REBORN 2 WRITE: Writing my IMPERFECT life to share God's PERFECT Love. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
The greatest gift ever given to the world is often left unopened on Christmas morning. It sits humbly wrapped, no fancy wrapping or bows. Just plain brown paper and twine.
Every other gift - toys, jewels, clothes, gift cards, and money hurriedly torn open to enjoy. Soon everyone walks away, while the Father who loving placed the gift on the tree for His children to receive is left unopened.
Brokenhearted the Father wonders why His children cannot see that under the plain wrapping lies a incomparable treasure beneath. A treasure beyond all worldly treasures. A treasure that unlocks the gates of heaven where peace, joy, and love abound.
Soon, a little boy returns to take one last look at that tree. His heart quickens as he curiously picks up the humble little box and wonders, "Could this gift be for me?"
He softly hears a whisper, "Yes, my son, open it up and you will see My heart longs for thee."
Often in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we forget WHO we are celebrating. As parents, we want to give our children the perfect Christmas morning filled with presents underneath the tree. However, as every parent knows, every gift eagerly expected from their Santa list is soon forgotten and broken. Those gifts are temporary. Enjoyed for a season. The greatest gift we can give our children is an understanding and appreciation of who's birthday we are celebrating - Jesus' birthday. The gift of Jesus is eternal.
Some dismiss the true reason for the season by saying, "Well, we don't know if Jesus was even born on December 25th." No we don't. But it's a day that has been set apart to remember the gift of eternal life given to us by God, the Father, who sacrificed His own Son for us. Just like we take communion to remember Jesus' death on the cross, we celebrate Christmas to remember that God stepped out of heaven, put on flesh, and became Emmanuel - God with us.
This children's book, Jesus' Birthday Wish, takes your imagination on a journey into the heart and mind of Jesus. If Jesus could have one birthday wish, what would He wish for? Beautifully illustrated by my friend, Deborah Delaney, her illustrations capture the wonder of Christmas on every page.
What does Jesus wish for Christmas? To be invited into our Christmas celebrations. His heart for all - yes the naughty and the nice - is that we would seek Him, receive Him, love Him as He loves us.
Deborah's and my wish for this Christmas book is that it is gifted to family and friends who need to know Jesus. We have included the salvation message and prayer. Give the eternal gift of the Gospel this Christmas. God has promised that His Word will never come back void. His Word will do what He wants it to do and accomplish what He intends. (Isaiah 55:11) Our job is to send it out. God takes it from there.
May you have a blessed Christmas this year.
Love,
Yolanda
So, this morning I woke up pretty depressed about the election results.
I was truly expecting a miracle for my beloved California.
I’d seen a miracle in 2016 and I expected that same type of miracle on November 6th.
California workers are burdened by excess taxes and now it seems as if more taxes are coming our way. Yay!
Our economy is one of the worst in the nation, and businesses and families are fleeing the state in search of better work opportunities. Crime will increase as we become a sanctuary state with open borders. I could go on and on but I will just get more depressed.
Now you know why I was really praying for a miracle turnaround for California.
I found myself asking God, “Did I not pray enough? Should I have fasted? Did Christians pray more in 2016?”
Logically, I know there is nothing more I could have done.
I prayed. I voted. And, I prayed some more.
God is in control. He rules over nations and over every leader in the government. Nothing is done outside of His plan and purposes. Now I have to trust in one of my favorite scripture verses, “God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
As I got into my car to go to work, I felt the LORD impress upon my heart, “Invest in the Kingdom. Don’t worry about anything else.”
What does that mean?
It means that in the time I have left on this side of heaven, I’m to invest in the Kingdom of God. My time, finances, hopes, dreams, efforts, and purpose in life have got to be kingdom driven. Everything else in this life is temporary. The only thing eternal is what we do for God.
I love the way the Message Bible says it: Matthew 6:19-21 (MSG) Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or – worse! –stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. 6:34 (MSG) Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up then the time comes.
And therein lies my hope. The fate of California is out of my control. California is in God’s hands. I’m commanded by God in the Bible to pray for my government leaders, whether I voted for them or not, so I will continue to pray for California. And, I will continue to vote for Biblical principles.
But, God's instruction for me are clear, "Yolanda, give your attention to what God is doing right now! Don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever comes your way."
I feel better now. Like my good friend likes to sing, "God is on the move, on the move, on the move." So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, it's time to buckle up because where God moves is where we want to be.
Recently a friend posted on her social media a question:
Should we talk religion and politics?
Many people responded differently, some tiptoed around the topic saying they kept silent so as not to offend or argue. Many would rather walk away and not engage.
Of course, I responded, "Not me. Religion and politics are my favorite topics."
As Christians, we must engage in the culture not retreat from it.
How can we expect to impact the culture for the Kingdom of God if we retreat?
The prophets of the Old Testament did not retreat from the culture.
They confronted it, speaking God's truth in love as directed by the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist confronted the culture and sin of the King.
Nathan, the prophet, was sent by the LORD to confront King David over his sin with Bathsheba. King David repented of his sin and turned back to God.
Confronting the culture and speaking truth will cost us something. It usually cost the prophets in the Bible their very lives.
In America, we still have the freedom to speak out. But, the cost is getting greater. Christians are losing employment, conservatives are being thrown out of restaurants, and widows of 911 heroes are being cursed at on the streets. Should we, as Believers, retreat?
NO, God forbid.
We have to be like the prophet Nathan, in faith and led by the Spirit of God to speak to those in authority confronting the sin that is destroying the souls of our fellow people and our nation. For if not us, who? For is not now, when?
But we must be Holy Spirit filled. The battle raging today is not between flesh and blood but spiritual in nature. Why do you think that groups of witches are casting spells on judges and our government leaders? If the witches know that the battle is spiritual and they are using spiritual weapons, shouldn't God's people also be using spiritual weapons of warfare?
