"..Pursue Your Enemies!"

Recently, after a hot spell, I noticed some annoying little midges flying around my kitchen, and though I managed to swat a few, the problem continued to prevail..

I remembered the words of David in Psalm 18;

"..I pursued my enemies and overtook them; neither did I turn again til they were consumed.."
(verse 37)

I began speaking the promises of God over the situation;

"..Thank You, Lord, that You always give our enemies into our hands.." (Josh 21 v 44)

"..No weapon formed against me can prosper.." (Isaiah 54 v 17)

Had they all disappeared by the end of the day...NO! (Lol)...in fact, the battle lasted nearly a week during which time, I'd think they were gone, then suddenly a few more would appear here and there..

You see, as soon as we became a Christian we were enlisted in the army of the Lord, whether we like it, or not, and we now have an enemy that fights against us day and night..
(1Peter 5 v 8-10)

So when trouble shows up, we cannot afford to be passive, and the Lord expects us to take up the spiritual weapons He has provided and fight, because all the promises of God are 'yes and amen!'
(2Cor 1 v 19-20)

You may be at your daughter's home and notice some unusual tension between her and her husband, so when you get home you search your bible for the right promises, then pray!

The same if some symptoms of sickness show up. Don't wait for things to get worse before you take up those healing promises, and speak them out over your body.. 

One time I was in the supermarket looking at something on the shelf, and when I turned to walk away, a sharp pain shot through my hip, and suddenly I couldn't walk! I stood for a few seconds wondering what to do, meanwhile, it's amazing the amount of negative thoughts that can flood the mind in a matter of seconds!

"..Oh, now you'll have to go to A&E...probably need a scan..etc..etc!!

I started inwardly praying against the attack, whilst at the same time limping slowly forward. The first few steps were still painful but as I persisted, the pain gradually lessened until I was able to walk as normal..

Years ago, I used to suffer from debilitating migraines, and though they seem to go away, every so often without warning, they would return sometimes for 3 days at a time. The drugs I was taking for the pain contained codeine which also causes drowsiness, so oftentimes, I'd be walking round like a zombie. Though I'd been for prayer at various meetings, it wasn't an instant healing, but I kept believing I'd received it anyway, then kept pushing on through to the victory standing on the promises of God..

It was a number of years before I finally became free..

The same thing with the persistent flu bugs that had plagued me since childhood. It's wonderful when you're prayed for and there's an instant healing, but many times you have to pick up that 'sword of the spirit' and fight! (Ephesians 6 v 17)

Maybe there are some untoward goings on in the office where you work. You notice a colleague being bullied, or perhaps it's the boss who's making everyone's life a misery..

As a Christian, you have the authority of Jesus in your workplace. Do your best to be a blessing and obey the Lord however He leads in the situation...but when you leave work and get into your car...you pray, and you keep praying!

In the meantime, the Lord will be moving. He will either change that person's heart...remove the problem...or remove you, and give you a better job elsewhere!

Also, it seems that 'humility'plays a vital part in our ability to overcome, so we must always be careful to live daily surrendered to the Lord in the word, and in prayer..

Simple 'bravado' is not going to work..
(Psalm 18 v 27  James 4 v 7  1Peter 5 v 6

Meanwhile, as we continue on in our walk with the Lord, winning the battles, we're becoming more confident, and according to Psalm 18 v 34 'He teaches our hands to war' so, we're growing ever stronger and more resilient to face the greater battles that lie ahead..

"..Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors..and gain a surpassing victory, through Him Who loved us.."
Romans 8 v 37 (Amp)

"..For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith..

Who is it that is victorious over the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact)"
1John 5 v 4-5 (Amp)


"..For though we walk in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons..

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical weapons of flesh and blood, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.."
2Cor 10 v 3-4 (Amp)

See also Ephesians 6 v 10-18

Are You Being Restricted?

For a while now, I've had this condition in my right arm which I can trace back to the end of autumn last year when being a bit too 'over-zealous' working in my mother's garden!

To look at me you'd never guess there was anything amiss as I can do most every daily task required  using this particular arm..

However, the type of movement required when it comes to undressing for bed has caused such intense pain, it has brought tears to my eyes, forcing me to go into all sorts of strange contortions when removing jumpers and underwear..

Well anyway, after three months of this, a couple of weeks ago I decided, enough is enough.

