Holy Spirit, I am seeking you today. Speak to me of your great love.

I loved you long before you knew my Name or my character. I fashioned you to be the person you are today. I made you and desired that you would love me in return, but I gave you the choice. Love is only love when given freely without coercion. I loved you while you were still in your sin. I was hoping that one day you would see the emptiness in your soul that could only be filled with me. That’s my hope, my strong desire for all mankind; to love and fill the void inside of them. Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, no man can come to the Father except he goes through the Son, Jesus Christ.

There is a story in the gospel of Luke that tells the story of a Father with two sons. The younger one asked his Father to give him his share of the estate. The Father divided his estate between the brothers. Not long after the younger son left home for a far distant land, he squandered his inheritance on wild living. There was a famine in that part of the country and he fell on very hard times. He found work tending pigs for a citizen of that country. He was starving and desired even to fill his stomach with the pig’s food.

The word of God says that he came to his senses, and said to himself, “My father’s hired men have more than enough to eat. I will go back to my father and repent saying, “I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be your son, make me one of your hired men.” So, he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. He ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son repented to his father just as he said he would do. The father quickly called the servants to bring the best robe and put it on him, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. He said, “Let’s have a feast and celebrate! For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost but now is found!” So, they began to celebrate!

What a beautiful picture of our Father’s unconditional love for his children. In the parable the son chose to leave the family and go out into the world. The father allowed him to go, even though it grieved his heart. The father would not force the son to stay for that would not have been love. Love does not demand its way, even though it may be the right way. Repentance is turning from sin and turning to the One who has the power to forgive. The father was ready, waiting, and able to receive back the repentant son. The father restored the son back to his original position. The enemy of our souls would keep us in the pigpen eating slop; but our Father says, “You are a son.” and honors us with an embrace, a kiss, a royal robe, a ring, and a celebratory feast!

Hosea 2: 14-16
Therefore, I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.

This is one of my favorite scriptures and one of my most favorite books of the Bible. It is about an unfaithful Israel who prostituted herself with other nations; and a very faithful God who is betrothed to her. God loves and woos Israel back to himself. The allegory is concerning the Prophet Hosea and his unfaithful wife Gomer. Some believe this is factual and that God actually spoke to Hosea to marry Gomer who was a prostitute, others believe it is strictly allegorical; nevertheless it is filled with so much hope for us! We can insert ourselves in the place of Israel and or Gomer in this story. We have all from time to time run after other gods, and have committed spiritual adultery with the things of the world. God does not give up on us; he continues to draw us back to himself through his unconditional love and mercy. He quickly forgives as we come with truly repentant hearts. He longs to show us compassion. He leads us to a place where we hunger and thirst for him; where nothing else can fill the emptiness.

A desert place is where we come to the end of ourselves; our self sufficiency falling miserably short. Then our Father speaks tenderly to us; we listen now because we are at a place of humility. We are holding fast to every word spoken. Our damaged souls are raw from harsh words spoken, people using us and tossing us aside. This is where our Father applies ointment to our wounds and says to us as He did many thousands of years ago to Israel and Gomer, “I will give you back your vineyards.” He restores back to us what is rightfully ours and that my friends is sonship. The enemy of our souls has torn at us and tried to destroy our identities. He wants to strip us of all honor and dignity. God says, “Enough! No more!”

The Valley of Achor means the Valley of trouble. How many of us can say, “Yes, I have seen some trouble in my life!” I surely can say that! Some of the trouble has come to me by my own volition. I have chosen to walk away from the precepts of God and walk into sin. Other times it has come my way by no choice of my own. I have an enemy called the devil who would love to see me destroyed. The very least he wants to steal from me my peace, my joy, my sanity, and my reputation. He ultimately wants me dead to God, to lose my passion for the Kingdom of God, and then physically kill me.

I will make the Valley of Achor (trouble) a door of hope!

God himself will do this for the child of God. He loves us more than we can ever imagine. He is the Restorer of your soul; your mind, your will, and your emotions. He is the One who speaks tenderly to you of your amazing future!

Isaiah 42:3
A bruised reed he will not break a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

He is a gentle and loving Father who knows each of us intimately. He has a tailor made plan for each of our futures.

Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Many in the Body of Christ suffer with depression because of disappointments over and again. Many times it is of our own making, because we put unattainable goals on ourselves. These are goals that God has not and will not ever yoke us with. Disappointments often lead to feelings of hopelessness and giving up. We give up on God as we say to ourselves, “What’s the use in trying anymore?” This kind of negative self talk leads to depression or oppression. We must take negative self talk captive and make it obedient to what Christ says about us. His desire for us is the latter part to that verse.

A longing fulfilled is a tree of life!

Our Father does put godly passions inside of us, those desires we all have to do great things in our lives. The aspiration to do great things in His Kingdom and in your life is an obtainable goal. Those dreams in your heart that only you and God know about are good. When they come to pass, it brings life to your spirit man, to your soul and to your body! When we walk out our God given destinies we are full of life and the people around us take notice.

What will be the fruit of our lives yielded completely to our Father? We will sing as in the days of our youth. Joy will fill us to overflowing as in the early days of our salvation. Do you remember how sweet those early days were after coming into Christ? I remember feeling so peaceful and contented. My life had great hope because of Jesus living inside of me by the Holy Spirit. We will have renewed passion for God and His Kingdom as we walk with a repentant and humble heart.

The last sentence within this scripture says, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. This also speaks of the day of your salvation. Egypt represents “the old man” or “the sin nature.”

Coming up out of Egypt speaks of the day we said yes to our God and came out of our sin. This is a continual process of yielding to our Father. Our salvation is guaranteed through the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. We are not working in any way for it. We must however keep ourselves from spiritual adultery, flirting with the world and its systems can be very dangerous. This can strip you of your energy, your joy, your peace and can ultimately cause you to lose all your passion for life and for Jesus!

As I was seeking the LORD during a prayer time with our daughter Stephanie’s house church, I heard Holy Spirit say,” The strength of your church is the unity amongst those who attend. There is community and a sense of family. This is pleasing to me. My blessing is on your fellowship.”

Psalm 133:1-3
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like the precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard down the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mt. Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing even life forevermore.

God is saying very clearly here, He blesses his children when they walk in unity with one another. He is not speaking here of the world, he is addressing “brothers” or the church. We are instructed to live at peace with one another, to live in community with each other. If you are part of the body of Christ then you should be actively in fellowship with one another; this involves sharing meals, caring for one another, worshipping together, helping each other as help is needed, bearing one another’s burdens as we are all part of the same body.

Psalm 68:5-6A
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families

God is relational. He enjoys having fellowship with his children. He loves community and all which that includes. The beautiful thing about the Kingdom of God is there is an open invitation for “all” to come in. No one needs to be excluded from the family of God. He sets the lonely in families; that is having a sense of belonging. It means people take notice of you. They care. I am not speaking of control or what we referred to as “shepherding” years ago. The community of the church body should not be meddlesome or dictating. It is a genuine love and concern for each other.

Exodus 1:21
Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them.

This is in response to the Egyptian King giving a mandate to the midwives helping the Hebrew women to give birth. He told them if it is a boy child to put him to death. The midwives feared God and did not do as the King of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. So, God was good to the midwives and multiplied the people and they became mighty. He also established households for the midwives for they walked in the fear of the LORD. One of the Hebrew meanings of this word household is family.

God loves and takes great delight in family. Our biological and adopted families are important to Him. It was his purpose from the beginning of time to “Go forth and multiply!” He loves having children.

I was thinking about the many homeless in our city recently. They are out on the streets without shelter, without a community who really cares for them. I began thinking of the scripture in Psalm 37:25 which says, I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.

There is so much truth in this scripture. When you become born into the family of God through believing in Jesus Christ, you are in a family. There are countless churches to become connected with. I am not ignorant of the plight of the homeless. I realize many are suffering from mental illness, drug and alcohol addictions. Yet, it is God’s will and His good pleasure to see his children in relationships within the Body of Christ; to see them prospering in community and in a family.

Going back to the original scripture in Psalm 133

There is blessing from the LORD when his children live in unity and harmony with each other. The oil was used to anoint the priests for service; to consecrate them and make them holy. God is saying that when we live in harmony with one another it also makes us holy, set apart.

The dew of Hermon speaks of watering the land. In a well watered area it produces fruit. Likewise in a community of believers living in unity there is much fruit. God commands his blessing! Life forevermore!

2 Chronicles 30:1-2, 12
Now Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD God of Israel. For the King and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem had decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month. The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and princes commanded by the word of the LORD.

Hezekiah was a righteous king who took the reign after a very unrighteous king. This King Ahaz promoted idol worship in Jerusalem. So, when Hezekiah took the reign he reinstated temple worship and the Passover feast. Hezekiah sent out letters to invite all to the Passover feast. Many mocked and scorned the couriers. Nevertheless, some men came to Jerusalem for the feast. It says the hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and princes commanded by the word of the LORD.

God gave them unity of heart and mind. It is possible to live in peace and like-mindedness with our brother and sisters in the LORD. Prayer, humility, and walking in the fear of the LORD bring unity to the Body of Christ. We can accomplish a great deal and bear much fruit as we walk in unity. God will command his blessing and life forevermore!

To walk in the fear of the LORD is to hate what is evil. Stirring up discord and disunity among the brethren is evil; it is sin! God hates it, and it grieves his heart!

A word from the LORD in my quiet time on February 24, 2011

I am imparting more grace to you; Jan. Grace and peace are yours. Seasonal changes are coming. I will make provision for you in every way. Don’t fret or worry; I have more than enough to sustain you and Nate. Continue to seek me with all of your heart. You will find me and hear my heart. Jan, you won’t be care giving for the elderly any longer. This will be your last client. I have a new season for you. Doors will open to you and Nate. Watch for them to begin right away; this will include a season of fasting your evening meals. In doing this it will open up more kingdom mysteries to you, and will also defeat your insecurities and fear. Step into this and I promise to meet you. I will sustain you through this season.

So, a week went by and I received a phone call in regards to a very good care giving job. I didn’t turn it down right away; as I was battling this decision. I was thinking about all the medical bills that were pouring in from my husbands nine day hospital stay. I really need to do my part in caring for our family. There was much turmoil in my spirit and my soul during this time; as they were battling each other. An interview was set up and I had planned on going, somehow justifying my thoughts. Four hours prior to going I still had little peace and could no longer rationalize going. I knew I would be in disobedience. So, I called the client and backed out gracefully. Wow, immediately my peace and joy returned.

The Holy Sprit asked me a question during my quiet time.

Who do you see yourself as? Then He answered it Himself.
A caregiver
A person who cleans houses
A child care provider
These are all honorable professions, but no longer for you.

Then He spoke this to me.

I have your times in my hands. I will provide for you. I will open the right doors very soon. These things were all the things you were pondering as possibilities for employment. I don’t want you doing any of these. I have so much more confidence in you. I see your grand potential. You are a writer, a speaker; you carry the weightiness of my glory. My glory resonates from you and will touch many. Step into these things I have for you, Jan.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the LORD, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, inquire for, and require Me (as a vital necessity) and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

March 16, 2011
I awoke around 2:30 AM
Praying in the Spirit, and interceding for Japan. I heard Holy Spirit ask me this question.
Will you go?
My response without hesitation was, “Yes Lord, yes Lord.
Then He said, “Go feed my sheep; you and Nate will go as my ambassadors of love, the provision has already been made.”

Nate and I have always known we would do foreign missions. We have been yielded to Holy Spirit over the years; and were willing to go. We spent many years doing urban missions and other kingdom work. We knew it would be when our children were grown and out of the house. Our first trip was to Amsterdam, The Netherlands in 2008. We were there for two months serving as mission builders with Youth With A Mission.

I can tell you that I know very little in regards to our plans. I would like a detailed agenda, but as of now we do not have one. We are seeking the Lord daily as to the next steps to take. We are waiting for the right connection. We are using wisdom as to going to Japan because of the radiation leaks. If this door opens to us and we have a yes from the Lord, then we will go. We are also looking into going to India. This appears to be a more likely trip for us; although we are only going where Holy Spirit leads us. We are excited about our future in missions. We desire to impart the things we have learned over the years. The things we are passionate for are; seeing God’s people whole, we love the Body of Christ. We would love the opportunity to share on repentance, forgiveness, intimacy with God, and emotional healing.

