Destiny Thieves Chapter One

I don't wear a cape or wear a costume but one of the calls on my life is to be an intercessor. Over the years Jesus has trained and prepared me not that I'm perfect, but that when I pray in Jesus' name, I believe. With prayer times that heavy I know those prayers are contending with things I can't see or often don't understand. I want to be as armed as possible so I read up as much as I can and share what I learn with other prayer warriors.

One of the most consistent resources is Sandie Freed. Her books are thorough and filled with Scripture to back up the information. My plan is to take the summer and share the brief notes I took from reading her books. They are by no means comprehensive so do yourself a favor if you share the same call on your life and get these books.

First up, Destiny Thieves. Click here to purchase.


Chapter 1

Possession is a three step process.

1.      Make a firm decision to move forward

2.      Set one’s face like flint toward destiny

3.      Walking in the empowerment of His grace to move forward and possess one’s mountain of inheritance.

Amalekites are a tribe that robs destiny and must be driven out in order to possess promise.

The process of stealing leaders:

1.      Seduce them into believing they don’t fit. This leaves them alone, unprotected and vulnerable.

Jezebel-A seducing spirit, a painted lady. Also worked in unity with the sons of Belial, falsely accusing Naboth, stealing and murdering. 1 Kings 21.

Another plan is to seduce followers so there is no one holding up arms as Aaron and Hur did for Moses against Amalekites. Then senior pastors are weary and give up.

Once sheep are wounded and inactive , Jezebel hits target. Stronghold moves into congregation to control atmosphere through intercession, worship and prophetic  ministry.  Discredit with false accusations to undermine authority.

Only way to overcome the spirit of Jezebel is by proclaiming the blood of Jesus and victory of the blood using our testimony against it.

Ministries with mandate to fulfill Ephesians 4:11 to train and equip saints will face an evil assignment of destruction.  We must draw blood like and declare enemy can’t step through boundary of the blood of Jesus.

Sandie often brings in a red ribbon and ties to hospital beds as a sign of the bloodline being drawn in spirit realm, pray blood of Jesus, draw bloodline and command satan and spirits of death to leave premises.

We must proclaim testimony for victory.

Julie's note: I pray as you read these notes and get these books you not react in fear but be proactive in resolve. If Christ is your Savior you have the authority In His Name. Don't let what you read scare you, but empower you. The enemy is already defeated, don't ever forget that!

http://juliearduini.com

Surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate

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Chapter 8 Study Notes: Sandie Freed's Crushing the Spirits of Poverty and Greed

We're on Chapter 8: It is Written

-Cast down, shachach, means to sink or depress. It's connected to bow down. Bowing down is homage or serving. Satan tempted Jesus in hopes that Jesus would bow down and serve him.

-Satan used the spirit of Mammon to tempt Jesus to claim satan as provider. The daily bread Jesus told his disciples to pray was really provision. We can model Jesus by trusting God as our provider.

-Satan kept using Mammon to tempt Jesus. Satan even twisted God's word, but Jesus knew His Provider, His Father and the true purpose of His life. Jesus responded by telling satan not to test God. Sandie confesses she often tests God and fails satan's tests, falling for Mammon. Don't we all? Satan even asked Jesus to bow down and acknowledge him as ruler.  Had Jesus obeyed, he would have put a Babylonian structure in authority, not God's Kingdom. I'm so glad Jesus obeyed!

Now it's our turn. We too can stand up to satan under the authority of Jesus Christ. If we don't, we're serving Mammon. We must not bow down to any master but God.

Once the temptation ceased Jesus exploded with power and authority. His passion ignited to share His love of the Father and this passion gave Him power to fight Mammon. Mammon and the Babylonian structure was the influence with the moneychangers in the Temple. Jesus was angry because He was jealous for God's reputation.

Jesus responded with the same words He did in the wilderness: It is written. He used God's word to destroy evil structures meant to block our purposes in Christ. We need to do the same.

Delusion is linked to witchcraft and occult. We will see an increase in people proclaiming false things and performing fake acts, and we will be tempted to believe they are acts of God. We must seek God's wisdom and discernment through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Failure to embrace God will result in our delusion, then confusion, and usually, a journey into the occult and witchcraft. We must act simple and simply believe God and speak His word. This is the key to make the devil leave.

Death structure: when the enemy comes with a temptation, we agree with his lies, he is committed to a takeover. He plans on building a house within our hearts and lives to he will have all of us. He is out to seek, kill and destroy.


Seven Deadly Sins:
Lust-unlawful sexual desire
Gluttony-wastefulness, consuming too much, misplaced desire
Greed-desiring more things than we need
Sloth-Laziness
Wrath-Wrong feelings of hatred, wanting revenge
Envy-Hating others for what they have
Pride-Desire to be important or attractive to others.

Mammon is connected to these sins. To combat, again, we need God's word and His power through Christ.

Sin of unbelief is when we're tempted not to trust God in any way. We have to see God as the provider for all our needs.  If we don't believe in His provision we don't have confidence in Him. We don't trust Him.

Character of God:
Elohim-Creator
El Elyon-God Almighty
Adonai-Our Lord and Master
Jehovah-Self-Existent God
Jehovah Jireh-Our Provider
Jehovah Shalom-Our Peace
Jehovah Nissi-God Our Banner of Victory
Jehovah Tsidkenu-God Our Righteousness
El Shaddai-All Sufficient One
El Roi-God who Sees
Jehovah Raah-Lord our Shepherd
Jehovah Mekoddishkem-God is our Sanctification
Jehovah Shammah-The Lord is present with us
Jehovah Baal Perez-Lord of Breakthrough
Jehovah Sabaoth-Lord of Hosts
Jehovah Rapha-Lord our Healer
Abba Father-Lover and Protector, Daddy who Loves Us

Instead of worrying we need to focus on who God is.

The chapter ends with a prayer of repentance. I can't emphasize enough on how wise it would be to purchase this book.

The Passion Play Jesus

It's been a couple weeks since this happened, but I can't shake it.   to the font

Our youngest needed her adenoids and tonsils removed.  The last time she was in a children's hospital, it was a life or death situation.  I knew this time around was different, but the deep seated memories flew to the forefront. If I could have taken a billboard out asking for prayer, I most likely would have done it.

At the same time, our church held their tenth annual Passion Play.  Their Palm Sunday presentation was the night before the surgery and our pastoral care pastor and wife asked us to meet them backstage.  We gathered around and prayed, adults oblivious to our surroundings.  When the prayer ended, the six year old made a statement.

"Jesus is here."

I wanted to pat her on the head and say I no sweetie, I know Jesus is with us.

She rolled her eyes, turned, and pointed.

"No, mom.  Jesus is here, praying with us."

Little did I know the man playing Jesus in the Passion Play was in character, wanting to walk through.  The reverent man that he is, he waited until our prayer was done.  My eyes were closed and I was trying to ask God for faith our daughter already had.

I thought Jesus' work was done and that I learned from the visual lesson.


A friend was in the play and apparently during cast prayer, she mentioned a toothache.  It wasn't long after she felt a touch on the shoulder.

"I hear you have a toothache.  Don't worry, it will be ok."

It was Passion Play Jesus.

Not only did he comfort her with those words and give her a little boost of faith with his authentic look, she noticed something.

Her pain disappeared.

Passion Play Jesus spoke encouraging words reaffirming the reality of Jesus we honor with the play.

Real Jesus was there.  How quick we forget unless it's Passion Play season and the man portraying Him stands behind you.  Real Jesus is always there.  Even after Passion Play.

Blessed be His name.


Photo by Eric Reed

http://www.juliearduini.com

Surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate

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Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe I Didn't Forget...Me Not

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The Negative "-ion" Series

We continue to scratch our heads when we look and see the readers that visit here and where they come from. We're not here as often as we like but we are so grateful for you. We truly just our three moms who are navigating deeper waters of Christian faith...by faith. We're willing to let God use us in spite of us.

This is the case with today's post. I have no idea why He's downloading to my heart, but I am so grateful and wanting to be a good steward with what He gives. A month or so ago a series of events hit around me and I was in prayer tying to piece them all together.

God let me know there is a common denominator: deception. As a whole we're believing a lie and the lie is that we are the defeated one. The Lord is loving on His kids letting them know it's not so. Deception is just a word, a negative word that has -ion on the end. The thing is, He's ready to exchange those negative -ions for positive ones.

So the first download He gave me was getting rid of deception. Embrace the truth that the real defeated one is not you. It's the true defeated one, satan. He's desperate and talk about a recession, now there is an organization on a failing budget. The defeated one has to use cheap tricks because it's all he can afford. So the negative -ion words I will share are ones the defeated one has been using on us because they used to work. In Jesus' name, we're done with those words, choices, and beliefs. We're instead embracing the + -ion words.

So if you fell for something or someone in 2009 or earlier that left you thinking how on Earth did I fall for that deception? You're not alone. You're not alone if you've spent a season or more thinking you are the defeated one. You aren't. You are a celebration. A Child of Christ. A miracle, a wonder. His delight.

I hope this touches your heart. I'll be sharing more of these thoughts here. If you want a sneak peek, I invite you to find me on Facebook. I have a group called Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe where I send the -ion messages once a week to them first. I'm also sharing those messages at The Cypress Times.

Have a wonderful week living it out in celebration!


Julie Arduini is a writer and speaker residing in NE Ohio with her husband and two children.  Her first published fiction work is included in Delivered by the Peculiar People Postcard Project.  To see her complete writing and speaking resume, please visit her at her website.

We're On the Winning Team!

Of course I couldn't get it to cut and paste but I feel this is a message from God He wants the masses to know.

It's over at my blog today. Check it out!

By the way, the blog is a few years old but the site is new. If you like what you see, would you tell others and/or subscribe? Thanks!

Remember, we're on the winning team!




Image From: Photobucket

Julie Arduini is a writer and public speaker from NE Ohio. Her most recent work, Who Hung the Moon (Upside Down?) is featured in James Stuart Bell's God Encounters. Julie is excited to launch her Surrendered Scribe newsletter which features a short story exclusive for newsletter subscribers: Discovering Nancy Struthers. To learn more about Julie and her work, please visit her at Julie Arduini.com.

Lessons from a Cast Iron Tub

As you get to know me, you'll realize I'm the lady with a story for everything. God takes the daily stuff of life and teaches me, and then I tend to write about it. So here goes the cast iron tub. I sense this is something for someone out there, and I'm learning right with you!

Our house is a 1939 Colonial with a cast iron tub with peeling paint. We've had three different kinds of "tub people" in there giving us their ideas and estimates. Perhaps because the estimators worked with products they always dismissed replacing the tub, but always said they advised against to because it was a cast iron tub.

The tub is too heavy and impossible to move out of a small bathroom and out of an old house.

It's a heavy burden that would be easier to take care of it you buy a pretty shell to surround the tub, throw down a new liner to hide the flaws, or buy a nice kit that you can gloss over the paint.

Gee, that sounds like my approach to how I handle conflict in my life!

Like the estimators, I also get in my head that I have to deal with the entire process that moment. Cast iron tubs aren't meant to come out easy. It isn't pretty trying to picture a group of workers hauling a tub out of a small bathroom because it's not reality.

Last week a new estimator came in and looked at the tub. Without a beat he asked why we never replaced it. I explained the workers before him and their reasons. He shook his head.

"We take the tub out a piece at a time. This way you still fix the problem, but in a doable way, not some cheap fix that will have your tub showing new peeled paint in a year or so."

Knock me over with a feather! That spoke to me on so many levels. Instead of thinking I'm a failure because I'm having trouble trusting God with finances (which is a lingering issue for me) I realize I'm throwing some paint on a tub because I'm afraid I can't carry the tub. I can't. I can deal with it a piece at a time and know God is doing a greater work in me this way. I tend to think in marathon ways instead of sprints. The tub showed me a true work is a work in progress, and one that takes care of the issue, not just temporairly hides it.

Does this speak to anyone?

If you're thinking about fixing a cast iron tub, take it from me, do it a piece at a time.

(This originally appeared in a group message over on the Facebook group: Julie Arduini: The Surrendered Scribe


Julie Arduini is a writer and public speaker residing in NE Ohio with her husband and two children. Her heart is to encourage readers to find freedom through surrender. She knows that has to start with her, so she's surrendering the good, the bad, and maybe one day, the chocolate. She'd love if you bookmarked her website and signed her blog guest book at JulieArduini.com. She also went all techie and created a gadget you can use on your iGoogle page. Feel free to add it and tell others.


Photo courtesy photobucket

We Give Thanks

The Narrow Gate Girls are thankful for so many things.



































The grace Jesus has lavishly given us (and you, if you accept it)

Our marriages

Our families

Our many blessings

which include...

YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving!

All You Need Is Love

All you need is love, love . . . love is all you need. Love is all you need.


Are you singing along yet??


Love . . . that is where He is taking me, where He is stretching me, where He is calling me.


The past ten months I have felt a longing to really learn more about Jesus. As a 'young' believer I had spent so much time on the fast track . . . going to bible studies, reading books, attending conferences, . . . searching, searching, searching . . . wanting more more more . . . and then one day I stopped and had to ask myself . . . how much do I really know about Jesus and His time here on earth. I had to ask myself what was I really seeking?


Then at the end of October my family and I went to hear an amazing woman speak, Heidi Baker. She was speaking in a small church in Cleveland so we decided to go. Her message . . . love. Love, love, love. She shared story after story of how a simple hug or act of love had transformed so many lives. She had my children sitting at the edge of their seats for two hours. How did she learn to love . . . from Jesus. She said to me, "You know I just love Jesus."


There it was right in front of me. And I felt like I had missed it.


So last week I made a trip to the bookstore and purchased a book by Max Lucado about Jesus. I opened my bible and my book and began reading. And I am falling in love.


He made it so simple . . . He loved.



And in John 13:34-35 (The Message) Jesus said,

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

Love . . . Jesus . . . join me:)

Kim

Slowing Down

Well, I had the complete privilege of getting away to the beach with my beautiful family for an entire week…and I still have “vacation brain.” (I know it has been 2 months, but I still have it!)

I finally had the chance to unwind and truly enjoy my family. Unfortunately, because I work full time, and between therapy appointments with my daughter, and sports activities with my son, I don’t get to actually enjoy the blessings that are all around me every day as much as I should.

Sooo…between the lazy river, the pool, and sitting by the beach---I had plenty of time to talk to the Lord, and watch in amazement as my children took in all the sights and sounds of our beautiful surroundings.

Because of treatments my daughter received over the summer for her muscles, prior to this vacation, she had casts on both of her legs for 6 weeks.
And four days prior to arriving at the beach, she had them removed. So, as you can imagine (especially if any of you have had to wear a cast for any length of time), her gait was very different, trying to adjust to her newly-stretched out muscles….And, because she normally wears braces on her legs daily, her muscles were fighting to keep her balance without them as we trekked to the beach and pool several times a day.

So needless to say, for the entire vacation her gait was very unusual, and she fought every second of the day, just to stay up to walk.

Because of these factors, I had no choice but to slow down.

Literally.

God knew I needed to slow down, and take my time to enjoy this vacation, and He created the circumstances so that I was forced to move slower.

And in the midst of me having to do everything slower, in order for her to be comfortable, I learned an amazing lesson.

Because I was moving at her pace, on her time, I got to see what was really important.

I actually focused on her beautiful face, and how much she is growing before my eyes.

I took the time to listen to each word she spoke, and tune into her amazing curiosity.

As her little body was struggling, her spirit was shining.

In the midst of her using every bit of energy just to stand up and walk, she was full of joy.

True, pure joy that can only come from a child.
The kind of joy our Lord wants us to have on a daily basis.

