A while ago someone praying over me told me that I was getting back the voice that I had lost. I didn't understand what she meant at the time so I filed it away and asked God about it every so often.
This morning I heard Pastor Mark Redner teaching about taking dominion over things, situations and circumstances and the light bulb went off.
Somehow, through discouragement I had allowed myself to quit walking by faith. The Bible says that we are supposed to walk by faith and not by sight but can I tell you that sometimes your sight can overwhelm your faith?
I never would have thought it could happen to me, but it can, even to seasoned faith talker like me.
The accusations of people, the niggling thoughts about nothing's changing, the self doubts that the enemy plays in your head all attack the promises and destiny that God has for you.
We need to be ever vigilant to take those negative thoughts captive and to make the effort to hang out with other people of like mind. An analogy that fits is, 'one coal by itself will soon go out but many coals together keep each other burning.'
We are in a real war. I need, we need to act like soldiers. As difficult as that can be we need to remember that we are bought with a very high price and we are not our own.
"Calling things that be not as though we are" is not a habit that we can let slide. If we ever want things to change we have to keep on doing the things that have brought us this far.
The other thing that Pastor pointed out that I thought was really appropriate was that we can't wait for our friends or family to get fixed before we go on with God. As tough as it is we have to let them wallow in the pigsty if that's what they choose to do. You can only hold your hand out so long before you'll get a crick in your back. If they are that insistant that they want to live their lives the way they choose-- then that's their choice. We have to honor that freedom to choose and move on with our lives.
Is it difficult to do this? You bet! Especially with family members! All we can do is keep decreeing the promises of God over their lives and bind the enemy and leave them with the Father. That's what faith does.
Nothing is worth sacrificing your fellowship with the Lord. Nothing. Without him we are nothing and apart from him we can do nothing! (John 15: )
On that note I got out my thankful confessions this afternoon and started speaking them out loud. Hallelujah! Do you know that I've seen lots of breakthroughs because of these confessions? Yes.... it's really true. Someone once said, "We make our habits, then our habits make us." I want good habits, so I can leave a legacy of encouraging words, videos and people healed and delivered.
Impossible? Nope! Nothing is impossible for God! He loves impossible situations! It's his opportunity to shine brightly in your life.
So What do you think? Has anyone or anything stolen your voice for a season? Are there promises of God that you have put on the shelf? I hope I've encouraged you to take all the land that God has promised you!
For Meditation:
Heb. 6:12 ... "Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Gal. 6:9 "Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not faint."
Isaiah 40: 29-31"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Heb 10:35-36)
Have a great day with Him!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Values
I have heard a lot of stuff in my fifty years and I have seen a lot of stuff go wrong in relationships.
I have seen seemingly good relationships fall apart for the most minimal reasons that became mountains somehow.
Because I value relationships above money I have watched and learned a few things to protect relationships. Here's one big tip...
When you go on a trip or a joint venture with someone before the end of it always ask if the money obligations are satisfied. You do not want them walking away feeling used or shortchanged. My friend was really good about that and I so appreciated her bringing up that sensitive topic.
You see, I made the mistake of going on a holiday with someone and wrongly assumed that they would bring money to cover their share of the motel, food, gas and some spending money. What a shock when I found out that she didn't bring a cent! Spent her money before the trip no less!
So now I know to communicate more, rather than less. This can be very difficult especially if the other person is 'too busy' for you.... but you have to try.
When a friend was planning on going on a 3 week holiday with two of her friends I suggested that she discuss in advance what the itinerary was going to be, how many events they wanted to take in, who was going to drive and how the expenses were going to be paid for. After the trip my friend phoned and thanked me many times for that piece of advice because the trip was great, there were no headaches and their friendships were still intact.
You see, some people have the idea that Christianity doesn't affect their spending habits They are Christians, all right-- they just haven't gotten a revelation about kingdom priorities.
In the Kingdom of God we are warned not to cause any of God's little ones to stumble. God values you and I --not money.
If you are on the receiving end of some financial abuse... take heart! God hears your cry and he will pay you back.
That's not to excuse the other person's behavior. They will end up having to retake the test another time. Your priority is to keep your heart clean before the Lord. That's a big enough assignment!
I hope this tip saves you some grief. I am still learning of course and I welcome your feed back.
Have a great day with HIM!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
I have seen seemingly good relationships fall apart for the most minimal reasons that became mountains somehow.
Because I value relationships above money I have watched and learned a few things to protect relationships. Here's one big tip...
When you go on a trip or a joint venture with someone before the end of it always ask if the money obligations are satisfied. You do not want them walking away feeling used or shortchanged. My friend was really good about that and I so appreciated her bringing up that sensitive topic.
You see, I made the mistake of going on a holiday with someone and wrongly assumed that they would bring money to cover their share of the motel, food, gas and some spending money. What a shock when I found out that she didn't bring a cent! Spent her money before the trip no less!
So now I know to communicate more, rather than less. This can be very difficult especially if the other person is 'too busy' for you.... but you have to try.
When a friend was planning on going on a 3 week holiday with two of her friends I suggested that she discuss in advance what the itinerary was going to be, how many events they wanted to take in, who was going to drive and how the expenses were going to be paid for. After the trip my friend phoned and thanked me many times for that piece of advice because the trip was great, there were no headaches and their friendships were still intact.
You see, some people have the idea that Christianity doesn't affect their spending habits They are Christians, all right-- they just haven't gotten a revelation about kingdom priorities.
In the Kingdom of God we are warned not to cause any of God's little ones to stumble. God values you and I --not money.
If you are on the receiving end of some financial abuse... take heart! God hears your cry and he will pay you back.
That's not to excuse the other person's behavior. They will end up having to retake the test another time. Your priority is to keep your heart clean before the Lord. That's a big enough assignment!
I hope this tip saves you some grief. I am still learning of course and I welcome your feed back.
Have a great day with HIM!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Thursday, September 5, 2013
The Voice of the Father
I always wondered what the Father's voice would sound like when I actually heard it. I have been pressing into worship and seen lots of stuff in visions of God. As I've gotten closer to the throne room of Heaven I've been wondering when I would get to hear his Voice.
There is so much music in Heaven.... it takes a bit of getting used to. Everything is singing. Even inanimate objects have a song resonating in them. If I pause and stand and focus on the music I can see the notes appear in the air. Amazing stuff.
Anyhow, I was getting stuck in the groups of worshipers that wait their turn in front of the throne level. They are all so excited to be able to worship at the throne in Heaven. I remember saying, 'help' in my head and all of a sudden I had a back stage pass in my hand and in a blink I was behind the throne area.
Now when I worship it's like I go to the back of the throne area immediately and there are all these angels and living creatures on that level. There's a huge angel with wings that are at least 10 ft long at the top of the dais and he's curled his wing around me a time or two-- when the glory got to intense for me to stand in it.
Lately, I've been getting closer and I keep seeing this angel that's glowing with fire all over him. When he moves fast he leaves a trail of fire. He's looking at me and then looking back over his shoulder to the Father. I know he's got something for me. I just know it! He's waiting for the right moment.
Anyhow.... I was watching the Father intently and he was motionless, sitting on the throne. I was awestruck with his majesty and power. I thought to myself, "All I want to do was to sit and watch him run the comos."
I heard Holy Spirit talk to me and I said, "I love you Holy Spirit but I'd really like to hear the Father's voice." and He said, "I am the Father's Voice."
I pondered that and then Holy Spirit said, "When you hear me, You are hearing the Father."
How amazing is that? The most powerful, creative, awesome being in the universes and He's talking to me!!!
Every time we hear Holy Spirit we are hearing Father God cause he is God's voice.
Let's pray: Lord we treasure you! Help us to always be able to hear and discern your lovely voice. Awaken us in the morning with your sweet songs and put us to bed in the evening hearing your precious, precious words of love. Yell at us it we are going to mess up our lives and give us ears to hear and a receptive, humble heart to obey what you say. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
There is so much music in Heaven.... it takes a bit of getting used to. Everything is singing. Even inanimate objects have a song resonating in them. If I pause and stand and focus on the music I can see the notes appear in the air. Amazing stuff.
Anyhow, I was getting stuck in the groups of worshipers that wait their turn in front of the throne level. They are all so excited to be able to worship at the throne in Heaven. I remember saying, 'help' in my head and all of a sudden I had a back stage pass in my hand and in a blink I was behind the throne area.
Now when I worship it's like I go to the back of the throne area immediately and there are all these angels and living creatures on that level. There's a huge angel with wings that are at least 10 ft long at the top of the dais and he's curled his wing around me a time or two-- when the glory got to intense for me to stand in it.
Lately, I've been getting closer and I keep seeing this angel that's glowing with fire all over him. When he moves fast he leaves a trail of fire. He's looking at me and then looking back over his shoulder to the Father. I know he's got something for me. I just know it! He's waiting for the right moment.
Anyhow.... I was watching the Father intently and he was motionless, sitting on the throne. I was awestruck with his majesty and power. I thought to myself, "All I want to do was to sit and watch him run the comos."
I heard Holy Spirit talk to me and I said, "I love you Holy Spirit but I'd really like to hear the Father's voice." and He said, "I am the Father's Voice."
I pondered that and then Holy Spirit said, "When you hear me, You are hearing the Father."
How amazing is that? The most powerful, creative, awesome being in the universes and He's talking to me!!!
Every time we hear Holy Spirit we are hearing Father God cause he is God's voice.
Let's pray: Lord we treasure you! Help us to always be able to hear and discern your lovely voice. Awaken us in the morning with your sweet songs and put us to bed in the evening hearing your precious, precious words of love. Yell at us it we are going to mess up our lives and give us ears to hear and a receptive, humble heart to obey what you say. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Tent Meetings!
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
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
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!)
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I saw some cute kids dancing at the back of church after the healing service was over. They were so cute that I quickly grabbed my phone and caught some clips.
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
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
It was my grand daughter's birthday last week and I wanted to give her something special. My daughter didn't want to take the time to learn how to crochet or knit so I took over. It looks like a lot, but really it's not. I just did a little every day or so-- when I was waiting for the bus, baking something or listening to some great teaching on youtube. Little by little the number of clothing pieces increased over time.
The key is to start and not give up. Some of these pieces I had to rip apart and crochet or knit over and over to get them to fit right. It's the same with seeking the Lord. Some days it seems like all I can do is spend my hour trying to quiet my mind so I can hear his voice. Yet through it all I am growing little by little into His image.
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
The key is to start and not give up. Some of these pieces I had to rip apart and crochet or knit over and over to get them to fit right. It's the same with seeking the Lord. Some days it seems like all I can do is spend my hour trying to quiet my mind so I can hear his voice. Yet through it all I am growing little by little into His image.
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
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