Discernment

          Many of us take pride in our ability to discern truth from deception, but if we examine ourselves a little closer, we'll see,  most of us are only discerning our own skepticism of a person or situation -it has little to do with actual truth. We shouldn't trust  judgments that come  quickly without overview or doubts. Most likely those judgments are based on our opinion and carry little spiritual backing. 

            In my first book, Notes For The Goats, I write about Prejudices vs Discernment. Very little of the church walks in true discernment. Discernment is humble. Our opinions and prejudices carry a self-assurance and are quickly stated and lifted high. When we walk in true discernment we are looking for the best in people, and even if God reveals a red flag we keep praying and hoping that maybe we heard Him wrong. Discernment brings brokenness. Our opinions and prejudices bring pride, arrogance, self-righteousness filled with boastful talk. 
         When true discernment is exercised in the church it has the ability to change the spiritual atmosphere, not fuel gossip circles. True discernment is a spiritual gift that helps protect the church, the weak, the leaders, and any plans God has set in motion that the enemy may try to derail. It's a a wonderful gift given to us. But we must learn the difference between our own inner voice and the true authentic leading of the Holy Spirit. 
            One of the easiest ways to tune your spiritual ears into God's divine voice, is to admit when you've missed it. There have been countless times when I've missed it. My own ideas and opinions trumped His still small voice. I was self-assured.  But my sincere desire to hear God left my heart open to hear His correction when He proved me wrong. In that moment, you repent, and ask God to help you hear Him better. Unfortunately, many continually justify what they hear and end up training their spiritual ears to hear themselves.

Dying to Live

      Life's challenges have a way of breaking us down, especially if they last. It's easy to feel discouraged, even broken. I've learned if we embrace the process of dying, that those things will arise in new life. God promises us that, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 NIV  But we have to be willing to leave our plans behind. Many of us don't know what we pray when we pray "Lord have your way in me.", "Lead me Lord" etc. We are asking to die. The pain we feel is all part of the process of dying, so we may live the life He's chosen. Our flesh does not lay down easily. It's painful. 
          Next time you are in a season of pain, ask yourself, "Am I dying?" you may be having to lay a part of yourself down. Knowing the source of the pain always gives us a little more endurance on the journey. Brokenness is the key to do great things in God. 
       Of course being prideful and self-assured can get you places in this life, but that's not what you prayed. You prayed, "Lord have your way", "You lead me, Father", "I'm following you" and Jesus leads us to the cross daily. In death, we live. Don't look around and compare your life with those who are not dying, even Christians, not all Christians go through the spiritual journey of death. That's why all Christians don't raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons etc. There is a process of dying to live in the spirit. It's not a process we have control over. It's a process we surrender to. A process prepared for us before we took our first breathe. A process that requires us to trust our friend and King, Jesus.

Life choices

           I've experienced quiet a few things in my journey with Jesus. One thing I've learned is never to make a choice based on what someone else says. Often, even Christians, speak from their own head. They think they are hearing God but they aren't. If you make a huge life decision based on someone else you may end up regretting it. Even if the person has a lofty title, and is considered a leader in your circle, don't simply follow. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way. It's not rebellion to check in with God first. Man is not God and man misses God all the time. I've had my heart broken by this. 

         People may hate someone one minute and taint your view of them, then years later they worship the same person they've discredited and want to be like them. People's opinions are always changing. Not all "leaders" are worthy of your blind obedience, only Jesus  Much of what gets promoted in churches and Christian circles is based on personality, not heart or character. If you jump overboard because of someone's egotistical opinion you may end up regretting it. You have to seek God about your life. Obey Him above all. If a leader bullies you or calls you rebellious because you have to seek God above their finicky words then it's not a leader you need to follow.

         I've been the person open to hear everyone out. The one trying to hear God's wisdom through others and I trusted them to the point their words tainted my view of others. I've even uprooted myself from where God placed me based on someone else's fiery conviction, only to see years later the same person come around and love the very person they pushed me away from. I'm speaking from experience.
        Only God knows what He wills for your life. You always need to double check with Him and stand firm, no matter what titled person speaks the opposite. There is so much talk of honor and respect and not being rebellious in the church that people's lives get off track and turned around in a bad way because those speaking into their lives are not worthy of the position. I know that sounds harsh but I'm passionate about this. Don't lose your ability to hear from God because some loud mouthed person is a pro at selling their junk.
        You can't make life choices based on other people's current opinions masked as "prophetic words" because you will be the one left to face the consequences, not them.

