Prophetic word from Kim Clement about the elections back on Nov 18, 2007:
America you shall reign in victory! America you are at a place now where men are laughing, but God says, "The greatest place ever. The greatest opportunity has been granted now for Me to invade the media and to show you how--when you choose My president. I will place a man there that shall have no inclination towards spiritual things and many a Christian shall say, 'Alas, we have a Democrat who is actually a Republican." God says, "Fear not, for it shall be a while and then in the seat, I will take him and fill him with My Spirit. He shall rise to the occasion and begin to pray and peace shall come to this nation, respect and honor shall come to this nation. A move of My Spirit as this nation has never seen, for the harvest you have been waiting for shall come."
Prophetic word from Kim Clement about the White House back on Sept 5, 2008:
The Lord says, "The White House shall become the prayer house. The White House shall be called the prayer house. And then they will mock and say, 'it is the White House,' and then they will mock and say, 'it is the wild house because the Quakers have come.' And they will say, 'there is even shaking there and trembling.'"
God said, "This is going to be as a result, and even though many men have hated this President - of his own battle with a Babylonian prince with a Babylonian spirit - that has endeavored to take this Nation and bring it to its knees. Because of President Bush," God said, "who prayed every day, I am going to produce in the White House, Spirit-filled human beings that will pray with the Spirit and power. And they will not be ashamed of it."
It's all good really because Romans 8:28 says,
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." :)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
So what's next?
My internship at the International House of Prayer in Cartersville has wrecked my life for mediocre, everyday living. I think about the times I would come home from Corporate America or school and just want to veg out in front of a television as a way of escape. Although I had purpose I wasn't really living purposefully. That's easy to do when someone doesn't realize what the Lord really and truly designed them for.
Three years ago the Lord made it clear that I was called to the nations. Two years ago He had me quit my corporate job, and just when I was mentally packing to be launched into the nations the Lord pulled out a big comfy recliner and said, "Sit." For all those who know my multi-tasking nature you probably know I gave God the "what-you-talking-about-Willis" look. It was time to go, not time to sit...or so I thought. Why do we argue with God? :)
So let’s fast forward to the present. I'm wrapping up an intensely life changing three-month internship at the International House of Prayer and now I have a much better grid for what I, Cassandra, was created by God to do. It's a very different concept to the Western World. I'll admit, I didn't even get it when the Lord told me in June:
"You’re gonna begin to even see that there’s going to be a tapping in and the equipping/training to be a watchman/intercessor and one that begins to even intertwine that with worship. ..'Decrees through song'..."
It's not a role that's discussed much in the Church but I am asking God to go before me even in this blog and bring revelation and understanding. I am called to be a watchman/intercessor that stands my watch through prayer and fasting locally, and then go to the nations. One of the biggest lessons the Lord has taught me during this internship was that King David, in the Bible, was anointed to be king years before he ever attained that position. In the same way, I was not prepared or equipped yet to GO to the nations full-time when I received the call. However, by partnering with Him through intercession for the nations, He would equip and train me. He has, and still is confirming it in various ways. He started showing me in June and the most recent confirmation being two spontaneous Song's of the Lord (prophetic songs) that He set me up at the right place/right time to hear just a couple weeks ago (see "The God of Acuras" blog). So I believe the Lord's next step for me is to become and intercessory missionary.
What is an Intercessory Missionary?
Intercessory missionaries are those who have committed to prayer and fasting as the first work of the ministry. Their primary function is to maintain 24/hour prayer, making outreach more anointed and effective for churches in their city, surrounding areas and the nations. Intercessory missionaries raise their own support through partner development and are the modern day equivalent of Levites and Gatekeepers in the Tabernacle of David.
What does that look like in the Prayer Room?
Here at the Missions Base, every two hours worship teams or devotional teams change. During a set someone leads the room to engage in intimate worship then a prayer leader helps bring the room together for corporate prayer while reading the word. Singers then relate the prayer and scripture in spontaneous song and intercession. This model is based out of the scripture that talks about the Tabernacle of David - "The Fire on the alter must be kept burning, it must no go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it." Leviticus 6:12
I am committed and feel God calling me to be a part of this movement and I encourage those locally to come join us at IHOP Cartersville or go to IHOP Atlanta (in Lawrenceville) and experience the power of this type of worship and prayer.
What about GOING to the nations?
When the Lord releases me, I will go and often lead short term mission trips through e3 Partners and IHOP. I CAN'T WAIT!!! When I'm not traveling and home, IHOP Cartersville will become my Missions Base. The Lord has made it clear to me that He is raising up people, families and businesses that will come along side of me and partner with me to fulfill this calling He's placed on my life. Here is a prophetic word I received recently:
It is time to incorporate others in what I have called you to do. It is now time to speak forth and act. I will continue revealing My plan to you as you go, but this is the time of calling forth others. You have sought wisdom from Me. You have sought counsel from those involved. You have thought it through yourself. Now it is time to act. I have been preparing other hearts to come along side you to carry out My purposes. You need them as much as they need you. A bond of love and respect has been established. Stay in close contact, but go for it NOW.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” -end of prophetic word
The precision and intimacy of the Father's Words leave me absolutely speechless. The day I received this word was definitely one of those speechless moments. So friends, please be in prayer for me. I’m taking the next step of faith with abundant peace and excitement in my heart. These are exciting days ahead of us!!
If you feel led came along side me into my next phase of obedience, you can give through the International House of Prayer. Put a sticky note on your check that says "support Cassandra Reich" and send it to:
International House of Prayer
416 Grassdale Road Suite E
Cartersville, GA 30121
You will receive a tax deductible donation letter for the next tax season.
More detailed information is on our website http://www.ihopcartersville.com and Kansas City has done a great job of explaining what we do. Feel free to read more about it at http://www.ihop.org.
Three years ago the Lord made it clear that I was called to the nations. Two years ago He had me quit my corporate job, and just when I was mentally packing to be launched into the nations the Lord pulled out a big comfy recliner and said, "Sit." For all those who know my multi-tasking nature you probably know I gave God the "what-you-talking-about-Willis" look. It was time to go, not time to sit...or so I thought. Why do we argue with God? :)
So let’s fast forward to the present. I'm wrapping up an intensely life changing three-month internship at the International House of Prayer and now I have a much better grid for what I, Cassandra, was created by God to do. It's a very different concept to the Western World. I'll admit, I didn't even get it when the Lord told me in June:
"You’re gonna begin to even see that there’s going to be a tapping in and the equipping/training to be a watchman/intercessor and one that begins to even intertwine that with worship. ..'Decrees through song'..."
It's not a role that's discussed much in the Church but I am asking God to go before me even in this blog and bring revelation and understanding. I am called to be a watchman/intercessor that stands my watch through prayer and fasting locally, and then go to the nations. One of the biggest lessons the Lord has taught me during this internship was that King David, in the Bible, was anointed to be king years before he ever attained that position. In the same way, I was not prepared or equipped yet to GO to the nations full-time when I received the call. However, by partnering with Him through intercession for the nations, He would equip and train me. He has, and still is confirming it in various ways. He started showing me in June and the most recent confirmation being two spontaneous Song's of the Lord (prophetic songs) that He set me up at the right place/right time to hear just a couple weeks ago (see "The God of Acuras" blog). So I believe the Lord's next step for me is to become and intercessory missionary.
What is an Intercessory Missionary?
Intercessory missionaries are those who have committed to prayer and fasting as the first work of the ministry. Their primary function is to maintain 24/hour prayer, making outreach more anointed and effective for churches in their city, surrounding areas and the nations. Intercessory missionaries raise their own support through partner development and are the modern day equivalent of Levites and Gatekeepers in the Tabernacle of David.
What does that look like in the Prayer Room?
Here at the Missions Base, every two hours worship teams or devotional teams change. During a set someone leads the room to engage in intimate worship then a prayer leader helps bring the room together for corporate prayer while reading the word. Singers then relate the prayer and scripture in spontaneous song and intercession. This model is based out of the scripture that talks about the Tabernacle of David - "The Fire on the alter must be kept burning, it must no go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it." Leviticus 6:12
I am committed and feel God calling me to be a part of this movement and I encourage those locally to come join us at IHOP Cartersville or go to IHOP Atlanta (in Lawrenceville) and experience the power of this type of worship and prayer.
What about GOING to the nations?
When the Lord releases me, I will go and often lead short term mission trips through e3 Partners and IHOP. I CAN'T WAIT!!! When I'm not traveling and home, IHOP Cartersville will become my Missions Base. The Lord has made it clear to me that He is raising up people, families and businesses that will come along side of me and partner with me to fulfill this calling He's placed on my life. Here is a prophetic word I received recently:
It is time to incorporate others in what I have called you to do. It is now time to speak forth and act. I will continue revealing My plan to you as you go, but this is the time of calling forth others. You have sought wisdom from Me. You have sought counsel from those involved. You have thought it through yourself. Now it is time to act. I have been preparing other hearts to come along side you to carry out My purposes. You need them as much as they need you. A bond of love and respect has been established. Stay in close contact, but go for it NOW.
2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” -end of prophetic word
The precision and intimacy of the Father's Words leave me absolutely speechless. The day I received this word was definitely one of those speechless moments. So friends, please be in prayer for me. I’m taking the next step of faith with abundant peace and excitement in my heart. These are exciting days ahead of us!!
If you feel led came along side me into my next phase of obedience, you can give through the International House of Prayer. Put a sticky note on your check that says "support Cassandra Reich" and send it to:
International House of Prayer
416 Grassdale Road Suite E
Cartersville, GA 30121
You will receive a tax deductible donation letter for the next tax season.
More detailed information is on our website http://www.ihopcartersville.com and Kansas City has done a great job of explaining what we do. Feel free to read more about it at http://www.ihop.org.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Spirit of Confusion
Today I was grieved to receive two VERY conflicting emails from someone I love dearly and has been a huge encouragement in my life. The first email says:
PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified. Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance and are flooding the voting with YES votes. he poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media. It can influence undecided voters in swing states. Please do two things -- takes 20 seconds.
1) Click on link and vote yourself. (link removed for the purpose of the blog)
2) Then send this to every single Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on. Note: Only one vote/computer will be counted.
I've been getting many emails from friends who assume I'm going to vote for Obama because I'm black. It's really astonishing because almost ALL of them are also professed Christians! This is a baffling phenomenon to me.
The second email entitled Refuse Coins says:
This simple action will make a strong statement. Just Do It. Please help do this.. refuse to accept these when they are handed to you. I received one from the Post Office as change and I asked for a dollar bill instead. The lady just smiled and said 'way to go' so she had read this e-mail. Please help out....our world is in enough trouble without this too!!!!!
U.S. Government to Release New Dollar Coins . You guessed it 'IN GOD WE TRUST' IS GONE!!! If ever there was a reason to boycott something, THIS IS IT!!!! DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEW DOLLAR COINS AS CHANGE. Together we can force them out of circulation. Please send to all on your mail list!!! 'In God we Trust'
Okay let me breathe....
