It is through humility and self-giving that we are truly satisfied. It is when we pour ourselves out that we in turn are filled to overflowing. Filled with grace upon grace.

Matthew 16:25
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

This is what I call upside down thinking or Kingdom thinking. Jesus was speaking the heart of the Father and it would be to our advantage to understand this. In giving of ourselves in abandonment to the Father firstly and then secondly to one another an amazing thing happens. We are filled with a love so big that we would lay our lives down for the sake of our Savior and his kingdom. We are invited to share in this amazing kingdom experience, as we selflessly give the love we receive away. Destructive self-centered living results in you and I becoming very shallow and cold hearted. Kingdom living is all-inclusive. It is for everyone to accept and enjoy. The Spirit inside of us compels us to share this good news with everyone.


Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I have been thinking about “going low” - abasement, humility, bearing one another’s burdens. My goal is to listen to Holy Spirit’s leading, being obedient to what he says to do, and then being quiet. Love covers. Love bears all.

My question to the Holy Spirit this day is, “Why is this the right way?”

“Open my heart to this secret wisdom.”

As I began studying this truth out, I began to see a common theme throughout the old and new testaments. Humility is an attribute of my Father’s character and he mixes it with mercy, mercy, and more mercy!

Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the LORD require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

THE LORD IS A JUST GOD.

The LORD is fair in his dealings with people. I think one of the best ways to understand the word justice is to take a look at its opposite, injustice. Injustice simply means to be unfair or wrong in your judgment of something or someone. I can tell you from experience injustice is a bitter pill to swallow. I probably hate injustice more than most bad deeds. It is so unfair. Typically you cannot fix the issue, because it is coming from a tainted character. So, when I see a God who’s actions are so just, so fair, so unbiased, it makes me smile. I love the character of our Father.

God also deals with us in a spirit of grace. He sees our past hurts and our present struggles. He is actively at work molding our future. This is who God is. He is a just God. He requires us to operate in the same spirit of grace.

Zephaniah 3:5
The LORD within her (Jerusalem) is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice and every new day he does not fail; yet the unrighteous know no shame.

Pride and arrogance are attitudes of a cold heart and the fruit of these are injustice. Our God is the opposite. As we walk clothed in the humility of Christ, we walk in love and dispense justice to our fellow man as it is due him.

Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

This is such a simple principle. He is not yearning for sacrificial giving. He wants you to do what is right and just. This is pleasing to the LORD.

THE LORD IS A GOD OF MERCY.

Psalm 103:17
But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Every act of God is coming from a place of amazing love! This is his character. He is justice expressing itself through love. He is righteousness being given to a people who are really undeserving. He is forgiveness being poured out to sinners. He is extraordinary compassion shed abroad in our hearts.

Joel 2:13
Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

God is not after sacrifice, but a heart that is contrite. He is not looking for an outward demonstration of circumcision, but one of the heart. Humble yourself before him and he will run to you. He is full of grace and love. He is fair in his judgments.

THE LORD IS FULL OF HUMILITY.

I Peter 5:5
Clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Another way of saying, “clothe yourselves” is cover yourselves. Put on grace as you would a dress or shirt. I think we can do this simply by declaring it. “I put on humility today. I choose to walk with a humble heart, filled with mercy and justice.” In doing this, God responds with more grace. Grace is a supernatural, tangible source of power from the Holy Spirit. I do not want to oppose or to be opposed by my Father. Let’s commit to pleasing the Father in our actions.

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you, and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

I continue to enjoy reading Hannah Hurnard’s book Hines Feet on High Places. It seems to be a book I go back to for that secret wisdom from the Spirit. I would like to share two excerpts from this beloved book.

For it is only up on the High Places of Love that anyone can receive power to pour themselves down in utter abandonment of self-giving.

This is the law by which we live, it so sweet to give and give.

I inhabit your praises! I am the One who enables you to say, “Jesus is LORD.” I prompt you to raise your voice in praise and gratitude. I give you the words to spirit songs.

