Trends

I am noticing a trend these days.    Many dear people who have gone on holidays  have come back under attack instead of refreshed.  This should not be so!

I wouldn't have put it together if it hadn't been happening so consistently.   People getting hurt, accidents,  disappointments coming back, weariness about the work load, frustration that things aren't changing fast enough...  it's been a real onslaught!

So.... better late than never let's claim God's promises for our friends and families.

Thank you Lord that our friends and families get refreshed when they go on holidays.  Let them come back pumped up with the good things You want to do at church.  Lord, help us all to remember the good things that are happening at our churches and not the things that irritate us. Ignite passion in our hearts for all you want to do.  Help us to keep our hearts clean and to extend mercy, grace and forgiveness to others.   Help us to communicate effectively and give us wisdom about what to do and how much to do.  Thank you Lord that because we love your word, nothing can cause us to stumble or take offense.  Thank You Lord for healing every person that has been hurt in any way.   Help us Lord to not become weary in our outreach because we know this is Your work and your kingdom. Amen!

On the good side 6 un-churched people asked Jesus into their hearts in the last few weeks and many have been healed of all kinds of back problems and arthritis. 
 
Bless you!
Brenda Gale Thompson

p.s.   Let's claim refreshing because, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed!" (ref. Prov. 11:25)

An Oasis

Pic from wikipedia.com

I will never forget the first time I went to West Carleton Christian Assembly (Kinburn Revival).  It was on a blustery Friday night, Jan. 1st as I remember.  There weren't many cars in the parking lot but I didn't care.  I had heard that God's presence was welcomed there and I was desperate for living water.

Just a few weeks earlier the church I used to go to had a guest speaker and his band ministering.  I was praising and dancing like a fool at the back of the church when a lady commented on how hard I was dancing.  I told her that I was so desperate for a breakthrough that if God told me to dance naked I would have.  That ended that conversation!

So anyhow, I got to this church I heard about  and had to wait for someone to unlock the door.  When I walked in I could feel in the spirit that it was different.  I started to pray and seek the Lord and the service started soon after.  When they invited worshipers to the front I was thrilled!  That's my favorite place to be!  It's so much easier to focus on the Lord when there's no one in front of you, at least for me it is.

During the worship the Lord told me to lay down on the floor. I hesitated and then thought, "What have I got to lose?"  Well did the Lord ever minister to me!  A fellow came by and told me to sit up a couple of times so he could give me a prophetic word and I couldn't!  I was pinned to the floor by an invisible force and I felt Holy Spirit taking away layers of pain and disappointment.  It was awesome!   I didn't want to get back up.  Wave after wave of love and encouragement flooded my soul and healed my heart.

This church has been an oasis for so many people.  This song goes out to all the people looking for an oasis.  May you find one within driving range soon!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHFVnc0kCBY&feature=player_embedded

Bless you richly!
Brenda Gale Thompson

Ps.  If you liked this article please share!

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)