A Word for 2010

2010

A Time for Men

The heart cries when?

The Lord qualifies with MEN

I am sending men in 2010

When? 2010

Only then, will others mend

Only then, He will send His men.

Rendering of hearts,

Mending of parts!

When? 2010

The hemming will begin

Closer the walk

The Narrower the path

and

The Sending of men

Trusted men

Loyal men

Mature men

who will know when!

Tending the land of the free—

That is what it will be

The heart cries when?

2010

In 2010 there is no time for the wimpy-whinny men and women or wishy-washy thinkers! It is the time of the confident assurance to rise, for mature fire walkers to rule, and for the seasoned to be tried and true. That is whom the Lord will send.

As each year passes, I find myself pressing into the call of the next season. This year the means of pressing will be the quiet stillness I will afford myself to take. What do I see? I see much warfare for thee yet a greater freedom then ever before. I see longer retreats set aside by man to accomplish tremendous victories.

There will be a greater separation of the serious and the folly. A definition of character that stands tall and its illumination will overwhelm the darkness.

A ministry of presence and His glorified atmosphere will be revealed even to the ones walking in the darkness. Hark the darkness will flee and His presence brings about salvation—healing—deliverance throughout the land.

New life forms, new believers in Christ, will produce a greatness that the men in darkness will fear. Yet the humbled loved ones will prevail in outstanding generosity that will bewilder all!

May the Lord hold you and keep you close to his bosom so that you respond to the call!

In His mighty Love, Dianne

Closing Out 2009

Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

The year is coming to a close. The excitement of Christmas is over and it is the lull until the speed of the New Year kicks in.

For me this is a time to collect my thoughts, review the year, and clear out my 2009 files and folders on my computer. I think of those 2009 folders I know will be carrying some over to 2010, other files may be referred to from time to time, and then transferred as well. Then there are those files that will never be opened or used again.

As I consider my thought processes, how easy I can relate these files to my life. Maybe you can relate as well. Reviewing my life's journey in 2009 I know there are places, events and words said that I will not revisit nor repeat in 2010. Then of course, there are those people that I hold dear that will become an even more intricate part of my life. We choose who and what is relevant to our present lives! Yes in some cases, I do have regrets over some words said or experiences had! I pray that my Father in heaven will steer me clear of those things, so that I will not revisit them again.

2010 is at hand. And I encourage you to take the time in the next few days to go through the process and allow the Holy Spirit to you to a grand entrance in 2010; removing those words said, wounds received—in both the natural and the spiritual. Allow the process of sorting through the good works and letting the Spirit show you those to continue, those to cast aside. Ah, even the possibility of new exciting opportunities to spring up. Let us be mindful and ever ready to fulfill the call He has for us in 2010.

Most of all I ask that the Holy One would put a fiery desire in us that would cause us to draw closer to Him. 

STAND FIRM

To be sure footed is to be able to stand without the risk of slipping and falling. To be sure footed in Christ is to stand on the rock of your salvation and clothe yourself with His armor.

If we skate by in life we are subject to losing our footing and finding ourselves diverted from our journey with Christ..

If we devote ourselves to Jesus and his teachings and are open to our Father's love and direction, and then those outward deeds will be from and carried out in His love. Hence, we shall acquire our prize in heaven.

It has been raining here the past couple of days and I have taken notice of my footing. I love my Crocs. They are so comfy with or without socks. On most terrains I feel secure walking. Matter of fact I am so secure I just trot along in all types of weather. That is until the rain came! Dick found, from experience, that when the cement is wet one can actually make a split! Yup, that he did--a gracious split in the garage as he came in from the wet grass. As you can imagine that split was not a welcomed diversion.

So when it rains, I am more couscous of my footing and take precautions so I do not slip and fall.

In all we do seek, first the Kingdom of God and all else will be added to you! Don't skate by in life for your footing could cause a diversion that takes you away from the obtainable substance of our Father's "Love". So listen to Mathew 6:33 and seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Romans 14:7 Tells us that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And you must know that you have the power spoken in 1 Corinthians 4:20: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Walking with the Son allows us to be sure footed here on earth. When the storms of life come we shall stay near our Lord's bosom so that we hear the instruction of safety.

There are many pathways in life to set our feet to. Make sure we are led by the Holy One. I pray we may all be sure-footed in Christ and not given to temptations or be blinded sided into a dark diversion!

1 Corinthians 15:58: Believers are exhorted to stand firm in the face of temptation and doubt, confident in what God has done for them.

I am a Tuffy too

It has been said that as a dog grows and matures one can see the resemblance with it and its master. I know I have commented on how Tuffy resembles Dick, with her wild eyebrows and white bearded face. Yes, Dick has referred to Tuffy as Junior, meaning her temperament is like mine, an independent dog that gets what she wants!

