Lord Help Us!

I get so mad when I see Christians more worried about appearances than the people God's put in their path.

It's so, so wrong.... Jesus was a friend of sinners!!!!  Do we even have a clue what that means?   That doesn't mean that the people got instantly delivered of every single sin problem they had and then and only then Jesus would hang out with them!   NO!  God always leaves a bad habit or two so people will learn and grow through the training process.  Always!

If we read James chapter 2 we see that if we fail in just one part we are guilty of it all.  According to Matt. 15:18-20 even our thoughts are dirty and unclean before a holy God!  So why do we think that we have to maintain certain standards?????  Who are we trying to impress?  What are our motives????


We desperately need his mercy and grace.... I myself run into the holy of holies and receive my robe of righteousness  many times a day. Thank God its a free gift!

I make sure that before I get a 'holier than thou' attitude that I say, "It's only by God's grace that I'm not doing 10x worse!"  We need to die to what we think people will say and think about us period!  Being a 'Living sacrifice' means just that. (Rom 12:1) The Fear of Man is a snare and a trap. (Prov. 20:25)

So this applies to our friends who aren't going to church or living a "Christian lifestyle". Who are we to impose our beliefs on them? Do we think that our rules or false judgements will draw them to Christ?  Hardly.... It's God's kindness that leads men to repentance!  Not rules and human standards.

I can only speak for myself and I tell you I am so sick of religious people who are trying to maintain their standards. They like the Pharisees conveniently forget love!  We got to look right! And oh!, what will the people say if I am seen with you?"

It was people like that that Kept me away from church for a long time! People who want to make you keep paying for your sin that happened years ago. Give me a break!

Religious behavior is concerned with Appearances and it always takes people away from the simplicity of the gospel.

Now a days its very common for people to live together.   I might not agree but I am not anybody's judge... My Father is very good at talking to his sons and daughters and the last time I checked He hadn't asked for my help. He told me to love people where they were at and to trust Him to change them, in his timing (not mine).

You know.... quite likely my daughter wouldn't have had  a father if I had insisted on this religious standard...  and many people would not have gotten saved and healed over the years as a result.  My in-laws probably didn't agree with us sharing a bed before marriage but they wisely kept their opinions to themselves.  Thank God for people like them.  Now did my boyfriend get saved eventually?  Yes... and let me tell you it wasn't my religious,  self-righteous behavior that won him... it was my non- judgemental love.

Anyhow....  that's my opinion.... I've been praying for my girls and their boyfriends and I believe God has His hand on them.....  Hallelujah!  I just want to shine so bright for the Lord!  I want to emulate love and not religious behavior! There's already too many Christians concerned about what others will think if they do this or that.   Lord help us all to die to the fear of man!
Amen!

I'd be very interested to hear how you have handled these kind of situations in your family.

Have a great day with the Lord!
Brenda Gale Thompson

Complaining Trend

Someone I know was having a rough couple of weeks and they were talking to me.    I prayed for them and later that day another person was having a hard time with someone in leadership, so I encouraged them and we prayed for healing and restoration.

The next day I was helping someone out and they had a list of complaints a mile long about church and problems there.   I couldn't help but notice a trend there.

 I asked the Lord what his take was on all these legitimate complaints.  You know what he said? He said, "Your leaders are works in progress just like you are.  Don't expect perfection from them until you are perfect yourself."

Contrary to popular belief,  God is working on them just like he is working on us..... but the area he's working on might not be the area that bugs you the most. 

I too have had my share of trouble with persons in leadership, surprise, surprise.  I wouldn't be human if it weren't so.   The Lord has opened my eyes to see the bigger picture and to see the damage that can be done to a church by disappointment and offense.

The Problem is.... there are only so many churches to go to and if you leave offended at one you're enlisting in God's 'wilderness wandering game'.  No thank you.  Been there before and I want to move on to the next level.

I am not by any means saying that our church has it all together.  On the contrary, I can see some gaping holes and areas that need improvement.

So I am going to share some wise words a couple of my mentors shared with me years ago.

The First is never leave a church with offense in your heart.  Always ask God to heal  you up first and try to leave on good standing, not the superficial, "Thanks,  I'm called out. Good bye."   This will help you grow in Christ. If you can't leave the way you want because of situations outside your control, then pursue healing in the new church you go to.

Second, when a leader starts claiming he/she's something great etc. and it rubs you the wrong way, pause and think about it.  Is the person saying this to excuse a character flaw or are they attempting to, 'call those things that be not as though they were?" Usually if it rubs you the wrong way it's because you have had their flaws cause you personal pain.  It's time to seek the Lord and find the balance in your life.  God, family, work then church is the way most ministry leaders advise people to prioritize your lives.

I remember something a leader said when one of his helpers quit his job and stated he was going to go preach the gospel for a living.  This person said to themselves, "Why this guy can't preach himself out of a garbage can! He'll be out of money in a month!"  Holy Spirit quickly spoke up to this man, "Then help him!"   That quieted this leader.  So many other people were quick to tell the would be preacher that he would never make it and that he better go back to his regular job but this leader would not join in their criticism or judgement. Time marched on and the would be preacher did become successful, praise God!

Are you wondering who the leader was?   Kenneth Copeland! And the would be preacher was Jerry Savelle! What a loss it would be to the body of Christ without Jerry Savelle's Ministry!  He has helped countless people around the globe get a handle on the basics of faith--myself included!

So when I hear a leader claiming great titles I remember that story and I figure I can be on the helping side which is Holy Spirit, or I can be on the devil's side which is criticizing and judging.  No thank you.  I am Not going there.  Yes, the attacks are real and yes sometimes leaders get puffed up.  God's able to correct them without my help... I know that now.

