Category: Inspirational Quotes

You can’t choose your Testimony… BUT

Leave a comment

Yesterday morning was the first time I’ve ever been woken up to take the picture of the sunrise. On my photography page you can see the progression. It was without a doubt the most incredible gift from God to me.

Today I kept saying to myself, I never wanted the testimony that I’m going to have. Then God told me this,

✨”You can’t choose your testimony but you can choose how to respond to the circumstances that bring you to it.”

When you’re going through circumstances that are beyond your control, that you never chose, it’s a daily decision to act, talk and think like Jesus. But if we can do that and keep our mind and heart right and pure before Him, He will give us the grace and strength to respond to those who hurt us with a supernatural Mercy. If I can do it, you can!

Peace Equals Trust in who God says He Is

Leave a comment

Our level of Peace directly coincides with our Trust in who God says He is.

~Rachelle Hjertstedt-Layzell ~

I have been walking in a level of Peace lately that is supernatural despite my circumstances. It is because I know who God is. I trust and believe His character.

He is good all the time.
He has good plans not evil for me.
There is nothing that can separate me from His love.
If God is for me Who can be against me.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
I am More than a conquer in Christ.
He who has started a work in me Will complete it till the day of Jesus Christ.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper!

Now that’s straight Bible right there! I have hidden it in my heart and it has become my anthem. My strength, my daily mana. Knowing who I am in Christ comes by reading the Bible and applying it to my life.

I just ordered myself the book, The Attributes of God by AW Tozer volumes 1 and 2. I want to dig deep into this because the way I view God has everything to do with how I view myself and life. Even after going to Bible College many years ago, there is always the opportunity to learn and grow more. Can’t wait to start sharing what I get out of that study!

No word of God will Fail!

Leave a comment

“No freshly spoken word of God will come to you, that does not contain its own ability to perform it.”

The verse in the Bible that says it is impossible for God to lie is one of the most comforting scriptures.
Hebrews 6:18
“God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”

If God says something he will do it. Piggybacking on yesterday’s post about faith, faith being complete trust in the character of God. Knowing that God cannot lie is a part of his character. He is trustworthy. That means if he says something I can put complete faith and trust in the words that he speaks. Those words can be what I read in the Bible or words that he speaks to me personally. Having an unshakable faith in his character means I can trust his words will come to pass.
When the angel came to Mary and told her that she would have a son and that Elizabeth was already in her 6th month, she asked “how is that possible?”. The angel said, in Luke 1:37  “Nothing (no rehma) will be impossible with God.”
Rehma in the Greek means:
rhḗma (from 4483 /rhéō, “to speak”) – a spoken word, made “by the living voice” (J. Thayer). 4487 /rhḗma (“spoken-word”) is commonly used in the NT (and in LXX) for the Lord speaking His dynamic, living word in a believer to inbirth faith (“His inwrought persuasion”).

I love Pastor Bill Johnson’s definition of this verse,

“No freshly spoken word of God will come to you, that does not contain its own ability to perform it.”

Bill Johnson, Pastor Bethel Church

If God speaks something to you that means he is not limited by circumstances, all he needs is a willing heart that trusts him and is ready to obey. This fills me was such hope and anticipation for what God is about to do. There are no limitations with him. He always tends to work outside of our box. It’s easy to trust in his character when I know He is good all the time.

He knows everything that is going on: He is Omniscient.

He is everywhere and surrounds me wherever I go: Omnipresent.

He is all powerful nothing is too hard for him: Omipotent.

He is the Apha and the Omega: the beginning and the end. He has already been where we are going.

What an Incredible God we serve!

The Benefits of Alignment – Favor & Peace

Leave a comment

May He grant you your heart’s desire
And fulfill all your counsel!
Psalms 20:4 NAS

This mornings meditations and Bible research. This verse is very intriguing to me. Because many translations say “may he give you all your desires and make your plans succeed”

Except in the original Hebrew it says something A little bit different .
“Grant you according to your own heart all your counsel .” The word for “according to your own heart” as well as “your counsel” is only written and used one time each in The Bible .