The spirit of confusion that is over the Christian African American community as well as other communities is beyond baffling! I'll be the first to admit growing up I thought I was a democrat because I was taught, whether directly or indirectly, that rich people voted for the Republicans and the poor people (us we)voted for the Democrats. It was all about money in my mind. In middle school all I knew was if we wanted to do better financially we need to vote for a democrat that would "help us."
When I REALLY gave my life to Christ and made Him Lord, Lover and Leader over my life I was taught that my life should be a reflection of my love for Christ. I should be submitting to Him. His thoughts, desires, and heart should become mine. That's the whole dying to self and being His advocate here on the earth.
Early in my walk and especially once I was able to vote I was stunned. My question was, "then why are so many people, Christian people, voting for politicians who are pro-abortion and for homosexual marriages. Are we supposed to be appointing people who line up with the Word of God?" It's priceless to watch the face of one of my brothers and sister who plan to vote for someone who is pro-abortion or pro-homosexual marriage when I ask them why they are voting that way. They either get all tongue tied, regurgitating how "the man" has messed up the world, or start spurting off about the economy being in shambles. My thought is, "so you think voting for someone who is going to legalize these things God calls abominations is going to raise our country out of the "shambles?" What about THE MAN JESUS CHRIST who died because he hated all these things? Do you ready your bible? No really..do you REALLY read the word and what it has to say about the nations that sacrificed babies and let homosexuality run rampant?
As a Haitian, I'm often lumped in with Africa Americans and so I get burden by our mindsets. We know, "lost people act lost." But what about the Christians? We really need to fall in love with Jesus, no I mean REALLY fall in love with Jesus. Because if we were madly in love with Him we would naturally stand for everything He stands for.
One of the saddest parts of it all is these Christians are voting for some who is pro-abortion and will now have those babies blood on their hands b/c they voted for him!
Jesus release your people, especially the Christian African America community from the Spirit of Confusion. Father I pray that You would truly release a spirit of wisdom and revelation to Your children. You love us and Your desire is for our welfare. Lord Jesus let us pledge our allegiance to You FOR REAL! End the play-play Christianity from the earth. Let people either be cold or hot.
How can a KKK member have a black spouse or best friend? How can a Christian vote for someone who promotes the spirit of death when You are the Life and we carry Your spirit? How can these things be? How can a Christian promote homosexual marriage, a complete opposite of what you created the marriage covenant to be!? How can a believer promote someone who is pro abortion and for homosexual marriage but then be upset about a coin that has "In God We Trust" removed from it. Obviously their trust isn't in you either, not completely anyway, otherwise they'd be standing on Your word come hell or high water and not looking to a man to make their pockets fuller or bring "change". SERIOUSLY!?!
I break the Spirit of Confusion in the Name of Jesus. Lord I release the spirit wisdom, revelation and the knowledge of who You are and how Your Lordship should play out in our lives:
Ephesians 1:17 - 19
17[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
18By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
PBS has an online poll posted asking if Sarah Palin is qualified. Apparently the right wing knew about this in advance and are flooding the voting with YES votes. he poll will be reported on PBS and picked up by mainstream media. It can influence undecided voters in swing states. Please do two things -- takes 20 seconds.
1) Click on link and vote yourself. (link removed for the purpose of the blog)
2) Then send this to every single Obama-Biden voter you know, and urge them to vote and pass it on. Note: Only one vote/computer will be counted.
I've been getting many emails from friends who assume I'm going to vote for Obama because I'm black. It's really astonishing because almost ALL of them are also professed Christians! This is a baffling phenomenon to me.
The second email entitled Refuse Coins says:
This simple action will make a strong statement. Just Do It. Please help do this.. refuse to accept these when they are handed to you. I received one from the Post Office as change and I asked for a dollar bill instead. The lady just smiled and said 'way to go' so she had read this e-mail. Please help out....our world is in enough trouble without this too!!!!!
U.S. Government to Release New Dollar Coins . You guessed it 'IN GOD WE TRUST' IS GONE!!! If ever there was a reason to boycott something, THIS IS IT!!!! DO NOT ACCEPT THE NEW DOLLAR COINS AS CHANGE. Together we can force them out of circulation. Please send to all on your mail list!!! 'In God we Trust'
Okay let me breathe....
The spirit of confusion that is over the Christian African American community as well as other communities is beyond baffling! I'll be the first to admit growing up I thought I was a democrat because I was taught, whether directly or indirectly, that rich people voted for the Republicans and the poor people (us we)voted for the Democrats. It was all about money in my mind. In middle school all I knew was if we wanted to do better financially we need to vote for a democrat that would "help us."
When I REALLY gave my life to Christ and made Him Lord, Lover and Leader over my life I was taught that my life should be a reflection of my love for Christ. I should be submitting to Him. His thoughts, desires, and heart should become mine. That's the whole dying to self and being His advocate here on the earth.
Early in my walk and especially once I was able to vote I was stunned. My question was, "then why are so many people, Christian people, voting for politicians who are pro-abortion and for homosexual marriages. Are we supposed to be appointing people who line up with the Word of God?" It's priceless to watch the face of one of my brothers and sister who plan to vote for someone who is pro-abortion or pro-homosexual marriage when I ask them why they are voting that way. They either get all tongue tied, regurgitating how "the man" has messed up the world, or start spurting off about the economy being in shambles. My thought is, "so you think voting for someone who is going to legalize these things God calls abominations is going to raise our country out of the "shambles?" What about THE MAN JESUS CHRIST who died because he hated all these things? Do you ready your bible? No really..do you REALLY read the word and what it has to say about the nations that sacrificed babies and let homosexuality run rampant?
As a Haitian, I'm often lumped in with Africa Americans and so I get burden by our mindsets. We know, "lost people act lost." But what about the Christians? We really need to fall in love with Jesus, no I mean REALLY fall in love with Jesus. Because if we were madly in love with Him we would naturally stand for everything He stands for.
One of the saddest parts of it all is these Christians are voting for some who is pro-abortion and will now have those babies blood on their hands b/c they voted for him!
Jesus release your people, especially the Christian African America community from the Spirit of Confusion. Father I pray that You would truly release a spirit of wisdom and revelation to Your children. You love us and Your desire is for our welfare. Lord Jesus let us pledge our allegiance to You FOR REAL! End the play-play Christianity from the earth. Let people either be cold or hot.
How can a KKK member have a black spouse or best friend? How can a Christian vote for someone who promotes the spirit of death when You are the Life and we carry Your spirit? How can these things be? How can a Christian promote homosexual marriage, a complete opposite of what you created the marriage covenant to be!? How can a believer promote someone who is pro abortion and for homosexual marriage but then be upset about a coin that has "In God We Trust" removed from it. Obviously their trust isn't in you either, not completely anyway, otherwise they'd be standing on Your word come hell or high water and not looking to a man to make their pockets fuller or bring "change". SERIOUSLY!?!
I break the Spirit of Confusion in the Name of Jesus. Lord I release the spirit wisdom, revelation and the knowledge of who You are and how Your Lordship should play out in our lives:
Ephesians 1:17 - 19
17[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
18By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
For an audience of One
Last month I received a prophetic Word from Hope Reeder:
There’s a coming out party. There’s gonna be a coming out party. Cause you’re coming out of who you used to be into who you are. Yup. Yes and you’re a leader. I don’t know if you lead worship. Do you lead? You are a leader so you better start getting on it. Because here’s the thing about about it is you can’t help it. God’s chosen you. God chose you out. He gave you something He doesn’t give to all leaders in fact. He gave you a sphere of influence. He gave you an anointing of influence and it’s because of who you are. I LOVE IT! I love you but guess what, I can’t be you, I’m just attracted to you. But I’m saying now my sweet sister, my sweet daughter, walk in who you are. There’s a coming out party and I just bless you to be who you are. Sing, sing, sing, decree, break it, break the yolks of the bondages of sin. You walk in who you are. You understand that? So Lord I just anoint my sister for inheritance of who she is. Be who you are the anointing of inheritance. Riches, riches of who she is. Release from heaven now, Lord. Release God.
So this morning I decided to "get on it" and play a devo for my Bridegroom. Singing my heart out to Him, the Lover of My Soul, the only one who really sees me and truly understands me. Oh how intimate it was! I was excited. It was amazing. I've only been playing the keyword for a few weeks now and I can feel the downloads I get the more I'm diligent to play/practice. Right now it's mostly right handed, lol, but I KNOW my God is faithful to catch that left hand up in due time.
In Your presence, all fear is gone,
in Your presence.
In Your presence, is where I belong,
in Your presence.
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine,
so come into Your garden and take delight in me
In Your presence, all fear is gone,
in Your presence.
In Your presence, is where I belong,
in Your presence.
I finally found where I belong! I finally found where I belong!
There’s a coming out party. There’s gonna be a coming out party. Cause you’re coming out of who you used to be into who you are. Yup. Yes and you’re a leader. I don’t know if you lead worship. Do you lead? You are a leader so you better start getting on it. Because here’s the thing about about it is you can’t help it. God’s chosen you. God chose you out. He gave you something He doesn’t give to all leaders in fact. He gave you a sphere of influence. He gave you an anointing of influence and it’s because of who you are. I LOVE IT! I love you but guess what, I can’t be you, I’m just attracted to you. But I’m saying now my sweet sister, my sweet daughter, walk in who you are. There’s a coming out party and I just bless you to be who you are. Sing, sing, sing, decree, break it, break the yolks of the bondages of sin. You walk in who you are. You understand that? So Lord I just anoint my sister for inheritance of who she is. Be who you are the anointing of inheritance. Riches, riches of who she is. Release from heaven now, Lord. Release God.
So this morning I decided to "get on it" and play a devo for my Bridegroom. Singing my heart out to Him, the Lover of My Soul, the only one who really sees me and truly understands me. Oh how intimate it was! I was excited. It was amazing. I've only been playing the keyword for a few weeks now and I can feel the downloads I get the more I'm diligent to play/practice. Right now it's mostly right handed, lol, but I KNOW my God is faithful to catch that left hand up in due time.
In Your presence, all fear is gone,
in Your presence.
In Your presence, is where I belong,
in Your presence.
I am my Beloved’s and He is mine,
so come into Your garden and take delight in me
In Your presence, all fear is gone,
in Your presence.
In Your presence, is where I belong,
in Your presence.
I finally found where I belong! I finally found where I belong!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The God of Acuras
So a few weeks after I had to give up my Honda I really felt the Lord impressing on me to ask what I wished for. Amongst many other thing I asked hime to replace my vehicle in His perfect timing.
On the way to a Harp & Bowl seminar at IHOP Atlanta I felt Abba promting me again, "It's okay to be specific, Cassandra. YOur lack of detail is a reflecion of your lack of trust." WHOA! I knew He was right. I hate being dissapointed didn't want to put my true hearts desire out there for fear that I wouldn't get it. I rose to the challenge that morning. I'm in a season of life where I know kids are around the corner, I much wiser about finances and I simply wanted reliable car that would last through the car seats, the road trip and just life. There had been one car I'd been "noticing" for some time so I put it out there. "God, I want an Acura MDX." I could feel Him promting me to be more specific. "Okay then, an Acura MDX with a CD player." Still I felt Him lovingly prmopting me to REALLY tell Him what me pick would be in money was no option. "Alrighty then, I want a brand new Acura MDX with a navigational system, leather seats, wood grain, sun roof, automatic everything, and the color of your choosing, it needs to last through all the kids (car seats, carpooling etc...), no car payment!" THERE! I SAID IT, LOL! It's like I could feel His smile. He was having fun messing with his daughter.