I encourage  you to give all your expectations of what leadership should and should not be over to the Lord daily.  That's what I am learning to do.  As I look at God in praise and worship it gets easier and easier to do this.  Let's pray...

Lord we need your help to love people through the unlovely situations we face daily.  Let your love and peace we shed abroad  in our hearts.  Give us your hope that you are able to change us and the situations around us.  We ask for joy and humor in our daily journey with you. Bind us all together in your love and thank you for unity of spirit in our churches.  Thank You for helping us look past our hurts to the beauty you are creating in the people around us and in us.  Thank You Lord for time with you and for transforming our hearts so we want to spend more time with you every day. Amen!

Bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Going to the Next Level

Sammy Robinson identified the spirit stopping us from going to the next level. He called in and insidious spirit.  Insidious means "Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects: "the insidious effects of stress" or "Treacherous; crafty: "an insidious alliance". 

Then he  warned us about losing our voice and to guard our voice.  This can happen so easily as we try to maintain some semblance of peace in our homes or workplaces.  However, it has a huge price tag.  We are called to war! "The Kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force".  

The next time someone starts to openly mock or taunt me I'm not going to walk away I'm going to pray in tongues and then speak what Holy Spirit leads.  Enough is enough!   Lord help us to separate the enemy from the people around us.  Help us to recognize the evil spirits.   Shed your love abroad in our hearts and help us to be bold and courageous for You!  Amen!

http://youtu.be/Hu-OSRcSC6E is Sammy's clip.  http://youtu.be/4no6S2PyudM   is part 2.

Have a great day!

Big hugs,

Brenda Gale Thompson

Breaking Strongholds in Marriages

This is from a precious friend who asked me to post it so that you would be encouraged.  He is so excited about the breakthroughs he is seeing in his marriage and his friend's marriages.  Be  encouraged!  God is on your side!

"Today I spent the whole morning breaking down strong holds in a married couple's house. When we thought that we where through Holy Spirit stayed and brought forth more and more revelation. After calling out peoples names living and dead we made a great step forward in discernment  by breaking off curses one at a time. 

Again, just as I said, we thought we were through, but HOLY SPIRIT wasn't. We felt to call out each of the married couples to forgive each other. After they both forgave each other we could feel something lifting off. 

I did this months ago with my wife and I also could feel something breaking off of me. Now here is the discernment that I was given at that time; when we get married we stand before the LORD and give a pledge to each other.  At this time our love is so great between us. 

As life goes on we start to drift. We don't keep our love guard up and become less loving and all that goes with it.  Oh how the devil is so glad. We don't even know what is going on behind the scenes. After some time in our marriages we start thinking about our partner in negative ways. Now look closely, we are just thinking. So where do you think these negative thoughts come from? 

It build and builds until there is great disagreement, bitterness and no forgiveness. Our marriage is now in great danger. Oh how the devil is so slippery. We think that we can do it on our own and that is such  a lie!

So what do they do now?  They split up and blame it always on the other partner because they cannot see through their own bitterness. 

This would not have happened, if right from the start we received the proper education. It is about 'being tried' people, just like Adam and Eve. We are all in this trial forever and without proper education we will stay in this prison forever. 

We have to fight back and take back what satan stole from us and the LORD says it is love. You see satan can't love and he doesn't want you to either. On the other hand, OUR FATHER is full of love, he heals with love and believe me his love is a total healing dictionary. A first aid kit that never runs out. The only time it runs out is when we run out of him. 

Lets go back to our love problem. We have to forgive each other and go back to the alter where our vows were and take a stand against satan. My advice is to kiss your spouse regularly. Tell them you love them. Hold their hand and watch the world look at you. Speak well of them all the time.  Focus on their good points, not the things that irritate you. 

The people around will all wonder and wish they had this. Choose to Stand on top of the world with your confession and faith in Jesus and Holy Spirit's comfort and counsel... instead of sinking into it to join the fallen."    (L.Jones)

Isn't that exciting?  I love to hear about people getting breakthroughs.  I don't want the devil to win in anybodies life!

Repeat this after me: I am a light set on a hill!  I am salt that is meant to preserve and flavor everything! I am a blessing everywhere I go!  I am 'love' walking and talking because his love is shed abroad in my heart as I ask him for it! I am his beloved and I can love those God puts in my path; especially my family, church family and coworkers!

Bless you!
Brenda Gale Thompson

Healings this week

It's been a very busy week as we are haying.  Hungry people want food so I have been going to the grocery store for supplies.  I had asked the Lord for fresh eyes to see the people to pray for and He's been answering.

A friend said recently, "When we see someone Jesus is seeing them through us."  That really gave me something to think about in a new way.  As I am appropriating this truth it means that Jesus is looking through my eyes and of course He wants everyone whole and healthy.   That's part of what the Hebrew word 'shalom' means-- peace with nothing broken and nothing missing.

I prayed for a number of people this week.  A few encounters stood out to me that I'll share with you.

One lady had a huge goiter type cyst on her neck.  It was really making it hard for her to turn her head.  I asked her if that was a goiter and she immediately said, "It's just a growth and it bothers other people far more than it does me." 

Isn't that an interesting response?  I thought to myself... she doesn't know my God and what he can do.  So I commanded that thing to disappear and I blessed her, in Jesus' name.  I didn't ask her permission because we were in a checkout line and she obviously didn't have faith to agree with me.  Didn't take long but you watch, the next time I see her that growth will be gone!  It has no choice.  Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. 

