Mary Lindow ~"The Messenger Blog": confidence

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

“WE PREPARE HIM A PLACE”

By Mary Lindow

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:14

WE ARE STRANGE AND EXQUISITE CREATURES.
We can ache for God tremendously; yet find ourselves getting nervous if God gets too close! After all, the closer God gets, the more we hear the call to be “unpolluted”.

It is both exciting and frightening to hear that call!

A STORY
“Once upon a time there was a little plant that was small and whose growth was stunted, for it lived under the shade of a giant oak tree.

The little plant valued the shade that covered it and highly enjoyed and lavished the quiet rest that it’s majestic friend provided. Yet there was a greater blessing prepared for this little plant.

One day a lumberjack entered the forest with a sharp ax and cut down the giant oak! The little plant began to weep, crying out, “My shelter has been taken away”. Now every fierce wind will blow on me, and every storm will seek to uproot me!”

The guardian angel of the little plant responded, “NO! Now the sun will shine and showers will fall on you more abundantly than ever before! Now your stunted form will spring up into loveliness, and your flowers, which could never have grown to full perfection in the shade, will laugh in the sunshine. Many will say, look how that plant has grown. How gloriously beautiful it has become by removing that which was it’s shade and comfort!

THE TRAINING OF A SPIRITUAL COMRADE
We need to see that the Lord wisely trains his soldiers by calling them to difficult travels and service. He strengthens them through wildernesses and mountains. God knows that spiritually armed Soldiers can only be developed in battle and are not developed in times of calm. We can only become true seasoned soldiers of Christ when we train and serve in the preparation time of the inhospitable surroundings.

TRUST FOR A SEASON!
It's all about trusting God in the end. Oh yes it is!
We often ask in the heat of difficult battles whether they are mental battles, spiritual battles, and financial battles…
”Will He REALLY refresh us in this time of struggle?”
His Loving Word says so.

“For I satisfy the weary ones
And refresh everyone who languishes."
Jer. 31:25

THE LORD IS PRODUCING STAMINA…
…WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT!
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;
For once he has been approved,
He will receive the crown of life,
Which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12

THE FATHER IS URGING US TO RUN TO HIM, TO CRY TO HIM!
He is there! Even in this fog of struggle, loss, anxiety, or seeming success! He wants us to be desperate for Him and is training us to rely on His voice. To make our decisions based on His plan for the whole earth!

TIE YOURSELF TO THE HAND OF GOD!
Get a "rope of expectation"(the word of God) and tie yourself to it.
Hold on! The boding evil is nearly over!

“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.
So let us put aside the deeds of darkness
And put on the armor of light.”
Romans 13:12

INTIMATE PLACE OF COMMUNICATION
It would be a powerful opportunity for all of us to get on our knees in an “intimate place of communication” with the Lord, and refresh our commitment to purity, and with a willing heart to yield to the bidding of the Father.

They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers.
They all march in line, not swerving from their course.
Joel 2:7

LET OUR HEARTS WILLINGLY...
…Give Him Room to Move Freely in our daily actions in this Life.

We do this by clearing away or removing anything that feeds and pampers our flesh and our own concepts of the Kingdom.

WE PREPARE HIM A PLACE
At throne in our hearts from which He can reign
and activate His anointing.

"No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—
He wants to please his commanding officer."
2 Timothy 2:4

1 John 2:27
"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him."

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Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2011 " THE MESSENGER " ~
Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com

Saturday, May 14, 2011

“RELATING TO OTHERS WITH A LIKE-MINDED HEART”

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By Mary Lindow

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS SAYING

"Be very careful whom you share your treasures with. How many pearls have you cast before piggish souls in the past, only to have them ground to powder?

The servant Paul the apostle was more than a new herald in the order of the day. He stirred up old systems and disturbed demonic religious strongholds. You must be ready to "power up" for years of opposition and hoards of religious factions and fracture’s of truth!