What are the spiritual weapons we should be using?
PRAYER!!! That is the greatest weapon. It is the very power of God being unleashed on this earth yet Christians will neglect it. It's time to pray fervent and effective prayers. The fervent prayers of the righteous avails much. (James 5:16)
WORD OF GOD - the sword of the Spirit.
We need to be praying scripture and releasing the Word of God into the atmosphere to combat the spiritual enemies raging against righteousness.
We must stand. It is not the time for Christians to be silent. We must stand for truth, justice, and righteousness. We must exercise our privilege and right to vote.
That is our voice!
This coming election, it is imperative that all Believers and Followers of Jesus Christ pray over our government leaders, our nation, and this election. Pray against fraud and demonic influence. Pray that God intervenes and has mercy on our nation. Pray for righteous men and women to take positions of authority so that we can live peacefully. And come election day, show up and vote. Cast and pray over your ballot and then we stand back and watch God work on our behalf. To Him be all glory, honor and praise.
Proverbs 29:2 When the godly are in the authority, the people rejoice. When the wicked are in power, the people groan. I Timothy 2:1-2 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Christians, will you join me from now until November 6 to pray for our nation and over the election and will you stand with me and cast your ballot for Biblical standards and righteousness? For the sake of my nation, family, friends and for Israel, I pray that you will.
I'd like to introduce you to Sally Sass.
Sally Sass is off to school, but there is just one little problem. Sally Sass is used to being The Boss! If she doesn't get her way, she gets cranky and cross.
Sally Sass is the newest character in my and Deborah's children's book.
Sally Sass is especially close to our heart. She is based on a multitude of students we have had over the years. It seems that every year in our classroom we have a Sally Sass to contend with. And, I'm sure that every teacher out there can relate and pinpoint a Sally Sass in their own classroom.
These Sally Sass students make us better teachers. It's not easy but it is true. They take extra patience, consistent discipline and guidance, and most importantly God's Golden Rule to be modeled and explained to them.
Such a simple Biblical principal: Treat others as you want them to treat you. Matthew 7:12 (CEV)
Yet, such a difficult principal to live out, even for us adults.
As we see people in today's society treating each other with disrespect, violence, cruelty, lack of civility, and selfishness, it's no wonder we have created so many Sally Sass children. Look what the adults around them are modeling in their homes, neighborhoods, sport fields, media, and government offices.
Deborah and I can't change the world, only God can do that. However, we can use our God given talent and calling to change the life of one child at a time. If we can model God's love to one Sally Sass and teach her how to become a friend, then when that Sally Sass grows up she will remember to treat others as she would like to be treated.
Our motto is "The World teaches me first. Be 2nd." We are creating a book series that promotes this "BE2ND" attitude. The Manners Heist and now, Sally Sass Goes to School were created as resources for parents and teachers to teach the value of the Golden Rule.
Will you join us in this endeavor?
Do you have a Sally Sass at home or in your class?
Our prayer is that this cute children's book will be a tool you can use in your home or classroom to teach that it is OK to be 2nd. We don't have to always be first. It's not our way or the highway. We get what we get and we don't throw a fit. It's treating others as we want to be treated.
It's time to bring back common courtesy, civility, and respect for one another.
Our new book is available on Amazon and we hope it blesses you. Sally Sass Goes to School
Do you have a teenager?
If you do, take them to church!
Sorry if I sound bossy but I'm pretty passionate about this.
If you have a teen you need to take them to church on a regular basis.
You have to make church a family priority.
I know, I know....You have sports.
So, do we.
Your teen has too much school work.
So does mine. Church is approximately 90 minutes. Our teens spend way more time on social media on a daily basis.
Your teen whines, complains, and wants to sleep in.
So does mine.
My response is, "Get up. You're going."
She lives in our house, she goes.
I know some of you are going to say that sounds harsh.
It's not.
If they are sick, do you take them to the doctor?
If they have a toothache, do you take them to the dentist?
If they are struggling in school, do you get them a tutor?
If they are in competitive sports, do you get them private coaching?
Most of us in the western church, are going to say yes. We would do anything for our children. Yet, we will neglect their souls. The salvation of their soul is so much more important than sports, academics, and even their future careers. Without having a foundation of Jesus, they will encounter the storms of life and falter. Teens today are facing enormous challenges. They are struggling with identity crises, social media addiction, drug addiction, pornography at their finger tips, depression, anxiety, and increasing suicide rates.
Your teens are going to say, "Church is boring."
Mine just did this Sunday.
I'll ask her, "Did you get a nugget of wisdom from the message of the Bible?"
"Well, yeah....they said that we can get very distracted and stressed with everything in our life, like school and sports, and we need to rest in Jesus."
That's it! One nugget of gold from God's treasure chest of wisdom and love.
One jewel hidden in her heart. And, then next week another little jewel and another and another and so on.
I have a rule in my house, if one of my daughter's friends spend the night on Saturday, they go to church with us on Sunday.
So, Sunday, as I'm walking to church with my daughter and her friend,
I ask them, "Why is going to church important?"
My daughter tells her friend, "Be careful, it's a trick question."
My kid is so funny!
Her friend says, "I don't know?"
I tell her, "Going to church is offering God our sacrifice of time. We are prioritizing Him in our life. We often pray for God to bless us in school, in sports, in relationships, etc. We want Him to pour out His blessing on us, yet we are not even willing to give Him 90 minutes one day a week. He is saying to us, 'I want your heart, I want to bless you, but will you take time to be with Me?' He says to seek Him first, in everything, and then He will give us what we need in this life."
If, as a parent, my teen does not see me prioritize God in my life, by modeling going to church, reading my Bible, and praying, why will she?
If those things are not necessary in my life, she will wonder why they are necessary in her life. However, if I can't live without God, His Word, and being surrounded by Believers, then maybe she'll wonder if she can't live without them. Well, that is my prayer anyways.
