Hi there. I just came back from 6 days of tent meetings. I was taping the whole thing so I've got tons of good footage to make into clips in the next few months.
Here's one of them....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbtIU8_YTZ0
It's Brother Russ Moyer's prophesy over the valley. Very encouraging I thought.
Have a great day!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Thursday, August 8, 2013
No more muzzles on our workers!
Hmmm. I have been thinking about this article for a long time and how to write it the right way. Here goes.
The Bible says 'don't muzzle the ox that's treading out the grain' (Deut.25:4). This was not a common practise in the days when people used oxen because the ox would always stop to eat. So the driver would have to goad the ox to keep him treading out the grain. Also, the owners risked the animals health because the ox could get sick from eating so much grain at one time.
So any farmer would wonder what does this scripture mean? I think we need to remember that Jesus was really concerned about people and often used analogies to convey a thought.
If this scripture is really talking about people then maybe we need to investigate what the oxen was doing. Really, the ox was doing the work that no one else wanted to do. He was doing a very important, yet boring job of walking around in circles pulling a very heavy log or roller to crush the grain.
If I am correct, then what this scripture means is that we are to treat 'well' the people who do the work no one else wants to do. We are not to treat them with less respect or prevent them from enjoying all the rewards (the grain). The rewards can mean the spiritual, physical and financial benefits of the church.
1Titus 5:18 says "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." This cuts into the prevailing mentality of free volunteer work. So where's the balance? If you can't get anyone else to do the job then maybe there's a reason for that?
Churches say they can't afford good help.... I say they can't afford not to pay for good, reliable help. And who's to say that the Lord won't tell the person to give back their wages in the offering bucket?
The bible has many examples of where the priests had to leave the temple work because they weren't getting paid. Have we learned nothing in all these years? Enough said.
I've seen way too many people who were good volunteers leave churches because they got tired of feeling used and unappreciated. I've got to ask, how bad does it have to get? The library where I work part time has volunteer and staff appreciation events every couple of months. Funny, but they have had the same volunteers for years and some of the staff have been there over ten years.
Maybe they have caught onto something? The volunteers put in a few hours a week doing the easiest jobs and yet they are so appreciated and affirmed! Maybe we need to ask our volunteers how we can make them feel more appreciated?
I don't have all the answers. I sure miss my friends who helped me on the video camera, sound board and projection screen. So if the video isn't following the person... cut me some slack. I'm probably trying to fix the sound board feed or trying to figure out how to get a video ready to play on the big screen.
Let's pray: Thank You Lord for your help in our lives. Thank You Lord for your constant encouragement. Help us all to rely on you more for our daily provision, guidance and problem solving ability. Thank You Lord for joy in our journey. Thank You Lord that You said whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all. Thank You Lord for helping us pass the tests along the way. Thank You Lord for healthy boundaries and for helping us recognize control and manipulation in our relationships. Thank you Lord for showing us how to stop it gently, with the right attitude.
Thank You Lord for all your prophetic words over our lives! Thank you Lord that they are coming to pass! Thank You Lord that because we are 'willing and obedient', (with a good attitude) we eat the good(the best) of the land. Hallelujah! Amen!
You have a great day with Holy Spirit! I just know He's working on your behalf, going ahead of you and preparing the way for you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
(ps. Please share my blog with others if you like what you are reading!)
The Bible says 'don't muzzle the ox that's treading out the grain' (Deut.25:4). This was not a common practise in the days when people used oxen because the ox would always stop to eat. So the driver would have to goad the ox to keep him treading out the grain. Also, the owners risked the animals health because the ox could get sick from eating so much grain at one time.
So any farmer would wonder what does this scripture mean? I think we need to remember that Jesus was really concerned about people and often used analogies to convey a thought.
If this scripture is really talking about people then maybe we need to investigate what the oxen was doing. Really, the ox was doing the work that no one else wanted to do. He was doing a very important, yet boring job of walking around in circles pulling a very heavy log or roller to crush the grain.