Our son Micah, is in the process of creating a web page for the ministry updates. The web address is PerfectLoveofGod.com. This page will also have a link to my cassia offerings and our Cedars of God intercessory page. We have spoken with our pastor and his wife in regards to our vision for missions. We will be under the umbrella of our church, Global Destiny. They are very supportive and have encouraged us to pursue this. So, in the near future we hope, we will be going on a short term mission trip. We think we will stay for one or two months and then return to Albuquerque, New Mexico where we are presently living. Again, we are not sure of the length of time until we are connected and partnering with a ministry.

We are also developing a young adult group in our church. We will begin meeting with them on a weekly basis starting in May. We hope to raise up a group of young adults passionate for Jesus and the Nations. Our desire is to lead teams of young people to do kingdom work wherever Holy Spirit leads us.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

I began reading in Jeremiah 33 and ended up in Jeremiah 35, which is the story of the Recabites. It is an amazing story about the importance of Obedience! I will not take the time to type it in completion, but please go to Jeremiah 35 and read this amazing account of the Recabites.

Jeremiah was prompted by the Lord to invite the Recabite family to one of the side rooms of the house of the LORD. The LORD specifically said to give them wine to drink. So, Jeremiah did just that. He brought the whole family to the house of the LORD. He set bowls full of wine and cups before them. He then told them to drink the wine. But, they replied, “we do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command; neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads. WE HAVE OBEYED EVERYTHING!

This was an example to the Israelites to do as the Recabites had done for many years, walk in obedience! Jeremiah made a distinction between the Israelites and the Recabites. One has walked in obedience since receiving the command, and the other Nation has rebelled against the God of Israel.

The LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel says: Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them but they did not answer. This is a very strong rebuke to Israel.

The LORD made a declaration to the Recabites that they would never fail to have a man to serve Him. God takes obedience very seriously!

There is a blessing on all who are obedient.

I will close this cassia with a word from the LORD regarding obedience.

As the Recabites were obedient to their forefathers command; you have been obedient to Me. I will bless your life with goodness, with honor and wealth. Your children and your children’s children will always serve Me the God of Abraham. It is their spiritual heritage. Great peace will be found in their homes; they will be delightful dwellings. So, when people ask you, “How is it that all your children serve the LORD?” Tell them, it is because of our obedience to God. Always remember the story of the Recabites.

The Lord is our banner. He is Jehovah Nissi. His banner is an identifying flag that represents His LOVE. God is Love! His very nature is love. God lives, moves and has his being in love. He responds to his children through a heart of love.

A word of the LORD came to me a few days prior to writing this cassia.

I have set my banner of love over you. For I say the Victory is yours. I say today, I am the Victor! The battle has been one! Open your eyes! Look up; look up, your redemption is drawing close. Do not fear what is going on in the world, walk only in the Fear of the LORD.

Exodus 17:15-16
Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. He said, “For hands were lifted up to the Throne of the LORD. The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

The Amalekites were a nomadic people who came against the Israelites to destroy them. Moses called for Joshua and told him to choose some men and go out and fight the Amelkites. Moses would stand on top of the hill with his staff raised to God. As long as Moses kept his hands raised the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered them the Amalekites were winning. So, when Moses tired he sat on a rock and Aaron and Hur held his arms up. Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

The battle and the victory is the LORD’s. He shows us through this amazing story of His plan to defeat the enemy in our life. We do not fight with swords as they did. Our battles are against the enemy of our soul, the devil.

Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Our battle is against the evil one. The earth was handed over to his control and dominion at the fall of man. He was defeated through the cross, but we still struggle against him in this world. So, we have an adversary much like Israel’s enemy the Amalekites. He wants to destroy our lives. Jesus is Jehovah Nissi. The LORD is our banner. We fight under that banner. It is recognized by our enemy and he hates it. It represents “For God so loved the world that He gave his Son to atone for our sin.” We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.

God defeated the enemy through giving his Son, because He deeply loved His creation. We are not to walk in fear of the enemy. We are only to walk in a holy reverence or the fear of the LORD. God has called his children to walk in this same kind of selfless love we see being poured out by our Father in giving Jesus Christ as our atonement. We are to love the world into relationship with Jesus.

We walk under this banner of love. We personify the love of Christ!

Song of Songs 2:3-6
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to his banquet hall and his banner over me is love. Strengthen me with raisins; refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.