During the seminars lunch break me a lady I'd met at the seminar decided to go have lunch together. we head towars my car and when we realized neither one of us knew the area very well she decide we should take her car since it had a navigational system. Good plan. As we approched her car I literally almost started screaming and jumping up and down. She was driving a silver Acura MDX, it had a sunroof and when I got in the pasenger seat I realized this was the EXACT car I had just told the Lord I wanted. He had toally set me up! OH HOW I LOVE HIM!!
That was about 3 months ago. Today Allison and I were running late got to IHOP at the same time Rocky was pulling in. I got out the car and found myself speechless!!! Rocky drives a different car almost everyday since he owns a car dealership and today he was driving a Acura MDX with everything I had asked for! I felt like Abba was just reminding me that I was not forgotten and He knows the desire of my heart. Who could ask for a better Father? The God of the universe cares about the kind of car I want to drive. He cares about every detail of our lives and He desire to interact with us about them!
He urged me to take a drive. At first I declined and then I decided to got for it. Allison and I headed down the road and had the most amazing drive. In the CD player was a CD I had given Mary. It was Cory Asbury's set from Oct 8, 2008. Two amazing songs of the Lord came forth that were all about God's provision. It was once again a total set up!
Anna Asbury's Song of the Lord
Oh there are some of you here tonight.
You’ve been searching for a long, long time
Trying to find, trying to find the place where you belong
And nothing, ever seemed quite right, nothing ever fit you well
Oh you’ve become tired of searching.
You’ve become ready to give up, give up
I hear the Father’s voice over you tonight.
He’s saying, “This is where you belong.
Right in My presence, right in My love.
Oh, you don’t have to search any longer
Oh this is the place where you belong, this is the place where you belong
Right here, right here in My Presence, don’t you know I delight in you .
Oh how I love you. Do you know my affections toward you?
Oh it’s in this place, Oh it’s in this place.
When you’re in my presence, you will find, you will find your soul is satisfied
You don’t have to search any longer, you don’t have to go to the left or the right
here I am, oh this I where you belong
You don’t have to search any longer
You don’t have to go to the left or the right
I am, I am where you belong
So will you rest, will you rest my child
will you rest will you rest right here in My presence
This is what I have for you, this is what I destined for you
I made you, I made you for love. So put the ministry to the side,
put the job to the side
Put all things you have to do to the side
Don’t you see I’m right here in front of you and I love you
Don’t you see this is where you belong
So stop searching, stop striving, stop working for my love
Oh you don’t have to do that anymore
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you My child (10X)
This is where you belong My child this is where you belong
Right here, right here in My presence
You don’t have to try any longer
You don’t have to worry any longer
I see the desires of your heart. Oh and this is where you belong right here , right here in My presence.
right here, right here in My love
My child, my child his is where you belong
So rest, so rest, this is what He says, so rest
let me love you a little longer rest, rest, rest
So rest, rest, rest, rest under the shadow of my wings
This is where you belong
Oh, some of you, some of you hear him calling you to the house of prayer
He’s saying, “Will you watch, will you pray, will you wait in my presence
Will you minister to me day and night.
He’s calling some of you tonight
Oh to watch and wait for the coming days of his return
You feel it, you hear Him calling you, calling you, calling you
You belong in the house of prayer
This is what I made you for
You belong in the house of prayer
This is what I made you for
and I will make a way, and I will make a way ,
you don’t have to worry You don’t have to fret
Oh, I am God who opens and closes doors
And I will make a way for you
Don’t worry about the money, Don’t worry about the money
I will make a way for you
Cause this is where you belong, in the house of prayer
Matt Gilman’s Song of the Lord
There are a few of you here tonight
Feel called to stand in the house of prayer
Yes, there are a few of you here tonight, this is for you
Feel called to stand in the house of prayer
You say, “There’s no way for me.”
You say, “Its impossibility.”
You say, “There’s no way for me to come”
You say, “Its impossibility.”
But let me tell you, Beloved
Let me tell you, Beloved
I’ve got you right where I want you
Right where I want you
And have a little faith in me
I say to you, “Have a little faith in me.”
Don’t worry about finances
It’s not an issue for me no, no, no, no
Don’t you know
I own all the storehouses in heaven
And, My name is Jehovah Jireh
And I will be your provider
And I will be your provider
You say, “There isn’t a way for me.”
You’ve said over and over again
It’s an impossibility
But have a little faith in Me
Have a little faith in Me
‘Cause I’ve got you right where I want you
And I’m gonna show you My faithfulness
And I’m gonna show you My glory
‘Cause This is where I make a way
When there seems to be no way
And this is my favorite thing to do
And this is my favorite part of it all
And this is where I make a way
where there seems to be no way
Cause I own all the storehouses of heaven
And all the silver and the gold are mine
And I am faithful
I wouldn’t have given you this calling if I couldn’t fulfill it
I am faithful to you
so have a little faith in me have a little faith in me
I will tell you tonight I will release you into the house of prayer
I will release you into the house of prayer
There 1 or 2 or 3 of you here tonight
I say, I will release you -full time -into the house of prayer
And it’s gonna be a miracle
It’s gonna be a miracle
Don’t worry about the money no no no no
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
It’s gonna be a miracle
It’s gonna be a miracle
Cause my name is Jehovah Jireh
I am your provider I will remain faithful to you
I will remain faithful to you
There’s a day coming when I will release you into it house of prayer
It’s coming
It’s coming
It’s coming
Take heart beloved
It’s coming
It’s coming
So have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me
Cause I am Jehovah Jireh
and I will be your provider
Have a little faith in me (repeat 8x)
I’ll make a way where there seems to be no way
I’ll make a way (repeat 8X)
On the way to a Harp & Bowl seminar at IHOP Atlanta I felt Abba promting me again, "It's okay to be specific, Cassandra. YOur lack of detail is a reflecion of your lack of trust." WHOA! I knew He was right. I hate being dissapointed didn't want to put my true hearts desire out there for fear that I wouldn't get it. I rose to the challenge that morning. I'm in a season of life where I know kids are around the corner, I much wiser about finances and I simply wanted reliable car that would last through the car seats, the road trip and just life. There had been one car I'd been "noticing" for some time so I put it out there. "God, I want an Acura MDX." I could feel Him promting me to be more specific. "Okay then, an Acura MDX with a CD player." Still I felt Him lovingly prmopting me to REALLY tell Him what me pick would be in money was no option. "Alrighty then, I want a brand new Acura MDX with a navigational system, leather seats, wood grain, sun roof, automatic everything, and the color of your choosing, it needs to last through all the kids (car seats, carpooling etc...), no car payment!" THERE! I SAID IT, LOL! It's like I could feel His smile. He was having fun messing with his daughter.
During the seminars lunch break me a lady I'd met at the seminar decided to go have lunch together. we head towars my car and when we realized neither one of us knew the area very well she decide we should take her car since it had a navigational system. Good plan. As we approched her car I literally almost started screaming and jumping up and down. She was driving a silver Acura MDX, it had a sunroof and when I got in the pasenger seat I realized this was the EXACT car I had just told the Lord I wanted. He had toally set me up! OH HOW I LOVE HIM!!
That was about 3 months ago. Today Allison and I were running late got to IHOP at the same time Rocky was pulling in. I got out the car and found myself speechless!!! Rocky drives a different car almost everyday since he owns a car dealership and today he was driving a Acura MDX with everything I had asked for! I felt like Abba was just reminding me that I was not forgotten and He knows the desire of my heart. Who could ask for a better Father? The God of the universe cares about the kind of car I want to drive. He cares about every detail of our lives and He desire to interact with us about them!
He urged me to take a drive. At first I declined and then I decided to got for it. Allison and I headed down the road and had the most amazing drive. In the CD player was a CD I had given Mary. It was Cory Asbury's set from Oct 8, 2008. Two amazing songs of the Lord came forth that were all about God's provision. It was once again a total set up!
Anna Asbury's Song of the Lord
Oh there are some of you here tonight.
You’ve been searching for a long, long time
Trying to find, trying to find the place where you belong
And nothing, ever seemed quite right, nothing ever fit you well
Oh you’ve become tired of searching.
You’ve become ready to give up, give up
I hear the Father’s voice over you tonight.
He’s saying, “This is where you belong.
Right in My presence, right in My love.
Oh, you don’t have to search any longer
Oh this is the place where you belong, this is the place where you belong
Right here, right here in My Presence, don’t you know I delight in you .
Oh how I love you. Do you know my affections toward you?
Oh it’s in this place, Oh it’s in this place.
When you’re in my presence, you will find, you will find your soul is satisfied
You don’t have to search any longer, you don’t have to go to the left or the right
here I am, oh this I where you belong
You don’t have to search any longer
You don’t have to go to the left or the right
I am, I am where you belong
So will you rest, will you rest my child
will you rest will you rest right here in My presence
This is what I have for you, this is what I destined for you
I made you, I made you for love. So put the ministry to the side,
put the job to the side
Put all things you have to do to the side
Don’t you see I’m right here in front of you and I love you
Don’t you see this is where you belong
So stop searching, stop striving, stop working for my love
Oh you don’t have to do that anymore
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you My child (10X)
This is where you belong My child this is where you belong
Right here, right here in My presence
You don’t have to try any longer
You don’t have to worry any longer
I see the desires of your heart. Oh and this is where you belong right here , right here in My presence.
right here, right here in My love
My child, my child his is where you belong
So rest, so rest, this is what He says, so rest
let me love you a little longer rest, rest, rest
So rest, rest, rest, rest under the shadow of my wings
This is where you belong
Oh, some of you, some of you hear him calling you to the house of prayer
He’s saying, “Will you watch, will you pray, will you wait in my presence
Will you minister to me day and night.
He’s calling some of you tonight
Oh to watch and wait for the coming days of his return
You feel it, you hear Him calling you, calling you, calling you
You belong in the house of prayer
This is what I made you for
You belong in the house of prayer
This is what I made you for
and I will make a way, and I will make a way ,
you don’t have to worry You don’t have to fret
Oh, I am God who opens and closes doors
And I will make a way for you
Don’t worry about the money, Don’t worry about the money
I will make a way for you
Cause this is where you belong, in the house of prayer
Matt Gilman’s Song of the Lord
There are a few of you here tonight
Feel called to stand in the house of prayer
Yes, there are a few of you here tonight, this is for you
Feel called to stand in the house of prayer
You say, “There’s no way for me.”
You say, “Its impossibility.”
You say, “There’s no way for me to come”
You say, “Its impossibility.”
But let me tell you, Beloved
Let me tell you, Beloved
I’ve got you right where I want you
Right where I want you
And have a little faith in me
I say to you, “Have a little faith in me.”