Your praise will breakthrough iron bars and gates of steel! It lifts up your soul and your countenance is changed. The gloom and despair disappears in my Presence, for you cannot magnify Me and remain introspective.


Praise is a selfless act of looking to someone bigger than you and your circumstance. A spirit of praise and thanksgiving should be the fruit of a life completely abandoned to me. It is my nature to exhibit praise and gratitude and it will be yours also because you are made in my image!


The LORD was with Jehoshaphat king of Judah, because in his early years he walked in the ways of his father David. He sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. The LORD established the kingdom under his control. His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD, and he prospered greatly! I love the story that is recorded in chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles. Lets look at how King Jehoshaphat walked out a very perilous situation by seeking the LORD, obeying and praising through to victory!


2 Chronicles 20:2-3
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar (that is the En Gedi).”Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.

King Jehoshaphat inquired of the LORD! There is wisdom we can gather from this righteous man of God. He was king but did not assume he had the wisdom on his own to stand against these armies. How many times have I stepped out in my own wisdom just to fail miserably? Let me answer that, too many times. If we are in Christ, we are not our own.

I Corinthians 6:20
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

The price is the shed blood of Jesus! I am not my own person. I am connected to Jesus my Savior. He is very interested in my life and has the wisdom I need. He also foresees my future, and totally has my best interest at heart. I can trust Him implicitly!

2 Chronicles 20:5-9
Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard and said: “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us."


Jehoshaphat begins his heartfelt prayer by declaring who God is:
You are the God of the Heavens.
You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
Power and might are in your hand and no one can withstand you.

This reminds me of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught all of his disciples, which begins with recognizing our Father is the God of Heaven.

A great model prayer, as we should pray likewise. Father in Heaven we declare your power and might! This is making a declaration of His strength and power not only to Him but to the powers of darkness as well. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When we pray out loud we also are hearing our declaration of who God is! This will increase our faith!

Jehoshaphat then recounts how God was faithful to Abraham and his descendents. It is good to remember and speak of how God has been faithful to our families and to us. Retell your “God” stories. We all have them if we have been in Christ for any length of time. If you have children they need to hear these stories.

Deuteronomy 11:19
Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

These remembrances are packed full of faith. When they are retold faith is again released, which equips us for future battles. Tell your stories!

Jehoshaphat then declares that even if calamity comes against them, whether by sword or judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before the temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.

This statement made God smile! To hear that assurance and confidence coming from one of his children, he would surely want to come to their aide. This reminds me of the three Hebrew children just before being thrown into the fiery furnace made a similar statement.

Daniel 3:17-18
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

2 Chronicles 20:12
“O our God, will you not judge them? (Speaking of the nations coming against them) For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

This statement by King Jehoshaphat is both filled with humility and a declaration of dependence on God. He is in a great position even though it appears in the natural to be a disastrous situation. His position is one of faith, not self-reliance! I love Jehoshaphat’s heart in this troubling circumstance. We can learn so much from him. I am confident that we have all seen troubling situations come our way. I am equally confident in the God I love and serve! He is able to deliver. He responds to his children and to their heartfelt cries of, “LORD, I need you!”


God responds quickly to Jehoshaphat’s plea for help. He speaks through the prophet Jahaziel to Jehoshaphat and all the men of Judah, their wives and children.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17
This is what the LORD says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them, they will be climbing up by the pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle, Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the LORD will be with you.”

This is such an awesome word from God and builds the confidence of its hearers. The Prophet gives them information on the geographic location of the enemy and declares that they will not have to fight this battle. This one battle was God’s to fight. We need the Wisdom of God, as they did many thousands of years ago. Think about what could have been their response to armies coming against them. It would have been to gather their own armies and fight them. Wow! We have to learn to seek the LORD firstly and not to respond on impulse.