The past years of agony have been hard soldierly-like boot camp. Elite forces training. It will not go away. You must simply learn that it is My duty to do the fighting for you. Just be certain that you are only speaking, ONLY SPEAKING, what I have told you to. Nothing more and nothing less.

THIS IS A TIME IN THE KINGDOM
WHERE WE ALL MUST SOBERLY COUNT THE COST
OF WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO STEP INTO ON EVERY LEVEL.

If there is not the peace of the Holy Spirit resting on those who you are involved with…don't move into anything until the peace comes.

Gatherings and movements can feel real exciting and purposeful until conflict, control, and competition show up.

The apostolic and prophetic saints in Acts, fasted, ministered to the Lord, and then the Holy Spirit spoke. We have all learned many a painful lesson in the past from experiences of over planning, programming, and hurrying to help God out.

To everything there is a season …a time. Until you have a full green light…don't move. It will keep you from having to backtrack and…it trains in humility.

Acquaintance OR RELATIONSHIP?
Ask yourself the following question. "Are you simply an acquaintance or are you working in relationship with others and those whom you feel are to move into a more Kingdom minded level of Spiritual intimacy with?"

Before I finish with what the Spirit of God would have me share in a final prophetic word, I am impressed to share with you the difference between the two words Acquaintance and Relationship

Acquaintance
1. Somebody who is known slightly rather than intimately.
2. Knowledge, usually slight, of somebody or something.

Relationship
1. The connection between two or more people or groups and their involvement with each other, especially as regards how they behave and feel toward each other and communicate or cooperate.
2. An emotionally close friendship,

IF YOU SHARE WHAT IS PASSIONATELY BURNING IN YOUR SPIRIT
WITH THOSE WHO ONLY "RELATE" ON A CASUAL SPIRITUAL LEVEL THEMSELVES…
…YOU WILL BE CONTINUALLY DEVASTATED.

Spiritual intimacy can only be as deep as those who spend the time in spiritually intimate worship, waiting, and self-examining dialog with the Father and in relating to others of a likeminded heart. Not easy for busy human life!

Philippians 2: 1-3 1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

A PROPHETIC WORD CONCLUSION:

" Hear Me!" Cries the Spirit of Holy Grace and Mercy! I desire to move upon, in, and through each of you. Not one of you alone can endure the onslaughts of evil by standing aloof and silent. Nor can the most vocal of gifts among you clearly communicate all that I long to express.

Until each one is willing to step into the Holy place of pure relationship with Me and with one another, waiting, crying out, Yes - even waiting until I come and refresh, then the generation waiting in the wings will not fully come forward.

Until it is branded into your spirits that this era in time is for the saving of the lost, the redeeming of the wasted, and the release of the power of My glory, you will be so very very frustrated by the heaviness that doggedly harasses your soul.

What I ordain, I cover.
What I command, I give direction to.
Be certain that you have heard what I am saying. I am fully aware of the weariness and fatigue you have been experiencing. Heavier than anything you can recall from the past.

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,
as though something strange were happening to you!
1 Peter 4:12

There are many many others globally who are also still wrestling out of the cocoon in new birth and are suffering also. PRAY FOR THEM!

Hellish warfare will be a normal activity in the days ahead. Unless you harness the power of consistent prayer and train yourselves in regular gatherings of passion in prayer and worship together, you will shrink back into serious doubt, anxiety, and dread when the trauma of warfare attacks!!

GIVE VOICE TO MY SPIRIT!
Awaken your mute tongue and give voice to My name, My power and My Kingdom Solutions! No weapon formed against you will ultimately prosper! My Spirit longs to declare wonders, to decree Justice, and to destroy darkness with your lips proclaiming from the spirit.

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11

Speak out in truth and in praise and I will step into your midst with the peace you have been craving and groping for. Quickly! Enter in before you reflect and exchange ideas. After I am given My rightful place of honor and adoration, then I will speak and give you clear vision and direction.”

