June contrasts

     Well, it is 115 degrees outside right now, and I have resigned myself to the next three months of staying housebound after noon each day and a huge AC bill each month.  This is a good time to get caught up on my writing, my art and other indoor activities.  The neighborhood pool is still just cool enough to be worth the walk, and I enjoy doing my water aerobics to the sounds of worhip music being piped into my ears by tiny earbuds attached to the IPOD securely anchored in my hat's headband.  A couple of foam noodles under my arms assure me that my head will stay dry and not ruin one of my most treasured possessions.
     I read an article this week in the latest Charisma Magazine written by Misty Edwards, my favorite worship music artist.  You can go online and read the article as well as others by Kari Jobe and Paul Baloche, among others.  Misty writes about combining prayer and intercession within our musical worship. After all, powerful worship is truly a dialogue with our wonderful God...we tell him in our songs how much we love Him; we sing of His awesome and all powerful attributes and how they empower us. We are hearing His Word speaking to us.  We are praying! 
     Why not take this time of intense focus and faith to intercede with prayers that agree with this empowerment?  For instance, yesterday in our church corporate worship, we sang about the power in Jesus' Name and His mighty deeds on earth.  We sang of His holiness and His all powerful majesty.  As our worship rose in repeated crescendos, I found myself interceding for two or three people whom I could see in the congregation. I spoke out the Name of Jesus over the strongholds that I know are keeping these people or members of their family from responding to the love and truth that Jesus offers them.  I knew these prayers were effective and would be answered.  After the service, I spoke to others who also had been led to pray during the worhip. It's also one of the most enjoyable ways to pray during our own personal times of fellowship with the Lord.
      I just returned from an absolutely wonderful  trip to England and the British Isles. After spending three days with my pen pal of sixty years  and her husband who live an hour north of London in a quaint little town with 1000 year old churches and thatched roof houses, I met my son, Scott and his family at Harwich to board a 10 day cruise to Normandy, France, the British island of Guernsey,  then three Irish ports and two Scottish ports, along with Liverpool. 
     We spent a day in Dublin, visiting Trinity University where we saw the forth century originals of the gospels (hand written and illustrated by monks), ate fish and chips, rode the off and on bus that gives a tour of the city and had dinner with my daughter-in-law's relatives at a local pub with live musicians jammin' the old Irish favorites.  In Scotland, we toured Inverary Castle after a breathtaking drive along Loch Loman.  The castle was a filming site of some the the Downton Abbey PBS series.
     We also drove to Loch Ness at the next port (home of Nessy, the mysterious monster), a very beautiful huge lake. The ruins of a tenth century castle sits on a natural promentory and the Visitor's center explains the centuries of battles between the original Celts, the Vikings, the Normans, and the British.  With all the spectacular beauty, there is a melencholy in the Irish music and Scotish bagpipes that is really haunting.
     In addition to the spectacular beauty of these kelly green Isles spackled with wild rhododendrums, bluebells and  yelllow rape along the roads everywhere, homes and buildings in the towns sported hanging baskets overflowing with huge pansies, petunias and lobelia.  I loved the sheep in many of the fields that are separated not by fences but by green hedges or low stone walls and the friendly  people we met everywhere.  The only thing I did not love were the hundreds of steps I climbed up and down countless times each day.
     This story would not be complete without telling you of the joy I found sharing a stateroom with my two fifteen year old grandchildren.  I'm serious!  Yes, they were normal teenagers, didn't want to be with us much of the time, and found their own friends quickly onboard the Celebrity Infinity ship.  But we had fun sharing the room, and I had a few precious private hours with each of them.
     I'm so grateful for not only the opportunity (a gift from Scott and Mary) to take this trip, but to be with my son, his wonderful wife, and the kids.  They are a delightful and funloving family. God has truly answered so many of my prayers and concerns, especially for my grandchildren. I am so blessed.
     I leave you with this beautiful verse that was noted today in my favorite devotional, Jesus is Calling.

The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety.

