Protecting A Service

Sometimes in services we have to deal with witches and witchcraft that has been sent against us. I'm going to give you a quick check list of things to be aware of and give you some ideas of what to pray.  This is not an exhaustive list by any means, just some things that I have learned along the way.

When you walk into a service and feel restless ask the Lord what's going on.  Don't assume it's you unless you have been struggling with something previously.

If you get the sense that the worship is going nowhere ask Holy Spirit what's going on.  Many times the enemy will come in between services and lay down curses and try to put a fog over the building so that the people can't ascend in worship. John 4:23, 3John 2, Eph. 2:6, 10, Psalm 100:6, Jer. 1:10 are good scripture declarations.

If you notice that there is hurt or offense over petty things where you KNOW you have lots of love for these people, start asking the Lord questions.  Psalm 119:165 is your defense. Because we love his word nothing can cause us to stumble or take offense.  Also, we lay down our lives for the brethren, God's love is shed abroad in our hearts by Holy Spirit. Let not the pride of our hearts deceive us Lord. (1John 3:16, Rom 5:5, Obad. 1:3)

If you notice lots of distracting things going on ask Holy Spirit what to pray and then obey quickly. Sometimes it's a spirit wanting to disrupt the service and sometimes it's a legitimate need that requires help or assistance.

If you notice people falling asleep during the service it could be a spirit of stupor coming over the people so they don't receive the word of God.  You can come against that in the spirit by praying for alertness, that Holy Spirit would wake them up, etc., etc. The words you declare have power especially when you use the word of God and plead the blood of Jesus.

If you ever see a leader, start to stumble while they are sharing, start praying in tongues.  Sometimes a curse sent at a leader will bring confusion to the mind and they need support. Another thing that I have experienced is a physical attack where you are so tired and exhausted that you just want to go home.  Prayer support is required because God has promised to arm us with His strength and power and to make our way perfect. (2Sam. 22:33)

The biggest thing I have learned over the years is to be alert.  When I am too comfortable the enemy can sneak in and wreck havoc in a service.  We must be alert and on guard.  Our leaders, especially the speaker and  worship team  need our protection.


I hope this helps you to be more aware of how important you are in a service. God bless you as you grow into His likeness! (Rom. 8:29)

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
(photo courtesy of photobucket.com)

Surrender

He's coming.... That's what I keep getting in my prayer time.
 
The last few weeks, I have sometimes felt like I have been walking through a fog, where I can only see my hand in front of me.  I am walking carefully ahead as I listen for His gentle voice.

There have been some ruts in my life that I have been trying to step out of.   Unfortunately, when you can't see around you, you don't know if the step you are taking will take you out of the rut, or deeper into it.  All I can do is ask Holy Spirit clarifying questions and obey His directions, one moment at a time, one step at a time.

I found the way through the fog.  Do you want to know what it is?
"Surrender."  All I have,  all I am and all I ever hope to be, I surrender--to Him.

It sounds like, "Lord, did I tell you today how much I love You?"
Or it can sound like, "Lord Jesus, did I tell you today that You are all I am living for?
It can also sound like this, "Lord I don't know what the right thing to do is. Please show me the way."

These are the things I have found myself saying to the Lord.  He is everything to me.  Nothing else matters, as long as I can keep hearing His sweet voice. 

There are so many pursuits, hobbies and careers that can become powerful distractions to my time with Him.   I don't want anything to get in the way.  I don't want to find out that I missed the mark of the High call of God on my life when I get to Heaven.  I have come too far to quit now.

I have to go now.  I bless you now with passion to pursue Him, regardless of the price.  May you know His joy in your journey and may you hear His, "Well done!" every day of your life. Amen!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Last Weekend

I was helping a friend pack and move last weekend.  You know how it goes if it's happened to you.  You let everybody know  you are moving and you hear a litany of excuses, "My back is sore, I'm busy that day or I can't lift anything," to name a few.

Well after driving for 6 hours and then unloading a 29 ft Uhaul truck with three of people I was a bit sore.  The next day I should have been fine but I noticed that I was worse.  Wrong, my warning bells went off.  I started pleading the blood of Jesus over myself and speaking the word, "My youth is renewed like the eagle, He arms me with strength and power and makes my way perfect,  as my days are so shall my strength be."  The pain would abate for a bit then come back with a vengeance.

I knew I was getting some words of knowledge because I don't have achy joints, as a rule,  but the lady I was helping does on occasion.  So I started praying for her.  Then my knees started paining and I was thinking this is weird. I couldn't figure out who had the sore knee.

Well yesterday I finally determined to worship with the piano, despite all the distractions and see what the Lord had to say to me.  As I started worshiping I got clarity on some issues friends are facing and the Lord showed me how to pray for them.

Then life intruded and I had to help my son.  As I walked away,  I couldn't help but notice that my legs and joints were better.

Isn't that amazing?  I didn't even ask about my health, I was more concerned about a friend that got a bad report and some other friends that are facing tough issues in life.   Just goes to show you that we can never out give God.

I guess the moral of the story is, when you don't know what else to do, go praise and worship the Lord and ask Him.  He's promised that if we ask He will give us wisdom. (James 1:5)

Let me bless you now. "May you know His love that passes understanding today. May you know his support more than ever today.  May His revelatory light dawn on every tough situation you face today.  May the joy of His presence go with you today and may you know His peace that passes all understanding today.
I bless you today, in Jesus' Name!

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale.

P.S. Here is the link to an article I wrote about what to do in frustrating times. It will teach you how to get God's answers to your problems. Enjoy!
http://greatcommissionhow2s.blogspot.com/2010/09/frustration.html

I Won't Let Anything Stop Me

A few months ago I got this song and it has helped me to set aside things to pursue more of the Lord's presence in my life.  I trust that it will bless you.

When I start to hum this song I know it's time to count the cost and make time to hear His voice. Without Jesus I am nothing. Without Jesus I can do nothing (1Cor. 13:2, John 15:5).
 I bless you with a determination to seek His face at all cost.