I'd been for prayer a couple of times, 'believing I received' and 'having done all' was still standing in faith for healing...also praying over the arm every day..but now the revelation seemed to be that something further needed to happen in order to gain the breakthrough!

So, standing there yet again in my bedroom bracing myself to undress, I suddenly remembered talk of a 'battle-cry'.

This is apparently what brave warriors do when charging towards the enemy. So anyway, with renewed determination, I set about undressing as normal..this time pushing through, without the usual contortions and at the same time, yelling out as loud as I could!

It wasn't exactly 'Geronimo' but did come from deep down in my guts..

Did it still hurt? Yes it did...lol..but ever since then, there's been a definite lessening of pain as, little by little, I am able to move the arm more easily each day..

So how about you? Are you in a place of some sort of 'restriction' in your life?'

It could be a physical problem like mine...or mental...emotional? Or maybe certain circumstances seem to be hemming you in..

Well whatever it is, the Good New is, the Lord wants you to advance out of it...because there is a purpose, and a destiny to fulfil!

In Psalm 23 we see that 'the Lord is our Shepherd' and in verse 4 of the Amplified Version, says how we can 'walk 'through' (not remain in) the deep sunless valley of the shadow of death..'

God's will for us is to advance and to walk out of our dark situation guided by Him to the other side, and all we have to do is seek Him daily for wisdom as we go..allowing Him to be our Shepherd..

Psalm 119 v 105 tells us; 'Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path..'

And in the Gospel of John we are assured of Him being our Counsellor, Comforter, Helper, Strengthener, and Standby...not to mention; 'a very present Help in time of trouble!'
Chapter 14 v 16 and 26 also Psalm 46  (Amp)

And He is waiting to be consulted!

"..but if I go away, I will send Him to you (to be in close fellowship with you).
John 14 v 7 (Amp)

Meanwhile, here are some more 'overcoming' stories;

I've had a DVD sitting on my shelf bought for me by my daughter  ('Breathe') for about a year now. Because I knew it would be emotionally harrowing I'd been waiting to be in the right frame of mind..

Well finally, yesterday, I watched this true story about a couple who, around the time of the birth of their little boy, the husband (Robin Cavendish) aged only 28, was suddenly stricken with the polio virus..

Laying there in a hospital bed paralyzed from the neck down, he could breathe only with a mechanical ventilator and just wanted to die. But his wife would not allow it.
Instead she asked what she could do for him.
He replied;

"..Get me out of here!"

So now came the battle with the head consultant who would not allow such a thing saying that Robin would last only days away from the protective care of the hospital..

I will never forget this young man's response;

Rather than remain in the stagnancy of that hospital bed, he made up his mind to accept the risk of dying..'

Well, he ended up living another 36 years, making him a medical phenomenon as one of the longest-living polio survivors in Great Britain.

He also became a tireless advocate for disabled people, helping to develop numerous devices to provide independence to paralyzed people..

Another encouraging story;

Years ago, I read the testimony of a big black American football player who broke his neck during a game and was told he would never walk again..

However, he found out about a God Who heals, and one day whilst sitting in his wheel chair, decided to try and stand..

With all of his might, he heaved himself to his feet and stood for about 2 seconds before falling back into his chair..

He then reasoned that if he was able to stand for 2 seconds, he could stand for 3..and then 4..and then 5...and that's how he eventually left his chair...little by little..refusing to be restricted!

Finally, you've surely heard about Arthur Blessitt, the amazing man of God who is known for taking the Cross around the world?

Well, not long after the Lord commissioned him to go, Arthur found himself on a hospital bed after being told he had an embolism in his body that, if he were to move, could travel to his heart and kill him..

Laying there, he earnestly sought the Lord as to what was going on, and what should he do?

He suddenly realised that he'd already been told what to do! Then rising from his bed, he went...and has been going ever since..

"..It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.."
Galatians 5 v 1

"..The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army;
He makes my feet like hind's feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make spiritual progress upon my high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility.."
Habakkuk 3 v 19 (Amp)

"..The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me (the Anointed One, the Messiah) to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor;
He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed (who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity).
Luke 4 v 18 (Amp)

"Be strong in the Lord (be empowered through your union with Him) draw your strength from Him (that strength which His boundless might provides).
Ephesians 6 v 10 (Amp)

"..For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God, I can leap over a wall.."
Psalm 18 v 29 (Amp)

"..He makes my feet like hind's feet, able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble. He sets me securely upon my high places..
He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.."
Psalm 18 v 33-34 (Amp)

Be encouraged! x

"..Write The Vision And Make It Plain!"

Monday 1st Oct 2018                                         
                                       
Today was a landmark day for me..

During a peaceful time with the Lord away from all the craziness, and clamour of the world, He finally revealed to me The Terrible Truth..

With all the boatload of hurt and injustice everywhere around me, I am incapable of solving it all..

Big revelation..  : D

You may feel the same way too.

With every upsetting FB post and news report, an intense desire rises within you to want to help...speak out..do something!!

Well, you can!

Whatever stirs you up and upsets you most of all is the very thing God has put in your heart to address.

It's that simple!

So its just a case of spending time with our heavenly Father to find out exactly what to do and how to go about it..

Knowing God, it'll most likely be something so big, it'll be absolutely impossible in the natural..

That's good. Why?

Because He is a God of the impossible.

If it were possible then we could do it on our own, which of course means, we would get all the glory!

Jesus said in Mark 9 v 23 and Matthew 19 v 26;
"..All things are possible FOR THEM THAT BELIEVE!

So, be encouraged...and just believe..because faith pleases God!"
(Hebrews 11 v 6)

Meanwhile, as well as informing me of my inability to save the whole world, the Lord instructed me in no uncertain terms, to stay focused on the thing that He has given me to do at this time..

This is because, we cannot achieve anything if our fingers are in too many pies...doing this, or that..join with this group...or that prayer meeting.

What then happens we end up being distracted, ineffective..and spread around too thinly to make a difference for any specific cause..

Of course, this is exactly what the enemy wants!

So anyway, I hope that the following account will ignite and encourage you to push ahead with the things the Lord is placing on your heart to accomplish!


                                    VISION FOR TAYLOR HOUSE (WOMEN'S REFUGE)


Having relocated back to the Blackpool area last January, where I grew up, I have ever since, been fervently seeking the Lord about which church to be part of, and what will I be doing next!

Then one day I had an unexpected encounter..

It came time for my car to go in for it's annual service, and though the dealership had given me a lift home, I had to find my own way back at the end of day to pick up my little red Micra..

So, there I was, standing at the bus stop in sunny St Annes (where I live) along with some other folk, when suddenly a young girl came running up pulling a suitcase...all out of breath and in a fluster..

She began asking 'how much the fare was to Blackpool as she only had a pound..'

Well, being unfamiliar with bus travel, I had no idea, but someone piped up something about double that amount, so I offered to pay her fare..

Meanwhile, she began pouring out her story of how she'd started going out with this guy, and everything was fine until she moved in with him, and that was when he'd become abusive, throwing his weight around, even taking away her bank card etc..

Anyway, somehow, she'd found opportunity the flee the situation, and now, here she was, on her way to some friends in Blackpool..

Her name was Taylor, and she was 18 years old.

It was only a short journey back to the garage, but before we parted, I gave her some money and quickly wrote down my number in case further help was needed..

Ever since then, the Lord has been speaking to my heart about the dire necessity for 'safe places of refuge' for such women, somewhere they can find help and also given opportunity to answer the call of God on their lives..

Meanwhile,  my attention keeps being drawn to newspaper articles..magazines..TV programmes..with endless stories of abandonment, emotional and physical abuse..not to mention those young girlies that are purposely groomed and abducted into sex trafficking by ruthless bully boys.. 

Now, as I've prayed, the vision has been formulating..

'Think big!' I heard the Lord urging..

So now, the 8 bed house has morphed into more of 'a farm' with a large garden for growing veg and flowers...also fields, plus, outbuildings for the possibility of horses.

These women will come oftentimes, having suffered years of continual abuse and will need time to receive healing and restoration, and in my experience, horses and hurting people go very well together!

Also, gardening is very therapeutic..

So, please will you pray..not just for this project, but that many other churches around the UK will catch the vision and begin to set up houses of their own..also, other places of rehab and help, because our communities are hurting and the time is short!

There are so few Christians places such as this, meanwhile, there are countless lost souls carrying the kind of hurts that only Father God can heal, and the need is great..

Thanks and blessings!
Xx

"..Write the vision and make it plain that everyone who passes may be able to read it easily and quickly, as he hastens by..

For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end (fulfilment);
It will not deceive or disappoint..

Though it tarry, wait earnestly for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.."

Habakkuk 2 v 2-3  (Amp)

"..It's not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.."
Zech 4 v 6

"..It is written; "I believed, and therefore I have spoken..' since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore, speak.."
2Cor 4 v 13

"..I will instruct you and teach you in the way in which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.."
Psalm 32 v 8

"..Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.."
Proverbs 3 v 5 - 6

#Beencouraged!

Car Accident Testimony..

This incident happened a few years back but the Lord wants me to share it, so here goes..

Whilst searching for a church up north in an unfamiliar area, I was involved in a collision with another car. I had left the main road but then missed the right turning for the building, so I then had to return to the main road in order to go round again, and that's when the accident happened..

Thankfully, I had friends within this fellowship so I was able to contact them to come to our aid..

My elderly mother was with me at the time, and thankfully, the impact happened on the rear door of  my side of the vehicle, and not hers..

When we finally reached the church, the service was just ending and folks were being invited out for prayer. I thought I'd better go, and when I told the person ministering (the guest speaker) about the accident she said;
"..What? It's only just happened?!"

A few days later, I was praying about the incident, and the Lord began to show me how 'unprepared' the church had been for an unexpected event. In fact, I saw a picture in my spirit of a sign in the atmosphere saying; 'Do not disturb.' and I'm not even sure if the pastors got to know about it!

Meanwhile, back to the collision and my lovely shiny blue Micra that had been thrown to the other side of the road. It was a write-off..

I was so thankful that, had I been travelling slightly slower on my way across the road, the oncoming car would have crashed into where I was sitting instead of the rear door..

In all the confusion, my thoughts were all over the place, but I remember this white van pulling up close by, and next, a couple of tall young men came and just stood with my mother the whole time until the breakdown van arrived to sort us out..

I often wonder if they were angels..

Initially, I had taken full responsibility for the accident, believing it was all my fault. However, during a conversation with a friend from the church, I found out it wasn't!

She said; "..Oh, they shoot along that road like bats out of hell!"

As soon as she said that, instantly, I was back in my car at that T junction, and when I checked to the right, remember seeing an oncoming vehicle a long way off. But just in those few seconds of looking left and pulling out, it had ploughed into me..

The Lord said, "..Leave things as they are, and I will take care of everything.." (Which I so needed Him to do, because the situation was complicated!)

The accident happened in east Lancashire, I was living down south, but currently staying at my mother's home in the far west of Lancashire..

Everything was indeed taken care of...though it was a little intimidating driving an unfamiliar courtesy car 5 hrs all the way back to my home..

Also, I was eventually given a great deal on another 'nearly new' Micra which is a lovely, shiny, metallic red! Thank You, Lord!

Okay, so now I'm asking the question, why am I sharing all of this, Lord?

The word I'm getting now is; 'Are we prepared?'

Thankfully, for myself, I can say I had been..

Years ago, the Lord instructed me to take communion every morning. This along with praying Psalm 91 and the blood of Jesus over myself, my family, and anyone else He would lay on my heart..

I was impressed about the importance of doing this 'every day..'

Why? Because according to 1Peter 5 v 8;
'..Our adversary satan, is roaming around 24/7 seeking to seize upon and devour..'

So, no matter where I am, in a hotel or staying with friends, I will find the elements for communion..a bit of cracker and some water. It doesn't matter, it's what it represents in your heart..

We find ourselves living in dangerous, uncertain and volatile times, but God has not left as orphans.
(John 14 v 18)

He knew how it would be in these last days and therefore, has given us certain teachers to instruct, and strengthen us in how to stand on the promises of protection as clearly given in the Word of God..

Many of them, I believe were written for this very hour..

Some Christians believe that somehow, God's protection is automatic, but if that were the case, what would be the point of Paul's instructions in Ephesians 6? And those like them..

Some Christians say we shouldn't be all focused on the devil. True.

But consider that during World War, there was something called 'British Intelligence' which was a body of people keeping an eye on the latest activities of the enemy..

Meanwhile, the people were taught to be wise. Be alert. Keep your windows covered at night etc..

My point is, the focus was kept on winning the war however, in order to gain the upper hand, and not least, the victory, they had to have some working knowledge of how the enemy was operating, otherwise, we could have been taken over, and may not be enjoying the freedoms we have today!

'..For we are not ignorant of his devices..' 1Cor 2 v 11-13

Similarly, we now find ourselves living in times like no other, so we need to act accordingly. It's no longer 'business as usual"..we can no longer afford to be casual..

The authorities cannot protect us but let me encourage you that God can if we will open our mouths and give Him something to work with..