Another fellow that stuck in my memory was the man I prayed for yesterday.  He was young and had a cane.  I get stuck some times wondering what to say to start the conversation so I just asked him, "Is that your cane?" (I know it's lame.) 

He replied, "Yes," and looked at me quizzically.

I asked him, "Are you in pain right now?" and he paused and responded "Yes, without the cane I am in lots of pain."

I commanded healing to flow through him as I touched his arm and I rebuked all the pain and commanded it to leave him. I told him that I had seen some crazy healings at church and that God wanted to heal him too.  I left him after I blessed him and told him that I would keep praying for him.

He was very appreciative that I stopped and showed compassion.

As you can see I am no pro at this.  I fumble with words many times and I'm sure I appear a fool to many folk, but I really don't care.  His love in me can't stand to see others hurting.  I know but I know that if I won't cancel my faith with wrong words, that those people will be healed.  I've seen it too many times.

Our words coming out of our mouths are so much more powerful than the words of fear or unbelief coming out of other people because our words are life and theirs are death.  Heaven is far more powerful than hell.  Remember, one can put to flight 1000 and two 10,000?  That's how powerful our words can be.  Come to think of it... that's  probably why the devil works overtime trying to get Christians to speak words of fear and unbelief--because he knows that's the only way to stop us.

In any case... I want to encourage you to step out anyway you can.  Don't worry if you don't have all the right answers.  People will forgive you when they feel that you care.  His love will make a way for you.  His love never fails!  Remember-- he saw them before you did.  He goes before you and makes the way clear for you.

You want to pray a dangerous prayer with me?

"Lord, please show us how much you love the people around us.  Shed more of your love in our hearts where we find it hard to love others.  Let us always walk in the reverential fear of You and not the fear of man.  Thank you Lord that we don't love our reputations, our lives more than you.  We want to overcome by Your blood and by our testimony(words).  Thank you that we are always bold because we are righteous. Hallelujah! Amen!" (Rom. 5:5, Prov. 2:1-8, Prov. 29:25,  Rev. 12:11, Prov. 28:1)

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Encouragement Yesterday

I've been so busy that going out to the malls seems like a lifetime away.  I stole some time away from the church video stuff and was listening to Todd White for a bit.  (Here's one of the clips I did
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjk_jgDYRrw   There's a bunch of them.  Just look up "Kinburn Revival Todd" on youtube.com)

I was thinking about what Todd said, "I have these encounters because it's who I am, not because it's what I do."

I gathered from what he said that he doesn't have and on-off switch.  This is who he is.

That's who I want to be.  So in the grocery store it's easy to tell a mom about her beautiful baby and all the great things he's going to be good at when he grows up.   It's easy to tell a mom that God loves her and says she's a great mom.

It's easy to help those who come across your path because that's what Jesus would do.  Love isn't meant to be something you turn on or off.  We are wired to be 'on' or 'in love' full time.

Not feeling loving towards someone? Ask!  Holy Spirit will always give you more love for people if you ask him. (ref. Rom. 5:5)

Only when we walk in selfishness is love turned off.  Therefore, our goal should always be to make sure that love is turned on.  When we seek our own we are no heavenly good, but when we deny our own ambitions then love is turned on bright in our lives.  And only Heaven knows the difference we can make.

Todd also shared somewhere how important it is to share encouraging words.  He's seen dozens of people who said they were suicidal find hope through God's words spoken by him.  We too can prevent suicides with encouraging words from Holy Spirit.

Love is encouraging..... We don't need to have a prophetic word or a word of knowledge to give an encouraging word.  Most times I don't have one.  I just have Love and when I open my mouth I am sometimes surprised at what comes out.  We can all give God our mouths and our wills so that he can use us. Let's be living sacrifices for Him today and special ambassadors of God's love today.  Let's be free from the fear of what people will think, or what they will say and just focus on Jesus and how happy he is with us. Amen? Amen!

Bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Enlighten My Eyes

A friend got a word for me on the weekend.  She saw two angels holding my eyelids open and facing me towards something that I was trying to avoid looking at.  She didn't know what it meant but I thought it was rather cool.  You see, I realized last week or so that I need revelation of what to do next.

I want to prosper more and the Bible says that  God wishes above all things that we prosper and be in health as our souls prosper (ref. 3John 2).

How to prosper my soul more was a mystery to me. Then I found Eph 1:18 which says "the eyes of your understanding  being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints..."

So there's something I don't understand. We know that the bible says in all our getting, get understanding (ref. Prov. 4:7) and Ps. 112 :4 promises that His light will dawn on us in every dark situation so I started asking him for more light.

That's right. I need more of his light.  I must be missing something somewhere.  I asked the Lord to shine his light on me  and  I have been asking the Lord to reveal himself more to me. Guess what? I found a pile of wounds that I wasn't looking for. Now my girlfriend's vision made sense.

Funny how we can stuff all the junk and just keep going.  So I have been repenting for putting up walls, for 'knee jerk' reactions etc, pleading his precious blood, forgiving others and asking the Lord to heal my soul.  "Let the son of righteousness arise with healing in his wings and his beams (ref. Mal. 4:2 Amplified).

More light please.  His light is better even than lazer light... more effective too. Amazing how the Lord can heal the broken parts in us with his love.

It's time for more worship. "In his presence there is fullness of joy".... especially as our hearts get healed. (ref. Ps. 16:11)

Have a great day! May the Son of Righeousness arise with healing in his wings for you too!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale

We are His Mercy Seats

 When I think of mercy seat I think of the Old Testament and the Arc of the Covenant.  The angels of God were seated on top of the mercy seat and that's where the presence of God was.
Interestingly enough after  Jesus died the veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place was rent and the presence of God left the temple.