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:3

Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright © 2011 "
THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

Friday, March 11, 2011

“I Have Anointed You Even in Times of Sorrow”

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by Mary Lindow through the Holy Spirit

As the days begin to change and the seasons take their course, so am I also beginning to adjust the path you have been treading out.

I have been keeping track of all of your sorrows,
Collecting them and all of your tears in a bottle.
I have written down your tearful sorrows in My journal
Psalm 56:8

Many have passed you by on the road of sorrow that you have had to bear, too busy to stop and comfort, too concerned about what others might think of your condition. Others are only focused on their own forms of grief and have yet to learn to comfort others in their weariness and tiredness.

I have encouraged all of you when others are happy, be happy with them!
If they are sad, share their sorrow. (Romans 12:15) Even the Samaritan, one least likely to reach out, stopped and cared for the man battered, hurt, and sorrowful left on the road.

Many who claim spiritual piety and goodness turn their heads and hearts when they see another brother or sister aching in sorrow or tragedy. Let it not be heard about you my child in the heavenly realm, that you protected your own comforts or your own position and turned away from a brother or sister in their prolonged agony.

I have been testing the hearts of many who lay claim to a willingness to do anything I ask of them, but sadly then “pass on the other side" in order to avoid involvement with what "appears to be" one who is struggling or failing. As you do to others, so in your time of need will it be done to you!

I your faithful Redeemer have heard the heart wrenching cries from your prayers and I am even now giving you strength and empowerment to stay firm and continue to believe that I will restore all to you that has been shattered, stolen, or shamed!

"It is God who gives us, along with you,
the ability to stand firm for Christ has commissioned us,
He anointed us!"
2 Corinthians 1:21

I have anointed you even in this season of sorrow!
And I will bring a fresh and pure expression of Godly living and giving into the earth through those we who see that they are being prepared as good Samaritans and who themselves are also being cared for by others who require nothing in repayment.

Many are hearing my voice calling to them to bring relief
To those who have been faithful in obeying my voice,
But have been persecuted heavily for doing so!

Obey my command quickly! Act now!
Bless them, help them heal, providing for them like I would! You will be greatly rewarded for this effort.

As you give them even a cup of cold water in my name,
you have done it for Me!
Matthew 10:42

As you have been faithful to believe that i have better plans and a better way than the schemes of men, very very soon I will wipe away your bitter tears and despair.
You have begun to understand what it is to fellowship with My sufferings!

In the days ahead, you will also share in the first fruits of harvest.

"God, who has called you into fellowship
with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."
1 Corinthians 1:9

COME JUST A LITTLE NEARER TO MY HEART NOW ...
... THE NIGHT IS NEARLY OVER.

You will see that the time of sorrow and weeping will pass, and a breaking through into the greater plan for you is in motion. I have been into the future for I AM all that you will need.

Your one simple act of obedience sets into motion waves of my redemptive grace and pure holy cleansing. The Nations are waiting for those who will only speak out of clean motives and pure hearts. I have prepared you for this time in the earth and I will fulfill all I have planned concerning you.

Enter in by humbling yourself further by doing simple acts of mercy and selfless giving.

Remaining anointed…
… even in times of sorrow.

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You
Copyright © 2011 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

"Attracting the Eye Of God" – Part 1

By Mary Lindow

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God's eyes are searching to and fro over the earth looking for a heart that is fully His (2 Chronicles 16:9). What caught His eye when He came to Deborah? Was it the uncompromising fire of holiness, an unwavering faith or an unrelenting love that set her apart? Was it something about the integrity of her character, the depth and integrity of her wisdom and the richness of her kindness which produced confidence in both men and women?

The Lord is so jealous for each one of us to love Him and know Him. When we start to move away from Him, He allows evil kings to oppress us. The Word tells us that God is the one who appoints evil kings and magistrates, but He also raises up the godly judges and kings! Deborah was the fourth judge and for the first 20 years of her 40-year reign, the nation was oppressed by one of history's most powerful and cruel Canaanite Kings, Jabin, and his sneaky military commander, Sisera. (Judges 4:1-4)

DEBORAH CAPTURED THE HEART OF GOD

What is amazing is that the Lord raised up a woman to deliver a nation! What is especially surprising is that it happened in the Middle East thousands of years ago! Deborah was not only a wife, mother, intercessor and prophetess but also a judge and a national deliverer. That’s not a bad resume for a middle-aged woman living in that oppressive Middle Eastern culture.

Against great odds, God used her powerfully. Deborah broke outside of her culture but she wasn't in rebellion, she was in obedience -- to her God. She was used radically and set her people free, and the people loved her. It's a wonderful story of faith in God, and it champions men and women partnering together in a war to save their nation from great oppression.

When we read about this revolutionary prophetess and judge, it expands our religious studies of women being allowed to lead governmentally. But I really feel that God is raising up a troupe of end-time Deborah's. There is great global shaking that has only just begun, and the Lord is calling not only the men, but also the women of God! The Lord is saying,

“Wake up, Deborah, be a part of the army of the Lord.”

There are two root words for consecrate in Hebrew: naver (separating from) and kadesh (separating unto). Deborah, like the other defenders of the faith, was separated from the world and unto God. She did nothing on her own but spoke just what the Father taught her. This is where the true victory lies, in listening to Him.

DEBORAH'S WORK HISTORY

We tend to think of multi-tasking as a 21st century sensation, but Deborah was functioning in five major roles.

Intercessor

Many scholars believe that one of Deborah's roles before becoming judge was being a lamp lighter in the temple. In the Bible, oil is often a symbol for the Holy Spirit. Deborah was married to Lapidoth, whose name means, shine, lamp, flame, burning lamp, lightening, torch. Isn't it interesting? He, too, was a lamp that had oil!

Deborah was a keeper of the oil and light, carefully tending the lamps. This shows us that she was a woman who was passionately spending long hours dwelling in the temple. She was a woman of prayer and of worship. She lived between two villages, Ramah and Bethel, in Ephramin, which means the valley of fruitfulness. Biblical names often have profound prophetic meanings. The ancient village of Ramah was known to be the seat of high adultery. Bethel was known as the house of the Lord with open heavens, where Jacob had his ladder experience in Genesis 28. She stood in the gap interceding between the seat of high idolatry and pagan worship and the house of Bethel with its open heavens.

Now the picture becomes a little clearer as“ Deborah was raised up by God to intercede against idolatry (Ramah). She wanted to turn the hearts of the children of Israel back to the house of God (Bethel) to inherit a double portion of fruit (Ephraim).

Deborah's relationship with the Lord was very precious and intimate. I believe that in those twenty years of captivity, Deborah stood in the gap and interceded to change the course of Israel. God promised Abraham, in Genesis 18, that He would save a nation for the sake of ten righteous men. I believe that the righteous prayers of Deborah availed much!

She worshipped and had a deep intercessory life with God. She would go into the temple and fill the lamps with oil and ask God for revelation for people around her in great darkness. She was prepared in this secret place as she stood in the gap in desperate intercession for her people and her nation. She would hear from God and would bring down great wisdom and counsel. She spent long hours in the temple. This dedication moved the very heart of God and changed the very heart of Deborah. He led, she followed.

She led, Israel followed.

Oftentimes we have the misunderstanding that worship is merely the thirty-minute time slot before the sermon when we sing songs of devotion to God. This is part of worship. But doing small things with great love unto Him is living a life of worship. Deborah was a worshipper who loved the oil of the lamps, the Holy Spirit.

We need to be like Deborah, a people of prayer. Sincere and passionate prayer is the key to unlock our relationship with Almighty God. Many struggle with praying because they feel that their intercession is not much more than empty cries to an invisible God who seems so distant. We think that our prayers bounce off the ceiling and back to us unheard and unanswered. But beloved, God loves conversing with you! He promises that He will hear you and answer! It takes only a few seconds of a face-to-face encounter with God to change the course of human history for you, your city, or your nation.

