the good report

The news media sells papers and attracts viewers by reporting the evil report. The death toll for the horrible tornadoes that swept Oklahoma was originally reported at 91. But the next day, the death toll had gone down to 24 – still horrific, don’t get me wrong. But much better than was originally said.

I have had so many examples lately, also, of friends and family being given dire news of various kinds, only to have the outcome actually be far better. The enemy, when he accuses our brothers in our minds, excels in painting the worst possible light rather than the best. God has been speaking to me through this: believe the good report, and not the bad one. The good report is most often the true report, which is why we are told to think on whatever is true and of good report (Phi 4:8). Don’t listen to fear or negative prophecies – it will be health for your bones.

waters gone by

Previously: perfect lovingkindness

I need to remind myself, when I am in the middle of pain, loss, and trials, that suffering never lasts forever. One day, the suffering that I am currently enduring will be behind me. “This too will pass,” my wise Grandma used to say. Keep my eyes focused ahead, and keep walking with the One who is working to bring me out of it in a way that will cause blessing to multiply to me and to increase to those around me. ♥

fear not, little flock

My daughter and I were were talking about raising children so that they embrace faith in Christ instead of walk away (as it seems so many we are aware of do). I was thinking of:

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Rom 10:16-17

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Read aloud, speak, preach the word of the Lord to your children daily. Forsake not one jot or tittle of it. Even Leviticus. (Especially Leviticus in light of Gal 3:23-25 and Deu 6:4-9.) Then live that word in your homes. Live love, grace, forgiveness, humility, and worship. Live holiness. Forsake wrath, embrace patience, kindness, and self-control. Do not be a hearer of the word only, but also a doer.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luk 12:32

blessing and cursing

James 3:8-10

The Lord has been warning me to be very careful with my tongue, and watch what comes out of my mouth. When someone speaks a negative word over me, they are pronouncing a curse over me. I don’t want that! When I speak a negative word over someone, I am pronouncing a curse over them. I violate the Golden Rule of Jesus when I do to others that which I do not want done to me.

These negative statements or curses become self- fulfilling prophecies because our words do have power to create. We were made in the image of God, whose words do have power to create. If we believe it right to bless God with our mouths, then to be logically consistent believers, we must bless, or speak positive statements, over fellow human beings, especially those the Bible names authorities deserving of honor!

What if a leader is doing something wrong, what then? Instead joining the chorus of name- calling, and in so doing, burden him even more greatly on top of the oppressions of the enemy he may already be under, may I open my mouth in intercession for him as someone who is as beloved by my Father as I am! ♥

speaking wickedness

Isaiah 58:9b-10

It seems lately the Lord has been highlighting for me, not only when someone speaks wickedness, or an untrue or negative thing about me (so that I can grab ahold of that thing I heard and REJECT IT before it makes it to my heart), but also, whenever I am tempted to speak a wicked, untrue, or negative thing about someone else. You know, even when someone does something wrong, it is not a good thing to speak negatively about that person. Our words carry weight. This is why the prayers of a righteous man are so effective. We are made in the image of the God who spoke LIGHT into existence after all. So when we say something negative about someone, we reinforce their (and our) negative perception of themselves. Turn that negative into a positive and speak a blessing over others instead. And have THAT be the thing that comes to be in their heart and lives. ♥

He heard my voice

Psalm 116:1

The Lord has done so many good things for us! One breakthrough after another! Trouble arises in life, and we learn how His foundations have been destroyed in an area (Psa 11:3). Tears and sorrow follow (Psa 56:8). At first they are because of the trouble, but when they become tears of repentance, the breakthrough is right around the corner! We have been experiencing one breakthrough after another, and it is wonderful! I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy!