Friday, November 24, 2017

"3 Keys to Unlock Your Prophetic Thanksgiving" Helen Calder

     I like this word from Helen Calder (posted on The Elijah List today) because it encourages me in several ways--mainly because it seems to be what God is helping me to see in my life right now.   It is also a reminder of those things I have seen, or had glimpses of.  Our encouraging words--especially when we see others as God sees them--give life to the hearer.  How important is that!!

"3 Keys to Unlock Your Prophetic Thanksgiving"
Helen Calder, Melbourne, Australia

This week, my husband and I celebrated an early Thanksgiving dinner with members of our family who are US citizens. It was a significant moment for us as a family.
As I have prayed about what to share today, this is what I believe is on God's heart for many of you this week and beyond:
• As a stone cast into a lake causes ripples outwards...
• As a drop of ink onto blotting paper spreads...
...When God's presence touches you, those closest to you are impacted first. Whether it is a traditional celebration of Thanksgiving or simply giving thanks to God, taking a prophetic approach to thanksgiving is a powerful means of releasing God's purpose into your life—and the lives of others around you.

1. See People Around You Through a Prophetic Lens
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer." (2 Cor. 5:16)

"Prophetic" very simply means we have insights about our Father's intention—His heart, thoughts and plans—given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes relationships get damaged through decisions and events, or the actions and attitudes of others. When we see a person through our Father's eyes, we see someone of value, we see someone God loves and a person Jesus died for. We see from His redemptive viewpoint. We perceive someone who has a future and a hope.

The Holy Spirit enables us to view a family member who has caused us pain and see them through the Cross of Christ. We forgive because He has forgiven us—and the fruit of the forgiveness that we release to others is that we are set free (see Eph. 4:32, Mark 11:25, Matt. 18:21-35). It is one thing to forgive an act or actions that have damaged you; it is quite another to forgive a person of the ongoing consequences you have experienced since then.

Today, I believe the Spirit is releasing new and deeper levels of forgiveness. As the Holy Spirit ministers healing and the Father's love into your heart, you are enabled to forgive. And true, heartfelt thanksgiving becomes the natural overflow of God's work in your life.

2. Take a 3 Dimensional Approach to Prophetic Thanksgiving
"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty.'" (Rev. 1:8, NIV)

Hear your Father say, "I am the God of your past, present and future! I am redeeming your past. In the present, I am working all things together for good. I have a future and a hope for you to journey into."

Three-dimensional thanksgiving is when we give God thanks for our past, present and future. This means that we can:
• Express our gratitude for what God has done in the past—and embrace His redemption in Christ for past pain.
• Thank Him for all that He is and has given to us today—and by faith see Him present and at work in our trials.
• Thank God for the future fulfillment of His prophetic words and the hope set before us.
When we give thanks for what is yet to come, we acknowledge God is good and is the source of what He has promised. We are receiving His promises by faith ahead of time. This is prophetic thanksgiving.

3. Pray for Others Around you and Sense What God is Saying
Sometimes we think that prophecy is solely for people we minister to, or for evangelism. We can forget that our Father has our family members on His heart too.

Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving as a holiday, or simply seeking to explore prophetic thanksgiving, let gratitude overflow into your words and actions. You don't need to preface a prophetic insight by saying it is a prophecy or "word from God". Speak life-giving words of encouragement and release Heaven's intention into those around you.

Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email: 
helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website: www.enlivenministries.net

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!













We awoke this morning to a glorious sunrise!  What a wonderful sight!  God is so good!  He gives us such beautiful gifts to remind us of how much He loves us and to let us know He who creates such beauty will do the same with our lives.  We only need to trust Him--and give thanks!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

George Washington Quote

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors." —George Washington (1789)

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

The Cure

   I just finished reading The Cure by John Lynch, Bruce McNicol, Bill Thrall.  I liked it very much.  It has great insight presented in a creative way.  If you have ever felt you had to earn God's love (pray more, witness more, read your Bible more) this book will help you see God and his expectations of you more clearly.  It is a short book--I read it in an afternoon--but it contains much food for thought.

Some of the recommendations for the book are why I picked it up. Here are a few examples;

"The most important expression of the Gospel I have ever read."  Dave Burchett, Emmy Award Winning Television Director

"These days I recommend The Cure more than any single book in my library."  Stephen Hayner, President; Columia Theological Seminary

"No other resource has had such a profound impact on my life, other than the Bible."  Dave Dravecky, Retired Major League Pitcher

"Sometimes a book can change your life.  This one changed mine, and I am still learning from it.  This is the best and most practical book on liing by grace that I have ever read.  This is the rarest of books."   Dr. Roberta Hastens, International Minister of World Vision

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Repost of Puns for Today

This post was posted on January 25, 2013.  I had forgotten about it until a reader called it to my attention.  I enjoyed it all over again and thought you might, too.  So creative!!

Some Puns for Today

      I have always loved puns!  I only wish my mind thought that way, but since it doesn't I'm glad I can enjoy others' creativity.  My brother sent this list in an email.  For those of you wanting to hear more, check out this website:  http://www.punoftheday.com/

I tried to catch some Fog. I mist.
When chemists die, they barium.
Jokes about German sausage are the wurst.
A soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned 
      veteran.
I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid. He says he can stop any time.
How does Moses make his tea?  Hebrews it.
I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Than it dawned on me.
This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met 
      herbivore.
I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I can't put it down.
I did a theatrical performance about puns . It was a play on words.
They told me I had type A blood, but it was a Type- O.
A dyslexic man walks into a bra.
PMS jokes aren't funny, period.
Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations.
Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope there's no pop quiz.
Energizer bunny arrested. Charged with battery.
I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.
How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it!
Did you hear about the cross eyed teacher who lost her job because she    
     couldn't control her pupils?
When you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four seconds.
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me!
Broken pencils are pointless.
What do you call a dinosaur with a extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus.
England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool.
I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.
I dropped out of communism class because of lousy Marx.
All the toilets in New York 's police stations have been stolen. Police have 
      nothing to go on.
I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.
Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.
Velcro - what a rip off.
Cartoonist found dead in home. Details are sketchy.
Venison for dinner? Oh deer!
Earthquake in Washington obviously government's fault.
I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not so sure.
Be kind to your dentist. He has fillings, too.

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Romans 8:5


Romans 8:5New International Version (NIV)

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.


Romans 8:5Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

People who live following their sinful selves think only about what they want. But those who live following the Spirit are thinking about what the Spirit wants them to do.

    As I was reading Romans today, Romans 8:5 particularly caught my attention.  It explains why several people I know who attend church and call themselves Christians have succumbed to blatant sin.  One is a homosexual, one has had sexual encounters with underaged girls, one has committed adultery and is divorcing his wife.  This should not be.  This verse tells us why it happens.  We must be vigilant in our thought life-- it can happen to any of us at any time.  We must keep our thoughts on things of God and not on what our sinful nature wants.
       If we truly 'fear' God and understand who He is, our desire would surely be to never do anything that would sully his Name or reputation.  He sent us to re-present Him to the world.  How can that be when we are thinking according to our sinful natures?


Thursday, November 9, 2017

Flu Vaccine Update by Dr. Mercola

If you are undecided about getting a flu vaccine, you might be interested in this article:

2017-2018 Flu Vaccine Update

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Phyllis Ford: Prophetic Words for Now, 2018 and Beyond...

From The Elijah List:  I love encouraging words!  This is one!


The Lord says, "It is time to step into My glory and My light—a place where fear cannot overtake you. A place where you are protected by the understanding that I am your Maker and your dwelling place. You must know that I am with you, for you, and in you. Know that you can overcome all that is before you. Stay before Me where My Spirit can direct you and provide you with the revelation of what you must know, along with what you have been positioned to do.
"Don't allow your circumstances to dictate to you, but declare, decree, rule, and reign before all that is occurring around you. You will not only maneuver into safety, but you will know how to exercise faith in the midst of obstacles and situations. Walk as sons, as I declare to you what to do and what direction in life you should take, as you walk on the path of your destiny. Stay in the light of My presence, the light of My glory and the light of My Word. For you may be able to see what is before you and what is about to occur before it takes place.
My Righteous Judgments
"There have been high-level meetings in the US, behind closed doors. As a result, things have been set in motion. As things unfold, everything will seemingly go in one direction, but by the time it is concluded, the victory will be recovered and those who were appearing to 'have the advantage' will be the ones that will be 'put in check.' For I am moving in this time to release My righteous judgments in the land and deal with those who have been smug and arrogant with their own power, and their influence will be humbled by My mighty hand.
"A renewed determination will come out of casting our cares over to the one who will strengthen us, guide us and keep us as we focus on Him."
"The hands of the unrighteous and their works have been weighed in the balances and found wanting. I have a redemptive purpose and the restoration of My people will carry a major part of My plan. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which I have prepared for them whom I love (1 Corinthians 2:9).
"I will bring down the high tree and exalt the low tree and I will uncover all things. That which was set up by the enemy, will be reversed," says the Lord. "So when you witness what is about to occur, do not be dismayed nor intimidated because there will be change and a turning. A turning, an awakening and a ruling in the midst of the ruling—and I will have My way. I will determine the fate of those who have been in power. I will have My way and My word will be the last word," says the Lord. 
"I will remove these evil foundations, and I will destroy that which does not represent My plan. I will set forth a new strength and a new glory, which will deal with the works of darkness and it will set in order the new course by which you should go.
"You are about to witness some things that will startle you, but realize that righteous judgments have been set into place long ago. These things must take their course for real change to come forth in this nation. Know that there are plans of wars, plans of upheaval and plans of betrayal; but there are also plans of standing for that which is holy, and that which is right. 
Watch and Prepare!
"There are plans that I have set in place to help you overcome all that is coming upon the land.So stand in faith and the understanding that I shall reveal to you that which will bring forth the light of My glory and it will shine upon your heart. I will set in place for your life a new restoration that will help you grow and move with endurance and unwavering strength.(Photo via Unsplash)
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
"Take that which I have given you, and prepare. You must fulfill the work and the plans for preparation and preservation. It is important that you implement and prepare with what I place into your hands, so that you may walk out My wisdom for your protection and your defense. I will be by your side, showing you and helping you set things in place—speaking words of direction and comfort.
"So don't worry because you are more prepared than you know and you know more than you realize. This is a time of watching and implementation. When Nehemiah rebuilt the wall, there was a watching and praying, a building and watching; hands to build and hands to war with a blasting of the trump and the wall was built (Nehemiah 4:9,17-18, 21). These things are essential now. 
"This watch will prepare you down the way. It is a prophetic watch that will help you see your way into the next 6 months, so that you will be prepared. So wait before Me and allow Me to strengthen you for the journey ahead and enlighten you concerning things that are to come."
Prophetic Insights
This is a month that will carry a great uncovering of the plans of men behind closed doors. Before this month is over, we will know about several conspiracies that many imagined, theorized and even felt prophetically. We will see the uncovering of agreements that were conspired, strategized and then played out, and hidden in plain sight before the people. However, the Lord said there is about to be a major reality-check as the enemy continues to move towards more cover-ups. 
Nevertheless the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous avails much and God's power will move forth in the hearts of a "people prepared" as they will continue to advance and overcome.
Cover-Up of Corruption
About two months ago, I had a dream. This was the utterance I received from the Lord in response to that dream:
"There has been a great covering up of corruption. Some will be at the government level; others at the level of those who tell the government what to do. There are those who are being singled out for what many have already determined behind closed doors. Many hands were involved, but some will be designated to take the fall. 
"These were all connected to the cover-ups and they were corrupted to the core. The hands that were a part of it did it because they were determined to benefit from it. But great will be their fall and many will come to understand that My justice will be established in the midst of their so-called justice, and the actions of these men will be uncovered and diminished."
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which I have prepared for them whom I love."
"'These things I hate...An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief.' (Proverbs 6:18 KJV) 
"For the feet that run swift towards evil will not only have to pay the price of their own undoing. Yet I have a recourse. It's one of stability and truth that will come forth out of the ashes of the destruction of these systems. They will know the strength of My hand and I will overturn, overturn, overturn," says the Lord. "The shakeup of leadership and heads of government have already begun and will continue, and there will also be shakings in the land."
Word of the Lord from Now Until Year-End
This will be a month where many will look back and remember it as a time of "precise preparation" in order to move forward. Although we will see extremes on several levels with great triumphs while enduring testing and tribulations, know that there is a succession of things that will run its course in our lives. There will be "now or never" occurrences that will be seen as the cause of spiritual growth spurts, maturing us in a sea of transition.
We will even find ourselves stepping out literally in ways that we never thought we would. Developing new areas of trust in God first, and then others as it extends to divine connections. Now is the time to let go of emotional dead-weight that has kept us stuck in the same place. We will be challenged to open up areas of our lives in order to improve and begin new ventures. The new stretch will seem to cause us to become more diligent and more disciplined than ever.
We are literally coming out of a birthing process where we are being prepared to face challenges and step up in areas that we will find ourselves leading by example. We must do first what needs to be done "in us" and then watch how it will affect and bless others.
There is a realm of worship that aligns with an emptying/refilling experience and it will take place now. This will bring forth a pivotal time of releasing a wave of glory. In it will be a healing and emptying of old patterns of thinking that will be affected and transformed, as many will be filled with the knowledge of God's will for their lives. It will be as if people will awake out of a cocoon of waiting and enter into "the time has come." It will be an emptying of fears, pain associated with old hurts, abuses, and the weight of sin that was tucked away within us, which had caused some of us to fall into the grips of deception. These things must be removed!
May an atmosphere of liberty, filled with purpose, be a light upon our hearts. A renewed determination will come out of casting our cares over to the One who will strengthen us, guide us, and keep us as we focus on Him. 
I heard Him say: "I will meet multitudes in the midst of worship. There will be a renewing in the presence of the Lord that will heal many from emotional wounds. Those who hunger and thirst will be filled and made whole." I believe we are about to embark upon a journey of worship that we have not yet tasted or seen (Psalm 34:8). (Photo via Unsplash)
Setting Our Priorities Straight
It is time to prevail in prayer and clothe ourselves in dedication to things He (the Messiah) is directing to us. Will we set our priorities in place in order to be effective leadership at this time?
We, as leaders, will be poured out so that the fullness of purpose will come forth. In the unfolding of what we have been warned about, that which has not changed will be exposed. We must be responsible for our actions. He will bring down the high tree and exalt the low tree. The spirit of pride and celebrity will be addressed from now through March 2018 in a big way. Those who will walk in humility and compassion will touch many and it will give way to a beautiful time of openness and walking in transparency as a people of truth and righteousness.
We will all walk in the understanding that "in Christ we are able." We will see the idols of deception become dismantled, uncovered and removed. Even the groves that have been watered in self-righteousness will come down. Do not allow the fear of the enemy to rule our lives, but instead, allow the standard of the fear of the Lord to reign. 
If we are open and ready to be transformed, watch what will happen and how the Lord God Almighty will roar across this land. Those with hungry hearts will be helped by those who are called the chosen to help advance them spiritually and emotionally (being filled with the fresh oil and new wine of His covenant.) This is the time of the rearing up of the tabernacle. It is a key in the preparation for this hour (Isaiah 22:22). (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
Phyllis Ford
Phyllis Ford Ministries

Email: PhyllisFordMinistries@gmail.com
Website: www.phyllisfordministries.com

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

A Glorious Fall Day!

      What a beautiful day!  A little chilly if you aren't dressed for it, or active, but a wonderful day for a walk in the woods.  The leaves are still beautiful but past prime so it won't be long till the gray days of winter are here.  So I just had to take a walk.  I chased a couple of deer out of the front yard and onto my path as I began.  It seemed a good thing to walk to the mailbox first since it is over a half mile away so I could judge if I was dressed appropriately.
     When I dropped the mail off back at the house, I decided to walk on some of the paths our son & his friend, Caleb, have made for mountain biking.
     It is so beautiful in the woods, but my favorite path goes along the edge of the woods in the hayfield and wanders around the pond.
     Since I thought you might not have the luxury of a walk today, I'm including some photos for you to enjoy vicariously.
  

Saturday, November 4, 2017

The Sacred Plant

     I have been requested to remove the information I posted here.  I am actually offended by the comment left here.  I did not download or repost them to my own channel, I only provided a link to theirs.
     I am reconsidering the intentions of the people who posted this free series.  If my posting a link to the series when I had been requested to share it with friends and family illicits such a comment, I'm sorry I have helped to promote it.

 Here is the comment:

Lia Hawks has left a new comment on your post "The Sacred Plant": 

I am sure that you have great intentions to get this out to the world for free as do we.

However, what you are doing is against the law. These videos are copyrighted and you can NOT download and repost them on your own channel.

Please take down anything that you’ve posted of ours.

Thank you so much for wanting to share this powerful information with as many people as possible and for honoring our request.