In fact, connecting with God is the highest purpose for which you were created! This is eternal life to know Me! (John 17:3) Our hunger for God is what fuels our prayer life. When His presence is our passion and our hunger is for His heart, we can approach the throne of God boldly with the confidence that our Papa loves our prayers, but having this first love is so important.

For Deborah, intercession was an exchange of ideas in which God began to download strategic battle plans, blue prints from heaven, and keys to open doors that no man can shut and shut doors that no man can open. Isa. 22:22

How else could she have so wisely judged so many civil cases with the Israelites?

Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that

complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

Friday, May 7, 2010

"THE REAL PROOF OF YOUR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION"

By the Holy Spirit through Mary Lindow

How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud for worldly advise, Nor to those who lapse into tale bearing. Psalms 40:4

“My children. It is always amazing how people run to the proud and to the voices of false hope. As if these things they advise or promise might gain a place of security! You can only be blessed when you first come to ME! I never break my promises to You! NEVER! I use every opportunity in your life to train you to be an honest and humble guide to lead others to My way of success.

If you hear a man or woman boasting about too many great things that they have done, you will eventually find out that they are masters of manipulation and “embellished” liars. It’s all to make themselves look more powerful in your eyes. I do not deeply fellowship with this type of person. If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Deuteronomy 18:22 (NIV) I only share My keys and treasures of victory and success with those who do not peddle pride and do not posture for an audience. False humility is obvious to Me even when others cannot discern it. Trusting Me means to really believe that I AM all you need to have a vision and a future. Trust. Trust. Trust! Trust ME!” Be Quick To Listen,

Be Slow To Speak, Be Slow to get Angry. ~James 1:19 “The real proof of your personal transformation in Me is in evidence when you can practice the above verse without having to think about it too much! In order to truly be a voice for Me, one who cries out into the wilderness of other people’s lives, you must be able to hear My voice clearly! Speaking only what I tell you to speak, and to not REACT with anger when you have those who oppose My Voice, challenge you!

If you are suspicious of others motives and have secretly hidden the things of insecurity or entitlement in your own heart, you will be looking for a way to cast suspicion on others if you are the guilty presumptuous party of some wrongdoing. This opens a door to a hardness of heart, which allows the pride of life and love for position to blind you from a life of brokenness, and personal, private integrity.

Cleanliving creates a pure and clear conscious. “Keep me also from the sins I want to commit. May they not be my master. Then I will be without blame. I will not be guilty of any great sin against your word.” Psalm 19:13 (New International Reader's Version) I remained silent, like a lamb ready for slaughter! When My time to speak came, it changed eternity. It is finished! Father! Into Your hands I willingly turn over everything! My body, My soul, My spirit! Can you also turn all you hold dear in this life over to the Father? You will never be the same again! And you also will mark out a statement in eternity!” The Lord’s promises are pure.... Psalm 12:6a “I have no ulterior reasons to make a promise that has a hidden agenda! I am the spotless Lamb of God! All that I have ever promised to you and to those who love Me have always been with only good and blessing in mind! Purity has it’s own deep well of uniqueness to draw from. It looks for fairness for all. It only operates with absolute truthfulness. Purity is a value that never wears thin. When you minister to others, minister only from a pure motive to help, bless and restore. Impurity always shows up with self-promotion, intimidation and a pompous sense of personal power and personal vision. Purity. It is only a refined vessel that can walk in the power of this attribute!”

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2010 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Thought life-Choice-Actions-Habits-Character-Destiny

