King of My Heart

[Verse 1]

Let the King of my heart Be the mountain where I run

The fountain I drink from Oh, He is my song

Let the King of my heart Be the shadow where I hide

The ransom for my life Oh, He is my song

 

[Chorus]

'Cause You are good, You're good, mm-mm

You are good, You're good, mm-mm

 

[Verse 2]

Let the King of my heart Be the wind inside my sails

The anchor in the waves Oh, He is my song

Let the King of my heart Be the fire inside my veins

The echo of my days Oh, He is my song

 

[Chorus]

'Cause You are good, You're good, oh-oh

You are good, You're good, oh-oh

 

[Bridge]

You're never gonna let, You're never gonna let me down

All Who Are Thirsty

Vineyard

 

All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Come to the fountain

Dip your heart in the stream of life

Let the pain and the sorrow

Be washed away

In the waves of his mercy

As deep cries out to deep

(We sing)

 

Come Lord Jesus come (3x)

Holy Spirit come (3x)

As deep cries out to deep (2x)

Goodness Of God

(Bethel Music by Jenn Johnson)

 

I love You, Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me

All my days, I've been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

 

All my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

 

I love Your voice You have led me through the fire

And in darkest night You are close like no other

I've known You as a Father I've known You as a Friend

And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

 

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

With my life laid down, I'm surrendered now

I give You everything

'Cause Your goodness is running after, it's running after me

 

 

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Spirit what are you saying?

Turn your ear and listen….Spirit what are you saying?

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7 NASB).

How many of you dear brothers and sisters feel you are on a fast moving sidewalk, something akin to those in major airports? I am not speaking of striving to make things happen, or not entering the rest of the Lord. This is different. Our times turn into days, days turn into weeks, weeks turn into months and the year is over—just like that! We can do nothing to hinder this movement; it is set at break neck speed and will continue till eternity.

Our Pastor has been speaking the past few Sundays on preparing our hearts, making ourselves ready for this upcoming season, whatever that will be, we do not know. It is almost the New Year and these kinds of messages are the norm, right? But, I’ve been hearing similar warnings to prepare ourselves. I do not mean to store up food and water, but to prepare our hearts.

Draw closer to Jesus.

Make yourselves ready!

Spend time with the Father, and Jesus.  Get to know them very well, listen to the Holy Spirit, because He has important directives for you during this time in your life. Put down those desires that wage war with your spirit. Cast your cares on Him daily. Pray for your daily bread; depend on Him for He is your Provision.

A word of the Lord

There is a storm on the horizon. Ready yourselves through pressing into Me. Put on the armor of God, relinquish the fight, let me do it! Put on humility. Steady yourselves by standing resolute in Christ and on His Word

Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning

(Luke 12:35 NASB)

I am looking out to our future with excitement and wonder. There is anticipation of what’s to come. Jesus has our times in His hands.

But as for me, I trust in Thee, O Lord, I say, Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me (Psalm 31:14-15 NASB).

A word of the Lord

Take courage, things are about to take off. A mix of things like unto a whirlwind. A whirlwind gathers objects of various kinds and it forms them into one unit. There are many different components that are making up this storm. Reliance on Me is the key!

  

But seek for His Kingdom, and those things shall be added to you. Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:31-32 NASB).

Waiting in His Presence and listening to the Lord is always good and beneficial. We are enlarging ourselves as we wait and listen for His still small voice. Our faith is strengthened and courage comes.  He will teach us all we need to know and give us strategies to accomplish what He is directing us to do. It truly is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom!

Digging Wells

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation (Isaiah 12:2-3 NASB).

A word of the Lord while praying for our son Micah:

I will go before you and level the mountains. I will cause springs to form in the desert places of people’s hearts, even those who were thought to be hopeless will come to life with my Spirit’s water. Deep wells are there, they need to be re-dug. Living water will run again where it once flowed. Abundance of mercy will be available to all who seek it.

Our son Micah along with his family will be moving to New England in the summer of 2013. This is through the prompting of the Lord. They initially had a long-term plan on staying in East Texas and serving at the Dayspring Youth With A Mission base. He is on staff and teaches in the School of the Bible. They have sought counsel and their leadership has agreed that this is the next step for them. They will begin a Youth With A Mission base in New Hampshire with an emphasis on School of the Bible and then additional schools will come about. This is both exciting, and you can imagine a bit overwhelming. God’s vision is always so big!

Today as Nate and I gathered to quiet ourselves this is the avenue the Holy Spirit took us in, to pray for our youngest son. I was so encouraged by the word the Lord brought forth, then when I began to study the Scriptures it was a done deal in my heart. You see, I feel like I could do anything, walk through all manner of difficulty, go wherever He says go, just so long as, I have the word of the Lord on it! This also includes bringing peace to a momma’s heart.

Nate and I are not being called to New England, but God uses His people to impart courage to those who already have a spoken word from God. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit who leads us into the truth of the word of God. I do believe this will strengthen Micah and Bethany’s faith as they hear this word.

Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them (Genesis 26:18 NASB).

There is a history of revival in New England. God has not forgotten the word that was sown through the revivalists of the past. Over the years the wells that were dug have been stopped up with humanism, liberalism, and occult practices. God wants these wells to be re-dug! God is raising up those who will go and give of themselves for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Nate and I are so very proud of our children, all of them who continue to wow us with their Kingdom mindsets!

Righteousness exalts a nation

Last evening I had a dream about the Amsterdam Harbor. I awoke thinking about Amsterdam being a gateway city. It is certainly a hub of sorts, if you are traveling in Europe or on to Asia you more than likely will go through Amsterdam to get to your destination.  Amsterdam has a rich history of many people groups immigrating to it.  In a 2011 census there were thirty-five percent non- European immigrants, and fifteen percent European immigrants. Half the population of Amsterdam is non-Dutch!

I would say God has a plan for this remarkable history-filled city and it involves His Kingdom coming in power to these Gentiles. My heart is being stirred more and more for this city and nation. We are praying for the knowledge of the glory of the Lord to cover this nation as the waters cover the sea, as stated in Habakkuk 2:14.

I believe that God has a unique plan and calling for each nation and city. A nation is made up of people who will ultimately influence their form of government.

My prayer and hope for all nations is to know the One who created them for His glory. They will recognize Him and step into their God-given destinies. People groups influence governments. Righteousness truly exalts a nation.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples, but the Lord will rise upon you and his glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Isaiah 60:1-3 (NASB)

As we position ourselves to hear God’s voice and are obedient to what He directs us to do, we take on more and more of His countenance. His glory begins to cover us. We reflect His goodness. We should not despair during these times of darkness that are already here and are becoming more intense. It is the church’s time to shine! Fix your thoughts more on Jesus and reflect Him to the world around you.

Lift up your eyes round about and see. They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you.

Isaiah 60:4-5 (NASB)

As I slept and dreamed, God focused my attention on The Netherlands and specifically the city of Amsterdam. It was then my choice to press into this more in prayer today.  He created the Dutch people in His image to reflect His goodness and glory to the many people groups immigrating to their nation. I believe God has prospered and blessed the nation of The Netherlands because of their generosity and care for those who have sought refuge there over the years.  In the above passage the Hebrew translation for the phrase the wealth of the nations is actually the strength of the people will come to you.


There is incredible blessing in the diversity of people. My husband and I delight in getting to know people from other nations and cultures. It fills our life with more of God. They are made in His image and reflect more of His characteristics that we have never seen before.  I think that is why we love Amsterdam so much. The people and cultures are so diverse.

There are many other cities in The Netherlands that are predominately Dutch. We love visiting these also, but our heart is in Amsterdam with the many colorful flowers, mixes of so many people coming and going, outdoor cafes, and of course strong Dutch coffee with milk!

The Heart of our Father for the Nations

I am overhearing the heart of our Father for the nations. He desires for them to know Him and to love Him. He wants them to recognize Him has their Creator. Haggai the prophet knew God to be The Desire of all Nations. He has purpose for every nation He created. Some have been stubborn and have turned from their created purposes. How this grieves the heart of our Father. In desperation they continue to kick against the One who loves them.

So, we intercede on behalf of specific nations that Father God has put on our hearts, let us continue to cry out for their eyes to be opened!

Earlier this week as I quieted my soul, God said this to me.

Are you willing to lay down your life for your brothers and sisters in Christ?I will fill you up to be poured out to mankind. So, we intercede for the global church until Christ is formed in them.

