A Little Boy's Explanation of Why Dogs Don't Live As Long As People

     ”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?  Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.” From the mouth of a six-year old.

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

This is so true!

     I saw this on another blog.  It explains why those today who are not Christians have no desire to be one.  This has got to change.  Jesus said we are to go into all the world and make disciples.  He meant disciples of His way of living.  How can we do that when we're so concerned with our own comfort and are fearful of 'offending' people?

Don't Miss This!!

     We saw the trailer for this wonderful endeavor at the Vineyard Church in Champaign on Saturday.  It looks amazing!  I thought if you hadn't heard of it--you would want to know.  I've already set our DVR so I won't miss any of it.

NEW MINI-SERIES BEGINNING MARCH 3, 2013    “The Bible” is an epic five-week, 10-hour television mini-series premiering March 3, 2013 on the History Channel from Emmy-Award winning husband and wife team, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.

For two hours each Sunday night, millions of viewers will see the Bible come to life in a way never before seen. The final episode of the series will air on Easter Sunday [March 31] and will feature the death and resurrection of Jesus.  To help ensure the accuracy of the miniseries, many Christian scholars served as advisors and hundreds of Christian leaders have given their endorsement.     "In terms of importance, nothing we've ever done, not Touched By An Angel, not Survivor, not The Voice, not The Apprentice, none of this could possibly compare to “The Bible”," Burnett says. This is not a TV show to us.  It's images, sound and sacred text that people will still watch, way after our grandchildren are old people."     Famed television producer Mark Burnett tackles his projects with passion, but The Bible is a special labor of love.      The 10-hour, five-part docudrama will span the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, presenting some of its best-known stories, including Noah's Ark, the Exodus, Daniel in the lions' den and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.       Former Touched By An Angel star Roma Downey, Burnett's wife and fellow executive producer, heads a large international cast in the role of Mother Mary. Keith David, an Emmy winner for voice-over performances, will narrate with a musical score by Oscar-and-Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer.     Since the entire Bible can't be covered in 10 hours, the miniseries, which was filmed in Morocco, focuses on a select group of stories and features such compelling figures as Abraham, Moses and David.  Some stories had to be compressed for artistic purposes.     This mini-series does not begin until March 3rd but this will give all of us a chance to tell as many people as possible about it..  Let's use this series to reach as many people as possible! ! !  God will Bless You! !

A Loving Father

      This morning I was thinking about how often I've heard people blame God and doubt His love because of circumstances they see in the world.  I've often heard, "If God is a God of love how could He allow this, or that, to happen?" So I have been thinking about what it means to be a father.  
      Often our children are hurt because of decisions they make.  Do we question whether a parent loves a child who is hit by a car as he darts across the street to chase a ball he's playing with?  What about those who choose to experiment with sex, or drugs, or alcohol and become addicted?  Parent could prevent many of these things by locking their children in the house.  That would keep them free from harm!   But what would we think of a parent who did this?  We would judge him/her, saying how will that child ever grow up-- how will he learn to make decisions on his own if he isn't exposed to the real world, wouldn't we?  And yet when God allows us to make our own decisions and reap the consequences, we blame Him for what happens.
     God has already given us as much help as we need to avoid much of the tragedy that happens in the world today.  He has given us a handbook--the Bible--that explains the laws of life.  He sent Jesus to show us how to live a righteous life in a fallen world, and then to die to 'wipe our slate clean' so that we could become righteous.  Then to ensure that we are able to live as Jesus did, He sent His Holy Spirit to live in us to guide us, and help us make the right decisions.  But He gives us the choice to choose His ways.  It is our decision--we can choose His ways, or ours.  He allows us to 'grow up'.
     What a loving Father!  How often we forget!  We ignore and reject the help He has provided, and then blame Him when we choose, either willfully or in ignorance, to disobey His laws.  And still He loves us!

If you are interested in eating healthily, read this:

      This article by Dr. Mercola gives convincing evidence that we have been misled into thinking we're eating health food, when in fact it's just the opposite.  10 of the Worst Eating Mistakes You Could Make - Promoted by 'Experts' 

This Weekend

       Have you ever experienced something, or met someone who you knew would affect your life in a way that you would be forever changed?  That was our experience this weekend when Country Guy and I participated in one of the best conferences we've ever attended.  It was held at the Vineyard Church in Champaign.  Todd White was the speaker. We had not heard Todd before, but discovered that he is a radical Christian who makes us want to be one, too!  He was radically saved and delivered from a life of crime and drugs by a revelation of how much God loves him, and now is filled with a zeal to help others see how much God loves them, too.  (I've posted the YouTube clip of his testimony so you can see hear for yourself how amazing his life is.)   He walks his talk and had many stories to back it up.  We heard truth presented in a way that cannot be ignored, made new connections, had new experiences, and were challenged to step out into areas we had previously ignored.  Because of attending this conference our lives are different.  Some things that seemed to be important, no longer are, and some that weren't have been given new priority.

     A fire to know God in a deeper way, to serve Him in our daily life, and to help people see how much He loves all of us has been re-ignited in our hearts.  I love it when that happens!  Sometimes I get so bogged down with dailyness that I forget we are on this earth for a much greater purpose--that everything we do is to reflect the Kingdom and to point others to the King.  Life is so much more exciting when we keep this perspective.  Sometimes we need to re-focus.  That happened to us this weekend.  

An Invitation for those of you who live in our area

An explanation of why Christians are persecuted

     "The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those that speak it." 
    English novelist and journalist, George Orwell (1903-1950)

Make an Exchange for a Revival of Oneness by Garris Elkins

      This is an excellent article by Garris Elkins. In it he pinpoints something that has hindered Christians and the spreading of the God's Kingdom since the gospel was first preached. He says, " If you have taken up an offense against another person you are carrying something that will actually hurt your development as a follower of Jesus. Even more important, the unresolved offense you willfully carry will inhibit belief in the lives of those who do not yet know Christ. It is time to make an exchange."

Garris Elkins:

Make an Exchange for a Revival of Oneness

Some of us wait for the miracles to fall before we think a revival can begin. Others are waiting for a cultural icon to come to Christ to set off a line of spiritual dominos falling toward a massive move of God's Spirit. Jesus had another plan – He said the world would believe His message when the Church lived as one and walked in unity.

      During the Last Supper recorded in John's Gospel, Jesus began to pray right in the middle of dinner. It would be like one of us having dinner at a friend's house and we simply began praying at the table. Everyone watched and listened as Jesus prayed to the Father.

      "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are One – as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in us so that the world will believe You sent Me." John 17:20-21

      Jesus was laying before the disciples a truth about spiritual relationships. A single, unmarried person is one. Two single people become one when married. There is only one Church on planet earth. Jesus said that He and the Father were One. In His prayer 2,000 years ago, Jesus was describing the Church of today, "for all that would ever believe" the reality of a spiritual union with Him.

     There was a driving reason behind Jesus praying for our oneness. He said, "so that the world will believe You sent Me." I have become so familiar with this text over the years that I missed what Jesus was really saying. He knew the moving of the Spirit upon the earth to release a great harvest of souls would take place when the world could see our oneness instead of our division. This oneness would validate the message we would preach in His name.

Kaleidoscope

I have always loved kaleidoscopes, so this website is especially intriguing to me.  I thought you might like it, too.  http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf  Run your mouse over the screen and watch the amazing patterns appear.

Another Courageous Woman

     Here is another inspiring story of a courageous woman which was included in The Patriot Post newsletter today.