The High God surrounds him all day long

and dwells between his shoulders.

Dueteronomy 33:12

    

     As the weather warms up in Arizona, the height of the spring gush of color and exotic blossoms of every unimaginable shape and size pop out overnight, blaze for a few days or weeks, and bring delight to us desert dwellers. I remember how much it blessed me last year after my wrenching move to Phoenix, to see it.  It was the first installment on the promises spoken lovingly to my heart from my precious Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus.
     A year later, I am still reflecting on the faithfulness of God. Here are a few of the countless bouquets I can think of on the spot:

• A new and precious "Bouquets Girls" ministry in my home two Saturdays a month
• A precious church family that fully supports my gifts and speaks the Word into my heart, and fills it with incredibly powerful Worship every Sunday.
• A fresh and growing closeness to my two teenage grandchildren living here in Phoenix, along with the constant love and support of my son and his wife.
• Watercolor painting classes at a nearby Senior Recreational Center where beginners learn the joy of creating something beautiful and I get to show them how.
• Daily financial provision from many sources....many unexpected....to meet my needs, and to spoil me with some of my wants and wishes.
• A garage, and a blooming courtyard.....both of them daily appreciated. 

     I could go on and on about the precious little ways that my Bridegroom shows me that He hears my every word and the desires on my heart.  Just before Valentine's Day, I asked the Lord for a Valentine and reminded my Bouquets Group to do so also.  I received a check that day in the mail in the form of an unexpectedly large commission check from one of my former insurance companies.  The Lord softly whispered in my ear, "That's for your new mattress."  He knew that I had been praying for the funds to buy one.
     I later went shopping and ended up in Macy's for their President Days Sales.  In the mattress department, a nice young man helpfully guided me to the type of mattress I was looking for. (Do you realize how many types there are nowadays?) I tried a couple and then laid down on a lonely looking twin in the corner.  That was it!  I knew I had found it!  And guess how much it was?  You guessed it.  The commission check had been designed by My Beloved to remind me that He shares the most intimate places of my heart and loves to  delight me in such intimate ways.
     Lately, I have been squeezing in time each week to finish up "Deep Calls unto Deep ~ Responding to the Passionate Love of God".   It is the same Bible Study on the Song of Solomon that I taught to my Bouquets Group in Florida.  However, I have been formatting it into a printed booklet form with pictures, questions boxes, special interest inserts and other items to keep it interesting.  I wanted to have a booklet that readers could take home and continue the study in between classes. It has been a daunting task, but one I cannot stop.  We are already on Session four in my Bouquets class.
     As my first year in Phoenix winds up and I embark on many more, I see the wisdom of God in His guidance. The things I have just written are not world-shattering, but mostly common to us all and yet they are so important to our Bridegroom.  I still feel like His blushing bride. 

Thinking about the future...

     It's difficult for a Christian to ignore the ominous signs all around us that we are at some kind of crossroads in our country, in the Church in America, and in the world.  I 'm sure you've felt it.  I believe it's the Holy Spirit, saying something like this,  "Heads up....look around....stay close to Me"
     It's Christmastime again....only now I'm in Arizona... and time to decorate, bake, rehearse for the Christmas musical (I really volunteered to do this?), and time to ponder, just as Mary did.
     I've always been so drawn to Mary and her quiet obedience and trust.  Everything around her concerning her pregnancy, her marriage to Joseph,and their untimely trip to Bethlehem must have caused her to spend a lot of time seeking and praying to Yaweh.  And of course, finding herself alone with Joseph, giving birth to the "Son of God"... in a stable no less, followed by a group of worshiping shepherds....would certainly cause her to ponder on these things.  Then top it off with a visit  by eastern magi bearing exhorbitant  gifts, a middle of the night escape from the mass murdering of small baby boys, and instructions to move to Egypt.  How would you feel?
    Here in Phoenix  my family is doing well and I'm enjoying being so near them.  We all spent a weekend together in San Diego at my daughter, Tanya's, house for an early Thanksgiving.  Here in Phoenix, Scott, my son, and Mary and Brendan and Kimmi and I all went out to an expensive steakhouse for Brendan's 15th birthday last week.....and he had two lobster tails!  You explain that!
     Last night the women of my church gathered for a beautiful Christmas Dinner, catered, with music and love all around.  Our Christmas musical will be Dec 16th during the two morning services and I'm trying to learn 8 songs by heart.  My Life group (small group) will have it's party at my house that evening, and my Bouquets Group will have theirs the following Saturday.  Then my whole family will be in Phoenix for the Christmas week.  Kelly, my daughter's 16 year old, is moving fast up the tennis rankings and will be playing a big tournament here that week.  So I am blessed!
     But even in the midst of blessing, or, for many ,small or great trials, there is a sinister uncertainty for Christians stalking us.  We have been spared that in America so far, but no more, I and so many others believe.  I kind of feel as though with the things going on around me now I am boarding the entry to a thrill and danger packed rollercoaster and I hate rollercoasters!  For a wonderfully informative article on this go to: http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/prophecy/15873-america-at-the-end.                                                 
     So, we need to heed  Jesus' words to us about watching for the signs of the times.  We need to pay attentions to Peter's warnings to be alert.  We need to prayerfully read the prophecies and Revelation asking the Holy Spirit's guidance into "all Truth".   We need to pray.....not just for what WE want to see happen, but pray for direction from the Spirit about what GOD WANTS TO HAPPEN.  It just might be judgement on the evil which would lead them to repentance, as David often did.  It just might be for strength and wisdom AND COURAGE  to live through God's judgement here in America.   I don't know.....but I want to be open and like Mary, I don't want to miss-judge the events going on all around me.  I want to be able to hear The Lord's nudgings as He directs me,  His bride, in, through, and around the uncertainties that seem to surround me.  I want to trust Him....I am His and He is mine.

An answer to prayer!

 

You may be praying as I am, "How do You want me to pray, now, Lord?"

      This morning I received this very clear answer as I was writing in my journal. The Lord often answers me this way....thank You, Lord.

     "Judy, don't think I have not heard the prayers of My people. I have!

     My primary concern is not the financial conditions which drive most of the politics. My concern is for the soul of America! You must not stop fasting and praying with passion, urgency and humility.

     I, the Lord, could zap the evil doers in this country, but My will is most often to use the power of My Love and Life and the Truth that flows forth from My church to change things. I can once again place the hedge of protection around America against natural disasters and terrorism, etc, but this Grace (the hedge) has always been conditional. Much of America has chosen to live apart from Me and My Grace, My Law...the result is the lifting of the hedge.

     The greater disaster for this country is the loss of her soul...the intended, god-given heritage and foundation on which she was born. This is what you , the Church must pray for.

     Pray for those liberals who are deceived about compassion and helping the poor by making them dependent on an institutional entity (government).

     Pray that the Church and the good people of this country will make more of an effort in helping those truly in need, and that they will encourage, without judgement, those who can, to work hard to overcome their obstacles.

     Pray against the straddling of the line.....Christian morals vs. openmindedness.

     Pray against the deceptions believed about homosexuality, same sex marriage, abortion, cohabitation without marriage.

     Pray against addiction to:

           pornography, and sick music and entertainment

           electronic devises which are destroying personal relationships

           drugs and alcohol

           thrills and adrenaline stimulation

           ocult and satanism

     Pray for real revelation of the values of:

           hard work and reliability

           faith and law abiding

           non-material blessings of family, church, friends, provision, health

     You have asked how to pray...this is My answer. It is not enough just to pray generic prayers. Difficult times help you to discover the source of the difficulties if you are honest enough and have the courage to face the answers. I, as Lord, do not deny your prayers because they are not sincere or heartfelt. I want you to go deeper into the problems...guided by the Holy Spirit...asking for wisdom:

           what is the real source of the problems...what is the real problem?

           what is the answer from God's perspective...what does He need to do ...what does the Church or I need to do?

           how does God's Word tell us to pray about this? [2 Cor 10:4-5, Ephes 6:10-18, Mat 18:18-19 among many others]

           Name of Jesus, Blood of Jesus, binding and losing, a specific Word for a specific situation (rhema), praying with real faith

     My answer to My Church is: LEARN TO PRAY! I'm asking you to grow up and take up your sword (the Word) and use it. 