Now as Christians we know that after we ask Jesus to come into our lives and be our Lord and Savior that we have a new presence inside of us.   We have literally become a living 'holy of holies'.  A miracle of regeneration has taken place to the point where our sin is not just covered like it was in the old testament but it's completely done away with as if it never happened. This allows his presence to flow through us as we walk in love.

I know this to be true because even as a baby believer God used me. I was so wet behind the ears that I didn't know anything about healing or deliverance protocol, yet God used me at work, at school and even on  buses to set people free.  The only condition was that I cared and prayed in tongues.  Holy Spirit always showed me what to say or do.  You can never go wrong asking the Lord to use you today.  It's the fastest way I know to a fulfilling life.  He will take you at your word and use you everywhere you go, as long as you stay available.

I have personally wondered at how people can remain sick around Christians and I asked the Lord how come this was happening.  His said one of the reasons was that Christians had not spoken words of healing or blessing out loud.  I have since made it my goal to ALWAYS pray out loud in every situation. It might get a bit inconvenient praying for people's needs at the stop light or in the grocery store, but that's all right.  I am working for the applause of Heaven--not people.

I do not want to quench any nudge that Holy Spirit gives.  I love it when I drive down a street and all of a sudden I know that someone has a kidney problem or a heart problem. I love to release his healing and miracle working power everywhere I go.  I love Holy Spirit's smile when  I claim everywhere I drive as a highway of Holiness.

I love walking into my church and even as I am setting up the video camera and computer the Joy of the Lord hits me.  I Love it when Holy Spirit shows me what he's going to do during the service. I love it when I get to call out words of knowledge and see all the people get healed.  I love how happy Holy Spirit is when the ministry team are praying for people.  I love to walk behind them and put prayer clothes on the people (if we're not too busy).  I love to see the shadows (demonic) leaving people.

I never dreamed that life could be so fulfilling.  The only thing I'd like more is to stay with him instead of coming back here.... but it's not yet time.  There's so much more to do.

I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to use you.  He wants to.  There is no life like it.  The joy he gives is better than any drug I ever tried (and I tried a bunch). Every little step of obedience brings delight to his heart and he is so encouraging.  I can't help but encourage others because He's given me so much.

Here's the latest song  I did about being his mercy seat.  Enjoy!
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3yQOgTPvkE

I Bless you right now. May you feel his love in a whole new way today.  May the fire and passion of his love burn bright in your heart and may you hear and know how pleased he is with you. Amen!

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Fear Issues

You know how some times you wonder what the Lord has in mind when he tells you to go to a certain scripture?   Well I started reading  Psalm 10, "O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the LORD." (vs 1-3)  


It wasn't making much sense but I felt the Lord tell me to keep reading.  Then we get to verse 11, "The wicked think, "God isn't watching us! He has closed his eyes and won't even see what we do!" Arise, O LORD! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless! Why do the wicked get away with despising God? They think, "God will never call us to account."

That's more like it! No one likes to see the wicked prosper.  We all have a sense of justice and want to see  the right thing being done.  I can feel the indignation of the author as he writes these words.

"Break the arms of these wicked, evil people! Go after them until the last one is destroyed. The LORD is king forever and ever! The godless nations will vanish from the land. LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them."

This last verse is the best verse of all.  "You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them." (Psalm 10:18 NLT)  I grabbed a hold of that because because I am realizing that the major reason people don't expand the kingdom of God wherever they go is because of fear.   Yes... there can be training issues,  but even after people have taken seminars and courses they are not reaching out.

This applies to me too.  Especially when I have been doing administrative stuff and not getting out to the stores or malls I can lose my 'edge.'

The fear of man is a snare and a trap: 
In work situations...
in church situations....
in social situations....
in neighbor situations...
in family situations....

Whatever the reason we give, the fact is that we can all get better at being a witness.  Therefore I'm going to start claiming this verse.  "Thank you Lord that you hear my cry and you set me free from the fear of people in every situation."

The good thing is that it's easy to get back into the game.  I start claiming words of knowledge every day and boldness to share them and I start singing songs that will build up my spirit. Here's a link to a song I wrote about boldness. (Ps. 138:2)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOVulWtSky8

Then I invariably start leaving out tracts wherever I go and fight that tiny bit of fear.  Next I keep filling up on God's love because His love flushes out or casts out all fear.  His love is shed abroad in our hearts by Holy Spirit so whenever I encounter fear it means I have a love shortage.  Praise the Lord that is so easy to fix!  I just ask for more love!  I ask him to show me how much he loves these precious people. He's never failed me yet. (ref. Rom. 5:5, 1John. 4:18)

The best news is that what he's done for me, he will do for you!  He is no respecter of persons. (Acts. 10:34)

Then I start to imagine myself in work situations and what I will say and do. I start to daydream about sharing the good news with people or praying for the sick in the grocery store and what I will say if I get any negative feedback.  Forewarned is forearmed.  It builds your confidence when you predetermine how you are going to react and practice before hand.  And I keep reminding myself that I don't need to worry that Holy Spirit has my back. He's my defender and he'll give me the words to speak when people ask questions or make comments. (Psalm 91 and Luke 12:12)

Time and time again I have walked away from an encounter with someone and thought to myself, "I wish I could take notes of what I've said!"  I've said stuff I had no way of knowing!  It's God!  And if he'll do it for me, he'll do it for you!

