A lie is a lie is a lie indeed
No matter what you think
Don’t you agree?

Can it just be okay with us that God in His sovereignty allows what is best for us to grow in Him, or to grow more like Him?

Some of us are afraid to cry out to God. To tell Him how we really feel. About life. About pain. About delays. About shame. About regrets. About loneliness.

Perhaps today your heart might say,
“Oh Lord, do show me needs.”

Life is full of disappointments. Heart woundings. Pained promises.

There is such a temptation to be something we’re not. In all of our pandering for influence we’ve lost sight of the goodness of God in our own lives.

In times of darkness, sing. When in despair, just sing.

There are still dreams stirring in my heart yet I hear a faint whisper, “Not yet.” It is a peculiar life indeed with the Lord learning daily to follow closer.

I know. The devil is a master at needling your heart.

There is a walk with Jesus that is utterly narrow. You’ll have to crucify every opportunity to compromise holiness and righteousness.

There’s a little girl inside of some of you who is aching to get out. She’s been hiding for years herself to keep safe.

Desperation can destroy quickly a plan of God. The royal priest that is unable to wait upon the Lord will position people wrongly.

Some things are simply meant to sharpen you. There was something in that dreaded place that you needed to learn.

The poet is but a melodic mute
Without trials that stir up rhyme
The writer has nothing to say
If Jesus has not been given his time.

Pride is a terrible thing.
A stubborn bent that keeps us reeling.
That which lies in wait to ruin beautiful plans of the Lord.

Some of you have felt alone on a deserted island. Like a castaway lost at sea.

Woven within you are miracles waiting to happen. Special seasons already written in the book full of good works that have been stored up just for you.

There is but only one to which I must answer. Only one who can call me out of the quiver. It is His will that I must be sure I’m surrendering to.

As God began to move mightily in the ministry soon after we opened our local building, I began to experience major attacks from the enemy.

I remember when my husband handed me a book on healing my broken heart. I had no intentions of reading it and it sat on my bookshelf unread.

Psa 141:4 – Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

This is no time to shrink back. You will have to face the giants of the day to set your people free.

When God is ruling there will always be evidence of Him at work. Everywhere Jesus went was healing, deliverance, the blind seeing, hearts bound up, and truth being dispensed.

What is it you long for?
My heart has been travailing for deepened worship.

While in prayer the phrase came into my heart, “Casualties of War.” The Lord was showing me the many unnecessarily lamed hearts after a bout of war.

It is tempting to only praise God when we’re on the mountain and all is well. At the turn of every blessing, we rejoice. Yet when the valley is where our feet land, we disappear from the sweet honoring of our God.

Lately I’ve heard come from my own mouth the whisper of God to “Pay Attention.”

It is a dangerous place to be if one thinks they’ve nothing left to learn.

Sometimes you really do need to leave. For far too long we’ve created a type of loyalty to titles and churches that is not in line with Jesus.

Christ, He is my treasure
Through every kind of weather

I am still learning how to look and listen for the wind in my rooms. How to breathe slower and allow space for the Holy Spirit to go where He wants to go.   If I’m not careful I could

As leaders, we should look across the faces of our people and ask to see deeply into their hearts. Be careful of looking upon the outward appearance of man.

Listen. I promise what I’m about to tell you is true. But it’s gonna be hard to hear. However, I do think it will help you in your suffering seasons.

I’m more of a nobody than I’ve ever been
And I honestly love the view.

After the turn of the year I noticed something that’s becoming precious to me. Although we were adding groups and I was still handling my normal schedule, I seemed to be able to withstand the work better.

ne of the hardest things to work through with Jesus is the inability to defend yourself when others have wrongfully accused you. I think a lot about Joseph and all those years in prison after being falsely accused.

It’s okay baby girl. (Or boy)   I know you want to stop the crying but the faucet just won’t turn off.   Your heart will need some time to recover so don’t rush this part of your healing. Jesus

You’ll have to open your eyes to the hurting if you want to follow Jesus. Even when He was headed to a destination you’d often find Him stopping to heal the sick, cast out a demon, do some teaching, or raise the dead.

Some seasons leave you singed. The fire was hot and it left some very real and long lasting scars.

I’d leave that spot empty if I were you. If God hasn’t approved that move then you had best hold off.

Until we stop skimming the surface we will not be too effective in this war on darkness. Our studying skims the surface and we are too satisfied with barely knowing a thing rendering us not able to articulate needed truth to hearts in need.

I will confess that there are times when it feels like the devil is winning a battle. Where those who rob you seem to get blessings. Where integrity doesn’t seem to be honored but the lack thereof is. Where alliances

For a few months God has been talking to me about “Tying up loose ends.” This past week it kept coming again and again in His Word, through prophetic devotionals, and other avenues. It was clear to me that this

Growth in Christ is intentional. Advancing the Kingdom is also intentional.