Mount Zion

A place to pray

         Creating a place to pray is an intimate process for my husband and I. Throughout our younger years we each dedicated our closet as our "prayer closets". Mine was slightly smaller, like a cubicle, but with plenty of room to stand while being surrounded by clothes on either side, and a dry erase board on the one empty wall. I hung the board so I could easily write anything that flowed from my prayer time. Sometimes I received song lyrics, other times a word to pray about. My husband had a larger closet and he set up a stereo, filled the walls with verses and pictures and spent hours there worshiping and ministering unto God.

         As life got busy and changes occurred it became hard to continue such a devoted practice.  Getting married, moving into an apartment, then moving into a house. The last few years have made it difficult to maintain such an intimate time of worship with God. But that doesn't mean we should give up trying to establish it again. I remember on several occasions when a random person approached my husband and told him God missed there time together. Wow, right. God misses us when we don't meet with Him. He enjoys the time we dedicate to Him. His feelings get hurt when we stand Him up, avoid Him or forget. We can pray anywhere and should, but something special happens when we set aside time in a place we've dedicated just for Him.

        Things to consider when creating a place to pray: is it private, do you feel safe, is it practical, is it easy to access - even several times a day? If it's not easily accessible it will be hard to create the spiritual disciple needed. Also, remember at first it may seem robotic as you develop this new time with God. The way I've pictured it in my spirit for many years is like being underground covered in dirt. The more you pray in the spot you've set apart the more dirt gets removed until eventually you see the open sky, full of light. At this point your prayer spot is saturated with the tangible presence of God. It's as if He's already there waiting. He is! I would also like to mention that your car could be your "prayer closet". I spent years worshiping and praying in my car while driving around town. If you feel you have a spiritual ceiling or "brass" heaven over you during prayer, fasting is another way to break it open.

       Even though the presence of God dwells within us, there is an outward tangible residue that lingers. We see this at conferences held in secular arenas. The next day when the sports team comes out, or a fan touches a seat, there are reports of people getting healed and falling over and experiencing a tangible outward touch from God - His presence left a residue. He didn't pick up and leave when the conference was over, it lingered. The same thing happens when we meet with God consistently in the same place. We've set an appointment with a real being and He waits for us, and His presence leaves a tangible residue in that place and on us. We've created an open heaven. When hubby and I were committed to praying in our prayer closets we'd get comments about looking "shiny" and full of light. Our faces were bright and lit up after being with God. As carriers of His presence we are always full of light, but again, something special happens when we have a set place to meet with Him. Time in prayer opens heaven.

Lead me to the rock

       This morning I woke up feeling extremely discouraged and defeated. I tossed and turned in bed hoping a little extra sleep would cure me, but I couldn't get myself to drift off to dream land. So I began praying faintly under my breathe when this verse came forth, "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." -Psalm 61:2 NKJ
   I've been stuck (spiritually) here all morning. It's definitely a good place to be stuck. There is such peace knowing something is, "higher than I". There is even more peace knowing it's someone, not just something. Someone is higher than me. Someone has a higher perspective. Someone has more authority. Someone is sturdy, steady, solid - a rock. 
     This is a rock we can stand on.When we are desperate, when the world is overwhelming we can cling to The Rock.

His ways, His roads, His plans

       The idea of creating our own future, paving our own way is gaining momentum in the Christian paradigm.  I’ve seen several leaders within the church say things leaning in this direction and some out right saying, “If you can’t find a way out, create one.” This idea, though widely accepted, is not Biblical.

      God shows us in his word, over and over again that He will direct our steps if we seek Him, He opens and closes doors, He has plans for us and a clear direction for our lives. Does this mean we can’t create our own way? Nope. We can, but it will not be a divine way. If we want to walk on His path for us then we must seek the Creator, the one who put our lives in motion, the one who created us with purpose. He has already created roads for us, there is no need to create anything, only release what’s already been put in us, given from above and follow where He leads. 

       We are given free will. We can create whatever roads we want, but it wont lead us on His best path for our lives. "If you can't find a way out, create one" is misleading to many. It would be better stated, If you can't find a way out.... pray God reveals a way out...acknowledge God and He will direct your steps....trust Him in the waiting....etc. 