The above reference is a beautiful picture of Christ and His bride, the church. Jesus stands out among all created. He is above every name. He is beautiful and I love to sit at his feet and learn from him. The revelation we receive and the words he speaks over us in our quiet times is sweet to our taste. A banquet was a formal meal held in honor of a person or a special occasion. So, when we see Christ taking his bride to his banquet hall, it signifies a celebration in her honor. Jesus loves his church so much he wants to lavish on her finery. He has prepared this special meal with meat and wine in her honor. To make this gathering even more special, He says, His banner over us is his love. He has not only set us apart to honor us, He declares His love for us! It is his pleasure to raise high the banner, the flag declaring, “My love is over my church, my bride.” He upholds us with His righteousness! He will not let us fall. He embraces us as a gesture of his everlasting love.

Isaiah 25:6-7
On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine- the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations.

The LORD himself will prepare the feast for his bride. The best meats and wines will be served to his beloved. All people are invited to this banquet. He is the manna from Heaven; he is the Bread of life, he satisfies the hunger and thirst within all people. This is an invitation to the Nations to come and feast. He will remove the veil that has hidden the mysteries of the times; Christ in you the hope of glory. Jesus will be LORD over the Nations. He is the Desire of the Nations.

Haggai 2:7
I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord Almighty

Mankind is created and formed in God’s image; we have an innate desire to be like him. We hunger for love but can only be satisfied with God’s perfect love. Men thirst for greatness, purpose and destiny but even with the very best the world can offer they still feel empty. God wants to come into our lives and take up residence. When this happens we become the temple or house for Holy Spirit. He says,” I will fill this house with my glory! “

Glory in this passage actually means to, honor, glorious, abundance,riches, splendor, dignity, reputation. I would like to be filled with all of those amazing things. To be honored for whom you are. To be so God filled that we radiate glory and splendor. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds. The fruit of this is honor, dignity and good reputation. The abundance of riches comes in many ways; monetarily, spiritually, relationally, and emotionally. In all aspects of my life, I feel blessed!

This past Sunday as Nate and I led worship; I looked out at the congregation and I saw many flags waving as the people worshiped. It was so beautiful. It actually imparted courage to me. I know what those flags represent. They are banners of love, and freedom in Christ. They are being waved before their King. His banner over us is love!

Quieting myself before the Lord:

Pray against a spirit of intimidation that has infiltrated my body, my church. This spirit is in the church to keep destinies from being birthed. There are many men and women who are amazingly gifted and you are not aware of it. You are missing out on their gifts that bring impartation to my body.

I would like to share an encounter I had recently. I was speaking with an acquaintance who is quickly becoming a dear friend. While praying at our intercessory prayer meeting she received a scripture that she felt was from the Lord. She didn’t share it because of a lack of confidence. Later that evening the same scripture was prayed over and declared by someone else. She felt like she had missed her opportunity to share. I searched my heart right away, because I never want to make anyone feel unqualified. At our intercession group we try to walk in humility, love and acceptance. I discerned a spirit of intimidation from the evil one.

I John 3:8B The Son of God appeared for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus defeated the evil one through the cross! He has come to bring us life more abundantly, and freedom!

If you are a child of God, born again through the shed blood of Jesus, you are given authority to come against the evil one!

You can stop the harassment now, by taking authority over those spirits that keep you from walking in your complete destiny.

I believe that when we are in a situation like my friend found herself in, we presume to think, this is not from the Lord, or my gifting is small and insignificant. Both of these are wrong thinking. I am not being critical of my friend. I am speaking experientially! I have been there recently and continue to stand against this erroneous thinking. To presume something is typically wrong because we filter our thoughts through our soul. We are not perfected yet, many of us are filtering our thoughts through rejection, insecurities, and wounds from our past.

Let’s look at the definition of presume.

Presume means to take for granted, assume, or suppose.

Do you see how dangerous this kind of thinking can be to us? The evil one does not want us to prosper in any way. He wants to destroy our destinies. At the very least he wants to make us feel inferior to our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a lie that your gifting is not important, or that it is a lesser gift. There is victory for the born again believer. We can stand against these wrong mind sets. I already said that we have authority as joint-heirs with Christ. We must take the initiative to rebuke, bind, and cast down evil imaginations as we are led by Holy Spirit. He will show you the way to rid yourselves of these tormenting spirits.

Now to the Body of Christ who are confident in their gifting. I commend you in Christ! We need a stronger measure of assurance. So be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might! I would add to this a spirit of humility, love and acceptance. This will bring a unity to the Body of Christ that will be an unstoppable force!