Another character of Tuffy is that she is neat and clean. She is continually cleaning herself by licking and rubbing her face in the rug, on the bed, or chair. When she comes in from the rain she even rolls over and wipes her back to try it.

Now that we are in Florida, she has to contend with these little briers that stick to her hair. They are a real pain, not only for her but for us also. When she manages to get free from those things they are transferred to us, the rug, the chairs and even on the blanket on our bed.

Tuffy loves the outside but is dismayed when she can not remove those "hitch hikers". You could say it is a trade off—like being outside so deal with the cleaning and chewing off those nasty things. Sometimes those little hitch hikers get so attached to Tuffy she cannot get them off herself. Therefore, it is mom to the rescue.

Tuffy knows I will be coming to help yet she runs to her defense. Here come the comb, the razor, and the scissors! Off she goes under the bed. So I need to catch her as she enters the house, snatch her up, and off to the garage we go with comb and the other tools in hand.

She wants to escape from the process. All the licking and biting would never get those things off her face and behind her legs. As I comb and cut she is patient then wants to jump off the table. Finally the process is just about over, I spray her with baby smelling cologne and set her down. She fluffs her hair, wags her tail and off she goes to retrieve a treat. Tuffy hates the process, yet loves the results.

During the last hitch hiker encounter I started to think how much I was like Tuffy. Maybe you can relate too. Like Tuffy I take joy and pride in caring for myself. Does that ring any bells? Proverbs 11:2 tells us that pride leads to disgrace, but with humility come wisdom. Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to trust in the Lord and with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Yet I go about doing all I know to do to get myself right with God. Or go about taking care of my body on my own knowledge.

Then when I get myself stuck and I need help, at times, I am willing to ask and even look for help from those I love and still forget the lover of my soul. Then the words come flooding into my being "Worry about Nothing" and I quickly look to Luke in all the verses where Jesus tells us not to worry. Luke 12:22 in particular tells us do not worry about your life, what you will eat or about your BODY.

I remember walking around with a headache sometimes for a couple of days before I ask for prayer. Of cause I prayed, took an aspirin, and prayed some more with no effect. Then my last resort was to turn to Dick for prayer. Just a little help from a believer then bam it was gone! Would you say I was somewhat thick headed? Well, how about you? Does the shoe fit you too? I want you to know that is pride! I do not want to admit it but that is the truth!

It is the same with Holy Spirit. He can nudge me and nudge me. And like Tuffy I will run and hide ignoring the prompting to sit still and allow Him to minister to me. I just do not want to discuss it! I have too many other things to do! Is this familiar to you too? I do not like the process yet my spirit longs for the result. And my treat is the freedom from what weighs me down and the freedom to carry out the Father's mission.

As for me, I am going to sit still for a while, listen to the Holy Spirit, and lean on the breast of the lover of my soul. How about you? Are you a bit like Tuffy too?

The Narrow Pathway

Distress and Stress and Pressure! In a day dream,I believe I saw a wide road become very narrow. There were many strait and narrow paths .I realized that the Lord is calling us to walk about in narrow places so we can go higher. We must watch that there are no cracks in our walls!. We must walk in faith and not in fear and grief. And just be aware of the narrow place and that God's goodness and GRACE that awaits us there!

I believe God is saying that a new arena is forming and I will narrow the way. You must narrow your desires. I am sanctifying desires and narrowing the arenas through which you will walk. You are entering into new alignments and assignments, and coming into a place that will bring you forth into a realm you have not known. You will come from a dark place into light, but the arena that you have been in is beginning to narrow—to push out and into the new advanced place.

It is the place of Gideon. It is urgent for the Gideon among us to hear and be heard. There is a call coming now into the earthly realm to separate the desires of My people. My people's desires have been muddled with their own desires. The light will begin to shine only on the Lord's plan and purpose for our lives. And the balm of Gideon will fall.

Now is the time to discern the warped ideals of the world and the warped understanding you have because of the environment in which you were schooled.

Today there is less leeway in our lifestyles and decisions. Listen! Listen carefully, for it will look like the days of Gideon. The anointing I will release will be a Gideon anointing that will fall upon your enemies and will cause you to harvest the best of crops! In the realms of work, ministry and personal family

Separate yourself from the world and overthrow the enemy by the words of your mouth and the testimonies of your life. Opportunities will arise in ways you have never experienced! Enter the narrow gate of salvation do not fear change to the extreme. 

Explore the new things of the Spirit. Be a "Raider of the Lost Ark" exploring those deep places within yourself. Expect a new exciting YOU! The passion that I have placed within you will ignite a fire to worship and praise me. Your genuine posture will cause a renascence in the land in which you live!

Times of Revealing the TRUTH!

Have you ever been in a situation where your presence intimidates those who are around you? Have you ever shared an opinion and others do not give theirs. I have.

To intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another person. It could mean to manipulate one under submission. How ungodly can one be? Have you ever seen the result of browbeating? It is to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech. 

It was early this week that the Lord brought this to my attention. He also reminded me of how often I have made mention on how my presence intimidates others! WOW, I never considered the definition. If anything I want to be the encourager He intended me to be. Many years past I could consider my ways and say that I did intimidate others. Lord, forgive me. I want to be the lifter of one's faith. 

Gently the Holy Spirit led me into the truth. I have been cursing myself. The proper word is conviction. No longer do I intimidate; yet, my presence brings His presence and that may bring about conviction to another. No longer will I use the word intimidate when I mean convict. 

Then I began to think of what this really means. My God I repent of those times I caused people to think less of themselves and cower down. I repent for instilling fear or using any type of manipulation. 

If you find yourself guilty as charged, repent along with me. No longer looking back and being used of the flesh. Ask for forgiveness and be set free. Be secure in HIM and allow HIM to flow through you. 

Knowing that intimidation is fleshly, then conviction must be of the Spirit. Well if people are convicted in your presence, it may not have anything to do with what you say. It has to do with the presence you carry. For the Holy One brings about conviction to the heart, and leads one to repentence and forgiveness. What a powerful tool we become, if we carry the HOLY SPIRIT!

 

Fast and pray my dear friends. For in our prayer time, conviction comes and the Holy Spirit fills us to overflowing! Ask Him to reveal to you the inner workings. Let Him expose your wrong thinking, actions, and words. May we all become more like HIM.

From His presence to yours, Dianne 

MORE TO COME

SALVATION IS AT HAND

Isaiah 56:1

… for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. (NIV)

Your salvation is at hand. Your hope has arrived. Reach out in faith and receive your Savior!

Things of the world like health, family and fame does not matter. Not even right standing with the church we are affiliated with matters. What matters is our salvation in Jesus and our life focused on His divine love. 

Love begets or is reflected in love. If we can remain in that posture all else is possible. Unforgiveness vanishes, our bad habits vanish, our bodies are cleansed, and our minds are renewed. Even our actions are purified. You might say "How do I get there from here?"

The Word says ask and it shall be given unto you, knock and the door will be opened, for "I am" the truth and the way. Walk this way and I shall lighten your burden and brighten your path.

Romans 14:17

…The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

There is so much to articulate and so few words to express. So I conclude by saying seek first the Kingdom of God (His righteous, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost) and all else will be added to you!

Loving you into the Kingdom, 

Dianne

Some Thoughts on Forgiveness

First of all forgiveness is about our relationship with the Father and not necessarily about our relationship with one another. When we forgive someone, our relationship with the Father becomes tighter. 

It really does not matter if the other person changes or if asks us for forgiveness from us. They may not even be aware they have offended us in some way. I know sometimes my flesh gets in the way and I want them to ask me for forgiveness. What matters is our transformation walk and keeping a Godly perspective. 

What if we find our self on the other side? What if we have said or done something that has offended someone else? Do we brush it off figuring it did not matter? After all, they know me and know I did not mean what I said. No. If we are conscience of our error that means the Holy Spirit has brought it to our attention. We need to approach that person and apologize to them. We need to ask them to forgive us.

These are some thoughts on my life and what has happened to me as I forgive. It grows my faith. It allows me to change. It also allows me to see people in a positive manner. I acquire a deeper peace and I can accept people more readily. I am sure it can do all of that for you, and more!

Press on in FAITH

When I read the Word of God and the accountings of the Life of Jesus my insides leap with excitement. When I read the messages that Jesus and the Apostles gave us I cannot fathom anyone refusing the accounting of the birth death and resurrection of Jesus.

After the Lord healed me, I began to share my story with everyone and was shocked when people did not leap for joy for me and for what Jesus could do for them. It stopped me in my tracks. Why didn't people give their life to Christ knowing what He has done?

So I came to the conclusion that the world ignores the thread of life that is in the Bible and that many Christians ignore the promises it holds. Jesus is that thread.

Just believe and you will be healed. Believe and receive all that the Lord has for you. By your faith so be it unto you. One who has the faith of a mustard seed can move mountains.

With little faith I was born again, With that same measure of faith He healed me and with growing faith I believe God will produce more fruit in my life as I stretch my faith toward the mark He has for me! Yes and all of that is by His GRACE! For in and of myself I can do nothing, yet I chose to believe I can do all things through Christ Jesus.

From little acorns do mighty oaks grow! Just like our faith. God drops a seed into my spirit! As soon as I believe, I begin to walk out in that belief even though it is not a reality in my life yet. It is my understanding that if I have a dream far surpasses me then I know it is from God. It is is good, pure and fulfill God's plan then give Him the glory, I just need to begin the process to possess the dream. This dream gives us purpose and we need to extend the process from dreaming into possessing that reality.