Don’t worry about finances
It’s not an issue for me no, no, no, no
Don’t you know
I own all the storehouses in heaven
And, My name is Jehovah Jireh
And I will be your provider
And I will be your provider
You say, “There isn’t a way for me.”
You’ve said over and over again
It’s an impossibility
But have a little faith in Me
Have a little faith in Me
‘Cause I’ve got you right where I want you
And I’m gonna show you My faithfulness
And I’m gonna show you My glory
‘Cause This is where I make a way
When there seems to be no way
And this is my favorite thing to do
And this is my favorite part of it all
And this is where I make a way
where there seems to be no way
Cause I own all the storehouses of heaven
And all the silver and the gold are mine
And I am faithful
I wouldn’t have given you this calling if I couldn’t fulfill it
I am faithful to you
so have a little faith in me have a little faith in me
I will tell you tonight I will release you into the house of prayer
I will release you into the house of prayer
There 1 or 2 or 3 of you here tonight
I say, I will release you -full time -into the house of prayer
And it’s gonna be a miracle
It’s gonna be a miracle
Don’t worry about the money no no no no
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
Don’t worry
It’s gonna be a miracle
It’s gonna be a miracle
Cause my name is Jehovah Jireh
I am your provider I will remain faithful to you
I will remain faithful to you
There’s a day coming when I will release you into it house of prayer
It’s coming
It’s coming
It’s coming
Take heart beloved
It’s coming
It’s coming
So have a little faith in me
Have a little faith in me
Cause I am Jehovah Jireh
and I will be your provider
Have a little faith in me (repeat 8x)
I’ll make a way where there seems to be no way
I’ll make a way (repeat 8X)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
And the two shall become one... and then homeless ;)
Earlier this summer a unique postcard kept popping up in the mail; very distinct and very luring. The first two times it showed up in the mail I read and tossed it. The 3rd time I read it and just before tossing it I prayed, "God if you are in this, have it show up again." After the 4th or 5th time I got a clue and figured that God WAS trying to get my attention. You see the postcard was a mortgage company interested and offering to buy our house. The last time I saw it in the mail I gave it to Chris. Ahh, the benefits of being in a Godly marriage, lol. "Here honey. A big decision needs to be made...let me know hat God tells you" :) LOL. On a serious note though, by the 4th time I knew God was speaking becasue of what I prayed. Even after the situation I felt God preparing me to sell our house. Everytime I went to tell Chris what I was felling the Lord would tell me to hush. Fair enough.
Last Saturday Chris announced that he thought it was time sell our house. He had brooded over this decision for months and was convinced that I was not going to like it. When I calmly responded I already knew we were selling our house the stunned look on his face was priceless.
The very next day, Sunday, we attended IHOP Cartersville for AM service and Pastor Rocky prohesied over us, "Together, together, together you two, together...the Lord said He’s gonna begin to knit your hearts. You will begin to know the will of God and God will establish and you will hear Him (pointing at Chris) and you will hear Him (pointing at me). I’m telling you sometimes it offends me for my wife to hear God before I do. Sometimes it offends her for me to hear God before her but I’m telling you for 33 years of walking together in marriage sometimes I got to listen to her and sometime she got to listen to me. And we eat crow and say, “Who’s hearing God?” What I heard the Lord say is I’m gonna speak to you and I’m gonna speak to you and you’ll have come together and heard the same thing. My God, we need to hear! We need to hear and we need to hear with the one that’s standing beside me. Cause you will be confirmation to one another as you go into other nations. And what you don’t hear she will. What she doesn’t hear you will. And together you will be a team that steps on the serpents head and you will see God come to your earth. And I saw today the Lord is putting an umbrella over you guys and it’s like a kiss from heaven."
All I could do was smile during that word because what he was prophesying was already taking place in our lives! I used to get mad at God when I would hear Him before Chris. I had some twisted belief that the man was supposed to hear God first. Then I would get mad when I'd tell Chris what I was hearing and he wasn't convinced. God is showing me that He never said in His word the man would hear first. Also God never told me to share what was getting with Chris. He gave it to me so that I'd tuck it away in my heart for such a time as this, like this past Saturday. The husband is the head and makes the final decision but ultimately we submit to one another.
To make this story even wilder...
God has really been impressing on me to record all the prophetic words I get. Even more recently, He has been impressing on my to re-read them and review them. That has been an interesting process!! Today I came across a word that really messed me up. It was from May 30, 2008 and it said, "You are moving into another phase of understanding. You will think you have been here before but it just seems like it, because it feels the same. You have started again like you have done in the past but this time it will be different." As soon as I read this the light bulb went off and several other puzzle peices fell into place. This word reminded me of another word I got on June 6, 2008, "And the Lord says that daughter I am bringing you to a new place and even though sometimes it feels like you’re coming full circle that this is not the same place you have been in the past, even 3 years ago where you feel like you’re almost coming full circle from 3 years ago..that you’re going to see that, daughter, I am releasing you into a new thing and into a new dimension not just in worship but also for your own life personally."
WHOA!!! We bought our house 3 years ago and before that we were living in my parents basement and now we've been offered the opportunity to live in another relatives basement; hence the "full circle." Wow! God is amazing.
I shared all this with Chris tonight and he told me another peice of the puzzle which I didn't know about. Several days after I gave him the post card he threw it away when he was cleaning. About a week later he regretted tossing it becasue it kept coming to mind. So he prayed that if God was in it that He'd send another postcard. One week later another one showed up in the mail! Since this last postcard, the replacement, we haven't seen another one...that was a month ago!
LOL. He shall be lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, TRULY!
Last Saturday Chris announced that he thought it was time sell our house. He had brooded over this decision for months and was convinced that I was not going to like it. When I calmly responded I already knew we were selling our house the stunned look on his face was priceless.
The very next day, Sunday, we attended IHOP Cartersville for AM service and Pastor Rocky prohesied over us, "Together, together, together you two, together...the Lord said He’s gonna begin to knit your hearts. You will begin to know the will of God and God will establish and you will hear Him (pointing at Chris) and you will hear Him (pointing at me). I’m telling you sometimes it offends me for my wife to hear God before I do. Sometimes it offends her for me to hear God before her but I’m telling you for 33 years of walking together in marriage sometimes I got to listen to her and sometime she got to listen to me. And we eat crow and say, “Who’s hearing God?” What I heard the Lord say is I’m gonna speak to you and I’m gonna speak to you and you’ll have come together and heard the same thing. My God, we need to hear! We need to hear and we need to hear with the one that’s standing beside me. Cause you will be confirmation to one another as you go into other nations. And what you don’t hear she will. What she doesn’t hear you will. And together you will be a team that steps on the serpents head and you will see God come to your earth. And I saw today the Lord is putting an umbrella over you guys and it’s like a kiss from heaven."
All I could do was smile during that word because what he was prophesying was already taking place in our lives! I used to get mad at God when I would hear Him before Chris. I had some twisted belief that the man was supposed to hear God first. Then I would get mad when I'd tell Chris what I was hearing and he wasn't convinced. God is showing me that He never said in His word the man would hear first. Also God never told me to share what was getting with Chris. He gave it to me so that I'd tuck it away in my heart for such a time as this, like this past Saturday. The husband is the head and makes the final decision but ultimately we submit to one another.
To make this story even wilder...
God has really been impressing on me to record all the prophetic words I get. Even more recently, He has been impressing on my to re-read them and review them. That has been an interesting process!! Today I came across a word that really messed me up. It was from May 30, 2008 and it said, "You are moving into another phase of understanding. You will think you have been here before but it just seems like it, because it feels the same. You have started again like you have done in the past but this time it will be different." As soon as I read this the light bulb went off and several other puzzle peices fell into place. This word reminded me of another word I got on June 6, 2008, "And the Lord says that daughter I am bringing you to a new place and even though sometimes it feels like you’re coming full circle that this is not the same place you have been in the past, even 3 years ago where you feel like you’re almost coming full circle from 3 years ago..that you’re going to see that, daughter, I am releasing you into a new thing and into a new dimension not just in worship but also for your own life personally."
WHOA!!! We bought our house 3 years ago and before that we were living in my parents basement and now we've been offered the opportunity to live in another relatives basement; hence the "full circle." Wow! God is amazing.
I shared all this with Chris tonight and he told me another peice of the puzzle which I didn't know about. Several days after I gave him the post card he threw it away when he was cleaning. About a week later he regretted tossing it becasue it kept coming to mind. So he prayed that if God was in it that He'd send another postcard. One week later another one showed up in the mail! Since this last postcard, the replacement, we haven't seen another one...that was a month ago!
LOL. He shall be lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, TRULY!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Choices...
This was a great prophetic word that was so on-time! This word came on Monday and I already have seen it coming to pass is HUGE ways.
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 22, 2008:
Rejoice in the opportunities that I will present for you to come face to face with your attitudes and motives, says the Lord, for you will be able to deliberately choose your responses rather than react instinctively. You will be able to experience the expressed difference between walking in the Spirit and yielding to the lusts of the flesh.
I am reminded of the nursery rhyme:
There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good she was very, very good, but when she was bad she was horrid!
Your choices will take on exaggerated significance as you deal with issues that require righteousness, particularly in the areas of relationships and finances. The results of your decisions will either be spectacular or disastrous. There will be no middle ground.
If you will listen to My voice and obey My leading, says the Lord, and not harden your heart in rebellion, I will take you through the maze of every trial to gain the victory over the enemy of your soul. But, if you insist on going your own way, you will have to pay the piper; you will suffer the unpleasant consequences of your choices and actions.
In the beginning of your awareness of My Spirit, says the Lord, you lacked the maturity and understanding in the manifestation of spiritual gifts. And, as children do, you played and entertained yourself with your calling and gifting. According to 1 Corinthians 13:11 -- when you were a child, you spoke as a child, you understood as a child, you thought as a child; but you are becoming an adult spiritually, and you will put away childish things. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will no longer be play things, but will now become your tools for ministry as I lead you forth into the fullness of your calling.
For those who have trusted Me and have heard My voice, I say that I will honor your obedience and will bless and establish you in your going out and your coming in; in your rising up and your sitting down. For, I am bringing you to a higher octave in your gifting and calling that will resonate in the spirit realm with greater power and effectiveness than you could have imagined, says the Lord.
Psalms 121:8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
Number 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."
AMEN!
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 22, 2008:
Rejoice in the opportunities that I will present for you to come face to face with your attitudes and motives, says the Lord, for you will be able to deliberately choose your responses rather than react instinctively. You will be able to experience the expressed difference between walking in the Spirit and yielding to the lusts of the flesh.
I am reminded of the nursery rhyme:
There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good she was very, very good, but when she was bad she was horrid!
Your choices will take on exaggerated significance as you deal with issues that require righteousness, particularly in the areas of relationships and finances. The results of your decisions will either be spectacular or disastrous. There will be no middle ground.
If you will listen to My voice and obey My leading, says the Lord, and not harden your heart in rebellion, I will take you through the maze of every trial to gain the victory over the enemy of your soul. But, if you insist on going your own way, you will have to pay the piper; you will suffer the unpleasant consequences of your choices and actions.