Jesus wants to deliver you. But He does give you free will. You can choose not to be free, and many do.

The trauma didn’t trap you, it tried you. Now it has proved you. It took you higher into the place of the Spirit of God where hinds feet in higher places was becoming your portion.

Within your own wilderness has come a well of wisdom. Who knew pain could carry promise and valleys could birth life changing legacy.

You are never too old with Jesus to grow. I’m so thankful for this truth. Over the past few years God has been restoring worship to me. However, it has not been the same as before.

There are times when God walks you right back to the place of pain. You’ve likely run from it trying hard to get away from it.

You have not been forgotten or forsaken. As I look across the field, I see you.

In worship this morning I began to sing, “Precious is the one.” I knew it was the Lord sharing His heart with me. In a world where audiences are preferred, Jesus says, “Precious is the one.”

Some of our wilderness seasons are not yet over. I know you’d like it I to be and have been praying for it all to end but there is an inner work that is still necessary to the Lord.

God always has something on His mind in any room. Often there is a sudden shift where you realize….ahhh this is it.

Last night we were in tears seeing how faithful God was being to our women. Don’t get me wrong. I expect it. It’s who He is. But the lovely ways He uniquely does it for each heart can be so stunning.

Listen. I do have an education. A bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a MBA with a specialty in Health Services but the Lord warned me about using my old methods in the Kingdom once I stepped into running a ministry.

We talked last night about how often we are called upon by people to “fill a spot” or “meet a need” but the truth is God never called us to it. So we sit empty in it while nothing of God actually happens. It’s all human will and strength.

What are you willing to do for His presence? Let go of all the formality, the agenda, and just let Him have the room?

When Jesus moves you on there are usually mixed emotions. There can be excitement in the NEW while still having a grief in the move.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time over my years injuring my shoulders while barreling into closed doors.

While I was worshiping this morning I saw an open Bible begin to transform into Christ the person. All the scriptures formed His frame and His body inside and out. It was like watching an animation come to life.

I can’t make anyone a minister. God does the choosing.   There’s no shiny positions in real Kingdom work and honestly God is the only one who anoints and appoints.   I’m only called to see in hearts what God

Though pain and sorrow come near, the skylark remains a most cheerful songbird.   In circular motions the little lark ascends towards Heaven and is one of the rare birds that sings while it flies.   You would never know

When I began in ministry, I was terrified to speak in front of anyone, so I made sure my music tracks ran right together with no pause. It sounded like a good plan but the motive was fear and insecurity.

It’ll be at the edge of reason that you find God’s higher ways. That place where you can no longer explain what He just did or make any natural sense of it all.

Tonight, I just feel an overwhelming heart for those who haven’t quite gotten over certain seasons of pain. No matter what right steps you’ve taken towards healing, the grief still rests deep within you.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (John 1:17)

I find it is true that the eyes of a person can tell me so much.   I’ve been asking the Lord this week if He can be seen in my own eyes. Does compassion shine through as a heart

Yesterday began and ended with blessings. We were gifted a refrigerator that was delivered yesterday, and I think I stared at it for an hour.

There have been times when God gave a sudden redirection. When it happens, it can be a little wounding. Maybe you’ve experienced the same.

Often times God has provided for us an ark-type place meant to serve His purposes. It is the place of His anointing and His power. A place His work advances and a place where your gifts come alive because of the unique anointing you have in Christ.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). I was pondering in prayer how Christ binds a broken heart.

I’m reading another book on Corrie Ten Boom. A phrase caught my attention today: “Trained in kindness.”

As I prayed this morning, the words “Match Made in Heaven” dropped in my heart. It’s so true that we must be willing to wait while God moves. His moving isn’t always seen but trust me, that He isn’t idle.

Luke 8:17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.

Psalm 32:7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

Like Paul, you’ve asked it be removed three or more times. While there has not been a “No” there has neither been a “Yes.”

Job 2:3

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”

Belonging can’t be your boss, or you will end up in circles where you’ll have to compromise who you are in Christ just to “belong.”

Seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness.

This is your first duty, and the supernatural Holy Spirit’s job is to lead you where He is taking you, which is not always entirely where you actually want to go.

I watched a leaf upon a tree As it came and neared to me And suddenly I realized Its beating heart had seen the Christ.   I grinned as I did say, “Oh Lord All creation does praise you more

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. (John 4:7-8)

I had been praying for a while this morning and while in worship heard the words, “Gone with the Wind.”

It is often that transition brings such a change that some things seem lost. All those you carried with you before aren’t always called to move into your next season.

The devil knows how to send you help, and he knows if you’re more desperate to get any ole’ help or if you’re wise enough to ask God if it’s His man or woman.

