Many years ago, while praying for someone held in the place between life and death. My eyes were opened a lot more to the importance of prayer and the power of intercession.
I had an older cousin that had lived a very hard life. She had made a lot of seriously wrong choices for many years that caused her a lot of pain and suffering in her life. My uncle prayed for her, as did we all for years, that she would come to know the Lord. She eventually ended up in the hospital. The doctors were amazed that she was still alive but in a coma. They called the family together to prepare them for her final hours. They all lived in another state and I lived in Fl. and could not leave but my parents went to the hospital. By her side, they sat with my uncle as he prayed and tried to speak to her. My mom called and said that there wasn't a whole lot to do except pray.
I went to my shower and began to pray. I prayed in the Spirit and saw her on her knees looking down with her hair covering her face. Then I saw Jesus so bright walking up to her. "The Lord spoke to me and said " I am where she is" I kept praying and watched her as she refused to look up.
I prayed all day and kept seeing the same thing. The next morning, when I went to pray I saw Jesus standing over her and reaching out to her. He kept saying " I am where she is" This went on for that day and night. That evening I went to pray and I saw the Lord reach down and lift her eyes to meet His. I saw the pure love in His eyes for her. I went to sleep still hearing the words " I am where she is". The next morning, I went to the shower and started to pray for her. The Holy Spirit stopped me. " I heard the Lord say very clearly" She is where I am"
I saw the Lord with His arms around her and holding her. Joy filled my heart as I realized that she could no longer reject that love that Jesus had for her. I knew where she was. Later that morning , my Mother called me and said that she had passed away and how hurtful it was for the family. Later, I told my Dad about what I had seen and heard. He told me to tell my uncle. I was able to tell him that I believed with all my heart that his prayers were answered and she was with Jesus.
What I learned : I know for certain that My Father does not want anyone to die and go to a real Hell. I also know that the prayers of His people are vitally important to make opportunities for people to hear about His love and choose to receive Him into their heart and know Him. I know that she would be the first to say that she would rather have chosen to know the Lord while she was here.
I also have learned since then, that their is a place between life and death that God can use for His purpose. I know that His love breaks all boundaries,heals all rejection and accepts everyone no matter what life they lived on earth. I know where my cousin is today. I know that definitely, our prayers make a difference in people's lives along the way.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I SAID "NO" !
About 11 years ago we were new to the North Carolina mtns. We moved to Murphy, N.C. from Fl. Harvey was driving home from ministering one weekend and I was at home with the girls.
He was coming home by way of the Ocoee River road. It is very curvy and in most places it is road cut through the mountainside and river. Some very steep drops and corkscrew curves.
I was in the shower singing and praying when all of a sudden I had a vision of a State Trooper at my door telling me that my husband had been killed in an auto accident. I yelled out "NO! In the name of Jesus, my husband will live and not die" I began praying in the Spirit, then peace came all over me.
Harvey came home a little while later and said that the strangest thing had happened.
He told me that a car going very fast came at him in his lane. The car coming at him pushed him off the road where there was just rock and a big drop to the river. He was barely able to get by doorhandle to door handle and get back on the road. He was pretty shaken up. I asked where it happened and we figured out time wise that it was exactly when I saw the vision in the shower.
The enemy had a plan but God was so faithful to let me know. There are times when I have prayed and interceded for others and I know that there are ones that have been prompted to pray for me.
What I learned : That prayer is a powerful tool. God has taught me through the years of different types of intercession. That we need to be praying for each other. I know that when tragedies happen the enemy got his way. When we take our place and stand with the voice of authority we can make a difference. Just because God knows the enemies' plan doesn't mean He allows it to happen. He wants us to rise up and be who we are called to be along the way.
He was coming home by way of the Ocoee River road. It is very curvy and in most places it is road cut through the mountainside and river. Some very steep drops and corkscrew curves.
I was in the shower singing and praying when all of a sudden I had a vision of a State Trooper at my door telling me that my husband had been killed in an auto accident. I yelled out "NO! In the name of Jesus, my husband will live and not die" I began praying in the Spirit, then peace came all over me.
Harvey came home a little while later and said that the strangest thing had happened.
He told me that a car going very fast came at him in his lane. The car coming at him pushed him off the road where there was just rock and a big drop to the river. He was barely able to get by doorhandle to door handle and get back on the road. He was pretty shaken up. I asked where it happened and we figured out time wise that it was exactly when I saw the vision in the shower.
The enemy had a plan but God was so faithful to let me know. There are times when I have prayed and interceded for others and I know that there are ones that have been prompted to pray for me.
What I learned : That prayer is a powerful tool. God has taught me through the years of different types of intercession. That we need to be praying for each other. I know that when tragedies happen the enemy got his way. When we take our place and stand with the voice of authority we can make a difference. Just because God knows the enemies' plan doesn't mean He allows it to happen. He wants us to rise up and be who we are called to be along the way.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW"
Harvey and I were ministering away from home in another state. Tanya was 17 and very responsible to take care of Cherie and Joy. We also had wonderful neighbors all around us including an EMT and fireman right next door. They all watched out for the girls when we had to be away. About 5:15am, I woke up praying in tongues very emphatically and knew I was praying for the kids at home. I prayed til almost 6am and had peace that everything was all right. Harvey woke up and I told him about it and we prayed together and called home. I talked to Tanya. She said she was in her bed and heard something in the kitchen. The other two girls were in the opposite side of the house. She heard a door open to the kitchen and then someone in the drawers and stuff. She stood up on her bed and shouted "In the name of Jesus, get out of my house right now!!" She heard the door slam shut. She grabbed the phone and called 911. The Sheriff came out and checked everything out. He couldn't tell what had happened. I told Tanya to pack up the girls and drive to her grandparents house. They lived about an hour and a half away. I told her to call me and let me know when they were safely there. I called my parents and told them to expect them in a couple of hours. Harvey and I had to go and minister in the prison and check back later with them.
Back at the hotel, four hours later, I still had not heard from them. I called my parents. No answer. I called the house. No answer. I went out to the pool area and prayed. I said "Lord, what is going on?" Immediately, I had a vision of the girls on the side of the road, talking and laughing, and I saw my parents going to meet them. I went in the room and told Harvey what I saw. I believed everything was okay. In faith, we went and ministered back in the prisons for an afternoon session. When we returned to the hotel again and checked messages, they had called and said they were fine. I called them and found out that Tanya's car had a broken belt and they were stuck on the side of the rode til a police officer stopped to check on them. They used his radio to call my parents and my parents went to get them. They said "Mom, we just sat there and took our Bibles out and read scripture to each other to pass the time and keep everything calm. I was concerned that Joy, being only five would have been afraid or upset. Cherie told me that Tanya was calm and handled everything as if it were normal and the policeman even gave Joy a bear. I told Tanya how proud we were of her. I remembered her saying "Mom, I just followed what God was showing me to do and what I thought you would do".
What I learned:
I can't be with my kids all the time and everywhere. But my God is always there with them even across the country and across the world.
When we empower them with who they are in their relationship with God, He is faithful to prove it out in them when we can't be there.
As a mother, I trust God and His heart for my children. If I rely on Him I don't have to fear or worry about them.
One other thing, we may have cell phones now but I trust the Holy Spirit's connection more than Verizon or even AT&T.
What I learned is to teach my children how to hear God for themselves when they can't hear me along the way.
Back at the hotel, four hours later, I still had not heard from them. I called my parents. No answer. I called the house. No answer. I went out to the pool area and prayed. I said "Lord, what is going on?" Immediately, I had a vision of the girls on the side of the road, talking and laughing, and I saw my parents going to meet them. I went in the room and told Harvey what I saw. I believed everything was okay. In faith, we went and ministered back in the prisons for an afternoon session. When we returned to the hotel again and checked messages, they had called and said they were fine. I called them and found out that Tanya's car had a broken belt and they were stuck on the side of the rode til a police officer stopped to check on them. They used his radio to call my parents and my parents went to get them. They said "Mom, we just sat there and took our Bibles out and read scripture to each other to pass the time and keep everything calm. I was concerned that Joy, being only five would have been afraid or upset. Cherie told me that Tanya was calm and handled everything as if it were normal and the policeman even gave Joy a bear. I told Tanya how proud we were of her. I remembered her saying "Mom, I just followed what God was showing me to do and what I thought you would do".
What I learned:
I can't be with my kids all the time and everywhere. But my God is always there with them even across the country and across the world.
When we empower them with who they are in their relationship with God, He is faithful to prove it out in them when we can't be there.
As a mother, I trust God and His heart for my children. If I rely on Him I don't have to fear or worry about them.
One other thing, we may have cell phones now but I trust the Holy Spirit's connection more than Verizon or even AT&T.
What I learned is to teach my children how to hear God for themselves when they can't hear me along the way.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
THE CUP
I haven't posted in a while. We've been redoing our website and it was a huge changeover that took awhile. We have it up jodyglassministries.org .