In fact, Psalm 103 v 20 lets us know that; 'God hearkens to the voice of His word', so what this means is, as we speak out the promises of protection over ourselves and our families, it releases the angels to come to our aid..

Prayer chains are a good idea in the church as long as it's mostly for emergency situations. Meanwhile, we must also be responsible for our own prayer life, and our own personal situations..

Plus, when folks become reliant on their fellowship for 'every least bit of a thing', the church is in danger of becoming 'inward looking' and now the focus is being taken away from the needs of the community and the unsaved..

A few years ago, I was involved in helping a women who lived at the top of a high-rise flat in London. It was an area known as being a hive of drugs activity..

This lovely Christian lady had such a precious child-like faith and over many years, held a vision for great revival in her community. Meanwhile, she was being stalked, bullied and intimidated, and her life was constantly threatened..

After a while, I also became the focus of their attention which lasted for more than 3 years..

I had the choice to back off but instead decided to take a firm stand on Psalm 91 plus, the protecting power of the precious Blood of Jesus.

I'm telling you it wasn't easy..but I'm still here! All glory be to God!

Meanwhile, I hope this testimony has encouraged and inspired you in your prayer life..

But more importantly;

'..BE PREPARED!'

"..Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect).
1Thess 5 v 6

'..The Sons of Issachar were men who had an understanding of the times..'
1Chron 12 v 32

Psalm 91

'Having Done All...Stand! (Eph 6 v 13) Healing Testimony..

Over the past few years, I've had quite a bit to do with the NHS due to taking my elderly mother to hospital for eye injections against macular degeneration, and it's becoming very clear that, in these last days, we need to be placing our faith in more than a human medical team, who, though clearly doing their utmost to attend and heal the sick, are operating within a system that is broke and groaning under the weight of constant, unrelenting demand..

So, by way of encouragement, I'm sharing this testimony about my mum's situation so that you can truly know that our Father God (the Divine Physician) is more than a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46 v 1).  All He needs is something to work with, which is 'faith,' because as the bible says, we cannot please Him without it!
(Heb 11 v 6)

So, here we go. I will say at the outset, back in 2009, when the Lord led me to move away from the area where I was born and raised, it was with the promise that He would take good care of my mother's needs..so actually, this isn't the only healing and protection she has experienced since then, it's just the most dramatic!

(So just as an added extra, if God calls you to relocate somewhere for any reason, if you are willing to trust Him, He will take care of all your worries and concerns).

Right...so, last year from mid summer of 2017 onwards, my 93 year old mum had this persistent cough, on and off, that she couldn't seem to shake. The doctor eventually said that it was a form of 'whooping cough,' which we all thought quite strange at the time (if not slightly amusing) with what would normally be more of a 'childhood malady..'

Then, further down the line in the October, when time for the clocks to go back, she went to adjust the heavy clock in her kitchen when it slipped out of her hands, bounced off the floor and hit her in the shin causing an open wound..

I was obviously concerned, particularly for her age, but just carried on praying for her every day as normal. She was now under the doctor for antibiotics and regular changes of dressing. Meanwhile, I was praying for the wound to heal, which it seemed to, but then somehow, it would set off weeping again..plus, her leg had become very swollen causing her quite a bit of pain..

At one point we had to push to see the doctor (rather than just a nurse to deal with the dressing) after which, she was prescribed a stronger antibiotic..

I arrived just before Christmas to stay at my mum's home for two weeks, and at that time she'd just finished another course of antibiotics. However, the leg was still slightly swollen and painful but the wound did seem to have healed over..

All seemed well, then on Tuesday 2nd Jan I headed off (through storm Eleanor) back to Reading where I was living at the time..

Then on Wednesday morning the 3rd of Jan, I awoke with a strong unction 'to fast'..

I was also reminded about how, back in the autumn of 2017, I was just going about my home, when I remember hearing the still, small, Voice of the Holy Spirit saying;

'..There's a storm coming..'

And now, here it came..

At 5.15am on Thursday 4th Jan, I awoke to my IPhone ringing.

I answered to hear this very calm lady's voice informing me that my mother had been taken into hospital.
When I asked why, she just said; '..she's awoken in the night feeling a bit shivery..'

So next, I was endeavouring to contact my brother Paul (who lives closer to her than me in Cheshire). This was in between many calls to hospital reception, who kept telling me 'my mother hadn't yet arrived at the A&E'..