      For example, if there is a mountain in your way, don't create your own road around it. What if God wants to use you to dig a road through the mountain, creating a highway, allowing others to travel smoothly for years to come. We wouldn't know that unless we sought Him first, before "creating our own way". What if He already has a road around or over the mountain, and we waste precious resources "creating our own way". 

      This generation has become increasingly independent in it's spiritual view. We praise creativity and cleverness without looking to see if that creativity is truly in opposition with His will.  I'm all about creativity, but we have to be careful we are not leaning on our ways, our will, our thinking. When we create, we should be creating what He's put in us, in other words, we are releasing what He's revealed in the spirit into the natural. 

       When there is a closed door, a dead end, a mountain, a wall and we can't find a way out or don't know which way to turn. Seek, God. He knows the way out. He's got it all figured out. Don't lean on your own wisdom, creativity, and cleverness. Seek His ways, His roads, His plans. When we seek Him he will reveal the best for our lives.

Romans 12:2 The Message

Place Your Life Before God

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Above All

“Above all powers

Above all kings

Above all nature

And all created things

Above all wisdom

And all the ways of man

You were here

Before the world began

Above all kingdoms

Above all thrones

Above all wonders

The world has ever known

Above all wealth

And treasures of the earth

There's no way to measure

What You're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all”

-Michael W. Smith

Discernment

        I recently watched the Grammy's and there were some shady performances to say the least. One of the stand out performances was Katy Perry's Dark Horse. She was dressed as a witch and danced on a broom and participated in a few other "demonic" things. It was so outwardly "occultic" that it was impossible for anyone with the slightest sense of spirituality to miss it. But, that's what I'd like to warn about in this article. It was too obvious! I saw many people posting statuses stating how "evil" it was.

      Yet, I honestly think she's looking for a reaction. It looked very shallow and showy. Do you know what's really demonic? It's the performances, singers and artists that don't always seem it. What about the song "Follow Your Arrow"? What about Beyonce's dance? The enemy doesn't come looking dark and creepy. He comes as an angel of light. When things are overly obvious it makes me question how much of it is spiritually evil versus someone looking for shock value and gossip from conservatives.

      The truly dark things are often wrapped in pretty acceptable packages. If it was wrapped with a poison sticker, no one would drink it.  We have to keep our eyes out for things that don't cause a knee jerk reaction, the things we allow to come in and influence our lives because they've manipulated our natural senses into thinking they are angels of light.

Fill up on good things

         Dieting is no fun! Ask any woman! Many of us spend a good amount of our life yo-yo dieting. It's a miserable way to live. As we mature in our health journey we begin to see it's not so much "dieting", but a "lifestyle change" that yields good fruit and success in our lives. 

       As I sit here, before the sun comes up, eating a banana, the Holy Spirit said, "Fill up on good things and you wont crave bad things". My heart said, "Yes, Holy Spirit, you are so right. If I keep eating healthy I will not crave anything unhealthy. Thank you Lord." and I continue enjoying my banana and Ginger/Lemon tea. Then the Holy Spirit nudged me again saying the same goes with spiritual food. "Ah, yes, Holy Spirit.". I love how God uses our current situation to speak spiritual wisdom. He paints such clear pictures for us.

      When we fill up on good things, we wont crave bad things. The more we partake in healthy spiritual food the more we will crave healthy spiritual food. What we eat changes our tastes buds. We hunger for what we eat most. If we partake in lust, feed pride, and give into greed, we will hunger for such things continuously. But if we fill up on God's word, protect our ears by filling them with His praises and guard our hearts by filling it with His promises we will hunger for more of Him. What we choose to fill up on daily will determine what we crave daily. A lifestyle of holiness begets holiness, as a lifestyle of sin begets sin.

         Fill up on good things.

       

God's Good Weather Forcast

        We all know how inaccurate a weather forecast can be. This morning was another example for my friends and family. The local weather channels had many of us in the South stressed about ice and freezing temperatures. Grocery stores were emptied as if it were hurricane season and lines were held up for 30mins or more. Many schools closed, the mayor closed the city, and many jobs allowed their employees to stay home. 

        We woke up excepting to be snowed in, but instead, realized the weather forecast given by man was completely wrong. All the signs showed true, they predicted to their best ability, and yet, they were wrong. Even though this is frustrating for planning, the clear and resounding message, "Man is not God" is extremely encourage. How amazing that the signs may all show disaster and storms, yet the signs are not the final word, God is. He has the ability to change the winds.

       Your situation may look defeated. You may see the clouds, a coming storm. Everyone is broadcasting doom and gloom and preparing you for the worst, yet when you arise to a new day there will be no sign of a storm. It doesn't matter what our situation looks like, God has the final say. It doesn't matter what you see ahead of you, anything can happen, circumstances can change within seconds. God is the only one who knows the future and has authority to cast vision of what is to come in your life. 

          God has a good weather forecast for you and He calls it out with 100% accuracy.

Repeating after God

 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" - John 10:27 NASB

    Walking in the gifts of the spirit is as simple as repeating what we hear from God. We can over complicated them, but when we get down to it, it's simply repeating after God. Quieting ourselves, listening, repeating. It's not magic, it's listening. 

      All Christians should be hearing from God. We should all be baptized in the Holy Spirit and seeking to quiet ourselves long enough to hear form God daily. When we are all walking in our spiritual gifts, we are able to encourage each other. No one is left discouraged or alone. :-) 

      When you know your gifts, you realize why you act and feel the way you do. I understand why I write the way I write, I understand why certian things stir me up, I understand why I see things the way I do. When you know what God's put in you your life makes more sense in the most intimate ways.

The following, in blue, is an article by Mary Fairchild posted on About.com 

Identifying Spiritual Gifts

Although there is a great deal of disagreement over spiritual gifts among different denominations, most Bible scholars classify these gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.

Ministry Gifts

The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer. The ministry gifts were once presented to me through a five finger illustration that I've never forgotten:

• Apostle - An apostle establishes and builds churches; he's a church planter. An apostle may function in many or all of the ministry gifts. He is the "thumb," the strongest of all of the fingers, able to touch every finger.
• Prophet - Prophet in the Greek means to "forth tell" in the sense of speaking for another. A prophet functions as God's mouth piece, speaking forth God's Word. The prophet is the "index finger," or pointer finger. He points to the future and points out sin.
• Evangelist - An evangelist is called to be a witness for Jesus Christ. He works for the local church to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He may evangelize through music, drama, preaching, and other creative ways. He is the "middle finger," the tallest one who stands out in the crowd. Evangelists draw a lot of attention, but they are called to serve the local body.
• Pastor - The pastor is the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The pastor is the "ring finger." He is married to the church; called to stay, oversee, nurture and guide.
• Teacher - The teacher and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays the foundation and is concerned with detail and accuracy. He delights in research to validate truth. The teacher is the "pinky finger." Though seemingly small and insignificant, he is designed specifically for digging into tight, dark places, shinning light and picking apart the Word of truth.

Manifestation Gifts

The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.

Utterance - These gifts say something:

• Prophecy - This is the "forth telling" of the inspired Word of God primarily to the church, for the purpose of confirming the written Word and building up the entire body. The message is usually one of edification, exhortation or consolation, although it can declare God's will in a particular circumstance, and in rare cases, predict future events.
• Speaking in Tongues - This is a supernatural utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted so that the entire body will be edified. Tongues may also be a sign to unbelievers.
• Interpretation of Tongues - This is a supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues, translated into the known language so that the hearers (the entire body) will be edified.
Power - These gifts do something:

• Faith - This is not the faith that is measured to every believer, nor is it "saving faith." This is special, supernatural faith given by the Spirit to receive miracles or to believe God for miracles.
• Healing - This is supernatural healing, beyond natural means, given by the Spirit.
• Miracles - This is the supernatural suspension of the natural laws, or an intervention by the Holy Spirit into the laws of nature.
Revelation - These gifts reveal something:

• Word of Wisdom - This is supernatural knowledge applied in a godly or correct way. One commentary describes it as "insight into doctrinal truth."
• Word of Knowledge - This is supernatural knowledge of facts and information that can only be revealed by God for the purpose of applying doctrinal truth.
• Discerning of Spirits - This is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits such as good and evil, truthful or deceiving, prophetic versus satanic. 

Motivational Gifts

The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant.

