|
Praise God! Another new week to see His mercies, favor, and power displayed in and through YOU! Whatever your environment or your circumstances, you are positioned for a special purpose. In fact, your very existence has a special purpose.
Some of you may recall that when I was 18, I discovered a family secret: As a baby, I had an deadly, incurable infantile disease. The doctors projected that I would die before I was 18 months. As you can see, I was cured and I’m not dead!
The only way to explain the disappearance of the disease, even by most doctors, was — it was a miracle!
The threat of death has a way of putting things into perspective. Even as a late teen, consumed by college courses and partying, I was struck that day with the realization that I was spared for a reason. My life had purpose! I was alive for a reason!
I’d like to say that that revelation catapulted me into my divine purpose, but it wasn’t long before I forgot all about purpose.
Little did I know that NOT considering and discovering what my purpose was would cause a lot of turmoil, ineffectiveness, and frustration in my life.
That does not mean that God had not been leading and steering me in my purpose anyway… He does that! However, we get to participate!
The current of the river will take a boat wherever it will, but a person skilled with a sail can effectively use the mighty wind to stay on course.
One of the most fruitful leaders in our history was the apostle Paul. I believe one reason is seen in Colossians 1:1 (The Message)“I, Paul, have been sent on special assignment by Christ as part of God’s master plan.” Paul knew he had a special assignment by Christ. He knew he was part of God’s master plan. Do you know that YOU are a part of God’s master plan? Do you know what that part is? Are you aware of YOUR assignment?
If you are experiencing frustration in your life, maybe not having clarity contributes.
In considering this with the Lord, remember, His plans and purposes for you are always good. He says so.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11
Believe this very familiar, oft-quoted verse and then seek God. Ask Him to teach you, to begin the discovery process. I’d love to hear what He says!!
Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann
|
Category Archives: Faith
How To NOT Worry Part 2
| I hope you had a stellar weekend! It’s that time of year here where the leaves are turning those beautiful shades of gold, red, and brown. Love it!
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O, Lord, my Rock (Strength) and my Redeemer.” Ps 19:14 We want the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts to be acceptable in the sight of God. But what is that? What are those words and meditations that God finds acceptable?
Here I’ll choose one for you today … Next time you find yourself worrying about something you have said or done, or something you failed to say or do, and you are now worried about the consequences of that – meditate on this truth: you are the righteousness of God in Christ. Do not be tempted to think of this in only doctrinal terms… this is real! Being His righteousness means that you are filled with everything that is deemed right by God. Indeed, it is WHO YOU ARE! You have the right heart, the right thoughts, the right solutions, the right wisdom, the right attitude, the right power, the right authority to use that power, the right creativity…. need I go on? Because of Christ, it is all there within you. Meditating on this truth and speaking it out loud, will RELEASE it into your mind, your heart, and in your circumstances. Faith will rise. You will find the right and favorable outcome to the thing you are concerned about. If you need to change your heart and mind about something, you will know that and doing it will come easier. But don’t dwell in that position! Move on. Worry will only cloud your judgment and confuse your efforts. This kind of worry also causes us to doubt ourselves and that makes us feel insecure and unstable. By declaring that you are God’s righteousness, you will put the devil on notice that you can not be accused and condemned because you are all right with God and He is all right with you! And if God is for you, who can be against you! Being His righteousness entitles you to all kinds of benefits, not the least of which is the authority to use His power. So, rather than use the power He has given you to worry, use it for good. Meditate on life giving thoughts and speak life giving words. If you would write and tell me what you are going to meditate and speak on this week, I would love it! If you want me to hold you accountable, let me know. I will be happy to do so!
|
Do you see the King?
From Successful Christian Living Ministries, Dudley Hall’s weekly devotional:
They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15 ESV
“…What people do with Jesus reveals what is in their hearts. Those who cannot recognize him to be the legitimate King expose their blindness. Those who do recognize him realize they can only do so because of the mercy of the One who gives sight to the blind.
Circumstances align themselves in our lives to reveal our own answer to the question, “Who is your king?” The chief priests are not the only ones to face this question, and they aren’t the last to get it wrong.
When we are cut off from the reality of the spirit realm and predisposed to believe only what we see in the natural, there is just not enough evidence to correctly identify Jesus as King.
When we feel alone and desperate it is difficult to believe the promise of the “Father of spirits” to never leave us and always guide us into his peace.
When jobs are scarce and payment is due on the house, believing that “he will prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies” proves challenging.
Caesar appears to rule in the natural, political, and economic world. His power seems unstoppable.
The Savior doesn’t look powerful. He appears to be a prisoner at the mercy of the system. Placing bets on his coming out on top would not be wise, unless you could see beyond the apparent.
