Expect the Unexpected

 This is a really interesting year.   The prophets have been saying to expect breakthroughs in our lives and I wasn't sure how that would pan out.

My girlfriend asked for prayer for her book writing assignment so we prayed and I went  on my merry way.  Then a vision the Lord gave me a number of years ago came back to me.  I was on a beach, a huge, white beach and there was a big chest on it, just like a treasure chest from a pirate movie. 

Holy Spirit told me to go open the chest.  I went over and opened it with a loud 'creak'.  In the chest were two books and Holy Spirit told me to pick them up.  I picked them up and the top one  said "Deliverance and Revival" by Brenda Gale Thompson. 

Imagine my surprise!  I had never, ever entertained the thought of writing a book and here in my treasure chest was a book I had written.

So I received this blessing from the Lord and asked Holy Spirit to show me how to write it.

Fast track over the next 3or 4 years, the Lord has been teaching me about demonic strongholds over areas, people groups and the church.  I have been learning in the trenches, literally. Talk about an exciting adventure. I am living the content of my book.

I was driving my bus yesterday and waiting at the high school for the students. I had been praying for my friend with her numerous papers that need writing and I asked the Lord, "What about me? How do I start writing?"

Just like that I got the outline of the book.  I grabbed a pen and scribbled it down as fast as I could on the first piece of paper I could find.  

Within 2 minutes I had the whole outline with key points broken down into bite size pieces.  I could hardly believe it!  You've got to understand, I never considered myself a writer.  I am an engineer and I have always loved math and sciences.  I think I got a C+ in grade 12 English.

I started a blog in obedience to the Lord... under much protest I must admit. Holy Spirit has helped me learn how to gather my thoughts and write them down in a readable format and I give him all the Glory for it.

If you had asked me a week ago about this I would have shrugged my shoulders and maybe said, "One day."

I'm here to tell you, expect the unexpected!  What He has done for me He will do for you.  God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34)

"I declare that you are blessed and highly favored and that you do perceive the plans and purposes that God has ordained for your life. Also, you now walk in a new ability to discern what to do, to move ahead in your destiny. In Jesus' name, Amen!"

God's Leading

I can remember driving by this company called Computing Devices twenty two years ago. I felt a nudge to investigate it but I ignored it because I thought it was a software type of company.

Now that I think about it the Lord nudged me about that place a few times over the two years that I drove by.

At the time I was working in sales and I was not happy. God was trying to answer my prayer but my preconceived ideas and snap judgments precluded me working at this place.

You want to know what's funny? Twenty one years later I got a job there. It's now called General Dynamics and I love it there. I am kicking myself for not listening to the Lord so many years ago.

Learning to discern Holy Spirit's nudges can take some training so I beg you, "today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts," as the Israelites did in the wilderness." (ref. Heb. 4:7)

So many times we blame God for where we are and how things turn out in our lives and many times it's not His fault. He's trying to lead and guide us but we are not listening. Or worse still, we figure we know better and dismiss His guidance.

So I say to you (and myself), "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your heart (path)." Prov. 3: 5-6

Daily quiet time will help you to hear His voice and discern whether the little nudges are something you should revisit or explore.

I let the devil run me ragged back then and if I remember correctly I was more interested in reading science fiction novels then spending time with God. I was of the mindset that "I deserved a break today." No, actually we all deserve hell apart from God's mercy and grace. I have come a long way since those days and so can you. All things are possible with God. (Matt. 19: 26)

Beware of snap decisions and preconceived ideas because they usually lead to trouble. Act in haste... repent at leisure is a saying I heard many a time. I remember vowing that I would never go out with an Engineer because there were so many boors in my classes. Well guess what? I had to eat those words because I married one! We've been married almost twenty years now. It's too funny.

You want to hear something else? My husband always used to say that he would never go out with someone that had a kid. I had a three year old little girl. God made him eat his words. His friends even reminded him of what he used to say. God's got a sense of humor.

Therefore, let's acknowledge God's leadership in ALL our ways. As we listen for the little nudges we get, we will be blessed because that's God's plan for us. He delights in the prosperity of his servants. (Psalm 35:27) Hallelujah!

Lord help us all to hear Your voice more clearly and not to over rule or dismiss Your gentle nudges. I bless the person reading this blog.  May they be blessed in all their ways, mentally, spiritually, physically and financially in Jesus' name. Amen.