Pat's View: Inspirational stories

Isaiah 61:3 shows us a dynamic picture of Jesus the Joy Bringer comforting the mourer.  to console the mourners in Zion— to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.   There are many reasons people grieve, but Jesus brings beauty out of ashes!

https://www.patriciaholland.org/home/gods-love-letter/ Have you ever received a love letter that was so precious to you that you had to save it…tuck it away in a safe place. So amazing that through the years you retrieved it again and again to savor the sweet words? It's only a jumble of words, written on plain piece of paper, stuffed inside an envelope, but if you're the recipient then you know the power of a love letter. Every word, every single word is pure gold. Every word is read and reread with pure delight. While the words may be simple, they are electrifying. While they may be scrawled and hard to read, the words are priceless. Every “I love you” and every tender expression communicates that the reader is recognized, chosen, and valuable. Oh, I know about love letters because when I was dating my sweetheart, he was in the Air Force and he had to go to Vietnam. And while he was there, he had to work 12 to 14 hours every day, seven days a week. And then in the evening, he would have to do courses. He didn't have a lot of time.   I don't know how he did it, but somehow, he found a way to write to me every single day. I could hardly wait until time for the mail to arrive each day. I developed an ear for the mail truck. Whenever I would hear that familiar sound grow louder, I'd run out to the end of my driveway and stand by the mailbox until it arrived.   I didn't wait till I got inside to open it. I stood at the mailbox to go through the mail as soon as it arrived. If I got a letter (even though he wrote me every day, the mail system may not deliver one every day), I would tear it open, then proceed to read every single word. Once inside, I would read it again. I was so happy to have a letter. Every word was important, because I loved him and he loved me.   I want to tell you something that you already know; God has written you a love letter.  

I am so sorry if you came to this to .pdf to listen to this podcast. I made a mistake. I just changed the challenge. Here's the link for the postcast download link for audio. https://traffic.libsyn.com/patriciaholland/choice_to_rejoice.mp3   I'd love to hear from you if you want to join the 7 Day A Choice to Rejoice Challenge. Here's the sign up for the challenge. https://forms.aweber.com/form/34/293103234.htm

Hey! You can learn more about me at https://www.patriciaholland.org Have you ever opened your Bible and a promise seemed to jump off the page? I mean it came so alive to you that if felt like it was written just for you? So of course, you reread the verse. It felt like God was talking to you personally and that this promise was for you. And because you understand the power of stewarding the Word of God, you probably opened your Prayer Journal and wrote it out long hand. Whether you typed it or wrote it isn't the point, but you just knew this verse was so good that you just had to remember it.   Don't you just love it when that happens?   Oh, wow, I sure do. I mean, I do and I don't.   Let me explain. Any time you get a promise from God, a promise means that God's going to do it. But between the promise and the fulfillment of their promise, there's this gap. It's the waiting time.   Do you like to wait? Not me!   But then I think about Abraham. Abraham wanted a son really, really bad. When Abraham was 75 years old, that's a long time to want something, God gave Abraham a promise that he was going to give him a son.   There was a span of 25 years between the promise and the fulfillment of that promise.   How do you wait 25 years?   I mean, I can't imagine. You know, I'm one of those people that I used to stand in front of my microwave and tap my foot wanting to hurry it up impatiently, saying, come on, come on. When I was just simply trying to eat a cup of coffee.   But I learned something. I learned that instead of standing there watching the microwave, I could go clean out the dishwasher or I could clean out the counters. Or sometimes I would even play a game with myself and running around a room, put on a load of clothes and try to beat that time on the on my microwave. You see, that's what God did for Abraham.   God knew that there would be a time between the promise and the fulfillment of that promise.  And so… He gave Abraham some reminders. Well, at that time, his name was Abram, but he gave him some reminders that would help him along the way. How did they keep his eyes off the clock, no, the calendar? Because the span was 25 years, not 25 minutes.   Even though Abraham had to wait, his faith didn't waver.   Romans 4:20-21 ESV No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.      I want to have a story like that. I want God to say, “Pat's faith didn't waver.” How ‘bout you?   Abraham did something very important while he waited, something that we can do too.   I want to tell you about it in this podcast teaching. Be sure to pray with me at the end of the video. I love praying with you!

https://www.patriciaholland.org/ A dad was desperate to find help for his son. When he finally got to Jesus, he questioned him, "If you can? Please help us." He wasn't even certain that Jesus could help his son. People still wonder about Jesus. Some even come to Him with that question. And Jesus' answer hasn't changed. He still answers..."All things are possible to him who believes!" I love the dad's answer. I think Jesus did too.

https://www.patriciaholland.org Paul's warning is concise and direct in Hebrews 2:1 "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." He warns believers that we must be careful to keep the main thing the main thing, so we don't drift from our priority of putting Jesus first. The trends and currents of responsibilities, desires and cravings can distract us and cause us to drift from the Truth. That drift can be disastrous. So practice the spiritual disciplines that keep you focused on #revpatholland #spiritualdisciplines #lovinggod

Does exhausted describe you? Maybe you're mentally exhausted or simply physically exhausted because you've been BUSY!? Or maybe you are BOTH Man, I know I've been there! And it's not that you're goofing around. Maybe you're giving it all you got, it's just you ain't got any more to give it?  Or maybe you're rested and full of vim and zest, ready for anything! But I would guess that you can still identify with that feeling of total exhaustion. If exhausted describes you, now or at some point in your life, then I have to tell you about a special invitation I found for you and (me too)! If you're tired of the struggle, tired of the pressure, this invite has your name all over it. Matthew 11:28-30 BSB Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  The rest He promises you isn't an empty promise. I know the power of responding to His invitation. I've experienced it so many times. Sometimes, we want to rush into His Presence like we run through the drive through at our least favorite fast food. Expecting little and receiving little. We must learn to quiet our spirit and receive His peace. I know those words are wrapped in plain brown grocery paper. Simple words, there's nothing there to dazzle your eyes. The words are so simple they don't entice your taste buds. But if you respond to His invitation, it can transform you. The rest He promises you isn't an empty promise. I know the power of responding to His invitation. I've experienced His promise, “I will give you rest.” so many times. I am so thankful that He wants to give His children rest, peace and strength. I'd love to hear your story of how He did that for you. But still, I have to ask the question, "Is there a way that we can live different? Is there a way that we don't have to get to the end of our rope before we experience His rest, His peace? Is our exhaustion the only door that rest can come through? I am convinced that answer is found in the next two verses. What does that kind of life look like? How do we get there? ...stay there? ...live there? As I was studying and praying over this teaching my thoughts visited my daughter's desire for a laundry room make over. It was a huge project. She would have to construct enough cabinets from 4' X 8' sheets of plywood to fill a 10' X 10' wall. And then the cabinets would need doors. An electrical outlet and plumbing would have to be moved. It was a crazy big project that would have been harrowing for lots of folks! But she did something that lots of people never do. Let me tell you about it and how it relates to living different.

Just like your body and mind needs rest, so does your soul. But how do we experience soul rest? I am convinced that Isaiah 28: 14 and 1 Corinthians 14:21 shows us that speaking or praying in tongues is a key to experiencing rest for our soul.   When I was 12 years old I was filled with Precious Holy Spirit. It changed the trajectory of my life.   I've written a book about Holy Spirit. It will help you know Him so you can enjoy the benefits of Spirit filled living. For a limited time you can get FREE SHIPPING when you purchase Precious Holy Spirit Book with the coupon code 236HHR9R Coupon Code for Precious Holy Spirit Book   Here's the link: https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-book/   #patholland #holyspirit #spiritfilledliving #preciousholyspirit

I absolutely love the picture that Acts 10:38 NLT gives us of Jesus. “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” Do you read it only as an accurate recording of a historical event?   If you do then you walk away informed, but powerless. Does that verse excite you?  Does it inspire you…does it make you want to see the sick healed? Does it make you hungry for miracles? How it affects you will depend on how you read it.   You are called to do the works of Jesus. The followers of Jesus were commanded to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with power. Even though they had been taught by Jesus Himself. They still needed God's power- Holy Spirit to impact their world. You need Holy Spirit power to impact your world too.   When I was 12 years old I was filled with Precious Holy Spirit. It launched me into a life long journey of discovering the Word and the Spirit.   I've written a book about Holy Spirit. It will help you know Him so you can enjoy the benefits of Spirit filled living. For a limited time, you can get FREE SHIPPING when you purchase Precious Holy Spirit Book with the coupon code 236HHR9R Coupon Code for Precious Holy Spirit Book   Here's the link: https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-book/   https://www.patriciaholland.org #patholland #holyspirit #powerofgod #spiritfilledliving #preciousholyspirit

