It is in the darkest valley where our testimony is carved. Every twist and turn (what we do, what is done to us and how we respond to it) is a pathway that will become our story. If we “Choose” in that time to cling with our spirit and soul (mind, will & emotions) to Jesus, trusting and not doubting His words……we will see the deliverance of our God in ways that will astound us!
The flooding waters of God will come and fill every crack, twist and turn till that valley becomes a mighty rushing river. Making streams in the desert and an oasis for those in a dry and parched land. DO NOT LOSE HOPE.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are saved. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Prov 18:10
So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west And His glory from the rising of the sun. For He will come in like a narrow, rushing stream Which the breath of the LORD drives [overwhelming the enemy].Isaiah 59:19
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. – Isaiah 51:3
I will never forget writing this post after I took my kids to school about 1 month after we told our kids that my husband wanted a divorce. I’ll never forget pulling over on the side of the street weeping and crying out to God. I didn’t want to go home, I just wanted to be by myself and in my car. It’s in those times of deep anguish crying out to God where we can identify in the tiniest bit what Jesus went through in the Garden of Gethsemane. When we pour out to God in our deepest anguish he hears us and he responds to us.
This picture and word was God’s gift to me that day. It gave me such hope for my future that had completely been shattered of what I thought it would ever be. There’s nothing like spending time in God’s presence and allowing him to hold us and speak healing life back into us. I’m so thankful he speaks to us in the valley. Time for the rivers of heaven to flood us!
When the enemy comes and reminds you in detail of your rejection, betrayal and abandonment…it’s a way to ruin a good day. When that happened to me, I started to look up verses on how Jesus understands what rejection and betrayal feels like! The Bible & Prayer alone breaks the power of the enemy to spiral thoughts and emotions out of control.
There is Power in applying the truth of the word of God! I’m so thankful we don’t have to walk this life alone. Here are some truths found from my short study. 💡
Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and pain and acquainted with grief; And like One from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or esteem Him.
Mark 14:10-11 10Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve [disciples], went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11When they heard this they were delighted, and promised to give him money. And he began looking for an opportune time to betray Jesus.
Mark 14:66-72 Amplified version While Peter was down below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came, 67and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked intently at him and said, “You were with Jesus the Nazarene, too.” 68But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” Then he went out [of the courtyard] to the porch, [q][and a rooster crowed.] 69The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to tell the bystanders, “This [man] is one of them.” 70But again he denied it. After a little while, the bystanders again said to Peter, “You are in fact one of them, for [it is clear from your accent, that] you are a Galilean, too.” 71But he began to [r]invoke a curse [on himself] and to swear [an oath], “I do not know this man you are talking about!” 72Immediately a rooster crowed the second time. And Peter remembered what Jesus said to him: “Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And thinking of this, he began weeping [in anguish].
😱In the Amplified Version it describes VS 71: In Judaism such a curse took the form of “May I always be afflicted if I am not being truthful,” or “May I bury my son if…,” or “May I never see the comfort of Zion and Jerusalem if…,” etc. (as found in the Talmud).
THAT IS A MASSIVE DENIAL FROM PETER when you hear it in that context! Jesus knew when he told Peter that he would deny him the level of that denial. Yet Jesus showed unconditional love to him. Absolutely shocking to realize what Jesus actually felt.
Mark 15:19-20 They kept beating Him on the head with a [c]reed and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing in [mock] homage to Him. 20After they had mocked Him, they took off the purple robe and put His own clothes on Him. And they led Him out [of the city] to crucify Him.
ALL OF THAT TO SAY THIS! ❤️Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. ❤️ 16Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. ❤️
JESUS GETS IT! HE UNDERSTANDS US. HE is the only one to heal and bind up our wounds. What a treasure of peace He brings.
Image from the movie The Chosen (if you haven’t seen it, you are missing out!) Click here to watch the free episodes
🙏Let’s Pray🙏 Jesus, thank you for loving us through it All. Thank you for the sacrifice you made coming to Earth even though you knew what was going to happen to you. Thank you for taking our wounded hearts and putting them upon your own heart. Thank you Jesus that you have power over every attack of the enemy that will come against our mind, hearts and souls (our mind, will and emotions) . Thank you that anytime the enemy comes against us, like a flood you will lift up a standard against him. There is power in your blood so we can declare over our lives that every chain of bondage that the enemy wants to keep us in is broken in the mighty name of Jesus. We declare your peace over our minds and hearts. We declare your peace over our homes. We declare a sound mind. That perfect love destroys all fear. Thank you Jesus that there is nothing too difficult that we can walk through that you don’t understand. We acknowledge our dependence upon you. You are source for everything we need. In Jesus name amen!
Today I join with our President and millions of Christians around the USA on this #NationalDayOfPrayer.
I declare #Psalms91 over us. Jesus you said, If I will be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” Jesus, I lift you up over the United States, I lift you up over the world. Draw all men and women and children unto you. Stretch out your hand and eliminate #covid19 the #coronavirus. We declare healing for all infected.
The Bible says it is by your stripes Jesus that we have been healed! We declare healing over those who are sick today. Let your people arise with faith and begin to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. This goes for every sickness and every disease. Let us see miracles break out across the country as your people rise in faith for the impossible. The same Holy Spirit that was poured out in Acts NEVER LOST His Power! The Blood of Jesus Never lost its power. The same blood of Jesus that washes away our sins, heals our bodies. Thank you #Jesus for your sacrifice on the cross for us. We declare health and wholeness for every body!
We will not bow to the spirit of fear! We reject fear and receive faith! For the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear but of Power Love and a Sound Mind! Father release a sound mind over every #government official. Let them lead with wisdom. I pray for our President Donald #Trump and First Lady Melania, their family, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife and family. Protect them, give them wisdom and guide them in truth and love. Father your will be done, your kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven. Provide, protect and heal our nation and the nations of the world. For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever Amen!
Forgive quickly, forgive often. Unforgiveness leads to resentment which begins to build a thick wall between you and the other person. There is nothing worse than allowing a wall to stay between you and the other person when you have all the power to bring it down through humility and repentance. When the Bible says do not let the sun go down on your Wrath, that doesn’t mean insane crazy wrath like you think it does. It also means not forgiving the person who hurt you 100% completely with no resentment.
Choose forgiveness, repent for resentment to God and the other person. Allow God to break the walls down. Then Joy, Peace, and Love will come. I did and boy does it feel good!
If you are married you need to listen to this message. It was transform both of you no matter how long you have been married. If you are single this applies to you just as much. Thanks Dad, I needed this good kick in the pants. Wow, what powerful teaching straight from the word of God! Message from Joel Hjertstedt, Lead Pastor at Destiny Christian Fellowship. Milwaukie, Oregon http://www.destinycf.org
I have such a huge feeling of anticipation in my spirit this morning. God is about to do something incredible that our minds can’t even begin to comprehend.
The understanding of the victory of the cross is more than what we celebrate on Easter! It is realizing that the same Jesus who took stripes on His back for our healing and poured out his blood for our salvation – is alive and interceding on our behalf right now before the Father. Can you believe that Jesus is interceding for you!!! He wants you to win! He wants you free! He went through the pain for YOUR healing! All of heaven is on their feet cheering for you! You are not alone!
If God is for you, WHO can be against you? Declare God’s promises over your life. Repent of the lies the enemy is trying to take you out with! Receive the Truth from the Holy Spirit. READ THIS VERSE BELOW OUT LOUD WITH FAITH AND CONFIDENCE! It is the Word of God and is alive and active for you!
Its going to be an amazing season.
UPDATE:
I am laughing so hard right now. As soon as I finished the last sentence of this blog, Some recorded voice from the back of my van said, IT’S SHOW TIME!!”
Trying not to freak out as I jumped. Because I just cleaned out my entire van yesterday and there was no toy in here to make that noise. I have been in the van this morning for 2 hours and have never heard a sound like that. 😂 I think God is trying to say something. I’m excited and anticipating something, even though I don’t know what is coming!!