There is something about the other translations that didn’t sit well with me. Even though throughout the Bible it says God will give you the desires of your heart, People tend to see that as God giving you whatever you want. But we also know that Jesus said if you pray “according to my will” it will be done.
If Jesus gave us everything we asked for –
We would be a mess.

When we walk with God and rely on His counsel, we will understand His will which will be confirmed by his peace.  ~Rachelle Layzell

“But the wisdom that is from above is pure, filled with peace, meek and attentive, filled with love and good fruit, without division and does not show partiality“. James 3:17

A commentator by the name of Gill said about Psalms 20:4, “whatever was agreed upon in the council and covenant of peace between him and his Father, relating to his own glory, and the salvation of his people.”

When we are in covenant with God and make our decisions according to his counsel – that is an agreement of his will. I believe it is THAT WILL Jesus was talking about.

Jesus said in John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly [in the Greek perissos]

perissós (an adjective, derived from 4012 /perí, “all-around, excess”) – properly all-around, “more than” (“abundantly”); beyond what is anticipated, exceeding expectation; “more abundant,” going past the expected limit (“more than enough . . . “)

I believe there is a direct correlation between walking in council with God and living abundantly. When we align ourselves with God’s will while being in pure relationship with him we will be directed down the right path. The result of obedience while listening to his voice is FAVOR as He is then able to pour abundantly into our lives.  ~ Rachelle Layzell

It is like the parable of the Good Stewart who did not just waste his talents but invested them. When the master came back he then set him over larger realms of responsibility.

I love that parable because it shows how we partner with God and use the things that He has given us along with his wisdom to expand our influence and blessings . This journey with God is a partnership as well as a relationship. If we walk through life only enjoying the relationship and ignore the partnership a, we are missing out on heaven’s immeasurable resources.  ~ Rachelle Layzell

Jesus said in Matthew 15:15
1 I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.2 Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.3 You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].4 Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.8 When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.9 I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].10 If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.11 I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.12 This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.

14 You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do.15 I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit andkeep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.

That is one incredible promise! Jesus no longer calls us servants but friends because he has revealed to us the father’s will.
IT IS TIME TO LIVE ABUNDANT LIFE AS WE WALK WITH GOD, LISTEN AND OBEY AND RECEIVE ALL HE HAS FOR US!

There is nothing like digging into the Word of God! Life to my bones  😀

Image may contain: flower, plant, text, nature and outdoor

Victory in your Testimony

Leave a comment

Get ready for a massive wave of revival to sweep through this generation! God is doing something huge . Last night I had a dream that I was back in public high school school. I was in a large room of students during lunchtime and I began to share my testimony. It’s interesting because my testimony was as if I shared it right now as an adult. But the whole room became silent as I shared. I shared through lunch and then my teacher came in who would normally have whipped the class into shape and have me sit down but she didn’t she just stood there. After I was done sharing my testimony I asked who wanted prayer and 30 kids came eager to be prayed for. The school bell rang so I didn’t have a chance to pray for them and it was so painful to feel like I missed that chance as they had to walk to their other classes. I went up to my teacher and thanked her so much for allowing me to keep on sharing. She said she could not stop listening and thanked me. 

The feeling of joy and exhilaration when I woke up is something I will never forget. I am praying today for all those in classroom settings that they will be bold and share their testimony of faith. 

Romans 10:14-17 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher messenger? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent for that purpose? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” But they did not all pay attention to the good news of salvation; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing what is told, and what is heard comes by the preaching of the message concerning Christ.”

It doesn’t matter big or small nobody can argue with your own personal testimony. They might argue your theology but never your testimony. 

One of my favorite songs when I was little was Be Bold! Be Strong! It truly has been my anthem.

🎼BE BOLD – BE STRONG- FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS WITH YOU. I wont be afraid, no no no, I won’t be dismayed, no no no. For I’m walking in Faith and Victory, Come on! Walkin in Faith and Victory. For the Lord your God is with You. 

Why dont you run through the camp, tell all the people get ready, get ready. Why dont you run through the camp tell all the people get ready! 🎼

GET READY FOR THE CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY

“Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 

11“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” 

Revelations 12:10-11

Emerson had it right! 2017

Leave a comment

There is much wisdom in this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson

“As long as a man stands in his own way, everything seems to be in his way.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

 I want this year to be the year that NOTHING STANDS IN OUR WAY FROM ADVANCEMENT in our marriages, families, church body and God’s people all around the world. 

Our fears, lack of courage, and doubt in God’s word can prevent us from attaining massive Victories. It’s  time to repent and renounce those lies. I am not letting anything hold me back in 2017! Its time for ADVANCEMENT! Time for CLARITY! Time for FAVOR OF PROVISIONS for Big Time Dreams. This is a year when God is blowing the dust off of prophetic words from the past. BUT YOU must be the one to pick them up, read them and declare your alignment with them. We will never be the same after this year! I believe it and I declare it!!

We are winning! The Year of Hope

Leave a comment

Its a good thing that God said He will build His church, we have to be like Peter which means “the rock”, solid, immovable, reliable, and strong. The rest is in God’s hands. He has given us the keys which allows us access to whatever we need. We are overcomers and we are WINNING! No power of hell can overtake us! Its in the book!! Partnering with Heaven to release His treasures on Earth is our greatest reward and daily adventure. 

Matthew 16:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[a] in heaven.”

I want to see breakthroughs in areas people have been praying for and we are entering into a season where God is pouring out His Spirit in new and powerful ways. He is strengthening our foundations and renewing our purpose as His will is gladly obeyed. Favor – Blessing and Increase our released as we become His hands and feet to our community. New Hope- New Strength & Freedom is ours!

Life..Its About Perspective

Leave a comment

The one thing I have learned to hold on to is the word of God. When He says something He means it. His promises are true and His words are everlasting. The Word of the Lord Stands Forever (Isaiah 40 awesome chapter, Psalms 119:89 “The Word of The Lord is eternal. It stands Firm in the Heavens” WOW. Just google that and see all the amazing verses that come up!) People can say whatever the heck they want about you, your dreams and the plans that God has for you 

BUT THEY CAN SAY OR DO NOTHING TO CHANGE THEM UNLESS…..YOU AGREE WITH THEM AND ALIGN YOUR SPIRIT WITH THEM!!!! 

Stand on the word of God! Stand on His truth, Stand on the Words he has given you and promised to you. 

LET NO WORD FROM EARTH OR HELL PERSUADE YOU OR PUT FEAR IN YOUR HEART!

 Just laugh at it HahahahAaaaa!

Can you have freedom while surrounded by war?

Leave a comment

 IS IT POSSIBLE to have VICTORY even when you are in a place where it seems no one else is walking in that freedom? YES!! ONLY OF YOU PRESS INTO THE THRONE ROOM UNTIL YOUR PERSONAL FREEDOM IS RECEIVED! Do NOT allow the enemy to bring frustration and anger while looking at those around you who are not walking in freedom. Get YOUR breakthrough FIRST and allow the Holy Spirit to USE YOU to press in for breakthrough in the corporate.

Something happened to me. I was in the middle of a spiritual and mental war with the most intense conflicting thoughts, emotions and desires that I have ever felt. I was in a worship service where I knew the principal that “it doesnt matter the style or the song, I need to focus on Jesus and give my worship to Him.” BUT IT WAS SO HARD!! Everything that was in me wanted to sing out and see breakthrough in the service and in my own heart but the combination of everything had me fighting inside. At one point I thought we were going to break into a new level but it flatlined and I started to tremble with desire and agitation, so not wanting anger and frustration to come in I ran upstairs and to a back corner and first repented for my attitute and for having a struggle inside of me. I began to say over and over again “Breakthrough, Breakthrough, BREAKTHROUGH!!!!! I began to pray in the spirit allowing God to pray through me. It got more and more intense. I began to sense in the spirit what had been taking place over the last while. 

Finally, the song I heard playing in the background was a song about Victory. At one point in the song I SHOUTED out a long warcry with a loud voice declaring into the atmosphere and spirit WE HAVE VICTORY. “Hallelujah, We Have Overcome, We have Overcome. Hallelujah, Jesus you have Overcome the world.” As that song played I began taking back the ground that the enemy “thought” he had claimed. This is God’s church, These are God’s people. We belong to Him and He had overcome and we are overcoming with Him. “Every high thing must come down, every stronghold must be broken. You wear the victor’s crown. You have overcome, You have overcome.”