     I, THE LORD, W ILL HEAR!"

     This is how the Lord often talks to me. But don't take my word for it, try asking Him yourself.

 

And you might want to read Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets. It's the best of dozens of books I've read on the subject. Very informative and easy to to read.

Blessings in this new prayer endeavor! You might let me know if you're in.

Responding to the 2012 Election results

Sharing with you the thoughts of my heart on the day after the 2012 Election:

If you are a Christian....

     I grieve for the America I loved. We are outnumbered and we must find a way to lead this country to Truth. As a Christ-bearer I believe our concern about losing the Christian values so much of America rejects can only be remedied by a change of hearts.

     We believe in God's omnipotent power to place the rulers in power whom He chooses. Perhaps that is how God intends to answer our prayers. Yesterday, when I expected a Romney win, I really felt a real concern, almost a fear that the Church would go back to "business as usual" because we would think that a more conservative government would make things better.. if our prayers had been answered this way!

     As I have prayed I have come to believe that the old spiritual truth that suffering and injustice brings us to our knees in sincere and passionate intercession. This is the kind of prayer that is so effective.

     It will take more than one election to bring this country back to traditional Christian and conservative values......just look around at the values on display everywhere. It will take an earthquake of continued intercession.....we need to be on our face day after day before the Lord. I'm not sure that is where we really are yet. God may be giving us that opportunity if we really want Him to heal this land.

 

      How much sleep have we lost in order to interceed with passion and real humility. "if my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves[and understand that only God can bring this to pass] and pray and seek My face[day after day]...."  

     Can we be honest enough with ourselves to judge whether or not that describes the intensity of our prayer life?

 

     Or will we just accept our country as it is.....it's easier that way....and learn to adjust? That is the history of the Church in America.

     I know where I'm going to be for the next four years......WITH GOD'S HELP AND THE HOLY SPIRIT'S GUIDANCE. Will you join me?

One more thing.  I'm struck by the connection with where we are now in this country and the narrative of this book/movie.  Give it a read.

READ: THE HARBINGER by Jonathan Cahn
SEE:  The author's interview with Pat Robertson on the 700 Club on CBN. 

Forty Days of Prayer & Fasting for America

THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION!!!  You who are closest to me in spirit are the ones whom God specifically called me to write to this afternoon!
     Tomorrow, there will be a huge (we pray) gathering of Christians in Philadelphia for the purpose of calling this nation, especially the Church in America, to prayer and fasting for our country....

• Not for a political rally...although there may be political ramifications
• Not for a media event...although there will be media
• Not for a prayer meeting....although there will be much prayer

     This gathering is a response to the immense grief stricken heart of God, Who cries out to His people here in our beautiful land.  It is the response to the overwhelming sense of the judgement of God which awaits us, indeed may have already began, on a land that has turned it's face from Him.
     The Old Testament stories of Gods relationship with Israel tell the same story, over and over again. Unimaginable favor followed by joy, then complacence, then apathy, then participation in the rejection of their Benefactor. We seem to be on the same track....allowing the enemy to get the upper hand in our culture, our families, our local, state, and federal governments, our media  and even in our churches.
God, who is full of grace (read Jonah) is reaching out one more time.  Will it be the last?