About 10 yrs ago, I was teaching my Bible study and had several people from different churches and sometimes questions came up after the teaching. I knew what God had showed me and what I believed and why I taught it. I really went to God for better answers on some issues to try to help people know what His heart was on things. Especially on the issue of people "losing their salvation" or were they really saved if they didn't live a Godly life. The one thing I knew was that it wasn't our job to hold people to a set standard outwardly. It really is all about their heart.
One particular night I sat on the side of my bed and I was praying about a certain person. I was talking to the Lord about my concerns and how people were quick to judge this person without knowing their heart. I told the Lord that I knew what I believed but I was willing to lay down what I thought about this situation and I wanted His perspective. I turned out the lamp and in seconds I was asleep. For many years God has spoken to me in dreams and visions and this night He wanted to show me His way of seeing this whole issue.
I saw a man with a back pack walking along and approaching a table with a magnificently beautiful goblet. It was bright radiant gold with jewels set in the gold. It shined brilliantly. He picked it up, looked at it and thought it was quite interesting and put it in his bag pack. As he walked along he saw other things that were not as beautiful but interested him as well so he put them in his pack along with the cup. After much searching and collecting his hands were full of " things" and his back pack was very heavy. After a while he stopped to inspect his treasures. Looking at each one, he would remember where he had been and the significance of each one. He then discarded the ones that he decided not to carry to make his pack lighter. He put the cup aside with other "things" that he had collected and no longer wanted. As he walked away I saw the cup and I could hear it calling his name trying to get his attention and turn around.
Then a second man came to a table and saw this beautiful cup and picked it up and thought it must be a wonderful treasure. He also had a back pack. He carried the cup in his hand for a time and truly cherished it. After awhile, he carefully wrapped it up in a cloth to keep it from getting damaged and placed it in his back pack. He also collected other " things" and his pack got heavy. From time to time he would sort out what he wanted to get rid of and what he didn't want to carry. But every time he would come across the cup he would unwrap it and fondly remember the day he found it and carefully put it back in it's cloth and carry it in his pack.
Then a third man walked up to the table, saw the beautiful cup, He also thought it was a wonderful treasure and carried it around and told everyone he saw about it. He would tell them where he found it and how they could find their own cup. He never put it in his back pack. He carried it carefully in his arm and polished it. No matter how heavy his back pack got he always held the cup in his arm as he walked along sharing his cup.
Then there was a fourth man. He saw this glorious treasure. He picked it up a beheld it's beauty.
He knew he had found a wonderful thing. As he gazed upon it, he was truly mesmerized. He then lifted it up to the heavens and thanked the creator of this marvelous cup. As he thanked and worshiped the Father of the cup, it was filled by the Father with something similar to wine. He then drank of the cup and was filled with indescribable joy. All of a sudden his back pack fell off and he went his way dancing, singing, and running with delight. Over and over I would see him worshiping the giver of the cup and lifting it up to the Father and refilling and drinking from his cup. People would see him and want to know what had happened and he would tell them about his cup and the One that gave it to him.
About this time I woke up. I was so overwhelmed with what God had shown me I wanted to write it down as to not forget anything. I sat up with intentions of getting up. The Lord spoke to me and said "No, there's more". I fell back into sleep instantly and the dream continued.
The fourth man still dancing along came upon a finish line. He crossed it almost without noticing. I could hear his heart saying " I want to see the One who gave me this magnificent cup. He went in search of His Father to continue worshipping Him.
The third man came up and crossed the line with his back pack so heavy he could hardly walk. The cup still in his hand, he fell to the ground weeping and rejoicing now realizing that his back pack was gone. He went in search of the Father of the cup to thank Him and to worship Him.
The second man came up to the finish line and went to check his backpack to find the cup neatly wrapped in a cloth at the bottom of his pack. As he crossed his back pack fell off of him and his cup was in his hand. Extremely grateful he clutched it to his chest and walked on to explore this new and wonderful place he had just entered.
The first man stumbling over the line, searched for the cup among his other treasures he had collected in his back pack. Desperately searching then searching again he could hear his name being called out from the cup on the table where he had laid it down. Not knowing what it was or it's value, he had discarded it. In anguish and despair he longed for time to go back and pick it up and see the beauty of this cup. He had crossed the line with his back pack full of earthly treasures but his heart sank when he knew he had no cup in his hands . He then turned away to a place of complete darkness still carrying his pack.
When I woke up that time it was early morning and the Lord took me to Ps. 116:13 "I will lift up the cup of salvation and deliverance and call on the name of the Lord" Then to 1Cor.10:16 where it talks of the cup of blessing in fellowship with the Lord and communion with Him. Jesus also says " drink of me and you will never thirst again" If we continually drink of Him we won't thirst or hunger for anything else. So there's no need for a back pack.