It is one leap of faith at a time. One leap to another is how our faith grows. From one experience to the next is how I grow my faith. Taking account of that process and reciting those promises that have come to pass builds our faith so we can grow more faith. When that dream becomes a reality it no longer needs faith because now it is fact. Faith is walking toward something I have not achieved yet but know that it is so! So faith finds us in the process of walking toward that thing that we do not have access to as of yet. Then, all off a sudden, it is there manifest in our lives, in our bodies, or for another we are holding up in faith. Therefore, I go on to pursue my next experience in faith knowing God will provide.

One recent example about stretching my faith was sending a container to Liberia. That seed was dropped in my spirit. We began sharing and telling others about this mission. It was more than a dream. It was going to become a reality. We began asking and collecting articles and money for this purpose.

As we began collecting an opportunity with Firestone opened up and they agreed to ship the container at no charge for us. After we located a used container to purchase. We continued to collect things as we went. And we prayed for people to come forth and help us obtain this goal. Even though this was the process, it did not go as smoothly as it may seem. There were challenges and obstacles to overcome and barriers to be broken. Now that the container has in fact made it Liberia, we are still contending with challenges and obstacles. 

I thought our responsibilities were over when the container reached the Monrovian Port. Untrue! Now we find ourselves in another dilemma. More finances are needed to have the container released and the contents delivered to Pastor Boor's Zhan Clan Village. When we found this out, I felt blindsided and thought that maybe I had not heard correctly.  My faith wavered!

I believe God placed that seed within me, and I believe He will see us through to the end, to the contents arriving in the village. It just takes more stretching of MY faith. So once again I release faith into the atmosphere and in my being. It is yet another opportunity to grow and experience what God has not only myself but others as well.

We recently sent off another $1,000 believing that we will have the donations to cover it and praying favor over Nyah and Moses and Pastor Boore—praying that it will be sufficient and know that God will supply all our, their, and your needs. Praying that the last amount of money we sent will be sufficient for the release and delivery of the container to the village.

Maybe you have a mountain to overcome, a challenge to conquer. Today I pray we are victorious in Jesus and the He is sufficient and will meet all our needs—by sending people our way to supply what we lack and His grace to overcome our flesh.

So wherever there is hope believe and know He is working it all out. In Jesus name we pray. And remember "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." (Lamentations 3:22 NIV)

Response: Pursue Him

Dianne,

It was like you were talking to me alone.

These finances have been quite a TRIAL.

My favorite Psalm 3:5-6

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.

I count my blessings.  

I praise him.

I wait patiently.

I look back and know he has NEVER let me down.

And, I will persist until I succeed

I was not delivered into this world in defeat nor does failure course in my veins.  I am not a sheep waiting to be prodded by my shepherd.  I am a lion. and I refuse to talk, to walk, to sleep with the sheep.  I will hear not those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious.  Let them join the sheep, the slaughterhouse of failure is not my destiny.

Blessings,

Nancy

PURSUE HIM

Pursue those things that ensure your eternal life. Ponder on those things from above; things honest, pure, just and lovely. Surely the things of this world will pass away but a life with Christ is eternal and will never pass away.

Those who know me know that I am not telling you to be responsible to those natural needs or the natural authority God has given us. Be true to your children, those who live under your protection and be true to self. Do render to "Cesar" what is his and keep the laws of the land that keep us safe and pure.

First and foremost, give God the Glory and Praise. I know quite well that I was born of the spirit having everything and yet I can do nothing without Christ Jesus who empowers me. With God and Through Him all things are possible.

There is a time and a place for us to sit at the feet of Jesus. There is no need to speak or weep—but to just exist in His presence. I long for those times when I can power myself down to be still and know Him and Him alone--my God. I remember when, in those first few years with Him, I believed that spending time with Him was a luxury--the riches of heaven. Today, I believe that not only is it a luxury but an essential part of my life for ensuring my existence and path for this life I live.

This is the time and place that provision is met. It is in these times when strategies to life circumstances are dropped in our spirits. Answers to unresolved dilemmas are found. Lord, my spirit says there is no mountain high enough and no valley low enough to keep me from You. Yet, why does this flesh of mine wrestle for obtaining solitude with you? The tentacles of life draw me into chaos and confusion and sometimes draw me into pleasant happenings. Yet I am still missing that quiet peace within that place with you.

A moment of prayer:

"Lord, I long to put my head on your shoulder. Make the world go away. Whisper in my ear; tell me things I need to hear. Let me know that you are there! I know You are waiting for my embrace, so I run to You knowing that the cares of this world will fade away and when we are done, you will have empowered me for the tasks ahead. I will continue to pursue You and those things that ensure my eternal life."

How about you?