You can depend on him!  Life gets so exciting when you don't know what's coming, but you know that He's gone ahead of you and preplanned it! (ref. Eph. 2:10)  The testimonies are great!  I don't share a lot of the day to day testimonies I get on this blog, because I don't want to seem like I'm bragging but I've got them!

So let me pray for you and myself, "Lord we want to be used of you today.  Open our hearts, eyes and ears to your precious words.  Thank you Lord for giving us boldness everyday and help us to walk in the fear of You, which is the beginning of wisdom and not the fear of man which is a snare and a trap.  Help us to say, "Yes Lord, how?" right away and not hesitate because of fear, when you nudge us. Thank You Lord that we walk in the anointing we have attained. Thank you Lord for an exciting day with you. Amen!"

Bless you!

Brenda Gale Thompson
ps... Here's me overcoming another fear of riding spoiled horses that haven't been ridden in 6 months and are very attached to their herd.   I am very proud to say that I did it!  I only went about 100 feet from the other horses so I wouldn't have a wreck on my hands but I rode her!

getting our bearings

Ginger's being careful because of the ice.

All Things Are Possible...

I was praying for our youth group and children's ministries a few years ago and I felt I was to lay them in the Father's arms because they didn't know how much they were loved.  Then I wrapped them in his arms of love so they would get a revelation of how great and powerful his love was.  Then I started speaking or decreeing  all the promises of God that I knew over them (ref. Num 14:28) because I knew that the Lord would do them!  He's promised!  The prayer conceived in love always hits the mark!

Before I knew it I was singing these actions as I acted out the words.  This song is the result.  It's just the first take we recorded at a friend's house.  One day I hope to go to a recording studio.

Enjoy!  I hope it blesses you like it has so many others!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nebGDeP2TQ

Blessings,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Roses For Us

Last week I had a brief vision during the worship time at church.  Holy Spirit asked me what I saw and I immediately saw Jesus and he had some long stemmed roses in his arms.  I just looked at him for a bit and then he gave me one.

The smell of the rose enveloped me and I felt such love and hope at the same time.  It suddenly dawned on me that he "is" the Rose of Sharron" and I felt that he was giving of himself to me.

What a moment!  The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is giving himself to us as we worship him.  He had such joy on his face when he gave me the rose.   He wants this for us.  He really wants to give us himself.

The Bible says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect  the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2Cor. 3:18)

As we behold him we become like him.   As we praise and worship and then stand in his presence he will show us stuff-- answers to questions, visions to fill us with hope, whatever we need.

It's amazing.  I want to be like him so much.  I can't save anybody, but Holy Spirit in me can.  I can't help anyone but Holy Spirit can help the whole world.

That's when I will be satisfied.  When I see Him in me.... just like the psalmist said, "And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness." (Psalm 17:15)

If you have a longing to be like him then pray with me; "Lord we want to be like you. We want to be your living sacrifices today.  We invite you to speak through us, to praise and worship through us, to love others through us and to make our lives a blessing everywhere we go.  In Jesus' name we ask, Amen!"

Have a great day with Him!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Forgiveness is...

A wise man said, "Forgiveness is not saying that what they did is okay or somehow tolerable."  You know how we somehow think that we are the weaker if we ask for forgiveness first.  This is a wrong assumption.  When you ask for forgiveness first or try to make the first move it means that you value the relationship more than the other person.

Somehow, we think that offering forgiveness is accepting what the person did. That's wrong too.

Forgiveness is deciding to turn it over to a higher court.  It's giving the hurt, the situation to the true judge.  "He said vengeance is mine, I will repay." (ref. Heb. 10:30)

This might seem powerless at first but trust me, I have seen the hurt that unforgiveness has caused people.  In Mathew 18 we read about the unjust servant who would not extend forgiveness to someone who owed him a little bit of money and yet he had been forgiven a lifetime's earnings.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.  Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”  (Mat. 18:32-35)


We can see how important it is for us to walk in forgiveness by Jesus' response to the servant.  He got handed over to the jailers to be tortured.  Hopefully, he woke up and remembered the power of the blood of Jesus and repented!  This is serious stuff!  As a ministry worker,  most of the time we have to deal with unforgiveness when we pray for people.  It's the number one reason why Christians don't receive healing.

That's something to think about.  How long do you want to have those headaches or arthritis for?  How long do you want to suffer with fibro mialgia?     Let the wake up bells ring loud and clear and let's make haste to forgive all the people we think we have a right to hold offense against.

That's the fastest way to walk in divine healing.   Let's say it together, "Father, please forgive them.  They know not what they do."

Thank You Lord that it's only by your grace and mercy that I am not doing ten times worse things than what they've done.
Thank You Lord that your love is poured out into our hearts by Holy Spirit.

Thank You Lord for the mercy and grace you have shown me in us in our lives.  Thank You Lord that your love never fails.  Thank you Lord that we choose to bless all the people that have hurt us.  Don't let the devil win in anybody's life!  Let us be your vessels of love and mercy to a hurting world, in Jesus' name we ask. Amen!

Now you're on the right track.  We walk by faith and not by feelings.  If you keep speaking the truth long enough eventually your feelings will change and line up with the Kingdom of God.  That's reason to shout!  Hallelujah!

Bless you real good!
Brenda Gale Thompson

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Wal Mart Words

 

I was at Wal Mart a few days ago and I thought, "Gees, I haven't given anyone an encouraging word today." I started praying and I spied a pregnant lady. Aha! I love prophesying destiny over babies. 