What I learned:
I know from years of experience on several issues that if you want the truth and God's perspective. He will show you.
It always requires a teachable heart and a willingness to give up your own thinking and maybe what you've always believed about God.
I also learned that you can't judge someone else according to their back pack.
Three out of the four men in this dream were saved. In only two was it easily seen.
I decided many years ago that I wanted everything God had for me. I will live this life as closely to the fourth man as I possibly can. When I start feeling weighed down I know I can go and worship my heavenly Father and in His presence those things that weighed me down fall off of me .
So I will lift up the cup which He has provided and drink of Him. I choose to dance and sing and praise God along the way.
Monday, August 16, 2010
BEACH LESSONS
I was a home school mom for a total of 23 yrs. When our youngest graduated last summer I felt as if I graduated with her. I am reminded of a simple but wonderful example of the faithfulness of God when we trust Him with the everyday things of our life.
Cherie, our middle daughter, was beginning 3rd grade and was doing well in all of her subjects until one day I tried to introduce multiplication to her. No matter how many ways I tried to explain it, she could not grasp the concept. I used "hands on " with blocks, sticks, different colors and different shapes of all kinds. She just kept adding instead of multiplying.
After several days and many patient but failed attempts, I went out to my garage and leaning over my washing machine began to cry out to God in desperation. I many thoughts all running together. "What if I'm just not good at this. What if she never gets it." It felt like this frustration over a simple math concept had taken over our life. After I cried a bit and quieted down, the Lord said " Go to the beach". I was shocked. I said "What!" He said " Take the girls to the beach." I couldn't believe that the Lord would want me to give up. I didn't understand but all of a sudden a day off sounded wonderful. That night I told Harvey what the Lord told me to do. He thought it was a great idea. I think he knew I needed a break as much as the girls did.
The next morning after breakfast, devotions and morning chores, I announced to the girls, " We're off to the beach". They thought I was crazy but hurried around and packed lunches and all our beach stuff into the car. It was wonderful. Because all the other school age kids were in school it wasn't crowded. Except for a few moms with babies and toddlers, we had a huge area of the beach to ourselves.
After playing in the water for quite a while, we settled onto the big blanket to eat some sandwiches and chips. Normally the kids bring something for them to do after they eat or for when they get tired of the water. That morning they had grabbed some games and one of them was Yahtzee. So while our lunch was settling, we decided to play. I had taught our older daughter, Tanya, how to score by herself but Cherie would just roll and try to get what I told her she needed. About the middle of the game she decided that she wanted to write down her own score. Every turn I would tell her what to write down. We were having such fun. The girls always cheered at a good roll even if it wasn't theirs. Cherie needed a third three and she got it.
She went to write it down and said "It's nine, Mom. Because three threes are nine."
I looked at her and without struggling at all she said " 3 times 3 is nine."
We all cheered!!! Including Cherie. " She got it !! "
What seemed to be a wall had broken. When it all came together for her we all celebrated the victory. From then on she took off with confidence. When we came up against something difficult, we didn't always run off to the beach but we did take a breath and maybe a break. All through school and then in college and even now when things start to overwhelm her or the other girls, we remember our day at the beach.
She's a mom of a three year old now that's adventurous like her. They travel overseas and go where a lot of people would never think to go. She has never let fear build that wall to hinder her.
I think the most valuable lesson we all learned was that the fear of not getting it or doing it right builds a wall that hinders our success. When the fear of failing or not getting it was gone learning was fun.
Learning is always suppose to be an adventure our whole lives. God has a way of teaching each person at their own pace. When we stop learning, we stop growing, when we stop growing eventually we just stop. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep going.
I believe that our most difficult times they are made more difficult by our struggling. We need to rest and let God bring the answer we need to us in a way we can grasp it. He has the answer to every situation.
So, take a breath, take a break, or even go to the beach along the way.
Cherie, our middle daughter, was beginning 3rd grade and was doing well in all of her subjects until one day I tried to introduce multiplication to her. No matter how many ways I tried to explain it, she could not grasp the concept. I used "hands on " with blocks, sticks, different colors and different shapes of all kinds. She just kept adding instead of multiplying.
After several days and many patient but failed attempts, I went out to my garage and leaning over my washing machine began to cry out to God in desperation. I many thoughts all running together. "What if I'm just not good at this. What if she never gets it." It felt like this frustration over a simple math concept had taken over our life. After I cried a bit and quieted down, the Lord said " Go to the beach". I was shocked. I said "What!" He said " Take the girls to the beach." I couldn't believe that the Lord would want me to give up. I didn't understand but all of a sudden a day off sounded wonderful. That night I told Harvey what the Lord told me to do. He thought it was a great idea. I think he knew I needed a break as much as the girls did.