Could it be that the circumstances surrounding you right now are designed to focus your eyes on the invisible rather than the overwhelming issues of the apparent? Like the Israelites going through the wilderness, we are learning to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:1-11).
We have a King beyond Caesar. We must not crucify him by doubt and neglect. If we do, Caesar will continue to parade himself as the real ruler.”
Amazing video of God’s outrageous love
What? Me worry?
Ok, for today.. Can we all agree that what we think about, meditate and focus on, gives energy to that thing we are focusing on.
If we meditate on negative what ifs, that is called worry, right? The more we worry about something, the more we give life to and increase in the thing we are worried about.
Wouldn’t you agree, that is the EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT WE WANT?
Now, I realize that many times the things we worry about never, ever happen. In fact, we often feel silly worrying because many times that thing we worry about has never happened, and never will.
Even so, our bodies don’t know the difference between a “real” worry and a false one. Worry produces a chemical reaction in our bodies that without question, over time, produces harmful effects on our hearts, nerves, hormones, and immune system.
Jesus tells us to not worry.
(Mt 6:25 – 34) Psalm 37: 7-9 tells us to not fret because it only leads to harm and evil doing.How can a mother who worries about her children be engaged in evil doing? What could be harmful about that? How about the economy and the scarcity of work? How does worrying produce harm or evil doing?
Well, besides the harm to our bodies as I mentioned before, worry causes many of us to try and control everything and everyone around us. It can also cause us to sin – steal, lie, cheat, envy, covet…. just to name a few!
Now, I know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. And I’m sure you don’t try and justify your worry by the magnitude of your circumstances. LOL. But humor me…
First, how do we not worry?
We all know that trying to stop ourselves from worrying isn’t helpful. We can’t stop worrying by focusing on NOT worrying. Again, we energize that which we focus on.
We further add “life” to our worries when we repeatedly talk about it! Speaking about all the negative things going on in our lives adds further energy to them!
So… what do we do instead?
Well, I submit to you we don’t change our DOING, we change our FOCUS.
Again, what brings worry? Meditating on and speaking about the negatives, the negative what ifs, and what we don’t want to happen. As I have told you all before, I was the Queen of Worry, but I know many of you have shared that title with me!
I say, since we already know how to mediate, focus, and talk… why not meditate, focus and talk about what does not produce worry?? We all know we are quite skilled at talking, but we are also skilled at meditation, whether we realize it or not!
Let’s not use these skills to our disadvantage, but to our advantage!
So, rather than change our DOING, we need to change our FOCUS.
On what shall we focus, meditate, and speak? What does the word tell us?
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O, Lord, my Rock (strength) and my Redeemer.” Ps 19:14
Check back for…
What are those words and meditations that God finds acceptable?
By the way, thanks to those of you who sent me your breakthrough requests. I will be following up with you soon!!
Always in YOUR corner,
Maryann
What is your view of God?
New USA Today article discusses new book… Well, it’s confirmed… how we view God determines how we approach life! No kidding!
Americans’ views of God shape attitudes on key issues
“If you pray to God, to whom — or what — are you praying?
When you sing God Bless America, whose blessing are you seeking?
In the USA, God — or the idea of a God — permeates daily life. Our views of God have been fundamental to the nation’s past, help explain many of the conflicts in our society and worldwide, and could offer a hint of what the future holds. Is God by our side, or beyond the stars? Wrathful or forgiving? Judging us every moment, someday or never?”
Click here to read rest of article and take the quiz. Which of the 4 views of God do you have?
God Has Breakthrough For You!
Recently I had an experience I’d like to encourage you with.
Several of us went to a prophetic meeting at another church and had
a wonderful time of worship, teaching, and receiving some exciting
prophetic words.
After the service, on the way out, one of the participants came up
to me and complimented me on a shawl I was wearing. I loved the
shawl too, not just because it was hand woven cashmere, hand
embroidered, and gorgeous, but I bought it from a missionary pastor
after one of his trips to Nepal. I had never worn it before that
night because the weather had been too warm. I was very excited
that this night I could. To me, it felt like an anointed and
special shawl.
Well, it must have been, because without hesitation, I took the
shawl off and placed it on the shoulders of the woman saying,
“Here. It’s yours.”
It happened so quickly and naturally that giving it to her didn’t
even phase me. Except for feeling a blast of cold air once I went
outside, I almost didn’t even notice what had happened and gave it
no thought… until the next morning.
Now, I can’t say I know exactly why giving this shawl would be so
significant, but I think it is. I will share what’s been revealed
so far.
1. God’s nature is to give. Throughout scripture and in our own
experience, we know that God is a Giver. 2 Peter 1: 2-3 say that
God has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness, and
through His precious promises, we share in His divine nature.
And what is that nature? To be a giver.
Now, this is not startling news to any of you, I’m sure, as it
wasn’t to me. Which leads me to point 2.
2. For me, as much as I have known that it is God’s nature to
give, and thus it is my nature, too, I have not always been a very
giving person, at least of some things. I have had an easy time
giving my time, energy, heart, and money…. but, don’t ask me why,
giving away personal possession that I love, well that is not
something I do.
Ok, so maybe even that is not such a big deal. And so, what is?
3. For me, here it is: Without my working at it, I had a
breakthrough! The natural giving away of my shawl was just a
manifestation of a breakthrough that had occurred a while ago. The
breakthrough allowed the free flow of God’s giving nature to flow
through me to bless this woman. And because I share in His divine
nature, I experienced no lack when I gave the shawl away.
Breakthrough takes down any barrier erected that inhibits the flow
of God’s powerful provisions and our true nature. I love and need
breakthroughs of all kinds.
4. How did the breakthrough occur? Well, it was part and parcel
of the revelation of favor. A revelation of favor produces
breakthroughs...not grind-it-out breakthroughs, but effortless
breakthroughs, breakthroughs that occur when you aren’t even
looking.
And, I guess this is the essence of my encouragement to you. Take
the favor of God seriously. It causes profound and life altering
changes.
Please, I couldn’t be more urgent about this…. seek God and ask
for a huge revelation of His favor. It is only in revelation that
you will feel its impact.
If you are not excited about favor, then you need a deeper
revelation about it. 2 Cor 5: 18-20 (AMP) tells
us God sent His Son to restore the world to favor! That is a big
deal! Paul urges us to lay hold of this favor! We are to be
releasers of His favor!
To help you lay hold as we are encouraged to do, I have written a
book. Many of you already have it. That’s wonderful, and if you
do, I would also ask you to do the exercises in it. God will take
you to the next step.
If you don’t have it, please don’t let a wimpy bit of money keep you
from experiencing more of all God has for you. I don’t say this to
make a buck, believe me! I just want you to experience how real
favor is. It is profound. It produces major transformational
breakthroughs. It also produces jobs, new housing arrangements,
connections, and lots, lots, more.
Who knows what your life would look like with an increased
revelation of favor?!
We are all His favorites!
I just had to share a segment from Bill Johnson’s talk, “Dreaming Out of Intimacy.” Referring to the coming revival, he says, “It’s fascinating to talk to various groups of people, whether it like, denominations… Baptists feel the revival is coming from them, and of course, Pentacostals think it’s coming from them, the youth think it’s coming from them because they have the zeal and energy for it, and the seniors think it’s coming from them because of the wisdom that comes from experience … Israel, Native Americans, men, women, leaders, those without a title …all think it’s coming from them….
But let me tell the secret behind all of it, the Father is so amazing, that He gives each individual undivided attention, to where each person feels like THEY’RE THE FAVORITE!”
Oh, yes!! We all need to believe and feel that we are the Father’s FAVORITE! Because we are! He is able, in His unfathomable way to make each of us feel special and wholeheartedly attended to. We all have a part to play, and isn’t it grand that He gives us the feeling of favor to carry forth!!!
Press into Him and His favor… you will love it!!
Amazing new study on prayer!
I wanted to share with you today an exciting new study on prayer which will be published in a medical journal… specifically, the September 2010 issue of the Southern Medical Journal.
“The study ….. measured surprising improvements in vision and hearing in economically disadvantaged areas where eyeglasses and hearing aids are not readily available…”
Candy Brown, an associate professor at Indiana University, and her colleagues studied the activities of the healing groups Iris Ministries and Global Awakening in Mozambique and Brazil because of their reputation as hotspots of specialized prayer for those with hearing and vision impairments.” To read more, click here.
Besides the obvious significance of having the work of God be documented in a medical journal and just generally being “out there” in the world, there is another aspect of this study that is particularly exciting to us.
We love Iris Ministries, headed by Heidi and Rolland Baker! Our first encounter with them was through our son, Joe. The Bakers were frequent guest speakers at the ministry school he attended. Joe related that besides their very relaxed attitudes, the single most impressive quality that surrounded them was LOVE. In fact, the love was so strong that merely standing next to Heidi, he could tangibly feel the strength of it.
This prompted me to read the Bakers’ book, “Expecting Miracles,” a intimate journal of their daily lives… accounting the miracles, yes, but also the hardships, the governmental and spiritual forces that come against them regularly, the unavoidable discouragement they victoriously battle. I pondered before the Lord… how do they have such love … how do they think… what makes them able to go on, to stand fast in the grace and love You have given to them?