2 Chronicles 20:18-19
Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

Praise, worship and thanksgiving are always an appropriate response to the LORD!

2 Chronicles 20:20-22
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, For his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

The LORD caused confusion to come on these armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir and they slaughtered themselves. These armies were defeated by singing praises to the LORD! This was a specific charge given to the men of Israel by the Prophet of God. They responded in faith and obedience and God defeated their enemies.

What can we glean from this story? We will always benefit from inquiring of the LORD. His wisdom cannot compare to our ways of thinking. Listen and obey what He tells us to do. This could be as in this story through the Prophet of the LORD. It more than likely will be through the scriptures and through listening to his still small voice. We are to be a praise filled, worshipping people, over flowing with thanksgiving! One word of caution, I have never liked using formulas in praying for people or seeking the LORD. Even though this was the word for Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel it is not necessarily the word of the LORD for us in every battle. The key here is to always seek the LORD for the word in season for your situation.

One last scripture and thought:

2 Chronicles 20:29-30
The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel, and the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

The people of God who walk in faith are also given rest! There is a knowing inside your head and your heart when you are walking out obedience in a difficult situation. The knowing is that God is in complete control and will work it out for our good!

Yes, and God gives you peace and rest in the midst of it.

Proverbs 21:1
The King's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

Open my ears so that I can hear your word today. Father give me ears to hear you today.

Have you ever felt like you are not presently doing what you were created to do? That's where I am at right now! I know there is greatness in me that has not reached its mark! I am presently working a job that can be trying and humiliating, and yet the LORD is saying, “ You can do this.” I am able to hold on because the Father spoke to me. He said, " Status quo Jan, Don’t change anything for now. Just work like you have been doing. I will open doors and give new direction."

My heart took on new courage from those simple phrases! Why? Because they come from the one I trust and love. I know that I could stay in that job till the end of time if He says to. My response this day is, "Father, thank you so much for speaking to me. I can hold on. I know your purposes for me are greater than what I am doing at the present. I trust you during this time even when I don't see your greatness fully in me."

I began thinking about people in the Bible who had similar struggles. I love that we have these amazing examples of the very things we are going through. Holy Spirit is so faithful to direct, because He knows exactly what we need to read!

Joseph was a character that sought after the LORD and began hearing and seeing his future. God was imparting greatness to him. I believe you know his story. After sharing some of his visions with his own brothers they have him tossed into a pit. They debate killing him and instead decide to sell him into slavery. Traveling Midianites take him into Egypt. Wow! Those were some crazy brothers! They could not recognize the greatness of God expressing itself through their little brother. Joseph's story continues in the house of one of Pharaoh’s officials named Potiphar. The Word says that the LORD was with Joseph and he prospered the house of Potiphar. The Word continues to say the official recognized the favor of the LORD on Joseph because everyone prospered under his influence. He became his personal attendant caring for his household. There was a fly in the ointment. Potiphar's wife found Joseph appealing and made a play for him. Because Joseph walked in the fear of the LORD he rejected her advances. You know what they say about a woman being scorned? She yelled for Potiphar and blamed Joseph for attacking her. He was taken to prison where the king's prisoners were held. Again, the word says the LORD was with him. Joseph found favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So, as the story continues Pharaoh has some disturbing dreams. The wise men and sorcerers cannot help him. In a twist of fate an ex-con suggests they contact Joseph. The lost son of Jacob consults the Lord of heaven who shows him how to interpret the dream. He finds great favor again this time in Pharaoh’s own household. He was given a huge promotion. Pharaoh’s words to Joseph went like this: "Since God has made all this known to you, You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." Wow! What a story! The beautiful ending to Joseph's story is that during the famine where food was so scarce, he was able to help many people with the wisdom and foreknowledge that God had given him. Yes, also his brothers and father!

Genuine relationship formed between Joseph and God, and He made it possible for him to walk in great wisdom. God had an amazing plan for Joseph to be a type of redeemer for many people. God is sovereign, which means His plans will come to pass! There was greatness in Joseph at an early age though his family grossly misunderstood him. He trusted that the words and visions given to him would actually come to pass even though they were delayed and he suffered much. Joseph's story in completion is found in Genesis chapters 37 through 50. Joseph is a type and shadow of our savior Jesus Christ.

Now let’s look at Jesus and we will see that Joseph was a type and shadow of our Redeemer.

The Father spoke to Jesus and gave him a mission to do. He left his kingship and became a man. Emanuel is God with us! He was human in all aspects and fully God.

Jesus had one mission and that was to redeem mankind. He also was misunderstood by many. The Pharisees wanted him dead. Why? They felt threatened by him, because they saw that he spoke with authority, walked in great wisdom and was compassionate. Jesus was a friend of the sinner, the publicans, and the tax collectors. He was not religious. The Pharisees missed their time of visitation. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it!

Many of the Israelites were looking for the Messiah, but expected him to come and take the Kingdom back from the Romans. They wanted a great politician, a king not a savior. They were tired of being under the rule and authority of the Romans. Jesus did come to save them from the tyranny of government, but it was not going to be through that type of dominion. He was after their hearts, to change them. You can be imprisoned under foreign occupation and still be free in your soul. That can never be taken from you! The Israelites missed their time of visitation.

Many of his disciples turned away from following him because some of his teachings were too hard. Jesus says, “ Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” His own family did not understand what he was doing and struggled to believe in him (as stated in John 7:1-5).

Jesus did not let this thwart the mission the Father had sent him to accomplish. He pressed on and we should also. Jesus is our example and we should follow his lead. Jesus and Joseph were misunderstood and suffered much. They both trusted God and were faithful to the word He spoke to them. It took years of walking in the revelation of God and trusting it to come to pass. God’s plan did come to pass and generations are reaping the benefits of intimacy with the Father and eternal life!

We are no different than Joseph and Jesus in that we are following the voice of our Father. We are led by His Spirit to do great things in the Kingdom. We have relationship with the Father, and He begins to share his heart for humanity with us. Greatness is birthed in us. We have incredible vision of what we are to do. This is all a process of walking with the Father in the Kingdom. We do great things for God. We work. We do the mundane things of life. We wait on God and listen to his voice. We hear him speak his heart, and again we are filled with greatness and vision.
It continues....

I am in one of those mundane places in my life. It is necessary to do what I do. I go to work and care for the elderly. I come home and cook dinner and clean my house. I am not unhappy with where I am at, but I know what God has spoken to me. I have vision that my Father has imparted to me. I know there is greatness in me, and I am compelled to do great things in the Kingdom. So, I wait and trust that what He has spoken will come to pass.

I hope this brings some encouragement to you my friends. I know that I am amongst many in the Body of Christ that he is compelling to keep doing the stuff of the Kingdom. He is also speaking in our ears, You are created for greatness! Why? Because we are created in His image.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

A tribute to my mom and dad

It will soon be three years that our lives were suddenly changed with the death of our mother. She was the glue that held our family tight as a family should be. We were not without dysfunction that is for sure. I have fond memories mixed with hard, chaotic ones. Our family was characterized by our love for each other. We were a loud, demonstrative family and there was always something going on in our lives. You never knew when something was going to arise out of the blue and then explode with accusations and fears. Quickly as these episodes would arise they would subside and calm would resume without a mention of the transgression or transgressor. Consequently, most things were swept under the carpet and very few issues were ever resolved. Nevertheless, we were a family that loved one another. My parents were married sixty-seven years at the time of mom’s death. What a legacy! We all know that their marriage was not perfect; it had flaws like most marriages do. They were committed to each other and also to their family. I always knew that I was loved and that I had a place in Pensacola I called home. It is still difficult years later to acknowledge that she is gone. I often want to pick up the phone and call her to let her know about some milestone in my life. Dad just never seemed to enjoy hearing things about our family like mom did. I truly miss her so much. My husband Nate and I had the privilege of living with mom and dad a few years ago. They were in need of caregivers and we spent a year and a half with them. I will always cherish those memories. There were good ones and believe me there were those times that were extremely challenging. Anyone who knew my momma would understand she was not easy to live with. She was loving, yes, but also very opinionated. Dad was always easy going and went along with what everyone else wanted. I am glad for that season with them. I have no regrets in my relationship with mom or dad.

