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Do You Want Your Prayers To Be Answered? Dec 12, 2007 2:57 pm
Mood: Victorious!, 420 Views
Well, of course you do, we all do.


But, do you understand that there is a criteria that must be followed, in order to have your prayers answered?

I love Psalms 57:2
I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me.

God performs ALL things for us! That ought to make you shout! What a statement! If God says He will perform ALL things for you, then He will!

Is there a separation between believing and receiving when it comes to faith? Let's see what Jesus said, in Mark 11:24:
For this reason I am telling you, WHATEVER you ask for in prayer, believe, trust, and be confident, that it is granted to you, and you will get it
Look at that verse and ask these questions: Who must do the desiring? Who must do the praying? Who must do the believing you are recieving? Who is in charge of the supplying?
This verse has 5 points of responsibility. Two are God's-He is the one Who has spoken and He is the One Who will supply. Three are our responsibility-we are the ones who must desire, pray, and believe that we receive. Then, manifestation comes. That's how God will "perform ALL things.
Believe that you receive is one action, not two. God will do His part, and you have to do your part. YOU have to come up with the desire. YOU have to pray, according to His will. YOU have to believe that you receive. All three are necessary, but I think many people get hung up on the last one.
We desire, pray, and believe.......then we say "When the Lord is ready, He'll send the answer". We break up the believing and the receiving part. We should keep Jesus instruction together. He said to believe that you receive, He didn't say believe and then receive. Jesus stressed that believing that we are receiving should be one thing. Who is in charge of that responsibility? We are!

Another important condition to answered prayer is forgiveness. The Bible says that if we have unforgiveness in our heart, towards anyone, our prayers will not be answered. That's a tough one for many people. Do you want your prayers to be answered? Then, you are required to forgive. That, in itself, should be motivation to forgive.

Am I part of the "name it and claim it" generation? Yes and no. Can you pray for a million dollars and receive it? No.
First and foremost, we have to pray according to God's will. If you desire something, find a scripture that promises you that. Then, stand on that promise, pray that scripture(s) back to God.
Secondly, believe that you receive-at the time you pray for it, thank Him for it, as though you already have it. Believe that you have received it.
Thirdly, make sure that you have no unforgiveness in your heart, BEFORE you pray. Unforgiveness will hinder your prayers.
Lastly, let your confession be according to your prayers. How can you believe that you have received, then speak words that are contrary to that? That's not believing. We must know that we know we have received, and speak as such.

There are many facets to faith, and faith is required, in order to please God. Faith is required, in order to have answered prayer. Use these simple guidelines and step out in faith that God WILL perform it. He WILL!

Finally, you may ask me if I have received the physical manifestation for every prayer I have prayed? No, but I believe that I have received it, in the spiritual realm. Just because you cannot see it in the physical realm does not mean it isn't so. There are facts, then there is the truth. The truth, for me, is that I HAVE received it. The truth is much more powerful than the facts.

Do what Jesus said and watch as God supplies and performs all things for you. He wants us to follow His lead because He knows that child-like faith is what pleases God, and what will bring us the results we seek. Christ was a revolutionary teacher Who showed us that anything is possible, if we only believe.
3 Comments
My Battle With "D" Dec 11, 2007 3:35 am
Mood: Delighted!, 488 Views
The War Is On!!!


I awoke at 4 am today, for no reason, just couldn't sleep. As I lay in bed, thoughts came to my mind. Have you ever noticed that the enemy makes a bid for your mind, very early in the morning, before you're completely awake? Is it because you are not quite alert, therefore more vulnerable to receiving those thoughts? Is it because if he can get to your mind then, it will impact how your day goes? I think that's why he gives me nightmares, in hopes of steering my day in his direction.

So, as I lay there, the thoughts that entered my mind were discouragement, despair, difficulties, dangerous, depression.......Do you see where I'm going with this? Light bulb moment!! They all start with "D".

In my over-analytical reasonings, I began to contemplate the letter "D", and how many negative words start with "D". Have you ever thought about it? Probably not, I'm a little weird that way, I tend to pick everything apart in my quest to know "why", lol.