• Prophecy - Those with the motivational gift of prophecy are the "seers" or "eyes" of the body. They have insight, foresight, and act like watch dogs in the church. They warn of sin or reveal sin. They are usually very verbal and may come across as judgmental and impersonal; they are loyal to truth over friendship, serious, dedicated.
• Ministering/Serving/Helps - Those with the motivational gift of serving are the "hands" of the body. They are concerned with meeting needs; they are highly motivated, doers. They may tend to over commit, but find joy in serving and meeting short-term goals.
• Teaching - Those with the motivational gift of teaching are the "mind" of the body. They realize their gift is foundational; they emphasize accuracy of words and love to study; they delight in research to validate truth.
• Giving - Those with the motivational gift of giving are the "arms" of the body. They truly enjoy reaching out in giving. They are excited by the prospect of blessing others; they desire to give quietly, in secret, but will also motivate others to give. They are alert to people's needs; they give cheerfully and always give the best that they can.
• Exhortation/Encouragement - Those with the motivational gift of encouragement are the "mouth" of the body. Like cheerleaders, they encourage other believers and are motivated by a desire to see people grow and mature in the Lord. They are practical and positive and they seek positive responses.
• Administration/Leadership - Those with the motivational gift of leadership are the "head" of the body. They have the ability to see the overall picture and set long-term goals; they are good organizers and find efficient ways of getting work done. Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. They receive fulfillment when others come together to complete a task.
• Mercy - Those with the motivational gift of mercy are the "heart" of the body. They easily sense the joy or distress in other people and are sensitive to feelings and needs. They are attracted to and patient with people in need, motivated by a desire to see people healed of hurts. They are truly meek in nature and avoid firmness.

True colors

          I often have to encourage myself that even if sharing who I am is weird, it's me. And the faster people see who I really am in Christ, the faster I can sort through those who like or dislike me. When we hold back who we are it's the same as putting on a fake image. I never looked at it that way. I just thought since I had been hurt I'm more careful and reserved. But whether we are putting on a fake face, or simple not revealing our true face it's the same. The heart is different but the lack of authenticity is the same. Anytime we lack authenticity we attract the wrong types of people. Then we wonder why we don't fit in. We don't fit in because our lack of self exposure hasn't allowed those who would have enjoy our company to know we even exist. Think of mixing colors. This is how I see it.

Say we put up half our face:

      We go through life showing everyone half of who we are because we are insecure and scare of rejection. So no one ever knows we aren't really red. Yet all we are showing is red, so everyone attracted to a red personality is draw to us. We don't understand why because in our hearts we are not red. Red is just the small part we are willing to show, perhaps because it's more acceptable and celebrated.

       Eventually we get tired of this. We begin working up the courage to show our whole self. We want to be authentic no matter the cost. So we open ourselves up and share. Instead of simply showing the red side we show our blue side too. The side we feel insecure with: 

+

  

=

       When we are authentic and show our whole selves. We realize we are not red or blue, but purple. We can not function revealing only half of who God created us to be. When we are whole we are purple. That's who we are.

       All those attracted to just red or just blue begin falling away from our lives. It may make us feel lonely for a season, but soon those who love purple see us and start drawing near. They never knew we had so much in common because we only shared in part.

          It's important to show our true colors as much as possible. Only then will we feel satisfied and fulfilled in life. When we only reveal small glimpses of who we are it's the same as wearing a mask. Those we are supposed to be connected with don't recognize us, and those who do recognize us see the wrong color.

         Many of us hide our true colors because we've been hurt. It's not some scandalous plot to trick people. It's more about self-preservation and healing. And at first hiding away feels good and safe, but trust me, eventually you will be frustrated and annoyed. It wont matter what rejection you face because being true to who God created you to be is more important than rejections sting. Your heart will cry out, "I rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I'm not." The more authentic and vulnerable you are the more chances there are to be hurt, BUT the more chances the right people will find you. 

          Slowly you will be embraced by a community that loves, embraces and celebrates ALL God created you to be.  But first you must show your true colors no matter the cost.

Divine encouragment

       I recently got a word/vision for someone. It happens often when someone is facing a situation or is at a cross road or needing encouragement. I thought it was just for me to pray about since I'm not connected with this person at all. But then I came across an article where the person writes about desiring the very things I saw for her. Now I believe if she knew she'd be greatly encouraged. So I'm praying if it's God's will for me to deliver this encouragement that He'd connect us in some way. Otherwise it will remain something I stand in faith with her for, even if she never knows someone else is in agreement with her.