If I am correct, then what this scripture means is that we are to treat 'well' the people who do the work no one else wants to do. We are not to treat them with less respect or prevent them from enjoying all the rewards (the grain). The rewards can mean the spiritual, physical and financial benefits of the church.
1Titus 5:18 says "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." This cuts into the prevailing mentality of free volunteer work. So where's the balance? If you can't get anyone else to do the job then maybe there's a reason for that?
Churches say they can't afford good help.... I say they can't afford not to pay for good, reliable help. And who's to say that the Lord won't tell the person to give back their wages in the offering bucket?
The bible has many examples of where the priests had to leave the temple work because they weren't getting paid. Have we learned nothing in all these years? Enough said.
I've seen way too many people who were good volunteers leave churches because they got tired of feeling used and unappreciated. I've got to ask, how bad does it have to get? The library where I work part time has volunteer and staff appreciation events every couple of months. Funny, but they have had the same volunteers for years and some of the staff have been there over ten years.
Maybe they have caught onto something? The volunteers put in a few hours a week doing the easiest jobs and yet they are so appreciated and affirmed! Maybe we need to ask our volunteers how we can make them feel more appreciated?
I don't have all the answers. I sure miss my friends who helped me on the video camera, sound board and projection screen. So if the video isn't following the person... cut me some slack. I'm probably trying to fix the sound board feed or trying to figure out how to get a video ready to play on the big screen.
Let's pray: Thank You Lord for your help in our lives. Thank You Lord for your constant encouragement. Help us all to rely on you more for our daily provision, guidance and problem solving ability. Thank You Lord for joy in our journey. Thank You Lord that You said whoever wants to be great must be the servant of all. Thank You Lord for helping us pass the tests along the way. Thank You Lord for healthy boundaries and for helping us recognize control and manipulation in our relationships. Thank you Lord for showing us how to stop it gently, with the right attitude.
Thank You Lord for all your prophetic words over our lives! Thank you Lord that they are coming to pass! Thank You Lord that because we are 'willing and obedient', (with a good attitude) we eat the good(the best) of the land. Hallelujah! Amen!
You have a great day with Holy Spirit! I just know He's working on your behalf, going ahead of you and preparing the way for you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
(ps. Please share my blog with others if you like what you are reading!)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I tried to put them together in a meaningful way and this is what I came up with. There is so much to learn about film production. After I finish this intro course on Library Management I might take a course on how to make better movies. We'll see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh0V_rbQDZA&feature=share&list=UU7E5UbsoEGA5NEGm3yirUmA
Oh. Guess what? I'm still going out to the malls etc. The other day I was handing out million dollar bills at a Dollarama store and a lady said, "Thank you very much." I went back to her and explained about the million dollar gift and she got more excited. We talked and as I left she said, "Keep praying for me." I told her I would.
Then at another store, I was going around when I thought I'm going to try what Matt Sorger was preaching about. I said, "Come out in Jesus' name!" a few times as I walked down a few isles. (I wasn't yelling, lol) I didn't see any demons manifest (Shucks!) but there were some Asian ladies that kept following me around. It wasn't strange at all. I could tell they just wanted to be around me. I wish I could tell you that I had the courage to interrupt their conversation but I'm not there yet. I don't speak Punjabi or whatever language they speak.
I'm still learning! I'm getting more bold about praying for people in stores when I see someone sick or with a crutch etc. Deliverance can be really messy. I need more boldness I guess. I'll have to start decreeing Proverbs 28:1-- that I am as bold as a lion because I am righteous.
I did miss it at the library with a young man who wouldn't make eye contact. He needed help with his computer and I got it fixed for him. I could tell that he was so nervous with me being around him that I didn't want to push it. As it was, as soon as I left he took off to the bathroom. Looking back, maybe I should have blessed him. He was like a deer in head lights.... maybe next time.
So be encouraged! I don't always get it right and Holy Spirit has never chastised me or reprimanded me. If you hear stuff like that.... it's the accuser for sure! Tell him to go back where he came from and keep trying. You'll have a lot of fun and bless many, many people!