In the beginning of your awareness of My Spirit, says the Lord, you lacked the maturity and understanding in the manifestation of spiritual gifts. And, as children do, you played and entertained yourself with your calling and gifting. According to 1 Corinthians 13:11 -- when you were a child, you spoke as a child, you understood as a child, you thought as a child; but you are becoming an adult spiritually, and you will put away childish things. The gifts of the Holy Spirit will no longer be play things, but will now become your tools for ministry as I lead you forth into the fullness of your calling.
For those who have trusted Me and have heard My voice, I say that I will honor your obedience and will bless and establish you in your going out and your coming in; in your rising up and your sitting down. For, I am bringing you to a higher octave in your gifting and calling that will resonate in the spirit realm with greater power and effectiveness than you could have imagined, says the Lord.
Psalms 121:8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.
Number 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."
AMEN!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Dreams and Lessons
Last night I dreamt that I was running around/setting up at work somewhere or volunteering at a event. I was walking around with a lady with a thick accent. Almost like she would be from Yugoslavia or Russia. All day she kept talking about a pain in her right side. On our way back to our post we were walking past a huge receptionist desk, like one you would see at a hospital, a huge curved desk/counter. We were halfway past the desk when she stopped dead in her tracks grabbing her side. She was in so much pain she couldn't even speak. I yelled for one of the receptionists behind the desk to call 911. The receptionist hesitated, glanced at me almost suspiciously, and I told her again to call 911. The second time she actually picked up the phone. My attention went back to the lady in pain who was now saying, “Today is not today.” I got the impression she was trying to say today was not a good day for this to be happening since we had so many thing to tend to. However, in her broken English and heavy accent it came out, “Today is not today.” –end of dream
For some reason that sentence REALLY stuck with me even after I woke up. I knew it was significant! As I was ironing my clothes I realized I had picked out a red top with stars and stripes all over. It's the kind of shirt I might wear on the 4th of July or Memorial Day. I thought how appropriate it was that I was wearing it on 9/11! Then it hit me, today is 9/11 … "Today is not today" spoken by a lady with a Russian accent. I really feel it has something to do with the September 11 attacks or future attacks. Lord please bring wisdom and understanding.
Lesson from the Lord: I was running around this morning looking for a particular head band. When I couldn't find it I spotted another one and I grabbed it to use it instead. As I headed to the bathroom to put it on I looked on the floor near my night stand and saw the one I was originally looking for! However it wasn’t an “Oh there it is moment!” I felt like the Lord was REALLY highlighting this moment. Like He was speaking, “Don’t settle for second best. Push until you find what you are looking for.” Pretty cool. I love little life lessons from the Lord.
For some reason that sentence REALLY stuck with me even after I woke up. I knew it was significant! As I was ironing my clothes I realized I had picked out a red top with stars and stripes all over. It's the kind of shirt I might wear on the 4th of July or Memorial Day. I thought how appropriate it was that I was wearing it on 9/11! Then it hit me, today is 9/11 … "Today is not today" spoken by a lady with a Russian accent. I really feel it has something to do with the September 11 attacks or future attacks. Lord please bring wisdom and understanding.
Lesson from the Lord: I was running around this morning looking for a particular head band. When I couldn't find it I spotted another one and I grabbed it to use it instead. As I headed to the bathroom to put it on I looked on the floor near my night stand and saw the one I was originally looking for! However it wasn’t an “Oh there it is moment!” I felt like the Lord was REALLY highlighting this moment. Like He was speaking, “Don’t settle for second best. Push until you find what you are looking for.” Pretty cool. I love little life lessons from the Lord.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Freedom!!!!!
Oh what freedom I have in Christ, my Bridegroom! All the lies are crumbling away, lol!! :) In its place is JOY overflowing and abundant love for my Savior. My situation in life hasn't changed much but my perspective and mindset is now so far above what is happening around me. I am finally walking out the truth that my mood doesn't have to be determined by my circumstances. YAY!
The lyrics to How He loves Us keep coming back to me.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
I received such amazing inner healing this week already. It's crazy how you think you're free until Jesus takes you to a higher level of freedom in Him. You move forward, look back with your mouth open thinking, "Wow. This is alot different, alot better. What in the world was I doing back there!?"
I'm falling more and more in love with Jesus everyday! That fact alone over shadows everything else going on around me. I am wanted. I am loved. I am valuable. I am special and better yet...I AM ENGAGED!!!
The lyrics to How He loves Us keep coming back to me.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
I received such amazing inner healing this week already. It's crazy how you think you're free until Jesus takes you to a higher level of freedom in Him. You move forward, look back with your mouth open thinking, "Wow. This is alot different, alot better. What in the world was I doing back there!?"
I'm falling more and more in love with Jesus everyday! That fact alone over shadows everything else going on around me. I am wanted. I am loved. I am valuable. I am special and better yet...I AM ENGAGED!!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Not going back! I'm moving ahead..
I was singing the above mentioned song by Free Chapel just now. In the midst of singing I felt the Lord say, "Well no you haven't; not really" which really caught me off guard. As I pondered what He was referring to, He reminded me of what I was presently working on, a project I had partnered with someone on. We felt like God called us into this partnership, we prayed, we prepared, I even expressed some apprehension about not wanting the load to completely fall on me as I had enough on my plate. I mean we really evaluated this thing from every angle. Well I should speak for myself; I know I did. When we launched the project, I shot out of the starting blocks and it took a few months before I realized I was the only one running. I looked back and tried to encourage my partner to get moving. I tried to revisit our pre-stated commitments once they were established, that didn't work. Today I was pondering handling all my own responsibilities as well as those that were supposed to be handled by them, a partner who promised to alleviate some of my work load. Once again, in this IHOP internship, we are all (my fellow interns and I are) finding that Abba is whittling away at our flesh.
Every now and then I'd find myself getting mildly irritated that I'm carrying the ALL of the load. The bible speaks about partnerships and my favorite verse concerning this concept is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Every person goes into a partnership with this mindset. If I stumble, fall or need help, someone has got my back or is encouraging me to push forward. Again, I was singing these lyrics:
I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead
I’m here to declare to you my past is over
In you all things are made new
Surrender my life to Christ
Moving, moving forward
I felt the Lord was saying, in correcting me, that if I was truly moving forward I wouldn't be looking back. Regardless of what any partner promises one cannot move forward while looking backwards and maintain success. We've all heard the saying about driving while looking in the rear-view mirror. That's what I've been doing. Put disappointment aside, entitlement aside, and fairness aside. At the end of the day the Lord is my Defender and I just need to focus on the last thing He told me concerning this project. He told me to do it and He said He would bless it. Although the “do it” part is harder that I projected due to the lack of man power and communication, my instructions from God still have not changed.
There was such peace in that for me, today. And the rest of the song further propels me to where I need to go:
You make all things new
Yes, You make all things new
You make all things new
And I will follow you forward
Keep me focused on what is before me, Lord. After all, You fill every void in our lives. What better partner to have on ANY project than Abba Himself!
(Side Note: And right after I wrote this I read the word for the day which is so fitting!!!
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 1, 2008:
Beloved, you must exercise your will to push through your circumstances and gain the victory. You cannot move through this time of challenges and tests as long as you allow self-pity and fear to paralyze you. Recognize that this is an attack from the devil to keep you from enjoying My provision and blessings. Shake yourself awake and rise up in faith to believe My word and will for all of My people, and let that be your foundation for success, says the Lord.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.)
Every now and then I'd find myself getting mildly irritated that I'm carrying the ALL of the load. The bible speaks about partnerships and my favorite verse concerning this concept is Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Every person goes into a partnership with this mindset. If I stumble, fall or need help, someone has got my back or is encouraging me to push forward. Again, I was singing these lyrics:
I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead
I’m here to declare to you my past is over
In you all things are made new
Surrender my life to Christ
Moving, moving forward
I felt the Lord was saying, in correcting me, that if I was truly moving forward I wouldn't be looking back. Regardless of what any partner promises one cannot move forward while looking backwards and maintain success. We've all heard the saying about driving while looking in the rear-view mirror. That's what I've been doing. Put disappointment aside, entitlement aside, and fairness aside. At the end of the day the Lord is my Defender and I just need to focus on the last thing He told me concerning this project. He told me to do it and He said He would bless it. Although the “do it” part is harder that I projected due to the lack of man power and communication, my instructions from God still have not changed.
There was such peace in that for me, today. And the rest of the song further propels me to where I need to go:
You make all things new
Yes, You make all things new
You make all things new
And I will follow you forward
Keep me focused on what is before me, Lord. After all, You fill every void in our lives. What better partner to have on ANY project than Abba Himself!
(Side Note: And right after I wrote this I read the word for the day which is so fitting!!!
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- September 1, 2008:
Beloved, you must exercise your will to push through your circumstances and gain the victory. You cannot move through this time of challenges and tests as long as you allow self-pity and fear to paralyze you. Recognize that this is an attack from the devil to keep you from enjoying My provision and blessings. Shake yourself awake and rise up in faith to believe My word and will for all of My people, and let that be your foundation for success, says the Lord.
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
And the purging ensues...
Since the beginning of this internship, I've experienced the burning of my hair in the natural (see "I'm a burning bush" blog) and in the spirit realm, my flesh has been burning up!!! Wow. One of my fellow interns said it best. She said she thought that she had given her all to Christ until this internship. Now He is exposing all the ugliness of our flesh that is deep seated and deep rooted. The flare ups of irritation, and annoyance that have come almost out of the blue are shocking! And although most of it has been in my mind...UGH!
This week I contracted a horrible cold that has been going around. I got a double portion as my husband was just getting over his and one of my fellow interns (who I spend the most time with) got it a few days before me. I refused to allow it to run it's full 7 day course so as soon as I felt it coming on I began taking shots of Cod Liver Oil. Praise God it only lasted 48 hours for me but I felt like death those 48 hours! I'm only 7 days into this 3 month internship and I've already been blown away by what the Lord is revealing to me concerning the call on my life. Not sure whether to put on my running shoes or just throw myself on His Sacificial Alter. I know, I know...
The sacrificial alter it is, because....better in one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house. Better in one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere.
This week I contracted a horrible cold that has been going around. I got a double portion as my husband was just getting over his and one of my fellow interns (who I spend the most time with) got it a few days before me. I refused to allow it to run it's full 7 day course so as soon as I felt it coming on I began taking shots of Cod Liver Oil. Praise God it only lasted 48 hours for me but I felt like death those 48 hours! I'm only 7 days into this 3 month internship and I've already been blown away by what the Lord is revealing to me concerning the call on my life. Not sure whether to put on my running shoes or just throw myself on His Sacificial Alter. I know, I know...
The sacrificial alter it is, because....better in one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house. Better in one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Unable to charge?
For the last few months I have had the dardest issue with my cell phone. I'm sure many of my friends, e3 partners, mentees, and business partners can attest to this. Just in the past few months alone I've gone through about 5 phone chargers, 2 car chargers, dropped my phone in the toilet (not fun), and had cell phone malfunctions where the screen would get "snowy" like a TV with no cable. But, of all the issues, the one that has been most reoccurring has been the message on my screen that says, "Unable to charge."
I don't know how many times I've been fussed out by friends/mentees that haven't been able to reach me and my response to them would be "my phone died." I actually got tired of hearing myself say it. Even as I type this, I am without a charger since I left it on my Tres Dias weekend and am currently in the process of tracking it down. SHEESH! Praise God for the flea market on 41 that sells car chargers for $5 and outlet chargers for $8! My phone has definitely been "under attack", lol.
The Lord gives me a lot of songs/melodies in the wee hours of the morning - in between sleep and fully being awake. So when I wake up, in an effort to not forget, I usually use the voice recording feature on my phone to get them recorded. It has worked like a charm. When I find time, I transpose them onto sheet music and file them until I figure out what I'm supposed to do with them. So when all these phone issues hit I started to get concerned because I absolutely cannot lose the dozens of songs on my phone!
Over the years I've noticed that my phone doesn't keep its charge for long. I can fully charge it but within a few hours it would be beeping at me out of juice! This was a phone that used to be able to hold its charge for days! Now the most bizarre of all the issues was when I'd get the "unable to charge" message. How was it possible that I'd plug my phone in and it would give me that message...?
Well today I felt like the Lord really spoke to me through this issue. I felt Him saying I'm in a time of transition. The things that used to sustain me and carry for a while are no longer going to be as effective. I'm moving into a deeper level that requires more juice. It will simply use up the "charge" more quickly. I can try to plug in to Him every now and then however; I'd be back quickly for more energy for another "charging" session, if you will.
Right now b/c I've lost my latest charger, I'm using my husband’s MP3 charger for my phone. The only catch with it is I can only use my phone while it's plugged in. The second the plug disconnects from the outlet or the phone from the charger my phone shuts down. IS THAT A WORD FROM GOD OR WHAT! He is saying to me - so it is with our relationship. In this new season, isolated charging is not going to be sufficient. So many believers only think about Christ when they attend Sunday service or Wednesday service. Some of the more mature believers only think about Him during church service and during their quiet times. I believe Abba wants to move us all into a place where we are constantly plugged in and constantly aware of His Presence and promptings.
That's a tall order that will only be successful as we pray for grace to be so in tune. Abba loves us so much. He desires for us to be aware of Him ALL DAY LONG, not like that rolled up charger in the corner that you only pull out when you need it.
On another note, I was thinking that when your phone is charging you have limited access with it. If it's plugged into the Living Room outlet you can't walk and talk in the kitchen while your phone is charging. But that's just the protection of Abba isn't? If we would stay plugged into Him at all times we probably wouldn't wind up in places we shouldn't be. He is the outlet, the Source, He'll move when He's ready to. Our job is to simply sit and rest and His feet then follow wherever He leads.
You can only lose track of your charger if you aren't plugged into it. If your phone is plugged into the charger then you always know where your charger is. Since the phone represents your life just think about it. Do you lack direction? Wonder what your purpose is? Confused about the next step? Or do you lack peace? Well then I'd ask where is your "Charger" today? Is it in the Sunday corner? Or was the last time you saw it this morning during your quiet time or last night during your quiet time?
God is so funny! Just now as I was wrapping up He reminded me of the Glade commercial jingle. So that is what I will end this post with today. I encourage us all to, "Plug it in, plug it in..."
I don't know how many times I've been fussed out by friends/mentees that haven't been able to reach me and my response to them would be "my phone died." I actually got tired of hearing myself say it. Even as I type this, I am without a charger since I left it on my Tres Dias weekend and am currently in the process of tracking it down. SHEESH! Praise God for the flea market on 41 that sells car chargers for $5 and outlet chargers for $8! My phone has definitely been "under attack", lol.
The Lord gives me a lot of songs/melodies in the wee hours of the morning - in between sleep and fully being awake. So when I wake up, in an effort to not forget, I usually use the voice recording feature on my phone to get them recorded. It has worked like a charm. When I find time, I transpose them onto sheet music and file them until I figure out what I'm supposed to do with them. So when all these phone issues hit I started to get concerned because I absolutely cannot lose the dozens of songs on my phone!
Over the years I've noticed that my phone doesn't keep its charge for long. I can fully charge it but within a few hours it would be beeping at me out of juice! This was a phone that used to be able to hold its charge for days! Now the most bizarre of all the issues was when I'd get the "unable to charge" message. How was it possible that I'd plug my phone in and it would give me that message...?
Well today I felt like the Lord really spoke to me through this issue. I felt Him saying I'm in a time of transition. The things that used to sustain me and carry for a while are no longer going to be as effective. I'm moving into a deeper level that requires more juice. It will simply use up the "charge" more quickly. I can try to plug in to Him every now and then however; I'd be back quickly for more energy for another "charging" session, if you will.
Right now b/c I've lost my latest charger, I'm using my husband’s MP3 charger for my phone. The only catch with it is I can only use my phone while it's plugged in. The second the plug disconnects from the outlet or the phone from the charger my phone shuts down. IS THAT A WORD FROM GOD OR WHAT! He is saying to me - so it is with our relationship. In this new season, isolated charging is not going to be sufficient. So many believers only think about Christ when they attend Sunday service or Wednesday service. Some of the more mature believers only think about Him during church service and during their quiet times. I believe Abba wants to move us all into a place where we are constantly plugged in and constantly aware of His Presence and promptings.
That's a tall order that will only be successful as we pray for grace to be so in tune. Abba loves us so much. He desires for us to be aware of Him ALL DAY LONG, not like that rolled up charger in the corner that you only pull out when you need it.
On another note, I was thinking that when your phone is charging you have limited access with it. If it's plugged into the Living Room outlet you can't walk and talk in the kitchen while your phone is charging. But that's just the protection of Abba isn't? If we would stay plugged into Him at all times we probably wouldn't wind up in places we shouldn't be. He is the outlet, the Source, He'll move when He's ready to. Our job is to simply sit and rest and His feet then follow wherever He leads.
You can only lose track of your charger if you aren't plugged into it. If your phone is plugged into the charger then you always know where your charger is. Since the phone represents your life just think about it. Do you lack direction? Wonder what your purpose is? Confused about the next step? Or do you lack peace? Well then I'd ask where is your "Charger" today? Is it in the Sunday corner? Or was the last time you saw it this morning during your quiet time or last night during your quiet time?
God is so funny! Just now as I was wrapping up He reminded me of the Glade commercial jingle. So that is what I will end this post with today. I encourage us all to, "Plug it in, plug it in..."
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Revelations
This has certainly been a season of reconnection for me. Finding long lost high school friends, running into folks I haven't seen in years, my best friend moving to GA after 10 years of living in separate states. Tangent - It all hasn't been fun and games though. I'm finding people are struggling, hurting, weary from battle (mental, relationships, spiritual, etc...)
I recently reconnected with an old roommate of mine on Facebook. One day I felt impressed to message her. I'd chatted with her before but this time the Lord was really impressing on me to really talk to her and find out what was going on in her life; bypass the superficial. I sent her my two sentence message and received in return an entire page of what was happening in her life! She desperately needed someone to talk to! What was most surprising was at the end of her long letter she said, "Maybe you have a prophetic word for me?" First of all I had no idea she believed prophetic words let alone knew they what they were b/c of the ignorant religious mindset we had been brought up in, lol. I was sad to disappoint her by telling her no. Then I decided to get bold and exercise my faith. I asked the Lord to give me a word for her.
Long story short, He did and I passed it on and that "word" was the confirmation she was waiting on to completely change directions with her career and catapult her into a deeper walk with God. Talk about being humbled. I almost never emailed her b/c I didn't realize the initial thought was God's prompting me.
Since then, we have committed to be prayer partners believing God for similar breakthroughs and direction. Yesterday while at IHOP I spoke with her over the phone and there was desperation in her voice for direction; the next step she should take. I told her we would press all day for answers. I went in to prayer and the Holy Spirit took me to Psalm 28:2,
"Here my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as lift my hands towards you most Holy Place!"
Wow! With head bowed I started praying that scripture over the both of us. I'm not sure how long it was but when I lifted my head my bible was not longer at Psalm 28:2 but on a completely different page! This time the Lord zoomed me into Psalm 32:8,
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you."
He is so faithful! He honors prayers in numbers. When His children cry out together and in unity I believe He accelerates answers and blessings. Do you have a prayer partner? Get one! Or maybe even two! :)
I recently reconnected with an old roommate of mine on Facebook. One day I felt impressed to message her. I'd chatted with her before but this time the Lord was really impressing on me to really talk to her and find out what was going on in her life; bypass the superficial. I sent her my two sentence message and received in return an entire page of what was happening in her life! She desperately needed someone to talk to! What was most surprising was at the end of her long letter she said, "Maybe you have a prophetic word for me?" First of all I had no idea she believed prophetic words let alone knew they what they were b/c of the ignorant religious mindset we had been brought up in, lol. I was sad to disappoint her by telling her no. Then I decided to get bold and exercise my faith. I asked the Lord to give me a word for her.
Long story short, He did and I passed it on and that "word" was the confirmation she was waiting on to completely change directions with her career and catapult her into a deeper walk with God. Talk about being humbled. I almost never emailed her b/c I didn't realize the initial thought was God's prompting me.
Since then, we have committed to be prayer partners believing God for similar breakthroughs and direction. Yesterday while at IHOP I spoke with her over the phone and there was desperation in her voice for direction; the next step she should take. I told her we would press all day for answers. I went in to prayer and the Holy Spirit took me to Psalm 28:2,
"Here my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as lift my hands towards you most Holy Place!"
Wow! With head bowed I started praying that scripture over the both of us. I'm not sure how long it was but when I lifted my head my bible was not longer at Psalm 28:2 but on a completely different page! This time the Lord zoomed me into Psalm 32:8,
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you."
He is so faithful! He honors prayers in numbers. When His children cry out together and in unity I believe He accelerates answers and blessings. Do you have a prayer partner? Get one! Or maybe even two! :)
I'm a burning bush!
Last weekend I had the amazing pleasure of serving at the Womens Tres Dias of North GA #107. I thought going through the weekend myself in January was life-changing! Well serving on one was even more of a blessing!
One evening, in a daze, after a busy day a group of us were asked to join our leader and all the other women in the chapel. Our leader had something important she wanted all of us to hear. The room was packed and as we were the last group to arrive we lined the back wall. Some stood, some sat on the floor including myself. I shifted on the floor to get more comfy and in the process caught the eye of the worship leader to my right. She had the most peculiar look on her face! A look of utter shock mixed with speechlessness and horror! I looked to my left to catch a glimpse of what she was looking at! In a instant I had about 4 ladies swatting at me or more accurately, my hair. Since my hair was styled in a poofy Afro pulled away from my face, I had somehow leaned a little too close to a lit votive candle that was on the window sill. It didn't truly hit me until the stench of burning hair hit the entire room. After my hair and the candle was put out I slumped back down onto the floor(sorry for ruining the ambiance ladies.) When I closed my eyes I saw the numbers 3 and 18. I made a mental note to look into that. By then all the commotion had interrupted our leader's talk and everyone was looking at me asking if I was okay. I was so tired, I don't think what happened truly sunk in, lol. When our leader asked what was going on, the worship leader said, "Just the devil's butt!" Did I just get called a devil's butt? LOL. The whole moment was surreal. Our group, being the last in, was also the first out to allow us to get back to what we were doing.