I was out of breath at the end and had to sit down and compose myself before heading back to my chair. It was like being in labor till at least I had a emotional and spiritual breakthrough in myself. If anyone else received a breakthrough than praise God. I knew I was not going to allow the enemy TO ROB ME OF A BLESSING or to allow my heart to get filled with crud. 

We all have times where we are so hungry and the situaltion in life may not have all the right answers but we do have a choice to turn to the One who does! When your feet are planted on the rock and your eyes are on Him, He knows your deepest desires and needs and He will meet them.

If church attenders spent MORE TIME SEEKING GOD for a breakthrough in the service, no matter how they need to do it and LESS TIME CRITICIZING the songs, style or leader – every church would have the personal and corporate revival like we are praying for. It is a matter of our HEART and ACTIONS!!

So go get your freedom! Find it in the throne room. Go there yourself, you do not need anyone else to take you there. Through the blood of Jesus we now have free access. The veil has been torn in two. 

 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 

Hebrews 4:14-16

 

Is blood thicker than water in the family of God?

Leave a comment

Blood is thicker than water. Most of the time when we think of that phrase we only related it to our blood relatives. But when you become a part of the body of Christ you are united by the blood of Jesus. So why do we think we can treat our brothers and sisters in Christ with any less value than we treat our own relatives. How can we walk out of relationship with them so easy? When someone leaves one church and goes to another church, why is it that relationship seem to be broken off?Nothing has changed according to the blood relation they are just somewhere else. The choice is up to us, every single time. We need to determine to not let ties be broken when somebody moves to another place. The one major goal of the enemy is to bring disunity in the body of Christ. Disunity happens when there are unresolved offenses, bitterness and hurts that have not been healed. Or in some cases it is just feeling awkward and not getting past those feelings. We have all experienced one of those things. However, we always have a choice if we are going to take the easy route and stay in that negative place or choose to take the steps to be healed. If you cannot come to a place of healing between you and God seeks out those who can help you take through those deep places. Believe me I have been through there and it is worth it to be free!

Not only does this place of hurt affect the church corporately and in our city but it directly affects our daily life, our relationship with our spouse and our children. The enemy uses this foothold to torment us, in our mind, will and emotions. We can not live a life of true freedom and joy when we are holding on to bitterness, offense and hurt. IT LITERALLY BECOMES HELL ON EARTH! 

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO STAY THERE!!!

With all the emphasis of healing in the body of Christ being focused on signs and wonders I know that even more than that Jesus longs to see a healing in the hearts and relationships of HIS family. Jesus told us not even to take communion if we have an offense with a brother or sister. We are to go to them first and resolve our issues before we partake. He spoke directly about that I know it is His heart’s cry that we walk in healing and unity with each other. 

WHATEVER IT TAKES, first we need to pray for humility that God would humble us in our heart to the point where we can approach our brother sister who has offended us or we have hurt. We need to pray that God will give us the desire for this even if we do not have it now. God can do more in our hearts through the Holy Spirit bringing healing in the deep places but it takes a willing heart. 

SECOND WE NEED TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE- if we sit around waiting for people to come to us for us to be healed, we are going to wait for an insanely long time. My dad & Pastor Joel Hjertstedt always says “The one who knows goes.” If the Holy Spirit has brought it to our attention it is our responsibility to approach the other party. If they wanted or not or if they receive it or not, you know before God in your heart you have done what is right.

Third, close every door you have allowed the enemy to enter in your heart. The lies of the enemy and the torment that he brings is only as effective as our determination to tell him to go and get out.

He only has the authority that we give him. 

My heart and prayer is that every church in our cities would unite and connect together no matter what denominations or differences and love each other as Christ loves His church. Only then will we see the revival we are waiting and praying for.

Growing up we would sing this song:

I’m SO GLAD I’M A PART OF THE FAMILY OF GOD. I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. I’m so glad I’m a part of the FAMILY OF GOD. 

Let it be God!! Let it be!!