Inspiration 13-year-old Anna with daughter Josey Ann       "I received an amazing email from Anna, who gave me permission to post her story and her name. ...      'When I was little I was molested for eight years by my stepfather. ... I got pregnant the first time when I was 12.  I was scared and told him. He hit me and then loaded me up on drugs, telling my mom that I had been injured while out playing with some other kids.  He killed my baby.        When I was 13, I became pregnant again. This time I did not say anything to him...  My mom noticed that my body was changing, even though I was only about two months along at the time, and asked me about it.        I finally got the courage and told her everything.  She immediately packed up my brother, sister, and I and took us to our Aunt's house. From there she called the police. ... In the end, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for molesting not only me but my sister.       I was told by therapists, friends, teachers, family, and even strangers, that it would probably be best if I had an abortion; but I couldn't. ... It was harder than I have words to describe. But there are some things in life that are worth fighting for, and she was one of them. ...      I decided to name her Josey Ann, after a character in a book I had read. On Friday, July 28, 1995, roughly six weeks before my due date, I went into labor. ... Words cannot express the joy I felt when we got to bring her home the day before I started the 7th grade. ...      My mom was amazing, she watched my daughter so that I could finish school. I did graduate and was my class historian. I met a wonderful man who loves both me and my daughter, and we now have four children. ...      It wasn't until I was 26 that I truly found a relationship with Jesus Christ. A wonderful neighbor of ours showed me how much Jesus loves me. Because He loves us, He gave us free will. My stepfather abused that gift when he abused me. But like Romans 8:28 says, God used something horrible to bring me one of the greatest blessings in my life. ...      To anyone who is where I was, please hold on. You can make it, and your child will bring you more joy than you can imagine. It will be hard, but it is worth it.'" --LifeNews' Jill Stanek

A Memorial to Irena Sandler

     This info came today in an email I have received several times in the last few years, but it is such a wonderful testimony of what one person can do, that I wanted to post it here on my blog as a memorial to this courageous woman.

Irena Sendler died May 12, 2008 (aged 98) in Warsaw, Poland.

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer 

Specialist.  She had an ulterior motive.  Irena smuggled Jewish infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried.  She also carried a burlap sack in the back of her truck for larger kids.  Irena kept a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the Ghetto.  The soldiers, of course, wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. Ultimately, she was caught, however, and the Nazi's broke both of her legs and arms, and beat her severely.

Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she had smuggled out in a glass jar that she buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and tried to reunite the family.  Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped were placed into foster family homes, or adopted.

 In 2007, Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize.  She was not selected.  Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.  Later another politician, Barack Obama, won for his work as a community organizer for ACORN.

It is now more than 70 years since the Second World War in Europe ended.  I am posting this as a memorial to the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians, and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated during that period.

Now, Iran, and others, claim the HOLOCAUST to be a 'myth'.  It's imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.

More Damaging Evidence on the Dangers of Aspartame

      Here is a link ("evidence of the dangers of aspartame") to a new article by Dr. Mercola on the dangers of Aspartame, one of the most used artificial sweeteners.   I believe it is very important to share this information with everyone I can because it is being hidden from us by those who are making much profit from its' use.

Memories--Best of Times

     Today is my birthday, so what better time to share this look into the past.  Such great music!  At least we thought so!  These really were the "good ole days"!  Life was so much simpler and we seemed to have lots more fun doing silly things than kids today.  Is that a generation thing?  Or is it fact?  I don't know, but I enjoyed the memories.  Thanks, Charlyn, for sending me the link.

Taylor Caldwell, One of My All Time Favorite Authors

      When I was in high school I read Tender Victory by Taylor Caldwell, which became one of my favorite books.  It also created a desire in me to read many more of her books.  Over the years I remember reading Dear & Glorious Physician, Great Lion of God, Testimony of Two Men, and others whose names I don't recall.  For years she was my favorite author.  I searched for her books whenever I had extra time to read, but then gradually became interested in other authors and lost track of her writing.
     Yesterday I went into Changing Hands Resale Shoppe to see a friend who was volunteering there. As I always do in second-hand shops I perused the used books to see if any looked interesting.  Imagine my delight when I discovered that someone else must have loved Taylor Caldwell as much as I had!  There on the shelf were 10, or more, old copies of her books, some with the original dust jackets.  Many of them I had already read, but I ended up purchasing four, whose titles I didn't remember, for a grand total of $2.14.  I was so excited to have rediscovered an old friend!
     When I got home I immediately began reading A Prologue To Love, which has all indications of being a really good book.  If you are unfamiliar with her work, and are tired of the 'fluff' and sensuality of much of today's fiction, I highly recommend her novels to you.

The Gospel is to be Preached with Demonstrations of Power

     In today's Bible reading I was struck by the words in 1 Corinthians 2:4 (NIV), 

     ^"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,"

       How many Christians/churches/pastors can you say this about?  It seems to me that in our day the Gospel is very rarely preached with power, but instead persuasive words are used to try to convince people that God is real.  Why not get back to what the Bible says?  The message of the Good News of Jesus Christ is to be preached with a demonstration of the Spirit's power.  If we don't have that power, we need to get into our prayer closets and seek it with our whole hearts.  People's lives depend upon it!  I'm sure there will be many more believers, and a change in the world as we know it, when this begins to happen.

    When God's power is demonstrated, I believe a holy fear of Him will come upon us that will cause us, and people like those in the following post, to rethink our ways and to cry out in repentance for our selfishness.

The New American Way

      A friend sent this to me.  It's too bad these women don't use their God-given intelligence to contribute to society instead of trying to see how much free stuff they can get for themselves.  I am so naive, steeped in the work ethic, and filled with the belief that each person's life has a purpose and destiny that only he/she can fulfill, that I did not realize people are working so hard to 'milk' the system! Shame on them, and shame on us for letting it happen!  What a waste!  This is a terrible thing!  People were not put on earth to be takers, but to be givers.  Jesus said He came to be a servant of all, and we are to be like Him.

     Something has got to change!  I'm all for helping those who need help, but when that help turns into an entitlement, I am outraged and saddened by how far we've fallen from God's standard.  And I am particularly outraged by politicians who refuse to put a stop to it, but instead encourage this behavior to get more votes!  What an embarrassment!

The New American Way

Heard today on TV that the “poor” will get $10.00 for every dollar tax they pay.

Here's one I'll bet you never thought of!!

*****PLEASE READ AND SHARE THIS STORY****************

WHILE PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA TAKES THE STAGE AT HIS 2ND INAUGURATION HE TALKS ABOUT OUR RESPONSI...BILITY TO ENSURE EVERYONE GETS THEIR "FAIR SHARE" AND A "FAIR SHOT"....

IN GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED HOUSING EVERYWHERE ACROSS AMERICA , PEOPLE ARE SITTING IN THEIR LIVING ROOMS WATCHING THE INAUGURATION ON THEIR BIG SCREEN T.V.'S AND CHEERING HIM ON....

We felt like this was the perfect time to share this IMPORTANT story with you. Recently, our good friend Michael (a local realtor) shared his experience with Leisa and I about an "Obama supporter" he encountered while showing homes to a low income, working family in Pontiac , MI .. We asked him to please write it down so we could share it with you. YOU SHOULD BE SITTING DOWN WHILE READING THIS:

As a Realtor for the past 28 years I thought I’d seen or heard it all… Until now.
I was showing homes in Pontiac , MI. one afternoon recently and showed up at a home at the 4:00 pm time my appointment was scheduled for. After I woke up the homeowner, she let us in and then proceeded to tell my buyers and I that she has already entered into a contract to sell the home on a short-sale. (A short-sale is a sale where the banks accepts less money than is owed on the home). After some chit-chat, she proceeded to tell us that she and her sister (who also lived in the area) were buying each other’s homes via the short-sale process. I mentioned to her that I thought relatives could not be involved in those transactions. She smiled and said "We have two different last names so no one knows the difference".
She went on to tell us that each of them owed over 100K on their homes and were in the process of buying each other’s homes for about 10-15K cash. To top it off, they were each receiving $3,000.00 in government provided relocation assistance at the closing.

My buyers and I were amazed that she was outright admitting to fraud and yet, she continued. She began to tell us that the best part of her scheme was that because they currently were not working that they (both) are now receiving Section 8 Vouchers. I said I thought those were for renters and she said “That’s the best part; me and my sister are going to be renting each other’s homes so we don’t even have to move, and Obama is going to give us each $800.00 a month to pay the rent!” She then picked up a picture she had framed of Obama and did a little happy dance around her living room and while she kissed the picture she was singing "Thank you Obama.... thank you Obama."

So here is the bottom line… Both of these scammers got at least $80,000.00 in debt forgiven, $3,000.00 in cash for relocation (when in fact they did not relocate) and to boot, you and I will now be paying (through our taxes) $1,600.00 in rent for each them each and every month.... perhaps forever!

Is it any wonder why so many people have decided that all they have to do is VOTE for the Democrats and they will be taken care of for life at the expense of the taxpayers? I would not be at all surprised if they are receiving food stamps and whatever other programs are available for anyone who is willing to lie to get assistance.

These women went from working and paying about $900.00 each in mortgage payments to staying home and getting paid $800.00 each per month to live in the same home they had been living in and all they had to do was lie on a few papers. This craziness has to stop! I’m sure this kind of fraud is going on each and every day all across the country and no one wants to touch the subject of entitlements because they might OFFEND someone or lose a vote or two.

By the way... she had an almost new SUV in the driveway, three flat screen TV's and a very nice computer set up in her living room which was furnished entirely with nice leather furniture.

I'TS THE NEW ' AMERICAN WAY '.....

For all of the "do-gooder's" who voted for Obama to help the "less fortunate"....CHEERS..... they are now the "most fortunate!" How're things working out for you??

Here is a link to some of the government assistance programs available today:

http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml#Homes_and_Housing_Assistance

Cookbook Proof Arrived Yesterday

     I'm excited about the new look of my cookbook!  The publishing company sent a PDF proof of the book yesterday for me to approve so it could be sent to the printer.  Here's the front cover of the Second Edition.  (Click here to see the original.)  They have estimated the ship date to be February 28, so I should have the new books by the end of the first week in March.

     I mentioned in a post in January that my sister had asked me if I could re-publish my cookbook because she & her husband wanted to give several copies to co-workers and I only had a few of the original left.  But as we talked more about the process and expense, etc. they decided it might not fit their purposes.  Then the Festivals & Events committee decided it would be a great fundraiser for the festival we're planning this summer that will coincide with National Road Festivals in the U.S., since most of the work for the cookbook had already been done for the original.

     As with most second editions, I have made some improvements to the first.  In addition to correcting the few typos I found in the original, I have given it a new cover and name, which better represents the goals & content of this project.  I have also added more than 50 new favorite recipes from family and friends.  The format of the book remains the same.  It is still my personal cookbook, so I have left the original comments which were included with each recipe of where and how I obtained them and why they are my favorites.  I also added comments to the new recipes--many from friends' grandmothers and other relatives which have been in their family for generations.  Because several people mentioned they would like a list of my most favorite recipes when I gave them the first book, I have placed an asterisk next to the title of my all-time favorite (or frequently used) recipes in this one.  I am excited about this new edition.  Because of the changes and the additional recipes, I believe that many who received the first one will also want a copy of this one, too.
       As I was telling a friend recently, there are several recipes in this book for which I would pay $10/recipe because I love them and use them so much, and the included, "How To" section and the "Cooking & Nutritional Tips"insert make this a great cookbook to give to new brides and those who are just learning to cook.

      Our committee is offering the cookbook for a donation to the Linn Foundation of $10, or more.  You can reserve your copy(s) right away by emailing me.  They will also be available several places in our community once they arrive, including at Accents, and at Mustard Seeds, in downtown Martinsville.  We will be grateful for all contributions, and we believe you will be blessed by this cookbook.
     

A Beautiful Photo to Illustrate Psalm 91

Psalm  -  The Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler^[a]
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

On Being Encouragers

     In addition to reading a portion of the New Testament in chronological order every day,  I sometimes try to read through Psalms & Proverbs each month.  Years ago someone suggested an interesting method of doing this by beginning with the Psalm that corresponds to today's date and to read every 30th Psalm after that for a total of 5 per day and then to read the day's date chapter of Proverbs.  Since today is the 12th, I read Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102 & 132, and then chapter 12 of Proverbs.  As I was reading Proverbs 12, verse 25 seemed to stand out:
         "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up".  
     I began to think about how true this is!  I can become so anxious about something that I begin to get depressed.  The New King James translation actually uses those words "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."  Then someone will speak a word of encouragement that causes my whole perspective to change!

     Have you seen the studies that say depression is an epidemic in this country?  It seems to me the Lord has given us the remedy in this verse.  I desire to make it my responsibility and privilege to become encouragers of those around me, bringing a kind word, a word of hope, a new perspective, a new way of seeing themselves and their purpose on earth, a word to make them glad, so that I can help to lift them out of their depression. 

    Our minds are daily bombarded with negative thoughts from the devil, bad reports from the news media, unkind words from associates.  Everywhere we turn we hear of things that can make us anxious.  We need an army of encouragers to rise up and say what God says about the situation.  He loves us.  He has a plan & purpose for our lives.  He gives only good gifts to His children.  He works all things together for our good, if we love Him.  He knows the end from the beginning.  

     Can you imagine how much better we would all feel if wherever we went we were bombarded with words of encouragement?  

    Lord, remind me constantly of the great privilege you've given me to partner with You in encouraging Your people.  Help me to be a messenger of Your grace with a kind, uplifting word for everyone I meet.  Let me contribute hope to a despairing world.  Amen

Eight Clear Words For 2013 by James W. Goll

    I found this word from James Goll to be a confirming word to me this morning and seemed to be a message of encouragement to all of us, so I'm including it.

James W. Goll:

Eight Clear Words For 2013

     I sought the Lord for a word for this new year. This year, He has given me principles that are all solidly Scripturally based and will not fail. Here are eight clear words for this new year and beyond!

1. The Door of the Harvest Is Open

     I was given an encounter this past fall, at the time of the new Hebrew year of 5773, where a door was opened and a wind blew through – it startled me. I turned toward the door and I asked, "What is this?" The Holy Spirit replied, "The door of the Harvest is now open." (I am not declaring this is the door to the Great Harvest but rather another time or season of the Lord of the Harvest drawing souls into the Kingdom.) Believe the Lord for divine appointments, and pray to Him to thrust forth laborers into the field. It is harvest time!

     Matthew 9:38 Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.

     Joel 3:13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.

2. Walk Into the Kingdom of Peace

    While some are releasing atmospheres of fear and turbulence, it is time for us to walk in an opposite spirit and receive and release the Kingdom of Peace. Create an atmosphere around you and declare "Shalom" to your storms! Do not panic! Walk in the supernatural release of peace everywhere you go!

      Romans 14:17 The Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

3. Push the Restart Button

      I have a major message of hope for many of you! Some of you feel like your season of promise has passed you by, your family by, or your city or nation. The answer is NO! Our God is a God of the 50 millionth chance! Things tend to go in seasons and cycles. The Holy Spirit is saying, "Push the restart button!" Yes, look over those old promises that have not yet been fulfilled and let your heart beat again! You can rise up again because the Resurrected One lives inside of you! Push the restart button on your promises and assignments in the Lord.

      Proverbs 24:16 For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again...

4. Come Again, Holy Spirit!

    This is one of the most major words I have released in my lifetime. The Holy Spirit comes in waves and movements. But, it is time to welcome Him again, afresh. Cry out to the Lord, "Come again, Holy Spirit!" and watch and see His jealousy come into play. He will come! (Please read my articles "Come Again Holy Spirit.")

      Joel 2:28-29 It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

5. Create a Culture of Risk

     One point builds upon another! In welcoming the Third Person of the Godhead afresh, you can only truly do it by creating a culture of RISK! This is an atmosphere where grace and faith abound and where all things are possible. Let faith arise and see new things come. Don't say, "I have been there and done that!" Never! Say, "I want more hunger! I want more of God! I am going to step out again on the limb of R-I-S-K!" Have faith like a grain of mustard seed and do something with it. It is a voice-activated Kingdom!

     Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you."

6. Fresh Presence-Based Worship Movement

     In creating a culture of RISK and welcoming the Holy Spirit in a fresh manner, realize one of the major things He is emphasizing all over again is making room for a fresh, presence-based worship movement! Set evenings aside for presence-filled worship and praise. Watch what He will do! He sits in the praises of His people! The places where God is hovering and brooding are those places allowing the fresh, presence-based worship movement to be released.

     Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You.

     Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come."...

7. A Shift to a Glorious Eschatology

     I think the Holy Spirit has been working within me for years concerning this declaration. In fact, it is not just a victorious world end time view – it is greater and more centered on God than that! It is about glorious eschatology. I remember, years ago, Bob Mumford declared in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium, "I looked at the back of the book, and guess what? We win!" Thunderous applause broke upon the scene! Well, I have something to declare, building on that infamous proclamation: "I have read from Genesis through Revelation, and guess what? Tribulation is not the final word! God has a glorious eschatology as the end of the matter!" I think I am about to get very excited about this shift!

     Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.

8. Speak to Your Mountain!

     Now we combine all the previous seven words together and we bring applications to them as our eighth point of new beginning. Speak to your mountain. Yes, speak to your family mountain! Speak to your mountain of opposition and loss! In fact, release shouts of "Grace! Grace! Grace to it!" To every mountain of opposition release the revelation of GRACE! Speak to your mountain to be removed and cast into the sea. Join me in speaking and shouting GRACE to the mountains that stand in the way of God's eternal purposes in Jesus' name!

      Mark 11:23 Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be taken up and cast into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.

      Zechariah 4:6-7 Then He said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of Hosts. 'What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"'"

      It is a time when spiritual bravery is needed. I call you on a journey with me to believe that the best is yet to come!

Blessings in Christ Jesus!

Dr. James W. Goll
Encounters Network • Prayer Storm • Compassion Acts Team
Email: info@encountersnetwork.com

Nothing But Jesus' Blood by Bob Jones

     I am posting these excerpts from an article by Bob Jones which was sent in an Elijah List email this morning, because I believe it is important for us to have an understanding of, and begin to apply the power of Jesus' blood to our lives.  God gave us a very powerful and effective gift through Jesus' death on the cross, but we have ignored it, or not unwrapped it and put it to use.  We have forgotten (or never been taught) that through His death, Jesus paid the price for abundant life here on earth--in addition to making a way for us to be with Him through all eternity.

As Bob Jones says,

"The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all unrighteousness and contains all power over the enemy... [T]eachers are going to begin to teach about the Blood of Jesus Christ and how there's nothing more powerful in all the earth than the Blood of Jesus.

It's Time to Plead the Blood of Jesus - Over all the Viruses that are Coming and Spirits of Death

It's time we get back to teaching about the Blood and pleading the Blood of Jesus over our lives; especially over the viruses that are coming. These viruses can only be taken out by the Blood of Jesus. It's time we plead the Blood over our houses because the enemy cannot enter in passed the Blood. When the Blood is on the lintels of our houses, none of these death spirits can trespass. The death spirit passed over the houses of all those who applied the blood to their doorpost on the night it came to kill all the first born in Egypt.

And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it...Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:7, 13"

"Recently I saw there were two plagues coming to the global nations, especially the United States. One plague was influenza while the other was like influenza in nature. Remember this severe illness like influenza is represented by the scorpion. Thus, the serpent has been killing through influenza while the scorpion-like influenza results are severe illness that could kill you. By applying the Blood of Jesus we take authority over these plagues and cause them to die.

And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11"

"There are too many old Christians dying off now who had this understanding of the Blood, and many young ones are coming into authority but they lack understanding about the complete power of the Blood. It's the Blood of Jesus Christ that raises the dead, heals the sick, cleanses the leper and casts satan out of the Church.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8"

Meditate on the words of this song and let them saturate your very being; only the Blood of Jesus will set you free.

