heal the sick! For my mercy and grace are always there for the taking. Get your self in line my people, for the time is near and my voice must be heard through you. I have raised you up for such a time as this. Step into your calling. Activate that which is already within you. Stop waiting for a sign and step through the door in front of you. Stop asking where, why and how and walk in faith. You already have all you need to accomplish that which I have sent you forth to do. Remember its not about you! It’s about me! And my love for a hurting and dying world. Just give them the Jesus in you. Kathleen VonSeggern There are many things in life that we hold onto, our family, possessions, our hopes and dreams. But in many situations, we tend to hold on too tightly, protecting what we feel is rightfully ours. We often find that in a world of rushing about, with worries and cares too numerous to count, our hands are full, with no room to reach, grab, or hold anything new. Therefore sitting aside countless blessings which God has prepared for us.
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine." “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”, so they filled them to the brim. Then He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11 (NIV) Jesus turning the water into wine, was actually His example of touching our life of flesh, so that His spirit may dwell in us. The water was contaminated and therefore not drinkable. What we have to offer God is also contaminated and unworthy. Yet He loves us anyway. He saved the best for last means that what we once were, we shall no longer be. For some of us it may take a life time to get there. The purpose of the journey we have been on, was to bring us to this place. Therefore, let us praise Him in the journey! Because He inhabits the praise of His people. Psalm 22:3 Once we are emptied of ourselves, (as the stone water jars represent) He is able to transform us into who He would have us to be. The wedding feast represents His presence. Until we are emptied, we can not be filled. Many times we have tried to put new wine into an old wine skin. We think we are bursting with God’s love and knowledge on the inside. But we can only bring out the purity of Him, once the stuff we are hanging onto so tightly is given to Him, in the quiet place of His love and grace. It is there where we are emptied of self, that He can fill us with His presence as He desires. No one puts new wine into old wine skins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wine skins so that both are preserved. Matthew 9:17 (NLT) Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) As Children bring their broken toys, with tears for us to mend I brought my broken dreams to God, because He was my friend. But then instead of leaving Him, in peace to work alone, I hung around and tried to help, with ways that were my own. At last I snatched them back and cried, “How could you be so slow” “My child,” He said, “What could I do? You never did let go. Author Unknown As you give it up and let it go, your heavenly father can take control. He’ll make it and mold it on the potters wheel, if you will only just be still. Kathleen VonSeggern We live in an instant world with instant information, instant meals, instant coffee. We often expect instant results in whatever we do. Modern technology has allowed us to connect with others far away, and gain information quickly. Some people even develop instant friendships on social media. In this fast pace life, many have developed the mindset of an instant prayer life, and bible reading /study.
I believe that God values the time we spend with Him, but the desire of His heart is that we put Him first in all we do. It doesn’t matter if we spend ten minutes or three hours with Him in prayer or study, its all about the posture of our heart. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NIV) Jesus and His disciples came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to help me!” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NLT) In this fast pace world, it’s easy to get distracted and lose focus. Our focus must not be on man or things, but on God. If we put Him first in our life, the other things will fall into place. It’s not about the quantity of time we spend with the Lord but rather the quality. Have you ever had lunch with someone who wasn’t really present? In all appearance they are there physically but their mind and heart are somewhere else. Perhaps they were texting or answering phone calls during your lunch, in the time that you had set aside special to meet with them. How does it make you feel? Is that how it is when you meet with God to pray and read His word? Are you in His presence with all your heart soul and mind? Or are you just appearing to make an effort, but your heart and mind is somewhere else? “His grace is sufficient for you, for His power is made perfect in our weaknesses.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “Those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31 (NAS) Spending quality time with God does not ensure that you will not have problems. But you can have peace in the midst of the storms that come in your life. “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 (ESV) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) Although God can change things in an instant, His desire to meet you in the quiet place of His love is everlasting. I encourage you to make special time to meet with Him daily and allow Him to speak to you through His word (the bible). It will change your life. I awoke one morning, to the name of a song, going through my head. "Don't go chasing water falls."