The Lord revealed this from their book (and I write about it in mine, p.66-68):
- COMPLETE trust in Him and in His love and power to heal through them
- REFUSAL to allow self-condemnation or any weakness to diminish their fiery love
- Hard-core BELIEF that they are the crowning achievement of all His creative power
The Bakers are convinced they have the Father’s approval, esteem, and favor… and they refuse self-condemnation! Indeed being convinced allows them complete trust in Him, and complete trust in Him solidifies the nature of their relationship. No where in their writing did I see any connection between their performance and God’s approval. Without the clutter of trying to earn God’s favor, the way is clear to Him and His power to heal.
This is what I want. I am convinced that God has vividly shown me His favor because it is such an effective force in dissolving fear and any barriers to Him. The more I apprehend His favor, the more I walk in freedom, fulfillment, and fruitfulness. I am committed to share this powerful gift with others. In fact, it is my main mission at this time.
Remember…because of who you are to Him… YOU have His favor!!
Vertigo update and new insights!
Dear Friends,
I’m finally back on track! A hearty thanks to you for praying for me and my family. I was deeply touched by such concern, One email friend said simply, “You are not alone.” That struck me straight in the heart. I didn’t realize that that was exactly how I felt, but God did.
My sense of being alone did not have to do with God, but in a way, I had been isolating myself from people. I don’t know about you, but when I do that, my mind can trick me into believing no one, except God and my hubby, really cares! Sometimes, to be honest, I’m not content with that! I hate when lies have their way with me!
But God is so faithful! How often He places someone right in my path to gently speak a word or two that clearly identifies an issue I may not have even known was an issue! Does that ever happen to you?
Those two weeks of on again, off again veritigo, nausea, and exhaustion, as horrible as it felt, did result in some new and marvelous insights and healing, particularly about my mom of all things! God knows just what we need.
He does not create our sicknesses by any means, but He sure does redeem them! Ps 23:3 says “He refreshes and restores my life. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Boy did He ever! (If you want to read about the peace the Lord brought regarding a long buried issue with my mom, Click here)
I was grateful that one thing He has convinced me of over the years is to not doubt His presence, healing power, or attention. especially in the midst of debilitating discomfort and even, excruciating pain.
But I didn’t always have such assurance. For years I suffered from immensely painful migraines. I use to wonder where was God and why would He let me suffer. I felt abandoned and neglected. Doubting Him seemed to increase my pain and sorrow. Eventually I learned to simply say, “God is good, and He loves me.”
While repeating this, as I lay in bed, would bring some much needed relief, I would continue to get migraines… until one snowy, January morning in 2002.
I will remember that day the rest of my life.
Another nasty migraine had come and taken me down again. On the third day of languishing in bed, a new thought came upon me. It was to call a friend who would stay with me and pray, no matter how long it took me to get healed.
I called Suzanne and without hesitation, she came right over. We laugh today about this, but she was so afraid to make me worse since she was not very confident of her ability to pray. And when she began to pray, guess what… I got worse!
But I’m sure God was smiling, because He knew all along the outcome. Leading Suzanne in “paths of righteousness,” He had me stand up (are you kidding?? do you know how I feel? stand??!!), lift my arms, and praise Him. After a minute, maybe two, God released through my friend, His love for me…a depth of it I had never known before. It instantly healed the migraine. HIS LOVE HEALED ME! It has been over 8 years, and I have not had one since.
I don’t know if that story encourages you or not, and surely I give no formula here. But I do know that there are places where we doubt God’s love for us, the degree of His love, or a specific way His love works.
But that is where Ps 23:3 comes in to play. “He restores and refreshes my life. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
The Lord has many names, but I needed the name Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who heals! His “path of righteousness” is His leading us to think right about Him, our relationship to Him, and what He has and will do for us.
God is good, and He does love us, and that means something. Thinking and saying that simple thought regularly, I am convinced, will open the doors to a more expansive view and experience of His goodness and love.
I am sure He wants to expand your heart, restore your soul, and lead you in YOUR path of all that is right (righteousness) about His love for you.
Why not say to Him today, “Lord, please show me a fuller measure or dimension of Your love and favor. I trust and thank you I am on the path of righteousness, and nothing will give You greater pleasure!”
Thank you all again for your kind attention, support, and prayers. I am blessed by you.
Maryann
Just a reminder! My new book will open your eyes and help you walk in a greater experience of God’s love and favor in your life… GUARANTEED! Click here to get your SIGNED copy!