A poem from my dear Friend Robin

May this poem bless you as it has blessed me. Going with God I will go to the nations with You by my side; Bringing love to the broken, telling them why You died. I'll proclaim in all lands the gospel of peace; Laying hands on the sick that they might be released. I'll give to the poor both in spirit and wealth, bringing freedom to captives, ushering in heaven's health. I'll lay down my life because He died for me and bore all my sins on the cross of Calvary . I'll surrender my life to be poured out for love, bringing light into darkness and truth from above. I will not hold back graces given to me. I freely give all 'cause He gave all for me. † Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV) The Great Commission Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee , to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."     Copyright © 2009 Robin Rumbolt

By His Blood

Jesus saves by his blood. The Holy Spirit (the spirit of Christ within) comforts, leads, guides, convicts and inspires us to be transformed. He is the pointer of the Way—the pointer to Jesus the Christ.

 

By the Father's grace we take one big step of faith to be saved then a huge leap to allow the Holy Spirit access in all our ways-in our actions and in the very fiber of our being, the very nature of our character.

Salvation is at hand! For God is near us. He has prepared the way through Jesus' birth and His blood which was shed for us on Calvary. Then came the resurrection! The resurrection is the outpouring of His power to us to live and to choose life itself in this world and in the life to come.

We are living in a time of transition. In transition, there is upheaval and confusion--stretching if you will. Nevertheless, we can continue on the path of righteousness and peace so we may obtain the goal. I have found that the road of peace flows like a river even in the midst of transition. The shifting allows for the sifting of those things not of Him. Those things come out of our lives and out of our selves; all those things preventing us from obtaining His goal and pleasure for our lives.

Together we can make it.. It is just the two of us—the Holy Spirit and me and Holy Spirit and you. As we proceed, the Lord will have us meet others. He will cause our paths to intersect with some and others their paths will join as one!

We are not meant to live alone, but to live in unity with the Holy Spirit and with the brethren alike.

If this is a time of transition for you, know you are not alone. Know this time is meant for good and not evil. Know that God will prevail. Until we meet face to face, blessing, favor and honor be yours, in Jesus name.

Dianne

Gifts

Let us Talk About GIFTS!

 

Man I love to receive gifts, especially when they are a surprise and I had no idea I was getting one! Then of course there are also times when I would desire such and so and low and behold I would receive it. I believe that is the way our heavenly Father works. There are those gifts He places within us that surprise us and then others we desire which we also receive.

 

And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teacher. (Ephesians 4:11)

 

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28 NIV)

 

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-7)

 

One cluster of gifts which I will call ministerial gifts are used for building the body of Christ. They are for exhortation, edification and correction. Then there are natural talents. We will keep that discussion for another time. The ministerial gifts are for the Body of Christ

 

For God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)

 

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Mathew 7:11)

 

Then there are some gifts that are just given without us asking and at times we do ask. Those gifts are given without repentance! They are deposited within us at birth and are exposed as we grow in this world. That goes the same for our talents. Notice some of these gifts are in our natural makeup! Yet they are still given to us through the grace of God!

 

Then there are gifts such as Salvation, that is free to those who call on the name and profess Jesus as Lord and Savior. And the gift of Faith. It is said that all receive a measure of Faith and it is our choice to grow that faith! Notice these gifts are spiritual in nature however they are for us personally. Praying with an unknow tongue is one of those spritual gifts meant for ourselves.

 

Today I would like to unveil the gift of tongues. Not to be confused with the gift to be used for the Body of Christ at large. The gift of tongues or utterance is available to all believers for the uplifting, encouraging, edification, correction for oneself and intercession for others!

 

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.. (Romans 8:26 Amplified)

 

That scripture clinches it for me. For it is not always easy to pray for the people I love or the people who come to me asking for prayer in my own understanding. Yet I know that by using my prayer language, I will be praying that perfect prayer, for others, for myself, and for those I love.

 

We will consider some reasons why we as believers should hunger and thirst for the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of praying in tongues!

 

ON LOSS

The following is a note I recently sent to a young woman who lost her baby at 23 weeks.

I believe we all have loss of some kind in our lives and the Lord would want to deliver this message to us as well.

What the enemy meant for evil (taking you from the Almighty-God) your loving Father God has turned to good. For your faith shall be larger than the mountains and your Words more powerful than a tornado!

Psalm 121 (paraphrased by me!)

As you lift up your eyes to the hills, you ask where does my help come from? Your loving Savior responds "Your help comes from no other then me, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day or the moon by night.. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life. He will watch over your coming and your going both NOW and FOREVERMORE.

For the Lord has spoken into your spirit a New Song of Jubilee. So go forth in Faith and Sing of His Praises!

Many Blessings, Dianne

What's Driven YOU?