As I began to pray about the message in these few words, I heard the spirit of the Lord say, "Many times my people are chasing after the mass, the crowd, the popular, the known, even in the spiritual, they chase after my glory." "Don't go chasing water falls, go after the trickle in the quiet place with me. It is out of the trickle in the quiet place, that my glory will fall on the remnant who seek it, and burst forth into the rivers and into the streams which I have ordained." He longs for us to come into that quiet place with Him. It is there where we establish an intimate relationship with Him. It is in that quiet place where we can hear Him say, "Come up a little closer, for in me you will find peace that passes all understanding." "I long for time with you my children, I long to hear your praise." "Come after the trickle, in the quiet place, for that is where you will drink of my love and a water fall will burst out of you, full of my glory to others." Go after what God has for you in the quiet place. For it is in that place, He will reveal Himself to you. You are unique, there is only one of you, and there is a plan and a call that God has for your life. But the fullness of His plan for you, must be developed in the quiet place with Him. Come up a little closer and sit beneath the trickle of the flowing brook of His love for you, so that His glory may fall from heaven into the earth through you. This is a word for the Body of Christ as a whole. Those who have been in preparation for such a time as this.
I believe there is an army of rising prophets who are about to be exposed to the world. Because there is an army of intercessors who have been praying in the secret place, alone with God for the out pouring and manifestation of the Holy Spirit to be exposed to a fallen world. I can see the army of God marching as to war. I see commanders on horseback shouting commands at the troops. I see them moving forward at a fast pace, ready for battle. For too long the enemy has stolen what belongs to Gods people. For too long the principality of darkness has pillaged thru the life’s /belongings of the Army of God. No more, says the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. No more will the spirit of lack be upon God’s people, because what has been theirs all along, is about to be revealed to the nations! That which has been locked up, that which has been stolen, that which has been hidden, is about to be exposed, and the world will know that I am God. I honor those who worship me. I honor those who serve me. No more shall lack be a part of their life. Because I am about to open the flood gates of heaven, my blessings will flow in abundance upon my people. But beware of the wolves in sheep clothing. Because those who have not walked with me will turn to me, not from a heart that has been changed, but from a heart of greed, because of my blessings on my people. Many will come, but few will be chosen. So watch, listen, and wait, so that you will know by their fruit and my voice those who are truly mine and those who have never known me. Deception will run rampant in the church. My people will perish for lack of knowledge, for if it be possible even the very elect of God will be deceived. There will be few who will watch, listen, and wait for my instruction / my guidance. Be careful that you do not run ahead of me, for I am the Shepard. It is for this reason, many of my people are being attack in the spiritual realm, more than ever before in their families, homes, finances & health, and it seems at times that the load is to much to bare. I am the God of finance, I am the God of provision, I am the God of health and healing, I am that I am, and I am has sent you. So do not shy away, do not hide among the baggage of your past. But march and ride as a solider in the army of God with the authority that I have given you. For you are a servant of the most high God, and I have spoken. Kathleen VonSeggern If someone gains illegal entry to our home, they disrupt our life, take what does not belong to them, and sometimes even harm us. We do not just stand by and let it happen! We fight back, we call the police, we place charges against them. In some situations we may even give our life for our loved ones. When the devil attacks a child of God it is illegal in the kingdom of heaven, because the price was already paid on the cross!!
When you’re feeling less than, put down, shoved down or taken down, when you’ve been told your not good enough, you’re too young, too old, or just plain unqualified, when you feel you’re all alone, no one cares about you or loves you, when your loved ones are being attacked in their physical bodies, financially, or making choices that are not in line with the word of God, these are all illegal attacks on you and your family. It is because the price has already been paid for on the cross! “He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.” Isaiah 53:5-6 (NLT) God loves you! Everything about you concerns Him! He cares about what and who you care about. The very hairs of your head are numbered. Luke 12:7 (NLT) “In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV) (Jesus overcame the tribulations of this world on the cross by the blood He shed and the price He paid) Let me remind you, of a boy named David; When others saw a giant, David saw an opportunity. The boy who appeared to have no armor, no weapon of magnitude, or sense, when the army of God was shaking in their boots, afraid of the philistines, David stood before a giant and said; “How dare you defile the army of the living God!!” When the intruder from the pit of hell gains illegal entry to your home and your family you have the legal right in the kingdom of heaven to stand before the giant that is invading your land/home/family and say “How dare you devil defile the family/army that God has given me as an heir of the throne of salvation.” “How dare you devil with your sickness and disease come against my family!!! You don’t have any legal right demons of heal, your invasion is illegal and I command you to get your hands off God’s property and go back to the pits of hell where you belong, take your sickness and disease because you don’t have a legal right to take what my God has promised me as my inheritance because of the price that Jesus paid on the cross!” “I speak healing, I speak restoration and I speak peace over every person in my blood line. Satan I command you to get your hands off God’s property by the blood of the lamb and in the name of Jesus. The principality of darkness has over stepped the boundary line of heaven, that the blood of Jesus paid for. How dare you defile the family/army of the living God!!” David was able to stand before a giant without fear, because David knew who he was. David knew the God he served. He didn’t need anyone to remind him, about the provision of his God. Because he walked, spoke, listened and lived with Him daily. When we know who we belong to, when we know who we are in Christ, when we know the price that He paid, we can stand against any giant in the land! Because anything less than what the word of God promises, is illegal entry in our life!! “The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and forth generation.” Numbers 14:18 (NIV) “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” Exodus 20:6 (NLT) “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17&18 “I know my God is able to deliver me, but even if he doesn’t, still I will serve Him! When David (as a boy) went out to fight Goliath, Saul gave David his own armor, which David tried on. But Saul’s armor didn’t fit him, so he refused to wear it. 1 Samuel 17: 12-58 I believe there are several reasons why Saul’s armor did not fit David. But the one that recently stood out to me, is that David was already wearing the armor of God. Another armor would have been much too confining!!