Dad lived thirty-one months longer than momma. I think we all expected him to pass away a lot sooner than he did. He was lost without her, but he valued his life until the end. He had such a sweet heart and I loved being with him. I have such fond memories of my daddy. When I was a child he would always take me upon his lap and give me lots of hugs. I felt very safe in his arms. He would pretend to chew on my toes and fingers saying, “Mm good chicken.” I also remember him bringing snowballs (chocolate cake covered with marshmallow) home from work for me. He would smell of mint (doublemint gum was the culprit) and government buildings. He worked in civil service for thirty-five years. These are some of my early childhood memories that put a smile on my face even today.

Dad was lovingly cared for by my brother and his wife until he became too feeble to live without assistance. He then went into an assisted living facility where he was still cared for by my brothers, my sister and my cousins. He was loved and cared for and never lacked provisions, even down to his fruit basket. You all truly exemplified the love of God to our dad. Thank you!

Our dad passed away November 27th, 2009 just two days after his ninety-first birthday. He lived a long and honorable life. My heart mourns for him because he is not here anymore. I have peace even though he is with the LORD and with momma. That gives me peace and makes me smile. His eyes are dark brown again and he can see! His body is no longer feeble and wracked with pain. I rejoice with him! I still sorrow though, not just for him but for our family. I have come to realize that the family is no longer there in Pensacola. That era has ended. I am learning how to allow myself to grieve. I have no regrets, but I am letting the process of grief have its way for a season. I think that this is one method of dealing with my grief. To write out my feelings brings some kind of closure that is healthy. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes that there is a time to mourn. So, I am taking this to time to remember our family. Obra William Solice and Anna Catherine Channell who in part made our lives what they are today. You are remembered and missed sorely.

Good Morning Holy Spirit! Let your presence fill this place as you grace me with your sweetness.


Only one thing is profitable and that my friend is sitting at the feet of Jesus. He brings so much life to you and he refocuses your eyes on things that are important.

My heart is stirred to know you better.

Keep yourself still and know me as God. Settle your thoughts, your desires, and your fears for the future.

Think about my character, my unchangeable goodness. You keep me in perfect peace because my thoughts are stayed on you. At this moment, at this time there is no doubt only complete trust.

I Peter 5:5-10

Vs5

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

To clothe yourself speaks of action. I think it is a decision to walk in humility, of course with the Holy Spirit’s help. The very thought of God opposing me is frightening. Think about that for a moment. That puts a little fear of the LORD into being proud or it should anyway. I like the part where it says He gives grace to the humble. Grace here is defined as being an empowerment from the Holy Spirit to meet this evil tendency (pride) and all others fully.

Vs 6

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you

This is what we are to do. We are to be meek and unassuming thinking more highly of others than we do of ourselves. This is not being unhealthy and it is not having low self-esteem. It is walking in gentleness and meekness the way Jesus did. He is our great example of humility. He walked in perfect love towards people even though he was God in the flesh.

He will exalt or lift us up in due season. What does that look like? I think it is working things out for us in every situation; causing all things to work together for good. Also, it feels good to honor one another, showing respect and gratitude.

Vs7

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you

I can hear the Father saying, “Child, throw it to me. It’s much too heavy for you to bear.”