The First Fruit is...LOVE

But the fruit of the Spirit is love. —Galatians 5:22

 

When the New Testament was being written, there were four primary Greek words to describe the concept of "love": 1) eros, 2) stergo, 3) phileo, and 4) agape. I am most interested in the agape love of God. This is what I call high-level love, for there is no higher, finer, or more excellent love. There is no other love like the agape love of God our Father and the Son.

Agape occurs when an individual sees, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of an object or a person, causing the viewer to behold this object or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation. Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the object or person he is beholding that he is compelled to love it. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong it is irresistible. The scriptures say that love covers all. This means that this type of love knows of one's sin, but sees beyond it –matter of fact treats it treats that loved one as if he/she has no sin at all.

 

The best example of agape is found in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Now that is agape love.

 

 Our Father God looks upon the human race, in awe of mankind, even though man was lost in sin. God admired man. He wondered at man. He held mankind in the highest appreciation. In other words, He loved us! Even though mankind was held captive by Satan at that moment, God looked upon the world and saw His own image in man. The human race was so precious to God and He loved man so deeply that His heart was stirred to reach out and do something to save him. In other words, God's love drove Him to action.

 

You see, agape is a love that knows no limits or boundaries. There is no limit to how far, wide, high, or deep it will go to show that love to the recipient. If necessary, agape love will even sacrifice itself for the sake of that object or person it so deeply cherishes. Agape is the highest form of love — a self-sacrificial type of love that moves the lover to action.

 

Agape is a love that has no strings attached. It is not looking for what it can get, but for what it can give. To me it is like the love and adoration we get from our dog, Tuffy. No matter what, she loves us. No matter if we forget to feed her, leave her alone too long, trip over her, step on her—she love us. This agape love is so deep that it is compelled to shower love upon that object or person regardless of the response. That is our Tuffy. This is the profound love God has for the human race, for He loved man when he was still lost in sin with no ability to love Him back. God simply loved mankind without any thought or expectation of receiving love in return.

 

When you love with such a pure love that you expect nothing back in return, it is impossible for you to feel hurt or let down by the response of the recipients of your love. You don't love them for the purpose of getting something in return. You shower them with love simply because you love them. It is a love that has no strings attached, a love that loves simply and purely — the God-kind of love.

First John 3:16 plainly says that we are to love and appreciate each other just as fully and freely as God loves us.

 

The Father loved us to the point of self-sacrifice. Jesus' agape drove Him to lay down His life for us. In the same way, we are to agape our brothers and sisters to such a high extent that we would be willing to lay down our lives for them. If we are truly operating in agape and they don't respond in like fashion, it won't offend or hurt us. We are not looking for what others can do for us; we are simply focused on how to love others with no strings attached.. Therefore, the way other people respond to us has no effect on our desire to shower them with agape love.

 

Now you might be thinking "How in the world can I do that?" I have been so hurt, so wounded by man, I don't think I could ever… Right now if that is you, ask the Father to expose His love for you and to you. Receive completely His love, appreciation, and adoration for you just the way you are. The more you receive the more you will be able to give.

 

John said in verse 18 not only do we love in word, but in our talk in and about one another. This love is a force so strong that it demonstrates itself with deeds and actions. This is not an empty love that talks but does nothing. It is a love that does something, just as God loved us and then did something to save us from our lost and sinful condition.

 

This love is also is also expressed in First Corinthians 14:1, which tells us to follow after love. Like a hunter would pursue his game following the tracks we are to follow His Love. Love of this nature doesn't come easy. If we want to attain agape love and regularly walk in it, we must hotly pursue it! It must be the focus and the aim of our lives. Love and be loved, that is what I am looking for.

You may ask, "But how can I possess such love? Is it really possible for me to regularly exhibit such love in my life for other people?"

 

 If you were seeking to walk in the kind of love that originates in the power of your flesh, it would be impossible, for flesh is selfish and self-focused and therefore cannot love that highly. But because the seed of God's Word has been sown into your own human spirit, the potential for this divine love is within you all the time. Now it is up to you to shove the flesh aside and release the love of God from down deep inside.

 

 If you will let the Spirit of God release it from your heart, you will discover and enjoy the fruit of the Spirit called "love." This high-level love is already inside you!

 

The question is this.   What is driving you? 

 

Is it the Love of the Father or ????