We are told to, Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6: 10-13 (NLT) But what is the full armor of God? The belt of truth: Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life” John 14:6 The breast plate of righteousness: The Lord is righteous in everything He does. Psalm 145:17 The shoes of peace: He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him. Isaiah 26:3 The shield of faith: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word God. Romans 10:17 The helmet of salvation: For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 The sword of the spirit: For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 I believe that what God is saying to us when He says put on the whole armor of God, is “Come up a little higher. Come closer to me, for it is in me that your protection lies.” When we truly look at what the armor of God is, does it not paint a picture of who Christ is? The more time you spend with someone, the better you get to know them, sometimes even taking on their characteristics. Should we not desire to become more like Christ, and represent Him to the world for who He is? We are not to be entangled with fear. But we are to know whose provision we operate under, and that He always provides what we need, when we need it. God is calling you to come up a little higher, to draw closer to Him. We need to be at peace in the journey, because He has already gone ahead of us. For He leads his sheep; He isn’t behind them driving them like cattle. Before the words were ever spoken from your mouth, angels were already being disbursed to accomplish that which he has planned. The full armor of God comes upon us when we praise Him. Praise Him in the journey for His protection is already upon you. Whenever I hear the laughter of a child, see sunshine through the clouds, or hear the voice of wisdom coming from the mouth of a child of God who has spent a lifetime serving Him, I can see the fingerprint of God, the signature of His touch. Because an artist always signs their work. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:3-5 (NIV) Each year thousands of sand hill cranes migrate through the state of Nebraska. Hundreds of people from other states come to see this magnificent sight. My husband and I look forward to driving a few hours away to spend the day viewing these beautiful creatures. We recently drove to a nearby lake to see the geese migration. There must have been over one hundred thousand geese of several different breeds landing on the water, circling the area, arriving and departing. They would sometimes fly high in the air so the sun would hit them just right and it looked as if they were diamonds dancing in the sky. It seemed as if each move were choreographed just for us to enjoy. It was breath taking, words could never adequately explain the beauty of it all. But wherever we are, God’s magnificent creation is all around us. Through the rustling of the trees, flowers in bloom, snowflakes on a cold winter day, or in a baby’s smile, the finger print of God is evident in his workmanship. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable then they? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you? Matthew 6:26-30 (NIV) People can often be found or identified by their finger print. There is no person, fingerprint or snowflake just alike. Because everyone’s finger print is unique, even identical twins have their own fingerprint. God created each of us to be one of a kind, and he made all of creation for us to enjoy. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession. James 1: 17-18 (NLT) Each of us were created for a purpose and a plan in the heart of God. We were each designed specifically according to His blueprint. From the color of your eyes, the shape of your face, the size of your feet, you are a gift to the world from Heaven. No one else can be who God intended you to be; there is only one of you. And you are loved with an everlasting love by the Heavenly Father. Ref. Jeremiah 31:3 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 We sometimes compare ourselves to others. Our looks or abilities may not be the same, we may feel inadequate at times. But God, has a purpose and plan and if we will let Him, He will guide and direct us each step of the way. Sometimes we just need to glide in the freedom of His love for us and allow Him to guide and direct our steps. He loves you so much!! He adores you!! He will make a way where there seems to be no way. You may not know His love or how special you are to Him, or you maybe seeking a new direction in your life. I invite you to talk to Him today. Just say this prayer with me. God, I believe in you and I believe you have a purpose and a plan for my life. Teach me your ways and guide me in your path. Help me to know that you love me in a way I have never known before. Help me to know your voice and to spend time with you and love you with all my heart, soul and strength and with all my mind. Luke 10:27 (NIV) so that I can be who you intended for me to be from the beginning. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT)   As I contemplate what I should write about, I keep seeing the nail scarred hands of Jesus. I think of the pain and suffering, (of the nails that left the cleft in the palm of His hands) I wonder how could a man that did no wrong, be beaten, abused, spit on, hung on a cross, and be sealed in a tomb, have so much love that He would say to the Father, “forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 (NLT)
We have all been hurt or offended by someone. Many of us have a hard time forgiving. But even after we have forgiven we sometimes put a wall up, because no one is ever going to hurt us again! After all, our pain is apparently much worse, than the price Jesus paid when He hung on the cross for us. Really??? When I envision His nail scarred hands I am reminded that He hides us in the cleft of the rock which is right in the palm of His hand, where the nails broke flesh and His blood was shed. “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:16 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart! Because I have over come the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2 (NLT) One touch from the nail scarred hand can change your life. I hear the spirit of the Lord saying:
The time of recession for God’s people has come to an end. For years God’s people have been in a place of spiritual recession. But that time is no more. Because God is the God of abundance. The abundance of God has not flowed freely because of obstacles of religious mindsets and unbelief. The Spirit of the Lord would say, my people have not loved me with a whole heart, because they have been distracted by the cares of this life. The time of recession is no more. Because I am the God of abundance and abundance will be held captive no longer! The enemy is and always has been on a budget. But that time is no more for the budget has run out. You will be a witness to recession in the enemy’s camp. For I am turning over the tables, just as when I cast the money changers out of the temple, I am turning over the tables in the spiritual realm. For too long many of my people have looked at me as a handy man or one who just meets their needs. They have paid me in lip service and deeds, but their heart and mind have not been truly set on me. They have not fully valued the price I paid on the cross, but instead have made a mockery of me, my word, my love and my grace. Again, the spirit of the Lord would say the recession is over! The victory is won for I gave Jesus my only son. He died on Calvary to set you free so you could be all I called you to be. Get ready for I am breaking the chains that bind. For the recession is over, those who have been in spiritual captivity are about to be set free. For the enemy’s budget has Run Out!! Kathleen VonSeggern Someone once defined Fear as False Evidence Appearing Real.
Fear has been known to cause all kinds of physical, emotional and spiritual problems. Fear can cause anxiety, it can steal our joy and make us blind to God’s obvious provision. Fear can postpone our God given right to live in spiritual freedom, knowing that God has a divine plan and a purpose for our life. Hagar was a woman who was sent away with her son by her husband Abraham. She wondered aimlessly in the wilderness and when the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die” she said, as she burst into tears. But God heard the boy crying and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. Genesis 21: 14-20 (NLT) I believe that the fear of watching her child die and dying herself in the wilderness caused Hagar to be blind to the provision of God. The scripture clearly states that God opened Hagar’s eyes and she saw the well full of water. The well was already there. God had gone before her and prepared the way. His provision was already there. I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Exodus 23:20 (NLT) That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT) God open our eyes that we might see, our ears that we might hear and our hearts that we might receive. Help us to worry less and trust you more. Jesus fed more than five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. You may only have five words God gave you to speak, But if those words are anointed by God then many will feast. It's all about Him! It’s been said that we all have our cross to bear. But who’s to say which cross is heavier? There are times when life can be overwhelming such as the worry and stress of finances, sickness, or death of a loved one, and holidays just to name a few. You may handle life situations differently than your neighbor but that doesn’t mean that your cross weighs any less.