If Paul had listened to the voices of his past, he would never have followed the path of Christ. He would have stayed in ignorance.

A few years ago I had a dream, and I was preparing for a royal ball. I looked down and in my hand were 2 ornate keys. They were huge! Then suddenly in the dream I had lost the keys and was looking for them frantically.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Not everyone will understand what is in you. Some simply don’t know how to use what Jesus placed in you, and some frankly would rather keep you under their heel with an authority that is nothing more than a spirit of control.

There are times when you have little insight into a particular direction. In these times perhaps we must let “her” drive as the scripture says because we know indeed the Master is on duty at the helm.

Like Elijah, I’ve heard the soft whisper of God come when I’ve decided to hold up in my own darkened caves. One has to get used to stillness and quiet to allow God to speak sometimes.

We need not create a kind of “more” for the work of God. Sometimes we add things that seem to only take away from the anointing.

You better learn how to keep your eye on The Prize because Satan is unleashing hoards of distractions to get you away from The Beloved and His unique design for you.

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David:

It is a telling stance of the flesh when a heart demands its way in arrogance rather than a posture of humility.

Waiting on God can be so difficult. If we sit still too long, we quickly get back up to work it all out for ourselves, all the while making unnecessary errors.

While in prayer, I began to sing the words, “I renew my vows to thee.” A holy matrimony is at hand. The bride who has “been making herself ready” is being beckoned to His deep presence.

It seems like you’re the man at the pool waiting for someone to carry you into the water, but people always step over you, overlook you, and “get theirs first.”

There have been seasons where God did not calm my seas. Instead He taught me how to ride the waves.

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.

1Sa 9:27 – And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

For some of us we’ve not ventured out past the shallow waters of safety. Our comfortable living has carried us away from the adventures with Christ. We’re right near afraid of everything.

Pro 27:8 – Like a bird that wanders from her nest,
So is a man who wanders from his place.

There is coming on the horizon places of safe harbor from the storms and supernatural peace from the rolling waves. Places of true refuge for the hurting.

The worshiper in spirit and truth will never be confined to Sunday mornings at 11 am. When the presence of God comes into a room, the heart of a worshiper responds no matter where they are and when they are.

This is for all my little sisters in music. First, embrace your own uniqueness. In a world full of copycats, be an original.

At some point, you’ll have to decide that “this” just isn’t working. This hurricane cycle of sweeping pain will meet you at your daily door until you open it for the King.

In prayer this morning came out the title of this writing. I found myself praying for those that might be detained by the devil and don’t even know it.

There’s a heavenly perspective happening that looks like confusion and chaos to you, but it’s wiping away an old season and preparing for the new one.

Dear Woman of God, You were never an afterthought to the LORD ALMIGHTY.   Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.   You

While the Holy Spirit has authority and power, you can absolutely shut the door to Him. He will not be manhandled.

I’ve watched many a ministry place a warm body in an empty position without prayer. Often we are trying to force God to do what we want rather than waiting and perceiving what God actually wants.

Some of those arrows you’ve endured were for those in your own family who needed to see somebody walk for real with Jesus. At every persecution, they saw you stand back up and be willing to take one for the team.

Why are you angry at that pained soul
Perhaps it’s a heart you should get to know
Before that judgment causes grief
For one who is already needing peace.

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” (Zechariah 13:9)

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
(Psalm 46:10)

I find the Lord rarely lets me wait until I feel ready…   Often I’m in a sudden catapult, “Here ya go girl.”   I guess if I ever actually felt ready, maybe I’d be less apt to lean into

There is such a safe place with Christ Jesus. His feathered wings (psalm 91) are the best shelter from storms I’ve ever known.

A few days ago I thought I heard the Lord say, “Move to it.” Honestly, I brushed it off until I got to chapel that evening when one of my brothers began to pray aloud “move” in one way or another.

Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. (Exodus 2:11)   Man I cringe just writing that title. It seems super harsh, and I’m

Acts 28 shares with us the story of a shipwreck. Paul and many others were destined to arrive at an island called Malta. In the distance, they could see a beach. (I mean if I’m going to be shipwrecked let’s make it on a beach, right?)

We’ve traded the anointing
For man-made applause
Impotent of power
While quoting the clause.

I’m not sure why it’s so hard for you to receive healing from Christ just yet.   I’m not sure why, but when you get close to being touched within, you run.   I’m not sure why you have deemed

A Reading by Shelly Wilson called Onward Christian Soldier.

You’ve likely been in the middle of many activities yet fully aware of that simmering, deep pull of pain. You’re able to carry on full-scale conversations and busy days, but you and Jesus are acutely aware of that which lies below the surface.