Many Christians have stopped going to church. They no longer prioritize it. Some will say they do "home church." I recently heard one of my favorite pastors say that his church started providing online live-stream of his services, and he noticed that his attendance went way down. People who had attended his church for years, now told him that they loved the live-stream because they could stay home in their pajamas, drink coffee, and "do" church. The pastor could not believe it! He said, "That is not church. If you are bed-ridden or ill, then online services are for you. But, if you are able-bodied then you need to get into church."
Why?
Jesus is the head of the church. And, yes you could argue that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit so we are the church but....
God said, "Don't neglect meeting together, as other people do, but encourage one another, especially as you see the day of Jesus' return approaching." (Hebrews 10:25) That was a prophetic warning from God. God knew that in the Last Days, Christians would fall away from the faith because they would neglect the assembly of Believers. They would prioritize and idolize the world and they would put aside God from their life. Then, because they were isolated, the Devil would have an easier time targeting them. That is why, God said, "Don't stop getting together with other Believers. You need each other to stay strong. Encourage one another. Where two or more are gathered in My Name, I am in their midst." The Last Days are going to be scary, ugly, and confusing. Look around, we are already in the Last Days. We need to surround ourselves with those who are filled with God's Spirit, who can discern Biblical truth from the world's lies, and with those who will pray with us. Most Christians don't read their Bibles on a daily bases. At least, if they attend a Bible teaching church they will be fed scripture one a week. It's not great but it's better than nothing. Without being part of a church, we are living our Christian life, isolated and we are easy prey for the Devil, who roams around like a roaring lion seeking who he will devour.
Taking your teen to church is no guarantee that they will not stray from the faith. Many will fall away in the last days. We already see it and we've already been warned. But, as for my teen, I'm holding on to God's promise - "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 (EVS)
Also, look at the story of Job. God called him a blameless and upright man. The Bible says that on a regular bases, Job would gather his children and offer burnt offerings for them for the forgiveness of their sins. He made sure his children had "church" regularly. The Bible says Job feared God and shunned evil. God praised Him for his dedication to the LORD.
So, if my child falls away, it will not because of me. I will have done all I can to train her up. I will pray for her and with her daily. I will encourage her to read her Bible. I will share scripture with her daily, even if I have to text it or put it on social media. I will model total dependence on God in every aspect and decision in our life. I will model praying for others. And, as for me and my family, as long as they are under my roof, we will go to church.
So, if you have a teen, for their sake find a Bible teaching, Spirit-filled church and go as a family. Don't let them be like those other people who will be caught unaware by the return of Jesus. As parents, it is our job to be the watchman on the wall, to be informed of the signs of the times, and to stand firm in the faith. Then, and only then, can we expect our children to do the same.
Love,
Yolanda
This morning, I woke up doubting this blog post, thinking it was too harsh. But, The LORD led me to this scripture and confirmed the message - take your teens to church:
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Some of you may have heard of the controversy regarding the Harvest Crusade this year. Sadly, for the first time in 29 years of holding this event, billboards showing Greg Laurie holding a Bible were deemed offensive by some people and the billboards were removed from shopping malls.
Interestingly, the book being held up by Greg Laurie did not even have the word “BIBLE”, however just the inference of the book offended people.
Some may wonder, “Why has the BIBLE become so offensive?”
But, the Word of God has always been offensive.
Jesus is called, The Word of God, and Jesus said, “People will be offended by Me, and they will hate you because of Me.”
That is why crosses offend, monuments with the ten commandments offend, prayer on sport fields offends, our president praying in Jesus name offends, the land of Israel offends, business owners standing on Biblical principals offend, and pastors holding Bibles offend.
You see, those offended feel instinctively the power of the Bible. It literally makes the hair on the back of their heads stand up and they recoil from the power of God’s Word. They don’t even understand why it causes them such anger, they just know that they can’t stand to be in its’ presence.
I remember before I was even a Christian, I came home from watching a horror film to an empty house. I was petrified of being home alone and I grabbed my sister’s Bible and slept with it. Even, as a Non-Believer, I knew there was power in that book to ward off evil. Years ago, I remember a friend telling me she slept with her Bible when she was going through a painful divorce because it brought her comfort.
You see, the Bible is not just an ordinary book. It is a love letter full of promises for those who will claim them. God's love is powerful. His love changes hearts, minds, and lives. However, for those who are opposed to God’s love, His Word is dangerous.
You see, God says, “My Word is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thoughts and attitudes of heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
That is why those offended by the Bible will burn it, spit on it, step on it, sue others because of it, and demand that it be removed from their presence. They feel its’ power to the depth of their souls. They feel it penetrating and dividing their soul and spirit and judging their thoughts and attitudes of their hearts. However, they are fighting a losing battle. They can tear down monuments and billboards, shut down Christian businesses, and outlaw prayer, but the Word of God will never go away. God has declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will never pass away. The Word of God endures forever.” (Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 40:8)
What I find even sadder than those offended by the Bible, is that many Christians possess this book, yet they are immune to it’s power. Their Bibles sit collecting dust on their shelves or nightstands. They may even carry it back and forth to church, yet the pages are still crisp on the corners because they have never been turned.
If those offended by this book can intuitively sense the power in God’s Word, why can so many Christians live without that same power?
I know what it’s like to live the Christian life powerless. I did for 20 years. I was so lukewarm in my faith that I did not even know my spirit was dying of thirst. I was barely surviving getting drops of spiritual water every time I went to church. But, once I opened God’s Word, and read for myself the promises available to those who Believe, I now cannot imagine my life without tapping into God’s power.