You were not equipped to carry this load of anxiety, worry and cares. Our Father cares for us! I was thinking today about the crazy love we have for our new granddaughters. It’s very similar to the love we feel for our own children. I guess I never thought I could love so deeply. Recently as I was pondering my relationship with God, He broke into my thoughts. “I love you more than what you feel for your children and grandchildren. I know you perfectly inside and out. I want to meet you early and just spend time with you the same way you did with them.”

WOW! Doesn’t it feel really good when you know you are held in special esteem by someone?

He cares! What a great Father we have.

Vs 8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

We are told by Peter in this passage of scripture to be self-controlled and alert. This says to me to not let my guard down.

Be conscious of your actions, staying completely submitted to God.

What makes our minds fuzzy and confused?

Different things to each of us, I am sure.

For me it is:

• Watching too much television.
• Spending too much time in soulish conversation.
• Computer time

I think anything that preoccupies our time and our thinking can cause our minds to become spiritually dull.

Balance is the key word here as well as moderation.

You do not want to be taken off guard. For me it manifests in impatience with my husband. Also doubt, fear, and unbelief are big ones that I have to guard against.

Why are we admonished to be self-controlled and alert?

We absolutely do not want the enemy to get a foothold into our thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

We are warned over and over in scripture to guard our hearts and our eyes.

Vs 9

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We have been given amazing and effective tools to defeat the enemy:

• Holy Spirit living inside of us
• Powerful Name of JESUS
• Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God
• Grace which is an enabling power from the Holy Spirit

We are not alone in our battles! We are part of the beautiful Body of Christ! We are living in the Kingdom of God with great Kingdom benefits!

Vs 10

And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself establish, strengthen, settle and perfect you.

He has all the grace, as much as we need, when we need it.

Start asking him for it when you are struggling with attitudes or when you are tempted.

Grace is real and tangible! I can literally feel its power covering me when I need it. It is peaceful and has a sense of well being. It is being covered with a blanket of strength in the midst of chaos and stress.

The 10th verse goes on to say we are called to his eternal glory in Christ.

What on earth does that mean?

We are called to experience Christ’s power and goodness forever. We are partaking of this heavenly goodness now and forever.

That even though we suffer through various trials and afflictions we are called to greatness in Christ!

Jesus Himself will:

• Establish us
• Strengthen us
• Settle us
• Perfect us

Beginning now and continuing forever and ever!

I have incredible hope for my future and for yours!

An excerpt from my journal and a quiet time with the LORD:

My desire, my great hope is for you to need me desperately. I want interaction with you. My heart is stirred within me when I hear you say, “Father I need you!” “I can’t do this on my own!”

II Chronicles 20:12, 15, 17
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. He said: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.

Our position is abiding in Jesus, and entering the rest of God!

There is an authority that Christ has given to us as believers a few examples of this is:

Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

John 20:23
If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

Luke 9:1
When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Christ said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations.”

I believe the church has become too independent of Christ. Yes, I strongly believe in knowing who we are in Christ. In fact my husband and I are teaching a Bible study on this very topic. It is necessary for the converted believer to renew their minds and become transformed in their thinking. This brings us great stability and balance to our lives. But, even as I was pondering these truths I looked up the great commission and found that I was misquoting it. I was thinking, all authority was given to me meaning the church. In truth Jesus was saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth was given to me, now go and make disciples of all nations.”

John 17:20-22
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.

We also walk in this shared authority because we are one with the Father and with Jesus. Keep in mind it is shared, not autonomous.

There are times when we are definitely called to intercessory prayer. I had a few days this week where I needed to pray in the Spirit and also was praying the word of God out loud. It was a battle coming against my mind. I am usually very stable in my thoughts, but beginning on Sunday my mind was racing with thoughts. Suspicion, doubt and fear were coming against me furiously. I began praying against it in the authority that I share with Jesus. I then had a good friend and my husband pray for me. Sometimes, I can battle and see results this time I needed help.

There are also times when we are to stand in what we know to be true, and let the LORD battle for us. This is entering the rest of the LORD.