Consider the following:

discouragement, despair, difficulties, danger, depression, despondency, dejected, deception, deficiency, darkness, doom, disillusionment, degradation, death, defeat, decay, dishonorable, diminished, discomfort, defraud, distraught, distrust, distressed, deplorable, deprive, detest, disadvantaged, derogatory, dismay, demonic, disgust, distorted, dissension, dread, doubt, disaster, discord, disobedient, desperation, disgrace, downcast, disappointing, diabolic, detrimental, and DEVIL.

WOW!!! And that's just off the top of my head! Did you ever wonder why so many negative words start with "D"? Well, I did, lol. Of course, there is no answer to that question, but my thoughts continued to ponder the dilema.

As human beings, we are all subject to experiencing the "D" words. But, as Christians, we are not meant to abide in them. Jesus said "there would be tribulation in the world, BUT, cheer up, I have overcome the world." We do not have to remain in the "D's"

So, just for today, I decided to wage a war on the letter "D".

My weapons include the following:

Divine, Deity, delight, delicious, decent, delectible, delirious, delicacy, defend, dauntless, declare, deep rooted, doctrine, develop, disciple, domain, dominate, dependable, dominion, diligent, diplomacy, dignity, devoted, depth, discover, denounce, decision, and declaration.

Will you join me today, and wage war against all the negative words that start with "D"? Please feel free to add your weapons to the arsenal.

May you be comforted today, in knowing that we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death", which means, we do not remain there.
26 Comments
What Is Your Purpose? Dec 10, 2007 6:00 am
Mood: Fulfilled, 402 Views
What Is The Call Of God On Your Life?


Do you know? Do you want to know?


I believe that each of us are called for a specific reason. The Bible says that "we are called, according to His purpose." What is His specific purpose for you? Is there a way to know? I hear so many say "I don't know why I'm here" or "I wish I knew what my purpose is". Some go through their entire life, not knowing.

First of all, we can all know that we are called to service, to follow Jesus' example of being a servant. Now, that may not sound very glamorous or rewarding, but wait a minute. My experience, in serving Him, has resulted in the greatest blessings I have known. It is such a blessing and a priviledge to plant seeds in the lives of others, and stand back, and watch God go. It is amazing to see Him water and fertilize those seeds, what an excellent Gardener He is. Then, as you watch them grow, there's such a feeling of joy and satisfaction, knowing that you had a part in it.

If you want to know His purpose for you, pray about it, ask Him to reveal what He would have you do. Of course, there are some things that are a no-brainer. We are called to spread the good news of the Gospel and save the lost. That's a given. We are also called to love each other, as Christ loved us. That's a mandate. Finally, we are all called to be a blessing, and that's where the "service" part comes in. I have found, through my own experience, and through others experiences, that there is a simple formula for finding out God's perfect will for your life. See below:

Your life experiences + your God-given talents and abilities + whatever you are passionate about = Your Purpose.

That's too simple, you say. Well, allow me to tell you my story.

God blessed me with the revelation of His perfect will for me, in 1990. I had just been saved and was battling with my past and my pain, and attempting to discover God's love, as I just didn't "feel" it. Laying in bed, one dark night, filled with despair and discouragement, I cried out to God, "if You love me as much as your Word says You do, how could you have allowed all the bad things to happen to me?" And, in an audible voice, as if God were right there, in the room with me, I heard, "Because if you had not gone through all of these things, you would not be able to help someone else, going throught them."
Wow! That was the first and last time I ever heard His audible voice. It was a very profound moment for me.

In order to help you understand what I'm saying, you have to understand that my life, up to that point, was filled with pain and bad experiences.
I had been raped by a stranger, had 3 abortions, was putting more cocaine into my arm than I was selling, was married to an alcoholic, who was physically abusive, and attempted suicide twice. I was raising his 2 kids and my own son, literally by myself, and life every day, was at best, a struggle. And, these were only the tip of the iceburg. The moment I heard His voice, I knew that I knew, I would have a ministry for women. It was very exciting, as I started to think of a name, how I would get it started, a business plan, and many other things that would become "my plan" for what God had called me to.

Well, little did I know, at the time, that it would be 15 years until the manifestation of that ministry would occur. He had to work so many things in me and out of me, He had to provide "on the job training", He tested me, more than once, to see if I would be faithful in little, there was a great deal that had to be worked out, in order to see the fruition of what He called me to do.

I say all of this, not to discourage you, but to give you hope. God has a perfect plan for your life and a specific purpose, that only you can fulfill. What painful experiences has God allowed in your life? What specific talents and abilities have you been blessed with? What do you have a passion and zeal for? Your purpose can be found in these three questions. With God, nothing is wasted. Every thing you have been through, has been allowed for a reason. Hence, my motto in life: NOTHING that happens, happens for NOTHING.
Instead of asking, God, why is this happening to me?, ask, God, how is this relating to what you would have me do? If you will show your willingness and availability, God will show you what He has planned for you. He will open the right doors, and place upon your path, all the right people, and equip you with all that you will need. Allow God to take all of your messes and turn them into your ministry, allow Him to take all of your tests, and turn them into your testimony. Don't waste all of your tests, and only be left with the "monies". Use what you have experienced and learned for the glory of God.

And, there's no better place to be, than in His perfect will. What an awesome priviledge it has been to serve Him, through the lives of over 200 broken, hopeless women that have come through the doors of my ministry, After the Rain. I have witnessed the amazing power of God to transform and restore these lives. I have been blessed beyond words to describe, to be a part of God's perfect plan to save and deliver society's lost and forgotten souls. And, to think, that I would not be here, had I not gone through the difficult things in life, in order to minister to these women, with empathy.

I pray that you discover your purpose, as the world is waiting for your contribution and many hurting people have need of what only you can offer. And the blessings you will experience, will be beyond what you can imagine.
Selah. (Pause, and think about that)
12 Comments
Go Dolphins, Bucs, Steelers, and Colts!!!!! Dec 9, 2007 9:46 am
Mood: Cheering! Go teams!, 346 Views
Just the teams I have in the games today, betting with my son. Not all by choice, lol. I'm playing cheerleader today!
4 Comments
To Encourage You Today Dec 9, 2007 8:58 am
Mood: Full of Empathy For You, 462 Views
For those who are hurting, at this time of year,
I give you His Word, to comfort and cheer.
Speak them out loud, believe them, they're true!
He wants you to know how much He loves you.
Terrie


...Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 27: 13, 14

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and NOT for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Jeremiah 29:11

When the righteous cry for help,the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.
Psalm 34:17

Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in EVERY circumstance and in EVERYthing, by prayer and petition, WITH thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And, God's peace shall be yours, the peace that passes all understanding, shall garrison and guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7

God's Kind Care


God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways, all our life through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, or peace without pain.
God has not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble, and woe.
He has not told us we shall not bear,
Many a burden and many a care.
God has not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.
But, God HAS promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, and light for the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy and undying love.

No matter where you are, in the midst of trials, there is ALWAYS a way out, through Jesus and His Word. The Solution for every problem can be found there. Read it, believe it, and confess it. Then, be patient in His timing. And, until the Solution is manifested, KNOW that you are not alone, He is right at your side, closer than a brother, to walk with you, to the victory.
Amen and Amen!!!

Finally, also know that there are people here, with a heart to intercede on your behalf, myself included. I welcome the opportunity to pray for you and in agreement with you for the answers. Just leave a comment.

May God bless you with the knowledge of His word and the revelation of His love.
15 Comments
The KISS-mas Tree Dec 9, 2007 6:09 am
Mood: Simple and Sweet, 491 Views
A Family Tradition


A tradition started in my family, by my sister, Sherrie, around 20 years ago, is the making and giving of KISS-mas trees. (See picture)

They are little trees, made out of Hershey's Kisses. They're alot of fun to make, the materials needed are inexpensive, and they make a wonderful gift-who doesn't like chocolate and who doesn't like kisses? lol

I also enjoy making them with kids, it's simple enough for kids to do, and they really get creative with them.