This is how I know the Bible has power to impact my life:
Recently, I was extremely worried and stressed about a petition I had to file on behalf of my daughter. Now, you fellow parents know, there is no greater worry than something affecting your child. It is a burden on your heart and soul. So, I went to bed burdened in prayer that this petition would be approved by the “courts of man.” When, I woke up and did my daily Bible reading, I read the passage in 2 Chronicles 20 about King Jehoshaphat who loved God and worshiped him. When Jehoshaphat was facing a battle against fierce enemies, he called upon the LORD in the temple and fasted and prayed. The LORD told him: 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”
When I read that verse, the Holy Spirit in me, said, “Yolanda, that promise to Jehospaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem is for you. Take it, hide it in your heart. Take your position, fill out all the necessary documents, turn them in, and then stand still in faith, don’t be afraid and discouraged. I will give you victory tomorrow.”
Well, I read that verse on July 27. Tomorrow came and went and no victory. Only, requests for more paperwork, more hoops to jump through. And, yet I would remember God’s promise to me. So, I’d pray and stand still. Another tomorrow came and went. About 15 days after reading God’s promise, I started to get discouraged. I would call for updates and would be told that the decision was still under review. The deadline was soon approaching, and I did not have my victory yet. Then I started to doubt, thinking, “Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe it was just a verse in the Bible and the promise wasn’t really for me.” So, I’d call out to God and ask Him, “LORD, was that promise for me? I’m holding on to it. Your Word says to hold fast to Your promises.”
On Friday, August 17, at 3:14 pm, three weeks after reading God’s promise, I received a phone call that the decision on my daughter’s petition would come in on Monday the 20th. Monday was the deadline. Nothing like being down to the wire. Then, I spent the next 40 minutes in fervent prayer, reminding God of His promise to me in the Word. Telling Him I was going to hold fast to that promise.
At 4:00 pm that same day, I received a call that the petition had been approved!
Not Monday, but literally 46 minutes later.
It was God loving me so much that He said, “I’ve heard your prayers. I gave you that promise in My Word and confirmed it through the Holy Spirit. I saw you hold on to it in faith. Didn’t I tell you, not to be afraid or discouraged, that I would be with you? You wouldn’t even have to fight. I’d fight for you and the victory would be Mine! Remember, My daughter, the fervent prayers of My children avail much. Now, go and tell others how much I love them and that My promises are for them also!”
So, I’m telling you now. God’s promises in His Word are for you! But, you won’t be able to hold on to those promises if you don’t read them for yourself. I can tell you, the Bible says this and that, pastors can tell you the Bible says this and that, but until you read it for yourself and the Holy Spirit confirms those promise to you, you are living your life anemic of God's hope and life giving power.
If those who hate God and all He stands for can intuitively sense the power in the Bible, shouldn’t we who claim to love God and all He stands for long for that same power?
God is telling His church: Jesus, my Son, is coming back soon. Yet you don’t know the signs of His coming because you are not reading My Word that tells you what to look for. You are asleep. It’s time to wake up! My people are perishing for lack of knowledge. Open up My Word, it's a love letter to you. I’ve revealed My heart and offered you a heavenly treasure to give you an abundant life, filled with power and strength. Yet you chose to travel this world in weakness where the Devil prowls waiting to devour you. My children, open up My Word, hide it in your heart so that you will not sin against Me, read My promises to you, call upon Me and seek Me with your whole heart, and you will find Me. Get to know Me as I know you. I am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion for you.
So, I don’t know about you, but for me and my house we will serve the LORD and hold on to His promises. I pray that you will too.
Love,
Yolanda
PS: Thank you to my prayer partners who held me up in prayer for the last three weeks. I love you. Matthew 18:20 - Where two or three gather in My name, I am with them.
One year ago today, I could say that I lost my good friend, Donna. But, I have not lost her. I know exactly where she is. She's gone ahead of me to our eternal home, Heaven, where she is hanging out with Jesus.
While I miss her physical presence here in this temporary home of earth everyday, I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit, when I see her picture in my class and home, I can talk to her, laugh with her, and even cry with her.
One day soon, when that trumpet blasts and Jesus calls me home, I will be caught up in the air to meet Him, and I'm pretty sure that she'll be the first one there to greet me, saying, "What took you so long?"
Love you, Miss Donna. See you soon.
Yolanda
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NLT) The Hope of the Resurrection And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
Recently, an elementary school teacher posted her frustrations on social media regarding the disrespect shown to teachers by students and their parents. Her brokenhearted rant went viral. Her post touched a nerve because she voiced what many teachers have been feeling for awhile now.
THERE HAS BEEN A MANNERS HEIST!
Manners have been "stolen" from our classrooms, homes, and society. We see the effect of this theft in every aspect of our daily life.
We see children who are disobedient, disrespectful, and entitled.
We see parents who are frustrated, at times rude, and genuinely at a loss on how to correct their child's behavior.
As a preschool teacher, I see the very beginning of this destructive behavior and do my best to correct it using teachable moments, humorous stories, and positive guidance. Three and four year old children are wonderfully receptive and teachable, if their parents will partner with you.
If not....
These children will struggle in elementary school. They will become the children who this frustrated teacher wrote about: destructive to school property, to personal property, neglectful of homework and assignments, and disrespectful.
These elementary children will become the high school students who walk out of class, have bad sportsmanship, and abuse their teachers for taking their cellphones.
These high school students will become the college students who destroy public property because they disagree with a speaker invited to their campus and who need play-dough, goat yoga, and safe cardboard boxes to deal with finals.
I know that I am being over-dramatic, but, tragically, this scenario is not too far fetched. The reason I can stay this with confidence is because the Bible predicted this behavior 2000+ years ago.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1-3 (ESV): In the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control...."
I don't need to continue because that pretty much describes what is happening in our homes, schools, and society. And, it is not just the unbelievers. It is sadly, believers, who profess to be Christian, who are described here. The Apostle Paul was warning Timothy that this behavior was going to be in the church! Paul told Timothy, people are going to love themselves more than they love GOD! That is the root of the problem.