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still
Oh my goodness! How many of us can receive this word from the LORD?
This truly requires an incredible amount of trust. You need to know and become very familiar with the LORD. When you really know his character you are able to rest and let him take care of you.

II Chronicles 32:8
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us fight our battles. And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the King of Judah said.

Let me say this again. Our position is abiding in Jesus and entering the rest of God!

In the past three years I have had two very difficult jobs. I was persecuted terribly by co-workers to the point where I heard the LORD say, “Enough” The situations had to do with gross injustices in the work place. The first job the LORD suddenly removed me from it, and the second job He removed the person who was causing the hostile work environment. She had been with the company for eight years, but was removed because she was so hostile towards me. Amazing, how we do not have to battle in the natural. God is a mighty warrior.

Isaiah 30:15-18
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. You said, ‘No, we will flee on horses.’ Therefore you will flee! You said, ‘We will ride off on swift horses,’ Therefore your pursuers will be swift! A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, till you are left like a flagstaff on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill.” Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!


Psalm 147:10-11
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Let us repent this day of being independent of the LORD. We cannot live in this world without abiding in Him! Let us repent of our spiritual arrogance. Apart from Christ I can do nothing!

Let us enter the rest of the LORD…ceasing from our own labors and being co-laborers with Him!

On November 7th in my quiet time, I heard the Spirit of the LORD say to me:

I have gifts for you today!

· Gift of discernment stronger than you have ever had
· Gift of wisdom so that you will have specific insights into what people have need of
· Gift of love, the ability to love without conditions attached….a perfect love

Discernment comes by the Spirit of the LORD. It usually is a strong impression about someone, something or a geographical area that will not be shaken. It is not a fleeting thought or observation. Impression is defined as what stays in somebody’s mind. Impression is a lasting effect, opinion, or mental image of somebody of something. I think the key word in that definition is stays; it is not a random thought that is quickly forgotten. What comes next is a question, “Holy Spirit what is this”? “What do you want me to do with this information you have given to me”? I have learned recently that it can come through our five senses. I have known discernment through the Holy Spirit opening my eyes to see and opening my ears to hear, but it wasn’t until recently that I have had my sense of smell opened to discern the Presence of the LORD and the presence of an evil spirit.

Last year I experienced this in a very powerful way. I was having a quiet time with the LORD when I began to see a moving picture, a vision. I was fully awake and experiencing a very intimate time with Jesus. I saw him in His priestly robes of the purest white with a velveteen rope sashed around his waist. I then saw myself as a small child running to him. I ran right into him grabbing handfuls of this beautiful robe and pressing my little face into the fabric. It had such an amazing smell of incense. I said out loud in my living room, “It smells of cassia”! This I researched later was the oil Moses was instructed by God to use to anoint Aaron as High Priest. What a beautiful picture God gave to me of my High Priest!

This was a connection to the spirit realm that had I not been discerning could have alarmed me. The Spirit of the LORD gave me discernment during the beginning of this vision and I knew it was good, holy, and precious. Why was it given to me? To increase my faith mostly is why it was given. It also increased my desires and love for Jesus. There is always purpose in discerning something. The Holy Spirit’s job is to give me a strong impression in some way, our response is to say “what do you want me to do with this”?

Discernment is given always for us to pray. Hands down that is its main purpose.

Recently I experienced the other side of discerning an evil presence through my sense of smell.

I was in a public place checking out at the register and I began smelling a very foul odor. There was the lady at the register and myself. I knew it was not coming from me, and the lady did not appear to be sick or in distress. Never the less it was coming from her. I discerned an unclean spirit. There is a difference between familiar common odors and spirits that give off offensive odors. What was I to do with this information? Pray for her once I get to a private area such as my car, always asking Holy Spirit what was that? If you are bold enough which I confess I am not, you could quietly ask if you can pray for her. I personally think it wasn’t the time or the place for such as that. I will say that I am being trained in this by the Holy Spirit. I am certainly not comfortable or perfected in this gifting. I am a student and am learning how to use this gift properly.

Several months after that encounter I did have another one. I was in church and began smelling a similar offensive odor. It was extremely pungent so I put my face down into the fabric of my sleeve to breathe fresh air. I began asking God again, “What is this”. He immediately said an unclean spirit. I knew the smell was coming from someone behind me. I did not know the person, but had shaken hands with him prior to the service. Also, no one else seemed to smell it. My husband was sitting beside me and did not smell anything. That is definitely a sign that it is discernment of spirits. If it is a natural odor other people would smell it as well.

So, again I am learning what to do with this gift. I did not step out and pray for him. He did go to the altar during the invitation and was prayed for. I have continued to pray for him also. In the future when this happens I will ask more specifically whether I should approach and pray for them. This brings me to the next gift which is so tied to discernment and that is wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift of the Spirit available like discernment for those who seek after it. It is the very gift I seek after the most as of late. When I say that I mean I seek earnestly after Jesus, because He has become for me wisdom.

I Corinthians 1:30
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

I desire the gift of wisdom because I know it will be an instrument in my life to liberate many people from the bondage that they are in. I know if I had been walking in the fear of the LORD which is the beginning of wisdom I would not have bruised myself so in my pre Christian days.

Wisdom says:

I am pure, then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you.

We are in such need of wisdom in the body of Christ! As we walk in a hostile world we need to be led by Wisdom’s cry. The voice of Wisdom brings us peace and clear guidance. A sure foothold is wisdom’s path. A peg fastened in a sure place is the fruit of wisdom.

Discernment mixed with wisdom is freedom! It’s all of the above! Discernment without wisdom is laying a wound wide open and then not knowing how to suture it. You must seek wisdom’s leading as you minister to the body of Christ. Jesus has become for me wisdom. Everything that I need is encompassed in Him. How do we receive this wisdom? Ask!

Love, love, love, there is nothing better! God is love. Simply and profoundly He is complete and perfect love. I have been a student of the word for about 29 years, and it has been my earnest prayer to be perfected in love. I have probably prayed that prayer more than I have prayed for my husband, which is saying a lot! One of my passions is to rescue the broken and show them the Father’s unconditional love! The only way that I can successfully do this is to be perfected wholly in love. When I didn’t know there was a kingdom of love, I sought after love from people who were as broken and deficient in love as me to no avail. I was trying to fill a place inside my soul that only God could ever satisfy. So, when I met a beautiful man of God and he shared the good news of the Kingdom with me I finally found the love I so needed! From that moment forward I sought God and His Kingdom with all my heart.

Luke 7:47
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven- for she loved much, but he who has been forgiven little loves little.

Maybe that is why I have taken hold of Jesus with all my strength, because I have never experienced a love as pure and true as with him! The more we seek after Him the more we become like Him. I am taking on his nature of pure love. I have my Heavenly Father’s DNA. I think the thoughts of Jesus because I spend time listening to Him. He then shares what He hears from the Father with me.

I Corinthians 2:9-10
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Having said all of that in regards to love, I want to tie it all together with the gift of discernment and wisdom.

It all flows so beautifully together!

We can not successfully bring Jesus to people without it being done completely in love. There cannot be any other motivating factors otherwise it will cause more hurt and pain to these precious people. When Holy Spirit gives discernment about a particular issue in a person it is for healing, deliverance, comfort, restoration, or exhortation. We then as ministers of this love need to ask Holy Spirit for complete wisdom on how to proceed in praying for this person. If I did this apart from doing it in love I am amiss, and will injure instead of bringing life.

Love covers over a multitude of sin, love also remembers no wrong, love lays its life down, love always protects, love always trusts, love always hopes, love perseveres, and love never fails!

So, go forth and bless the people of God with your gifts. They need a touch from Jesus, and you are His connection to them.