Why it is important to tell your kids your personal testimony

April 21, 2016Leave a comment

God is so faithful to give us parents wisdom when we ask. While the enemy tries to bring in fear and doubt, the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard against him when we pray! I was crying out to God today for wisdom after seeing little attitudes creep up I didnt like. I told my child Nothing in my life matters except that I know their relationship with Jesus will last their whole life. They saw my passion through my tears as I told them that My only concern is teaching them to follow after Him in purity and that their life would be full of the fruit of the spirit and love. None of us know how long we are in this planet and it is my #1 priority above all else that they know how important it is to make Godly decisions in all they do.
I decided to use my TESTIMONY, which is the spirit of prophecy, to let my child know I wasn’t always a perfect little girl. Without going into detail I was able to share how from 4-13 I lead a double life hiding sin and giving into temptation. I shared my struggles and the condemnation I would feel after repenting but going back to it. I shared how I walked with shame all those years and hid it not sharing with my parents. That it wasn’t till I was much older that I confessed to my youth pastor and my parents and was lead through steps of forgiveness. (In reality I wasn’t totally free till I went through a “SOZO” which some amazing trained counselor/prayer team took me through many layers of Jesus coming and revealing himself to me in my times of sin, where he was and how he loved me all the way through. I recommend it to anyone!) I told them they can always know we are here to talk to and they dont have to feel ashamed, especially now since they know I messed up also. Its time for us to be real with our kids, allowing them to have a safe place if they mess up. A place of healing and restoration to get on the right track. Jesus never turns His back on us, neither should we!
Our kids should always feel safe talking with us and if they dont we get to keep on gently tenderizing the ground in trust, wisdom, discernment and HAVING A HEART CONNECTION WITH OUR KIDS. If we feel the heart connection is widening it is time to STOP EVERYTHING AND GIVE THEM ALL OUR ATTENTION TILL THE CONNECTION IS TIGHT AGAIN. Lord, help us to know if and when this is happening and how to bridge the gap. Praying for you and your connections! God we want our kids to follow hard after you and never wander. Help us know how to parent wisely, not step into unexplained legalism, oh boy, but know how to explain in a clear and wise way why God isnt pleased with the things of the world and why we need to stay separate from it. Being set apart, as we learned on Sunday, holy and consecrated to God. That living a pure and holy, Godly life is NOT a bore! That living righteously brings FREEDOM, JOY and PEACE NOT FOUND ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. We are raising kids who are ushering in the Kingdom of Heaven, they will transform this world in ways we could only dream of. The same spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the dead LIVES IN THEM!! There is NO JR. HOLY SPIRIT. They are not going to have to wait till they are their parents age to experience all that God has for them it begins NOW!! HA, YES JESUS! I declare it, I declare it over my kids and all those who are reading this, their kids and grandkids! AMEN

Is blood thicker than water in the family of God?

February 22, 2016Leave 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!!

PRAY Until Something Happens – 2016

January 15, 2016April 6, 2019Leave a comment

PRAY Until Something Happens – 2016Today I pray for our families. I pray that the fathers will live a life of purity and accountability with God. That they would be examples to our children and teach them how a young man should cleanse his way. That husbands would love their wives and uplift them. I pray for mothers that we would parent our kids with grace and love. That every word that comes out of our mouth would be in tone and content how the Lord would want us to speak. That as wives we would learn to honor and respect our husbands in word and deed.

Let our children experience the tangible presence of God so intensely that their destiny will be thrust into place. Let them walk in purity and holiness with a passion for You. Thank you that there is NO Jr. Holy Spirit. And greater things will be released through them this year. Let us and our children lay hands on the sick and see them healed, that the blind will see and the deaf will hear, the dead will be raised. No disease is impossible for Jesus to heal!!! HIS BLOOD PAID FOR EVERYTHING.

Most importantly that God would be the center of our homes that we would to walk and talk with Him throughout the day and allow His voice to direct our steps. That we would serve each other and the body of Christ with a willing heart. So the world will see Jesus in us THE HOPE OF GLORY and come to His loving arms. Father God come and move in our country. We lift you up and magnify your Holy Name. The name that is above all names. Come and stir your church to walk, talk and be your hands and feet to the world. Let the trembling that is felt in the spirit break forth demonstrations of your glory in a powerful way. Let health and wholeness which is our spiritual birthright be released over us that we might walk in your power and might. Jesus you have already won every battle! You are our captain and we stand at attention in your army.

Use us Lord, let us be a light in this word. You said if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me. Let us see this year every prodigal return, every hardened heart softened and salvation and restoration come to our loved ones. Thank you Father that greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. We are MORE than Conquerors because of the blood of Jesus. And NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER!! HALLELUJAH AND AMEN!!

Wake up Sleeper! Praying for Paris

November 14, 2015November 14, 2015Leave a comment

This verse has been burning in my spirit all night as I have been praying for Paris, France. My heart is crying out for the world to wake up and see the hope, peace, salvation that only Jesus Christ can bring. As we are praying for France, pray that the eyes of the worlds hearts are opened to see the hope of their callings!

For this reason He says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine as dawn upon you and give you light.”

Therefore see that you walk carefully living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil, not as the unwise, but as wise sensible, intelligent, discerning people, making the very most of your time on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence, because the days are filled with evil. Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness corruption, stupidity, but be filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

Ephesians 5:14-18

Declaring Psalms 91 over our Schools

October 8, 2015Leave a comment

Driving my kids to school this morning I had an urgent burden to pray for protection around all of our schools in the United States. It is time for God’s people to be alert and aware, not in fear, but in courage and boldness. We need to lift up our voices and declare Psalms 91 over our schools. We declare a blood line around each and every school. The Blood of Jesus! No weapon formed against our children will prosper. All those who rise up against them shall fall. We declare every plot to be revealed and foiled, every assignment against our kids and teachers to be cancelled. Father God, release the angels of heaven to surround them, their going in and coming out. Verse 11 was my inspiration for the picture.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save youfrom the fowler’s snareand from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you,no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Be Utterly Amazed- I am doing a work you will not believe!

September 10, 2015Leave a comment

I made this poster 5 years ago when Isaac and David started Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Now with them in 7th, 5th and Elicia in 2nd this verse means more to me than ever! God is up to something absolutely amazing. I believe it and declare it. Will you join with me to Pray and incerceed for our nations senators this week as they make one of the most critical decisions in history on September 11th. Praying every one of them is sent ministering angels and encountered by Jesus Christ in their dreams and in their day. This Iran Deal MUST BE STOPPED! We will not support, lift sanctions and supply 100 billion dollars to terrorists and dictators who spew hatred to the United States and to Israel. Declaring THAT EVERY SENATORS EYES AND HEARTS TO BE OPEN, that DECEPTION WILL BE BROKEN AND God’s love and truth to be poured out upon them.

Habakkuk 1:5 The Lord replied, “Look among the nations! See!Be astonished! Wonder!For I am doing something in your days—You would not believe it if you were told.

Declaring Psalms 91 over America

July 4, 2015Leave a comment

Meditating on Psalms 91 today. I always have to find just the right picture that displays what is in my spirit for each verse. Happy Birthday America! I declare over my country today:

United States of America, you who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty! Americans will say of the Lord, YOU are our refuge and Our fortress, Our God in YOU will We TRUST!”

The gates were rattling last night!

May 8, 2015September 16, 2015Leave a comment

Yesterday May 7, 2015 was the National Day of Prayer. I gathered in unity with other churches in my region (in unity there is a commanded blessing –

Psalm 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron the first high priest, that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments consecrating the whole body. It is like the dew of lofty Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore upon the high and the lowly.

We came together to pray for our nation and worship Almighty God. The worship was powerful and intense, it was a releasing of the sound of heaven. (See below: video from Ray Hughes teaching on the sound of heaven)

Durring a time of free praise, when we all lift up our own song to heaven, I heard a very loud sound of shaking of the gates of Heaven. The sound was so loud I had to cover my ears. I saw heaven’s gates shaking at the glory and presence of Almighty God. I saw a large foot step over the gates and come down and plant itself on top of the United States of America. God said, THIS LAND IS MINE! And it is time for my people to arise and claim this as God’s Land!