Sometimes, as a teacher, you may think, "What can I do? This problem is bigger than I can handle." We can't change the world, that is God's job. Unfortunately, we can't even stop this trend. HOWEVER, we can mold, impact, and change the heart of one child at a time.
The Apostle Paul told us how: You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness...continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [every child you teach] may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:10-15 ESV
You may read this and think, "I don't work at a Christian school, I can't teach this." NO, you can't, however you can teach the Gold Rule - treat others as you would like to be treated. Have this rule posted in your classroom and review it with your students. Go over it at "Back to School" night with your parents, preparing them for the behavior you will be expecting in your classroom.
I recently wrote a children's book, The Manners Heist, in collaboration with my good friend, Deborah Delaney, who beautifully illustrated it. The story came to me one day at snack time, where the manners had completely disappeared from our preschoolers. They were demanding. No one was saying "please" or "thank you." And I just stopped in my tracks and started singing a little song: Please and thank you Please and thank you Are our special words If we don't say please and thank you Jesus heart is hurt.
I told the children the story of The Ten Lepers who were healed by Jesus and only one came back to say thank you. This little song continues to be sung in our classroom almost on a daily basis because teaching manners is a concept that needs to be repeated and reinforced. Manners and the Gold Rule may be disappearing in other classrooms, but if I can help it, not in mine.
As seasoned preschool teachers, Deborah and I, have put our individual talent and heart into this little book. Our prayer is that it will be used in classrooms and homes to teach the importance of "please" and "thank you" and the Golden Rule.
So, don't give up, teachers! We can make a difference, one child at a time. God has called us to be teachers for such a time as this. He doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Love,
Yolanda
The Manners Heist can be ordered on Amazon at the following link. All book reviews on Amazon would be appreciated.
Link to order book: The Manners Heist
This book is lovingly dedicated to our good friend and fellow teacher, Miss Donna, who was filled with the joy of the LORD. Her infectious laughter and goodness impacted the lives of everyone she encountered. Until we see each other again, Donna, I will run the race with endurance. Save me a seat next to you at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. I love you! Here is a video that every parent and teacher should watch: Is Your Child Getting Enough Vitamin N?
OK, it's 1:30 in the morning and I can't sleep.
I am wide awake.
Normally, if I wake up like this its because I feel an urgent need to pray for someone.
Not this time.
This time it's like I'm waiting for something but I don't know what.
I'm anticipating and expecting something that has me on edge.
I've been meaning to write a blog post on the following passage of scripture but I've been putting it off.
Busy...life...not sure what to write.
However, I feel like this morning is the day to write and share it.
In Luke 12:35-40 (NLT) Jesus said, "Be dressed and ready for service, and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward his servants who are ready. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
I've read this passage many times, but I've never caught the beauty of the image of Jesus wearing an apron and seating and serving me Himself.
I understood when Jesus put on an apron and washed the disciples' feet. He had come as a servant, to model sacrifice and service so that we would learn from His example and serve one another. But, in Heaven, Jesus is in His resurrected body. He is glorious and our King. And yet, this scripture says that the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS is going to personally seat and serve us at the wedding feast of the LAMB.
I confess I'm not worthy.
I'm a mess.
Sometimes it takes everything in me to dig up a mustard seed of faith.
And, yet Jesus loves me.
He died on the cross for me.
He washed away my sins.
He made me a new creation and gave me a new heart.
His blood covers me in His righteousness and makes me worthy.
He has given me His Spirit and when I pray in His Name all things are possible.
He is the Commander of Angel Armies and He surrounds me with His angels.
He has promised me eternal life with Him in heaven.
He has given me an invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
He has a reserved a seat for me.
He has promised to walk me to my seat and serve me a glorious meal and we will sit and eat.
He has promised to come for me at the appointed time.
So, I will be dressed and ready.
I will keep my lamp burning, full of Holy Spirit oil.
I will keep watch and be waiting at the door to let Him in.
And with every breath in my body, I will sing, "Come, LORD JESUS, come."
My friends, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, the Great I AM, the First and the Last, the One who is, and was, and is to come, is standing at the door of your heart and knocking asking you to let Him in. He wants to wipe away every tear, heal every hurt, fill you with His Spirit who will comfort you and guide you during these turbulent times.
The wedding date is soon approaching. The invitations have been sent out. Are you ready? Are you dressed? Are you watching? Once the wedding starts, once the Bridegroom comes for His Bride, the doors will be shut.
Jesus said, "When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'LORD, open the door for us!' But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you came from." (Luke 13:25 NLT)
If you are reading this and you've never let Him in, Jesus is knocking at your heart. He is extending is arms of love, acceptance, and mercy. He does not want to shut the door on anyone! He wants all to come in. It's not too late. Open your heart and let Him in. You won't regret it. It will be the best decision you will ever make.
If you are not sure how to open the door, all you have to do is talk to Him. John 1:12 says, "To all who receive Him (Jesus), to all who believe in His name (Jesus), He gave the right to become children of God." Pray a simple prayer and mean it with all your heart.
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Forgive me for the sins I have committed against you, those I knew about and those I did not know. Come live in my heart and give me Your Holy Spirit. Guide and direct my life. Help me to read Your Word and understand it. Help me to be more like you every day. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Easter is my favorite holiday!
I love that it’s in spring.
I love spending time with my big Mexican-American family.
But most of all, I love that Easter- Resurrection Sunday – is the day I celebrate the fact that 2018 years ago death passed me by.
On Good Friday, Jesus became our Passover Lamb and His blood shed for me covered all my sins. He paid the penalty for my transgressions by His body that was broken and His blood that was shed.
On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus walked out of that tomb, conquering death and guaranteeing that my last breath on earth would be my first breath in heaven.
That’s why I love Easter!!!
I recently heard a sermon on the miracle of Lazarus. Two weeks before Jesus was crucified, Jesus performed one of the most amazing miracles of His ministry. He told His disciples that this miracle would be “for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
I also believe that Jesus performed this miracle so that those close to Him, like his disciples, mother, and friends, could remember during those three dark days while he was in the tomb that He had the power to raise the dead.
