Grant us wisdom, grant us courage

  

  

   This morning, I asked the Lord what song of praise He would like me to sing to Him. The title of an old hymn came immediately to mind. Once I looked up the lyrics, I realized how appropriate they were as we pray and decree regarding the crucial upcoming elections. Of course He would choose perfectly. 

Here are the lyrics*:

“God of grace and God of glory, on Thy people pour Thy power. Crown Thine ancient church’s story; Bring her bud to glorious flower

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour   

Lo! the hearts of evil round us scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways. From the fears that long have bound us free our hearts to faith and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of these days 

Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore. Let the gift of Thy salvation be our glory evermore.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving You, Whom we adore, serving You Whom we adore 

Set our feet on lofty places; gird our lives that they may be armored with all Christ-like graces in the fight to set men free*.  

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of this hour.

       —HF Fosdick, 1930 

++++++++++++

So many do not understand that there are many in office, or running for such, who are trying to help free people in other countries from oppressive regimes. Great strides have recently been made and more and planned (eg in Cuba, where our hearts are daily with oppressed friends who are regularly hounded for their faith by military police). There are also hundreds of thousands caught in human trafficking, including children. Many were deceived in previous years by those who offered to ‘help’ them come into our country and then found themselves trapped in a nightmare. Not only can we help them by supporting ministries that fight trafficking (see my post called “God is in the Fight) but we can vote for those who support the exposure of this evil, as well as justice for both perpetrators and victims. 

Whatever you do, don’t sit out this election, and pray and decree fervently that God’s will be done through it.

Julie

God of Grace and God of Glory: https://youtu.be/lpabk2796xI?is=e_1BNxdFuCwPsWV1

God is in this fight: https://tennyandi.blogspot.com/2025/09/god-is-in-this-fightare-we.html 

 

 

 

Choose to Make a Difference

 A few days ago, I listened, as usual, to Dutch Sheets’ Give Him 15 message. It was entitled, You Can Make a Difference. This one was about how we can do more than just vote but also encourage others to do the same. It’s astounding how many believers do not take the effort to vote…or aren’t even registered to do so. 

Specifically, at this moment, the influence of these midterm elections is not negligible; it’s powerful (in both directions). Without the support of Congress, a president is hamstrung from being able to bring crucial change, and even previous biblically-supported changes can be undone.

Dutch shared something we can all do, even if we are bedridden or in a wheelchair. There is a program called “Write Now America,” which provides names, addresses, and an already written letter to send registered voters who have not been participating in elections. You can sign up to send as few as 10 letters or as many as you are willing to send. The organization gives instructions which include one hand-written sentence to be added to their letter. Because we hand-write the envelope, as well, people are more likely to open the envelope and read its contents. 

We provide the paper, ink, envelopes, and stamps. These letters have proven to be an average of 30% effective in getting people to the polls….well worth our efforts. 

Watch Dutch’s video linked below. I hope you will join me and many others in helping to impact our nation in this way. Let’s follow Jesus’ directives to be “the salt of the earth” and not “hide our lights under a bushel.”

Julie

“ You Can Make a Difference” :https://youtu.be/WCtcEbw1HMk?is=-FjG-LcKxe-QHpIg 

My 25 are going in the mail today. Be sure to pray for your  recipients!

https://www.writenowamerica.org/

Why are we afraid of the prophetic?

   For many decades now, I have had a healthy fear of anything that smacks of ‘New Age,’ of ‘small s’ spiritual’ things, of what I saw as ‘wacky’ teaching, of sensationalism related to Christianity, or any form of idolatry. However, I have learned over the last decade of my faith that I have prejudged some Biblical truths as false teaching without in-depth study or even stopping to ask God what He thinks.. Some of it, God has shown me, is from my zeal for His truth, but some has been from intellectual arrogance and reliance on my own human judgment.