Here's all you need:

2 bags of Hershey's Kisses-solid varieties work better than liquid filled centers. Also, with almonds doesn't work well. Personally, I like the new flavor, dark chocolate, because it has purple ones, lol

Sterefoam cone-larger ones work better.
Box round toothpicks
Aluminum foil to cover the cone

First, cover the sterefoam cone with foil, cut off any excess.
Then, all you do is break the toothpicks in half, place them into the bottom of the kiss, (pointed end in) around the center. Then stick those into the cone, beginning at the bottom. Go all the way around, rotating colors of Kisses, until you get to the top. On top, place your fav color Kiss for the of the tree, mine's purple,

After they're done, wrap them with a piece of clear, or colored plasic wrap, it helps to keep the Kisses in place, while transporting, and give them away, to your favorite people, with a kiss!

My sister, Sherrie, went to be with Jesus in 1999, but her memory lives on, in our tradition of making KISS-mas trees.
27 Comments
Dancing With God Dec 8, 2007 6:31 am
Mood: 37, 365 Views
I love to dance!


Although I haven't been out dancing, formally, for over 10 years, I still love to dance. I've always had this uncanny sensation of feeling the music within my physical being. My cells seem to come alive and my mood is elevated, when I hear a song that I like. I even go around my house, dancing, when no one is looking, lol.
When I read the following, I could relate to it physically and spiritually. I hope it blesses you as it did me.

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word "Guidance",
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will, is alot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music.
And everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
Both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back,
Or by pressing lightly, in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
And attentiveness from one person
And gentle guidance and skill, by the other.
My eyes drew back to the word "Guidance".
When I saw "G", I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
God, "u" and "i" dance.
God, you and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
That I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I had to become willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you this day and every day. May you abide in God, as He abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead you and guide you, through each season in your life.
There is no cost, but a great deal of rewards and benefits.

So often, I meditate on the words to the song "I can only imagine", especially to the words "will I dance for you Jesus?". Will I? I can only hope my answer is yes, yes, yes!

And I Hope You Dance!
8 Comments
For Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones Dec 7, 2007 7:59 am
Mood: Grieving, But Grateful, 460 Views
Christmas is the time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of sadness, remembering our loved ones, no longer with us. My dad died of cancer, my sister died a long, painful death, with AIDS. My dearest friend, of 20 years, also died of cancer, and my best friend, died in a car accident. I think of them often, feeling the void in my life without their presence. But, more so at Christmas than at any other time of year, as I reflect on the memories of love and experiences we shared. I miss them so much, but I know they're with Jesus, and that's the only comfort that I have.
These poems bring me solace and peace, I hope they do for you also.

First Christmas in Heaven

I've had my first Christmas in heaven,
A glorious, wonderful day!
I stood with Saints of the ages,
Who found Christ, the Truth and the Way.

I sang with the heavenly choir.
Just think! I, who so long to sing!
And oh, what celestial music,
We brought to our Saviour and King!

We sang the glad songs of redemption,
How Jesus to Bethlehem came,
And how they called His name Jesus,
That all might be saved through His name.

We sang once again with the angels,
The song that they sing that blest morn,
When shepherds first heard the glad story
That, Jesus the Saviour was born.

Oh dear one, I wish you had been here;
No Christmas on earth could compare
With all the rapture and glory
We witnessed in heaven, so fair.

You know how I always loved Christmas,
It seemed such a wonderful day,
With all of my loved ones around me,
The children so happy and gay.

Yes, now I can see why I loved it,
And, oh what a joy it will be,
When all of my loved ones are with me,
To share in the glories I see.

So, dear ones on earth, here's my greeting:
Look up till the day dawn appears,
And oh, what a Christmas awaits us,
Beyond all our partings and tears.

Safely Home!

I'm home in heaven, dear ones, all's so happy, all's so bright!
There's a perfect joy and beauty, in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief are over, every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last.
Did you wonder why I so calmly, trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' love illumined, every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me, in that way so hard to tread,
And with Jesus arm to lean on, could I have doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still,
Try to look beyond earth's shadows, pray to trust our Father's will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand;
Do your work while life remaineth-you shall rest in Jesus land.
When that work is all complete, He will gently call you home,
Oh, the rapture of the meeting! Oh the joy to see you come!

Most gracious and Loving Father,
Bless each of us missing our loved ones, with a revelation of their peace and contentment, being with You, in heaven. Fill our hearts with joy in knowing, they are safe within your arms. Bless us with the assurance that we will be together again, one day.
In the precious name of Jesus, Amen and Amen
14 Comments
Jesus IS the Reason for the Season Dec 6, 2007 12:11 pm
Mood: Joyful, 457 Views
Just a few things I put together, in hopes that you will be blessed and inspired.