As I walked around looking for the lady I started asking the Lord for one word for her.  You see I knew from Psalm 139 that the number of thoughts God has for us are uncountable.  All I needed was just one of his thoughts about this lady.  I knew from past experience that Holy Spirit has lots to say, so I boldly made my way, not having one word... yet.

I found the lady and asked if I could share what the Lord had given me.  As soon as I opened my mouth I all of a sudden knew that she was carrying a boy and that he was going to be a leader.  He had a special gift of wisdom too.  She was really blessed and let me pray for her for an easy labor and delivery.

As I walked away I was thanking God for the opportunity to bless this lady when I noticed that I was hearing words for each person I glanced at.  It was totally amazing!   I looked one way and got, pain, forgiveness and despair when I looked at three people. I stopped and looked the other way and saw hope, veil and knee at another three people.  Everywhere I looked the people had labels that I could hear inside of me when I looked at them.

I could have stayed there all night giving out destiny words to people.  God really wants this for us saints.  We are the generation that's going to make a difference.  Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world.  

Lord show my sister and brother how to walk in this.  Show them how many thoughts you have towards them. Help them to hear your voice more clearly in their quiet time with you and to jot down all the precious things you show them. Give them faith to see in the spirit like you did Jeremiah. Thank You Lord that Your love flushes out all fear in them.  Thank You Lord for going ahead of them and giving them a couple of opportunities to share encouraging words with people who will be receptive and appreciative. Amen! (Psalm 139:17, John 10:27, Hab. 2:2-3, Jer. 1:11, 1John 4:17)

Bless you!

Big hugs,

Brenda Gale

(photo courtesy of photobucket.com)

 

 

Love And Heart Healing

photo courtesy of Photobucket.com

I was at the License Bureau in Carleton Place this am and a little boy of about two years old came in with his mommy and friend.  He was playing with a little red dinky car and I felt God's love for him. I asked the Lord a couple of questions to clarify what I was getting and then I approached the Mom to ask if I could share what the Lord was giving me as a way of blessing for her son.

She was all for it so I mentioned how her son had a grace gift of wisdom on him and that he wouldn't break her heart as a teenager.  There were a few other points the Lord gave me that I shared and I made sure that I mentioned Jesus in the conversation.

Then I gave out Million Dollar Bill tracts to all the people waiting and started telling another young lady what God had impressed me to share with her.


Then I shared with a different couple about the healing services at our church every Friday night and to bring anybody that might need some healing. I told them how much it grew my faith to see peoples' legs grow out in front of me and that people were coming from a long ways away for healing.

Are you starting to wonder what caused all of this?  I mean I didn't pray in tongues for hours before I went out. I just thought about how much God loved this little boy and the river flowed.

I'll tell you what happened.  We have some great people at our church that are really experienced in facilitating inner healing.  A few weeks ago Holy Spirit nudged me to go see them and I obeyed.  You might not think I would need to as I've been a Christian for 25 plus years and I am on the ministry team at church, but in some cases being on a ministry team means you should go for regular check-ups because of all the spiritual retaliation that can happen.

I went on Thursday morning and the people were very kind and gentle and Holy Spirit showed the man what he wanted us to visit and heal.  I said, "Sure," and it was so amazing.

Initially, I had a picture in my mind that was filled with pain and abandonment and then when the Pastor asked me to look at it again with Holy Spirit, it was like a transparency was laid over the picture and I could see all the glory and angels protecting me.  Did it ever change my perspective!  I was never, ever abandoned!  I was so wanted!  I could feel the scars melting away as I absorbed this new perspective.

Then the Pastor felt to pray that the stings I was getting because of my boldness would not hurt anymore.  That was really cool.  I could see a swarm of wasps flying around me but they couldn't sting me. Hallelujah!

I felt like I was 10 pounds lighter on the way home!  I knew all about the ministry of inner healing and had done seminars with John and Paula Sandford as a young believer, but this took it to a whole new level.

Is it any wonder that my ministry gifts would be much stronger after such a revelation of the Father's love and care?

I ministered powerfully to many people last night and then this morning it was as natural as breathing. Yay God!

I guess I want to encourage you to go for inner healing/counseling if Holy Spirit nudges you.  I had some concerns that what I shared might be used against me but then Holy Spirit showed me one Sunday that our church was a safe place to grow. That clinched it.  I don't ever want to hurt anyone and if my getting fixed up means that I can help others more, I am going to do it.

I bless you today as you pursue Jesus.  As you focus on God's love for those around you the gifts will flow, in Jesus' name.  Now go have fun with your Daddy. He loves you so, so much!

Big hugs and blessings,
Brenda Gale Thompson

I Receive Your Love

Have you ever had a day where you had all your plans made and then the Lord said, "But I wanted you to do this?" I have.   I was supposed to go to the local Fountain for some acrylic painting but the Lord said to get this video done.

Well, the voice recording was horrible and I am an amateur singer at best, so I recorded a piano accompaniment and then tried to record the vocals again.  Not the best because of a cold, but it's understandable.

So maybe you are that someone that God wanted me to get this done for!  Our minds get renewed as we sing the word of God you know.   This is the kind of song that I hum as I work.  I hope you will too.

I decree that you are blessed today; physically, mentally, spiritually and financially and that your hands are anointed to transfer God's glory to other people. Go with God and go in Love! Amen.

His love is shed abroad in our hearts by Holy Spirit. (ref. Rom. 5:5)

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. "(John 13:35)

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." (Rom. 13:8)

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God..." (1John 4:7)

"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." (1John 4:18)

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)

Have a great day!

Brenda Gale Thompson

You Say, God Says...