As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So, the disciples took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the water, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey Him!” Mark 4:35-41 (NLT) God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) Some of the biggest obstacles we face are in our mind. Life at times can be overwhelming! But where is the source of your strength? Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 (NLT) There is so much power in this one scripture. When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 (NLT) (That rock being Jesus) There is no problem so big that He cannot solve it, walls He cannot break down, or storm He cannot silence. Sometimes we just need to cry out to Him, and allow Him to calm the storm in us. Being overwhelmed isn’t always a bad thing. We may at times be overwhelmed with joy, at the birth of a child, the anticipation of seeing someone or a new job. But have you ever been overwhelmed with the presence of God in your life. By just spending time with Him in a quiet place? When the disciples cried out to Jesus during the storm, He calmed the storm around them, but He also calmed the storm within them. And I truly believe at that moment they were overwhelmed by His authority, His love, and His grace. Overwhelmed by His presence overwhelmed by His grace as I seek His face daily in the secret place. I hear His voice calling saying come closer to me child. If you’ll take my hand I’ll guide you through the muck and through the mire. There’s safety in my presence, just let me walk with you. Allow me to lead and guide you, for I will see you through. The winds and waves can’t touch you, the Lion’s mouth will close. For I your God have spoken, and from the grave arose. So, look to me and trust my plan for I have made a way. My child it is the breaking of a brand-new day. Keep your eyes focused, keep your heart set on me for my desire is to make you into what I’d have you to be. Kathleen M. VonSeggern The more time we spend with someone the better we get to know them. We may even begin to replicate some of their character. What if the world began to look at us and saw not only a reflection of Jesus but they would long for the Jesus in us? Because the more time we spend with Him the more we become like Him.
Some people in Bethsaida, brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged Him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, He laid His hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.” Mark 8:22-25 (NLT) I believe there are times when, instead of seeing people for who God created them to be, we see men as trees walking. People judge by the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV) We see and judge by the outward appearance because we tend to hear only with our ears and fail to listen to what’s really in the heart. Sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone so that our minds and hearts can become clear. There are times when the touch/revelation from Jesus doesn’t come in the way we expected but it always comes with love. What if another touch from Jesus would cause us to see more clearly, so that when we looked at someone we would see them for who God created them to be; not judging someone by the color of their skin, the shape of their body, the language they speak, or clothes that they wear. But instead we would see them through our heavenly Father’s eyes for who He created them to be. Knowing that God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27(NLT). Knowing that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 (NIV). Knowing that we are the clay and He is the potter; and all of us are the work of His hand. Isaiah 64:8 (NIV). Spending time with Jesus can develop His character in you, so that you will no longer see men as trees walking, but you will see them through your heavenly Father’s eyes. Eyes that find the good in things, when good is not around; Eyes that find the source of help, when help can not be found; Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain; Knowing what you’re going through and feeling it the same. Just like my father’s eyes. Father’s eyes lyrics by Amy Grant I pray that as you spend more time with Jesus, you will become more like Him. That others will not only see a reflection of Jesus in you, but they will long for the Jesus in you. And that you will begin to see through the eyes of the Father’s love. I have never parachuted from an airplane, but I find myself fascinated by those who have. I find myself at times lost in the wonder of it all. Wondering what it might be like to experience such a rush of open freedom. You could land in a tree, in a thorn bush, in water, or in a field. Or what if the parachute never opened?
Fear of the unknown can keep us from many life experiences. For me, stepping out of my comfort zone and writing a blog has been a journey. Although most of the journey has been within me, my own thoughts and feelings God gently reminds me that He’s got my back!! Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in the you. In God, I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 (NKJV) I find myself feeling discouraged at times, never knowing if hearts have been touched or lives are being changed. Then God reminds me that my parachute opened today. Each day when we open our eyes from a night of rest, we can be thankful that our parachute opened. We can step out into the calling of what God has for us. Each day when we open our eyes we can be thankful for another day to be able to touch someone’s life someway somehow. Whether it is to give the stray ball back to a child, smile at the store clerk, or wish someone a good day, we all have a purpose in this life. Great or small, God see’s it all. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2 (NIV) You may land in a field, a tree, a thorn bush or in water, but wherever you land the hand of God is there to lead and to guide you each step of the way. For as you praise him, and listen real close, you can hear him whisper, “I love you and I’ve got this.” I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he can guard what I have entrusted to him, until the day of his return. 2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT) Today is a new day. Yesterday is past. Tomorrow is unknown. But if the one who holds the universe in His hand is the one who packed your parachute then life is good, because your parachute opened today and He has a plan for your life. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT) Changing our thought life can be challenging. Many of us go through life feeling unworthy or not good enough, because we have listened and taken to heart what others may have said or may have thought about us. We base our feelings on the imagination of our own mind.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 (NLT) We may not be able to change our situation in life. Where we came from, what we’ve been through or even where we are now. But we can begin to change the way we look at things. We can choose to think on the positive and make the best of a bad situation or we can continue to roll around in the pig pen of self-pity. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) Our thoughts and feelings are our own. No one can make us think or feel anything. Other people and things can only get in our head and heart as we allow them to. Our thoughts and feelings are a choice we make. It may be the only thing in life that we can have complete control over. It’s really none of our business what others think or feel about us. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 (NLT) Your worth is not measured by what others think, feel or say about you. Your worth is measured by what God thinks, says and feels about you. He valued you so much he gave his son! That makes you priceless!! For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17 (NLT) What other people think is really nunya business! So, brush it off and move on. There is a story of one young boy that has been told countless times throughout history. The bible does not tell us much about the boy. We don’t know his name, how old he was, if he was alone or with his parents.
Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, a huge crowd kept following him where ever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Phillip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Phillip for he already knew what he was going to do. Phillip replied, “Even if we worked for months we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with all this huge crowd?” “Tell everyone to sit down” Jesus said, so they all sat down. (The men alone numbered 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God and distributed them to the people. Afterward He did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full Jesus told the disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so nothing is wasted.” So, they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. John 6:1-13 We know that this young boy came prepared to see Jesus. He came prepared for the duration of the time he was going to be there. With a heart to serve and to share what little he had. How blessed this young boy must have been to be able to give his food to Jesus. How excited he must have been when Jesus multiplied what little he had and fed so many people!! The amount of food in proportion to the number of people seemed to be insignificant. But what and who appeared to be insignificant became significant when touched by Jesus. There was more than enough to go around! Everyone ate until they were full and there were twelve baskets left over! You may feel insignificant; your name may not be well known. You may not have much to give. All you need is a heart to be with Jesus. “For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” You are significant to Him!! And that’s all that really matters! Traveling can be fun but packing and preparing can be a lot of work, time and energy. Traveling on a plane can get us where we are going faster, but we must make sure that what we pack or carry on with us, agrees with the airline federal regulations. Although it may cost less to carry on a small bag, it may be more convenient to check the bag at the ticket counter. But what about the baggage we carry in our daily life? Baggage from past hurts, relationships, words that were spoken, choices that were made by us or others in our life’s? Baggage that has cost us relationships, advancement, blessings in our life. It’s difficult to walk into the future when we are loaded down with the baggage of the past. Rejection, bitterness, regret, un-forgiveness, unworthiness, etc. these things are all harmful to us and to others. They need to be checked at the gate of heaven. Give all your worries and cares to God for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) How many times have we hidden among the baggage of our past because we are afraid of failure or of what others will say or think. We hide among the baggage we carry because we have not checked the bags at heaven’s gate. How much of our baggage is keeping us from moving forward into what God has for us? Favor comes when we move into a new season. When we allow God to take the baggage of our past and give us a new heart. I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT) Don’t allow fear to keep you from moving forward into what God has prepared for you. Instead allow God to teach you and to grow you into who he would have you to be. Allow Him to heal your heart so that you do not feel the need to hide among the baggage. Your past does not define you! You are who God says you are. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 (NLT) And they shall be mine, says the Lord, in the day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him. Malachi 3:17 (AMPC) If you aren’t sure how to check the baggage you’ve been carrying at heaven’s gate, you can talk to God just like you talk to the person next to you (because He is right next to you) tell Him what is on your heart and how you feel. Then give Him all that stuff that has been weighing you down, ask him to heal your heart and make it new. Ask Him to give you a new heart where He can live. Then find someone to help lead and guide you through the word of God. (Your local church may be able to help you with this.) God loved the world so much, that He gave His only son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) God did not bring His son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him. John 3:17 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not to for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look to me with all your heart, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLV) How many times do we miss out on what God has prepared for us because of our mindset? We blame others for things that haven’t or aren’t happening in our life.
Jesus went to Jerusalem for a Jewish holy day. Inside the city, was a pool which had five covered porches. At a certain time of year an angel went down into the pool, and stirred the water; whoever stepped into the pool first, after the stirring of the water, was healed of whatever disease he had. Crowds of sick people, lay on the porches waiting for the moving of the water. One of the men laying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus saw him, and knowing he had been sick for a long time, asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The sick man replied “I can’t, I have no one to put me into the water when it is stirred, while I am trying to get in someone else gets in before me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up, pickup your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! Later Jesus found him in the Temple and said to him. “Now you are well again, so stop sinning.” John 5:1-15 How is it possible for a man to sin, who could do nothing but lay by a pool for 38 years? We know that he chose to blame others for why he had not been healed. And if all he could do was lay there, then the sin that was within his life was in his heart, mind and mouth. Basically, he needed a change of heart! What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45 Do everything without complaining. Philippians 2:14 How many of life’s situations could be different if we chose to think differently and obey God, praising Him in the good and in the bad? Instead we wait for someone else to put us in the water, all the while complaining about our situation. What if we chose to put on our running shoes and get in the race rather than waiting for someone else to drag us along behind them or push us forward? What would life be like for us if we changed our way of thinking and speaking? Instead of complaining about the way a person is driving, what if we prayed for the person? What would life be like if we praised God rather than complaining to Him or about Him? What would our life be like if we accepted responsibility for the choices that we make rather than blame others for not taking on the responsibility of being our caregiver? Why do you disobey the Lord and keep yourselves from prospering? 2 Chronicles 24:20 Is it possible that we keep ourselves from prospering by not obeying Gods word and instruction he gives us, because our hearts are not right with Him? When we get to heaven we will be held responsible for our own choices. When God says, what did you do with the talent (life) I gave you? What will your answer be? Our actions are our own and blame placing will have no place in the kingdom of God. Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Romans 14:12 Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2  IT Looked Like: The Israelites would die at the hand of the Egyptians or drown in the Red Sea. Then God said to Moses “raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so the Israelites can go through on dry ground” When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots.” Of all the Egyptians, who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not one survived. Exodus 14:21-31
IT Looked Like: Three Hebrew boys would burn in a furnace. At the king’s command Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego where firmly tied and thrown into a blazing furnace. But when the king looked in the furnace he saw 4 men unbound and unharmed walking around and the fourth looked like the son of God. When they were brought out of the furnace the governors and royal advisers saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Danial 3:19-27 IT Looked Like: Lazarus was dead, “But when Jesus spoke the dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said “take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11: 1-44 IT Looked Like: Jesus was dead. But in the morning on the first day of the week the woman took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. They said, why are you looking for the living among the dead for He is not here He has risen. Luke 24:1-6 Even though all these events seemed impossible, there is no mountain too high, no journey too long, no valley too deep, that the prayer of faith in God cannot help you through! You may be at a point in your life where it looks like a flood of sorrow and heart ache is going to overtake you. God is bigger than your broken dreams, your broken heart or your broken body. In Him there is hope. He’s done it before and He can do it again. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1  If anyone would have told me years ago that I would one day stand in front of people speaking, have a website or write a blog I would have said no way! I can relate to many of the people in the bible who felt inadequate and unqualified. I have learned through the years that God is most glorified when my dependence is on Him and not myself. Life is a journey, some good, some bad, but wherever that journey takes you the most important thing along the way is that you learn and grow through the process. For me life’s journey has been a lot like a roller coaster with my seat belt being securely fastened in my faith and trust in God. Life has not been easy. But through it all God has proven Himself faithful. He has never let me down. There have been many times I have doubted, became discouraged, felt like giving up and feeling very much alone in this world. But God has been my refuge, my constant help in trouble, and He remains true to this day. I am reminded of:
Saul/Paul who hunted down and murdered the Christians, yet he was chosen by God. Acts 9 Abraham who was too old to become the father of many nations. Genesis 17:4 (He was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born.) Genesis 21:5 Moses who murdered a man and couldn’t talk. (He beat the man to death and hid the body in the sand.) Exodus 2:11-12 (Moses said to the Lord “I have never been eloquent, I am slow of speech and tongue.”) Exodus 4:10 Rahab who was a prostitute yet from her linage Jesus came. Joshua 2, Matthew 1:5 Jeremiah who thought himself too young. (The Lord said to Jeremiah “Do not say you are too young, you must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”) Jeremiah 1:7 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 Life is not fair and people are not perfect. We each must walk out our own journey. Whoever you are or wherever you’ve been, God has a plan and a purpose for your life. The only one the Bible ever referred to as perfect was Jesus. For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28 All you need is Jesus for the best is yet to come!! Step out of the boat and keep your focus on Him. |
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