Response: Reaissance Man

Food for thought? Perhaps we don't 'think' we see enough answer to prayer, so we think, why bother …. God knows anyway …or perhaps we have prayed about something for years with no relief in sight so without realizing it, we become full of unbelief, despair and even anger towards God. I think we need to remember that when we love someone, we enjoy spending time with them, regardless of the current situation or what is going on.  That is how it should be with our Father – spending time with Him just because .. I mean after all HE is the greatest, and HE does answer prayer … in HIS time. Blessings

RENAISSANCE MAN

Daniel 10:12 NIV Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Have you ever gone through a day, a week or a life time of expressing yourself with these words?: ·         Are you Feeling as if you just do not make the grade? ·         Are you just a little off? ·         Or maybe I am not quite right?   How can those statements make any sense? We are either passing or failing! On or off! Right or wrong! That is the way it is guys. And by the way, there is no such thing as a little sin! Sin is just that, sin. There is no measure there. My spirit man yearns for the Spirit of God to move in my life; yet I do not pursue God as I should. I don't pray or meditate enough either! A fresh anointing does not come cheap. It will cost us our knees! Our prayer life needs to increase for our mortal man to decrease.   The message our Father has been speaking to us from the beginning of time is "Spend time with Me!" Let us not delude ourselves. Teaching a Godly message, Singing a Godly song, Preaching a Godly message, or Prophesying a Godly word does not equal time spent with our heavenly Father. Let's face it. We lack the discipline of prayer—Personal and Corporate prayer. Needless to say, God does not respond unless His people are communicating with Him, face to face in the intimate places of our souls and spirits.   It seems to me that we are afraid of the outward silence of prayer. Prayer brings about a peaceful silence that is soothing to the soul. Yet as a people of clutter and noise, we too quickly want to change that holy silence into a voice, a noise, or a musical chant. Not that those things are bad, yet we are to have that solitude for the Spirit to do His work in us so that we may be filled! Our inner man touching the hem of His garment will set forth the amazing power of God to heal us and the land in which we live.   I leave you with this thought. One common denominator to all Revivals is PRAYER! It is prayer that turns the hearts of man toward God—Then God responds producing a Renaissance.               James 4:10 NIV Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Up Front and Personal

Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God।

Living in our past with past relationships and experiences will not get us into the place we have been called to by God!

For those seeds of greatness are within us all। There is no comparison one to another. Those seeds are divine and are ready to produce His fruit. Today we come together in Christ Jesus, seeking Him in a deeper way. In that seeking we realize it has nothing to do with attending a church, Bible studies, or any other religious function.

Today we come hungry, even eager, anticipating God to express Himself in us and through us. We are awaiting a new touch in our minds, souls, and bodies. This personal touch will change us for life setting us free from all glitches in our lives and bondages of our past.
Galatians 5:1 tells us that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free। So then, we stand firm and do not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (those glitches/bondages of sin in our lives)

We want to get up front and personal with our Lord and Savior and today I shall call Him our groom! We want an intimate experience to bring us to new revelation, a new dimension, and a fresh new divine purpose।

Let us not be confused with the definitions of relationships and intimacy। The world calls us a connected society with many relationships. Technology has warped our understanding of communication and relationship. We are a connected yet disconnected society believing relationship means email, text message, twittering, or face book. I recall those old adages like "We are only a jingle away" and "Reach out and touch someone" by telephone, or today using Web technology with Skype or Vonage.

My understanding is that these technologies do help enhance our relationships but they are not a substitute for the personal embrace, pat on the shoulder, loving embrace, or that face to face contact you do not get with Facebook। Gazing into ones eyes over lunch or a cup of coffee or stroll in the park is intimate.

Today we come for one on one with Christ himself and with one another। Even our "church" life, our traditional religious upbringing, has twisted the meaning of relationship with Christ and with His Church. Scriptures we spout should reflect the life they brought to and into our lives and not merely be a measure of our place in an intellectual community.

Romans 8:2-16 (NIV)

Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death। For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering। And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit।

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires। The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you। And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it। For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Romans 8 tells us who we are in Christ and how we no longer are the same "and if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in US he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to US mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in US।"

Therefore we have an obligation--but it is not to live according to the sinful nature। If we live according to the sinful nature, we will die. But if we live by the Spirit we put to death the misdeeds of the body and we shall live, because those of us led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

That scripture (paraphrased by me!) did it all in my life. My DNA comes from my heavenly Father and not my natural father. My inheritance has changed and so has my gene pool. Therefore all of heaven has opened up a new bright life for me! And for YOU.

Response to Isaiah 58

Shalom Dianne, Isaiah 58 was in my heart this am to prepare for an important meeting. It is what I read when dedicating any type of fast. I so appreciated your comments and sharing as I returned from this meeting about an hour ago. It was very victorious and unity was there, sweet fellowship. So pleasant and sweet as brethren dwell together in unity and harmony.   We are blessed by our Father's holy creativity and love being expressed in our lives thru Dianne Evans.   I had you both on my heart about a week or so ago, I saw your names on a truck or something like it with the Evans family.   May you be lead in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Amen.

Fifty-Eight

How Great is our God. Surely, He uses all things as messages to His children. Today, is my birthday, 58 years old. Clearly the Lord reminded me this morning that five is the prophetic number for GRACE and eight is the number for NEW BEGINNINGS. How appropriate for me. Dick and I have just recently celebrated our 25th Anniversary and his retirement from full time employment at RI College. We have taken a turn in our natural lives by putting our RI home on the market and searching out land in Ken for a second home while we make our residence in Florida! Let me not forget the launching of deeper waters in the ministry the Lord has given us to the body of Christ. Needless to say, I certainly need His grace to fulfill the purpose of these New Beginnings in our lives! Then this morning Dick and I went to the water's edge to spend some quite time in the Word. I randomly opened to Isaiah 58. How am I to get that grace for these new beginnings? And I read. Fasting in many cases is a Christianize word for dieting or in some cases to give the appearance of being holy. Whatever the case may be, I must say there are very few times since my healing that I have been on a fast. The reason why people do not see the results of God's hand in their lives is because they do the righteous things of God without the right heart attitude. They pray and fast yet turn around and do as they please. They continue to exploit co workers, quarrel, and allow strife by spreading vicious rumors or using bad language to one another. This is not love at all. Isaiah goes on to tell of the ones who see God moving in their lives. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, stop pointing fingers (judging others), satisfy the needs of the oppressed, and spend some of your time on behalf of the hungry, THEN your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday. Read for yourself the promises of God from verse eleven to the end. There is much meat in Chapter 58. Take it to heart and obey our living God. Psalm 5:8 is my heart cry for the Lord to lead me in His righteousness, because my enemies would like to distract me. Lord, make straight your way before me so that I will not be lead astray! As I flipped back to Ecclesiastes 5:8 again I was reminded of how earthly things are nothing as compared to being in God's will. It says if you see the poor oppressed in a place and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are other higher still. The Almighty Himself will judge. We are to love and provide when and where He shows us! So Today I breathe in the Goodness of God, and exhale the pressures of the day knowing He will set my path straight and all I need to do is follow! Hey, that goes for you too!

ATTENTION ALL WOMEN

Container for Liberia: Not nearly enough

 

Hi you all,   This is to update you on what is happening with Liberia and the 20ft container! At the present we have over 50 boxes filled with school supplies, medical supplies, clothing, shoes, and of course toys.  We are in need of much much more!  We also have some chairs, a dresser, a night stand, headboard, mirror, and a twin mattress and box spring. and a kitchen table.  Medical supplies were donated by Dr Tom in Pawtucket.   We have spoken to Pastor Boor thru email a few weeks ago.  They are in great need of Bibles and glasses.  A box with a few of those items is being shipped as I type this to you all. We can use more eyeglasses and bibles.   Today we sent off two checks amounting to $495 to pay for duty etc on both ends. This is the proposal for the cost of the container:  $1700 for the container, $285 fee for delivering the container to be filled giving us 2 hrs to fill it then brought to the dock.  If we go over the 2 hr filling time allotted we will be charged $55 an hour. We expect to pay about $2500 by the time we get the container to the port.   The container is 1,171 cubic ft. which means 20 long X8 ft X 8ft.   First and foremost, pray, and search your heart about how you can contribute.     Needless to say we need much much more to fill this container!  That is not to mention the funds to continue this process. At the present we have had $700 given toward ths project.  It has taken us to the initial processes and we have sent small box by mail with Bibles, camera, and glasses!    We are looking for a place to store more supplies. in RI.  Nyah has come down and loaded his van--every square inch filled with boxes, and is coming back for the furniture.  At present Nyah will be storing things in his children's room at their house in MD. If we gather more supplies here in RI we will have to transport them to MD at the proper time for shipping.    They are in need of bikes, sleeping bags, furniture etc.  clothing, summer and fall attire. Vitamins, aspirin are also good! Start the process and check out what you do not use any longer!  Used items are fine--matter of fact they are welcomed and appreciated. Get the things to us somehow, or at the place of storage in RI.  Dick and I have stored them up to now. As you all might know we are in the process of clearing out and moving themselves!     So in a nutshell we are looking for servants to: 1. donate the money to make this happen 2. a home storage until we can get more things to MD for packing 3. Clothing, toys, furniture, rugs, paper goods, medical supplies, tools like hammers, nails etc. 4. Someone to assist in getting the material to MD for shipment 4. A team of people who will be willing to go on a mission trip there! (future)   The attached is a pic of some of the Zhan Clan village!  Pray for these people to be touch by the Love of Jesus as the Lord uses all of us to love on them.   Love you all Dianne

Relationships are intricate

Greetings and Blessings to all.    Dick and I returned yesterday from the Father's Heart-Cry Weekend in Maine.  It was our honor and privilege to speak on our Father in Heaven's love for us and our response to that pure perfect love in our human way. You can find a review on the weekend at our website.   http://www.theevans.org/newpages/news/news.htm   I have re-created the poster so that we could share that with you also.  Until we see face to face, May His blessings pour out upon you, dianne