This is an awesome piece that I found on Facebook.  I don't know who the author is so I can't give credit, but it's worth sharing.
Enjoy!

******************•*¨*•♫♪ *♥♥♥* ♪♫•*¨*•**********************
You say:"It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say:"I'm too tired" - God says" I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say:"Nobody really loves me"... - God says:I love you (John 3:16 & John 3 :34)
You say:"I can't go on" - God says:My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 &Psalms 91:15)
You say:"I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say:"I can't do it" - God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say:"I'm not able" - God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)
You say:"It's not worth it" - God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
You say:"I can't forgive myself" - God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say:"I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say:"I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
You say:"I'm always worried and frustrated" - God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)
You say:"I'm not smart enough - God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)
You say:"I feel all alone" - God says: I will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
******************•*¨*•♫♪ *♥♥♥* ♪♫•*¨*•**********************

Have a great day with HIM!
Brenda Gale

Image source: Holy Trinity Brompton, www.htb.org.uk

Honor

This is not an easy post for me to write as I am still learning what it means to honor people. I don't have a problem honoring most people, but when they are mean to me,  I want to pull back and protect myself.

What I do know is that the fog that I wrote about in my last post cleared when I chose to honor my husband instead of stating the obvious.  I had the opportunity to say bluntly what he was like, but I chose to say what I appreciated about him instead.

Two minutes later as I was driving home and I got the song, "Here comes the bride, here comes the bride."

So I put two and two together and figured that, for me at least, it's not okay now to state the obvious. It doesn't matter what kind of a stinker he has been, I still have to walk in love. I heard myself telling a lady that when the going gets tough, to just imagine that her husband is Jesus, and how she would you treat him... then act accordingly.

Not the easiest thing to do that's for sure.  It's back to Phil. 4:8... think about (and speak about) whatever is pure, lovely, praiseworthy, noble and of good report.  I am also calling forth those things 'that be not as though they were'. (Rom 4:17)  God told me I could have a better marriage than I dreamed possible and I'm hanging onto his promise and speaking it out loud as a war declaration.

That doesn't mean you don't get help or don't speak the truth.  "I'm hurting, " is very real.  It just means be careful who you talk to. The whole world doesn't need to know about your 'stuff'.  What the Lord told me once is that, "If you wouldn't say it to Me in prayer, then don't say it, period."

It gives us an idea of how far the Lord wants us to take this supernatural love.  Every time we run out of love we can ask Holy Spirit for more because there is an unending supply. (Rom. 5:5, Psalm 136, 1John 4:8)

Since I have been given the opportunity to be on the ministry team at church I have had many more opportunities to pray for people.  I started asking the Lord, "How do I activate your power flowing through me to them?"  He said, "Just love on them."

I started experimenting during ministry times and when I am the support person I just put my hand on them and say quietly how much I love them and how I know that Holy Spirit loves them so much more. People have stopped me and asked me to move my hand to where they hurt because they can feel the heat of Holy Spirit flowing into them. That is very encouraging.

I hope I have helped you. I certainly don't have it all together.  I am going to keep working on this honor thing and not judging another man's servant.  With the Lord's help all things are possible. (1Cor. 1:26-29, Rom. 14:4, Mark 10:27)

Bless you as you go, in Jesus' name!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale

Work Ministry

(pic from www.avadirect.com)

Lots of times I don't know what to do to help bring in His glory at work.  I'm working away, singing to the Lord or listening to my ipod and I'll get a revelation so I scribble it down to meditate on it later.

If I don't get any words of knowledge before lunch, I'll ask the Lord if I should go to the store to give out tracts or talk to someone in the lunch room.  There's always something we can do.   Then in the afternoon, I'll pray for the people that got tracts or that I talked to.

There's this prevailing attitude that work is work and ministry is ministry,  however, I have noticed that the people around me are very quick to express their preference for music and say "Jesus" in a derogatory way. So, when I hear someone gasp because of pain I can't help but pray and rebuke the condition.  Love compels me to do something.

You know, we must let love lead us and not be afraid of what people will say or do.  Fear can paralyze us to the point where we are not effective at all.

The bottom line is that we must die daily.  That is what it means to be a living sacrifice. We are His hands and feet and His blessing wherever we are. (Rom 12:1-2,  Eph 2:10, Gal 3:13-14)

I can vouch for the fact that the Lord specializes in delivering power.  You see, I once worked at a place where they loved it when I got words of knowledge about bad product on skids.  It saved the company thousands of dollars in rework costs. I had the freedom to follow the Lord's leading and I can't tell you how many times I would show up at a production line just as something wrong was happening or had just happened.

The only thing is, they didn't want people getting saved. I was even told to leave my God at home by one supervisor. This guy had no idea what he was asking me to do.

Anyhow, the Lord fixed it all up, because this guy's mother got very sick with pancreatitis and  I waited till the Lord said to go talk to him.  Many weeks later, he was despairing because the doctors were going to put her into palliative care.  I happened to ask him about his mother and he told me his tale of woe.

I asked him, "Do you mind if I pray for her now?" (They had no hope at all at this point.)

"No, not at all." was his response.

Can you guess what happened? She was home, healed within a week or two. She got her miracle and that supervisor now knows who the King of Kings is.  It's Jesus!

God has always raised up supporters for me whenever persecution has come and if you ask Him, He'll do the same for you. So go be a witness for him.  Don't let His precious blood be wasted another day. He died so that you could be endued with His miracle working power and be a light wherever you go. Go make Your Heavenly Daddy proud.