I could have taken an easier path.
I could have walked the wider road.
I could have remained silent and got the bookings.
I could have paid for the steady applause.
I could have remained quiet under ungodly laws.

There has been a Great War against women since the garden. Indeed, my brothers have much of the same but not quite the same.

Nevertheless, we made our prayers to our God, and because of them, we set a watch against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:9   It would do us well to grow in wisdom. The discerning of spirits will be such

How long will you stay at that table? How long until you accept God is nudging you onward?

I have seen the hand of God gently grab mine when I have felt utterly alone. In the midst of the most devastating valleys, His presence was sure.

Enlarge the site of your tent [to make room for more children]; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not spare them; Lengthen your tent ropes And make your pegs (stakes) firm [in the ground]. Isaiah 54:2 (Amplified)

There’s no coincidence to the way His Kingdom puzzle works. He has in His heart a kingdom calendar and timing whereby all of His people and the gifts He has fashioned in them will now be perfectly placed.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Proverbs 22:9

You will find a strong foe of fear as soon as you decide to step into your God-given purpose.
At the edge of the Red Sea will come to a strong voice yelling, “Turn around! Go back!”

So often you’ll find a skipping over such truths simply because one has not yet understood or experienced it, but do not for one second let someone convince you that the Holy Spirit is not still doing this beautiful and powerful work today in His people.

What is it that we dumb down the God in us? That we understand we have the power of God residing in us yet keep all our requests shallow and manageable?

Shall I bring to the point of birth and not cause to bring forth?” says the Lord; “shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb?” says your God. (Isaiah 66:9)

I’ve noticed that some believers are still moved very little by pain.   It pains them a little when others hurt. It pains them little to see a world despondent. It pains them little to watch suffering souls struggle alone.

For those waking today with heavy hearts because you’re in a season of grief, it’s ok to not want to celebrate like the rest of the world. Jesus knows full well that you are grateful, but your heart is broken.

This Jesus of mine, well, we’ve been through a lot. Here are some things He has walked me through. Some things are from my early days, while others are later in my journey. Maybe some of my journeys will encourage you in yours.

It is nice to discuss the dreaming with Jesus, the launching of kingdom endeavors, and the pursuit of purpose.

It is my birthday today and I wanted a good long time with Christ this morning. This year has been full of beautifully running the race and watching Him love one heart after another to wholeness.   As I’ve been

Exodus 6:9 So Moses spoke this to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.   Anguish here means “impatience” and the root word implies “vexed” or “to be grieved.”

It might surprise some religious folks who’ve been banging their gavels zealously for years when God raises up the “prodigals” to push forward the frontlines.

As I exit my car onto my walking path, I bless the Lord for such a beautiful day. I can smell the fresh scent of the tall pines as I catch a glimpse of a small tumbleweed being blown quickly by the wind.

And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all. Then David took all the flocks; herds they had driven before those other livestock, and said, “This is David’s Spoil.”

The life of Jesus was one of a surrendered life, and certainly one of great suffering.
Last night in worship a clear message was coming forward pointing to suffering and sacrifice.

There is a wall that you will continue to come up against if you do not heal.

Sometimes I grin as I watch one who was so broken emerge from the ashes.   At any given moment tears might fill my eyes as I see joy restored, hope reinstated, and passion kicking up dust with their heels.

Think not it small to partner with Heaven on behalf of any life. It is a primary duty when it comes to a Saint of God.

David was prepared to go to battle with Achish. Yet, the princes of the Philistines refused to allow him to fight with them.

I was thinking yesterday of the kindness of the Lord. As we’ve been adjusting our rooms at the ministry per His leading, we had some needs to finish the “setting” of all that is coming.

If I’m found always clamoring for people, places, and things to comfort me, He will need to intervene. For He must be my primary crutch.

There once was a little ballerina
Still only in her dreams
She watched the dancers pirouette
And wished she could be like these.

There have been so many successes with hearts in need over my years but if I’m honest I often feel the failures most.

David’s anointing for King must have been quite the highlight. Yet, years of being in-between the call and the crown were full of exhaustion, pain, and tears.

As I’m sitting here praying, I find myself overwhelmed with something we discussed in last night’s group meeting.

For a number of years, I haven’t been able to travel alone in ministry much. I had some major warfare, particularly in the geographic area I was heading to, that always came hard and heavy. Strange things would happen with my health, and other things, etc. It was very frustrating.

Should every door begin to close Except the door to Heaven/s throne Into His heart I will abide Nothing compares to knowing Christ.   If darkened days do fill my years And bring me still more waves of tears I’ll

There’s a precious place for you to operate in all Christ has called you to be. Beware of going with those who follow worldly little gods.

Listen, little sister. You’re gonna have to learn to swim upstream, here. Just because the world says it’s ok doesn’t mean God has.