This is a word from the Lord I received today as I was interceding for the Body of Christ:

Yes, this spirit will be put to flight as you stand in unity! The unified church will defeat it! There is strength in numbers and even more strength, multiplied strength in a unified people.

Leviticus 26: 3, 6-13
If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then…. I shall also grant peace in the land, so that you may lie down with no one making you tremble. I shall also eliminate harmful beasts from the land, and no sword will pass through your land. But you will chase your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword; five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall before you by the sword. So, I will turn toward you and make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will confirm My covenant with you. You will eat the old supply and clear out the old because of the new. Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you and my soul will not reject you. I will also walk among you and you shall be my people. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so that you would not be their slaves, and I broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect.

This scripture is incredibly informative! I love the word of God. It is as relevant for us in the twenty first century as it was for the children of Israel. God was giving a word to the children of Israel then and at the same time His present day Church. He commands a blessing over us if we walk in obedience to Him.

• Peace in the land
• Lack of fear
• Peaceful sleep
• Eliminating harmful beasts. The Hebrew translation for beast is age, alive, and appetite. Therefore we can say God will eliminate any living creature or thing that is harmful to us, God will eliminate our appetites for harmful things or fleshly lusts, God will eliminate any harmful thing of this present age that is coming against us.
• No violence
• Unity in coming against the evil one. There is strength in numbers and unity!
• Strength to defeat the enemy of our souls.
• Presumptions and poor mindsets are going. Destinies are being fulfilled!
• We will run to the battle!
• You will bear fruit and our numbers in the church will multiply.
• God will confirm His covenant with his children through: the bearing of fruit, people coming to Christ, signs and wonders, workings of miracles, healings and deliverances.
• We will leave the old wine skins behind. We are not satisfied with the way things used to be done. We are tired of religious formulas and regulations taught by man.
• We will take hold of the new wine, being led only by the Spirit of God. Jesus only did what He saw His Father do. He was led completely through his prayer and fellowship with His Father. We must do the same!
• We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. He made His dwelling among men.
• He calls us His own. We are the children of God. He is our Father.
• God brought us out of Egypt (a representation of sin and slavery).
• He set us free, never again to be yoked with sin and bondage. Jesus’ yoke is easy and delightful.
• We now walk upright! We walk in righteousness, as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.

I want to reiterate a few things in closing. Jesus is calling His Body to a spirit of humility, love and acceptance! We are not to judge. We are about to witness the largest outpouring of Holy Spirit that we have ever seen. We must be ready to receive the world into our churches. They are going to come in like a flood, and they will not be clean and polished. We must gently lead, instruct, and allow Holy Spirit to do His work in them. He is more than able to do this.

Unity in the Body is a necessity if we want to see the power of God in our midst. We must honor one another above ourselves; clothing ourselves daily in a spirit of humility. Above all else Church, put on love! Love covers a multitude of sin. Love enables others to be themselves without fear of rejection. Love makes room for another’s gifting. My heart is passionate about releasing these; love, humility, acceptance and unity!

John 5:17
Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too, am working.

It may not seem that way as we turn on the news, or pull up the news via the internet. The news is screaming to us disaster, war, human suffering as horrific as we have ever seen or heard. My heart aches for the precious people of Japan and New Zealand, as they have suffered greatly. Next month it will be another nation affected by the throes of what seems to be great injustice. But, who is really behind these natural disasters and wars spinning out of control? Let me say emphatically it is not God. I do believe that because of the fallen world that we live in, we are subject to these intense groanings.

Romans 8:20-22
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

I believe this passage of scripture is referring to the fall of man recorded in Genesis chapter three. God said to Adam, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’, Cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; and you will eat the plants of the field; by the sweat of your face you will eat bread, till you return to the ground, because from it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

2 Peter 2:13
But according to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells

So, the earth is subjected to futility, which to clarify means the earth is useless, vain, and ineffective. Now, I know that sounds ridiculous, but in a fallen world apart from God our labor is useless, vain and ineffective. Now, that makes perfect sense. The earth will be liberated in the end and will be made new, but until then it suffers! We, who are in Christ, suffer also because we live on earth. Our spirits are redeemed and we live a joy filled, blessed life. Yet, we groan in travail waiting for the redemption of our bodies. This too will occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ, for which we have great hope and expectation!

So, how do we handle such tragedy such suffering as we have witnessed this past month. We pray! We diligently bring these precious people before the LORD. I know the heart of the Father is grieved for them. You say, then why doesn’t he do something to prevent it? This also goes back to the fall of man, Adam relinquished the rights of mankind and the earth was turned over to satan.

Luke 4:5-7
The devil led him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world, and he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So, if you worship me, it will all be yours.”

Let there be no question here of the omniscience and omnipotence of our God, Jesus Christ. He knows the beginning to the end of what is taking place in our World. He is more than able to change the course of history, and I know that he has through the intercessions of the saints. We have many examples of this through the lives of the Prophets, Disciples and Apostles. I believe armies can be re-routed through the prayers being offered up to God. So, our grief and distress over the things happening on a daily basis are best funneled through prayers of intercession. It relieves and brings comfort knowing that God is hearing us and Jesus is also interceding on their behalf.

Isaiah 60:1-5
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up you eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.

The past few months have been truly amazing times spent in the presence of the LORD. He is visiting His church, the body of Christ. I am not just speaking of the church I attend. He is visiting His church globally and doing several things.

• Purifying her through revelation of hidden sin. Bringing what has been in the darkness into the light. He is not exposing publicly, but as we are before Him in prayer, he is bringing conviction of sin.

• Clothing her with a spirit of humility, and compassion. He is increasing our passion to pray for the church and for the lost nations.

• He is filling us with His Glory! God’s glory is manifested to us through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes for the LORD, who is the Spirit.

He is filling us with his glory which is changing us into the likeness of Jesus. We are becoming more filled with love, humility, compassion, gentleness, goodness, faith. The word says in Isaiah that darkness, thick darkness is covering the earth, but the glory is rising upon us! The Nations will stream to us because of this glory. We have the good news! Jesus is still the answer! Jesus in his church is the answer! Prepare yourself church for the great end-time harvest. People are desperate and fearful because of all the shakings going on in the world. Be ready to receive these who will be coming in. Prepare your heart! That is the word I keep hearing the Spirit saying. These are indeed sorrowful times and wonderful times. Sorrow for the world apart from Christ, wonderful for His church doing the kingdom work!

So, the Father and Jesus are at work to this very day and we also should be about our Father’s work!

My grace is covering you completely. You are clothed in my glory. Everything that concerns you my daughter is covered with my goodness. Favor, favor, favor; you walk in great favor and honor. Queen Esther walked in my favor, because I clothed her in my glory. She stood out among the other virgins, because I clothed her. I was her radiance and I am yours. You are filled with grace, and honor will be bestowed on you. Walk with strength and dignity my daughter.




Proverbs 31:25-31
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness she will not eat. Her children rise up and call her blessed and her husband boasts of and praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly and well with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness, but you excel them all. Charm and grace are deceptive and beauty is vain, because it is not lasting, but the woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the LORD, she shall be praised! Giver her of the fruit of her own works, praise her in the gates of the city!

My heart is grieved for your daughters my Father. They struggle to fit into what society says is beautiful. They clothe themselves to allure; to find the affirming words their souls desire. They are taking it beyond their clothing as they are still not satisfied with how they look; they are permanently changing their bodies and faces with surgery. They are saying to God, “I do not like the way you created and fashioned me, so I am going to make it better.” Where are these girls’ identities after all of this surgery? I know, they are broken and pieced together, having altered not just their physical bodies but their souls as well. They are modeling themselves after a perfect look that is hollow and empty. The enemy of our souls, the devil is behind this façade. He is lying not only to our young but to the mothers and grandmothers as well. He is saying the perfect face and the perfect body will bring you happiness and fulfillment. To be young and beautiful is the answer to your yearnings, to your emptiness. He is the Enemy of you soul! He is not speaking truth to you. He is the father of all lies. There will always be someone who is more beautiful, younger, and more energetic. Your yearnings for fulfillment will never be satisfied with how you look or how you dress. Only in Christ can you be truly satisfied and fulfilled.