       I don't know why people despise prophetic people. Okay. Yes. I. do. They despise prophetic people because of all the whack-a-doodles that pretend to walk in such gifts. All the people with false motives and agendas. Trust me I've met my share. I've met the crazies that don't know their left from their right. I've met the power trip people who lust for prophetic gifts to slap a label on themselves and push others down. I've met a trail mix of people claiming these things.  It's easy to toss the whole thing out. I even wanted to do that for a long time. I stopped recording my dreams. I tried to shut God out in this way, but I can't. It's who I am in Him. It just happens. I don't have to work it up or do anything but be me - filled with Him. As long as I'm staying in the word, ministering to Him in worship and keeping myself spiritually healthy it flows on it's own. Sometimes people assume you can switch it on and off and grant words as wishes to a genie but it doesn't work that way. It comes from a place of friendship with God. It's about relationship with Him. The more you nurture that relationship the more clearly you will hear and see spiritually. The same goes for all spiritual gifts. It's all about staying connected with Him and tossing out anything that threatens that connections.

        Just as with any gift it has to be trained, sharpened and brought to maturity. This takes years. I started learning as a child and yet I still feel I have so much more room to grow. There is no end. It's like learning a different language. The language and whispers of God. Much of my learning has been through making mistakes. Hearing God but interpreting Him the way I wanted or assumed (with a sincere heart). Guess what!? It doesn't matter how you interpret or twists God's word, it will be what it was intended to be. When we see the obvious difference between what we thought and what actually was, we learn and correct ourselves if we are sincerely seeking God. People who are honestly seeking God look at themselves in a spiritual mirror and examine their hearts often. It's important to cast away our own agendas and anything that could block our reception.

        Anyway I'm really excited for this girl I had dream/word/vision for. God's got great things planned for her and it seems she's already tuned into it. She already feels and senses it throughout her whole being.  That's awesome.

Prayer is a bridge...

Approval Rating

       It's easy to be discouraged when some Christians put you down for having dreams, they either say it to your face, "that's not of God" or they may shun you and completely avoid you.  I used to get really discouraged about it, because I felt I had to hide my life and the events that surrounded it. My online websites used to be my safe haven. I'd share with like-minded people on Myspace, and my blogs. Slowly as more people I knew joined these sites and saw my posts the more I began feeling the brunt of some of their rejection. It paralyzed me for awhile. But slowly I began to see things differently. 

        I realized those who are most against God speaking through dreams and visions are people who never really had a need. They've been loved, cared for and surrounded by support. They've never been backed against a wall, stuck in a hole higher than they could climb, or ill with no provision etc. People who have always had their needs met can't understand a God who would speak through dreams, visions, signs and wonders.

        I will say, I have seen some of these doubters changed their mind when they were faced with a desperate situation. Funny how their tune changes, when they desperately need it....THEN it's okay. What we must realize is others face desperate situations all the time. Some people are afflicted for years with no relief. Many things hidden from other people's view. The only thing that keeps them going is a whisper from God in a dream or a sign. And God is more than willing to reach out and give such things to His children. 

       Those who have been filled with family support, relationships at church, a wonderful past, health, wealth and emotional stability can't judge the experiences of those who have faced a life of challenges and loneliness.  The same with us experiencing these super natural events, we can't judge the doubters, it's not their fault if they don't understand, their life has not allowed them. We can't hide our life away afraid of their judgments because there are hurting people that need the word God has given you. There are people who need God's vision for their life before they perish.  It's not about our approval ratings, it's about obeying God with the message He's given us.

Brave

 "Brave"

You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up
Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do
When they settle ‘neath your skin
Kept on the inside and no sunlight
Sometimes a shadow wins
But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there,
Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy
Fallen for the fear
And done some disappearing,
Bow down to the mighty
Don’t run, just stop holding your tongue
Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live
Maybe one of these days you can let the light in
Show me how big your brave is

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good,
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be brave

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave

I want to see you be BRAVE! I love this song! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been digging in and trying to finish my next book. Please pray for me. I'm debating over several title choices. I want to be sensitive to HIS voice and choose what He's chosen. I hope everyone's enjoying all the videos. My creative writing juices have been directed towards a lot of behind the scenes things as my next books comes closer to crossing the finish line. <3 br="">

Invitation

East and West

East and West | Jonathan Helser | Live at Home from A Place for the Heart on Vimeo.