I finally got through to my brother, but neither of us was too concerned as the impression was, 'she'd just had a bit of a fright', so now he would head over to the hospital to see how she was getting on..

Meanwhile, I was continuing the fast, whilst repeatedly ringing the hospital. Eventually, the receptionist said 'she'd been admitted and was now having a cup of tea and chatting with the medics..'

'All's well' so I thought, until Paul rang me later to let me know what had really happened.

Apparently, without warning, my mother had awoken about 2am with a raging temperature and vomiting. Now this, to me, was a miracle in itself as my mother doesn't really drink very much, so how dehydrated she must have quickly become!

So anyway, she had pressed the emergency button on her pendant, which alerted the next door neighbours in coming to her aid. Though the ambulance had been called, it didn't arrive for 4 hours. In the meantime, my mother was drifting in and out of sleep whilst her dear neighbour was inwardly begging her not to die!

When the medics finally arrived, they had to take off her nightie because of such a high temperature (in a bitterly cold ambulance) then on reaching the hospital, she was placed on a trolley with a saline drip until they found her a bed, which was to take about another 12 hours..

It was diagnosed later on that she had double pneumonia, but researching online, my brother and I knew that there was also some sepsis involved which was consistent with the symptoms from the cellulitus situation in her leg. We also think this is the reason why she was given a bed on a side ward (after being on the Acute Medical ward for a short time).

When I arrived 3pm on the Friday afternoon, she was on an intravenous, antibiotic drip and using a nebulizer to clear mucus and help her to breathe..

My mother is sometimes hard of hearing and therefore, unable to comprehend what the doctor's were saying, so what a blessing it was that she was on the side ward meaning my brother and I, were able to take turns at her bedside for most of the day. So thankful to the Lord!

At first, there was a noticeable lack of get-well cards arriving, probably because no one was expecting her to survive! But there soon become a steady stream of well-wishing after a while. In the meantime, in spite of all the negative reports, I'd taken a firm stand of faith, believing 'it wasn't her time to leave..'

However, about half way through the storm, with all the barrage of negative reports, including concerns about something called 'kidney injury', not to mention the constant worried comments of my back-slidden brother, I had begun to waver and question the Lord, 'maybe it is her time after all...am I to just 'let go?'

I distinctly heard Him say;

'Well then, ask her!'

So then, next time I went to visit, without my even enquiring, she kept on saying how 'she just wanted to go home!'(Earthly abode!) So there was the confirmation, and, according to God's promise (Matt 18 v 19) I simply agreed and said;

'Okay, you're going home!"

At one point I mentioned to the doctor about the cellulitus in mum's leg, and when they rolled up her pyjama leg, there was no longer any swelling...it was gone!

As time went by, her lungs grew stronger so she was gradually needing the nebulizer less and less, but then a blood test revealed a high level of potassium in her blood. This had to be monitored as it indicated the possibility of kidney failure..

Meanwhile, the nurses were so helpful and attentive, doing the best they could, whilst the doctor was  very nice, and could hardly believe my mum was 93 (apparently, the oldest person on the ward!).

 Anyway, one morning he arrived and began talking about a visit to the haemotology dept, then went on to talk about some 'chemotherapy?' I stared at him unable to comprehend..

Later on, it turned out he'd picked up the wrong notes..

In the meantime, there were injections in the stomach in order to prevent blood clots...plus, an MRI scan..then, the very last thing that happened before her release, was that, a doctor and nurse from the chest clinic arrived at her bedside in order to extract a sample of fluid from each of her lungs to see if there was any emphysema. (This could well have been the case as my mother had previously smoked for about 40 years before quitting in the nineties after becoming a Christian).

Well, for me, this was just all 'the last straw!' It had felt like such a long battle (even though it had only been 2 weeks) and as the doctor began to relay to mum about the dangers of such a procedure, I was inwardly crying out to the Lord; 'Please, don't allow her to have to go through this!'

Anyway, my mum gave her consent, and so the doctor had her sit on the edge of the bed whilst they did a scan of each of her lungs to check the presence of any fluid..

Next thing, they were packing up the equipment, saying; 'the lungs were draining nicely and so there was no need to do the test!'

Oh, glory to God, thank You Jesus!

Well, the next day was a long one as we sat awaiting the result of the latest blood tests for potassium levels. Then finally, into the evening came the 'all clear' and she was packed off home with us, along with medication, plus, a walker, and commode (both of which have ended up in the garden shed).

Then, a week later she was off to the hairdressers!

Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus!