Habits of Life or Destruction Brian Francis Hume http://cause2impact.blogspot.com/ Is it plausible to suggest that the fulfillment of the calling upon your life is determined by the habits that you form? Habits are more powerful in determining long-term success and impact than simply our perceived intentions or motivations. Many have desired to change the world—yet few have done so in a manner that they intended to. Why is this so? One possibility: They didn’t have the necessary inner fortitude to bring about the God-ideal future into reality. Godly habits beget desirable outcomes that are in alignment with heaven’s will for our lives. In fact I would venture to say that each single person changes the world based on their habits, whether they realize it or not. We all have habits. As the old cliché asserts, we are creatures of habit. However the question remains: Are my habits life-giving (reinforcing my God-ideal future) or are they impeding my desired long-term outcomes? Bad habits (i.e., elevating self at the expense of others, lusting in your heart, lying, negative self-talk, procrastination, laziness, etc.) will impede and undermine all that the Lord desires to do in us and through us. The world is changed for the better or for the worse as a result of the habits that we formulate—hence, the need for Spirit-inspired habits in our lives is paramount. How do you define habit? Here is my working definition-in-progress: What you do consistently day-in and day-out that reveals and determines who you really are. I’m sure many of you have read the following that has proven to be so true in the course of history: Your thoughts influences your choices; your choices will determine your actions; your actions will become your habits; your habits develop your character; and your character will determine your destiny. Note the progression: Thought life-Choice-Actions-Habits-Character-Destiny. Furthermore, it can be rephrased: "Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” This is in alignment with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping. There isn’t anything more devastating than a believer who has become passive and apathetic in the pursuit of the Lord. Often those ensnared in the vice of lust and pornography have become lethargic in addressing the call to holiness in their lives. I can attest to this from past personal experience. Think about it. It starts as a thought not to take action within a given context such as a quick glance (seemingly innocent) at a magazine rack or a commercial during a football game. Or possibly a double take when an attractive woman walks by at the mall or in the hallway. Or it could be an "innocent" click on a Foxnews "news" article concerning a celebrity. No harm done. Nobody even noticed. Meanwhile the thought life is suddenly experiencing a barrage of enticing thoughts—it seems so harmless, just a quick, passing flashback about an immoral past experience. Over time you find yourself consistently drawn to scantily dressed women on the Internet. It seems that images easily trigger an adrenaline rush that is quite intoxicating. You feel so alive. Upon the completion of the lust binge, you quickly “repent” afterwards with much worldly sorrow, but fail to take measures to address the sin issue. Soon you are repeating the very thing that you vowed not to do again. Disillusionment kicks in. Shame becomes a constant companion as passivity reigns supreme. On “good days” you manage not to indulge in your secret habit—however, the constraint was aided by a desire not to be overwhelmed by shame. Callousness of the heart is evident. Ability to empathize with those hurting is compromised because the soul is bitter, numb, and passive. What was once something that you thought you had “under control” is now a habit that has taken on a life of its own—it now controls you. In time your character is defiled. Lust abounds. Although suppressed when appropriate, your inwards rage all the more for the illicit, forbidden fruit of lust. When you do partake of it, it seems to temporarily relieve you of your misery—a moment of bliss—only to quickly abandon you when the time has passed. Lust is never satisfied—lust breeds more lust. The past echo of momentary pleasure rings hollow, exposing the shallowness of one’s vain pursuits—yet the pain of death never seems to subside. Again, you find yourself confined to hell on earth. Interestingly, sleeping giants slumber within, awakened when confronted. The inner rage is at full tilt, tipping at the point when responsibility is demanded of the passive man. Without fail, passivity comes alive with a vengeance when confronted with the truth of the man’s sin. The hidden shroud of self-pity is fully exposed, thus it seeks to take shelter under the guise of a tongue lashing that spews venom. Now the destiny of the man is looming towards destruction. However, it doesn’t have to end in a destiny forfeited. What was once deemed as impossible (a life of integrity and purity) can become a reality through the redeeming work of Christ. Hence, one must count the cost to determine if they are willing to pay the price for restoration, freedom, self-control, and character—namely, the inner fortitude of Christlikeness. It is a process. It is grueling. It is painstakingly slow. Foul thoughts constantly bombard the mind. Fantasies swirl uninhibited, bemusing its captivating strength to allure the downtrodden. The seemingly forsakened man trudges along in spite of the constant feeling of no hope. Over time thoughts are increasingly taken captive—slowly but steadily—as the soul in anguish cries out to God, "God have mercy on me!" Despair and desperation lock head on—desperation in the grace of God prevails. The prayer of the subdued changes. No longer is the prayer to remove the temptation—rather, it is something of this effect, “Strengthen me to overcome the temptation!” Hell stands still. No longer is the man passive, seeking the easy way out—instead, he has chosen to ask the Lord to give him what delights His heart: A life that possesses the inner fortitude of Christlikeness. It is a process to be conformed to the image of Christ. Inner strength begins to grow as thoughts are consistently taken captive. Slowly the desires of the heart began to reflect God’s desires. Albeit the change is the occasional stumbling, however, the righteous man is quick to get up with godly sorrow that brings about a heart of repentance. It is a stumbling forward facedown before the Cross. It is a broken man, pliable in the hands of the Almighty. Truly it is a confrontation of colossal proportions: broken, weak man in the strength of the Spirit of God confronts the giants that once loomed large in his life. The man who trembles before the Word of the Lord becomes the conduit in which all of hell trembles. The process of trembling is the very process of the Word becoming Incarnate in the man's life. The once passive man becomes a champion for the Cause of Christ, slaying the giants of perversion, lust, and self-centeredness that dominates the cultural landscape. The image of the forbidden that once seared the conscience is now replaced by the image of Christ in the man. Shame has turned to delight; mourning has become joy; selfishness; and lust has been trumped by the love of God. Choice after choice, day in and day out, begins to formulate the bedrock of humility, hope, faith, holiness, gentleness, and the like—it is the emergence of the image of Christ fully demonstrated in a weak, trembling man. It is the broken man who is able to overcome the temptations of the flesh because faith, hope, and love overcame him. Brokenness wrought forth in the once passive man reveals a stunning display of the triumphant God-man, Christ Jesus—“Christ in you the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) My Closing Throughts Today is the day to start moving towards this place of restoration. Don't be like the man that I heard about today. At the age of 89 years old, he was on his deathbed in the hospital. A young friendly, caring nurse attended to his needs to ensure that this man could die with a measure of dignity. Sadly, this man boasted to his family that this woman was flirting with him because she desired him sexually. Huh? He erroneously mistaken the actions of a gentle, kind nurse as some indicator of sexual attraction. This was a man who had given his life to a constant intake of pornography. Don't allow pornography to take you to your deathbed with a hellish grip on your life. May it be said that you lived well (i.e., set apart, consecrated, holy, pure, righteous) so that you may die well. Don't waste your life. Repent now and do what it takes to walk in victory over this sin. For the Cause, Brian Francis Hume

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

DECLARATION OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S PROTECTION

Dear People of Prayer,

I wanted to share with you a wonderful "prayer declaration" to use in your daily meeting time with the Father and as you intercede for your families, friends, and other relationships.

May it be a great blessing to you today!

In His Shadow,
Mary Lindow

"DECLARATION OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S PROTECTION"

No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper and every tongue which rises against us in judgment we do condemn. This is our heritage as servants of the Lord and our righteousness is from You, O Lord of Hosts.

If there are those who have been speaking or praying against us or seeking harm or evil to us or who have rejected us, we forgive them and, having forgiven them, we bless them in the name of the Lord.

Now we declare O Lord, that You and You alone are our God, and besides You there is no other - a just God and a Savior, the Father, the Son and the Spirit - and we worship You!

We submit ourselves afresh to you tonight in unreserved obedience. Having submitted to You, Lord, we do as Your Word directs. We resist the devil: all his pressures, his attacks, his deceptions, every instrument or agent he would seek to use against us. We do not submit! We resist him, drive him from us and exclude him from us in the Name of Jesus.

Specifically, we reject and repel:

infirmity
pain
infection
inflammation
malignancies
allergies
viruses
every form of witchcraft

Finally, Lord, we thank You that through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we have passed out from under the curse and entered into the blessing of Abraham whom You blessed in all things;

exaltation
health
reproductiveness
prosperity
victory
God's favor

AMEN!