Father God desires to clothe you permanently with his beauty. Let’s take a look at the above scripture and we will see the beautiful plan our Father has for his daughters. He wants to clothe you in strength and dignity; to give you vitality and power. To walk with poise and distinction is to walk with self confidence and peculiarity. You see, God has made you distinct; you were not made with a cookie cutter. You are you. I struggled for years with the size of my nose, thinking it was just too large. In the 90’s I began to accept who I was and how God fashioned me for his pleasure. He loved my nose. I truly began to thank the Lord for my ethnic heritage and embraced it completely.

Father God gives us hope for our future. We should not be preoccupied with the way we look. This is vanity. I can look to my future and rejoice, because I know it will be fulfilling and rewarding. The enemy would like to preoccupy us with many things. He is out to destroy our destinies. He will do this in many ways, but in this discussion I have only focused on the obsession with beauty and a quest for youthfulness.

Jesus says to you, “Your beauty dwells in me.”
Jesus says to you, “Your glory dwells in me.”

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

He has clothed us with garments of deliverance, and has brought us into covenant relationship with Jesus. He has brought morality to us, and equipped us to do good works. He has clothed us with virtue, justice, and honesty. He sees us as priests and as the very Bride of Christ adorned with beautiful jewels. We need this perspective of ourselves. We would walk a little differently I suspect if we saw ourselves as He sees us. This is walking in the knowledge of who we really are. Wow! Can you see yourself clothed in regal attire as beautiful as Queen Esther? You are the apple of God’s eye.

Godly Wisdom comes forth out of our mouths; because we are spending time in the presence of the King. We are leaning in and tuning our ears to hear what he says. He imparts wisdom through Holy Spirit to us his daughters. We then walk in the wisdom of the Lord. We are motivated to do good. This is moving away from an inward, self serving mindset to being filled with the goodness of God. This is the true beauty that comes from within and radiates strength.

You are not idle in your home life. You are busy keeping your house in order. Another way the enemy waylays us, is by laziness and disorder in our homes. It is hard to focus and be efficient when we live in chaos. Strengthen yourself in the Lord and get busy! He will give you the strength and plan to get your house in order.

Our children, the ones we bore naturally, and the ones we have labored for in the faith, will take notice of our lives. They will take the initiative and call us blessed. There is an amazing beauty in godliness. It comes forth like pure gold. People will be attracted to the glory that resides in you. The scientific community may scorn this notion but I am certain that the Glory of God keeps us looking good. To be youthful, peaceful and fulfilled is the fruit of His presence abiding in you. In the past few years we have experienced the fruit of our children rising up and calling us blessed. It is an amazing feeling to be honored by your children.

Our husbands have full confidence in us. They are in no doubt of our character. How are they certain we are strong, godly, beautiful women? They have witnessed our ins and outs, and the fruit of our lives speak volumes. They are more in love with us than when we first took our vows, because godly character breeds more love and passion. I am not in any way giving license to “let your physical self go.” We are responsible before God and our spouses to keep our temple in good order. I desire to be as beautiful for my husband as possible. I want him to look my way and be pleased I am his. The more I spend time with the lover of my soul the more my lover notices. I reflect God’s glory in many ways. Some of those ways are intimate and just for my husband. Probably King Xerxes was not taken by Esther’s godliness; it was her outward beauty that attracted his attention. Even so God directs the paths of kings and rulers. There is definitely a perfect balance here. You are the only one who can determine that for yourself.

I want to close with this last portion of scripture.

Proverbs 31:30
Charm and grace is deceptive, and beauty is vain, because it is not lasting, but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Charisma and attractiveness can be deceptive in women as in men, but typically women use these traits more. The enemy has loosed a seducing spirit into the world in a much greater degree since the advent of the internet and in advertising. We are bombarded with seductive commercials and billboards. This is dangerous to many who do not guard their eyes and their hearts. Women are being pressured to look like models, and men are being snared through the lust of their flesh. It is all a trap of the enemy, the devil. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy you and your God given destinies. It is all a façade; it is not what it appears to be. Guard your hearts for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 8:13
To fear the LORD is to hate evil

Women of God, I invoke you to walk in godly fear. To walk in such a holy reverence in all you do. Let’s be aware of how we dress, and how we carry ourselves. Let’s be cautious in the way we speak. We should always have a word mixed with wisdom and prudence. Be beautiful in your appearance and amazingly godly in your actions and speech. I am not presuming to tell you how you should appropriate this; this is between you and Holy Spirit. Blessings and glory to God