It was no accident that President Obama and his cabinet were meeting in my region Portland, OR on the same day I heard this sound. Our gathering was 20 minutes from where our Government Officials were meeting. We prayed that their eyes would be opened to see the Father and know truth. We repented on behalf of our land and declared healing for our country.

Our prayers of faith along with a million + others yesterday from other states and countries wround the world will not be in vain. God’s words will never return void but they will accomplish what they are set out to do. (Isaiah 55:11)

We will not shrink back in fear, we will not grow weary, we will align our hearts and faith in prayer and cry our for mercy, protection, justice, revelation and most of all salvation for the USA!

While I heard the shaking I also heard a booming voice quote Psalms 24:

(Picture of Heaven painted by Akiane Kramarik), I just added the verse. That I heard with the picture.

Ray Hughes teaching on the Symphony of Heaven

http://youtu.be/7-tYXUSVy64

Faith and a tribute

March 23, 2015September 16, 2015Leave a comment

I shared this verse with my friend Diane Callahan last year when a group of friends gathered to declare life into her cancer afflicted body. Then a few weeks ago the group gathered one last time to pray over her. The last thing I heard her say on this Earth was quoting this verse to the group. It was so precious.

She quoted scripture daily over herself from cards she had written. A woman of faith who declared healing to her body till her last few days. Even though she didn’t receive the full manifestation of her healing till heaven, her example of faith has impacted our church and her friends forever.

We will never take a step back in our belief that God can and will heal. We are going to see an outpouring of the miraculous like we have never seen before. My dad and pastor Joel Hjertstedt stood up at the pulpit yesterday declaring the words of Winston Churchhill, “Never Give Up, Never GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP!!”

It was the first Sunday after our associate pastor’s wife Diane went to heaven. He was exhorting the congregation that our faith will not waiver and we will push forward believing to see a cancer free zone over city. We will not settle for anything less. I believe that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Yesterday at church I wrote
Wow! The presence of God is so intense at Destiny Christian Fellowship. Pastor Joel Hjertstedt preaching a word we all need to hear. Faith and a Tribute to Diane Domenighini Callahan
Psalm 34:17-18 Godly people cry out, and the Lord hears them.He saves them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.

I DECLARE LIFE IN JESUS NAME!! Receive it

March 18, 2015September 16, 2015Leave a comment

I am declaring a word of LIFE!! HEALING!! WHOLENESS over friends and loved ones tonight. Many friends whose lives are teetering on the edge right now. Friends who’ve had devastating diagnosis given to them by doctors for themselves or their loved ones. Declaring peace love and joy and strength to every family who is struggling watching the loved ones fight the good fight. The stripes of Jesus took on his back at Calvary and the powerful blood that He shed was not only for ourselves salvation but also for healing. Declaring salvation, revelation to your loved ones who do not know the Lord. Declaring a Saul of Tarsus encounter for each one of them. My God is a God of love, and healing even when we do not see the manifestation of that healing it will not change my belief in who God is. Papa God pour out your love peace and healing on everyone who reads this and needs it. I ask Holy Spirit to flood every room, every hospital room where there are those who need a touch. I come against the spirit of death and destruction, the spirit of cancer, and every disease that is taking hold of the lives of those who we know. Jesus took from Satan the keys and gave them back to us as his sons and daughters. We take those keys of death and destruction and declare life Over our loved ones. Thank you Jesus that when we don’t understand that you do not change your mind. It is ALWAYS your will to heal. You are not an abusive father who keeps people bound out of punishment. I break the lie that it is not God’s will to heal. We release the truth that says when two or three are gathered together and ask in faith and not doubting God will heal. And when those who we pray for pass away without receiving your healing we know that no matter what your love never fails us. We ask you to release peace into every situation, understanding and comfort to all those whose families have lost. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus has come to give life and life more abundantly. RECEIVE HIS LIFE today. My God does not change.

Live Life Out Loud For God

Not Ashamed to tell the world what God has done!

Category: Will you agree with me in prayer?