Jesus was a good friend with Lazarus and his two sisters. He had spent time with them in their home and He loved them. (John 11:5) While Jesus was out of town, Lazarus got very sick. His sisters sent word to Jesus because they knew that Jesus had the power to heal their brother. However, when Jesus heard the news, he stayed out of town for an extra two days. He told the disciples, “Lazarus is dead. And I’m glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may BELIEVE.” (John 11:15)
By the time that Jesus got near to Lazarus' house, he had been dead for four days and was already in a tomb. His sister, Martha, was not happy. She ran out to see Jesus about 2 miles away from her house as he was approaching and basically told him, “You’re late! If you would have gotten here on time, my brother would be alive.” (John 11:21)
Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”
I can just imagine Martha’s exasperated sigh and eye roll as she said, “I KNOW, he’ll rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus must have given her a loving look and explained loud enough so that the multitude around them could hear that the resurrection of the dead was not about a particular day in the future, but it was about a person. He was that person.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
He asked Martha face to face – “Do you believe this?”
Today, 2018 years later, Jesus is asking us that same question.
“Do you believe this?”
The answer we give Jesus to that question determines where we take our next breath after our physical death. It will either be in His presence in heaven or eternally separated from Him in hell. It’s our choice… because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 ESV)
He already took our sins upon himself. He already conquered death for us. He holds the keys to death and life. He has already opened the door to heaven. But, it’s up to us to walk through that door or shut it in his face.
Just like Jesus wept when Lazarus died because of the sorrowful mourning of the people. Jesus weeps for us. He does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) but for all to turn from their sin, repent, and run into His loving arms. For God so loved the world (He so loved us) that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
So, Jesus is asking you today, “Do you believe this? Do you believe in Me? Do you believe I am the resurrection and the life?”
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security). John 14:6 NLT; John 10:9 AMP
Don’t wait to give Him your answer. Life is short and the hour is growing late. Today is the day of salvation. Let today be your Resurrection Day!
One rainy day in preschool, we asked the children, “What do you like to do in the rain?”
Most said, “Play in the puddles.”
Some said, “Wear my rain boots and splash.”
A few said, “Stay inside and play with my toys.”
However, one very practical little boy said, “Open my umbrella.”
Hmmm….
"Open your umbrella?” That’s kind of boring.
So we asked him, “Well, what do you like to do in the rain with your umbrella? Play in the puddles? Dance around?”
He looked at us like we were a little slow.
“Open it.” Duh.
Lately, I’ve been in a storm. And, when I look around me, all my friends are in the midst of their own storms. Sometimes, I feel bad asking for help with my little storm when my friends are being battered by Category 5 hurricanes.
My preschooler's answer really resonated with me. How many of us are in midst of the storm and we run to and fro getting wet? We seek every solution to solve our problems except seeking the only ONE who is able to calm the storm - Jesus.
While we are getting drenched, Jesus is standing right in front of us holding an umbrella and saying, “Open it. Stop running to and fro. Just open your umbrella of faith and I will be your shelter in the storm.”
Recently, I was reading about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. As they approached the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his chariot army chased them. They were stuck between the sea ahead of them and the enemy behind them. In fear, they cried out to the LORD. You could say, they were in the midst of a Category 6 hurricane storm. Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today…The LORD will fight for you and you will hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV
I've read this story tons of times, yet what I found fascinating about reading it this time was how many times God said in His Word, “And the children of Israel will go through on dry land.” He literally pointed out in His Word that He made a way for the children of Israel to go through the Red Sea on “dry land.” It was like He wanted to remind His children, not only did He save them from the enemy but, He is such a loving and good Father, that He did not want their feet to get muddy. He reminded them five times, "Hey, I got you through the sea on dry land!"
When I read this passage a few weeks ago, I was in the midst of my own storm. The enemy was chasing me with his army and I was at what felt like an enormous obstacle – my own Red Sea. When I read through this portion of scripture, I actually numbered the times that God said “dry land.”
1.Before the children of Israel even stepped into the water, God promised they would cross over on dry land. Exodus 14:16
2.During the evening, before the children of Israel had to even walk one foot into the sea, the LORD parted the waters and dried the land. Exodus 14:21
3.While they were crossing, the LORD reiterated that the land was dry. Exodus 14:22
4.After the children of Israel were safely on the other side, the LORD caused the waters to crash on the enemy but He reiterated that His children had crossed on dry land. Exodus 14:29
5.Lastly, after Moses and the children of Israel sang their worship song of thanksgiving to the LORD, the LORD mentions it one last time. “For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. BUT the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.” Exodus 15:19 (NKJV)
God never promises us that we are going to escape the storms of life. Actually, Jesus said that in this life we were going to go through storms (John 16:33), but He promises to be with us and give us His peace.
I felt like God was reminding me (5x) that I wasn’t going to be able to avoid this storm, but that He would shelter me in the storm. He would part the waters for me and allow me to go through on dry land, but I was still going to have to walk in faith to the other side.
So, what does “dry land” look like in our own storms? Some of our storms are enemy attacks, some are illnesses, some are broken relationships, some are crisis of faith, however if we are Children of God, if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ and believed in Him to be our LORD and Savior, then we can cling to this promise of God:
“I will work ALL things for good for those who love Me and are called according to My purpose.” Romans 8:28
That is the promise I clung to in my storm. It's a promise you can cling to also.
Here are some other promises from God that you can use to open your umbrella of faith: Psalm 32:6-8 (AMP) Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You [for forgiveness] in a time when You [are near and] may be found; Surely when the great waters [of trial and distressing times] overflow they will not reach [the spirit in] him. You are my hiding place; You, Lord, protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Psalm 46:1-2 (NLT) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Isaiah 24:4 (NLT) You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. Isaiah 4:6 (NLT) It will be a ...hiding place from storms and rain. Nahum 1:7 (NLT) The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.