In John 14:16 Jesus promised His disciples…” And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—   The words “Another Advocate” are very insightful words so let's unpack them.   When I was 12 years old I was filled with Precious Holy Spirit. It launched me into a life long journey of discovering the Word and the Spirit.   I've written a book about Holy Spirit. It will help you know Him so you can enjoy the benefits of Spirit filled living. For a limited time, you can get FREE SHIPPING when you purchase Precious Holy Spirit Book with the coupon code 236HHR9R Coupon Code for Precious Holy Spirit Book   Here's the link: https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-book/   #patholland #holyspirit #spiritfilledliving #preciousholyspirit     Tags: paraklēton, John 2:1, John 14:16, John 14:17, John 16:7, paraklét, send you another advocate, Holy Spirit, advocate, another advocate,

In this video I give you another bite sized teaching on Precious Holy Spirit. I dig deeper into 2 Corinthians 13:14. Is Holy Spirit your friend? Is He? Can Holy Spirit be your friend? https: www.patriciaholland.org I mean, according to the Bible, can Holy Spirit be your friend? And, does it even matter?   I am convinced it does. I believe with all my heart that God wants to use you. I believe God wants to increase your influence. I believe God wants to pour His love, power, healing and life through you to hurting people. Do you believe that? But I believe something else just as much as I believe what I told you in the paragraph above. I am convinced it won't happen unless you believe it enough to get full of the Word of God and the Spirit of God.  

Do you have questions about who Holy Spirit is and what He does in a believer's life? Many believers see His name, Holy Spirit, in the Bible and don't have any idea Who He is. We need to know Him. He is important enough to take the time to learn about Him. Many churches celebrate Pentecost Sunday without really understanding what it is. It's an important day, when we celebrate both the Word and the Holy Spirit. (If you don't know why I say that, then you need to get my book Precious Holy Spirit. This book will answer your questions and help you experience more of what God has for you. https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-book/) Just like the disciples and followers of Jesus needed and were commanded by Jesus to stay until they were endued with power, WE NEED THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. So, for the next few weeks I'm going to be talking about my precious friend, Holy Spirit. I've been working on some new stuff that I am super excited to share with you! This week's teaching is brand new. There are treasures, wonderful treasures in the Old Testament that you will never see without the light of the New Testament. The doctrine of the Trinity is one of those things. When you use the light of the Gospel of John, it is almost glaringly obvious! I am so excited to share this teaching with you. “Who is the Holy Spirit? He is God.” It's short, even with my prayer. Just a side thought. When I pray in the video, do you pray with me and mix your faith with mine that God will answer our prayer? I hope you do, because I don't pray in the video to look spiritual. I pray because I want you to be blessed, so I'm asking God to do that. So please pray and believe with me.

An event happened at the Gate Beautiful that was even more beautiful than its setting. A 40-year-old crippled man was healed. The religious leaders overlooked the miracle because Peter and John's message of Jesus and His resurrection didn't fit in their neat little religious box. They were distraught! 7They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! 9If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, 10then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' 12Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Peter and John knew the inherent power that is in the name of Jesus! They had seen Jesus' miracles! They understood that while they had no power to heal, Jesus does. They understood that they had been delegated authority as children of God, to use the name of Jesus. And when they used the name of Jesus a man that had never walked was healed. The 7 sons of Sceva tried to use the name, but they were not believers, so it back-fired on them. Jesus still heals. There is power in His name. Jesus still saves and delivers.  Everything Jesus was His name still is. David Hughart As believers, when we grasp the reality of the power in the name of Jesus, we will see the miracles we were meant to see!

Have you ever felt so disgusted with someone that you didn't even want to look at them? (I 'll talk about that in this podcast.) Or maybe you've felt that you were so disgusting that you didn't want anyone to see you? (I 'll talk about that in this podcast.) An even more important question is does God ever get so disgusted with us that He looks away? (I 'll talk about that in this podcast.) Did Jesus close his eyes when He was hanging on the cross…I mean, after all the miracles, all the fish and bread He gave them, this is how they treat Him? Did Jesus look away from the people that hated Him? I want to share my friend's story with you and what God whispered to her when she was going through a difficult situation. Let me give you a hint of what I believe. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NIV For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 KJV How do we feel God's love? We receive it, believe it by faith. How do we love like God? We allow God's love to flow through us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT

Pursue You Will Recover All Go get ‘em! Are you God's child? Do you realize what that means? Do you realize that God wants you to walk in victory? Yet, it's not automatic. We have a role to play. We see that clearly in David's life when he faced a hopeless situation at Ziklag. Instead, of accepting defeat, he asked God what to do. God said, Pursue Them You Will Recover All! It's never as easy as it sounds…but David would tell you it's worth it. It could be a line from a bank robbery scene in an old western or a mama's frustrated command when she hears the neighbor kid took her son's skates, but actually it's what I hear when I read 1 Samuel 30:8. Let me set up the verse before I read it with you. God is talking to David, not the king David yet. He's still the vagabond David, hiding from King Saul, living in enemy territory. He is sitting crumbled in the dirt, holding his face in his hands. He though he was coming home to his family after an embarrassing, did I say embarrassing, I should have said humiliating, confrontation with the Philistine commanders. https://youtu.be/e9vXQ0Q6BQI Lost everything!  Instead of being welcomed by family, he and his men were assaulted with the sights and stench of what remained of their homes. Everything was gone; their home, their belongings, their kids and their wives. At first the men cried, yes, they did. Strong, brave men need to cry sometimes too. This was long before  anyone taught their boys such foolishness, they cried hot tears and sobbed the loud painful cries of brokenness. But those broken cries quickly turned angry and vengeful. Angry voices through clinched teeth debated and plotted of stoning David. It looked hopeless. No. I'm serious, it looked hopeless. Ever felt like the enemy is trying to bring division in your marriage? Or that he has enslaved your kids with drugs, alcohol or rebellion? Somebody you love reeling under the weight of depression, unworthiness or shame? Sometimes it feels impossible for them to just be “normal” again. There are no impossible situations for God. I believe God is bringing home prodigals. I believe God is breaking lies, deception and bondages off our friends and family. He's delivering the broken and healing mental illnesses. Then David asked God. Should I chase them? Will I catch them? Have you asked God or have you searched Scripture to find what God says about the situation you are facing? God answered David. Here it is. Here's God's “Go get'em!” Well, God doesn't say it quite like that more like… Pursue them. You will recover all.

For more inspirational stories go to Blog - Patricia Holland Have you ever hung around a salty Christian and left wanting to have a deeper relationship with Jesus? That's what happened to my friend Rhonda. After watching the War Room, she said, “I want to pray like Clara.”   Rhonda did something that most people don't do. Rhonda took action on her desire to have a closer relationship with God. One of the first things that changes when we want more of God is how we pray. Our prayer takes on a new sense of hunger and seriousness. It becomes more than words or a religious obligation. It becomes precious with God. She prayed different. Rhonda had a doctor's appointment the next morning so she prayed on the way there. She prayed aloud, verses from the Bible. in her prayer language. And she felt it. I am so thankful that we can experience the manifest presence of God!!!! She didn't say this part, but from the results she testified about, I know, I KNOW, she mixed her prayer with faith. It is time to pray big bold prayers. I get it. There are some things that I am tired of praying about. I am so ready to see the breakthrough, to see my prodigals come home. To see the manifestations of healings that I am believing God to do in our midst, so He will be glorified. But as long as I have breath I am going to keep praying and believing God's Word. Big Challenges I know that we are facing big situations in the world around us, but we serve a BIGGER God. Don't back down because the enemy of your soul is trying to intimidate you. 4 Ways to Keep Your Relationship with God a Priority! Hang out with Bible loving people. Value the Word. Mix it with faith. Act on what it says.

Say it with flowers is more than a clever florist mantra. From the lowly dandelion all the way to the brightest red rose they say "I love you", when they are given to us by someone special. My camera is always full of flower pictures, but the fireweed, yes, it is a weed, is one of my favorites. Maybe, it is my favorite because it has a secret that is important to you. Why is the fireweed's secret important to you? Is the fireweed's secret really important to you? If you've ever felt ordinary, unseen or unloved then it's secret is important to you. Or maybe you struggled with feeling forgotten or misunderstood, then this secret is for you. This secret is for you, if you've ever felt broken, alone or not good enough. It's not a secret because it should be hidden or never spoken aloud. It's a secret because so few people see it. I want to remind you that you are loved, loved, loved! Yet sometimes we don't feel very loved. I want to give you a checklist of things that will help you feel more loved. Here's a link that will get you that link and more inspiration. https://forms.aweber.com/form/56/897608456.htm

It is so easy to get anxious or become fearful when things are happening around you, or maybe even in your body. It's easy to become anxious, but you don't have to give in to the pressure of life. You don't have to live under the circumstances. You can be strong in the Lord. I want to help you face and fight anxiety with God's Word. In today's teaching, I'm going to give you 2 ways that will help you know how to fight anxiety. And so, you don't miss them, I'm going to give you the 2 ways to fight anxiety right up front. Hear the Word of God Pray the Word of God. Not only do I want you to give anxiety the one two punch of hearing and praying the Word. I want to give you 5 verses that have helped me fight anxiety and fear so many times. God's Word is powerful I fight anxiety with Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed 1 Peter 5:7 NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Proverbs 16:3 BSB Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.   Psalm 55:22 BSB Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 34:15 BSB The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. It changes things, we get a grip on the reality that God sees and listens when we cry out to Him!!! Two ways to use these verses to fight anxiety. And, I am going to give you two resources that will build your faith muscles and help you pray more effectively. Listen, I want you to win over anxiety, but you got to get up and fight the good fight of faith. So here's two resources that will encourage you. The first resource is the video on this page. 1. Listen to these verses, but more importantly let them soak into your spirit. Say them with me again and again. Jot down anything Holy Spirit whispers as you listen to these verses. 2. Read the verses aloud yourself. I put the verses in a .pdf so you can upload them into your Kindle or whatever reader you may use. If you have joined my tribe of hungry believers, then you will have the link in an email from me. If you haven't joined me yet, let me encourage you to join us right now. Here's where you need to go to get that link for your free Bible Verses on Anxiety .pdf. https://forms.aweber.com/form/07/1295189607.htm Do you realize how you think affects your moods and how you feel? When you change how you think it can make you feel better and live happier! Ready to feel better? https://forms.aweber.com/form/48/354268048.htm For more inspiration go to https://www.patriciaholland.org/blog/  

Ever had someone tell you something you should have already known, but someone the obvious escaped you? I have. Many times. Many times! Can I tell you something in the kindness way I know how. Something that you know, but may be so busy, so distracted that you don't realize you don't REALLY know it?  Well, instead of telling you...I'm going to share how a stranger told me the truth in a shocking way. And I'm so glad he did! This session is on how you can lean into or how you can get God's strength. Here are two powerful verses that remind us that God is faithful to strengthen us. Isaiah 41:10 BSB Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. Ephesians 3:16 BSB Berean Study Bible I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, I want you to be strong. More importantly, God wants you to be strong. I want to share some keys with you in my free "Be Stronger eBook."

Are you living like your strength is enough? Are you at the end of your strength?   Have you ever craned your neck back, then even further back in order to size up the situation you were facing much like David did when he faced Goliath?   Maybe you are standing there right now. As you sized up the situation, you realized that your muscles, your strength and your ability were absolutely inadequate for the fight you were facing? Standing there, facing your giant, you KNOW, absolutely know that you ain't got it in you, if you are there, then you are in a great place! Cause you have reached the end of your strength and you're finally willing to reach for God's strength.   I am a visual thinker.  That means I almost always want to know what something looks like. Most of the time I picture strength as bold and showy like the bulging muscles that drive a bully's drawn fist. And I forget that it can be seen even more  accurately in the tenacity of a skinny-armed kid defending his brother.   I forget strength can be as gentle and relentless as a bubbling current tumbling and polishing rocks in a riverbed. Strength can be demonstrated in kind words and deeds instead of hurling angry retaliatory ones. Strength that persists through difficulties. Strength that sees the best in people and speaks life into them instead of regurgitating the criticism that everyone else sees.   There are times that strength seems invisible. Elusive. Totally Absent? Sometimes the strength we need can't be seen or felt, yet it simply remains undetectable until it is needed, accessed and activated. Much like the power from an electrical outlet, which is available, yet unnoticed until someone plugs in! The power is available and is accessed as needed.   As a young girl, Corrie's father gave her some timeless advice that showed her how to access God's strength. This story will help you.   Corrie would need tremendous strength to go through the horrors of the holocaust first hand and God gave it to her. Day by day. Step by step. He was always there. Joshua needed strength to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was always there. Gideon needed strength to fight the Midianites. He was always there. . Isaiah paints a strong word picture in Isa 46:10 NLT Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.     Isa 46:10 NLT Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. "Be still, and know that I am God!"   Do you see God tenderly sitting beside you as he calmly whispers, “Don't be afraid, for I am with you.” And then He lifts your chin as He looks you in the eyes before He continues, “Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.”   Right on time and right when you need it, He promises, “I will strengthen you and help you.”   Then without dropping His tender gaze He takes your hand in His, “I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  "Be still, and know that I am God!"   I realize there is a tremendous temptation in our busy schedule to never sit in His presence long enough to feel His presence or His gentle reassurance. We are tempted to fill every moment of our prayer time giving Him our “Please Do List.”   I'm not minimizing your situation or your broken heart; but you can make it through this! And God wants to give you the strength.   Trust me…holding onto the pain doesn't solve your problem, but holding onto Jesus will give you the strength to go through this situation.   But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31   Would you like to receive my free "Be Stronger" eBook? https://forms.aweber.com/form/41/1356933441.htm  

When we were preparing to go to Alaska I did more than pack my suitcase, I got ready physically. I wanted to see some sights. Some of those sites meant I would have to do some climbing and that requires using some muscles that I don't regularly use. I started working out…twice a day. I exercised because I didn't want to miss anything. I wanted to have more energy, more stamina so I could hike further and see more while I was there. I am convinced we need to do that spiritually as well. We've all said, I need your strength, God!” We feel our need, but how do we receive God's strength? It is so important that we do more than talk about God's strength, if we want to see and experience the victories God has for us! We need God's strength because the enemy is real and the battle is fierce. God's strength is critical for us to win over sin, discouragement and the lies of hell. We need strength because our enemy wants to wear out the saints. The enemy wants us to give up and give in. But I believe God is raising up a strong army of believers that are looking for and believing for a great revival. A group of believers that want to be part of that revival. They are like Habakkuk was, they don't understand everything around, but they are desperate to hear from God. And because they are seeking Him, they are finding Him. And in that process, they are developing some faith muscles. And because of their faith they are realizing they are strong…with a strength beyond their own. They are strong in the Lord. In my heart, I know God has more for us. There are people that I am desperate to see come to Jesus. There are some victories I want to see, some battles I want to win and that is going to require spiritual stamina, spiritual endurance and strength. So yes, I'm still digging my heels in; I want to be stronger. What about you, do you want to experience God's strength in a greater way than ever? I promise this video doesn't touch the stuff I've already told you about Habakkuk. He shares some insight about strength that I believe we need for the things we are facing today. Habakkuk 3:19 ESV GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. https://patriciaholland.org/blog/ Check out this full blog post https://www.patriciaholland.org/home/amazing-feet/ I have some pictures of mountain goats licking the salt on my website. Would you like to receive my free Be Stronger eBook and join me in pursuing more of God. https://forms.aweber.com/form/41/1356933441.htm

  Did you listen to my podcast “A Choice to Rejoice?” I hardly got that post up before my joy was tested! So, I dug deeper. When I did, I was reminded that processes can help us get keep us on track or sometimes help us get back on track. In this teaching I want to share a process, maybe more like a recipe that will help you have more joy. I want to challenge you to go beyond being happier; to go all the way to joy. I want to define rejoice from the lens of Scripture, because it is a key to access God's joy. I'm going to do more than give you a recipe; I'm going to give you a challenge. I want you to rejoice with me every day for one week. I've made a free checklist that you can download to help you develop the “Rejoice in the LORD always” mindset. If you are a subscriber, I sent you the download link for the PDF. It has 8 scripture cards that I use. Sometimes I pray them, sometimes I declare them over my heart and sometimes use to correct and renew my thinking. If you're not, you can join my tribe to get this free .pdf. Here's the link https://forms.aweber.com/form/34/293103234.htm I'll give it to you again at the bottom of this post. In my last post I shared Habakkuk's commitment to “rejoice in the Lord” and how God used his story in my life, but the same day I posted that blog a barrage of text messages came that had my heart pounding. When I read the text, I didn't rejoice. I grumbled. My sweetheart very calmly mentioned that he had listened to a teaching on YouTube that morning that I think will help you. He's always listening to stuff, so I thought, “What has this man listened to now?” Then he said, “It was called “A Choice to Rejoice”. Ahhhh! That man. That man! He was right. I needed to rejoice. I managed to give him a smile and immediately raised my hands and began to rejoice. Rejoicing is a choice. My grumbling made me miserable. I'm sure Wayne didn't enjoy it either. I am so thankful that Wayne and the Lord love me enough that they don't want me to be miserable. And because He loves us, He gives us access to His joy! So, I dug deeper. I haven't backed off my statement that 2022 can be a joy filled year. I'm more convinced than ever that it can be, but we have to make the choice to rejoice. I'm having to trust God. There will always be things that we can't fix. Remember God told Habakkuk “the righteous live by his faith.” https://forms.aweber.com/form/34/293103234.htm

Making a good decision is the first step toward success. This year I've made a choice to rejoice in the Lord. I'm not waiting until everything is perfect. Habakkuk made that choice, he said I will rejoice in the LORD. In this post I share how this one decision impacted Habakkuk's life and what it can do for you. That decision is especially important this year. This is my first post this year, so I really want to say...but maybe I'm too late to say it now? There's no doubt that I am late, but is it too late to say it? Please say, "Go ahead, say it."  So here goes "Happy New Year" There are a lot of folks that are skeptical about how happy this year is going to be especially since the last two have been one disaster after another. And here I am starting a conversation about rejoicing. Is there a reason to rejoice? You better believe there is and that's why I am sharing Habakkuk's story with you. Honestly, I understand their skepticism. It's been rough, rough, rough for so many people! I can't tell you that this will be a “happy” year, but I am confident that this year can be a joy-filled year with reasons to rejoice. AND…How do I know? I don't have a crystal ball that gives me the winning lottery number or stock market insight, yet I have the words of an old song that I used to listen to on a cassette tape and Scripture for the foundation of my hope. This message is from Habakkuk...the whole book! Don't panic it's only 3 chapters. The key verse in this chat is Habakkuk 3:18 NLT Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. His decision to rejoice was a vital key in turning his attitude around...and we all know how important our attitude really is! The choice to rejoice unlocks joy! We all could use more of that these days.

What do you do when it looks like nothing is happening? You keep believing. But what about, when you have prayed really hard and nothing has changed? You keep praying. You keep believing.   But what do you do when things get worse instead of better? You trust God. You keep believing!   If you're like me, then you're struggling with all you see going on around you? It's discouraging, but we put our trust in God and keep believing! I preached this sermon a few years ago, but it is still just as real as it was then.

Devotion Outline Where the river goes…life grows.   The account of the Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus at the well is an amazing story of transformation. I am so thankful that Jesus still transforms people today.   Yet, I am convinced there is a powerful encouragement in this account that ever believer needs to be reminded of today.  Too much is going on around us, for you to miss the whisper of Jesus to come drink.   Devotion Outline I am a Southern girl through and through.   One of the bonuses of living in the South is the abundance of streams and rivers   I deliberately  and unconsciously drink in the beauty that surrounds me. That's a bad thing and a good thing. It's a bad thing when I travel through the desert, because I strain my eyes looking for life.   But but even in  the desert,  every once in a while I spot something way off in the distance.   Why the sudden change in the landscape?   A river   I know it's there because I see signs of life.   It's a fact; where water goes, life grows.   Water is a change agent.   It is like a slow bulldozer cutting through the landscape.     Like a highway, John 4 takes us to a well, not a river, in Samaria.   Jacob's well was a very special well to the Samaritans   She is on a mission and so is Jesus. Her mission is to get water…His mission is to give water.   Jesus' request was simple, “Please give me a drink.”   Her response was complicated by the racial prejudices of that day, “Why?"     John 4:10 NLT  Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”   No Bucket   Jacob's well. Do you think you are better than our ancestor Jacob?   Never be Thirsty again Artesian well   If you drink this water you're going to just get thirsty again. But anyone who drinks my water, will never be thirsty again. This water becomes a fresh, bubbling spring ( artesian well) inside them, giving them eternal life.         Jesus didn't tell the lady that she would never drink again, just that she would never be thirsty again.   If you are born again through faith in Jesus, the  artesian well is in you. So drink some living water.   How? Worship from your heart. Read the Bible. Come to God with your ears wide open and you will find life. (Isaiah 55:3)   Really important.   Jeremiah 2:13 King James Bible   For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.   How does a cistern compare to a well?   Don't just drink something…drink some living water.   John 14:6 King James Bible   Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.   He is the only way. If you've never received God's gift of salvation you can right now. ABC Steps to be born into God's family.   Ask Jesus to forgive you for all your sins.   Believe on Jesus from your heart. Choose to believe that you need a Savior.   Confess Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Tell someone what happened to you.    

We were blessed to be able to take an Alaska Prayer & Preaching Adventure. God knew it was a desire of my heart and He opened the door. I want to share with my adventure with you- not to brag on me, but to brag on Jesus. God was so good to us. Nahum 1:7 NIV The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, Places we went Girdwood Forest Ranger, not Park Ranger Walked along a waterfall. Saw a bear rambling and ambling through unlocked out buildings looking for food. Blue Ice Trail Hiked and drove to each of the spots of the Blue Ice Trail...unforgetable! I learned that it might not be wise to take the advice of hikers encouraging you to keep going when they are 40 years younger than you are! Note to self. It was worth the hike and thank you young folks for your your encouragement. Hiked up to Bryan Glacier and touched the blue glacier ice. Flat Top Mountain Looking out over the city praying for the people of Anchorage to know Jesus. Just an echo of what churches all over the city are doing. T ony Knowles Coastal Trail was a wonderful place to hike. Didn't get to finish the trail... too much to see and do. Hope, Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula Just a quaint town. We had two children from that town that came to camp. I sat down at the table with them and got to eat lunch with them without realizing it until we were almost finished eating. Hatcher Pass Mining Museum, Hiking trails was breath taking!!!! Eagle River Nature Museum more hiking trails. Lots of beautiful birch trees!!!!! I hope heaven has birch trees. The first Moose we saw was one coming down the steep banks of Glenn Highway on wobbly legs. It so reminded me of the witty Bullwinkle on the old Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Little Beaver Camp at Wasilla is a place where lives are changed by encountering the Prince of Peace. Amazing place. Preaching at the North Pole. It just doesn't get any better than encountering God with awesome folks like I met there! Great pastors with a heart to reach their city. Intercessors praying for a healing and transforming revival that would bring their community to Jesus. God's Presence was so powerful in that place. I got to eat at two amazing restaurants on Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives list. Denali When we were here 10 years ago, it was still wearing the political nomenclature Mt. McKinley, but now it wears the Athabaskan name Denali which declare who it really is “the great one.” “Mount McKinley” emerged after a gold prospector named William Dickey (who was an admirer of President-elect McKinley) used the name in an 1897 New York Sun article. Although the new president had no direct connection to Alaska, the name Mount McKinley was popularized following the president's 1901 assassination. We saw 2 Grisly, caribou, a moose, Bali Sheep and my favorite Mt. Denali. Juneau, the capital. We got to stay with an incredible family in a beautiful home right on the Mendenhall Glacier River that sang it's sweet song as it tumbled over the boulders. A bear visited the neighborhood and even the back yard while we were there. I got to pray in the capitol building, the only capital that can only be reached by boat or airplane. Let truth fill this place. Isa 44:23Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud, you earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the Lord has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. https://www.patriciaholland.org/home/i-will-lift-up-my-eyes-to-the-hills/   I'll be sharing some specific stories in the days ahead.

Who is Jesus in your life? Who is He to you? Can you say "And this I know!" The Jewish leaders in Jerusalem wanted to know…so they sent priests and Levites to ask John himself. Who are you, John? There must have been a hint that they thought he might be the promised one from God. The crowds that came…the baptisms? Could John be the Messiah. John, came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” Then who are you? Are you Elijah? No. I can see him shaking his head firmly. Are you the Prophet?' they continued? No,” John answered. Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.' ” Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the World! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, Let's stop here. John didn't know Jesus? What does John mean? They were cousins. Somewhere around 6 months apart in age. Surely, there were times they played together. So what is John saying? You can know someone without knowing them. Let me explain. If I asked you, do you know Michael Jordan?” You would probably answer something like, “Yeah! Yeah! It was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is a legend.” While it is true you know about Mr. Jordan, that doesn't mean you know him. You might know all his stats from his legendary basketball history, but you don't know him unless you've spent time with Him. Unless you've built a relationship with him. John is saying, I didn't know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then he repeats himself again, I myself didn't know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “ ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.” John said, I didn't know him, but “I have seen and I testify.” I know Him now. “I testify that this is God's Chosen One.” And what about you, do you know Him? I'm not talking about the twisted view that our culture has painted of Him, but do you know Him personally. We can't afford to put Him in our little box as if we could pull Him out when it's convenient and return Him to that box when it's not. Go to Scripture with fresh eyes. Allow Holy Spirit to show you Jesus like never before. Listen to His words. See His actions. See His passion. See His Father's reflection. Who is Jesus in your life? Who is He to you? He is your way, your truth, your life. He is your bread of life. He is your living water. Please dear friend, don't allow His words, His stories (accurate accounts) to become stale and lifeless. Come hungry to Scripture and feast, not just satisfy an appetite, but feast. Don't singularly feed your mind with information, but feed your spirit, nourish your mind, nourish your spirit with the wisdom and light of Jesus. They tell me that often we think we are hungry, but it's actually thirst that we are experiencing. Yet, because we think we are hungry we will eat instead of satisfying our thirst with water. Way too often we think we need a new something or other. We feel empty, so fill it with a good movie. We feel lonely so we go shopping and try fill the loneliness. I am convinced that way too often what we are feeling is the need for more Jesus. We need His fellowship. We need to access His joy, His peace, His Presence. Do you know Him? In probably the greatest sermon I have ever heard in my life Dr. S.M. Lockridge asks that question, “Do You Know Him?” then continues with powerful declarations of who He is. I'm including the link, but I want to share a few. He's the sinner's Saviour. He's the centerpiece of civilization. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature He's the highest personality in philosophy He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour I wonder if you know him today He supplies strength He's available for the tempted   It's so good! Here's the link. https://youtu.be/yzqTFNfeDnE Here's the Books: Alexander MacLaren Expositions Link https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=MacLaren+Expositions+Of+Holy+Scripture&submit_search=Go!

It's risky work! It's expensive to plant a crop. The machinery. The fertilizer. The time. And there's no guarantee that he will have a good harvest. It's risky…but a farmer plants because he has hope. Hope is powerful.   It motivates. It inspires. It changes the monotonous into meaningful. So even though it is risky, he plants because he has hope. His hopes are not based on fantasy! That hope is bolstered by educated practices and past harvests- his harvest and those of others. He doesn't have a promise…just hope and a need to make a living. A need to feed his family. A need to pay the bills. A need to turn barren soil into lush green vegetation. The winter seasons   of pain, heartache, heart break; long, dark days of loneliness can drain our reservoirs of hope. Paul understood that; so he prayed… “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13 NIV The beginning point in this verse is trust.   Trust can be confusing sometimes. Frustrating. Scary. But hold on to what you KNOW and most of all hold on to who you know. Quiet your spirit with His promises and just hold on. To that foundation Paul prayed.   May the God of all hope Fill you—yes, you! with all joy –what an amazing thought—the deep kind, the warm, bubbling kind of joy that sustains us! and peace –I've come to love that word. The enduring kind of peace that is unbroken by circumstances and is beyond our ability to understand. as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope—not simply an adequate supply to get you through the situation, but overflowing, sparkling, gurgling over and out to others. by the power of the Holy Spirit. It's not something we can conjure or manufacturer, it's through the power of Precious Holy Spirit!!! Hope that doesn't end with hope.   A believer's hope is based on a promise… It is based on the Truth of God's Word. So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, having fled for refuge, to take hold of the hope being set before us, Hebrews 6:17,18 So here it is. 2 Really, Really Great Reasons you should be filled with hope. Two things that will never change. God will not lie. It is impossible for God to lie. God made an oath that He will not break. So if you need some hope, it begins with trusting in someone bigger and stronger than yourself. Because sooner or later you are going to realize that your strength has limits. Or if you are looking for a refuge… Grab hold of the hope that is right in front of you! Hebrews 6 verse 19 continues- “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,” An anchor for your soul. A reason you can be filled with hope!   Firm. Steadfast. Jesus! Is the anchor for your soul.

“Well, I hope so,” doesn't sound like hope at all. It's flimsy, wimpy and empty. We speak of hope more often than we believe in it. Hope in the Bible isn't the weak word we use in our culture. Instead, it is a living hope, throbbing and powerful. It produces action, steadfastness and stability. 1 Peter 1:3 ESV “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,”   Let's look at the first time the word for hope is used in the Bible. Joshua 2:21 NIV “Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” The lady speaking here is Rahab…and where's the hope in this story? Or better yet, where do we find hope that makes us stable in unstable times? I'm so glad you asked. I want to tell you about it.

Why you shouldn't opt-out of the Spiritual War that is going on right now! 1. You have an enemy that wants to kill, steal and destroy you! 2. There are people depending on you, family, friends and neighbors. 3. You were made to win this war! The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Cor 10:4 As believers, we need to understand the war that is raging. The Senators and citizens of Washington DC on July 21, 1861 had no idea what war meant. Have you noticed how some people • are failing to respond to the spiritual war that is going on around us right now? • think they can opt out of Spiritual warfare, because its HARD and costly? • don't see the destruction that is going on around them? • are just hoping everything will be alright. • don't realize there is a war? You have been given authority… not just hope… authority. Stop believing the enemies lies. We've heard the enemy's lies so many times, from so many different places, that even God's blood bought church has believed them. What am I talking about? I've heard people say they aren't spiritual enough to fight. Or that there is nothing they can do. Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. You have been given weapons that work 2 Cor 20: 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Psa 8:2 NLT You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. Ephesians 6: 17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

God is watching over His Word! Why is that truth important to you? Does that truth change what you do and how you react to delayed victories? It was a revelation that God gave to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, to help him fulfil his assignment. Without the confidence in that revelation. You need to grip this reality to help you fulfill your assignment too! Do you have some prayers that have not seen answered? Do you have a prodigal that you are desperate to see their life turned around? Searching for answers that you just can't turn loose of because your heart just won't let you? Do you have verses that you've clung to, but the enemy has whispered in your ear, “What's the use?” Me too! I've had some things on my heart that I am absolutely desperate to see happen. But I'm telling you, I have some things that are just too precious to abandon. Do you have some things like that on your heart? Sometimes there's just no words that describe how desperately you want to see God intervene in the situation you are facing. That's just one reason I am so thankful that God has given me a prayer language. I just run out of words. Lately I've been hearing God whisper, don't you love His whispers. Oh, there are times His whisper corrects me, challenges me or even redirects me. But this whisper has been so encouraging.  "I watch over my word to perform it." He has whispered it so many times that I realized it was time to unpack the revelation, so I could to understand what He was saying. I found the verse in Jeremiah chapter 1 11The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. Jeremiah 1:12The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” How do you plant seeds of Gods Word? Isaiah 55:10 10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. What happens when you don't plant the seeds? Nothing grows, but weeds. James 1:2 NIV Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.  

  I’ve gone to church all my life, but when I was twelve years old I heard something that forever changed my life. Actually, it was more than just hearing that changed me…it was believing that changed me! This may need some explaining, because it wasn’t just hearing or believing…it was receiving that changed me forever! I’ve never looked at God’s Word the same. I’ve never been the same…let me do that explaining with an illustration!    There's a reason they call it a Smart phone Several years ago, I needed a new phone. I looked at lots of options.  Then I-heard I could process credit cards at conferences instead of renting a point of sale machine. That move would save me a ton of money. The salesman handed us the phone and began to explain that we could download applications. I had never heard of an app. (yes I know… I know! But you’re forgetting this was a long time ago!) So he took his phone and began to show us some of his favorite apps. I was totally amazed to learn that the applications provided additional benefits and capabilities far beyond that of a regular phone. No one wants a phone that only lets you talk to someone (I see you, you are shaking your head at me, because not there are thousands of apps that provide a myriad of functions.) Imagine not even knowing the apps are available.    Staying on the Bleeding Edge of Technology Some folks aren’t content staying on the cutting edge, they want to be the first to be in the know about everything involving technology! While knowing about  and USING apps is important if you own any kind of smart phone, but there are things, really critical things, that way too many people have never discovered. Some people don’t know that God loves them. Some people don’t know that Jesus died for their sins. And some believers, don’t know anything about who Precious Holy Spirit is. They don’t know they can be filled with the Holy Spirit. I was one of those people. My grandma would mention the Holy Spirit sometimes. But the only thing I knew about Holy Spirit was when the pastor at my church gave the invitation. My pastor would tell us, “If you have not given your heart to Jesus and you feel the Holy Spirit knocking on your heart’s door, then today is the day for you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior.” That’s all I knew. I was so hungry for more of God. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, so every Sunday I went down to the front. My dear Pastor, would remind me that I was already saved. I would go back to my seat like Samuel in the Bible, confused about what was going on. I didn’t know that I could be filled with precious Holy Spirit, but one day a friend shared the good news with me. Actually, I had more than one discussion and then listened to numerous sermons before I understood. It’ wasn’t that it was difficult to understand, it was just that I didn’t know anything about Holy Spirit. But when I heard,  I believed,  I received Holy Spirit.   Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? In Acts 19:2 NIV Paul is telling the story of finding some believers at Ephesus "and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Paul was excited to share the great news about precious Holy Spirit with them.   When they heard, they believed and they received. They couldn’t receive until they knew God had more for them. We can’t use an app on our phone if we don’t know it’s available. We can’t use money in our account if we don’t know it’s there. We have to hear about it first.   (Check out the book “Precious Holy Spirit” https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-ebook/%20/o%20Buy%20the%20book for more details.) But what if I told you about say a GPS app that will guide you from your front door to the place you wanted to go.   You would have a choice. You might say “I don’t believe a phone can do that. Or you might say, “Where do I download an app like that.   If you didn’t believe what I was telling you, you wouldn’t get the app. Yet, believing there is an app doesn’t get you the app. You have to download it and open the app. Paul’s account tells us they heard, they believed and they received. They couldn’t receive until they knew God had more for them. We can’t use an app on our phone if we don’t know it’s available. We can’t use money in our account if we don’t know it’s there. Hearing is the first step, but not the only step. After you hear, you must believe.    What have you heard? Was it confusing? Did it make you hungry for God? Did it make you want to be filled with all the fullness of God?   But today, in the modern church, many believers are confused. Far too few can say I heard, I believed and I received. Some folks seem to be totally ignorant on the subject and others are asking questions:   Maybe you have some questions? That's a good thing. Maybe you want to know "What is Pentecost?" Who is the Holy Spirit? Are tongues of the devil? Was speaking in tongues just for the disciples? My book points you to some of the answers https://www.patriciaholland.org/product/precious-holy-spirit-book/"Precious Holy Spirit."    There seems to be a menacing fence – complete with a huge “Keep Out” sign – surrounding Pentecost and its accompanying infilling of the Holy Spirit. Some folks  say, “You receive all you need when you get saved.” Confused and frightened by the roars of tradition and skepticism , far too many believers remain silent and powerless. I am convinced that the Person of Pentecost is the missing dynamo in the modern, anemic church? Especially since Jesus told His disciples, after His resurrection, to “receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22 Removing the barriers that keep us from experiencing more of God, demands that we search God’s Word, discover so we can receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit is for every believer. Believe Like everything God has for us, we must believe to receive precious Holy Spirit.   But Is receiving the Holy Spirit really important? Yes! It is really important. Why is this experience so critical? It is because it is a Gift from God. We can’t afford to miss God’s Gifts. It takes believers into a deeper, fuller relationship with God. The benefits of living a Spirit filled life is experiencing the partnership of Holy Spirit guiding, empowering and transforming every area of a believer’s life. I am not talking about a one time experience. I am referring to building on a relational experience that moves forward into everyday life, like a wedding should move into a deeper, fuller lifelong relationship. Out of this partnership with Holy Spirit flows love, joy, power to win over sin, power to witness, and spiritual maturity. Jesus made a big deal out of the reality that they should not grieve over the fact that He was leaving them, because He would send a comforter that would not just be with them, but would live in them.    Mix what you heard with faith. Luke 11:13 NIV If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"   I want you to be able to say I heard. I believed. I received and I shared. Not a Theological Exegesis   The book “Precious Holy Spirit” is not a theological exegesis, but it is a journey through scripture to help the reader fall in love. I wrote this book in a clear, easy to understand format using seven words pictures that describe Holy Spirit. It uses interesting stories from nature and history to unlock the mystery of Pentecost. This book is for the person that doesn’t know anything about the Holy Spirit. It’s for the person that avoids the whole conversation because they think it’s all weird. And, it is also for anyone who has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, but wants to rekindle their passion, or wants to know how to access the resources available to the Spirit filled believer. This book will inspired and ignite you. You will fall in love—all over again.   Additionally, this book is written to pastors or leaders that need a little extra help making the whole topic of receiving the Holy Spirit easier to understand. It gives clear examples and illustrations that can be used in conversation, training and sermons.   Download the eBook and start reading right now.

I was twelve years old when I receiving the Holy Spirit. My friendship with Him has been priceless...He has walked with me all these years as comforter, guide, power source and help. I am so thankful for The Father's Promise fulfilled at Pentecost. I want to share with you how you can be filled with Holy Spirit. Maybe you already have been filled with Holy Spirit. Then this teaching will help you share with a friend or loved one how they can be filled with Holy Spirit. I'd love to give you the .pdf that goes with this teaching. Here's the link to get the .pdf and future encouraging chats that will help you connect God's Word to your everyday life.  How to Receive the Holy Spirit PDF Download - Patricia Holland

www.patriciaholland.org/blog I love transparency When it’s coming from someone else. I don’t like to be vunerable but here goes.   I judge people way more often than I want to admit. I don’t even want to admit it to God. I know judging people is wrong.   It’s especially hard when they ask for my advice and then totally disregard it. Then they want me to bail them out when they get in a pinch! AHHHHH! So hard NOT to judge the heart behind the action.   But if I require, or want to require that people do as I say I have stepped into arrogance and that is a dangerous place to be.   1 Samuel 15:23a New International Version   For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry…        I know! I can’t see their heart, but I can sure see the stupid.  Sometimes I have to agree with the wisdom of Forest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does!”   Our world is so upside down! Isaiah 5:20 New International Version   Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.   It breaks my heart!!! Honestly, I can’t hardly stand to see people living in such darkness. On the other hand, I can be critical.   Matthew 7:1 New Living Translation   “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. That verse is too easy to remember.     So what do I do?   So when I catch myself judging, I have learned the hard way, “he that covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes it will have mercy.     I talk to my friend Precious Holy Spirit. He is in me and He came to be my helper. He knows I’m not perfect, that’s one more reason I am thankful for God’s Grace. It’s too precious to abuse and too magnificent to ignore. I need a friend that always knows what to do so I ask Him.   Now don’t misunderstand me I don’t pray to Holy Spirit, but I do have conversations with Him. You do realize He is God’s active agent in the Earth today, don’t you?   What do I do with the stupid, the absolute insanity of the things that people I love with all my heart are doing around me? The sin. The outlandish rebellion against God that is taking them deeper and deeper into a dark, dark hole! What do I do? Sometimes the sin I see makes me so mad!   So I asked my Precious friend, my Helper, Holy Spirit, “What do I do?”   He whispered so kindly, cover them with love.   Should I tell Him that I’m not feeling a drop of love right now? He already knows it anyway!   I know what He’ll say when I tell Him how I feel. He’ll say…in a way that conveys more love than I deserve, He’ll say “I’ll give you some of mine!”   And He does. This isn’t the first time I’ve run out of love.   You see I’ve learned my love is conditional…His is unconditional.   My love is limited…His is infinite.   My love craves recognition, acknowledgement…His is never needy in any way.   His love is kind, patient, enduring…I wouldn’t even know that’s what love should look like if I hadn’t experienced it first-hand so many times.   Soooo I respond to His Presence. I simply receive His love. I release my pain, my rejection, my fear, my unbelief through the gateway of tears. I give Him space to heal my heart. I let Him comfort me        

www.patriciaholland.org Are you sensing the need to hear God’s voice? I have walked through some things recently where I have felt like I was walking through a minefield and every step was a matter of life and death. I’ve been desperately aware that Precious Holy Spirit knows where the enemy has hidden the landmines (sometimes land MINDS) and wants to show me where they are hidden.   I am so thankful that He doesn’t send me off with a condescending pat on the back and a trite, “Be careful out there!”   No way! NO WAY! In the Old Testament, Precious Holy Spirit came as a visitor empowering people for specific jobs. In the New Testament He came to take up residence within us and to guide us into ALL truth.   I understand I have a responsibility to do my part if I want to hear His voice.   Each of the writers of the gospels tell a different story following the story of “The Triumphant Entry of Jesus”. But the story in John’s Gospel resonates as I search God’s Word to learn to hear God better. It is a powerful true story that illustrates how different people heard God when He spoke.   I can feel the joy, the absolute ecstasy of the people, as I read the accounts in the Gospels of the triumphant entry of Jesus that day. The Bible doesn’t tell us what Jesus felt while the people celebrated. But John pulls back the curtain to show us the heart of Jesus after the event.   John 12:23 But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.   Jesus understood the significance of this event. It was prophesied by the prophet Zechariah.  Zechariah 9:9–13   Zechariah saw not only the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem but also the blood covenant that was required to release prisoners from the stronghold of sin. Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples for His death, so He continued.   27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.  28 Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”   Pay Attention. OK! This next verse is very important. I don’t want you to miss this.   29 The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 30 In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours. The crowd heard thunder. But some recognized the spiritual significance. Maybe it was the religious people. Some though an angel was speaking to Jesus. But Jesus said… “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.” They missed the voice of God. They missed the understanding, the significance of this moment, because they hadn’t trained their ears to hear God.   Please hear me. I know that sometimes God speaks so clearly that I have no doubt God is speaking. He speaks to me through His Word. He speaks to me through a phone call of a brother or sister. But there comes a time for God’s children to learn how to hear God’s voice. Luke 8:18 Amplified Bible So be careful how you listen; for whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a longing for truth], even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”   Please don’t believe the lie that He doesn’t speak to you. If you are His child…He talks to you!!!!   Maybe you just need to get the earplugs out, so you can hear what He’s being saying! I’m not being mean. This is just no time to miss what God is saying. Sometimes God says things I don’t want to hear. Sometimes He says, “You have a wrong attitude.” Or “Your attitude stinks!” So, I repent. Or “Love better.” So, I cry out for Him to give me some of His love.   Dear friend, God sees the beginning from the end. His eyes see the truth clearly and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes your emotions muddle the truth, so all you see is the mud and not the truth.   God has sent Precious Holy Spirit to guide you. So listen. You won’t hear Him if you don’t listen. Open your Bible expecting Him to answer. Ask Him questions. As you go about your day, listen for answers. Sometimes He uses ordinary circumstances to answer, but you’ll recognize it as Him! Listen. Listen. Listen. If you were blessed by this podcast would you subscribe so you don't miss a single day. www.patriciaholland.org/

There are things in God’s Word that are absolutely amazing!   Jesus became a man. Born to a virgin woman. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!   Because of that… Philippians 2:9 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,   10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,   11and every tongue acknowledge  that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.   Then the prophet Isaiah gives us names that describe Jesus. Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.   I’ve shared with you many times how precious the redemptive names are to me in my worship time.   There are 7 Redemptive names that open and disclose the benefit package that Jesus purchased for everyone of us at the cross. Let me briefly review them with you. His continual Presence JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH Shepherd, Guide, Protector, Nourisher JEHOVAH-RA-AH Peace, wholeness, Salvation JEHOVAH-SHALOM Righteousness   JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU Victory JEHOVAH-NISSI Healing JEHOVAH-RAPHA Provider JEHOVAH-JIREH   John 3:16 describes Jesus as God’s Gift. Jesus the Lamb of God that was come to save the world from their sin.   Luke 3:16 describes Jesus as the baptizer. He explains that I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with fire.   John 1:32 NIV Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’   I love to begin my prayer time by thanking God using His name and names that describe His nature. But I don’t think I have ever used the descriptive word “baptizer” for Him.   I am so thankful that Jesus is still the baptizer. He still wants to baptize believers with the Holy Spirit. Jesus still want to baptize believers with the Holy Spirit and fire. I am so thankful!        

Jason Brown was facing a crossroad. I had never heard of Jason Brown and never dreamed when I turned on the TV in the middle of the night that I was about to hear a story that would build my faith. It would encourage me to seek God not only for provision, but for wisdom!   Not just knowledge, but wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to put knowledge in practice. That's totally different! Growing a Greener World-From Cleats to Beets was the episode name. A gardening show is a unique place to meet the highest paid Center in the NFL? Cleats to beets? I was wide awake. When facing a decision Jeremiah 6:16 NIV This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Seek His will Proverbs 3:6 NLT Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Need Wisdom? James 1:5 NLT If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. Wisdom is found in God. Proverbs 4: 5,6 NIV 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Proverbs 3:6 NLT Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Most mornings I try to either walk on the treadmill or hop on the bike to start my day with some exercise. But a few days ago, the weather was perfect so we My husband and I decided to take our walk outside. I didn’t know how perfect the day was until I got outside. There’s this beautiful park near us with gravel trails that wind past and under beautiful live oaks along the river, but there are also dirt paths cut through the woods that zig zag along the St. John’s River. https://youtu.be/qbOswxui4m0 This post is better when you see and hear than just read it. The gravel paths are wide enough for two people to walk side by side Beyond the gravel paths are the dirt paths are only wide enough for a single person to walk with shrubs and bushes on both sides of the trail. Since it was such a gorgeous day, I wanted to take the longer dirt path. The massive roots of huge Bay Trees  and Live Oaks crisscrossed the dirt path where we walked, providing an obstacle course that made paying attention to where stepped next absolutely essential! We hadn’t walked very long until a snake on the path reinforced my need to be very careful. The vibrant leaves bursting from the leaf buds screamed “Spring is here!” I love Spring Green. It’s my favorite color, so I’m not gonna “Spring” by  plodding through the woods like nothing is going on...no way! And you can’t watch the ground and see the beauty all around you, without stopping ever now and then to drink in the beauty that’s bursting all around you. If you’re gonna really see the beauty, you have to stop, look, drink it in! Let me share with you what I saw. When the light hits the water just right, it looks like a million diamonds dancing on the water…and when I see that beauty through the oaks trees all decorated with moss hanging and dangling and dancing from tree limbs in the wind it takes my breathe away. I just go wow! As we are walking the trail, occasionally a puff of wind sends a rain of dried leaves swirling and twirling to the ground. The incessant screech of a hawk finally grew quiet and we heard the sweet sound of song birds that seemed to be almost as excited as me to see Spring finally arrive. We stopped to see the dragon shaped limb that lay beside the path. The empty nuts shells, the remains of breakfast, lunch and dinner that marked the spot where a squirrel had plunked itself on a green moss covered rotting log to enjoy walnuts and hickory nuts. Empty halves told the story of hungry squirrels with sharp teeth and a whole lot of patience. Believe me, I’ve tried to crack those nuts…and even with a hammer it’s next to impossible, I was amazed  at all those empty shells we saw. When I spotted the little yellow trumpet like blooms on the path, I had to stop to find the vine.  It’s the tale, tale signs of a yellow jasmine vine. One of the first bloomers in this area. You have to look up high in the nearby trees to find it, because it is an amazing climber. Those tiny tendrils of the Jasmine stretch and twists onto the limbs of a nearby tree tighter than the twisty on a loaf of bread. They gotta hold on, cause they’re gonna climb all the way to the top of the tree so they can get the needed sunlight to produce a massive number of happy yellow flowers. The Jasmine vine was worth the stop. Tiny burst of bright yellow blooms against dark green leaves. Their sweet fragrance fills the air. I would have missed all this if I had power-walked the trail today. Power walking is great exercise, but I needed to experience the beauty as much as I needed the exercise. I make exercise a priority. Yet, I have spiritual disciplines that are even more important. This life is short, but eternity is…well…eternity is eternal. I want this life to count. I want to accomplish what I was made for, just like that sunny, yellow jasmine climbs a big old tree to reach the sunlight. There are two spiritual disciplines that are absolutely essential in my walk with God…prayer and Bible reading. You can’t power-walk through either of them and experience the intended benefits. If you power walk through either of them, you’ll miss the beauty, the strength, the wisdom that comes from slowing down and drinking in it’s life giving message. If we had power walked as fast as we could we would have gotten through much quicker, but we would have missed beauty of where we were. Please, please don’t power walk through your devotions just to get them done. Linger. Listen. Enjoy them. Fall in love with the author at a deeper level. It’s the only book you’ll never understand if you don’t know the author personally. Take the time to worship. ...experience His love. ...know His peace. ...enjoy His joy.

I was picking up the speaker for an event, Ms. Thelma Wells, at the airport. I positioned myself at the bottom of the escalator, so I wouldn't miss her. As I scanned each person to find Ms. Wells, I noticed a young woman. I knew immediately she was a Christian. There was something about her that made her stand out in the crowd of people hurrying to get their luggage. She was much younger than our speaker, so I kept looking.    When she got off the escalator she approached me and asked if I was looking for Thelma Wells. I told her I was. She introduced herself and explained, "She's my mom. She came down the elevator instead of the escalator."    I didn't know her daughter was traveling with her, but I knew this lady knew Jesus.   During that weekend, I had the privilege of spending some special time with this young woman and what I saw what exactly right. She was a woman of God!   There are some people that almost seem to shine, but Moses really shined... I mean literally shined...so bright that he put a veil over his face.   Paul is referring to that specific story of Moses in Exodus 34:10-35 when he writes 2 Corinthians 3.   I always thought Moses covered his face because the bright light bothered the Israelites, but Paul shares a different reason for the veil.   7Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory,  8will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? Did you see that? Paul isn't telling us this story to brag on Moses' shining face, he is using that glorious moment to point us to an even more glorious ministry.  9For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!  10Indeed, what was once glorious has no glory now in comparison to the glory that surpasses it.  11For if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which endures! 12Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.   We get it! We understand that Moses face shined because he had been with Almighty God on the mountain top. Yet we have a more glorious ministry. The ministry of righteousness, one with glory that does not fade. When we believe on Jesus, God removes the veil that keeps us from understanding, that keeps us from experiencing the glory of God. He removes the veil that keeps us from reflecting the glory of God. Reflecting the glory of God isn't just for special people. It's not just for "SPIRITUAL PEOPLE." Look at 2 Corinthians 3:18    18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.   Who is that glory for? Since the unveiled faces only comes when we believe on Jesus Christ, then the all in this verse is "All believers!!!!!" I get so excited when I see a sunrise creeping into view. It is absolutely breathtaking, but it doesn't hold a candle to experiencing the Presence of God and knowing Jesus...there no comparison!!! No comparison!!! Knowing Jesus is too wonderful to keep it to yourself. We, all believers need to shine. You know that.   We all know we should reflect His glory!  ..that we should shine for Jesus...we've sung it since our nursery days in Sunday School. "This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine."  Yet, we scratch our heads and wonder. HOW???  Can I really do it?  Do I have the ability?  Do I have the courage?  Can I really make a difference?    I'm so glad you asked ...because God put some answers to that question in His love letter to you. I see two more ways (You know I've been talking about this a lot lately. Answered prayer is one way and if you missed that one, please go back and listen to it.) in Scripture that you can shine for Jesus.

There are so many reasons we pray...but the primary reason is we need God's involvement in our lives. We need Him!   Prayer is God's idea.  We can come boldly into His presence because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross.   One of the reasons we pray is we need...we want God to answer our prayers. Charles Finney shares a vital key for getting answers to our prayers. In this teaching I want to share that answer with you.

Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory  will be seen upon you.   What a beautiful portion of Scripture!   What did God have in mind when He inspired the writer to pen these words?    I think it's important that we find out, so we don't miss what God has for us.  

Jehoshaphat knew what to do when he didn't know what to do. Let me share his powerful keys with you, so you can walk in the victory God has planned for you!   Jehoshaphat Invaded by Moab (Obadiah 1:1-14)   1It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. 3And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. Jehoshaphat's Prayer 5And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 7Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 8And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 9If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 10And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 11Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 12O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 13And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. The Prophecy of Jahaziel 14Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 15And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 16To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 18And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. 19And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high. The Enemies Destroy Themselves 20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. 23For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. 24And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 25And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. The People Return in Triumph 26And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day. 27Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD. 29And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel. 30So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

As you list your gifts, don't fail to enjoy the most wonderful gift of all because you fail to open it. Let me explain with a story. Open Your wonderful gift. You are valuable. You were made in God's image. That alone makes you priceless. Open your Bible.   Open your eyes. Open your heart. Open your worship. You are not alone. You will never outgrow your need for a Savior. Peace is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of the Prince of Peace.  

    That’s strong language, huh, to beg you to do something , but I feel like it's that important. People everywhere are feeling the pressure.   The pressure is real. It’s coming from every arena of our lives. It’s hit our pocketbooks, our ability to interact with friends, jobs, activities and hobbies.   Some of it is from the natural realm and some of it is the devil. Yes. I said it. I know there’s not a devil behind every bush, buttttttt I also know there is a devil that hates our guts!   Here the reference for the verses I used in this podcast. Add them to your prayer list.   Luke 11:2 Isaiah 49:24 Isaiah 33:15 Paul shares about the pressure he felt in Asia 2 Cor. 1:8,9 NIV

Abba is only used 3 times in the New Testament and it is always combined with Father…Abba, Father. Could it be that the word Father is not just one more way to identify us as His child, but that it is used strategically and purposely here in Scripture? Could it be that this combination is critical in understanding Who He is as our Father?  Galatians 4:6 NLT And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Mark 14:36 NLT Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane  “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”  Romans 8:15 NLT So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  

I pray, first of all because I love God. I love His Presence. I love spending time talking to Him. I've loved God since I was a little girl and He is my dear friend.   But I also pray for results. Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. -- C. H. Spurgeon   While I don't believe we need to have all the right words to get our prayer answered, I believe what we believe when we pray definitely affects our results.   When we know, really KNOW this one thing it will affect our outcome.     SHOW LESS      

Are you white knuckling anything? For me it was the dentist. He had an emergency so I had to wait. I was in the dentist office for 3 1/2 hours. I white knuckled the whole 3 1/2 hours. It was awful. When I got home I was totally drained... but I learned Fear is the big deal, not the dentist. Maybe the dentist is no big deal for you… but the world around us is giving us dozens of reasons to be afraid. We’ve believed their reasons for being afraid. We have believed the lie that fear is normal! When we think it’s normal to be afraid the fear rages inside us instead of around us. Response to Fear Some people respond to fear with anger.                 And some retreat. Then there are times we do both. The paralyses of fear keep us from seeking answers,  truth and peace. Fear of Man We think it’s NORMAL so we embrace the fear of man instead of humbling our hearts and walking in the fear of God, which by the way results in peace. REAL PEACE! The Answer In the previous teaching I shared Hebrews 10:36 NLT with you. The first part says, “Patient endurance is what you need now.” Maybe those words “patient endurance paint a picture of ”white knuckling” the entire experience like my trips to the dentist…. The truth is the exact opposite. God is inviting you into hope filled waiting. Waiting that is tied to the expectation of GREAT and PRECIOUS promises being fulfilled. Expectant waiting that is tied to the resources of Almighty God Who loves you beyond your ability to comprehend. Like a persistent little squirrel goes after the sunflower seeds in a bird feeder has one objective, please, please don’t forget there is a thief that has one objective… …one objective…your destruction. Why didn’t I recognize my fear and deal with it? Why did I allow myself to be so tormented? I thought it was normal…so I agonizingly endured it. The truth is we have what we tolerate. Yes, we are facing some tough situations that could make us crazy with fear…that’s enduring the situation. His Presence Or we can run to Jesus, humble our hearts before Him…don’t bow to the fear…but humble our hearts before Almighty God. There we worship and begin to recognize the benefits that He made available for us through His death and resurrection. In His presence we recognize that He, the GREAT I AM, the Almighty God is holding our hand. He is with you!! He is with you! His presence and the authority of His Word enable us to stand boldly against fear of every kind. Out of that revelation of “WHO HE IS” we can resist fear…command that fear to go. Fill our hearts with the truth of God’s presence and love. Stand on the Word.

  I have done so many dumb things... some people are wise enough not to mention them; I mention my dumb thing because I think it drives home an important point.   I am constantly amazed at how precise the Word of God can be in times of need. Recently, as I spent time in the Word I came across a verse in a different version than I normally read. Boy, did it ever jump out at me!   "Patient endurance is what you need now..."   Wow! God had my number that morning! There comes a time when you just gotta hold on...that's endurance. The patient part is a matter of attitude. I'm the only one that can control my attitude. I can get in a tizzy or I can be patient. There's peace in patience. Fear in tizzy.   Hebrews 10:36 NLT the verse continues "so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."   It was exactly what I needed to hear, because I am desperate to receive God's promise. What about you?   I know! I know! It is so much easier to hold on to fear...it has tried to live at my house lately. That's why I am reading the Word, declaring the Word and praying the Word.   It is easier to hold on to blaming and complaining... but I don't want to reap the harvest of that kinda junk.   I want to receive God's Promises. They are precious promises, but they aren't automatic.   Please understand the times we are living in require us to live out the principles of God's Word.   Do you feel like you've believed too long to give up now? I do too! That's why I want to encourage you...   "Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised."   No. I didn't forget the dumb thing. It's in the podcast.

Are you hangry? I’m hearing that word used more and more these days. Merriam-Webster has added it to their dictionaries; so, it’s officially a word. Maybe you’ve seen or experienced the irritability that is caused from hunger displayed publicly. You know if you’ve listened to my 21 Day Think God’s Way for a Change that I don’t believe we have to allow our emotions to drive our actions, but the fact remains they often do.   But  have you ever thought about the fact…  that your actions are affected by another kind of hunger…God’s Word.   I don’t have to tell my husband if I haven’t been feeding my spirit…he can tell. I don’t have to tell my kids either… they can tell.   God’s Word nourishes your spirit. You can’t live off an occasional sermon. You need DAILY BREAD.   May I suggest that you add God’s Word to your breakfast? If you skip breakfast, please don’t skip God’s Word! You need it right now more than ever. One more thought to leave you with… it’s not how much you eat of God’s Word that nourishes you; it’s how much you digest.   Quick suggestions to help you digest more. Think about what you are reading. Pray over it. Ask God to open your understanding and how He wants you to apply it to your life. John 15: 7 New Living Translation But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!   P.S. To listen to Think God's Way for a Change scroll to my very first podcast or go to my blog page and listen there. https://www.patriciaholland.org/home/think/  

In Math we don’t have any problem understand 8 is less than 9 11is greater than 9  Greater than and less symbols are very important Math symbols. They are used in writing computer “if then” statements. But this kind of comparison is very destructive and divisive when we try to use them to establish a persons worth. My Mother called it the Big "I" and the Little "u". We all lose with this kind of mentality becomes the norm. Mark Twain said "Comparison is the death of joy." Research indicates that it is the breeding ground from some of the life's most defeating emotions...low self-confidence, jealousy and depression. There is a diabolical spirit behind the greater than less than comparison. I want to talk with you about what it means to bear the image of God. It's an exciting reality.