September 19, 2021
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who replace darkness with light and light with darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and see themselves as clever and shrewd. Woe to the champion wine drinkers who are heroes in mixing strong drinks--judges and politicians who acquit the guilty for a bribe and take away the rights of the innocent.”  Isaiah 5:20-23 TPT
 
Today I want to share just a bit of what the Lord is showing me in my heart. After months of junk in our lives and a year and a half of unbelievable events I know that times have changed. Nothing in this world is the same or true but EVERY THING in His Kingdom is the same and truth. It was so easy to still be going about life like we knew it a couple years ago but now I see that isn’t working. How we thought, believed, perceived things and people is no longer a reality. The enemy pulled out his fear tactic full force and the world bit it, even Believers. I believe the main reason is that Believers don’t have a firm foundation is because their foundation is made of sand and religion instead of built on the Rock with a intimate relationship. Trying to live in both worlds – His Kingdom and the world’s system, isn’t grace but confusion.
 
“And if anyone longs to be wise, ask God for wisdom and he will give it! He won’t see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but he will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace. Just make sure you ask empowered by confident faith without doubting that you will receive. For the ambivalent person believes one minute and doubts the next. Being undecided makes you become like the rough seas driven and tossed by the wind. You’re up one minute and tossed down the next. When you are half-hearted and wavering it leaves you unstable. Can you really expect to receive anything from the Lord when you’re in that condition?” James 1:5-8
 
I found myself caught up in the being tossed too and fro when it came to healing. My mind was going back and forth in the wisdom of the world and medicine and His Wisdom. I finally decided to choose one way or the other and get out of confusion. It has changed my life and my thinking so drastically. That is what we have to do with every situation. Walking the fence is a VERY dangerous place to be in this time and season.
 
This last week we made a fast trip to Tucson to try and settle the affairs of Ed’s cousin who had passed away the week before. Ed and his sister are the next of kin. We knew his cousin was struggling with health issues and not a house keeper since we were never allowed in her place but oh how it broke our hearts to see the mess she lived in. Absolutely the worst we have seen and we’ve seen a lot. We basically had 2 half days and 1 whole day to try to find important papers, anything of value, etc. It was impossible to find anything without first wading through the piles of stuff. I’m not being disrespectful to her but the Lord gave us a word through this mess. She was only 64 but I believe gave up because of her many experiences of life and having her heart broke one too many times. She was on lots of medications, she had several issues in her body, she had never been married or had a family even though she had longed for that so much. She was an only child. Our family was her family and she loved all our kids and grandkids. She was a crafter and made gifts for our families that were priceless. She was caught up in the world and its beliefs but still listened to Ed’s messages. About 3 years ago when she was here, she was baptized in the river and wanted to have a close relationship with Jesus but the bondage of the world’s hold made it hard. She kept to herself, didn’t talk about her struggles and tried to do it alone, but that didn’t work. We aren’t meant to go this road alone especially in these last days.
 
The first day when we walked into her home it took everything out of us. Her wonderful neighbors had done all they could for her and were there to walk through this with us. We were exhausted from leaving home at 3 am for our flight, it was 104 in Tucson and we were overwhelmed with sorrow when we walked through her home wondering where to begin. We decided to get a good night’s sleep and see what the next day brought. She has debt on the house and we were ready to take the keys, give them to the bank and walk away. I didn’t get a good night’s rest but I saw things different in the morning. His mercies are new every morning. That morning as I was praying and seeking His Wisdom I heard Him say this: “Candy’s house represents the world. The filth, clutter, sickness, hopelessness, stench, darkness is how I see the world.” Wow! I never expected that! Then He asked, “Are you walking away from the world? Get up! Take dominion! No fear!  The neighbors had told us that rattlesnakes were in the garage living on all the pack rats. Fear? Maybe!) Call in what you are looking for and dig in!!” Then He said, “the sadness it brought should ignite action in Me! Take dominion and bring My glory to the situation” He told us to make a plan and get over ourselves and dig in. So that is what we did. We bought suits to wear while we worked in there, masks, head covering and dug in without any reservations. Didn’t find all the paperwork we had hoped to find but found enough to take care of immediate business.
 
Then we asked Him to show us what our part of ministering to the world is right now. We know ministry isn’t what it used to be. Church isn’t the same. People are hurting living in the disgust of the enemy and want to know a way out.
 
The verse I started this devotion with is so powerful. It’s a truth today like never before. Our ministry is to call evil evil and good good, to replace darkness with light, to replace bitter with sweet. To not be wise in our own eyes or see ourselves as clever and shrewd but to bring His Wisdom to these hurting, confused people and show them the way of the innocent and righteous.
 
How all that looks we don’t know. All we know is that is what we are called to do. That is what this church body is called to do together. We will take one step at a time just like we are with Mom’s situation and Candy’s situation. We will listen and follow His ways.
 
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near.  Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength    and help you in every situation.  I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10  TPT
 
“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.
Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.” Proverbs 3:5-6
 
 “For the sense and reason of the flesh is death, but the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace.” Romans 8:6
 
“Let my passion for life be restored, tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me.
Hold me close to you with a willing spirit that obeys whatever you say.” Psalm 51:12
 
“Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8
 
The Lord is speaking to my heart the importance of being intentional and purposeful. I’m listening to the details He is showing me. Also, prayer. Prayer for our country, prayer for the world but also prayer for one another. Together we need each other and we need to stand together, lifting one another up in these times. Let’s Get up! Take dominion! No fear! Dig in!
 
 

 

August 29, 2021
We are just finishing our 24th annual FMN Men’s Conference. Each year it is such a blessing to see men from across the country come together in the Lord standing firm and united in His promises. We all know times have changed, our world has changed but His Word has not changed. Our heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today and forever and we will continue to go forward in Him!! So many different things are happening in our government and around the world and most of us know and agree that the greatest thing we can have at this point and time is have a relationship with our Lord Jesus, walking in His love, united with other Believers, and listening to His wisdom. There are many different opinions and perspectives we will hear and as we trust and lean on Him He will lead us in the direction we need to go for every situation. The world is growing darker but He is the Light of the world! As Believers we need to be looking to our Creator not the government. He is our Protector, our Life, our Guide, our Savior, our Way. In Him we are powerful and have hope beyond our expectations. I read something Jim Richards said – “One of the greatest scriptural promises concerning the grace of God is simply this: “Where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” Romans 5:20. The more darkness prevails in the Earth the more we will experience grace beyond anything we have yet to experience.” That is exciting! We don’t have to fear or worry and fret. We are going to see things happening like never before and when our hope is in Him we will be full of peace, love, joy and hope as we walk through this time and season. The Lord talks a lot about being united and standing together. I think that is so important right now. Our country is in a place of division. When we stand united as believers and a church family – we are standing united for our country also. United means companionship, participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement in what is said. To stand means to hold your ground, be firm, be side by side without wavering. Therefore, UNITED WE STAND would mean that we stand united with companionship and participation, perfect harmony, full of agreement with our words. We are holding our ground (our ground is God’s Word), as we stand firm, with no doubt and confusion, being side by side, without wavering or swaying in our minds. This week the devotional is a bit different. It is prayers and scripture for each day.
 
Sunday: “Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ. This is why we celebrate him with all our hearts!” (Ephesians 1:3) I thank You, Father, that as Believers in Your finished work on the cross, “Whatever happens, keep living your lives based on the reality of the gospel of Christ, which reveals him to others. Then when I come to see you, or hear good reports of you, I’ll know that you stand united in one Spirit and one passion—celebrating together as conquerors in the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. So if the Son liberates you makes you free men, then you are really and unquestionably free.” John 8:32, 36 Amen
Monday:  Lord, I know that unity is so powerful, so vital. I don’t want to get caught up in the dreads and fears of the world. I desire to know only Your truth and then I will know the real from the counterfeit when I hear and see it. Your truth is unity – togetherness and when situations, people and circumstances try to divide I will be able to stand on Your Words. Today I pray “And then our immaturity will end! And we will not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church.  For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love.” (Ephesians 4:14-16) Amen
Tuesday: Father, I determine to “if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world. (Colossians 1:23) I speak life to every situation in my life. I speak life to every area of our church and its vision to reach the lost and hurting. And I speak life – hope and expectation of good to our country, the States of America, that You created as united. Thank You for the freedom that I am able to believe and speak forth Your words and promises and know that Your words will not return void. “So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth.” 2 Corinthians 3:12 I praise You always. Amen
 
Wednesday: Lord, today I stand in awe of You and Your everlasting love for me and that You care about all the circumstances around me. You tell me in 2 Corinthians 13: 11 “Be strengthened, perfected, completed, made what you ought to be; be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same agreeable mind one with another; live in peace..” You are the God of love. You are the Source of affection, goodwill and love. I am strong, perfected, complete and righteous because You are my Source and Your love in me and through me gives me the power to stand and rejoice in all You are in me. Amen “Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage.  Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 I thank You and praise you with every breath.
 
Thursday – “All of these with their minds in full agreement devoted themselves steadfastly to prayer...” Acts 1:14      
 
“And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of the bread together, including the Lord’s Supper, and prayers.” Acts 2:42  
Friday: Precious Lord and Savior, “Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things. Now may God, the source of great endurance and comfort, grace you with unity among yourselves, which flows from your relationship with Jesus, the Anointed One. Then, with a unanimous rush of passion, you will with one voice glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:4-6)  I thank You for creating in my heart the desire for oneness and unity with others and that You have showed me the power that is beyond my imagination that is produced in this oneness. Standing united in truth and in the Spirit will be the saving grace of Believers no matter what happens in this dark world. You have overcome the world and You are Light so I know Who is leading me. Amen
Saturday: “God is forever faithful and can be trusted to do this in you, for he has invited you to co-share the life of his Son, Jesus, the Anointed One, our King! I urge you, my brothers and sisters, for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree to live in unity with one another and put to rest any division that attempts to tear you apart. Be restored as one united body living in perfect harmony. Form a consistent choreography among yourselves, having a common perspective with shared values.” 1 Corinthians 1:9-10  My focus on Your unconditional love will draw those that are caught up in fear. Standing firm on Your promises and in Your love is my answer to minister to this country and those around me. As the words in a song go: “You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything.” If I don’t know Your truths and promises I may get caught up in the fears and dreads of the world also. I pray we stand together united in Your love and let the world see our love for one another and this country! Amen