You can often tell a God calling by a sheer, and unexpected, surprise. At some point, the gift begins to stir, and it shows itself. You may not be the first to even recognize it, but others will.

There once was a grasshopper pining away
Wondering when God would save the day
When pain and grief rolled in like waves
“When would it surely all go away?”

While we were in worship practice, I began to see a balancing scale. It was tipped heavier on one side. The Lord began to show me He was about to balance the scales of justice.

It must have been a sad state of affairs for Samuel to see his sons not walking in the ways of the Lord. The scriptures say, “They turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” (1 Samuel 8:3)

There was a road called “Lost”
Which I traveled at great cost
With crooked streets and no road signs
When all seemed to be left behind.

Your pain is embedded so deep that your cries to the Lord can’t even be heard by onlookers. Your voice has been stifled and the anguish has kept you silent to the outside world.

There is tension in the atmosphere as you step into that new thing. The war can be felt, and often it feels as if your body has been beaten after a grand victory. The pushback of Hell as you move into the new territory is tangible, and the devil is hoping it will be too much for you to stay the course.

On my walk today the wind was warm yet cool enough to stay for a while. It precariously blew every lovely weed, flower, and tree as if to make the statement, “It is the changing of a season.”

Jesus wept too because hearts were divided and what was meant to be long-lasting, divine gifts from Heaven were robbed in an instant by the devil.

Some of you have been hiding for so long that you can’t even remember why. Hiding from others, hiding from Jesus, hiding from the possibility of pain, and hiding from yourself.

As I share my heart with Him, and we discuss what I feel He is leading in this season, I ever so gently feel Him watch as a deep grief suddenly passes quietly through my heart.

It is well to know what the scriptures say regarding authority in Christ. It is quite another matter to apply it in any given situation in real life.

For many months I’ve shared with our ladies how I had seemed to be “nesting.” Like a pregnant mother preparing for a new birth, I felt the same way.

In the book of Job, we are often taken by Job’s sufferings. While it is certainly a good read and faith builder, we mustn’t miss an incredible glimpse of God Almighty as He reveals Himself intricately in the midst of Job’s crises.

While working this morning I heard the first line of this poem begin when I soon realized I was seeing a vision of myself rooted in a deep bed of soil in a field.

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Isaiah 6:1

I had the lovely joy of sowing into a ministry this morning, helping evacuate 65 people to safety from a persecuted country. I couldn’t wait to hit the donate button! What an honor to join in such beautiful work!

Today, I have on my heart the many ministers who enter into their day serving others while carrying their own pain of grief and loss. Not everyone will, and can, understand that significant burden.

It was around 4:30 this morning when I awoke to these words stirring in my heart and Spirit. It must be important to the Lord.

For a few months, I have seemed to be “nesting.” I have kept telling the ladies I felt a shift coming. After a significant amount of pressure, we saw the shifts and made them quickly. Yet, this morning, the Lord lets me know He is not quite done yet.

It’s the push and pull between the old and the new. While God is trying to bring you into the new, you have a death grip on the old. The tension of hanging onto both sides of that rope is more than you can bear.

There are times I’ve begged out of my calling when the suffering few see is more than I can handle. I’ve been just like Elijah and pleaded for Heaven after full scale victories. Weariness and fatigue have overtaken me at times, and I have thought seriously about staying down for the count on many occasions.

I was letting my 3-year-old granddaughter watch a Beckah Shae music video while I was visiting. I noticed she was more still than usual. There was an illustration of God in the lyric video, and she pointed to it and said, “Sheshy, is that your friend, God?”

Over the last few years God has been kind to direct me through His Word and through dreams to what He desired as His next assignments. He seems to always be on the move.

I really believe Christ is putting out a call for our faithfulness to what He is asking us to do. We likely believe we are faithful but have often strayed to other things in our lives rather that the things He has asked us to commit to in any given season.

For some there is now a crossroads. The Lord whispered in my ear this morning that some have deemed the “cost as becoming too much.” I felt this was literally the financial cost although it certainly could mean beyond finances as well.

Last night I had a dream. In the dream a man who seemed Arab walked up to me and gave me a letter. I quickly realized the letter wasn’t authentically Jesus although it looked like it from the outside.

There comes a time when you must let go. For a number of years, I wore myself out trying to “fix” things. Nothing I did really worked but my heart kept getting more and more wounded with each attempt.

This is likely the most interesting word from the Lord I’ve ever received. As I was reading in the swimming pool I began to sing in the Spirit. I eventually recognized the tune as the old nursery rhyme, “Pop Goes

What is it that crushed your spirit, dear
That wrecked your heart and left it seared
That moment in time when the clock stood still
And seemed to devastate an act of goodwill?