The next morning after breakfast, devotions and morning chores, I announced to the girls, " We're off to the beach". They thought I was crazy but hurried around and packed lunches and all our beach stuff into the car. It was wonderful. Because all the other school age kids were in school it wasn't crowded. Except for a few moms with babies and toddlers, we had a huge area of the beach to ourselves.
After playing in the water for quite a while, we settled onto the big blanket to eat some sandwiches and chips. Normally the kids bring something for them to do after they eat or for when they get tired of the water. That morning they had grabbed some games and one of them was Yahtzee. So while our lunch was settling, we decided to play. I had taught our older daughter, Tanya, how to score by herself but Cherie would just roll and try to get what I told her she needed. About the middle of the game she decided that she wanted to write down her own score. Every turn I would tell her what to write down. We were having such fun. The girls always cheered at a good roll even if it wasn't theirs. Cherie needed a third three and she got it.
She went to write it down and said "It's nine, Mom. Because three threes are nine."
I looked at her and without struggling at all she said " 3 times 3 is nine."
We all cheered!!! Including Cherie. " She got it !! "
What seemed to be a wall had broken. When it all came together for her we all celebrated the victory. From then on she took off with confidence. When we came up against something difficult, we didn't always run off to the beach but we did take a breath and maybe a break. All through school and then in college and even now when things start to overwhelm her or the other girls, we remember our day at the beach.
She's a mom of a three year old now that's adventurous like her. They travel overseas and go where a lot of people would never think to go. She has never let fear build that wall to hinder her.
I think the most valuable lesson we all learned was that the fear of not getting it or doing it right builds a wall that hinders our success. When the fear of failing or not getting it was gone learning was fun.
Learning is always suppose to be an adventure our whole lives. God has a way of teaching each person at their own pace. When we stop learning, we stop growing, when we stop growing eventually we just stop. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep going.
I believe that our most difficult times they are made more difficult by our struggling. We need to rest and let God bring the answer we need to us in a way we can grasp it. He has the answer to every situation.
So, take a breath, take a break, or even go to the beach along the way.
Monday, July 26, 2010
MOURNING INTO DANCING
I was preparing to speak at a conference many years ago. I was praying in one of the back rooms. My sister was out walking the room praying for the meeting and she began passing through each isle of empty chairs. I happened to look out and saw her kneeling by this one particular chair and as she prayed she began to weep. Later, just before the service, she came to me and said that she didn't know who was going to sit in that chair but whoever it was God was going to do something very special.
After I spoke, I called for any one that needed prayer to come forward. Out of almost 70 people about half came forward for healing or salvation and some for just a refreshing in their heart from a prophetic word spoken over them. As I was ministering to the ones in front of me, I looked over and saw the person sitting in the chair that my sister,Cindy, had so earnestly prayed over. The woman was crying and sobbing. When she looked up at me she became very upset and terrified. By the Spirit of God I saw a dark black mass hovering over her. I had seen this demonic spirit before. The spirit of mourning and death. I motioned for her to maybe come forward, she stood up shaking her head "no" and proceeded to run out the door into the parking lot. I told two women on my staff to run after her and make sure she was alright. I knew the enemy was trying to take her life. We stood and took authority over it and prayed protection over her in the name of Jesus. I went on with the service but at the end I inquired after her to my staff. A couple of people knew her. They said they had not seen her in a long time at church. Her husband had been really sick and then passed away a few months back. I told my sister and the other intercessors to pray for her and for those who knew her to try to call her. We had another meeting scheduled there the next month and we were all in prayer over the next thirty days for her to come back.
The next meeting was awesome and God worked in a mighty way that night. I was praying for people at the front as she sat in her seat crying. She got up and started to leave. My sister was standing at the back. Other ladies were trying to talk to her and keep her from leaving. The Lord had my sister just walk over to her and put her arms around her. As I finished praying for the ones at the front, one of the ladies asked me to come back and pray for this woman. I started to walk back there and the Lord spoke to me and said "No, have them bring her up here."
As I prayed over her I took authority over that mourning spirit of death and told it to leave.
It stood off about three feet away. The Lord told me "She has to tell it to leave, it has a soul tie to her" I told her to say "I want to live." She couldn't do it at first but when she finally did, it broke the tie and she was free!! She came to church the next week jumping and leaping and praising God. She has continued worship dancing with banners and streamers. We even watched while she celebrate her wedding day with an interpretive dance of worship as she married our brother.