One major lesson the Lord has really impressing on me lately is that everything has a purpose. Immediately following this rescue drama everyone kept asking me if I was okay. In my tired, dry humor I just kept saying, "Yeah. I was just on fire, that's all." All kinds of jokes and laughter ensued because now everyone knew I was okay. It was funny for about an hour and then I started to get a little somber. I began hearing the worship leader's comment over and over in my head, "Oh just the devils butt." I know she wasn't insulting me or putting me down. It was just a commentary on the enemy's scheme to distract us during such an important talk. Still...I was deeply troubled. I cried out to Abba. "Why would You allow that to happen? Why did You allow the enemy to use me that way? You're teaching me there's a purpose in everything so what was the purpose of THAT!!!" I kept pondering as I washed up and got ready for bed. As I laid in bed my Faithful Father spoke, "Burning Bush." I started laughing to myself at our private joke. I was a burning bush!! God is so funny. Still I pressed deeper for meaning and He immediately reminded me of the numbers He showed me- 3 and 18. I made a mental note to look up some bible references in the morning, but God had other plans. I tossed and turned for 20 minutes and couldn't fall asleep and knew He wanted me to look it up NOW. Since my roomies were asleep I did't want to disturb them, and I remembered there was a bible on the table in the hallway. I made a beeline for it.
Out to the hall my buddy was sitting there with a bag of Doritos, lol! She was hungry but didn't want to keep anyone up with all the crunching as it was well after midnight. TC is hilarious! I grabbed the bible, we shared Doritos, and I shared with her all God was showing me. Together we tried to solve the mystery. I must have flipped to 5 or 6 six different 3:18 verses..nothing clicked. Finally TC says, "Well..what book of the bible is the burning bush in?" AH-HA Exodus!! See, you don't have to be smart...just surround yourself with smart people :) I quickly flipped there and read. My mouth just dropped open:
"The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God.' - Exodus 3:18
Whoa! Here I was on a three day retreat that's all about drawing nearer to Christ and experiencing Him personally. We too were separating ourselves by taking a 3 day journey, removing ourselves from the enemy and life's distractions (going out into the desert so to speak.) We're all were making sacrifices to the Lord through worship and purging ourselves of whatever He revealed to us! Oh, by the way, keep in mind that the theme verse for the weekend was Isaiah 43:18-19 which reads:
Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.
I continued to read past Exodus 3:18 to the end of the chapter...
18 "The elders of Israel will listen to you. Then you and the elders are to go to the king of Egypt and say to him, 'The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Let us take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God.' 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.
21 "And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians."
Wow! We were in the "desert" now on a 3 day journey, indeed. Our sole purpose was to meet with the Lord and offer Him our sacrifices as well as ALL our burdens. In the passage, Israel is called to confront the Egyptian leaders (Egypt usually symbolizes sin or bondage.) The ladies as well as those serving were called to confront all the bondage's and sin, leave it behind so we could go meet with the Lord. I began thinking about what all these women, wives, mothers, and working women had to battle just to get there that weekend.
19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.
Here's the cool part. In these verses God called the enemy to bless His people! It was a God retreat for the Israelites, but the enemy was footing the bill! LOOK!
21 "And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians."
As TC and I sat there reading we just stared at each other mouths open (Dorito-free praise God, lol). How good is my God? He used me as a sign to confirm that we were all supposed to be there, that we were in the center of His will.
I'm reminded of a couple that God placed in my path after losing contact with one another for years. We reconnected a few months ago. My friend said that God told her to call me for advice/prayer over some issues in her life and towards the end of the conversation she said, "I know this sounds weird but I really feel like I need to go on a retreat. Do you know of any retreats coming up!?" LOL. I had just completed my own Tres Dias weekend in January and I was all too excited to sponsor her and her hubby. Well, the seed was planted but the enemy was quick to choke it out with distractions/oppression and lies. Unfortunately they never made it to their weekend.
19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go.
I'm learning that the Lord sets it all up for us. He opens the doors if we'll just walk through them. He's still establishing "burning bushes" in our individual lives all the time if we'll just be vigilant and sober enough to recognize them; if we simply keep our eyes openly expecting them. If we simply press in to Him. If we simply use discernment and not believe the lies of the enemy. God desires an extremely intimate relationship with all of us. He's not far away, He's not pointing a finger, He's actually speaking to us all today and every day. Are we listening? That prompting to call someone? Not a coincidence. DO IT! It could mean life or death. That prompting to read a scripture. DO IT! It may change the entire course of your life!
This past weekend I walked away with many new nicknames:
Hunka hunka burning love
Michael Jackson (Remember that Pepsi commercial, lol)
But my favorite is the one that the Lord gave me - Burning Bush. I want to be a burning bush. A sign and wonder for my generation, a light that may help someone to the next place God has for them or simply draw them one step closer to God.
Are you a burning bush? Want to be one? The Lord invites us all to "come away" with Him. It may not be a three day journey but how about starting with a 20 minute quiet time today if you've never done that before...
He is so Lovely...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Me!?! An intern?
“I believe there are people in this room that are going to be a part of this internship and they don't even know it yet.”
That phrase spoken at IHOP Cartersville on July 19th by Pastor Rocky not only rocked my world but also began the fulfillment of MANY prophetic words spoken over me in 2008 alone. I was there that night b/c I was asked to help lead worship/join an intercessory set from 8-10pm. The Spirit was moving and Rocky called us all to our knees to pray and cry out, and a prophetic spirit swept over the room. At one point Pastor Rocky asked all the people considering the fall internship to stand so we could all pray over them. About 4 stood up. And that’s when he spoke the one sentence that changed the course of my life. I KNEW the Lord was talking to me but I could not wrap my brain around all that it encompassed. After all I'm 28! No one does an internship at 28 years old. IT'S UNHEARD OF! Objection #2: I'm married. Who ever heard of a married intern!? I quickly tried to stomp out the madness that was trying to overtake my mind. But God wouldn't let me be; I was working myself into a frenzy trying to argue with God. I needed to talk to someone PRONTO! God sent Connie to me and within 5 minutes she squashed all my objections. By the end of the conversation I knew I was going to be applying to be an IHOP Cartersville intern. The deadline was in 2 weeks and God made it abundantly clear this was His will.
My first order of business was to get Chris' blessing/confirmation. Knowing my husband, who is a processor and analyzer, he would need more than two weeks to figure this out. So I told him there was a big decision I need him to prayer over. I asked him to seek God for the next two weeks and I needed a "yes" or "no" by August 1st since the application deadline was August 3rd. I gave him no details and just asked him to pray. That way, he wouldn't get bogged down with the hows and whys but just seek God's Face and Will.
While Chris prayed the Lord took me on a journey of my own a journey of confirmation and revelation. He brought me to a few prophetic words I received just the month before, June. Now I received every single one of these prophetic words before I ever knew IHOP Cartersville even existed!
June 1, 2008
“I just felt over you that you have a grace before the Lord to open up the gates with praise. I just felt like the Lord was speaking over you that you have grace to open up gates. And it’s out of the overflow of your praise to Him that will begin to shift things in the heavens. And, also I felt that you have boldness in the Lord, confidence in Him. You know Him, He knows you. Heaven knows your name and you can step out in faith... there’s a passage in Micah that talks about the breaker, the Lord being the breaker. And there’s a breaker anointing on you. It’s out of your voice, out of the overflow of your heart speaking truth of who He is and declarations in the midst of circumstances or in the midst of, you know, family situations… out of that place of praise it begins to shift the atmosphere and lives of people...you have such a grace to shift with your voice.”
“…He’s saying that your voice is sweet. That’s in the Song of Solomon. That your voice is sweet and I feel like He’s gonna move things on behalf of your voice. That when you sing, there’s great authority in your voice and in your singing. I don’t really know if you have the gift of singing, if you’re good at it or not. But when you sing He’s gonna move things on behalf of your voice.”
June 4, 2008
“I see you being in a school, actually. And God says He’s gonna take you to get more training also, but God says it’s not gonna be the usual thing. He says that He's gonna take you to places to get training that is necessary but it’ll be a quick thing. It will be something that will be accelerated. It will be a fast track thing… God says that He’s gonna connect you with people that you need to be connected with in order for you to see the fulfillment of those things. And God says this is that time of impartation for you.”
June 6, 2008
“… there is a mantle of deliverance upon your life that you’re going to begin to even lead worship and you’re gonna lead even a mighty warrior anointing…
And you’re gonna begin to even see that there’s going to be a tapping in of even the equipping and training to be a watchman/intercessor and one that begins to even intertwine that with worship. And I just keep hearing, “Decrees through song” that is gonna begin to even set free the many generations and even the land that’s been crying out because you have been placed geographically in a place and in a region that has even … experienced much injustice and much things that have held back the land from even prospering and going forth and that’s why you’re seeing some of the real estate areas not pushing and thriving like they should be. It’s because of the bondage that’s attached to the land. And even businesses that constantly fail, businesses that don’t seem to go forth.
"Daughter, know that I’m going to be One that causes you to be one who decrees and declares over the land a breakthrough and a coming forth of mighty winds of change within the place that you’re at. Daughter, just like I said to Esther, if you don’t step out then I’m gonna cause another one to rise up!” - end of prophetic words.
I should also mention that every one of these prophetic words spoken over me were given by men/women who had just met me 10 seconds prior to their delivery.
When the Lord got through reminding me what He had already spoken over me I was speechless!! If there was any more doubt in my mind it was completely squashed. Friday morning, August 1st, Chris looks at me and says, "If you are praying about the IHOP internship, then the Lord says 'Proceed.' If you’re not praying about the IHOP internship...then I don’t know what to tell you." I was completely floored and peace just flowed over me. How in the WORLD did he know!? Getting the confirmation from my husband and the blessing from my Husband just filled my heart with joy, excitement, and anticipation..... And on August 19th I started an Intro to IHOP internship at IHOP Cartersville!
I'm still learning not to put God in a box. I cannot even come close to explaining how excited I am about the next 3 months of my life. Chris and I are so very excited to watch the abundant blessings unfold.
That phrase spoken at IHOP Cartersville on July 19th by Pastor Rocky not only rocked my world but also began the fulfillment of MANY prophetic words spoken over me in 2008 alone. I was there that night b/c I was asked to help lead worship/join an intercessory set from 8-10pm. The Spirit was moving and Rocky called us all to our knees to pray and cry out, and a prophetic spirit swept over the room. At one point Pastor Rocky asked all the people considering the fall internship to stand so we could all pray over them. About 4 stood up. And that’s when he spoke the one sentence that changed the course of my life. I KNEW the Lord was talking to me but I could not wrap my brain around all that it encompassed. After all I'm 28! No one does an internship at 28 years old. IT'S UNHEARD OF! Objection #2: I'm married. Who ever heard of a married intern!? I quickly tried to stomp out the madness that was trying to overtake my mind. But God wouldn't let me be; I was working myself into a frenzy trying to argue with God. I needed to talk to someone PRONTO! God sent Connie to me and within 5 minutes she squashed all my objections. By the end of the conversation I knew I was going to be applying to be an IHOP Cartersville intern. The deadline was in 2 weeks and God made it abundantly clear this was His will.