Merry Christmas to All!!!

The blessedness of Christmas is all "wrapped up" in the person of Jesus. Our relationship to Him, determines the measure of our blessing. Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas.


Blessing in His name-Thou shalt call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins. Matt 1:21
Blessing in His purpose-I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Blessing in receiving Him-But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. John 1:12
Blessing in Belonging to Him-I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Song of Solomon 7:10

Our King's Birthday

J esus, Son of God Eternal
E verlasting Lord is He
S aviour in a world of sinners
U niversal King to be
S ought us, brought us victory

C hrist is due all adoration
H umbly born to save our race
R uler of the whole creation
I ntercedes and gives us grace
S aves us from sin's condemnation
T ruly worthy of all our praise

Gift of Love

Christmas is a gift of love
That can't be bought or sold.
It's ours just for the asking
And worth far more than gold.

And this priceless gift of Christmas
Is within the reach of all:
The rich, the poor, the young and old,
The greatest and the small.

So take God's Christmas gift of love,
Reach out and you receive;
And the only payment that God asks
Is just that you believe.

God's Gift

He did not use a silvery box, or paper green and red,
God laid His Christmas gift to men, within a manger bed.
No silken cord was used to bind the gift sent from above.
Twas wrapped in swaddling clothes and bound, in cords of tender love.
There was no evergreen to which, His precious gift was tied.
Upon a bare tree, on a hill, His gift was hung and died.
Twas taken down from off the tree and laid beneath the sod.
But death itself could not destroy the precious gift of God.
With a mighty hand He lifted Him from out the stony grave.
Forevermore for every man, a living Gift He gave.

Let's take the "X" Out of Christmas

Let's take the "X" out of Christmas, and let's put Christ back in again.
The day's the birthday of a King, not that of an unknown man.
The tinsel, the glitter, the glamour, the noise of parties gay
Have all but obscured the reason that we celebrate this day.
We surely wouldn't write "X-ian" for the Christians here on earth.
Then why do some write "X-mas" for the day of the Saviours birth?
It's an honor that's really due Him over that to a common man.
So, let's take the "X" out of "Christmas" and let's put Christ back in again.

We thank you and praise you, Jesus, for You are the Reason for the Season. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!
17 Comments
Update-Urgent Prayer Needed Dec 5, 2007 9:29 am
Mood: Humbled, 398 Views
Update on Paulette Barrett & Family


I spoke to Paulette's sister-in-law by phone this morning. Her name is Robin and she cares for Paulette, and the children. She is also responsible for the medical care of the 3 disabled kids, for Paulette's Hope Hospice, the other 2 boys grief counseling, and raising her own 2 children. I gave her the bc website last night. She told me today that the family logged on, read yesterday's post, and was moved to tears, by all of the compassion each of you have shown, with your posts and comments. Yes, she looked at your face and name, and thanked God for all of you. For each of you who have prayed for this family, she asked me to express her heartfelt appreciation. I thank you too, for your kindness and concern.

Because some have expressed an interest, I wanted to include some info for you. A special account has been set up at:
Florida Gulf Bank
9101 College Point Ct
Ft Myers FL 33919
The name of the account is: Lyman-Barrett Family

Paulette's info is as follows:

Paulette Barrett & Family
2736 Blue Cypress Lake Ct.
Cape Coral FL 33909

I told Robin that there are prayers being lifted up, for her and her family, from people here at bc, all over the world. She was amazed and thankful. If any should feel inclined, send the family a Christmas card, or a quick note with your well wishes, I know it would be a blessing and a comfort. You may not realize it, but your prayers alone, have already blessed them, in more ways than one.

We will be delivering all that we can collect, here locally, to the family on December 20. I have 3 large SUV's lined up, because I have already seen the outpouring of everyone's compassion.
I'll update you then.
Thank you again, for all of your prayers and comments, I think you are the greatest group of people I have ever had the priviledge of knowing, without actually meeting, lol.

Terrie
7 Comments
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