They have now graduated Bible college together and work in the ministry in Colorado.
What I learned:
Mourning comes as a false sense of comfort when we grieve over the past.
I'm reminded of the widow that mourns with a veil over her face.
If we are not careful to guard our heart we can let what "was" create a vacuum that sucks the life out of what "could be".
The veil of a loss, whether it be a loved one or a business or a relationship or even looking at the past when economic times were better can cloud our vision of the future.
I know churches that celebrate the past revivals and way God used to do things. It keeps them from going forward and reaching the generations to come.
What is the most important lesson?
That real love conquers mourning because pure love already defeated death for us. Jesus was victorious over sin, death and hell. Through His resurrection power we can see our future without the veil. My sister demonstrated that love and it turned everything around so God could show up mighty and strong. The love of God is more powerful than anything that we have done or will ever do. He is a safe place no matter if the economy is stable or not, whether everything is going the way you want it or not. God has a future not just in heaven for us but here right where we are right now.
Praise God for His amazing love for you. Get to know it more and more.
It will turn your mourning into dancing along the way.
After I spoke, I called for any one that needed prayer to come forward. Out of almost 70 people about half came forward for healing or salvation and some for just a refreshing in their heart from a prophetic word spoken over them. As I was ministering to the ones in front of me, I looked over and saw the person sitting in the chair that my sister,Cindy, had so earnestly prayed over. The woman was crying and sobbing. When she looked up at me she became very upset and terrified. By the Spirit of God I saw a dark black mass hovering over her. I had seen this demonic spirit before. The spirit of mourning and death. I motioned for her to maybe come forward, she stood up shaking her head "no" and proceeded to run out the door into the parking lot. I told two women on my staff to run after her and make sure she was alright. I knew the enemy was trying to take her life. We stood and took authority over it and prayed protection over her in the name of Jesus. I went on with the service but at the end I inquired after her to my staff. A couple of people knew her. They said they had not seen her in a long time at church. Her husband had been really sick and then passed away a few months back. I told my sister and the other intercessors to pray for her and for those who knew her to try to call her. We had another meeting scheduled there the next month and we were all in prayer over the next thirty days for her to come back.
The next meeting was awesome and God worked in a mighty way that night. I was praying for people at the front as she sat in her seat crying. She got up and started to leave. My sister was standing at the back. Other ladies were trying to talk to her and keep her from leaving. The Lord had my sister just walk over to her and put her arms around her. As I finished praying for the ones at the front, one of the ladies asked me to come back and pray for this woman. I started to walk back there and the Lord spoke to me and said "No, have them bring her up here."
As I prayed over her I took authority over that mourning spirit of death and told it to leave.
It stood off about three feet away. The Lord told me "She has to tell it to leave, it has a soul tie to her" I told her to say "I want to live." She couldn't do it at first but when she finally did, it broke the tie and she was free!! She came to church the next week jumping and leaping and praising God. She has continued worship dancing with banners and streamers. We even watched while she celebrate her wedding day with an interpretive dance of worship as she married our brother.
They have now graduated Bible college together and work in the ministry in Colorado.
What I learned:
Mourning comes as a false sense of comfort when we grieve over the past.
I'm reminded of the widow that mourns with a veil over her face.
If we are not careful to guard our heart we can let what "was" create a vacuum that sucks the life out of what "could be".
The veil of a loss, whether it be a loved one or a business or a relationship or even looking at the past when economic times were better can cloud our vision of the future.
I know churches that celebrate the past revivals and way God used to do things. It keeps them from going forward and reaching the generations to come.
What is the most important lesson?
That real love conquers mourning because pure love already defeated death for us. Jesus was victorious over sin, death and hell. Through His resurrection power we can see our future without the veil. My sister demonstrated that love and it turned everything around so God could show up mighty and strong. The love of God is more powerful than anything that we have done or will ever do. He is a safe place no matter if the economy is stable or not, whether everything is going the way you want it or not. God has a future not just in heaven for us but here right where we are right now.
Praise God for His amazing love for you. Get to know it more and more.
It will turn your mourning into dancing along the way.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
FLYING LESSONS
Many years ago,my husband Harvey and I were in Colorado ministering. Back then we traveled with a national prison ministry, where my brave husband had the opportunity to skydive into hundreds of prisons. One of my jobs was to drive to the prisons and set up the target and gear for landing. I would also MC as he jumped from the plane, landed and then spoke to the prisoners.We had a wonderful friend who piloted the small plane for us for many of these weekends.
