Blog
Gift of showing up
The presence of the Lord and personal improvement are contagious. We all need to get around those who carry the strong presence of the Lord and can influence us with something very good! Then keep at it and continue getting repeatedly influenced with God’s goodness and Godly relationships. You will never get immune to light and truth if you surround yourself with people who are carrying the presence of God.
Living & loving selflessly
When we believe, think and behave in alignment with God’s selfless nature, we throw a wrench into the works of evil schemes, painful plans and anything that falls short of God’s glory. In other words, when love is our motivator, we beat back the darkness and win a victory for God’s kingdom.
Moving forward with God’s peace
Everyone wants to be safe. Everyone wants to be healthy. Everyone wants to be protected. This is how we were created. Our need to feel safe is deeply embedded in all of us. It is how God made us. The truth is that God is the only real source our safety and security. Without Him, we are hopeless. We want the same safety and security for those we love, that is the reality of life. That is why this season in history is hitting so many people so hard. There is such controversy on what it means to be safe, healthy, and protected. Disagreements have brought such discord, accusations and hostility. What does the Lord want us to do?
An Inconvenient Assignment
As I left the bank that day, I realized that this minor, “inconvenient” issue that I allowed to steal some of my peace and joy was actually a Kingdom assignment. The Lord allowed that small glitch to happen so that I could be fully present for that young woman who needed a touch from the Lord. She needed to know that God sees her and that there are people for her in her new location. I felt annoyed with myself for allowing that small issue to get to me! We have the honor of receiving these assignments because we carry the presence of the Lord. It is our mission to get out into the world and share God’s presence in tangible ways to the people who need Him.
Keep on keeping on
God is growing endurance in the body of Christ. Endurance is the trait that keeps us from throwing in the towel when the fight looks lost. We need endurance to hold onto hope when the circumstances around us dictate that the breakthrough isn’t coming, that maybe, just maybe, God’s word will this time return void. It’s what we need when our logical brains and the world around us tell us it’s wiser and safer to downgrade our expectations than to expect God to move in our lives. We need endurance to keep on keeping on until we receive what was promised.
What you focus on, you empower
It can be challenging, especially lately, to keep my mind and my heart focused on God’s goodness. John Paul Jackson used to frequently remind us, “What you focus on, you empower.” It is an important truth! I have heard similar things from most Christian leaders who I respect and follow. Even the Apostle Paul encouraged believers to be careful what we focus on. Here is what he said to the believers in Philippi. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
What’s that sound?
What we partner with is always so important, but especially at this point in history. There is a lot going on which results in a huge variety of sounds and voices being released into our air waves: by radio, TV and by us. We can easily feel overwhelmed and shut down. In Scripture there are three different words that are translated as people making a noise. Two are positive and one…not so much.
A time to rest
There is more to July than barbecues and summer sports. Recently, God drew my attention to the fact that July is the seventh month of the year. Seven is an interesting number in the Bible. It is the number of articles in the tabernacle, the number of times Jesus spoke on the cross, and the number of churches that received a letter in the book of Revelation. Seven often represents fullness, perfection, and rest. On the seventh day, God rested from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). So too, He commanded the Israelites that the seventh day of their week and every seventh year be ones of total rest from their labor (Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 25:1-7).
An important role to play
This month we especially recognize the important role that godly men play in God’s plan for humankind.
We are grateful for the godly men that the Lord has brought to Dare to Believe Ministries. Men who understand the important role they play in God’s Kingdom. Strong men who partner with strong women to bring blessings and increase all around them.
Becoming an overcomer
Although this season is hard (and I am not really enjoying it), I’m discovering that these challenging situations and circumstances aren’t tripping me up like they would have in the past. With the Lord’s help, I am able to enter in, push through and step over these challenges. This is very different than ignoring them or avoiding them. I know, because I have done both of those things in the past. The difference is I now find myself getting through to the other side. I believe this is evidence of what I have overcome with God’s help.
Global awakening. Revival. Billion soul harvest. It’s time to get ready!
Hope permeates the air as the rain refreshes the ground, the grass becomes greener, the buds appear on the trees and tulips and daffodils bloom – a sure sign of warmer, sunnier days to come. Hope is the confident expectation of coming good. It’s not a wishy-washy sentiment synonymous with “maybe,” but a deep-seated certainty. A knowing. It’s similar to how we know the longer days and warmer weather of April will produce new life.
Grandchildren and superheroes
I have the most amazing grandchildren! Gary and I visited them a couple of weeks ago and we loved every minute. We had been at their house for less than an hour when our 4-year-old grandson came to me and looked me straight in the eyes. “Grandma, I have a secret,” he said earnestly. “I am Batman.” This is so cute and fun! He knows in his heart that he is a superhero. Children are brilliant. They absorb the world around them. They have not yet learned to shut down the creativity and joy that they were born with.