Skeletons only stay in the closet so long. It is up to us if we are willing to confront them and change before they come out for the world to see. God won’t force them out unless it is absolutely necessary. When we bow our will to God’s and become humble and obedient and willing to work on those areas, he will help us. Rebellion only makes life miserable, in the Bible it says it is like witchcraft. If you have never seen hypocritical rebellion in action, you probably were manipulated by the “good” personality.
If you can’t deal with it yourself, ask your pastor or church leadership. They probably have already seen some of the evidence of it amd will be excited to help you along in your journey to freedom. If you do not have a church, look for a Bible believing church that believes in freedom for the whole person, spirit-soul-body. Search for a church who has a SOZO ministry or restoration ministry. It is so worth it to deal with those hidden skeletons. I know I did when I had my first SOZO. Praise God for finally having freedom amd peace.
God, let all the skeletons in the closet be dealt with and a pure bride come forth!
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.
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.
What an INCREDIBLE morning. On the way to church this last Sunday, I wept as I listened to “Break Every Chain” by Jesus Culture. I began picturing the elementary class I was about to teach getting a hold of the concept that there is Power in the name of Jesus.
We have been teaching them from Becky Fischer’s Kids In Ministry International curriculum “Hearing God’s Voice”. We are in our last chapter learning about the enemy’s counterfeits. We have spent a whole year teaching our kids how to hear the voice of God. For most of them it is now a natural thing. Something that some of the parents are still learning to grasp. They have learned all the different ways they can hear Gods voice. Now they are moving out with the words of knowledge and prophetically to each other and those they know. They are worshiping with abandonment and praying for the sick and seeing God heal. They have an unstoppable faith.
When I arrived at Destiny Christian Fellowship’s Elementary class, I was so overwhelmed with the Presence of God and had so much anticipation of what He was going to do. I began class teaching the lesson about how the enemy lies to people making them believe he is just as powerful as God, or that he can be everywhere at one time, or that he knows everything. BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE! Those are only God’s characteristics.
I then had the kids write down on a little piece of paper things that the enemy tries to scare them with or tempt them with or make them believe a lie about. These pieces of paper were formed into a chain. Then I had someone in the class put a white robe around themselves to represent Jesus and as we listened and worshipped with “Break Every Chain” the person representing Jesus came and broke the chains. The kids then rushed up to break and rip up the chains because they knew they had the power of Jesus inside of them to see those chains broken. It was such a visual representation of what takes place in our lives and also what happens in others lives as we pray for them.
One of the songs I taught them was, “Romans 16:19 says”. We sang and did the actions for this song for 10 minutes. They got it and loved it. The importance of getting the Word of God in their heart is critical at this age. Song is the easiest way to do this. My other favorite Music Group who does this is “God Rocks”. They sing pure word for word scripture. My kids and I have listened to it for 8 years. It is one of the best. They have DVD’s, CD’s and books for kids. Each one has a theme with verses that back it up. Powerful and life changing. Worth every cent of investment. You can also find some on Christian TV channels or YouTube. The other group my class loved watching was “The Rizers” you can find them on YouTube. Purely scripture done in a fun and entertaining way to watch and listen.
Here is the link for Romans 16:19 Says
One little 1st grader told me after class that the power of Jesus is in his hands. That when he prayed for his grandma the heat from his hand made a red mark on her back. He knows without a shadow of a doubt the power of His healing God. He is also quite the worship leader. From the first day he came to class he came up front and let these kids into powerful times of worship.
No one can say that you miss out of church when you work in children’s ministries at DCF because we have CHURCH in our classrooms.
If my belief and trust in the character of God changes in bad times, how does that affect the effectiveness of my faith in the good times? It is in the hard times of life where we have to hold on like never before to who God says he is. He is all-knowing, He is present everywhere at the same time, He has all power and can do anything at anytime. His Love never fails, He is good all the time. He never lies. He is a God of His word. The stripes that Jesus took on His back at Calvary are for our healing. We are paid with a price and have full access to EVERYTHING that has been granted to me as a daughter of the king. There is nothing impossible for our God! Hold onto this with everything you have if you can’t do it on your own ask for us to stand with you. You’re not alone!
Live Life Out Loud For God 