God doesn't need a perfect vessel, he just needs a yielded vessel. Hallelujah!
God bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Little by Little
God knows about your struggles. He knows how loud and insistent the world can be. Every day you seek him you are changed into His glory bit by bit, as you worship and stand in His presence. The Bible promises that and God can't lie.
So this week as I worship God might be working on forgiveness.... next week it might be faithfulness. I can guarantee you that He's the best potter in the universe!
People have asked me how I carry this great anointing on me; where they feel angels as soon as I start to worship. It starts with the day to day seeking. Just like all these barbie doll clothes started bit by bit he's working on me bit by bit. You cannot go wrong seeking Him; spending time away with Him every day. When I try to do what he shows me in the secret place I receive grace to do what He's called me to do. He is the most amazing God! And the best part is that what He has done for me He wants to do for you and 100x more than that!
So don't give up! You're further than you've been before and you are closer to Him than you realize!
He who began a good work in you will finish it. And that's a promise you can take to the bank!
I bless you in Jesus' name!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Cameras, Video Editing and Power and Love!
I'm getting better at multi-tasking. I have this lap top recording some of the service and also transferring the last week's service to an external drive. At the same time the dvd burner behind the lap top is directly burning the camera feed onto a dvd. Amazing what technology can do!
This is allowing me to do most of the work at church so I don't always have to bring the lap top home. It's amazing! It's saving me at least 6 hours a week of editing, rendering and burning.
I'm still going out and sharing the good news of God's love. This week I was in Ottawa at Michaels when I noticed that the cashier had these huge lumps on her arms. I asked her if she was okay and she said that she's on kidney dialysis. So I asked her if I could pray with her and I decreed healing over her, in Jesus' name. I know but I know her kidneys are working now! That was one of the first miracle's I ever saw!
Then I was at Walmart and I saw a lady with a mask over her face. I asked her what was going on and she said that she had horrible allergies. I asked if it was okay for me to bless her and she said, "Sure!' So I blessed her in Jesus' name and decreed that she could enjoy all creation without allergy or side effect from now on. She was touched that I would stop and enquire about her health. Amen! She's getting better all the time!
Those are the encounters that really stand out to me. I pray for people with headaches, colds and pain all the time. I hate what the devil does to people. Heaven on earth around me -- that's what I'm here to enforce! I am his revival vessel and so are YOU!
Go and have a great day sharing the love of God with the people you meet and Don't forget your family! They might not want to hear your words but they can't resist His Love, lol. Sometimes when our light is shining bright the conviction brings out the worst in them. Don't let it get to you! Just know that in Jesus we win!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Summer is almost here!
Hi. I haven't dropped off the planet. I have gotten my gardens going this year and I put in two hummingbird feeders so there wouldn't be so many fights.
Also, I have been riding my horse with a dear friend and it's been so much fun!
Here's me before we actually go out.
Anyhow, I was recently asked how I manage to keep smiling with all the work I do volunteering at church. I think the key is to ask God how much you are supposed to do and only do that amount. I'm having to get better at saying, "No." And no means no. No guilt trips will move me. If God's not in it I don't want to do it.
Too many people get burnt out at churches with the work load and then they don't want to do anything. I don't want to get to that point. When I struggled with saying 'no' to people in authority over me I got a book out from the library about boundaries and how to enforce them.
You can only do so much! It's not your responsibility to keep their world turning! So make sure you take your day off a week and keep your relationship with God your top priority. If you expect your reward from God you are doing well. If you are expecting promotion, recognition or opportunities from your Pastor etc. you might be disappointed.
Clear concise communication about what you can and can't do will help to avoid conflicts down the road. It's so important.
I hope what I shared helps you to keep your priorities straight. There's absolutely no point in getting so busy that you don't have time for God. You can't replace that hour every day with him. That's how the growth happens. We think we're waiting on God to do something and all the while He's waiting for us to come away and just spend time with Him. It's tragic how easily the days slip by!
I am reminded of an acronym that Gloria Copeland uses...