In 1John 5 v 4 says it as it is;
'..For whatever is born of God is victorious over (that conquers) the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith..'

Meditating on the promises of God will displace negative worldly thoughts, and cause faith to grow..it's inevitable!

'..So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God..'
Romans 10 v 17

The Word of God has substance, and can shift things!

"..Is not My word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the most stubborn rock of resistance.."
Jeremiah 23 v 29

'..And Jesus, replying said to them, "..Have faith in God (constantly)
Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain,
'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! And does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him..
For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that is is granted to you, and you will get it)"
Mark 11 v 23-24

'..Signs and wonders follow them that believe..'
Mark 16 v 17-18
#beencouraged!

"..Food For Thought.."

Are you in bondage to food?

There is no doubt that health experts, and nutritionalists, are great in helping us to keep our bodies healthy in order to live longer healthier lives here on the earth..

But did you ever see such conflicting advice going around about this diet versus that diet..one minute this particular food is so beneficial, next minute it isn't..

Yesterday, a new book arrived in the post which was all about a 'revolutionary new diet'.
It was written by someone I really respect as a dietician, so when I saw it advertised, I joined in with all the excitement and ordered a copy hoping to gain some greater insight for healthier eating..

Well, I'd barely got through the first few pages when I felt what can only be described as a 'strait jacket' coming upon me. Yes, there were many good insights and advice, but all the information about the 'do's and don'ts' was becoming overwhelming..

There were all these warnings regarding certain diseases caused by wrong eating...not to mention all the possible consequences of what could happen if I continued to eat certain foods..

All of this along with the need to keep a check on myself in order to stay within a certain 'zone..'

I went to bed that night, no longer at peace as I thought about all the untoward chemicals present in tinned food, and how I must make sure I was eating meat that was raised in the right way..on and on..

Oh, and add to that all the latest scientific findings about plastic microbes from the clothes we're wearing, apparently now showing up inside our fish?

Funnily enough, the previous day I had been led to a certain scripture in Galatians;

'..Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun your new life spiritually with the Holy Spirit are you now reaching perfection by dependence on the flesh?' Chap 3 v 3 (Amp)

So, am I saying all such diets are wrong?

Of course not, but God, Who is the True Divine Dietician, wants us to live freely, and not to be all focused on ourselves and obsessed with every least bit of food we're eating..

After all, it is He Who created each of our bodies, so matter how qualified, and how much expert knowledge a doctor or nutritionalist may have, at the end of the day, only He really knows what's best for each of our bodies..

Jesus said in Matthew 11 v 30;
'My yoke is easy, and My burden is light..'

He wants us to live in peace..

Plus, it may surprise you to hear that Father God actually wants us to enjoy our eating..which means, by surrendering our eating habits to Him it won't necessarily all be about 'lettuce and spinach'..

Of course, it may be a good idea to begin limiting certain carbs in our diet, certain cereals, and some processed crammed with salt and sugar, but when that also includes bananas and beetroot?

Hang on a minute..bananas are a great source of potassium, and beetroot is very nutritious!

Also, in my own situation, having surrendered my eating habits to the Lord a few years ago, cow's milk began to be replaced with soya milk..but some say soy is bad for us..

Confusing, hey?

With so many conflicting views around, what should we do?

The answer is, to pray for wisdom regarding our diet, then read any information with our spirits.

In other words, consciously allowing the Lord in on it to guide and counsel..

Some things may apply, some not..

He may say to someone who has just been diagnosed with a serious health issue;
"..Buy this diet book, and obey everything in it.."

Or, to another, He may lead to buy a certain book, but only highlight one principal in it..

I know; 'Let's allow God to be God, and live in peace..'

Oftentimes, the wisdom of the Lord will make no sense to our natural minds..

Well, obey His leading anyway, because scripture tells us;

'..Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom..'
2Cor 3 v 17

Think of Namaan who was in dire need of healing from leprosy..
Then, on the advice of his wife's servant girl from Israel, he came before Elisha the prophet..
(2Kings 5 )

He was probably expecting a big ceremony with all the local dignitaries present plus, a buffet tea to celebrate..

But Elisha, the prophet of God told him; "..Go dip 7 times in the Jordan river..'

What!?

It made no sense..but finally, he obeyed, and healing was the result..

Sadly, it is true nowadays that there is no longer much integrity left in the food industry, with most bowing to the 'God of mammon' in order to keep down costs..