Ephesians 1:28 (NIV)
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

A word of the Lord:

You are clothed in salvation. 

I have wrapped you in a robe of my righteousness. 

The fruit of righteousness is coming forth

Be still, do not fret 

I am your Shalom

God’s desire for His created is to be clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This is His intended purpose for the nations of the world. Righteousness brings true security and tranquility to the lives of people. Righteousness exalts and prospers a nation.

Isaiah 32:17 (NASB)
And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.

Righteousness is being in right standing with God. This comes only through Jesus Christ. This right standing brings us quietness, inner confidence, being undisturbed,  full of peace, and an absence of war.

Can we visualize a world with the absence of war? Can we see the nation of Israel in peace? I can see an Israeli father and child walking along the road with an absence of fear in confidence that all is well.

God has prompted me recently to consider Korea. What about North Korea? Can we stop and imagine them clothed with salvation, everything they need provided for. Can we visualize them bowing before their one true King Jesus? Even now I sense the anointing of the Father. He is stirring in my heart hope for the nations of the world. Let us not ever give up hope because of things appearing hopeless. It is only a shadow, it is not the reality. There is hope because God has a desire to see all men come into Christ!

Isaiah 61:10-11 (NASB)
I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as a garden causes the things sown into it to spring up, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations.

There is hope! Stir up this hope in the people of the world! They all are longing to believe in someone, something that gives them a promise for their future and the future of their loved ones! God has a remnant of people in every nation. Let us continue to quiet ourselves, looking outside of ourselves and pray for the lost in all nations of the world. Also, let us not forget to pray for the church of Jesus Christ globally.

A time to embrace

Ecclesiastes 3:5

A time to embrace and a time to refrain

There have been many seasons in my life over the past 53 years. Some have been incredibly memorable, and they were markers for a significant life moment. The most notable ones were graduation from High School, getting married, committing my life to Christ, water baptism, birthing our children, becoming empty-nesters, and the birth of our grand daughters. Another milestone stood out to me this week as I left my doctor’s office—menopause.

I knew things were dramatically changing with me. I am not blind to the fact that I am getting older, and I can say that I am content with this stage of life despite the maladies.  Life, and all the comings and goings of the people around me… stood still. It was a Selah moment. I wanted to share the news with Nate right away, like I did in times past announcing a new pregnancy! “We are in menopause!” That’s right—not just me, but we!

I’m sure he was thinking, Oh great! How is this going to play out in our lives over the next several years? It gives added meaning to the phrases that he and I have shared,” I am committed till death us do part,” and “Baby I’m in for the long haul!” These may be tried somewhat over this time, but I am confident in my husband—that he has what it takes to love me in spite of changes in my life!

 I remember another season in my life when I knew we would not have any more children. It was something that I gave much thought to, as I had five pregnancies in less than six years. I loved this season of child-bearing and nursing my sweet little ones. I took great delight in being momma to all of them. I had complications in three of the five pregnancies and had to have cesarean sections with the four live births, so I was strongly counseled by my doctor to not have anymore children.

You might say, “Well you have had four children, you should be content.” I was delighted with the four gifts that God had blessed us with, but there was sorrow in knowing this was the end of that era of my life. I remember so vividly talking to Jesus about this sorrow. He understood, and He was so comforting, but He didn’t leave me there in my sorrow. He encouraged me to embrace the next season that was already upon me—the one of loving and training my children. He had spoken to me several years before this, of a new ministry, and it would be to my children. I remember feeling an excitement of what this was going to entail.

One thing that stood out to me as I was writing this Cassia Offering is that whenever there is an ending to a season of time in our lives, there is absolutely a new beginning! This is a simple truth that brings such hope to us. God’s plans for us are so perfect and good. He is neither dull nor lackadaisical in His ideas for us. His plans on the contrary tend to be larger than we can imagine ourselves. They stretch our natural abilities so that we have to depend on Him for success. They bring such excitement and anticipation of people we will meet and Kingdom things we will be doing!

So, in both of these life changes I had a choice to make; will I embrace the new era with joy? Yes, I must go on with the wonderful life that God has given to me. I love the four distinct seasons every year, and I am learning to embrace and truly look forward to every season of my life.