S = Satan
C = Constantly
U = Uses
D = Distractions!
Therefore, let's keep scheduling in our time with God before the day fills up.
Bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Also, I have been riding my horse with a dear friend and it's been so much fun!
Anyhow, I was recently asked how I manage to keep smiling with all the work I do volunteering at church. I think the key is to ask God how much you are supposed to do and only do that amount. I'm having to get better at saying, "No." And no means no. No guilt trips will move me. If God's not in it I don't want to do it.
Too many people get burnt out at churches with the work load and then they don't want to do anything. I don't want to get to that point. When I struggled with saying 'no' to people in authority over me I got a book out from the library about boundaries and how to enforce them.
You can only do so much! It's not your responsibility to keep their world turning! So make sure you take your day off a week and keep your relationship with God your top priority. If you expect your reward from God you are doing well. If you are expecting promotion, recognition or opportunities from your Pastor etc. you might be disappointed.
Clear concise communication about what you can and can't do will help to avoid conflicts down the road. It's so important.
I hope what I shared helps you to keep your priorities straight. There's absolutely no point in getting so busy that you don't have time for God. You can't replace that hour every day with him. That's how the growth happens. We think we're waiting on God to do something and all the while He's waiting for us to come away and just spend time with Him. It's tragic how easily the days slip by!
I am reminded of an acronym that Gloria Copeland uses...
S = Satan
C = Constantly
U = Uses
D = Distractions!
Therefore, let's keep scheduling in our time with God before the day fills up.
Bless you!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Sunbeams
I had a crazy day recently. It went by so fast that I didn't get the time to seek the Lord. I was tired from a work out and all the gardening I did and I was going to bed when I heard Holy Spirit ask, "What do you see?"
I stopped and focussed on my spirit and I saw black and then a beautiful, golden sunbeam came streaming down to me. It was gorgeous and it felt warm, refreshing and cleansing at the same time. I could feel all the day's 'spiritual smog' burn off of me as I basked in this enveloping sunbeam.
I know that the Bible says that, "The son of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings and his beams..." (Mal. 4:2 Amp.) It was a whole new experience to live the verse-- to have the Lord send down a special golden sunbeam, just for me. I felt so refreshed as I enjoyed his love. He wants to dote on us like a grandfather you know. He looks for ways to brighten our day. He loves to see us smile with delight at a new discovery.
Anyhow, the second part of that verse now makes sense..." and you shall go forth and gambol (frolic) like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy." I felt so refreshed like a calf let out of the barn after a long, dark winter. Now I understand how you can go from sunbeams to calves frolicking. It's so obvious--now.
I went to bed that night with tears in my eyes reveling in the great, great love of Holy Spirit/Father God/Jesus. I know I will never be the same.
May the Lord bless you 100x more what he has me and may you know His love that passes all understanding, in Jesus' name I ask. Amen!
Bless you more!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
I stopped and focussed on my spirit and I saw black and then a beautiful, golden sunbeam came streaming down to me. It was gorgeous and it felt warm, refreshing and cleansing at the same time. I could feel all the day's 'spiritual smog' burn off of me as I basked in this enveloping sunbeam.
I know that the Bible says that, "The son of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings and his beams..." (Mal. 4:2 Amp.) It was a whole new experience to live the verse-- to have the Lord send down a special golden sunbeam, just for me. I felt so refreshed as I enjoyed his love. He wants to dote on us like a grandfather you know. He looks for ways to brighten our day. He loves to see us smile with delight at a new discovery.
Anyhow, the second part of that verse now makes sense..." and you shall go forth and gambol (frolic) like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy." I felt so refreshed like a calf let out of the barn after a long, dark winter. Now I understand how you can go from sunbeams to calves frolicking. It's so obvious--now.
I went to bed that night with tears in my eyes reveling in the great, great love of Holy Spirit/Father God/Jesus. I know I will never be the same.
May the Lord bless you 100x more what he has me and may you know His love that passes all understanding, in Jesus' name I ask. Amen!
Bless you more!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
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