   Questions like, “How could this ever take place? “How could this possibly be true? Comments like “That’s ridiculous!” Declarations like, “God just doesn’t do that today!” Or…”who do they think they are, proclaiming themselves prophets?” I am ashamed to say these have been in my mind even if they haven’t come out of my mouth. God has humbled me many times in my life, so I thankfully am used to repenting and asking Him where I have gone wrong. 

   I have believed in and experienced the gifts of the Spirit since 1979. I have believed they were for today, not just to ‘get the church going’ at its inception. Yet somehow, it never occurred to me that God was still anointing people in the office of prophet, not just in Old Testament days. I believed in individual prophetic words, as described in Corinthians. I believed in aforesaid gifs of wisdom and knowledge. But it never entered my head that God was still speaking through specially anointed individuals in the 21st century. Yet why would Holy Spirit suddenly stop communicating in this way? Yes, we can each hear from Him individually, but in the same way that He has specially anointed certain people for healing, for deliverance ministry, for words of knowledge, etc., He has continued to choose people to speak to the Body as a whole. I have come to be so very grateful for these prophets ‘for such a time as this’ when God is doing unprecedented mighty works in the world, like bringing ‘epic revival’ and ‘a billion soul harvest’ and has called us to be a part of it. It is only relatively recently in the history of the church that we have had the technology to join together as a world-wide Body and agree in prayer and decree that His specific will for these times be done. Now it is happening…across denominations and nations.

   We musn’t relegate this powerful ministry to the bathtub of current false teachings. We must, indeed, check prophecies with His Word as the plumb line of truth and ask God for discernment. However, we must not reject them in a knee-jerk reaction of our ‘higher spiritual understanding, as I have seen many do.

   So, let’s take a look at some examples of what the Word says about prophecy and it’s ministry::

“ Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. —1Thessalonians 5:20 

Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.   —1 Thessalonians 5:19 

To one, through the Spirit, is given a word of wisdom; to another, a word of knowledge, in accordance with the same Spirit; 9 to another, faith, by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing, by the one Spirit; to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the ability to judge between spirits; to another, the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues; and to yet another, the ability to interpret tongues. —1 Cor 12:8-10

“And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.” 1 Cor 12:28

17 

Ready to Ride?

 

   So much of the American church is totally ignorant of what is happening through the international Remnant of believers of Jesus’ Ekklesia, His Church. Last night, hundreds of thousands of believers around the world gathered to agree in prayer and declare and decree God’s will be done in the Middle East and in our own nations. Hundreds f thousands of others had no idea this was even taking place. How can this be?

   Fear of man, obliviousness, intellectual arrogance, innocent ignorance, and fear of what Holy Spirit will do if allowed free rein (and reign) in their churches, have kept many pastors and parishioners from pursuing what God is doing and desires to do on the earth. This has kept their congregations ignorant and out of touch, as well. This includes countless Christians who sincerely want to know and do God’s will in these times. It has also left many believers fearful and hopeless about local, national, and international conditions.

  Meanwhile, the Remnant church, beyond denominations, has zealously pursued the move of God in this amazing season., especially over the last 6 years. it is a privilege to be a small part of this awakened Giant. If you have been kept in the dark about the epic worldwide revival God is bringing …His Glory coming to the earth ‘as the waters cover the seas,’. come  NOW. Come as a church, come as a family, or come as one sold-out, committed soul. 

   This is not the time to sit around waiting for the end. Holy Spirit says it’s the time for a great harvest of souls, a time for the prodigals to come home, for the nations to come to His rising. A time where the revivals of the past will seem tiny in comparison to what He is doing now, through partnership with His Ekklesia. This is not a time of doom but of unprecedented awakening to Yeshua as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as well as Shepherd of His sheep.and Lover of our Souls.  A time of great rejoicing, if we will commit ourselves to truly BE His church, speaking specifically what He is saying, His Rhema Word. Speaking what He desires. Agreeing with His will ‘for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven.’

   It is a time of awareness of the evils which threaten us and the whole world. A time to stand up against them, to speak out. And take action. Yet it is not a time of despair. Rather, it is a time to be Warriors both on our knees and on our feet! A time to Ride with Jesus wherever He wants to take us, spiritual swords unsheathed.