This particular weekend, we were in the heart of the Colorado Mountains. If you love the mountains like we do, you would understand the sense of awe we both felt just seeing them from the ground. On this Friday morning, I drove the car to the prisons for two jumps that day. When we were done and it was time to return to the airport, Harvey turned to me and said " I'll drive the car, you fly back in the plane with Ellis. You'll love the view from the plane I'll see you at the airport".
Ellis and I climbed into the plane and took off. My husband was right, I loved it! Ellis skillfully navigated through and around the majestic mountains. It was breathtaking. He looked at me and said "Harvey and I thought it was time for your first flying lesson".
"What! No way! You fly the plane- I just want to look around," I said shaking my head. He smiled and said "Put your hands on the wheel, you"ll love it" After I argued a bit, he finally convinced me. I took a deep breath and gripped the steering yoke tightly with both hands until my fingernails dug into my palms. Knowing he had the other steering yoke completely in hand did not help me relax my white knuckled grip. Then he did the unthinkable! He let go! What was he thinking! Didn't he understand how nervous I was already. He didn't realize that driving in Atlanta traffic was intense for me. This wasn't fun anymore. I very quickly had had enough.
I said to him " I don't like this take it back!" He calmly put his hands on the grips in front of him.
Then he smiled and said "Okay if you don't want to learn I won't make you."
As I sat there, looking out the window, I thought to myself, "This is fine. I don't have to experience the piloting to enjoy it, I'll just enjoy the view. Just then , the Lord spoke to me so clearly, "If you want to just watch, that's okay. But if want to experience more , you can. Don't let fear rob you and cheat you out of it." Determination, then courage rose on the inside of me. I grabbed the steering yoke with both hands and said to Ellis "I've got it. What do I do next?"
He let go, then began instructing me on altitude and speed. He told me he was going to talk me through a turn. My grip began to tighten again. Then he said these words, "I'm right here beside you, listen to my voice. Follow what I say. Don't worry. There's no mistake that you can make that I can't fix."
With just his voice calmly instructing me through the headset, I truly enjoyed navigating us through those beautiful mountains, I even made a complete turn by myself. I met Harvey at the airport so excited to tell him that I had had my first flying lesson. And oh what I learned along the way.
I think about those words that helped me navigate through those mountains that day. "I'm right here beside you. Follow my voice, there's no mistake I can't fix."
When the fear of making a mistake is gone, we can truly enjoy new challenges and experiences.
I have faced many challenges and mountains over the years. They've only served to show me how high I can fly and even enjoy the view, along the way.
This particular weekend, we were in the heart of the Colorado Mountains. If you love the mountains like we do, you would understand the sense of awe we both felt just seeing them from the ground. On this Friday morning, I drove the car to the prisons for two jumps that day. When we were done and it was time to return to the airport, Harvey turned to me and said " I'll drive the car, you fly back in the plane with Ellis. You'll love the view from the plane I'll see you at the airport".
Ellis and I climbed into the plane and took off. My husband was right, I loved it! Ellis skillfully navigated through and around the majestic mountains. It was breathtaking. He looked at me and said "Harvey and I thought it was time for your first flying lesson".
"What! No way! You fly the plane- I just want to look around," I said shaking my head. He smiled and said "Put your hands on the wheel, you"ll love it" After I argued a bit, he finally convinced me. I took a deep breath and gripped the steering yoke tightly with both hands until my fingernails dug into my palms. Knowing he had the other steering yoke completely in hand did not help me relax my white knuckled grip. Then he did the unthinkable! He let go! What was he thinking! Didn't he understand how nervous I was already. He didn't realize that driving in Atlanta traffic was intense for me. This wasn't fun anymore. I very quickly had had enough.
I said to him " I don't like this take it back!" He calmly put his hands on the grips in front of him.
Then he smiled and said "Okay if you don't want to learn I won't make you."
As I sat there, looking out the window, I thought to myself, "This is fine. I don't have to experience the piloting to enjoy it, I'll just enjoy the view. Just then , the Lord spoke to me so clearly, "If you want to just watch, that's okay. But if want to experience more , you can. Don't let fear rob you and cheat you out of it." Determination, then courage rose on the inside of me. I grabbed the steering yoke with both hands and said to Ellis "I've got it. What do I do next?"
He let go, then began instructing me on altitude and speed. He told me he was going to talk me through a turn. My grip began to tighten again. Then he said these words, "I'm right here beside you, listen to my voice. Follow what I say. Don't worry. There's no mistake that you can make that I can't fix."
With just his voice calmly instructing me through the headset, I truly enjoyed navigating us through those beautiful mountains, I even made a complete turn by myself. I met Harvey at the airport so excited to tell him that I had had my first flying lesson. And oh what I learned along the way.
I think about those words that helped me navigate through those mountains that day. "I'm right here beside you. Follow my voice, there's no mistake I can't fix."
When the fear of making a mistake is gone, we can truly enjoy new challenges and experiences.
I have faced many challenges and mountains over the years. They've only served to show me how high I can fly and even enjoy the view, along the way.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
DRIVING LESSONS
One morning driving to Eustis from Titusville, Fl, I was running a little late to help my mother in her bookstore. I was on a two lane road that I had driven hundreds of times. Sailing along (let's just say faster than the speed limit) I came up on a slower car and passed it with no problem. As I looked down at the speed I was going the Holy Spirit said firmly " slow this car down". I immediately hit the breaks and slowed to a normal speed.Then I looked over the crest of the hill (if there is such a thing in Fl) I saw coming at me a State Trooper car. I realized at that moment it could have been very bad for me if I had not listened. I said " thank you, Lord". He said to me " Jody if you don"t listen to the Spirit of Grace,you"ll run right into the law".
For over an hour I meditated as I drove to Eustis and as I arrived I had a whole different perspective on Law and Grace.
What I learned:
There's too much to tell . We as believers in Christ have the opportunity to heed the wisdom of God and live it out in the power of His Spirit. I saw His grace different that day but I saw the law different also. Soulish or natural thinking and doing takes us down the road steered my our emotional reactions. It can get us into trouble or at the very least make life harder. The law was meant to protect those who choose to live in that realm. But for those who are believers in Christ we are of a different kingdom. Ruled by the Spirit of God. His wisdom and His mind and heart in every situation brings us to our destination with ease enjoying the trip. Given the choice, I choose grace. Life is much better on the high road.
For over an hour I meditated as I drove to Eustis and as I arrived I had a whole different perspective on Law and Grace.
What I learned:
There's too much to tell . We as believers in Christ have the opportunity to heed the wisdom of God and live it out in the power of His Spirit. I saw His grace different that day but I saw the law different also. Soulish or natural thinking and doing takes us down the road steered my our emotional reactions. It can get us into trouble or at the very least make life harder. The law was meant to protect those who choose to live in that realm. But for those who are believers in Christ we are of a different kingdom. Ruled by the Spirit of God. His wisdom and His mind and heart in every situation brings us to our destination with ease enjoying the trip. Given the choice, I choose grace. Life is much better on the high road.
ALONG THE WAY (intro)
Since I was a little girl I've talked to Jesus as my best friend totally knowing in my heart He could hear me and that He cared about everything I thought, dreamed,desired and faced in my life. I always wanted to do the right thing even if I wasn't sure want it was. I even believed everything would turn out ok if I had done the wrong thing as long as I could go to Him with it. I could go to Jesus, my friend and Savior, Tell him that I was sorry and that I was wrong, trusting Him with the mess I had made. I knew He would fix it, make it ok and teach me something through it.
Through my years of growing up I was given an image of God that only does good things if you beg Him and if you do everything right and only hears you if you say everything right. This did not sound like the friend that I would talk to or the Heavenly Father I had come to trust. By my late teen years I had come to depend on not only talking to Jesus but also hearing Him and loving Him and what He had on His heart. Through the most difficult times in my life I've always had that constant voice of the Holy Spirit guiding me, directing me,comforting and teaching me
This has been not only a journey but an adventure.
The experiences I've had and what I learned through them is what ALONG THE WAY is all about. More than experiencing the voice of God as the Holy Spirit, its about relationship. More than the miracles I've encountered,it's about the power I've found in who He is.More than visiting and seeing heaven, it's how to bring heaven a little closer to home. More than what He's done in my life,its about what He can do in others as I share walking with Him
ALONG THE WAY.
Through my years of growing up I was given an image of God that only does good things if you beg Him and if you do everything right and only hears you if you say everything right. This did not sound like the friend that I would talk to or the Heavenly Father I had come to trust. By my late teen years I had come to depend on not only talking to Jesus but also hearing Him and loving Him and what He had on His heart. Through the most difficult times in my life I've always had that constant voice of the Holy Spirit guiding me, directing me,comforting and teaching me
This has been not only a journey but an adventure.
The experiences I've had and what I learned through them is what ALONG THE WAY is all about. More than experiencing the voice of God as the Holy Spirit, its about relationship. More than the miracles I've encountered,it's about the power I've found in who He is.More than visiting and seeing heaven, it's how to bring heaven a little closer to home. More than what He's done in my life,its about what He can do in others as I share walking with Him
ALONG THE WAY.
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