Prayer is my hardest work and that which I labor in most. It is the drawing near to Christ and walking in the Spirit. Prayer brings divine direction so that you know when and where to, “Go.”

Sitting at my computer this morning came the words, “The End.” There has been a Kingdom shift whereby an END to things is occurring.

We often scurry around creating new plans when things are not going as expected. We try a new method or marketing scheme in hopes we will see a shift.

The function of pastoring, or shepherding, means simply to tend and mend. It’s a call to care for the sheep in the way they need. To mirror the Good Shepherd in how He loved well, tended the sick, equipped the disciples, and delivered the captives.

Gen 3:8 – And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

While divine separations do occur, so do demonic divisions. In the end, both can happen simultaneously for God to get you where you need to be. He wastes no time to turn the tide  when the enemy comes in like a flood.

Relationships take investing in. The more you invest the closer your relationships become. When you stop investing, the relationship ceases to exist.

If I’ve learned anything at all from Christ Jesus it is the way of gentleness. It was never my preaching or singing that would make me great.

If you listen closely, you may actually hear the sounds of His weighted wings as He covers you with His feathers.

While some seasons seem to be a “suddenly season” in many ways, I’ve more times than not had seasons of going the long way around.

It’s only in the power of Christ that you, at times, can hold on. No human being can counsel you in some seasons. Only God, Himself, can make His way into a room and bring back hope to the hopeless.

It’s often hard to discern some things when you’re desperate to get somewhere too quickly. After a recent experience I think it would be good to share a practical teaching that has many spiritual implications to the body of Christ.

We enjoy God’s best given to us but quickly place Him on the back burner. Then when things start getting dire we run back. Seems like we hear of this often regarding Israel in the Bible.

There do come times when you just can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other any longer. When all your strength is zapped, when the sorrows of the world seem too heavy, and when you just have nothing left to give.

I admit my heart is always pondering whether I’ve done enough for the King and Kingdom. Have I obeyed quickly? Missed a moment? Pressed into His heart enough to hear more clearly?   It has always been my heart’s desire

As one who is often weak in body and weak in strength it would appear to be a problem for the work of God at hand and a constant frustration to mankind, including myself.

Many have been in the middle of a testing time though they may not have known it. God in all His wisdom has been testing our hearts.

There’s a prophet with a pen
Who God calls with His wind
To nourish hearts in need
Who hide their pain and grief.

If I was afraid any longer of what man thought of me, I wouldn’t be preaching the gospel, today.

Sometimes it was helping them obey God in ways that were hard for them. Many struggle with people-pleasing, so when God calls one to a certain “letting go” in order to fulfill their mandate from Heaven, it’s not as easy for them as it is for others.

As we move in spiritual gifting we must not become enamored with the gifts more than the Giver of the gifts. We don’t seek experience, we seek Christ.

Walking in the warmth of the sun, I can faintly hear a sound getting nearer and nearer. Soon appears a little bird clothed in red. For such a small thing, it sure knows how to get my attention.

I’m not the one to call for a hospitality event or a delicious meal for the next gathering. I have an Aunt that is the BOMB in this arena, as well as my Mom, but they know if I’m in the room it’s not how God wired me. So, expectations are low…and I’m good with that.

We are a people that often misunderstand the ways of the Lord. Not everything within the Kingdom’s rule and reign will be pleasant at times. The gospel is certainly confrontational on every front.

In God’s kindness and Kingdom provision has been declared the wombs of women as birthing places, both in the natural and in the Spirit. Out of the womb of a woman has come every new creature, prepared by Him for a purpose planned by Heaven’s own heart.

Likely, we all have pains of the heart that are still unsettled. Regardless of faithful prayers, Jesus simply hasn’t fixed a thing.

We love that what is “His” is also “mine” but I do believe we have entirely misunderstood that what is “mine” is really also “His.”

I spent countless years trying what everyone else was doing before I realized the Holy Spirit had certain things and ways assigned to me.

I’ve seen many angry at the road they now walk. I’ve also seen many blame others for consequences God is using to attempt to change them. I’ve certainly been there as well.

Some of us have not understood the transition we’ve been in. For some it’s had some significant pain while for others just odd happenings that seem to be random-but we’re finding out are not.

From Thursday through Saturday last week, I had several hearts that melted into my arms with such pain that I’ve kept it in my heart continuously.

My job has been to fight for the oppressed
No matter what the cause, I’m called to address.

Some of us need to leave who we were in that grave. God has raised you anew and with that burial was who YOU thought you would be. In essence, that death brought about a new name, a new focus, a new expansion, and with it new assignments.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me” was likely taught to most of us growing up. However, it is quite untrue.

There is a time and season when you need to be very cautious of who has your ear. In other words, the influence over you needs to be evaluated carefully to be sure there is worthiness for someone to be given the blessing of speaking into your life.

I know it feels you can’t go on
But Jesus says, “You will.”
Just run into His righteous arms
To rest and just be still.

I find a multitude of folks with a love of quoting scripture merely to prove a point. Yet if I peer into their daily lives with Christ I see very little real ministry to hearts in need.

If a hurting soul is bedridden
Can Jesus send you there?
For in the hospital you might go
To be a light to share.

For a while, many groundbreakers have been in a deep season of trial. It’s not the first one they’ve seen, but it is certainly a place of tension like never before.

Perhaps I have not yet surrendered As much as I had thought. So that the quietness of heart Can hear the Master’s call.   Perhaps my love is not as deep As it needs to be. Still unable to die

I fear many calls that come to me. They scare me to death. Sometimes I weep, afraid I’ll miss the mark. I might even ask the Lord if He got the right girl.

I can assure you that when the enemy sends a full-scale assault, he is rejoicing way too quickly. His pride always gets the best of him.

It was pain that pushed my pen
And released a poetic wind

You won’t have to force what Jesus has called you to. It will naturally show itself because it is part of who you are. It is a place of fruit production.

Some left even thinking it was God, but deception was a tool of the devil, and that religious spirit divided loyalties. They are now missing the gift that you were meant to be in their lives. The truth has a way of coming back around with Jesus.

Within you is a stealth weapon out of reach of the enemy. He is unable to harness it, yet he may be able to distract you from it.

It will be of no consequence to Hell if we are called by man but not by God. I’ve seen many an ordination void of God, and time sure did tell it. Pity isn’t it?

Sometimes fear causes us to delay a thing. The anxiety of the “start” begins to push us back, and we shrink back from the call.

In the quietness of the night, listen closely. For you might hear the train of the Lord brush up against items in your room as He lingers. You might catch His scent as He comes to check on you and you can rest assured He is still on duty.

There’s a thousand wonders
Traveling my mind
Thinking of hearts
Needing someone who’s kind.

There will be times when you want to stay, but God says, “Go.”
When you’d like to stand down from your God-given post.

Listen. When a Jezebel spirit (any gender) is able to effectively remove the prophets from your midst, you’re about to be in some real trouble.

When following Jesus, you mustn’t be moved by the opinions of others. You can’t fall to expectations or requests, and you certainly can’t do things based on how everyone else does them.

Aren’t you tired of running?
Trying “this” and “that” but it always comes to nothing but more heartache.

It is my opinion as well as a clear biblical affirmation that even when God calls us to a difficult work, we will have a divine passion behind it. No matter how we feel, there will be a “drive” in us.

Jesus knows when we have strayed even a little from His dear heart-even when we do not realize it. When the busyness of life has taken priority, and we have left Him, often sitting in the prayer closet waiting….

One of the saddest parts of the story of Joseph to me is likely overlooked. There is a lot to take in regarding Joseph and his brothers.

Many of you have had long periods of hellish warfare. You’ve asked a million questions as to why and thought surely you must somehow have disappointed God. “What did I do wrong?”

And He said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed. Genesis 32:28

You will have moments where your heart tries to quit on you. When you’ll crawl into a dark place and plead with Jesus for help.

Let’s talk about momentary distress that can cause a giving over of our birthrights if we are not careful.

I have a great fear of the Lord today to handle hearts with tenderness, love, and care because each one I will be held responsible for by Him.

True love not only applauds each other as we walk this walk with Jesus, but it is also honest with each other.

It sure seemed like the end of things for Hagar. Her life was not turning out I’m sure how she had planned. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t expecting to be used for someone else’s gain.

This is an hour of a divine reset. I’m not talking global things, although that may very well be true.

After a dream, I had last night and ongoing tender experiences in ministry, I want to urge the body of Christ to remain on the side of the suffering.

I can walk in the woods and see the lovely bread crumbs of flower petals left for me by the precious heart of Christ. All around me is His majesty expressing Himself through creation.

Listen, success will always bring you a right-hook kind of moment.

While in prayer this morning I felt a strong unction that this holiday season is one to be deeply pondering “direction” with Jesus.

I was preparing for what I knew might be an intense deliverance session. I had set aside time for prayer to ensure I was on the same page as the Lord.

I saw a single dandelion
Sprouting from the ground.

There is an army rising, friends. But they won’t look like what is “expected” in our modern-day church. They will be like those in the Bible that Jesus hand-picked.

What is that thing, person, place, habit, etc. that has dominance in your life? In other words, it smothers the call of God and Kingdom assignments that have been entrusted to you. He is less important. Less heard. Less loved. Hard to hear, I know. But no less true.

a thing on which someone or something depends or which provides a means of escape from a difficult situation.

Aren’t we just like Jonah if we’re truly honest? Our hearts love justice and Jonah was more worried about his own embarrassment than God relenting on destroying 120,000 real, live, human beings.

It has come to my attention the zealousness of God when He is making a heart into a steady soldier. When in all of our limited understanding we misstep, He might dearly wound us to teach us.

The comfort zone shall now be gone Settle into God’s called home For there was more than meets the eye That He had planned for you and I.   Every step is Heaven’s pace Do not covet another’s place Everything

Psalm 81:6 – “I removed his shoulder from the burden; His hands were freed from the baskets.   Women were often seen carrying water on their shoulders, walking long and potentially grueling paths to tend their families with a refreshing

In the Spirit of God is much spiritual birthing. Through prayer is a great travailing for lives to be healed and delivered.

When sorrow comes in sheer surprise And suddenly a storm does rise Jesus still is at the helm Working good from Heaven’s realm.   Rest, dear child, and deeply know I will carry it in tow Nothing is too hard

Listen; there is no darkness in Christ. He operates in the light. Preachers of the Truth, I implore you to live worthy of the calling.

Then the word of the Lord came to him, “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he arose and went to Zarephath.

If in thy pain is another’s gain
Then use it, Lord, for Thee.
If in my sorrowing song does draw
A heart who is suffering.

Some of you let go of a gift from God that was sent to bless your life. You let the enemy take easily what you should have fought to keep. It was yours to have and hold, but you let it go.

I am so mindful of the many in battles this evening. I am so honored to get to pray for and with broken hearts almost daily. I have been stirred by the Lord in intercession for many.

Hey!!! There is a shift in the Spirit! The new has come! The land of vibrant fruit and blooming flowers! It’s been one rough plowing season, but the harvest is here!

Sometimes our seasons cause us to doubt God’s plan for our lives. We begin to think He has put us on a shelf if things aren’t “moving forward” as we hoped.

Sometimes it may feel as if you’re walking through a maze. You may reach a sudden stop and dead-end, or you may find yourself in an unexpected battle.

As many were astonished at you—his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind. Isaiah 52:14

Do not dare you worry
If I might have some time
For in the eyes of Heaven
You’re precious to The Christ

If you want to know how to help people, check in on them.

One of my most joyful jobs is to walk alongside others as their calling unfolds.

What good is a gift if never used? Many pray for more of God and for richer assignments.

There is an empty chair that Jesus sees
Someone is afraid to take their seat

There is no need to get tripped up on the semantics of it all when it’s time to fight against the enemy.

Isa 59:5 – They hatch deadly snakes and weave spiders’ webs. Whoever falls into their webs will die, and there’s danger even in getting near them.

The race we run with Christ Jesus is not a sprint. You will need a spirit of endurance to finish well.

We spent much time discussing the elements of Godly leadership in our Dream Big Group. Unpacking what we’ve seen deeply taint testimonies of leaders gone astray, and how we can avoid such pitfalls.

I am not counted among the known
There have been many times
I’ve had to walk alone.

Due to some of my past insecurities, just like some of you, I leaned heavily on others for hope, encouragement, and strength. In those seasons it was necessary and allowed by the Lord.

There are many lonely hearts longing secretly to be noticed. They’ll likely have trouble making eye contact. Pain has brought forth insecurity, and often past rejections will cause them to cower as they enter a room.

If we learned anything in the Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study, we learned again and again how active the bride of Christ is to be for the sake of the Kingdom.   She does not eat the bread of idleness.

It has been while listening to the darkest of valley seasons in any given life that I have seen the light of Christ shine the brightest.   To preach of no suffering in regard to Christ and the cross is

It’s evening now and many are getting ready for bed after long days, trials of the heart, and overwhelming circumstances that leave many pained.   But not Jesus.   He never slumbers or sleeps so it is well with my

Don’t mind the pieces of your heart scattered on that floor. There’s no shame.
The inside torment that keeps your addiction alive can come, too.

For some, God has been waiting for you to move forward with Him. His open doors were given, yet you left Him “holding the bag.”

In the variation of the trees and the uniqueness of each leaf, I can see the heart of our creative Lord.
His attention to unique details gives you a glimpse at His artistry and love for beauty.

Let them see the tears that fall
For then, they see permissions call
To grieve in their own unique way
Your tears are footprints for some today

When the sun sets I ask the Lord
Did I, today, carry well Your sword
Is there a heart I overlooked
Or casually misunderstood?

Let me give some encouragement today, but also a warning.   After years in ministry and varying industries, I’ve seen just about everything there is to see, but one thing stays so crystal clear, and it is a sad place

My life has proven to be a mystery to me still, very often. Chasing Jesus has brought about an exhilarating rush of wind while, often, deep caverns of unexpected pains that can surprise me around every bend.   You breathe