     As I sat in my chair this morning, asking the Lord what and how He would have me participate, this is what He put on my mind:

1. Tune in tomorrow to a live-streaming (God TV)of the Philadelphia event....join them in prayer.
2. Fast one hour of evening TV, spending an additional hour each evening to pray.
3. Contact my Christian contacts via this blog and email, encouraging them to participate for the entire forty days, praying for ways in which each can fast and pray.
4. Use a daily prayer guide:  found at   www.40daysofprayer.charismamag.com 
5. Along with confessing, worshiping, and petitioning, intecede against the  spiritual strongholds  with the authority and spiritual weapons (Word) that I have in His Name
6. Pray earnestly for the event tomorrow....safety, Holy Spirit annointing, wisdom, guidance, purity, and participation.

     Perhaps the Lord would have you also do some or all of these things.
     Check out  www.charismamag.com.  The October issue has been totally devoted to this matter and is being distributed to everyone who attends the Philadelphia meeting tomorrow.  It contains all kinds of articles to encourage and instruct you in your prayers over the forty days.

AMEN AND AMEN!

      And PLEASE PASS IT ON!
             .

What did they see?

     Things are cooling down a little this month, at least in the evenings and during the nights.  This means that the buildings have a chance to cool down overnight and we start the day with lower temperatures.  I, too, feel that I am beginning to revive and enjoy Arizona a little more as I venture more into the outdoors. 
     The newly acquired energy will be welcome as we get ready to launch a new group for widows and single women here that will meet twice a month at my home, along with a welcoming "coffee" before the first meeting each month.  I'm very excited and looking forward to introducing the "Bouquets from My Beloved" message to a whole new group of women.  Set-up will be easier at my house and, since most women of the church live withing one to five miles from here, the location will be very convenient and a little more intimate than in a church room.
     Another of my summer activities is winding down as the "Little House on the Prairie" rewinds has run its course in the four evening  hours of each week night.  I have so enjoyed this wonderful series this summer and, the romantic that I am, I loved the romance between Laura and Almanzo.  I guess last night's chapter was in the back of my conciousness when I began my quiet time this morning.
     Listening on my IPOD and singing to a beautiful piece where the scene from Revelation 4  stimlated my imagination, I wondered with the singer what the twenty four elders saw that caused them to fall on their faces and what did the angels see that caused them to sing "Holy, Holy, Holy".  Then I thought of the word, "GLORY", the glory that surrounds God's holiness, His indescribable completeness.
     And if you know me, you know that the Holy Spirit once described God's glory to me this way:  Picture the delight on the face of a father, full of joy and love as he looks down at his child who has just won the race of his life, or a mother about to burst with pride and love when her baby takes her first steps.
     This picture gives us a hint as to the Father's delight, pride, joy, and love which fill His heart and emanate from Him...His Glory...when His creation pleases Him with obedience and returns His love.  This is why we were created!
     Back to Laura and Almanzo. They are now engaged after many ups and downs and Almonzo buys a piece of land for them.  He is so overjoyed that he races into town, grabs her away from the schoolhouse where she is assistant to the teacher, his sister, tears out of town, taking her to the piece of property. He runs up the hill, and spreading his arms open wide, his face grinning from ear to ear, and convinces her that this is where their future home will be built.  When she finally gets it, Laura leaps from the wagon, and with great joy runs up the hill and throws her arms around him. The camera switches to a birds' eye view of their hug as Almanzo swings her around and around, both of them  throwing back their heads in laughter and contagious joy. As the lens zooms farther and farther out, we are drawn into their joyful embrace and dance of delight.
    This picture seems to answer at least part of my question about the elders and angels.  The immensity of God's joy, His delight and His love for His bride, His church, as she enters into their betrothal (our response to His salvation) is so bright so intense so overwhelming that all in heaven can only respond by falling to their faces and expounding on His holiness.  They see the results bourne out from The Lord's holiness, His ability to create and nurture His people, knowing that in His perfect wisdom they will respond.  They see the complete redemption story!
     One day when the veil is dropped from our eyes, we, too,will see with perfect clarity God's joy, His delight, His love for us.  We, too, will fall on our faces and cry, "holy, holy,holy". He is there in heaven with His arms wide open, just waiting  to pick us up and swing us around as our joy brings more joy, more glory to the Father. We, too, will join that dance of pure delight!