Let me bless you now. "Lord, show us how we can make a difference every day.  We decree, that Your love is shed abroad in our hearts today and that we walk worthy of the calling to which You have called us.  Thank You Lord that we walk in the anointing we have attained and we don't slip back.  We expect divine appointments today and we are looking for Heavenly treasure everywhere we go.  We walk in love, faith and boldness.  Thank You that we always have supporters and Your wisdom to know how to answer people. Amen!" (Rom. 5:5, Eph. 4:1, Phil. 3:16, Eph 2:10, 2Cor. 5:18-20, Prov 28:1, 1Pet. 3:15, Acts, 4:21-33, Luke 21:11-19)

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale

Praise Is The Voice of Faith

Hi there.   I heard Joshua Mills mention at the Signs and Wonders conference in Ottawa that, "Praise is the voice of faith."  I've been mulling it over and I have to agree with him.

I was just thinking about how I know when I have faith in a promise of God.  99% of the time when I am in faith then it's easy to praise God about the situation.  When I am doubtful then it's really hard to stay positive and thankful about the problem.

Even when I know I have heard from God and I'm waiting on the answer I have to keep a tight rein on my tongue so that I don't mess up my confession.  There is grace though.  If I make a mistake and start getting negative or doubtful I quickly repent.  I'm telling you this so you won't get discouraged.  Learning to live by faith, where your words are powerful, takes some effort, but it is well worth while.

So how do you know if someone is in faith? There are a few clues. If they say they are believing but they keep confessing the problem then, you know you have a double minded person (at that moment)   So what I do (quietly) is claim God's mercy and grace for them and join my faith with theirs so they get the right result.  I cast down every negative, unbelieving word they've spoken and plead the blood of Jesus over them.  They might not be that teachable at the moment so I'm really careful not to step on their toes hard. LOL.

Also, faith isn't faith if you can't leave it with the Lord.  He's not a dead-beat Dad.  He's all over your situation and your praise, thanksgiving and confession release angels to work on it. (Psalm 103:20)  We can be  His little children and leave it with Him when Holy Spirit tells you to.
 It's a lot more fun to wait expectantly for Him to answer.

Here's a quick example.  3-4 weeks ago I got hit with a huge dentist's bill.  They told me it was going to cost almost $1000.00 to fill the cavities in one daughter's teeth, and I have three children at home.  Ouch!  I asked the Lord what to do and He told me His mercy and grace were enough for her and I.

I have to confess that I wasn't sure what to do with that so I told her to claim the word of God over her teeth that by His stripes she was healed, including her teeth. (Is. 53:3-5, 1Pet. 2:24)  When I would praise and worship the Lord I would claim Phil 4:19 that "He will meet all my needs according to His riches in glory."

The day after the bad news the receptionist told me she was going to submit Cassie's name to a gov't agency to see if they would help and would I be ok with that.  I said, "Sure."

Three weeks later, Cassie has had the first apt to fill the worst cavities and the dentist told her that if she keeps flossing that she won't have to have one tooth filled.  Praise the Lord!  I can see the word is working already and best of all she is using her faith.  I am still thanking the Lord for meeting the need and not letting go of the word He gave me.  His mercy and grace is enough.  It's not about how hard my husband or I can work.  His mercy and grace is enough.

Just got a call yesterday... Can you guess?  They are going to pay for all the fillings!  That's my God.  He's a lavish Daddy and He's on my side.  He's on your side too you know.

Let's pray.   Lord we want more victories so we can give You all the glory and testify to your goodness, love and concern.  We want to testify about how well You look after us. Give us a hunger for your word and show us which promises apply to our specific situations.  Help us to trust Your voice and discern the chatter of the enemy.  Thank You for all Your dreams and plans for us.  Amen.

God is Serious

Well, I can't plead ignorance.  He's told me before.  I keep getting the word, "Don't complain about your brothers and sisters."  (ref. James 4:11)

I never realized how easy it is to gripe about the kids that don't listen, or the hubby that is tuned out.  It has been an awakening, that's for sure.

The Lord told me a simple solution.  He said that if I wouldn't say it to Him in prayer then I better not speak it at all.  Hmm, that's something to think about.  Even if I feel justified I better not start.

So thank You Lord for a greater grip on my tongue.  Set a watch over the door of my lips, Please.   (ref. Psalm 141:3)
I was also reminded of Psalm 15.  Since I want to dwell in His sanctuary and live on His Holy hill I better take note of the requirements...
Thank You Lord that there is no slander on my tongue. I want to be used by you.
Thank You that I do my neighbor no wrong and I don't cast slurs on my fellowman or woman. I hate a vile man but I honor those who fear the Lord.
Praise the Lord, I will never be shaken.  (ref. Psalm 15:1-5)

Holy Spirit is so happy now.  He really likes it when I share my bloopers with you all.  May you be blessed and encouraged to know that with Him all things are possible.  There is no condemnation in the Lord, just a process of becoming more and more like Him called sanctification.  (ref. Rom, 8:1, 1Thess. 5:23) As we notice some areas of our life that need changing He will help us find a promise to cut out the bad and replace it with good. "Through His glory and goodness He has given us His great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ( ref. 2Pet. 1:3-4)  

I thank God that there is supernatural power  in each promise from the Bible to bring itself to pass in our lives. (ref. Isaiah 55:11)

Therefore, since He promised me I would be a rickshaw for His Glory I want to obey all His promptings. I don't want anything to hinder the flow of Holy Spirit in my life. "Your words of love, grace, mercy and power flow through me all the time," is part of a song I wrote.
I'll keep singing it and renewing my mind with His word.  It's a done deal with Holy Spirit!

Have a great weekend with HIM!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale