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Have you ever said to yourself, “There is not enough time to do all this.”?  I have and it's normally followed up with a huge sigh of exasperation! Then the Holy Spirit reminds me of something I heard a few years ago, “God will always give you enough time for what He wants you to do.”   Press pause! Does that mean I am doing things that God doesn't want me to do? Does that mean I am doing things differently from how He wants me to do them? Sounds like it is time to check in with God and find out.   Getting direction from God   Let's look at those questions again, firstly "Am I doing things that God doesn't want me to do?" Or it could be asked this way, "Am I going in the direction God has for me?" In Psalms, we read,   “The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him.” (Psalm 37:23 TPT).   So when we have those thoughts of "There is not enough time" perhaps it is a good idea to pause and check in with God on the direction we are taking. Oh! there is again, that "Be Still and know that I am God" attitude. Maybe a prayer like, "God, am I doing what you want me to do? Am I following the path you have for me? Please show me if I have gone off track and am doing things that are outside your will for my life."   Jesus is a wonderful example of only doing what His Father, God, our Heavenly Father, told him to do. In the Gospel of John we read that Jesus said,   "I do what my father tells me to do. I do that so that the people of this world can know that I love my father.” (John 14:31 PEV) An aside: Jesus had complete clarity about why He was being obedient to His Father, "so that people of this world can know that I love my father."  The Passion Translation says it this way, "I am doing exactly what the Father destined for me to accomplish, so that the world will discover how much I love my Father." (John 14:31 TPT) So a question for us - "Do we have that level of clarity about the motives of our actions?"   Right direction, but not sure on the "how"   Perhaps the answer is "Yes," we have clarity on our motives. We are confident we're being obedient to God and going in the direction He is leading us. However, we are still feeling overwhelmed with all that has to be done, "There is not enough time to do all this!" So then we need to look at the "how" and ask the question, "Am I doing things God's way?"   We have the direction, but we need more of God's wisdom on how to take each step. In the book of Proverbs we read,    "A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life]. But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them." (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).   We know there are often many ways to get to the end goal, but not all are efficient, and not all are the ways God wants it done.  We need to remind ourselves that God's ways are higher,   “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV)   God's ways are higher - always - not just sometimes. God knows the bigger picture.   God has the bigger picture   We don't even know what will happen later today, or tomorrow, or next year. Receiving a ‘surprise' medical report or receiving an unexpected promotion at work, reminds us of that.   James 4:13-15 tells us,   “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 NIV)   And so it is with the plans we make, we might have some ideas on the outcomes, but we don't know for sure. But God knows.   Ask God for wisdom So getting back to the question, "Am I doing things God's way?" James also tells us we can ask for God's wisdom and He will give it to us,    "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault; and it will be given to you." (James 1:5 NIV)   We need to ask God for His wisdom on the "how."   Recently my days have been very full, and I have been asking God each morning to order the tasks I have on the list. I knew my plan wouldn't be the best for me or my family, but I had confidence in God, that He has the bigger picture and He would fit it all together perfectly. And He has - leaving me very surprised at the end of the day with what had been achieved. Thank you God - your ways are astronomically higher than mine!   God's plan vs AI   Interestingly, last week I was talking to someone about the busy-ness of the week. During the conversation I asked her if the Holy Spirit brought me to her mind, could she please pray for me, that I would clearly hear from God on what tasks to do each day. She agreed and then told me about electronic calendars now using AI to order people's schedules.    I don't know about you, but I would much prefer to trust God, the creator of Heaven and Earth, to order my day, rather than a man-made algorithm. As we read in James 4, God alone knows what the day will bring, and what tomorrow will bring, and how we need to prepare for it.    Pride and casting our cares on Jesus   So why is it sometimes that we don't go to God to get His wisdom, but rather we press on, doing things our own way and often ending up in a pickle?   For me the answer is simple, Pride! I take pride in being independent, knowing the best course of action, not having to ask anyone for help. Yes, I know - plenty to repent of in that list! God has been helping me in these areas for the past 30 years, gently, and sometimes not so gently, showing me that I need to be totally dependent on Him.   When are feeling overwhelmed we always have the option of pausing, acknowledging God, yes, there it is again, "Be still and know that I am God." and asking for His help. We can give all of our cares to Him as it says in 1 Peter 4,   “Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (1 Peter 4:6-7 AMPC)   Humility is key   Humility is a key here, because it is us saying that we can't do this alone. We don't have what it takes. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Humility as, "freedom from pride or arrogance: the quality or state of being humble." (Merriam-Webster) I recently read this about humility in one of John Maxwell's books, "What is humility? My friend Rick Warren says, "Humility is not denying your strengths. Humility is being honest about your weaknesses. All of us are a bundle of both great strengths and great weaknesses and humility is being able to be honest about both." My belief is that humility is a choice every day to give credit to God for our blessings and to other people for our successes." (Good Leaders ask Great Questions, John Maxwell, page 33).   Humility gives us freedom. As we acknowledge that we need God's help, we take the pressure off ourselves.    A matter of trust We don't need to have all the answers anymore, rather we trust God and His wisdom.   Proverbs 3:5-7 says,   "Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions, with all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don't think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion. and avoid everything that's wrong." (Proverbs 3:5-7 TPT).   So today, let's choose to trust that God has the perfect plan for our lives. Let's choose to trust that when we ask Him, He will give us the steps to follow His path.  And trust that He will always give us enough time to do what He wants us to do.   Looking for more encouragement? Are you looking for more resources to help you draw closer to God, please check out my other blog posts and podcasts.

It's been said humans can survive without food, water and even air for a short period of time, but not without hope. On this month's podcast episode of If You Really Knew Me Ben and Kim discuss God's hope and how it can be reflected in each personality type when we are aligned with the Gospel. If You Really Knew Me can be found at We Are The Bridge dot org slash podcast, on The Bridge app, OR wherever you listen to podcasts.Bible Verses About HOPE - Romans 15:13 (NLT) ~ I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) ~ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.Romans 8L24 (NIV) ~ For in this hope we were saved. But hope means that we must trust and wait for what is still unseen. For why would we need to hope for something we already have?Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG) ~ We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.Hebrews 11:1 (TPT) ~ Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.Psalms 42:5 (TPT) ~ So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace!Song About God's HOPE - Phil Wickham – Living Hopehttps://youtu.be/u-1fwZtKJSMJon Reddick & Mandisa – You Keep Hope Alivehttps://youtu.be/4Q9itF7tx0oCrowder & Tauren Wells -All My Hopehttps://youtu.be/8gAM2GTzVeMKingsPorch - I speak Jesus https://youtu.be/VjPLUhE5tiQRiver Valley Worship - Hope has a namehttps://youtu.be/DohShCMjvXICain - I'm so Blessedhttps://youtu.be/Q4exKwB0WRkWould you like to have YOUR question answered and maybe even featured on a future episode? Submit your enneagram question toben@wearethebridge.orgIf you find this information helpful to you, SUBSCRIBE and journey with us.If you're not sure where to start but want to know more, refer to Ep 2 - The Enneagram ExplainedInfo credit: Beth McCord (Your Enneagram Coach)Hosts: Kim Willey and Ben SorrellsBen is a Certified Enneagram Coach through YEC and Beth McCordHelpful Links:Discover your Enneagram Type: Here's one that we like! YEC Enneagram Type AssessmentLearn about all 9 types: 9 Types OverviewIn-depth Enneagram Courses: YEC Enneagram Courses Please share If You Really Knew Me with a friend if you enjoyed this episode. If You Really Knew Me is still growing, and your positive review and 5-star rating would help.The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria's Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.comFeedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.orgDownload The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast episodes as soon as they are published!

What words have hurt the most or have helped heal you the most? Words matter more than we could ever imagine. You cannot please everybody. It's not necessary to please everybody. We ultimately live for an audience of one. Romans 8:31 TPT “So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us?”

Day 159 Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 10 I wrote someone a prescription the other day. Don't get nervous and don't report me just yet. The condition the person had was deilia (day-lea). Ever heard of it? A lot of people I talk to and counsel with face deilia and are in desperate need of a prescription. There are times I've even have had this condition myself. For this person, I prescribed three things: sophronismos (you may not recognize this, but it is very powerful), dunamis, and agape. These are not chemicals, these are Greek words. Deilia is the Greek word for fear. Fear can be debilitating. And the Bible clearly gives the prescription for us in 2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). We live a culture of fear today. We have names of fear for everything. Consider just a few: Peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people Gamophobia: fear of marriage Levophobia: fear of objects on the left side of the body Aphenphosmphobia: fear of being touched There is a phobia that has 38 letters, and it's the fear of long words. Euphobia: fear of hearing good news Syngenesophobia: fear of relatives Fear is so paralyzing to people today because there are so many things to be afraid of. Fear can make us do things that are not even sensible. In fact, fear can kill someone. I had a person tell me one time that she and her family wanted to come to our church, but because it was located in the inner city, they were too afraid. They actually came to the church building one Sunday, and while parking, faced the fear that someone would rob them. They drove all the way there and fear made them turn around. “Was that the Lord speaking to me and protecting me?” My response was absolutely not! God is a Father. He does not lead us by fear, because we are His children. He leads us by wisdom and by speaking to us. Fear is not a way God guides us. I gave her the 2 Timothy 1:7 prescription of fighting fear with love, power, and a sound mind. So what does all of this have to do with 2 Corinthians 10? Here it is: we don't fight the spiritual with the natural. If we are faced with a spiritual enemy, we need a spiritual weapon. At times I've been afraid of getting cancer, because my father died of it. That isn't a fear we break with barley green, wheat grass, and essential oils. That helps, but fear is a spirit. And that spirit wants to control us. Once we are cancer free, we will face some other thing to be afraid of. We have to fight spiritual enemies with spiritual weapons. That is today's challenge. Listen to what the apostle Paul tells us about fighting: Although we live in the natural realm, we don't wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve our aims. Instead, our spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, TPT) So let's go back to our fear story. Because there are other prescriptions we can give from the Bible. Remember, God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear is a supernatural enemy and needs a supernatural prescription to fight it. So here's another prescription. What is our weapon against the spirit of fear? The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And

When you think about prayer, what comes to mind? Is it something super serious or grandiose? But what if I told you that prayer doesn't have to be complicated or grandiose at all? Prayer is simply a conversation with God--a way for us to invite him into the details and circumstances of our everyday lives! The problem is that we can get psyched out and hesitant to enter the conversation due to some pretty common misconceptions. Misconception #1: “You Can't Talk to Him about That!” God is really awesome and important, but also, he wants to live in an intimate relationship with you. Misconception #2: “You need to have it all together before God can hear you!” Because of Jesus and his death on the cross for ALL of our sins, we no longer have to have it all together in order to have conversations with God. Through Jesus, we get to go right into God's presence. Misconception #3: “You have to be careful what you say and how you say it, or God might get angry with you!” This is simply not true! Pretending to have the right attitude or approach is nullified when we consider that he already knows our every thought and feeling. Misconception #4: “There's one right formula for how to pray!” In the same way that God created each of us uniquely and individually, he wants to connect with us uniquely and individually through prayer. The bottom line is this: prayer is an essential part of living in God's kingdom. It is how we grow in the intimate relationship with Him that we were created for! Try it – set aside some time, create a quiet place, talk to God, and listen for his response. All He wants is you! Matthew 6:30-32 TPT - So if God has clothed the meadow with hay, which is here for such a short time and then dried up and burned, won't he provide for you the clothes you need—even though you live with such little faith? “So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?' or ‘What will we drink?' or ‘What will we wear?' 32 For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn't your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require? Hebrews 4:16 TPT - So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness. John 15:9 TPT - I love each of you with the same love that the Father loves me. You must continually let my love nourish your hearts. Romans 8:26 TPT - And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don't even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for word. The Lord's Prayer: Matthew 6:5-14 ESV Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you

Brandi shares Sunday in Dickinson. LEGACY: “Inheritance is something you leave FOR someone … Legacy is something you leave IN someone” We see LEGACY in the “LIFE” of … RUTH “L”: LEAVE SOMETHING “IN” PEOPLE Legacy: what people remember when you're GONE - Benjamin Franklin said, “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” “E”: ENCOURAGE Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth have met TOGETHER” Mercy: compassion or forgiveness when it is within one's power to punish or harm. Tony Cooke said, “The right word spoken in the right spirit at the right time can penetrate a person's isolation, drive out the darkness, and change his life forever.” Ruth 1:16-17 [NLT] Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” “G”: GENERATIONS Carl F.H. Henry said, “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time” Psalm 71:18 [NLT] Now that I am OLD and GRAY, do not abandon me, O God. Let ME proclaim your power to this NEW generation, your mighty miracles to ALL who COME AFTER me. Psalm 78:4 [NLT] We will NOT HIDE THESE TRUTHS from our children; we will TELL the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about HIS POWER and HIS MIGHTY WONDERS. “A”: ACTION George Macdonald said, “A man's real belief is that which he lives by. What a man believes is the thing he does, not the thing he thinks.” 1 Peter 1:13 [TPT] So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you … Charles Spurgeon said, “'NOW' is the watchword of the wise,” Vance Havner said, “The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps – we must step up the stairs.” Tony Cooke said, “If WE are doing NOTHING while waiting for GOD to do “something”, we are MISSING it” “C”: CHALLENGES Legacy: (another definition of legacy) It's A GIFT that is passed down through generations: money, property or even STORIES Psalm 78:4 [TPT] We've heard true STORIES from our fathers about our rich heritage. We will continue to tell our children and not hide from the rising generation the great marvels of our God— his miracles and power that have brought us all this far. William Frederick Halsey, Jr. said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” “Y”: YOU Ultimately “YOU” are the one [it will be YOUR CHOICE] that will LEAVE an IMPACT or EMPTINESS for those who follow AFTER you … Ruth 4:13-16 [MSG] The town women said to Naomi, “Blessed be GOD! He didn't leave you without family to carry on your life. May this baby grow up to be famous in Israel! He'll make you young again! He'll take care of you in old age. And this daughter-in-law who has brought him into the world and loves you so much, why, she's worth more to you than seven sons!” 16 Naomi took the baby and held him in her arms, cuddling him, cooing over him, waiting on him hand and foot. William Frederick Halsey, Jr. said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” Legacy: is something that is passed on to you from family, including reputation - a LASTING IMPACT ON THE WORLD – Psalm 112:6 [ModernEnglishV] Surely the righteous man shall not be moved; the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Love Courageously “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “Love never brings fear, for fear is always related to punishment. But love's perfection drives the fear of punishment far from our hearts. Whoever walks constantly afraid of punishment has not reached love's perfection.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭TPT‬‬ “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬ My Helper “But the Lord God has become my divine helper. He leans into my heart and lays his hands upon me!” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭54:4‬ ‭TPT‬‬ “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭54:4‬ ‭ESV “Don't be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you always have God's presence. For hasn't he promised you, “I will never leave you, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!” So we can say with great confidence: “I know the Lord is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me!”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:5-6‬ ‭TPT‬‬ “So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Episode Summary: In this episode, we talk with a guest who found herself in one of the worst situations a parent could face. Her son had been arrested, charged with murder, and incarcerated. Shonda Whitworth shares how she learned to pray for an incarcerated son and how you can too. She discovered how to maintain her hope and continue to pray even when it seemed God wasn't answering. Quotables from the episode: In the courtroom of heaven, God is the judge, Jesus is our advocate and represents us, and Satan is our accuser. Limiting negative thoughts come from our accuser, who uses us to God “day and night.” Satan is the prosecutor in the courtroom of Heaven, accusing us day and night to God, our judge. As we enter the courtroom of heaven, we repent for our thoughts and actions, Jesus covers us with His shed blood, God forgives us and washes away the charges against us, and the accuser has been silenced. There's only one advocate who is able to come to our defense in the courtroom of Heaven: Jesus. Jesus couldn't do miracles in His own hometown because of the disbelief there. We must pray, believing. Freedom is a person, not a location. Scripture References: Romans 8:1 TPT "So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One." Hebrews 4:16 TPT "So now we draw near freely and boldly to where grace is enthroned, to receive mercy's kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness." Luke 18:1 TPT "One day Jesus taught the apostles to keep praying and never stop or lose hope." Luke 18:8 TPT "God will give swift justice to those who don't give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, in the same way as the widow. Even so, when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of undying faith on earth?” Recommended Resources:  Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven by Shonda Whitworth Life as a Mother of a Convicted Felon: From Shattered Hope to Confident Hope Hope for Parents of Incarcerated Children Operating in the Courts of Heaven: granting God the Legal Rights to Fulfill His Passion and Answer Our Prayers by Robert Henderson Assessing the Courts of Heaven: Positioning Yourself for Breakthrough and Answered Prayers by Robert Henderson Receiving Healing from the Courts of Heaven: Removing Hindrances that Delay or Deny Healing by Robert Henderson Unlocking Destinies From the Courts of Heaven: Dissolving Curses that Delay and Deny Our Future by Robert Henderson Shadowboxing: The Dynamic 2-5-14 Strategy to Defeat the Darkness Within by Dr. Henry Malone From the Courtroom of Heaven to the Throne of Grace and Mercy by Jeanette Strauss with the companion prayer guide A free downloadable PDF of 8 Prayers to Pray for Your Incarcerated Loved One is available at FortressofHopeMinistries.com Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Shonda Whitworth: Website / Facebook Shonda / Twitter / LinkedIn Shonda / Facebook Fortress / LinkedIn Fortress / Twitter Fortress For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Shonda Whitworth writes, teaches, and speaks at conferences and retreats to share the hope of healing and restoration we have in Jesus. After her son landed in state prison, she realized the hardships families of prisoners encounter. She and her husband, Eldon, founded Fortress of Hope Ministries, a nonprofit organization that offers hope to families affected by incarceration. Shonda transparently shares her testimony of living with a son in prison at ShondaWhitworth.com and FortressofHopeMinistries.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Imagination is a tool God has blessed us with.Isaiah 46:10Imagination gives us the opportunity to see the end from the beginning and to form a vision.Imagination distorted leads us into a realm called Fantasy.Fantasy is setting your heart or your mind on something that is unrealistic, impossible, or improbable.The Realm of Fantasy is where we chase the satisfaction of life by our own means. Fantasy hinders us from experiencing the fullness of God's goodness. What are some of the ways we get into the Realm of Fantasy?1 - THEY ARE BETTER2 - I AM BETTER3 - IF I ONLY HAD4 - CALLED BUT INACTIVE5 - THINGS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAYGod created imagination and it has a purpose. Satan manipulates and pushes us towards fantasy, but God pushes us towards vision.Vision is the ability to see with our spiritual eyes the things that God has set for us.Proverbs 29:18 KJVVISION VS. FANTASYVision is something God gives. Seeing what God hasn't given is Fantasy.Inspiration is the gateway to Vision. Sensuality is the gateway to Fantasy.Fantasy is the realm of self-gratification.What gives power to fantasy is a lack of vision and a goal of satisfaction.Philippians 4:8 NIV - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJVRomans 12:2 ESVHow do you renew your mind and cast down imaginations? You'll need:1 - UnderstandingProverbs 4:7 NKJV - Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. In all your getting, get understanding. You can not do anything outside of your understanding.When we flirt with information and don't have the level of depth we need, we end up easily misled.Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJVThrough wisdom a house is built,And by understanding it is established;By knowledge the rooms are filledWith all precious and pleasant riches.2 - DiscernmentIf your ratio of general information is higher than the truth coming from the Word, it is going to be difficult to walk in inspiration. Colossians 2:8 NIV - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. James 1:5 NKJV - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.3 - Clarity of FaithRomans 10:17 NKJV - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Hebrews 11:1 NIV - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.God is not asking for blind or visionless faith. 4 - To Study the Word of GodIf you're going to move out of fantasy, you're going to have to work. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousnessStudying the Word of God allows you to see truth, know truth, and understand truth..In the path between Vision and Fantasy lies a battle for the heart.Proverbs 4:23 TPT - So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

The price of freedom always involves sacrifice. John 8:36 TPT - “So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!” www.CrossroadsGo.org

Party at the lost & foundLuke 15:1-3 NIV Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:Luke 15:4 NIV “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? Luke 15:5 NIV And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shouldersLuke 15:6 TPT Returning home, he called all his friends and neighbors together and said, ‘Let's have a party! Come and celebrate with me the return of my lost lamb. It wandered away, but I found it and brought it home.' ”Luke 15:7 TPT Jesus continued, “In the same way, there will be a glorious celebration in heaven over the rescue of one lost sinner who repents, comes back home, and returns to the fold—more so than for all the righteous people who never strayed away.”Luke 15:8 NIV “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?Luke 15:9&10 TPT When she finally found it, she gathered all her friends and neighbors for a celebration, telling them, ‘Come and celebrate with me! I had lost my precious silver coin, but now I've found it.' That's the way God responds every time one lost sinner repents and turns to him. He says to all his angels, ‘Let's have a joyous celebration, for the one who was lost, I have found!' ”Luke 15:11-14 TPT Then Jesus said, “Once there was a father with two sons. And The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.Luke 15:15&16 TPT So he begged a farmer in that country to hire him. The farmer hired him and sent him out to feed the pigs. He never begged before… The son was so famished, he was willing even to eat the slop given to the pigs, because no one would feed him a thing.Luke 15:17 NIV “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!Luke 15:18&19 NIV  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' Luke 15:20-21 NIV So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'Luke 15:22-23 NIV “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. Luke 15:24 NIV  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

VictoriousDeath’s sting is no more. Sin’s power is gone. Jesus has conquered the world. He holds the victory over every problem on this planet. We must be courageous as we look to Him to find victory over every circumstance we face.You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. - 1 John 5:4 (TPT)And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” - John 16:33 (TPT)So death, tell me, where is your victory? Tell me death, where is your sting? It is sin that gives death its sting and the law that gives sin its power. But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (TPT)See yourself in the reflection of God’s eyes. Where is He inviting you to stand in victory today? When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we stand victorious in all things!Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Creating space for people to connect with God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discover identity, and awaken purpose for their lives. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.comWe Need You!Cultivate Connection is listened to in 129 countries and averages 2,000 listeners a week. Help us reach even more people by sharing this episode on Facebook, Instagram, via email, or whatever other way you prefer.Visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts or ask a question. We read every comment and love responding!Leave a review on iTunes or your favourite podcast app. Your ratings and reviews mean a lot and help this podcast get discovered by others.And lastly, subscribe to Cultivate Collection Weekly, our email providing you with resources and inspiration to help you grow your relationship with God.

This idea of being in agreement with heaven came in a new form the other day as I was praying for a client before their upper level mentoring session.God showed me this..Sometimes we can get in agreement with the wrong things.Such as…anxiety, fear, depression, procrastination…comparison.It’s like we sit down with it…pour the hot water for tea or go to St. Arbucks to have coffee with these thoughts.We start to move in agreement in our minds…and start speaking in agreement to very things that stop us from going forward or thwart our very identity in Christ.It’s like we think constantly…”I’m so anxious…I feel anxious …I’m worried about that….Over and over day in and day out we are getting up to the same agreement of what is opposite to our true identity.Anxiety is not your identity friend.Fear is not your identity.Comparing yourself and not feeling enough is not your identity!What do you do?When I realized this was applying to me, I went a day verbally muttering….or shouting if outside..I cancel that agreement to…….Then I realized it’s not only about canceling the thought but also there needs to be an action.New identity creates new activity.God showed me I needed to get to the root of that agreement….dig it up…expose it to HIS LIGHT and replace first with the soil of His Word.Yes, you cover up the dug-out root with the blood of Jesus…His work on the cross was once and for all….for you…for me…Then you move some soil in your heart from HIS Word to cover it….The deeper the hole the same amount of His Promises can replace the empty spot.I just happened to be in book of Colossians during this time. So I hang out with Holy Spirit there and see the soil of His Word that I put into action for agreement with by declaring His thoughts for me…“Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭TPT‬‬So instead of having dinner with fear I’m going to go to a feast with treasures of wisdom, peace…all the good stuff in the heavenly realm to fill my thoughts…to get in agreement with a heaven reality which is now….I will cancel my agreement with the distractions that try to fill my mind in the natural realm.I am a spirit being having a human experience.But I am crucified with Christ…it’s no longer I who live but Christ in me and the life I live in the flesh (with all it’s distractions, and effort to agree with the negatives) I live BY FAITH OF THE Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galations 2:20Let's go for a ride..on a zoom call with the Identity Blueprint!Click here to learn more.

ExecuteJesus had goals, mainly to do the will the Father. He asked his followers to count the cost and to perform all actions as if they were being done unto the Lord. Where is God calling you to execute the plans and purposes He has for your life today?Then Jesus spoke up and said, “My food is to be doing the will of him who sent me and bring it to completion.” - John 4:34 (TPT)So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you. For who would construct a house before first sitting down to estimate the cost to complete it? Otherwise he may lay the foundation and not be able to finish. The neighbors will ridicule him, saying, ‘Look at him! He started to build but couldn’t complete it!’ - Luke 14:28-30 (TPT)Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT)How can you take the thing He is asking you to do and do it as if you were serving the Lord? What is one simple step you can do today that moves you closer to what God is asking you accomplish?Thank You!Becoming a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Creating space for people to connect with God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discover identity, and awaken purpose for their lives. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.comWe Need You!Cultivate Connection is listened to in 129 countries and averages 2,000 listeners a week. Help us reach even more people by sharing this episode on Facebook, Instagram, via email, or whatever other way you prefer.Visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts or ask a question. We read every comment and love responding!Leave a review on iTunes or your favourite podcast app. Your ratings and reviews mean a lot and help this podcast get discovered by others.And lastly, subscribe to Cultivate Collection Weekly, our email providing you with resources and inspiration to help you grow your relationship with God.

God's always perfect timing can be one of the largest hurdles we have to understand in our lives.I am sure each one of us can easily recall various times in our life praying day, after day, after day, after day for some situation? Perhaps it was for healing, for provision of finances, for a life-partner, for anyone of a hundred different things, people, or situations. Yet, it seemed as if those prayers were unanswered, as if God was just letting you remain in a state of limbo without a clear answer.The world around you was continuing to move on while leaving you in a place you did not want to be. I can well recall times in my own life seeing people happily living their lives, wondering how could they do this? Impatiently, I wanted God acting now to resolve my situation. Furthermore, I did not want to endure another day of unanswered prayers.We all want good things to happen in our lives, but too often we want it now, not later. When it doesn't happen that way, we are tempted to ask, "When, God, when?" Most of us need to grow in the area of trusting God instead of focusing on the "when" question. If you are missing joy and peace, then most likely you are not fully trusting God.Realising God's timing in my life has been one of the BIGGEST lessons I have had to learn. Often this is not easy, but involves a conscious daily commitment to patience and surrendering my life to Him. Through it all, however, it can be one of the most freeing and peaceful lessons you can learn.1. God has a timetable for everything that happens“There is an APPOINTED TIME for everything, and there is a RIGHT TIME for every event under heaven” Eccles 3:1 (NASB)God uses the phrase “right time” 96 times in the Bible. God has a right time for everything! This verse lets us know that we do not all live in the same season at the same time. We should never be jealous of someone who is enjoying harvest while we are still in the planting season. Remember, they had to go through a season of planting just as you might be now. Seeing the results that person might now be enjoying should actually be an encouragement to understand and trust that God is doing the very best for you in your present season. Seeding time represents learning the will of God. Each time I choose God's will instead of my own, I am planting a good seed that will in God's timing bring a harvest.2. God does not tell us the details in advance“God has given us a desire to know the future. He always does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what He is doing” Eccles. 3:11 (NCV)There are three primary reasons why God does not show us the future:It would scare us, and possibly overwhelm us.We would try to manipulate it.God wants us to TRUST Him completely.“Jesus answered, The Father is the One who sets the fixed dates and the times of their fulfillment. You are not permitted to know the timing of all that He has prepared by His own authority” Acts 1:7 (The Passion Translation - TPT)3. God is never in a hurry, and He's never late2 Peter 3:8 (TPT) “So, dear friends, don't let this one thing escape your notice: a single day counts like a thousand years to the Lord Yahweh, and a thousand years counts as one day.”God's sense of time is very different to our own. God is timeless and He is not bound by time. God's timing is perfect. Most times I am in a hurry and God is not. My timing is imperfect. God is not early, nor late…He is always right on time!GOD speaking to the prophet Habakkuk: “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:3 (NASB)3. God's timing is not always convenientEverything God does is out of love. God is love! Everything happens at the right time, and not at the easiest time with no pain involved.4. At the right time God can do anything instantlyGod spoke the entire universe into existence instantly. We try to accomplish things in our way, in our own time, and our situation is not going anywhere.God said: “I am the Lord, and when it is time, I will make these things happen quickly.” Isaiah 60:22 (NCV)Too often we try to take control over every part of our situation. We try doing things we feel are right without asking God first, invariably for the situation to only get worse. Nothing short of complete surrender to God is what is required; only then are things likely to start to change for the better.THE MOST DIFFICULT PLACE TO BE IN LIFE IS GOD'S WAITING ROOM - YOU ARE IN A HURRY AND GOD IS NOT!I believe these words sum up for many of us in just one sentence how we can feel at times. Why is this taking so long God, why do I have to go through all this, I am tired Lord, I cannot do another day of this… Lord why is this continuing on?The book of Genesis tells the story of Joseph, who waited many years for the fulfillment of the dream God had given him. He was falsely accused and imprisoned before the time came for him to do what God had shown him he was to do. The book of Exodus tells us that God led the Israelites the longer, harder way on their journey to the Promised Land because He knew they were not yet ready to go in. There had to be time for their training, and they had to go through some very trying situations. They wasted a lot of time wondering about God's timing, but God never failed to take care of them and show them what He wanted them to do. The same is true in our lives.Seven years ago the out-break of civil war suddenly forced the abandonment of the agricultural project which I managed in South Sudan. At the time I was owed by my employer more than one year's salary payments. This sudden change of circumstances with four children to support subsequently left us in an extremely tenuous situation for several years. It was, however, a great time of spiritual growth as a couple and family where we came to clearly recognise God as our source, much more clearly than at any point previously in our lives. With the passing of time God also plainly guided my patient handling of the relationship with my former employer so that exactly at His timing when His plans were ready to be revealed the long-owed moneys are now moving for God's purposes to be fulfilled. God's perfect timing, almost seven years later.So why are there delays that do not fit to our timetable:To test our faith, andTo grow our character.God is more interested in what you become, than what you do.The Lord says: “At the RIGHT TIME I will answer your prayers!” Isaiah 49:8 (NCV)God answers EVERY prayer…. “no” is an answer, and “not yet” is an answer. A delay is not a denial. When we experience a delay it tends to cause a lot of negative emotions. A delay creates stress, anger, worry, envy, and sometimes self-pity.Such delays can seem to be the hardest times and lessons in our life. The salary payment delay I described was YEARS, not days, weeks, or months. In that period we certainly learnt to trust God more completely than ever previously. We learnt to hand over and depend more than ever on God as our source. God wanted us to completely trust Him, and Him alone.God wants us to do four things while we are in His WAITING ROOM:Fear NotFret NotForget Not, andFaint Not1.FEAR NOT! Trust God completelyInstead of fear dominating my life, I now have faith dominating my life. Over the years I have learnt to trust God in times that I do not understand. Trusting God causes my fear to subside. In researching this message I read varying accounts that the phrase “fear not” appears in the Bible anywhere from 200 up to 365 times – if it is the later, then that's one “fear not” verse for every day of the year!Jesus said: “Don't yield to fear. All you need to do is keep on believing.” Mark 5:36 (TPT)2. FRET NOT! Be patient and humbleWhen I checked the definition of the word fret it says: to be constantly or visibly worried or anxious.Every time you wait patiently on God, it is a sign of faith and humility.“Wait and trust the Lord. DON'T FRET when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed. And don't get angry or upset – it only leads to trouble.” Psalm 37:7-8 (NCV)Too often we can have our eyes on others, instead of focussed on God. We are comparing ourselves and our situation to others. Worry is worthless! You are wasting that moment. Worry cannot control the past or the future, it messes up the right now. Instead of worrying - PRAY!“Don't be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell Him every detail of your life.” Philippians 4:6 (TPT)3. FORGET NOT! Study God's promises to youThe Bible is filled with the promises of God to each of one of us, more than 6,000 promises in fact. It is our OWNER'S MANUAL of life.“If you keep looking closely into God's perfect Word that sets people free, and you keep on studying it, and you DON'T FORGET it, and you put it into daily practice – you will be BLESSED by God in ALL you do!” James 1:254. FAINT NOT! Don't give up“So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the RIGHT TIME we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up or quit” Galatians 6:9 (The Message)DON'T GIVE UP - LOOK UP!Remember that it is all in God's perfect timing. He has a timetable for everything, He does not tell us all the details, God is never in a hurry, He is never late, and His timing is not always convenient! Consequently, in the storms of life we can trust God, we can be patient and humble, we can count on God's promises and keep our eyes on Him. Our job is not to figure out when, but to make up our mind that we will not give up until we cross the finish line and are living in the radical, outrageous blessings of God. Trusting God brings life. Believing brings rest.I pray a blessed week ahead for each and every one of you in daily walk with the Lord. May His perfect timing be revealed in some aspect of your life this week to encourage and draw you closer to Him.

The Risk to Us The darkness is deep, but Light still pierces it. Evil is rampant, but God's radiant glory covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. Injustice, racism, and prejudice form a heinous, unholy trinity, but the Judge of the whole earth sees all and is coming back to restore order. Sorrowing and sighing and suffering threaten to overwhelm, but there is a Morning Sun who comes with healing in His wings. Death visits all, but its sting has been overcome by Him who is life everlasting. Life is full of snares and pitfalls and disappointments and tragedies and lots of sin-production but mercy triumphs over judgment. Chaos and fear and doom-speak seduce undiscerning hearts, but the Prince of Peace is inviting the lonely, the weak, the believing, into his warm embrace. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unleash its global disruption, but Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and the Tav, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Completion.” (Rev. 22:13, TPT) So, now let's talk about the risk to us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-18 1. v. 6 – Risk reduced in ______________________________________ 2. vv. 7-9 – Risk reduced with ___________________________________ pressured but not ______________________, confused but not ______________________, persecuted but not ____________________, knocked down but not ________________. 3. vv. 10-12 – Risk reduced as __________________________________ 4. vv. 13-15 – Risk reduced as __________________________________ 5. vv. 16-18 – Risk reduced with ________________________________ “For to us a child is born . . . of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” from Isaiah 9

“I am a true sprouting vine, and the farmer who tends the vine is my Father.” John 15:1 TPT “So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in

Ashley Rogers, founder and director of Created Art Ministry, joins Gabrielle Leonard this week to discuss anxiety and her experience with increased panic attacks in 2020. She gives wisdom on how to move past the shame and what it looks like to connect with Jesus amid anxiety practically. The amount of insight provided in this conversation is unreal. You’ll be encouraged!Special Guest: Ashley Rogers https://www.createdministry.com/Scriptures mentioned: Philippines 4:6-7 NKJVBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Acts 1:21-26 TPT“So then, we must choose his replacement from among those who have been with us from the very beginning, from John’s baptism until Jesus’ ascension. And, like us, he must be a witness of his resurrection.”They proposed two candidates: Joseph, who is also called Barsabbas the Just, and Matthias. They all prayed, “Lord Yahweh, you know the heart of every man. Please give us clear revelation to know which of these two men you have chosen to be an apostle and take Judas’ place because he renounced his apostleship to go where he belonged.” They cast lots and determined that Matthias was the Lord’s choice, so he was added to the eleven apostles.New episodes every Wednesday!Thanks for subscribing and leaving a review! Please feel free to share with your family and friends.Record your question for the show, and I'll answer it on a future episode. https://www.speakpipe.com/returningtojoypodcastWebsite: https://www.returningtojoy.com/For more frequent encouragement follow us on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returningtojoypodcast/Music by AG (Affirming Grace) @agmusic4godSupport the show (https://admin.wildfire.church/page/635)Support the show (https://admin.wildfire.church/page/635)

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Pt.9 Receiving What is done. Sunday, September 27, 2020 Ephesians 2:1-10 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” As believers we must learn to understand, believe, and respond to God’s grace correctly. A key component of responding correctly is understanding that if Jesus has already done something, there is no need for us to try to do it ourselves. We have to realize that the entire gospel rest upon this truth; Jesus did what He did because no one else could do what needed to be done! As believers we must come to a place where we believe completely in what He has done so that we can receive the fruit of what He did. IT IS ALL ABOUT JESUS! HIS LIFE, HIS DEATH, HIS RESURRECTION, HIS VICTORY! Today I want to lay out some practical things we can do to receive or manifest what He has already done. I don’t want to call them steps, but principals. “Steps” make it sound like there’s a formula and if you work the formula you will get the result and we have a tendency to prefer formulas over understanding. I don’t have to understand why or how, I just follow the formula and get the result. 2+2=4 every time! 5x5=25 every time! The problem is when the formula doesn’t work. The more complex the problem the more opportunity there is to miss a step or have something unforeseen cause the formula to not work. But when I understand the how and why I can work the problem and when something comes up I have a foundational understanding that will allow me to overcome the obstacle or hindrance. God said my people perish for lack of knowledge, not a lack of formula’s! “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” is a lie. The truth is what you don’t know can kill, steal, and destroy you! I believe that he loves me! The foundation upon which everything else is built the the absolute truth that GOD LOVES ME! Our perception of God will either limit or increase our capacity to receive from God. Love is the motivational factor for everything God has done. Romans 5:8 TPT 8 But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! John 3:16 TPT 16 For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. 1 John 4:9-11 The light of God’s love shined within us[a] when he sent his matchless Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 This is love: He loved us long before we loved him. It was his love, not ours. He proved it by sending his Son to be the pleasing sacrificial offering to take away our sins. Romans 8:37-39 TPT 37 Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors,[a] and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! 38 So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. 39 There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One! Jeremiah 31:3… “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” When I am rooted and grounded in the absolute truth that God loves me, it positions me to see that His will if for me to be healed! Pauls prayer; Eph 2:14-17 14 So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, 15 the perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. 16 And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. 17 Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. I believe that his grace has been extended toward me! Grace is the action that is a result of the Love. The Love and Grace of God must be the foundation upon which our belief system is built. Grace has appeared to all men, but not all men have appealed to grace! ALL MEN! EVEN ME! Grace is the atmosphere created by love that makes faith the only reasonable response. Healing is a product of GRACE! I believe in the finished work of Jesus. I believe that healing (spirit, soul, and body) is part of that finished work and therefore is already done! Our trust in the finished works of Jesus allows us to take possession of what He has made available. Our healing—both physically and emotionally—is already done. My faith must be in what He has accomplished and not in my own ability. A simple definition of Faith is a positive response to what God has already provided by grace. In other words, faith is your positive response to God’s grace. Faith appropriates what God has already provided for you. I’m not trying to get God to heal me, I’m renewing my mind with the truth that He has already healed me! Faith moves what God has done and made available into my situation! 1 Peter 2:24 “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.” TPT 24 “He himself carried our sins[a] in his body on the cross so that we would be dead to sin and live for righteousness. Our instant healing flowed from his wounding.” Rest in the finished work of healing. Hebrews 4:1-3 TPT Now God has offered to us the same promise of entering into his realm of resting in confident faith. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all embrace the fullness of that promise and not fail to experience it. 2 For we have heard the good news of deliverance just as they did, yet they didn’t join their faith with the Word. Instead, what they heard didn’t affect them deeply, for they doubted. 3 For those of us who believe, faith activates the promise and we experience the realm of confident rest! For he has said, “I was grieved with them and made a solemn oath, ‘They will never enter into the calming rest of my Spirit.’ ” God’s works have all been completed from the foundation of the world… Rest authenticates faith! We are not working to be healed, we are working to stay at rest! Hebrews 4:11 TPT “So then we must give our all and be eager to experience this faith-rest life, so that no one falls short by following the same pattern of doubt and unbelief.” We do this by speaking in agreement with what we are resting in. His word and His finished work. Master your emotions! 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. This is spiritual warfare! You must engage in order to receive. God’s will doesn’t just happen. Regardless of what you see or hear in the natural, you must hold onto the healing Jesus has obtained. Resist fear! 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. TPT For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. We tend to focus on what he hasn’t given us in this verse instead of what He has! Perfect love cast out fear! Fear tolerated is faith contaminated! We do this by engaging in praise, worship and declaring the word! (Go back to first 3 praises and how they are worded.) Nothing confuses the enemy more than a believer who praises in the midst of attacks! LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION, GRACE IS THE ACTION, FAITH IS THE RESPONSE, AND HEALING IS THE RESULT!

Tony Silveira brings you a mid-week Bible Study during the covid-19 outbreak. Please subscribe to our channel and share this message on social media. Thank you. Watch your heart and speak good words (that can change your destiny) Proverbs 4:23 (TPT) So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life. In the Old Testament the word “heart” is used more than 800 times, but more than 200 times it deals with one's thought life, emotions, the wellsprings of life, those things that motivate and mold us. Outline available here https://passionministries.ca/post/614300436641529856/watch-your-heart

By Pastor Scott Jefferson Scriptures - Luke 11:2-4 (NKJV) - So He said to them, “When you pray, say:Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins,For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.” - Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) - that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. - Romans 8:2 (TPT) - For the “law” of the Spirit of life flowing through the anointing of Jesus has liberated us from the “law” of sin and death. - Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, - Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) - And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. - James 5:16 (NKJV) - Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. - Proverbs 28:13 (TPT) - If you cover up your sin you’ll never do well.But if you confess your sins and forsake them,you will be kissed by mercy. - 1 John 1:8-10 (TPT) - If we boast that we have no sin, we’re only fooling ourselves and are strangers to the truth. 9 But if we freely admit our sins when his light uncovers them, he will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and he will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim that we’re not guilty of sin when God uncovers it with his light, we make him a liar and his word is not in us. - Matthew 5:23-24 (TPT) - “So then, if you are presenting a gift before the altar in the temple and suddenly you remember a quarrel you have with a fellow believer, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar and go at once to apologize with the one who is offended. Then, after you have reconciled, come to the altar and present your gift. - Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. - Luke 17:3 (NKJV) - Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. - Luke 23:24 (NKJV) - So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. Message Points BIG IDEA: Confessing and forgiving are to become a lifestyle that leads to clear and clean relationships between God and man As followers of Jesus we must: 1. Confront and confess sin to God 2. Confess and ask for forgiveness from others 3. Forgive others even if they don't ask

Pop Quiz Answer Pop Quiz Date: 2/26/2020 Question: Which Translation? "But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right - the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also." Answer: Amplified (AMP) Different translations of the Bible share different inflections of the same story - It’s like the same story being told my different people! Popular Bible Translations: KJV - King James Version NKJV - New King James Version NIV - New International Version NLT - New Living Translation AMP - Amplified TPT - The Passion Translation NASB - New American Standard Bible ESV - English Standard Version HCSB - Hollman Christian Standard Bible KJV vs NIV: The KJV is a more direct, word-for-word translation; the NIV more "dynamic equivalent" (idea-for-idea translation of the words) KJV vs NKJV: many of those who follow the KJV are more literal in their interpretations of text. NKJV makes it more amenable to more modern thoughts and interpretations. This is not to insinuate that the KJV is wrong NIV vs NLT: The main difference is that the NIV is a word-for-word translation. The NLT is a paraphrase; for context and quick reading. If you’re an English reader the NLT is probably the more readable, but the NIV gives a closer idea of the underlying text. AMP: The Amplified Bible attempts to take both word meaning and context into account in order to accurately translate the original text from one language into another. By using synonyms and definitions, it both explains and expands the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses, brackets, and after key words NASB: considered the most accurate , contrary to popular belief of KJV (1611) TPT: The passion translation - scripture in poetic form! Generally, it’s suggest that, for non-Greek-and-Hebrew scholars (like the majority of us), a good rule of thumb is “the more translations the better.” If you take the time to compare and contrast a variety of modern versions, you’ll have a much better chance of grasping the sense of the original text than if you stick with one “favorite” translation. Matt 6:33 AMP: But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right - the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. TPT: So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly NASB: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you KJV: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you NIV: But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well NLT: Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need Looking for a huddle of God Girls to do faith with? Join me in the Simply Faithfull Group of FB! We're waiting for you...See you soon! I LOVE doing faith with you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/simplyfaithfull/message

What do you believe God is capable of? Maybe your answer is, "Everything. In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel told Mary, 'For nothing will be impossible with God.' " That's a great answer. Now, let's write a list of all the things you would like the 'God of the impossible' to change in your life or the lives of those you love. What's on your list? Re-read it. Is the list complete? Is there anything you have subconsciously put in the 'That will never change' basket, so you haven't bothered to put it on the list? Things like ... ... the medical condition that doctors said would never improve or change? ... those areas of deep emotional pain that you don't dare to think about? This week I wrote a list with some of these 'This will never change' items, and it really challenged me. Yes, I believe God is the 'God of the impossible.' I have witnessed Him change many circumstances in our lives over the years. But perhaps now, with some of the things on my list I have become complacent, even apathetic, with the thinking that it will be okay if that doesn't change. And perhaps it will be okay. But is that how God wants us to live? in the okay? I'm not so sure. The apostle Paul tells us... I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV Content - is that content for the status quo? Or is that content knowing that God is in control, He is at work in the unseen and that He has a plan? For me, I'm going with the second idea of contentment. I remember the time in 2015 when we found out the tumour in Victoria's brain had grown for the third time. We were devastated. During the following three months there were many tears, conversations with God, reading of His Word, declaring of His promises and building faith to once again believe His promises. Around that time a friend sent me a message with Ephesians 3:16-21 ... May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; That you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] – To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:16-21 AMPC I had never read this scripture before. When I read it for the first time, I was in a place of absolute desperation, not knowing what would happen to our child. It was one of those moments when I knew without a doubt that God was speaking to me through His word, reminding me of His power and that He was indeed the 'God of the impossible.' That truth helped me to move back to a place of faith and that contentedness knowing that God was at work in the unseen. And indeed He was at work. The next routine scan showed the tumour had stabilised without any human intervention. And whatsmore it has remained stable for four years. Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen! Ephesians 3:21 TPT So today let's take each of the supposedly 'unchangable' items on our list and declare that we will ... Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Ephesians 3:20 TPT Let's dare to dream the impossible, in JESUS Name. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

By Pastor Scott Jefferson Scriptures - Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:13 (NKJV) – “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” - Luke 19:37-40 (TPT) – “As soon as he got to the bottom of the Mount of Olives, the crowds of his followers shouted with a loud outburst of ecstatic joy over all the mighty wonders of power they had witnesses 38 They shouted over and over, “Highest praises to God for the one who comes as King in the name of the Lord! Heaven’s peace and glory from the highest realm now comes to us!” 39 Some Jewish religious leader who stood off from the procession said to Jesus, “Teacher, you must order your followers at once to stop saying these things!” 40 “Jesus responded “Listen to me. If my follow were silenced, the very stones would break forth with praises!” - Psalms 100:1-5 (NKJV) – “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” - Psalms 22:3 (NKJV) – “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 103:1-5 (TPT) – “With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before you, the holy God! 2 Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget (this is purposeful reflection) the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? 3 You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. 4 You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. 5 You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky! - Philippians 4:8 (TPT) - So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. - Psalm 34:1-3 (NKJV) – “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.” Message Points 1. RECOGNITION 2. REFLECTION 3. RESPOND

TrustYour Words for 2020Welcome to our third meditation on your words submitted for the new year. This week's word is Trust.This is such a good word to describe God; because He is more trustworthy than anyone else. In a world where trust can easily be broken, His trust never fails. This week, allow the Holy Spirit to show you just how trustworthy God is.The Bible is filled with so many examples of God's trust. Here are six specific versus I read from this week. Blessing you to receive all that God has for you in this meditation. Enjoy!You are my strength and my shield from every danger.When I fully trust in you, help is on the way.I jump for joy and burst forth with ecstatic, passionate praise!I will sing songs of what you mean to me! - Psalm 28:7 (TPT)Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment!Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him.Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! - Psalm 62:8 (TPT)But in the day that I’m afraid, I lay all my fears before youand trust in you with all my heart. - Psalm 56:3 (TPT)So my conclusion is this:Many are the sorrows and frustrationsof those who don’t come clean with God.But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness,his wrap-around love will surround you. - Psalm 32:10 (TPT)Lord, it is so much better to trust in you to save me than to put my confidence in someone else. - Psalm 118:8 (TPT)Then I finally admitted to you all my sins,refusing to hide them any longer.I said, “My life-giving God,I will openly acknowledge my evil actions.”And you forgave me!All at once the guilt of my sin washed awayand all my pain disappeared! - Psalm 32:5 (TPT) Thank You!Become a PatronIf you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, please consider becoming a monthly patron. Creating space for people to connect with God in this busy world is so vital.As a patron, you empower us to continue producing and developing tools for people to connect with God, discover identity, and awaken purpose for their lives. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.comWe Need You!Cultivate Connection is listened to in 129 countries and averages 2,000 listeners a week. Help us reach even more people by sharing this episode on Facebook, Instagram, via email, or whatever other way you prefer.Visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts or ask a question. We read every comment and love responding!Leave a review on iTunes or your favourite podcast app. Your ratings and reviews mean a lot and help this podcast get discovered by others.And lastly, subscribe to Cultivate Collection Weekly, our email providing you with resources and inspiration to help you grow your relationship with God.

By Pastor Robert Rosales Fruit is the visible expression of power working inwardly and invisibly, the character of the"fruit" being evidence of the character of the power producing it. ~ Vines expository dictionary Scriptures - Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV) - "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Galatians 5:16-23 (NLT) - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! - Psalm 1:2-3 (TPT) - His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous. - John 15:4 (TPT) - So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine. - John 15:8 (TPT) - When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father! Message Points “There is ONLY one fruit of the Spirit, which is love. It is unscriptural to speak of the “fruits of the Spirit”. What is listed in Galatians 5:22-23 are eight characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, love. All these other characteristics which are mentioned are but facets of love.” ~ Foundations of Pentecostal Theology 1. It’s supernaturally natural to live FRUITFUL lives. 2. The nature you FEED the most wins! 3. The Holy Spirit will PRODUCE the fruit as long as we stay CONNECTED.

Over twenty years ago most Saturday mornings, Ken and I would travel by public transport (we were newly married and didn't have a car) from Elizabeth Bay, inner Sydney, to Chatswood. Why? For Ken to pre-record his radio show, 'Arts in Review' at a community radio station During the week he'd contact his interviewees and assign a time for an over the phone interview on the Saturday morning. On those Saturdays I'd sit in the chair outside the studio and often fall asleep after a long, sometimes challenging week working on an IT helpdesk. Why am I sharing about Ken's community radio show? Well, because yesterday God reminded me about it. I was sitting in my car having just finished a phone interview with a Christian radio station in Perth about my book and God's faithfulness. Aside; I was in my car so I wouldn't be interrupted by any of the family - but I forgot to turn off call-waiting on my phone! Thankfully the interview was being pre-recorded! Anyway, as I sat there giving thanks to God for how well the interview had gone (from my perspective anyway), He gave me a picture of Ken and I in the studio in Chatswood, and Ken interviewing people over the phone. He was reminding me of a few things ... 1, God always goes before us, preparing the way. In this case, over 20 years ago, unknowingly, I was being immersed in an environment that I would need to know about today! And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV 2, God will always make sure we are prepared for what He wants us to do and will fill the gaps that need to be filled. In this example, Ken with his radio experience, was able to coach me in the preparation for the interview. Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant, may he work perfection into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing to him through your life-union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen! Hebrews 31:20-21 TPT Giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. Even when we don't realise it at the time. Thank you God that you are the Master planner! 3, God knows the end of the story and He knows the part He wants us to play. He knows that He is working all things together for good ... So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28 TPT So, despite all that has come against us over the years, in the words of a wonderful, life giving song, Raise a Hallelujah, by Bethel Music .... I raise a Hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies. Remember, our God, the one who goes before, equips us, and knows how the story ends, He will always have the last say ... Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes. 1 Peter 2:33 The Message To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

Once again this week I have been reminded of the importance of taking time to give God space to do what only He can do. Picture this... a group of women silently communicating with God. Writing messages to God, including things they want to be set free from in their lives and their family's lives. I write something on my paper, and then throw it in the fire (literally), declaring quietly, "God you've got this.' Then about five minutes later I see a child peeping in the door. So I leave my cosy chair near the fire and go to her. The tears come and she confesses the exact sin that only minutes before I had written and thrown into the fire. What's surprising to me, is that I had no idea that this particular sin was an issue for that child! I was completely overwhelmed with God's love for us, how intimately He knows us, and how mysteriously He works. The seed for this night of group quiet time with God, confession and throwing in the fire, was planted over month a go. God knew then what He was going to do on that night. It is good and right to remember that His ways are always higher than ours. “I don’t think the way you think.     The way you work isn’t the way I work.”         God’s Decree. “For as the sky soars high above earth,     so the way I work surpasses the way you work,     and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message God hears our prayers. Since we have this confidence, we can also have great boldness before him, for if we present any request agreeable to his will, he will hear us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we also know that we have obtained the requests we ask of him. 1 John 5:14-15 TPT God wants us and our family and friends to experience the freedom that only He can give. The next part of this scripture explains the importance of prayer in that process. If anyone observes a fellow believer habitually sinning in a way that doesn’t lead to death, you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. 1 John 5:16 TPT I was not expecting what happened in our daughter's life that night, that she would have greater revelation of the truth that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. I had expected God to do some heart work within myself (that is always necessary!); and to see some answers to the other prayers over the coming weeks and months. But not within the following five minutes. Clearly I need to take all my delivery timeframes off my prayers! So let's remember that we have a God who can do the unexpected, the unimaginable, but always the best. I believe we do have a part to play in that too, just as 1 John 5:16 said ... you should keep interceding in prayer that God will give that person life. If I analyse what happened on that night and the choices that I made (prompted by the Holy Spirit), there were six distinct actions. Now this is not a formula to follow, rather some principals that could be applied when wanting to be more intimate with God and see breakthrough in our lives and the lives of those that God connects us with. 1. Make time to hear from God - Prioritise time with Him Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17 NKJV 2. Being silent so can hear - Quieten your voice so you can hear His Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:10 NKJ 3. Confession - Be real, God knows everything anyway But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT 4. Awareness - Look around, observe what is happening around you "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38 NLT 5. Obey the prompting - Act on what the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do “Yes,” said Jesus. “But God will bless all who listen to the word of God and carefully obey everything they hear.” Luke 11:28 TPT 6. Love and reassure - That's what Jesus does, everyday. But Lord, your nurturing love is tender and gentle. You are slow to get angry yet so swift to show your faithful love. You are full of abounding grace and truth. Psalm 86:15 TPT So those are some choices we can make. But ultimately God is the one in control. His perfect love manifests in so many different ways, bringing freedom into our lives. Remember our salvation. Let's never underestimate what He can do. But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy.  Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! Ephesians 2:4-5 TPT To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

  "Keep your heart open to me," those are the words God whispered to me the other morning as I sat looking through the crystal clear water to the bottom of the lake. It was as though He was showing me how he wants my heart to be, so absolutely transparent. No outside disturbances like the slight breeze that was causing ripples in a less sheltered part of the lake. No pollution, like the impure water that flows from the storm water drain mixing in with the clean lake water. The question is how? How do I keep my heart open to you Lord? How do I know when it isn't fully open? How do I know when I am subconsciously hiding something from you? You know what is hiding anyway! This scripture comes to mind ... Psalm 51:10 Create a new, clean heart within me. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you. Psalm 51:10 TPT So is that the answer? Ask you God to create a new clean heart within me? Ask the Holy Spirit to prompt me to sit quietly with you and wait for you to give me a word? And upon hearing that word I will know immediately, an aha moment, a revelation of yes that does need to be confessed. You always knew it was there. I just needed to acknowledge it, to confess it. How happy and fulfilled are those whose rebellion has been forgiven, those whose sins are covered by blood. How blessed and relieved are those who have confessed their corruption to God! For he wipes their slates clean and removes hypocrisy from their hearts. Psalm 32:1-2 TPT There it is - He wipes our slate clean and removes hypocrisy from our hearts. What peace comes after confession. Then I finally admitted to you all my sins, refusing to hide them any longer. I said, "My life-giving God, I will openly acknowledge my evil actions." And you forgave me! All at once the guilt of my sin washed away and all my pain disappeared! Pause in his presence. Psalm 32:5 TPT Pause in his presence.  How often to we really do that? Completely pause in his presence? This is something God spoke to me about at the end of last year - the need to more often pause in his presence. In fact, He gave me a very specific scripture .... Genesis 24:21 ... And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD has made his journey prosperous or not. Genesis 24:21 NKJV The key words for me were the 'remained silent so as to know whether the LORD', ie for me to remain silent until God speaks. So for the first month of this year, once a week I have gone to a peaceful place and sat, remaining silent until God speaks. After only four weeks it has become one of my favourite times in my week. It is a weekly appointment that I certainly don't want to miss. I still have my daily time with God early each morning, and conversations throughout the day, but they are more times of two way communication. Whereas this weekly appointment is time set aside to remain silent and wait until He speaks. I don't want to miss what he wants to say to me. Because it is always exactly what I need to hear, as Psalm 32 says, I hear the Lord saying, "I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don't make it difficult; don't be stubborn when I take you where you've not been before. Don't make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!" So my conclusion is this: Many are the sorrows and frustrations of those who don't come clean with God. But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness, his wrap-around love will surround you. Psalm 32:8-10 TPT Don't let pain, anger, fear and disappointment keep you from having an open heart towards God. Find that time to pause in his presence, listen to what he reveals, confess your sin, ask forgiveness and let him minister his love and kindness to you. Only then we can move towards loving God and others better.  To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

I AM CHANGED "My passion is to enlighten every person to this divine mystery. It was hidden for ages past until now, and kept a secret in the heart of God, the Creator of all. The purpose of this was to unveil before every throne and rank of angelic orders in the heavenly realm God’s full and diverse wisdom revealed through the church. This perfectly wise plan was destined from eternal ages and fulfilled completely in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that now we have boldness through him, and free access as kings before the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness.” Ephesians 3:9-12 (TPT) “So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.” Ephesians 3:13 (NLT) “So I kneel humbly in awe before the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, he perfect Father of every father and child in heaven and on the earth. And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God! Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. Now we offer up to God all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!” Ephesians 3:14-21 (TPT) https://www.cof.church https://www.instagram.com/cofhouston https://www.facebook.com/cofhouston

I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. Philippians 4:13, TPT So there’s a secret for overcoming all things? Prayer Champions the Voice translations puts it this way, I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. Voice So then is contentment, learning to be content, or gratified, pleased, comforted, and gladdened, in Christ Jesus the answer? When we pray about the things we must face, the challenges we must confront, the problems we have to solve, and sometimes the crises that occur in our lives, can we be content that God has the situation hand and will help us?  Can we cast those cares on the altar and leave them there? Today's broadcast helps us pray, I can do it!

TODAY'S EPISODE NOTES    TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… THINK it till I FEEL it, FEEL it till I DO it, and DO it till I LIVE it!  ____________________ MANY PEOPLE … SING the Word TALK the Word QUOTE the Word ANALYZE the Word Put the Word on magnets and BUMPER stickers TATTOO the Word to their arms STUDY the Word (Greek/Hebrew) WRITE PAPERS on the Word Set Word promises on SMALL CARDS around their house Listen to the Word on Cd and MP3 Go to CONFERENCES for the Word YET still refuse TO DO THE WORD! ____________________ BUILT THINK IT FEEL IT DO IT [LIVE IT]  ____________________ MARK 11:22-24 TPT Jesus replied, “Let the FAITH of God be in you! 23 Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great FAITH and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and BELIEVES that what he says will happen, it will be done. 24 This is the reason I urge you to BOLDLY BELIEVE for whatever you ask for in prayer—BELIEVE that you have received it and it will be yours.  Real Faith in the Word says, “If God says it is true, it is.”  If God says He is the strength of my life, He is.  So I go about doing my work because He is what He says He is, and I am what He says I am.” If He says I am STRONG, I am. If He says I have JOY, then I do. If He says SERVING OTHERS gives meaning to my life, then that is what I do. If He says that GIVING FINANCIAL to His Kingdom is what multiplies my own resources, then I give. If He says that MY FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS is a choice of obedience that frees up my life, then I forgive. If He says that I HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN and guilt has been removed, then I am forgiven and act as though no more guilt exist. ____________________ HEBREWS 4:1-3 TPT Now God has offered to us the same promise of entering into his realm of resting in CONFIDENT FAITH. So we must be extremely careful to ensure that we all EMBRACE THE FULLNESS of that PROMISE and NOT FAIL TO EXPERIENCE IT. 2 For we have heard the good news of deliverance just as they did, yet THEY DIDN’T JOIN THEIR FAITH WITH THE WORD. Instead, what they heard didn’t affect them deeply, for they doubted. 3 For those of us who believe, FAITH ACTIVATES THE PROMISE and we EXPERIENCE the realm of confident rest!   2 KINDS OF UNBELIEF Based on IGNORANCE God’s Word Based on DISOBEDIENCE to integrate, regulate and activate God’s Word Choose not to THINK it Choose not to FEEL it Choose not to DO it Choose not to LIVE it ____________________  JAMES 2:17-19 TPT So then FAITH that doesn’t involve ACTION is PHONY. 18 … I will show you FAITH by my WORKS (actions/activations) as proof that I BELIEVE. 19 You can BELIEVE all you want that there is one true God, that’s wonderful! But even the demons know (BELIEVE) this and tremble with fear before him, yet they’re unchanged—they remain demons. ____________________  FAITH:  CAN I DO THIS? ROMANS 12:3 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to EACH ONE a MEASURE OF FAITH. ROMANS 10:17 NKJV So then FAITH [COMES] BY HEARING, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.  ____________________ TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… INTEGRATE God’s Word into my THINKING REGULATE God’s Word into my EMOTIONS ACTIVATE God’s Word into my DOING   TO BE BUILT MEANS I MUST… THINK it till I FEEL it, FEEL it till I DO it, and DO it till I LIVE it!   ____________________ HOW WILL I…  BUILT THINK IT? FEEL IT? DO IT?  

In my early years of 'mummying' four children I tried to schedule things to make the weeks as easy as possible for myself.  For example, with physical activity and sport, one strategy I employed was to encourage them all to do swimming, it was in one location, not weather dependent, cheapish, both boys and girls can participate in it, and of course, it is good for their fitness. And one of the biggest benefits for me, the mum was that it was easy to fit into our weekly schedule.  But it soon became evident that not all four children had a passion for swimming. It turns out that they had their own ideas about what they wanted to do for physical exercise! Yes, it seems they have their own thoughts and desires. They are four individual humans, that are not always going to fit into the nice orderly picture I had in my mind. God reminded me of their uniqueness this morning as I was praying for them. I paused and read back over the prayers I'd journalled for each child, where I had thanked God for what He is doing in their lives and asked Him to help them in specific areas.  As I re-read the prayers I realised that they were very different for each child. Of course their differing ages had something to do with this, but it was more than that. It was as if God was showing me that they were unique because He created them that way. We read that truth in Psalm 139. You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 TPT God knows them inside and out. I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex! Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. It simply amazes me to think about it! How thoroughly you know me Lord! Psalm 139:14 TPT Mysteriously complex. Children sometimes certainly are that to us, the parents. However our children are thoroughly known by the Lord. He has their number of days planned. You saw who you created me to be before I became me! Before I'd ever seen the light of day, the number of days you planned for me were already recorded in your book. Psalm 139:16 TPT  God has a unique plan for each of them.  For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 AMP The final outcome, always drawing us to Himself, that is where our Heavenly Father's focus is. He is interested in the heart.  Beloved, we are God's children right now; however it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like him, for we will see him as he truly is. And all who focus their hope on him will always be purifying themselves, just as Jesus is pure. 1 John 3:2-3 TPT Not like me in those early parenting years, where my focus was more on trying to make my workload as easy as possible - arranging for them to all do the same things because it suited my schedule! Thankfully God's grace is sufficient for my selfishness. God doesn't want our children's unique gifts and talents squashed because it doesn't fit with our thoughts, plans and schedules. No, He wants them understand their uniqueness, and to embrace and love it, because He has created them that way for His purposes. We as parents have the privilege of helping our children on this journey of discovery.  Of course all that I've written here this morning about  uniqueness and purpose, applies not only to our children, but also to us. We are created by God, valued by Him and loved by Him. We are set apart, with a heavenly calling. And so, dear brothers and sisters, you are now made holy, and each of you is invited to the feast of your heavenly calling. So fasten your thoughts fully unto Jesus, whom we embrace as our Apostle and King-priest. Hebrews 3:1 TPT So today, let's not let our schedules get in the way of what God wants to do in and through us and those we love. Let's pray that God will help us today to fasten our thoughts fully unto Jesus, and giving ourselves and others space and permission to be all that God has called us to be. To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au

So what happens when you make it through the storm and you are at anchor in a safe and peaceful location? A few things.  Firstly there is likely to be a feeling of relief, we made it! Thank you Jesus.  Then if you are process-minded like me you may start to do a mental review of how you could have been better prepared for the storm, or consider what could you have done differently in the storm Finally you may ask that important question, what did I learn from the storm and how can I use that knowledge in preparing for the future? And so it is with the storms of life, how do we take what we've learned about ourselves, God and our relationship with Him, and move forward? How do we at the very least maintain and hopefully build on the new level of intimacy with our heavenly father, that has developed through the storm? It is easy when we have a deep personal need to cry out to God, petitioning Him to move in the circumstance, to heal, to provide, to help us through that minute of the day. The Psalms express these cries so well. Oh, Lord God, answer my prayers! I need to see your tender kindness, your grace, your compassion, and your constant love. Just let me see your face, and turn your heart toward me. Come running quickly to your servant. In this deep distress, come and answer my prayer. Psalm 69:16-17 TPT But what happens when by His grace and mercy that desperate need is gone and life moves to a new normal? How to you make sure that you don't revert back to that self-sufficient independent life, forgetting to do your day with Jesus because there appears to be no immediate need for Him?  Over the past couple of years as our family has transitioned from survival mode to a more normal life, here are some of the practical things that I've done to keep growing the hunger for a deeper relationship with God. Read a different translation/version of the Bible For me this has included reading different translations of the Bible. I am currently loving reading The Passion Translation.  I have also been reading a NKJV Bible with that includees leadership commentary from John Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible - Lessons in leadership from the Word of God, by John Maxwell. His commentary includes thoughts ont how God used the trials people faced to build character to enable them to do what He had planned for them. I believe reading different Bible translations/versions helps to keep God's word fresh, and can help us to get greater revelation of His truth to help us move along the maturity path. For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energising, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of the joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 AMP Get a new devotional book, start listening to a new podcast God speaks through so many different people, in different ways for different purposes. I sometimes go to Koorong, knowing that I want to listen to someone I haven't listened to before, and I stand in front of the audio book section and say, "Holy Spirit, please show me who you want me to learn from," and he always directs me to exactly what I need to hear. Reading about or listening to other Christians who have done similar journeys As Victoria has grown older and started to process her journey in new ways, we have sought out the stories of other Christians who have faced challenges, particularly physical challenges. We are currently reading, Joni, by Joni Eareckson Tada. As we read how she coped, what God taught her, it has prompted discussion about what we have learned. It has also given us another example of how God has used what happened to her for good, just as He promises in Romans 8:28. So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose. Romans 8:28 TPT Sing a new song How blessed are we today to have access to a multitude of  scripture based, Jesus inspired music. Again, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to something new. So many times, in my private worship time, I have heard a song for the first time and it has been like God has unlocked a little more of my heart with the lyrics and music. Or perhaps it is time for you to write your own song .... just a thought. Go-ahead - sing your new song to the Lord! Let everyone in every language sing him a new song. Don't stop! Keep on singing! Make his name famous! Tell everyone every day how wonderful he is. Give them the good news of our great Saviour. Take the message of his glory and miracles into every nation. Tell them about all the amazing things that he has done. Psalm 96:1-3 TPT   Experiment with the times and places you talk to God I love routine. But I know that routine can stifle what God wants to do, because the truth is I can sometimes loves my routine (code word for control) more than God! So it is good to sometimes change it up, to have your quiet time in a new place, perhaps out in the garden or on a balcony. Look for a different time in the day to do a devotion, maybe while you are waiting in the car to pick up children. Give God space to talk to you in new ways. I am passionately in love with God because he listens to me. He hears my prayers and answers them. As long as I live I'll keep praying to him, for he stoops down to listen to my heart's cry. Psalm 116:1-2 TPT So in your life, if the storm is finished, and you are entering a new season, and you want to continue to grow your relationship with Christ, I pray that these practical ideas I have shared today will be a starting point. Even if they are just a prompt for you to say, "God, I want a greater intimacy with you, please show me how." He will answer you, because he wants that closer relationship with you. Be expectant and have courage to do what he shows you. He loves you. Look with wonder at the depth of the Father's marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. 1 John 3:1 TPT  To find out more please visit https://wendyrobinson.com.au