I learned this simple life lesson, from the most beautiful vessel He placed in my world seven years ago. She knows life no other way—and she perseveres each and every day. She is the epitome of God’s joy, strength and grace.

If she can have joy in the midst of her challenges than what excuse do I have to complain or fret about any challenge I have to face?

So I meditate on Romans 5:3-5, “ …but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

Slow down.
Rejoice.
Persevere.
Gain hope.


A simple, yet profound lesson from my little girl.

And from my God.



Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis. She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
She is also a contributing author at http://www.mommiesmagazine.com/.Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". Both Kim and Maria have been selected to have their work tentatively included in Lori Wagner's upcoming book, Quilting Patches of Life, Volume 2.

Risen Indeed!

My Action Plan

This past week I had the experience of writing and revising my first formal 'action plan.' It sounds so business like to me - action plan, strategic plan, p.o.a. meeting, . . . so many words and they sound so formal. I tend to be the creative type, one who has so many ideas swirling in my mind at one time. I am a do-er, a go-getter or as my husband says, "I know you like to 'fly off the cuff' or 'shoot from the hip' but a plan will help you to focus. Ahh . . . focus, now he had my attention.

So on a Saturday morning we sat down with our mission statement and began writing our action plan. It took a long time, was tedious and sometimes frustrating , but in the end we had a two page plan with a main goal, objectives, action steps, and measurement tools with dates. A visual plan, an action plan, a guide . . . with focus on Jesus.

Since then I have used 'the plan' as a guide. It has given me direction, helped me plan my days, and most of all it has helped me to stay focused. On a daily basis it reminds me of what He has called me to do while I am here on the earth in addition to being a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend.

What does your plan or rather I should say what does 'His plan' for your life look like?

Sit down with a piece of paper, a pencil, and the Lord. Ask Him. I'm sure He will amaze you.

Kim

Focus.

Focus.





If God showed me this word once this new year, I've seen it, heard it, or read about it half a dozen times already.





I think He has something for me.





And you.





Focus.





When the ship is raging against a storm and you're on the ship, where is your focus?





The waves?





The ship?





The storm?





The sky?





God wants to take you back to the past for healing. He shows you something and years later, you see it from a different perspective. As a child you wondered where Jesus was in all of it.






He was there the whole time. Difference is focus. What was fuzzy is now clear.





This new year, I know I'm praying direction, wisdom, provision and favor.





His response?





Focus.





Photo: photobucket





Julie Arduini is a wife, mom and surrendering writer. Her personal blog, The Surrendered Scribe, shows her writing resume. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she is also a columnist with Take Root and Write. She recently placed 10th in the JournEzine Christmas story contest about the Good News of Bethlehem. Her verse for 2009 is Deuteronomy 11:1-12. She's a new columnist with the daily online newspaper, The Cypress Times.

Trust Him

I have been learning a thing or two about trust these days. Once complete surrender has taken place, you automatically come to this place of trust that feels unlike anything else.
When you’re in the waiting---listening for His voice, looking everywhere for a glimpse of His face, seeking His touch on your life—it is very challenging to trust.

What I’ve learned the most this week is that in the midst of our waiting---He is there. But most of the time we don’t hear Him-- because we are too caught up in what we think the plan for our life should be.
We think we have it all taken care of, and He needs to give us some signal so that we’ll know He’ s on the same page as us!!!
‘Lean not to your own understanding”…..
We have been so accustomed to doing things in our own strength, that He’s just supposed to climb on board our thought life.
What we’re missing is that we must forget about our own thoughts and ideas and climb on board His grace boat--There we ride the waves of his love and peace, and trust naturally comes while we’re on the journey.
Once we get to the place of pure trust—wherever the boat docks—we must obey. Even if it is a place that we are unfamiliar with, or the destination doesn’t really fit the description we had in mind!

Receive His grace.
His promises are true.
Take His journey.

Surrender.
Trust.
Obey.

He really is who He says He is.


Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy.Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program.

Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis. She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com.

Maria's first published work is in Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade's Women of Passion's anthology, "Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God". Both Kim and Maria have been selected to have their work tentatively included in Lori Wagner,s upcoming book, Quilting Patches of Life, Volume 2.

Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication as well as invitations for her to speak to your group.

Do You Think He Likes Polka Dots?

Today I had to go and do one of my least favorite things . . . try on swimsuits. Ughhh!! It is a task I do every year or two and each time my body just does not look any younger.

After I dropped my older children off at VBS I raced to the mall to see what I could find. As I approached the swimsuit department I felt myself getting the sweats. There before me were large colorful displays of gorgeous women in the smallest of bikinis without a wrinkle, dimple, or roll. And on the racks were hundreds of swimsuits made from the tiniest pieces of fabric. With a four year old in tow I quickly gathered more suits than I could count and headed for the dressing room. Yes, the dressing room filled with a large mirror and flourescent lighting, and I began.

Too small, even smaller, you have got to be kidding me, are they really that saggy, and where did that new roll come from? Come on do real women really fit into these? Hmmm . . . wouldn't it be nice to have the body of the woman in the photo on display!

Then I had a thought. A 'WWJD' moment. If Jesus were sitting outside the dressing room listening to me and the other woman in the dressing room on her cell phone telling her friend how much she hated her body what would he say? I imagine him chuckling and saying - silly girls. My Father created you and He loves you as I do. You are perfect. I love every wrinkle, roll, and gray hair. You are my beloved and I would not have you any other way. Ahhh . . . He loves me just as I am.

So I quickly picked a swimsuit, dashed to the checkout, and then raced to the parking lot thinking 'I wonder if He likes polka dots.'

Be Blessed, Kim

Have you visited Christian Women Take Root? The Narrow Gate Invites girls are not only involved in the social networking site with fantastic groups to join but the main site called Take Root and Write. Regular columns are ongoing, check it all out. The best thing you could do with Take Root is sign up for the free subscription feed right to your in box. We'll see you there...and hey---if you have a blog, Take Root has a blog roll. Give your blog some exposure and be associated with a quality Christian site!

Kim is a woman who loves the Lord and has a burden for the abandoned, the orphaned, and the forgotten. She has been called to minister to the people and children of Romania and will be traveling internationally in the days ahead. At home she cares for her three children and her husband John. She also loves prophetic worship and writing for the Lord. Her work can also be found at Take Root and Write where she wrties with fellow Narrow Gate Girls Julie Arduini & Maria Spencer, among other Christian writers. Kim also maintains her blog http://divingintohisgrace.blogspot.com/

The Wrestling Match

Ephesians 6:12, WOW!

It has been one of those weeks! I write to you a day late due to colds and viruses that have been attacking my family. I will confess that my patience level is at an all time low as it feels like someone is standing on my chest. I have also been struggling with some relationship challenges outside of my immediate family. And so I wonder . . . what is this all about? Allergy season? Just a virus? A coincidence? Or do we dare go there . . . could it be a battle in the spiritual realm? There I said it . . . the spiritual realm! Don't click the close box yet!

The spiritual realm . . . it sounds so 'out there' and honestly, quite scary. Are there really battles going on that we cannot see? Do angels and demons really exist? I know one thing, mention the word angel and everyone smiles. Say the word demon or demonic spirit and you are sure to clear out the room.

Ephesian 6:12 tells us, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

So . . . I cannot help but wonder if the illness striking my family is 'just a virus' or is there is a battle going on. Science tells me one thing, my gut tells me another. Is it a coincidence that we have been praying and waiting and waiting and waiting for a specific dream to come to pass and we are only a few weeks away from a knowing if it will? Is it a coincidence that I just sent out letters to six Godly women asking them to consider a mission trip to Romania in the fall? Is it a coincidence that my husband who rarely gets sick woke up in the night with his throat throbbing and consticting for hours saying, "I have never felt like this before?" Again, just wondering.

As I lay my head down tonight I will pray for healing and peace for my family. And yes, I will include a few words coming against the 'powers of darkness' but my main focus will be where it should be . . . on Him, my healer, my friend, and the one who saves us all, Jesus.

Be Blessed, Kim

(We love hearing from you so send us a comment, share a story, or a thought anytime.)

Must See TV

My schedule evenings this week has been a bit off. I haven't talked to Maria too much this week, but I have Kim. She too is tuning in. I went to Bible study yesterday at the Y and not only did we also tune in via video, our facilitator was at the actual event over the weekend.



What is it that is going on?



It's revival.



I've been watching since Sunday online at http://www.god.tv/. If you have DirecTV or Skyangel I believe you can access it there as well. Todd Bentley is honestly just a guy who loves Jesus and is used mightily for God's glory. What I love about the Lord choosing THIS guy over most for this awesome outpouring is Todd by looks alone is the LAST guy the world would pick to lead a revival. My guess is even Todd would agree. He is covered in tattoos, his past before Christ wasn't just wild, I believe it was violent. Then God took hold, and Todd isn't violent, he's passionate.



He was to lead a weekend full of services last month in Lakeland, Florida. That weekend turned into a week, then two, then three, now four and counting. The events outgrew two large churches, a convention center and starting tomorrow with be at the Lakeland Tiger stadium, holding 15,000.



So far, every night is packed. People are hungry, thirsty and desperate not for Todd and the strange, funny and amazing way God is using him and the team there, they are hungry for Jesus.

And by golly, Jesus is there.



Even watching online I can tell you this is the real deal. I am a skeptic, cynic and what I am seeing and feeling in my own spirit I can tell you---you can't fake that. There is a prescence of God so strong on that stage people step on the platform and are not just falling over, they are flipping like fish out of water. There is holy laughter and reverent silence only to be immediately followed by wild worship that makes as our teacher's husband shared, louder than a touchdown between Ohio State and Michigan (which has 100,000). People have tried to control the handling of these evenings and they just can not. God is in control and He is having His way.



I've seen people with rods in their leg and decades of numbness start running around the building. Wheelchair bound folks are dancing. Muscles are growing. Are you a cynic? Those that exprienced the healing are going to the doctors to back it up with authentic documentation. The media is sniffing around, and they are invited because again, this isn't about Todd or the people, or even the angels people are seeing when they are worshipping and "slain in the spirit". It's about Jesus. It was over 2000 years ago, and it still is today.

A Tampa TV reporter showed up to cover the story but confessed she too was healed. Even in the stadium she was vomiting from migraines, something she has had for years. She went on stage to share she is a believer in Christ, but she also was healed. As someone with a heart for the media to know truth, I wept.

A similar thing is happening over at MorningStar where Rick Joyner serves. This movement is primarily youth led and the pictures alone get my blood turbo pumping. Kids ditching the Wii, skateboards, whatever and choosing to praise God? Again, you can't fake that my friends.

If you've watched water boil, I tell you this. The pan is hot and the bubbles are starting.

But mark my words, this is just the beginning.

I don't want to miss a thing.

This link will take you to an article about a young girl who was healed in Lakeland over the weekend. Although I missed this online, my friends were there and before I even read this article, they nearly word for word described the very same scene that is explained. It is worth a cup of coffee and five minutes to read. Then, find God.TV. at 7pm EST until 11.

And be amazed.

http://www.elijahlist.com/

Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger and is the Forum's book club facilitator. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. To get to know her better, read her interview by Lynda Schab at: http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20To contact Julie, please use the e mail provided in our profile.

Maria's Thoughts As A Newborn Christian

Why me? Why did He choose me to love? Why does He think I’m worthy of His love? Why does He think I’m qualified to fulfill His purpose for my life?All the feelings of unworthiness, guilt, shame—have all been washed away—washed away with the blood Jesus shed for me. Me? Are you sure about me, Lord? Do you know what I’ve done? Do you know my past? Do you know some of my thoughts? Do you know the people I’ve hurt in the past? Do you know my sins?
He does. The beauty of the Lord is that He knows it all—He knows the dreams of your heart– He wants you to release the secrets of your being that have been holding you back for so very long. He wants to show you that through His love and His mercy, you can reach the desires of your soul—no matter where you’ve come from, or what you’ve done. He has no agenda. He will wipe the slate of your life clean.

Go ahead—Listen. That quiet voice you think no one knows about—that voice inside you that guides you to do the right thing no matter what…the voice that says “ You can do it!” , even though you’ve never tried such a thing before…The same voice that overrides your natural mind; the logical part of you.

Go ahead. Shhh. Listen.

That’s Him. That’s Jesus.

Let Him in. Let Him hold your heart and embrace your soul. Focus on Him and only Him—don’t wait…try it now. Shhhh.

Allow His love to take over and hold you like no other. He will keep you safe and take you step by step. Surrender your soul to His unending love and mercy. Listen to His call for your life. He’ll teach you things about yourself you never knew. He’ll show you gifts and talents that have been waiting patiently inside you—the more you listen, the more you will discover. Take that step. Let Him fill you up with His joy-His peace-and His unending love—It’s all there for you. Yes, you. Go ahead—don’t keep Him waiting any longer.

Maria and her family reside in NE Ohio. She and her husband are the parents of two. Their daughter is a person with hemipelegic cerebral palsy. Because of her experiences, Maria provides parent-to-parent support for families involved in her local early intervention program. Her gift for writing has come directly from the Lord since her daughter’s diagnosis. She writes a monthly column entitled, “Special Parents, Special Kids” for the Mahoning Valley Parent magazine in Ohio; and has expanded into Parent magazines in parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. She is also a contributing author at www.mommiesmagazine.com. Maria is very passionate about getting the word out to special parents that they are not alone in their journey of raising their special child; and that they were chosen by God to parent their children. Maria welcomes comments and communication.

Bold Like An Easter Egg Dip

Forgive me for my excitement over something so mundane but I have a confession---I don't eat eggs. Okay, I eat chocolate peanut butter eggs but not the real kind that you scramble. I'm so against eggs I never decorated them as an adult, that was a grandma special project when she came for a visit.

This year we had snow storm after snow storm and this last one occurred when my son had a friend visit for an overnight. We had traveling plans that I knew weren't going to happen. I saw the egg kit and went for it.

I can make things well from scratch but easy kit directions tend to stump me, so I read the egg kit decorations carefully. This is where I get excited.

To make bolder colors, add vinegar.

The longer you keep the egg dipped, the bolder the egg color becomes.

Vinegar isn't a liquid of choice. It smells and if you have to taste it, well it's bitter.

Just ask Jesus.

The vinegar stick they handed Him wasn't a soda. It wasn't intended to provide true relief.

Bold outcome calls for a long stay in bitter liquid. I can't think of anything more horrific than beating, mocking, whipping and lashing coming from leather strips with sharp blunt objects attached to expose not skin, but bone. That's quite a dip to stay in.

Yet how bold His color when He arose from the environment.

In 2003-4 our family was submerged in the vinegar of life. Job changes, abnormal newborn test results, medical mix up, doctor error, croup, near death, RSV, pneumonia, new job, move, terminal diagnosis in family, surgery for child, death of parent, grief, selling home in one state to buy home in another, leave everyone and everything to obey God's call on our life.

Last line sound familiar this most Holy Week?

If you are facing adversity, think about the decorated eggs. My very favorite ones are the bold and brilliant ones. The ones that carry the trace of vinegar because they stayed in the bitter stuff the longest.

And thrived.

Just like you can.

Just like He did.

For you.

Julie Arduini is a surrendered writer with her own blog, http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/. A graduate of the Christian Writers Guild, she blogs for the Christian Writers Forum Sundays as the mommy blogger and is the Forum's book club facilitator. She is active with FaithWriters and has several writings ready to publish in different books and anthologies in 2008-09. Julie was chosen as the March 2008 FaithReaders.com author of the month. To get to know her better, read her interview by Linda Schab at: http://www.faithreaders.com/featured-author-details.php?id=33%20

To contact Julie, please contact her at the e mail address provided in the profile.