And if it wasn't for the pressure from government watch dogs to keep control against certain dodgy ingredients and practices, things would be a lot worse..

So, we can never really know the true origin of our food, or what process it's been through before it gets to us, whether from the supermarket, or a restaurant, but I can assure you, God does not want us all caught up worrying about it!

So, where does that leave us, as Christians?

Well, we are to be an example to others by not succumbing to fear and worry..because Jesus assured us in Mark 16 v 18 'if we drink anything deadly it will not harm us..' (which means 'inadvertently', by the way, not presumptuously on purpose).

So, by faith, we are to pray over our food remain at peace, and unless He guides us otherwise, enjoy it!

One last thing, if you're not sure about the Lord's leading about whether or not, to give it up a certain food..then just keep bringing it before Him each day, He will soon make it clear. and you will know in your 'knower' exactly what to do!'

Notice the accompanying picture showing a scrumptious dessert?

Well, though I have radically changed my eating habits over the years, I do still have something like this occasionally, whereas, some folks may feel to give up sugar altogether..

That is freedom, my friend.. and that is how our heavenly Father wants us to live..

'..It was for freedom that Christ has set us free, no longer to be held in a yoke of slavery..'
Galatians 5 v 1

Selah..

"..Shall We Dance.."

Have you ever felt 'stuck' in a situation...boxed in, and no matter how hard you try, all pathways are blocked...and nothing seems to work out. Meanwhile, the pressure keeps building..


Well anyway, this is how it's been for me lately...then added to it all, because of the stress, came some alarming health symptoms.
I thought; 'This is just too much, Lord..' and next, my mind was beginning to wander to the possibilities of an alternative 'plan B?'


One thing I've learned about our Heavenly Father over the years, is that, He is always very creative about the various ways He uses in order to woo us back to Him..


Even Mickey Rooney?!


The other day, I sat down in the lounge with a cuppa ...meanwhile, mum was flicking through all the Freeview options..
Finally, she came to rest in the middle of an ancient black and white movie with a very young Mickey Rooney, who was all upset because the love of his life was telling him she was about to marry another..


All excited about this sudden whirlwind romance, she seemed completely unaware of his feelings towards her. Meanwhile, he was doing his level best to be pleased...even attempting to dissuade her (isn't he a bit too old at 35!!).


But her joy couldn't be thwarted, and soon Mickey was left all alone...crushed and defeated..


Worse still for our hero, the man in question was a successful, wealthy businessman whose name was well-known in the community..


Then next, adding insult to injury, Mickey was asked to be the groom's best man (and the only guest) at the couple's hasty wedding..


The scene then switched to his parents home with him arriving at the door informing them; 'he'd quit studying law at university and would soon be moving south to join a friend as a construction worker..'


Though his father tried his best to dissuade his son, he basically kept saying;
"..The studying is too slow, and taking too long...I need to be earning money, NOW!"


Anyway, next day, along the street in his hometown, Mickey bumps into a very bubbly childhood girlfriend who, being over-the-moon at seeing him, promptly links his arm and the two head back to his parents home..


His parents meanwhile, having been out, arrive back to hear loud dance music coming from their lounge, and through the window, see their son slouched, ever-despondent, on the couch whilst
totally unaware of his situation, the girl is dancing and singing around him..


Suddenly, she grabs his arm for him to join her, to no avail, but then, not quitting, she finally yanks him reluctantly to his feet, cajoling him to dance and next, they start doing this really 'cute' little dance routine together...meanwhile, mum and I were shrieking with laughter!
(I love Hollywood musicals!)


Anyway next thing, realising his error, Mickey is now making a complete turn-around, and is all set to return to his studies at uni..


Well, the message is clear isn't it? We are not to quit, no matter how tough things get..


We all have a destiny to fulfil...a certain, designated purpose for each of our lives...that 'special something' the Lord has appointed, that only we can do..


No matter what difficulties come our way....there can be no 'Plan B!"


Hebrews 12 v 3 tells us;


"...Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.."

In other words, no matter how hard it gets, nothing compares with what our Lord and Saviour endured in order to fulfil His call on this earth..

Where would we be if He hadn't?

And where will this generation be, if we each fail to fulfil our destiny and calling?

And if you don't yet know what 'Plan A' is for your life..ASK HIM!

Because the time is short..

"..Seek, inquire for, and require the Lord while He may be found (claiming Him by necessity and by right): Call upon Him while He is near.."

Isaiah 55 v 6  (Amp)