If no one goes with us will we still come astride?

*******

More to come Monday: “Why are we afraid of the prophetic?”

*********

“Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little bit.” —Edmund Burke

“We must understand the power of one and the synergy of millions.” —Tim Sheets

“Some are famous, but most are not. Most are common, ordinary people who simply make a contribution to the cause, knowing that without their stand the cause will suffer. They simply do their part, even if that part seems minuscule. It may be a behind-the-scene part, but small as it may be they are willing to push forward for the cause.”

—Tim Sheets

*********

A good way to get. In touch with the international remnant church is to follow Elijah Streams, where you can hear prophets, apostles, and patriots. Elijah Streams is careful to vet those whom they present. 

Also, Dutch Sheets, Give Him 15 and Tim Sheets at Oasis Church 

Unleashing the Sword….Couldn’t say it better than Dutch

  

Watch “Unleashing the Sword” from Dutch Sheets (link below) 

Join millions of believers in doing so tomorrow via the livestream from Oasis Church: Oasiswired.org/ekklesiaprayercoalotion  7 pm ET 

(or directly on YouTube or Rumble)

https://youtu.be/H7yniHhaurg?is=gfk71I1dvUffoum2

See yesterday's post if you missed it.

Friday night, August 14: Coming into our own!

   

        One of the enemy’s greatest coups is keeping us, God’s people, from knowing who we really are. We have been clueless about our identity in Christ, the powerful weapons at our disposal, and the honor and privilege of the partnership He desires to have with us.

    Part of the deception comes from our misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty and how He has set up our roles as His people in relationship to it. The Church in general has encouraged a passivity which has allowed horrible evils and cultural dissolution to occur, when we could have stood powerfully against them. Who sold us the teaching that the church should not involve itself in such a fight? This is the complete opposite of God’s call and purpose for us. 

   The word Jesus uses for church is Ekklesia/Ecclesia, a governmental term akin to Congress, a governing body. 

Through the persevering efforts of a number of apostles, prophets, teachers, and evangelists (as Scripture describes) we are finally waking up from a drugged sleep. Over the next few blog posts, I will address more about our calling, our destiny in Yeshua, and resources to help us become the mighty warriors He desires.

However, because this message is so timely, I will just say today: 

JOIN THE EKKLESIA PRAYER COALITION livestream this FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 at 7pm Eastern time from Oasis Church. People all over the world are coming together, physically and by livestream, to agree in prayer, to declare, and to decree God’s will for Iran, the Middle East, our nation, and the world….as well as anointing for healing. There are local host churches where you can join a group in person (always powerful, or you can join the livestream from your homes. Let’s turn off our entertainment and fight for His kingdom to come, His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven!

Let’s BE the Body!

https://www.oasiswired.org/ekklesiaprayercoalition

Julie

Middletown to the Middle East: Dutch Sheets, Give Him 15 August 2026: 

https://youtu.be/DRTq3ScSo4o?is=

Tim Sheets, Glory River, August 2026: https://youtu.be/Cv1NnF-H0PQ?is=FdiujcQ7Ji8Es8he

Occupation

    

   Many of you know well of the time when Daniel prayed fervently for his people near the end of their exile to Babylon* (Daniel 10). Nothing seemed to be happening in response to his prayers and fasting, until finally Gabriel appeared before him and told him how God had responded immediately to Daniel’s prayers before he had even finished speaking, but demonic intervention had waylaid his arrival. 

   This morning as I was rereading this section of Daniel, I heard God promoting me to stop and see something new. In this passage. The word occupation came strongly to mind. Gabriel was kept occupied by the enemy so he couldn’t get to Daniel. Holy Spirit pointed out to me that the enemy of our souls does the same thing today in our minds and in our lives. If he can keep us otherwise occupied and distracted from connecting with Him, we won’t hear His messages of direction and encouragement or receive the strengthening He is sending us. 

   It isn’t that He hasn’t immediately responded to our prayers. His help has gone forth, but we haven’t put ourselves in battle position to receive it. Yes, thankfully we have angels to help us, but we must do battle, also, in order to receive what the Father wants us to have.

   Sometimes this means, in addition to intercession, the putting aside of various activities, entertainment, all-consuming worry, self-pity, lack of trust, or the demand to understand….to have answers to the ‘whys’. Occupation can take so many forms. The Lord wants us aware that these can all be ‘spiritual battles in the heavenlies’. We must treat them as such and fight accordingly, knowing that He is on our side. He doesn’t want us to be passive victims of attacks masquerading as busyness, soundbites, escapism, or simple distractions. Our very lifeblood, our very breath come from our connection with and trust in The Lover of our Souls. 

   He has also given us authority to fight powerfully, to fight effectively, and to win. To stand up, to decree, to declare what His Word says. Yes! But also to be still and commune with Him. To speak to Him of our abiding trust and love, and even more, to listen. I know this word just now was for me, but I share it because it may well speak to you, also.

   Yes, “the battle belongs to Him,” but it also belongs to us. Let’s ponder our part and not find ourselves passive victims by being ‘otherwise occupied’.  Let’s make it our first priority to be occupied by Him.

+++++++++++

 “You man so greatly loved, don’t be afraid. Shalom to you; and be strong, yes, truly strong.” His speaking to me strengthened me, and I said, “My lord, keep speaking; because you’ve given me strength.” —Daniel 10: 19

“Don’t be afraid, Dani’el; because since the first day that you determined to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard; and I have come because of what you said. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia prevented me from coming for twenty-one days; but Mikha’el, one of the chief princes, came to assist me; so that I was no longer needed there with the kings of Persia. —Daniel 10: 12-13

“Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world..”** [1John 4:4]

“For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” Ephesians 6:12 

+++++++

+after the Persian takeover from the Babylonians

Perplexed in Advent

    

   What would it have been like, 9 months pregnant, bouncing on the back of a donkey for days, only to find there was nowhere to lay your head, not to mention give birth? Or for Joseph, charged with protecting the Savior of the World, as well as His human mother, and yet at a total loss for how to do so? We know the rest of the story. They didn’t. “No worries, Joseph,” we say. “Help is on the way!” [“What are you afraid of, Moses? That sea is going to stand up and separate any second now!”] But they could only stand still, trusting and waiting for deliverance. And that is precisely what they awaited….in fact what we all awaited in this birth.

   You and I may at this very moment have worries, disappointments, griefs, fears, or frustrations swirling through our heads. Yet It never ceases to stop me short in Advent…..never ceases to put circumstances, disappointments, joys, longings, thanksgivings, mistakes, and concerns of all kinds in the perspective of eternity. Not just ‘the sweet by and by’ of someday in heaven, but now’s eternity. That is where our true Shalom lies………entrusted to the Trustworthy One, the one and only Three-in-One. Knowing He knows the end of every story and has already prepared an Abigail for us. Wise men are already heading our way with provision. Seas are ready to stand up at His command.. He’s about to give angelic direction for our protection. All we need do is listen, receive, and obey.. Though we may be clueless about how things will play out, our ABBA is not. Trusting Him goes hand-in-hand with doing what we best understand of His will for us at the moment. Our ‘faith of a child’ warms His heart.

   I am fond of the following passage from one of my favorite Max Lucado books, In the Grip of Grace: 

“Stepping from the throne, he removed his robe of light and wrapped himself in skin: pigmented, human skin. The light of the universe entered a dark, wet womb. He whom angels worship nestled himself in the placenta of a peasant, was birthed into a cold night, and then slept on cow’s hay.

Mary didn’t know whether to give him milk or give him praise, but she gave him both since he was, as near as she could figure, hungry and holy. Joseph didn’t know whether to call him Junior or Father. But in the end he called him Jesus, since that’s what the angel had said and since he didn’t have the faintest idea what to name a God he could cradle in his arms . .” .

*****

“For only a God could create a plan this mad. Only a Creator beyond the fence of logic could offer such a gift of love. What man can’t do, God does. So, when it comes to goodies and candy, cherub cheeks and red noses, go to the North Pole. But when it comes to eternity, forgiveness, purpose, and truth, go to the manger. Kneel with the shepherds. Worship the God who dared to do what man dared not dream. “

——-And the Angels Were Silent, Max Lucado

 ***

“This isn’t the way I planned it, God. Not at all. My child being born in a stable? This isn’t the way I thought it would be. A cave with sheep and donkeys, hay and straw? My wife giving birth with only the stars to hear her pain? This isn’t at all what I imagined. No, I imagined family. I imagined grandmothers. I imagined neighbors clustered outside the door and friends standing at my side. I imagined the house erupting with the first cry of the infant. Slaps on the back. Loud laughter. Jubilation. That’s how I thought it would be. The midwife would hand me my child, and all the people would applaud. Mary would rest and we would celebrate. All of Nazareth would celebrate. But now. Now look. Nazareth is five days’ journey away. And here we are in a . . . in a sheep pasture. Who will celebrate with us? The sheep? The shepherds? The stars? This doesn’t seem right. What kind of husband am I? I provide no midwife to aid my wife. No bed to rest her back. Her pillow is a blanket from my donkey. My house for her is a shed of hay and straw. The smell is bad, the animals are loud. Why, I even smell like a shepherd myself. Did I miss something? Did I, God?     

—Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life and He Still Moves Stones  

***

“I could not comprehend God’s plan, but my understanding was not essential. My obedience was.” —-Gabriel, from An Angel’s Story; Max Lucado

***

“…why would you say, “Yahweh isn’t paying attention to my situation. He has lost all interest in what happens to me.?” Isaiah 40: 27

“…Yahweh….is never puzzled over what to do! He empowers the feeble and infuses the powerless with increasing strength” Ibid  29

***

May the rest of your Advent season be a tender, obedient, and trusting one.

Julie

Breath of Heaven:  

https://youtu.be/TOQRtYYERGo?si=wUd_DdOS3PGth-On

Mary, Did You Know?   https://youtu.be/trW_lD9sBt0?si=JpDYwYHdpEF6jABg

Abba’s Advent Calendar

   

 

   After Christmas last year, I found a half-price wooden Advent calendar with drawers our grandchildren could open each day in December to discover assorted treats.  I then purchased a Scriptural cardboard one to accompany it, so its true meaning wouldn’t be lost. When I gave it to them yesterday on Thanksgiving, my granddaughter asked me if the paper one also had candy inside the doors (as it had one year). I asked her, “What is better than discovering the Word of God each day?” She enthusiastically responded, “You know what I think is better, Nuni*? The Word AND chocolate!”

   This morning in my devotional time, I was thanking the Lord as “the Giver of every good and perfect gift”** when that conversation came to mind. How often I want His God and….   As the loving Parent He is, He does delight in giving us good gifts. His lifetime Calendar of drawers is chock full of blessings which He loves watching us open, His eyes sparkling, His face wreathed in a broad smile when we delight in and appreciate the treasures He has hidden inside. Treasures extending from tiny to life-changing. Divine appointments waiting to be met.

   He knows us so well that He never gives peanuts to those allergic or Mounds Bars to those who dislike coconut. Rollos surprise the caramel lovers, and coins are tucked inside for those whose piggy banks are running low. The specially-chosen peppermint that flavors the M’nMs, causes the child in some of us to say, “Lord, You remembered!” But of course He does. He knows us down to the roots of our (sometimes grey) hair, not to mention reading the longings of our hearts. To Him, we are forever young, forever His children, forever the ones in whom He delights. The ones whom He enjoys surprising with good gifts, even if we sometimes don’t recognize them as such.

   Let’s respond by flinging our arms around Hs neck in affectionate abandon. Let’s recapture our wonder, opening each drawer of our days in excitement and anticipation of what our ABBA has carefully deposited inside, tailor-made for each of us, His beloved children. 

   And while we’re at it this Advent season, let’s 

   “Fling wide the portals of your heart, Make it a temple set apart for earthly use and heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy” —Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates, George Weissel, 1642

+++++++++++++++

*My grandmother name

**”Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness and is never subject to change. —James 1: 17 TPT

***”Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.” —1 John 3: 1 

**** It is said that ‘gratitude unlocks blessing.’ I know that ABBA often blesses before gratitude, as well. Let’s imitate our Dad and be lavish in giving our thanksgiving back to Him. Let’s also be lavish in sharing what He has provided. Because we can’t outdo Him, this in turn unlocks bigger drawers stuffed to overflowing….’over and above what we can ask or imagine’.

“God is in This Fight”….are we?

   

  Please read to the end. Don’t turn away. There is hope…maybe even through you…

  When I first began to learn about the horrors and realities of human trafficking, especially those involving helpless children, I wanted to bury my head under a pillow and shout out, “I can’t hear you!” My first visual exposure was years ago through the Rescue Life ministry of James Robison’s Life Today International.** The spotlight was then on countries like Thailand, The horror of it kept me awake at night, and I gave to this ministry which focuses not only on rescuing adults and children, but also on trying to prevent their being trafficked in the first place. They also minister healing to victims, teach vocational skills for a new start, and provide orphanages and schooling for rescued children. 

   Over the past decade, however, I began to learn how widespread this indescribably cruel and life-devaluing practice is in our own country, as well as all those in ‘ other ‘first world’ countries. I discovered also that victims’ own families, including their parents, sell them into trafficking, as do workers in the foster care system where children are especially vulnerable. 

    I didn’t want to know these things. I wanted to run away from having ever heard about them. But I kept seeing in my mind the faces of real children (as young as two years old) staring out from behind padlocked bars, abused 10-12 times a day with no escape. I felt like throwing up. Fear took hold for my own grandchildren and even my adult children. (Adults in their forties are also part of the trafficked population.) 

   I donated money, prayed for the ministry (and others like it). I knew it wasn’t enough. Hebrews declares we should care for those in prison as if we were right there with them.*** Jesus says we are accordingly considered sheep or goats by the way we care for strangers in need****. Prayer is crucial and the most powerful thing you can do, but it must be followed by active obedience. (Take time to reread James 1.)

   After viewing “Sound of Freedom,” which I dragged myself by the collar to go see, I knew I had to do more than donate and pray. I had to take additional action. I searched the net and found a locally-based ministry and offered to volunteer. Since then I have met an amazing man with a ‘do-something’ aviation ministry. Invisible Angels fills the gap between escaping victims and their sources of restoration, hope and healing. Ted flies them; from their escape point where they have no money, no ID, no support, and nothing but the clothes on their backs; to people and organizations dedicated to helping them not only survive, but start life anew.

   The testimony of the innumerable miracles and crazy perseverance it took to create and sustain this life-giving ministry is found in his true story, God is in This Fight.* [Incidentally, if you have a friend or family member into aviation, this book includes eye-opening details about what it takes to operate this ministry from a pilot’s viewpoint.] However, Ted shares not only about the miraculous development of the ministry itself but also provides vital insights into our growth in the Word, in our relationship with the Lord, and in the battles we face to completely trust and follow His direction. He will keep you on the edge of your seat and inspire you wherever you are right now in responding to God’s current call on your life. 

   If your question regarding the fight against human trafficking is “How can I make a difference?” here are some suggestions from Ted. However, he will be the first to tell you that listening to the Holy Spirit for direction is priority one. God may certainly give you other actions to take.

Ted: “ Many people have the same question: How can I help? You can make a significant impact by partnering with dedicated support and rescue organizations through small monthly donations. To illustrate, if one thousand people each contribute just $10 a month, that amounts to $10,000 monthly, which goes a long way in supporting their vital work. Consider partnering with safe homes such as Selah Freedom (www.selahfreedom.org), Life Recaptured (www.liferecaptured.org), Created of Tampa (www.createdwomen.com), Camille Place (www.camilleplace.com), Missing Peace (www.missingpeaceministry.org), and Her Song (www.hersong.org), as well as placement organizations like Free Indeed (www.iamfreeindeed.com). Support organizations such as Invisible Angels (www.invisibleangels.org) and The Freedom Aviation Network (www.freedomaviationnetwork.org). These are all run by highly trained professional staff and volunteers…. Beyond financial support, two key items top the list of what these organizations need: funding and awareness. Have conversations about human trafficking within your community, from youth groups to corporate gatherings. You can contact any human trafficking organization, and they would be more than happy to provide a speaker for an event to raise awareness and educate others.” —Ted Greenfield.

 I (Julie) would add James and Betty Robison’s Rescue Life* ministry to the list of trustworthy organizations.. As another example of what these ministries may need, one in my area told me they could use help putting on fundraisers and manning tables at events. You can search out an organization in your area and put yourself on their volunteer list for whatever is workable for you. Many of us are older and can’t run a marathon, but we can help in many other ways. Start by donating even small (or large!) amounts regularly to one or more groups of your choice. (I highly recommend Invisible Angels, because they work in conjunction with the other groups listed, helping survivors reach them, many times from other states.) Share with friends and get the word out! There are many who care but are either unaware or don’t know what to do to make an impact. Share and give as if someone whose life is a living nightmare depends on it. It might well be a small child.

*Invisible Angels: www.Invisibleangels.org

 Available on Kindle ($5.99) or other ebook, as well as in paperback: https://www.invisibleangels.org/our-story

 *Rescue Life:: https://youtu.be/WEEV2TvD_8c?si=J343tKShHh4Y8y6N 

 **”‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:35-40 NIV)

***Hebrews 13:3  Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering..”

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This is a scary one:

Matthew 25: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “Then they will go away to eternal

Hiding Easter Baskets

 

   For those of you who enjoyed the tradition of hidden Easter baskets in your family, why do you think it was more fun for you as a child to hunt for your Easter basket than to just find it sitting out for you? Why did your search make your discovery seem even more valuable?

   I began pondering this question after reading the following statement In Ted Greenfield’s book, God is in this Fight*: “God doesn’t hide things from you, He hides things for you.”  I knew this was true, also, from Proverbs 25: 2: “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings** to search it out.” I also know from my own experience writing this blog over the past 10 years, that His call to it involved discovering hidden gold nuggets’ 

   Finding the sparkling gems in Scripture often involves a treasure hunt, not a casual read. Not a ‘check off the chapters’ approach. He doesn’t want us to settle for the superficial, putting in our time and not drawing closer to Him, hungry for His deeper truth. 

   He doesn’t want us to do so with other people, either. Seeing, appraising, judging others based on superficial experiences with them grieves God. How many times have we later discovered that we entirely misjudged someone for lack of getting to know them better? Finding out the impact of their past, encouraging the sharing of their deeper thoughts, or drawing out treasure from their perhaps more reserved or cautious personalities?

   My sister and I were just recalling how after moving to a new town, many students at the high school thought we were ‘stuck up’ because we walked staring straight ahead or looking away from them. They assumed we were proud because our dad was a new administrator there.  Instead, we were shy and terrified of our new, seemingly unwelcome, environment. Unfortunately, I can count any number of times I have misjudged people or placed them in categories in my mind after knowing them only briefly.

   I know this grieves God, in fact, it grieves Him that I would deign to judge another at all. I can hear Holy Spirit whispering, “If you only knew…”

   As is true with God’s Word, the more we take time to  search for treasure in people, the more we often find nuggets of gold.. Let’s ask the Lord to help us in these treasure hunts. Unearthing hidden treasure in both requires patience, active perseverance, and sincere listening….

   ….to others and to the Source of all Truth. Compassion flows there, along with insight, discernment, trust, and understanding. Let’s not run by so fast we miss what He, as our Perfect Parent, is excited to watching and waiting for us to discover.

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*I can’t recommend this book enough. I will address it more directly in a future post.

**Scripture says all believers are ‘kings and priests  to God’ (Rev 1: 6)

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” —-Proverbs 2: 1-5

“3For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered—heaven’s wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge. 4I want you to know this so that no one will come and lead you into error through their persuasive arguments and clever words.“ —Colossians  2: 3-4

What is Ruling Us?

 

   I try to pray to God each day that my family and I would please Him in thought, word and deed. Recently, He stopped me and said,

 “You need to add one more thing to that list.” 

“What else is there, Lord?” 

“Your soul. Please me in soul.”

“Isn’t my soul covered in thought, word, and deed?”

I rehearsed in my mind the elements of the soul:  mind, will, and emotions. “Lord, my thoughts are part of my mind. What I say and do comes out of my will, right?  Doesn’t that about cover it?

“Take a look at your emotions and see how greatly they affect what you think, say, and do.”

   As I focused on His question, I pondered the truth that our spirits, created by and joined with God’s, are to rule over both our souls and bodies. The problem is, they rarely do. For some of us, it is our bodies that take the lead, but for most I believe it is our souls: our mind, will, and emotions. Most assuredly, it is our emotions that often dictate our thoughts and what comes out of our mouths, as well as the actions we take.  

   I thought about how often emotions like anger, unforgiveness frustration, resentment, fear, discouragement, sorrow, pride, as well as positive ones like thankfulness, joy, and elation affect our thoughts, words, and actions. When we allow our emotions to rule us, even when they are not dark ones but stem from sincere compassion and empathy, we are not listening to Holy Spirit. We jump in, often without God’s wisdom or direction, to ‘rescue’ others. It all seems so right and good, but it may not be. We may actually be interfering in plans He has for others. He may be calling another of His children, for example, to step up to the plate and get involved, resulting in blessing for both parties. He may have an even bigger solution than we are trying to provide. We should never stop being compassionate or helping others, but taking time to pray for His direction beforehand is wisdom He prizes.

   Our souls; our emotions, our wills, our beliefs of all kinds; can lead us into prolonged thoughts, words and deeds which can be life or death-giving. Letting our emotions direct us, instead of our spirits submitted to God’s, can get us in a world of trouble, or even derail situations in ways we may never know.

   The Father made us all so different. Yet the principle still applies. Some of us are wildly empathetic, some of us are more reserved, more cerebral, or more reticent to interact or intervene. Because we are so different, we are often bewildered by the attitudes, words, and actions (or inactions) of others. God appears to love variety in His creation, whether it be human, animal, plant, or mineral. Yet all of us are to be submitted to the guidance of His loving Spirit. Some of His creation has no choice, but we do. And therein is the rub. 

   There we can find people screaming at one another and spouting all kinds of hateful things in the name of ‘right’. Or we can see cold, calculated, intellectual evisceration. Both are deadly. We can even see twisted compassion (see 8/12 post) spouting both of the above. 

   When we do not take time to lay our emotional and intellectual responses to situations at the feet of Jesus for direction, we can grieve Him deeply by our thoughts, words and deeds. Like Paul, we may be so sure we are right and yet be deadly wrong, even in doing something seemingly altruistic His planning, His timing, His chosen cast of participants, His resources, His truth , His ways spoken in His way….bring Life, Freedom, and Transformation. 

   Take time today and every day to ask Him about His perspective, whether it be concerning world situations or your very personal ones. Let’s ask Him daily to help us submit our personalities, our thought life, our words, our actions, our entire souls to His Spirit so that we please Him by bearing good fruit (instead of unknowingly bearing the outwardly beautiful but internally rotten kind.)

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Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” —-Hebrews 4: 12

Here is a song that reflects the heart of my post:

https://youtu.be/ABWnLjXer10?si=mCBg8V6D2-oXqH4m