My first order of business was to get Chris' blessing/confirmation. Knowing my husband, who is a processor and analyzer, he would need more than two weeks to figure this out. So I told him there was a big decision I need him to prayer over. I asked him to seek God for the next two weeks and I needed a "yes" or "no" by August 1st since the application deadline was August 3rd. I gave him no details and just asked him to pray. That way, he wouldn't get bogged down with the hows and whys but just seek God's Face and Will.
While Chris prayed the Lord took me on a journey of my own a journey of confirmation and revelation. He brought me to a few prophetic words I received just the month before, June. Now I received every single one of these prophetic words before I ever knew IHOP Cartersville even existed!
June 1, 2008
“I just felt over you that you have a grace before the Lord to open up the gates with praise. I just felt like the Lord was speaking over you that you have grace to open up gates. And it’s out of the overflow of your praise to Him that will begin to shift things in the heavens. And, also I felt that you have boldness in the Lord, confidence in Him. You know Him, He knows you. Heaven knows your name and you can step out in faith... there’s a passage in Micah that talks about the breaker, the Lord being the breaker. And there’s a breaker anointing on you. It’s out of your voice, out of the overflow of your heart speaking truth of who He is and declarations in the midst of circumstances or in the midst of, you know, family situations… out of that place of praise it begins to shift the atmosphere and lives of people...you have such a grace to shift with your voice.”
“…He’s saying that your voice is sweet. That’s in the Song of Solomon. That your voice is sweet and I feel like He’s gonna move things on behalf of your voice. That when you sing, there’s great authority in your voice and in your singing. I don’t really know if you have the gift of singing, if you’re good at it or not. But when you sing He’s gonna move things on behalf of your voice.”
June 4, 2008
“I see you being in a school, actually. And God says He’s gonna take you to get more training also, but God says it’s not gonna be the usual thing. He says that He's gonna take you to places to get training that is necessary but it’ll be a quick thing. It will be something that will be accelerated. It will be a fast track thing… God says that He’s gonna connect you with people that you need to be connected with in order for you to see the fulfillment of those things. And God says this is that time of impartation for you.”
June 6, 2008
“… there is a mantle of deliverance upon your life that you’re going to begin to even lead worship and you’re gonna lead even a mighty warrior anointing…
And you’re gonna begin to even see that there’s going to be a tapping in of even the equipping and training to be a watchman/intercessor and one that begins to even intertwine that with worship. And I just keep hearing, “Decrees through song” that is gonna begin to even set free the many generations and even the land that’s been crying out because you have been placed geographically in a place and in a region that has even … experienced much injustice and much things that have held back the land from even prospering and going forth and that’s why you’re seeing some of the real estate areas not pushing and thriving like they should be. It’s because of the bondage that’s attached to the land. And even businesses that constantly fail, businesses that don’t seem to go forth.
"Daughter, know that I’m going to be One that causes you to be one who decrees and declares over the land a breakthrough and a coming forth of mighty winds of change within the place that you’re at. Daughter, just like I said to Esther, if you don’t step out then I’m gonna cause another one to rise up!” - end of prophetic words.
I should also mention that every one of these prophetic words spoken over me were given by men/women who had just met me 10 seconds prior to their delivery.
When the Lord got through reminding me what He had already spoken over me I was speechless!! If there was any more doubt in my mind it was completely squashed. Friday morning, August 1st, Chris looks at me and says, "If you are praying about the IHOP internship, then the Lord says 'Proceed.' If you’re not praying about the IHOP internship...then I don’t know what to tell you." I was completely floored and peace just flowed over me. How in the WORLD did he know!? Getting the confirmation from my husband and the blessing from my Husband just filled my heart with joy, excitement, and anticipation..... And on August 19th I started an Intro to IHOP internship at IHOP Cartersville!
I'm still learning not to put God in a box. I cannot even come close to explaining how excited I am about the next 3 months of my life. Chris and I are so very excited to watch the abundant blessings unfold.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
New discoveries
Just when you think you know what He's doing, He seemingly changes directions.
The last few month have been very adventurous for me. I am discovering God in newer ways and at a deeper level than I even knew was possible for me! He is so good and desires an intimate relationship with us all.
One of the greatest things I've discovered in the last few months has been IHOP. No, not the pancakes, but the International House of Prayer. It's a prayer movement that is bringing the Church where it needs to be; and that is on our knees. Initially it sounds boring but I encourage everyone to find out if there is an IHOP near their city and GO.
In Georgia, we have the Atlanta IHOP (which is actually in Lawrenceville), I heard there's one in Macon and there's one in Cartersville. IHOP is a 24/7 place of worship and prayer. At all times there are designated "watchman on the wall" interceeding for their city, generation, nations, local churches, social injustices like Human Trafficing and abortion. IHOP fights these cultural wars on their knees. It's an amazingly powerful movement. You can go to the prayer room and have your own quiet time with the Lord, join the worship going on and if there's an intercessory set taking palce feel free to grab the mike and pray a prayer over whatever God has laid on your heart.
I'm just so excited that is taking place to remind all of us what our most powerful weapon is..Prayer. Some IHOP's have live webstreaming. Get a taste and see that it is good! ;)
www.ihop.org
www.ihop-atlanta.com
www.ihopcartersville.com
The last few month have been very adventurous for me. I am discovering God in newer ways and at a deeper level than I even knew was possible for me! He is so good and desires an intimate relationship with us all.
One of the greatest things I've discovered in the last few months has been IHOP. No, not the pancakes, but the International House of Prayer. It's a prayer movement that is bringing the Church where it needs to be; and that is on our knees. Initially it sounds boring but I encourage everyone to find out if there is an IHOP near their city and GO.
In Georgia, we have the Atlanta IHOP (which is actually in Lawrenceville), I heard there's one in Macon and there's one in Cartersville. IHOP is a 24/7 place of worship and prayer. At all times there are designated "watchman on the wall" interceeding for their city, generation, nations, local churches, social injustices like Human Trafficing and abortion. IHOP fights these cultural wars on their knees. It's an amazingly powerful movement. You can go to the prayer room and have your own quiet time with the Lord, join the worship going on and if there's an intercessory set taking palce feel free to grab the mike and pray a prayer over whatever God has laid on your heart.
I'm just so excited that is taking place to remind all of us what our most powerful weapon is..Prayer. Some IHOP's have live webstreaming. Get a taste and see that it is good! ;)
www.ihop.org
www.ihop-atlanta.com
www.ihopcartersville.com
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Happy New Beginnings!
Wow! We'd been hearing in church for months about how this is the year of new beginnings but, MAN, they weren't kidding!
We are so excited about this year. God has been speaking to us so much about what He has in store for us in 2008. Mid-January Chris and I participated in a Tres Dias Weekend that literally changed our lives. When Chris got back from his (husbands go the weekend before their wives) he said, "After your salvation, this will be the most life-changing, as well as spiritually significant, event in your life." I have to admit I was wondering if he was maybe exaggerating just a little bit. But, WOW, was he right! I praise God for the new beginnings in our marriage. I, Cassandra, joke with friends and tell them that I am now married to the Chris Reich 8.0 version. Eight, for new beginnings. One other lady on my weekend even joked to one of the leaders about her own husband saying, "I don't know what you guys did with my husband, but I LOVE this new guy you brought back!" LOL. I feel the same way. We feel like newlyweds again!
Many of you have inquired how the e3 fundraising is going. Well . . . at this point it's not. Chris and I have been amazed how the Lord has provided for us now that one of our incomes has been removed. He is so good and so faithful! At the end of January we attended a prayer meeting at church. I found a secluded corner and got on my face, seeking the Lord about this fundraising issue. Most of the people we've contact (via voice mail and email) haven't responded back, and half of those who have committed to supporting e3 have not done so. This was one of those moments where I really wrestled with Him about His timing. I heard the elder leading the prayer say, "I sense someone in here is really wrestling with the Lord about something. God says, 'Let it go! Give it to Him! He will take care of it. He will handle it!" It was so surreal. I kept praying and feeling that word was directed to me. So I repented of my worry and said in my heart, "God, I give it to You for good!" Not even 2 seconds had elapsed after I prayed that when I heard the elder say, "I feel a release in the spirit! Praise the Lord!" I looked at Chris, who was in another corner of the room. He caught my eye, I pointed to myself and mouthed, "That was ME!" He gave me a huge smile. I felt like the Lord was telling me to do NOTHING to raise funds. Okay . . . for those of you who know me, that is going to be a REALLY hard commandment to follow. But we have surrendered it to Him and wait for Him to show Himself mighty in the upcoming months.
It's only February and we can't wait to see what else is in store for the year!
Waiting expectantly on the One who orchestrates our lifesong,
Chris and Cassandra Reich
We are so excited about this year. God has been speaking to us so much about what He has in store for us in 2008. Mid-January Chris and I participated in a Tres Dias Weekend that literally changed our lives. When Chris got back from his (husbands go the weekend before their wives) he said, "After your salvation, this will be the most life-changing, as well as spiritually significant, event in your life." I have to admit I was wondering if he was maybe exaggerating just a little bit. But, WOW, was he right! I praise God for the new beginnings in our marriage. I, Cassandra, joke with friends and tell them that I am now married to the Chris Reich 8.0 version. Eight, for new beginnings. One other lady on my weekend even joked to one of the leaders about her own husband saying, "I don't know what you guys did with my husband, but I LOVE this new guy you brought back!" LOL. I feel the same way. We feel like newlyweds again!
Many of you have inquired how the e3 fundraising is going. Well . . . at this point it's not. Chris and I have been amazed how the Lord has provided for us now that one of our incomes has been removed. He is so good and so faithful! At the end of January we attended a prayer meeting at church. I found a secluded corner and got on my face, seeking the Lord about this fundraising issue. Most of the people we've contact (via voice mail and email) haven't responded back, and half of those who have committed to supporting e3 have not done so. This was one of those moments where I really wrestled with Him about His timing. I heard the elder leading the prayer say, "I sense someone in here is really wrestling with the Lord about something. God says, 'Let it go! Give it to Him! He will take care of it. He will handle it!" It was so surreal. I kept praying and feeling that word was directed to me. So I repented of my worry and said in my heart, "God, I give it to You for good!" Not even 2 seconds had elapsed after I prayed that when I heard the elder say, "I feel a release in the spirit! Praise the Lord!" I looked at Chris, who was in another corner of the room. He caught my eye, I pointed to myself and mouthed, "That was ME!" He gave me a huge smile. I felt like the Lord was telling me to do NOTHING to raise funds. Okay . . . for those of you who know me, that is going to be a REALLY hard commandment to follow. But we have surrendered it to Him and wait for Him to show Himself mighty in the upcoming months.
It's only February and we can't wait to see what else is in store for the year!
Waiting expectantly on the One who orchestrates our lifesong,
Chris and Cassandra Reich
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