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus:
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. 

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. 

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

Now by this I'll overcome—
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus;
Now by this I'll reach my home—
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.

Bob and Bonnie Jones

The Prophetic Ministry of Bob and Bonnie Jones

Big Leagues And Big Hits Go Together by Bill Yount

This is a good word of encouragement and a new way of looking at circumstances in our lives from Bill Yount.

Big Leagues And Big Hits Go Together Posted: 09 Feb 2013 06:28 PM PST During the recent Super Bowl game, the kickoff receiver caught the football deep in the end zone and ran like a deer only to hit a brick wall of opposition at about the 20 yard line. Even the announcer sounded shaken at the sudden impact felt high above the stadium. The receiver held onto the football with a vengeance, and the opposing players' frantic scramble to steal the ball was all in vain. Later in the game, unable to forget this play, I said to the Lord, "Why have I been in a season where I have been taking so many hard hits?" The Lord answered, "Son, I have put you into the big league. Big leagues and big hits go together!" His words were life to me. The enemy almost convinced me, "God has left you and He doesn't care about you." I thought it was God letting me down when He was actually raising me up. I could see where God was now. He was on the sideline as my coach. Coaches are not allowed on the field when the game is going on. That's why He didn't seem near. Could it be when we experience His awesome presence is when we are on the sidelines with Him receiving encouragement and instructions for the next game play? All of a sudden, I felt honored by those hits and assaults from the opposition coming against me. They were now signs and confirmation of my promotion. Many others have been promoted into the big league of God's kingdom and are unaware of it. When the enemy hits you hard or life itself comes against you, hold onto the football with both hands. Hold onto God's word that He has spoken to you. The enemy's job is to strip the football or God's word from you. And when you get knocked down, get up proudly, for you are in the big league and the game is not over. Blessings, Bill Yount http://www.billyount.com

Dr. Benjamin Carson's Amazing Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast wi...

     In case you have not watched this incredible speech by Dr. Ben Carson at the National Prayer Conference I am posting it here.  It is well worth the time to watch the entire talk!  No wonder so many people are calling for him to run for President.  I hope President Obama was actually listening to him.

A Word from Chuck Pierce

 Chuck D. Pierce:

"It Is the Time of the Budding of the New"

Dear Seeking Saints:

     Don't Miss the Shift and See the New Blossom Around You!

     This is a time when the new is beginning to form. That which seemed to be dormant will quickly burst forth! On Sunday morning, the Spirit of Prophecy began to declare:

"You could easily miss the shift that is going on around you. Do not miss the shift that I am bringing into the earth realm above you. I am beginning to speak in ways to clarify what you have heard in past seasons. If you will listen from Heaven and not walk in the earth, your ears will be clear and your eyes will see. I say to you this is the beginning of a new season!

     "This is a time when that which has looked dead will begin to bud – that which has looked as if it had no life. Know that I'm going to bring life where it looks like there's death. Where there has been death to finances, where there's been death to dreams, know that Aaron's rod has budded and life has come forth. Do not wait to see the full blossoming, but look for the budding, for in the bud know that there is life.

     "This is a season that I'm going to cause the budding to come forth. This is a time where you're going to be able to see life where you thought there was death. Know that it is only the death to the old. But I say it is the time of the budding of the new. Do not miss the new! Do not miss the life that I'm causing to come forth, for this is the time that I'm causing the rod to bloom and I'm causing the rod to bud. New life has been released in this hour.

     "Know Me as Me and who I am, for seeds must fall into the earth for life to spring forth. Know Me, for this is a time that from Heaven I am stringing and making taut the lines that My word is coming on. I will bring words to nations and words to families and words to those who have made mistakes in the past. And in one day I will renew their life and their bodies. This is a time that I am stringing and causing My word to come. I have stairs up and down, ascending and descending, and angelic hosts are coming to redeem your past and open up your future."

Blessings,

Chuck D. Pierce
Glory of Zion International Ministries
Email: chuckp@glory-of-zion.org