In order to open our umbrella of faith, we must have our umbrella on hand and be ready for unexpected storms. We don't want the storms of life to hit, and we don't even have an umbrella.
OK, I think I've exhausted this umbrella analogy! But, you get the message. Open God's Word. Read His promises. That way when the storm hits, you'll have His promises to cling to. He has promised to shelter us in the storm on "dry land". We just have to believe in His goodness and unfailing love, to trust Jesus, pray for His peace, and we'll see the salvation of the LORD.
So, I have my umbrella open. Do you?
Love,
Yolanda
A few weeks ago, the enemy came at me. I’ll admit he tried to knock the wind out of me and trip me up. He came after what I hold most dear, but what he underestimated is that my spiritual tree has been establishing deep roots over the last few years. The harder he pulled, the stronger I held on. I planted my feet firmly on the solid ground of Jesus Christ so I could pull back.
However, I know that the enemy doesn’t give up. He’ll keep looking for a weakness in my branches. He’ll look to see if I stop watering my tree. He’ll look to see if I grow lazy, distracted, and neglect to prune it. He’ll look to see if I let the birds come and steal my fruit. It’s imperative that I continue to establish deep roots that grow deep into the heart of the Father. I need my roots to wrap themselves around the throne of God and anchor on His truths. I need Jesus to give me His living water to quench the thirst of my tree so that the fruit I bear will be sweet and nutritious.
So, I how do I do that?
The WORD is my nutrients. It's where I get fed. It’s my instructional guide on how to grow deep roots. The Word prunes me and helps me bear good fruit.
The SPIRIT is the very air I need to survive. The Holy Spirit takes all my CO2 junk and transforms it into life-giving oxygen. The Holy Spirit is what prevents me from withering and dying and keeps me flourishing, bearing fruit, living, and reaching my branches towards heaven.
PRAYER is my lifeline to the FATHER. Prayer is the source of God’s healing, growing, and living power. That's where Jesus intercedes for me, where He hugs me, and where He speaks to me.
The CHURCH is where I find a cluster of fellow trees to intertwine their roots with mine making me stronger, holding me up when I grow weak so that together we can withstand the winds and storms of life.
I just watched this amazing video, Intelligent Trees, that actually says that trees form bonds of friendship. They look out for one another. The documentary says that trees don’t do well when they are by themselves. If trees need friends and family to thrive and survive in this world, how much more do we.
God is an amazing Creator God! His creation is alive and responsive to Him, even the trees have been intelligently designed. God’s Word says that creation recognizes and worships Him. He controls it and they know it. They are anticipating the return of Jesus, calling out for Him because they know when He returns to set up His kingdom on earth, they will rest and not die. All of creation will live in perfect harmony just like it did in the Garden of Eden before death and sin entered the world. A what a glorious day that will be!
So, if the trees know how to grow deep roots and survive against the storms of life, attacks of the enemy, and spiritual drought, shouldn’t we?
My prayer for you and me is Paul’s prayer for the church: Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT) Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Romans 8:38-39 paraphrased by little old me, and hopefully OK with my Heavenly Father for taking such liberties. But, this is what God's promise in His Word means to me.
I’m utterly convinced that nothing can separate me or you from God’s love:
Not death
Not life
Not illness
Not health
Not angels
Not demons
Not our fears about today
Not our worries about tomorrow
Not friends or lack of friends
Not human love or loneliness
Not wealth or poverty
Not success or failure
Not the praise of man or the ridicule of others
Not any power in the sky above
Not any power in the earth below
Nothing we do or do not do
Nothing in all creation can ever separate us from the love of God that was revealed to us in Jesus Christ our LORD.
Because it is not about us. It’s about Him. God is love. And Jesus is God’s Love in action and flesh. This Valentine’s Day don’t envy other people’s flowers or candy. Open up God’s love letter - His living and breathing Word.
And experience the only love that truly satisfies the soul.
May you feel, know, and embrace the width, depth, height of God's love today. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Love,
Yolanda
A few weeks ago, I felt the need to go up to my local mountaintop to intercede in prayer for California because, sadly, she needs a divine intervention if she is going to survive.
So, I invited a couple of my prayer companions to join me in my prayer hike and we asked God to do a miracle in our state this coming year. It was glorious. I came off that mountaintop feeling like Moses!
Well, unfortunately, that feeling only lasted until bedtime. That evening, my mountaintop experience turned into a nightmare…literally.
I dreamt that my companions and I were driving down a mountain except this mountain was brown and desolate instead of lush and green. The sky was ominous. I knew in my dream that we had started down the mountain too late and it would soon be dark. Before me, the road split off into many different directions. Off in the distance, I could see the last of the cars driving away to safety but I could not figure out how to get there. Suddenly, our car died. We tried our cell phones but we had no service. We began to grow fearful and then I woke up. Instantly, I felt the need to pray and recite Psalm 91. I text my companions that morning and urged them to pray Psalm 91 over themselves, their families, and homes.
When we desire to go deeper and higher in our faith with Jesus, when we intercede in prayer for those in bondage to the enemy, or when we share the Gospel with those who are unsaved, the enemy will come in for a spiritual attack trying to rob and destroy us of our purpose. He will make us feel isolated, lost, distracted, and far from God. This was symbolized in my dream by the many roads leading me to confusion and my car dying and no cell-phone service.
Recently, I was studying Matthew chapters 1-2 where God spoke to Joseph in four dreams.
In the first dream (Matthew 1:20), an angel appeared to Joseph to explain that Mary was going to have a baby conceived by the Holy Spirit. God used this dream to reveal truth and purpose.
In the second dream (Matthew 2:13), an angel appeared to Joseph to warn him to flee from danger.
In the third dream (Matthew 2:19), an angel appeared to Joseph to give him instructions to move his family back to Israel.
In the fourth dream (Matthew 2:22), Joseph was fearful and he was warned of danger and told exactly where to move his family.
These four dreams give us an idea of how God speaks to us in our dreams. He can use our dreams to reveal truth, give us revelation, to instruct or guide us, or He can warn us of coming danger.
I believe my dream was a warning dream of a personal spiritual attack, but my Heavenly Father, in His unfailing love, gave me the means to protect myself. He told me to pray Psalm 91.
Interestingly, God had put it on my heart to gift famed pictures of Psalm 91 to all my friends and family for Christmas. I had an urgency in my heart for everyone I love to have this powerful prayer of protection in his or her home. I wrote them all a letter urging them to pray it out loud over themselves, their family, and their homes.
Many people are being warned in dreams and visions to pray Psalm 91. A very good friend of mine just had a dream where she was in her home in the mountains and it was dark and scary outside. She could see people outside her home and as she approached the door, on the window beside the door, people’s faces and hands appeared pressing in. They wanted to get her so she started screaming, “Call 911. Call 911. Call 911.” She woke her husband and kept repeating, “Call 911.” Later it was impressed upon her spirit that God was telling her in her dream to pray – to call out – Psalm 91:1 Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I believe this was another warning dream about the evils that are outside of God’s protective shelter. When we live inside the shelter of the Most High (represented by my friend being inside her home safe from the evil outside) God will protect us. God was impressing on my friend the need to share this dream with others.
I’m reading a great book called, Psalm 91 Real-Life Stories of God’s Shield of Protection and What This Psalm Means For You & Those You Love, by Peggy Joyce Ruth and Angelia Ruth Schum. In the book they give amazing testimonies of people who have been miraculously saved from rape, death, natural disasters, catastrophes of war, and illness when they claim the promises of Psalm 91.
In the book, they write: At a time when there are so many uncertainties facing us, it is more than comforting to realize that God not only knows ahead of time what we will be facing but also makes absolute provision for us. Someone once pointed out, “It is interesting that the world must have gotten its distress 911 number from God’s answer to our distress call – Psalm 91:1.” (page 110)
There is some divine reason why God is placing this Psalm of Protection on the hearts of many of His children at this time. Don’t take the warning lightly. Just like Joseph followed the instructions and warnings God gave him in his dreams, and led his family to safety, so we should heed God’s warning and instructions to us in Psalm 91.
God’s message is clear:
Live in My shelter and stay under My wings.
He also promises that if we love Him and know His name, He will:
Deliver us
Set us on high
Answer us when we call
Rescue us
Honor us
Reward us with long life and give us His salvation.
So, I don’t know about you, but I’m praying Psalm 91 over my family and home everyday! I don’t know what the future holds but I know who holds the future in His hands. I want to be protected by those hands!
May the LORD keep you under the shelter of His Wings.
Love,
Yolanda
Thank you to my good friend, Deborah, for painting these beautiful angel wings. I pray they are blessing every home in which they are displayed with God's Word.
PRAYER OF PROTECTION
PSALM 91
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For He will rescue me from every trap
and protect me from deadly disease.
He will cover me with His feathers.
He will shelter me with His wings.
His faithful promises are my armor and protection.
I will not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
I will not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at my side,
though ten thousand are dying around me,
these evils will not touch me.
I will open my eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.
If I make the LORD my refuge, if I make the Most High my shelter,
no evil will conquer me; no plague will come near my home.
For He will order His angels to protect me wherever I go.
They will hold me up with their hands so
I won’t even hurt my foot on a stone.
I will trample upon lions and cobras;
I will crush fierce lions and serpents under my feet!
The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love Me.
I will protect those who trust in My name.
When they call on Me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation.”
I pray this psalm of protection in Jesus Name. Amen.
Every January, I celebrate the New Year and my birthday by
unleashing something that has been bottled up inside me.
Sounds painful, I know. But it’s actually a good thing.
First, it was unleashing my inner bombshell where God released
me from insecurity and gave me a spirit of boldness.
Then, it was unleashing my inner
zombie slayer where God released me from a spirit of fear and gave me
a spirit of courage. God is still working on this one since I tend to hold on to fear.
And, lastly unleashing my inner spirit-filled prayer warrior
where God taught me how to armor up with spiritual weapons to fight spiritual
battles.
These "unleashings" have occurred because God has set me free
from bondages in my life that have held me back from running the course He has
set before me. At the beginning of each year, God gives me the title of my New Year's blog
post, which is my spiritual assignment for the year. These assignments have
been used to grow my faith, to share the Gospel in new ways, and ultimately to
draw me closer to Jesus.
December was drawing to a close and I had not received my
spiritual assignment yet. I was a little bummed. Then, God gave me my spiritual
assignment in a totally unexpected way.
A DREAM!
On December 23rd, I went to sleep with some concerns on my heart and a prayer on my lips. I asked the LORD whether he wanted me to share the Gospel at an upcoming event. I needed an answer from the LORD quickly so I asked him for a dream. And, low and behold, I got my dream.
I dreamt that I was watching three objects (a gold lampstand
with 3 crosses, a pyramid, and the Jewish temple) ascending into the blue sky,
almost like watching helium balloons rising. In my dream, I couldn’t quite make
out the Jewish Temple so I asked the LORD to slow down the ascension so I could
make it out.Then I woke up.
I woke up with such excitement because God revealed to me what I am supposed to unleash this year. I am supposed to unleash my INNER DREAM CHASER!
You see, the number 8 in Biblical terms is considered “New
Beginnings”. This is going to be the year of new beginnings. We are going to
see miracles and wonders on the earth. God is going to pour out His Spirit like
He promised in Joel 2:28-29 and His children will prophecy through dreams and visions.
I've been reading my scripture and hearing sermons lately that have helped me understand my assignment for the year based on this dream. I believe God gave me a prophetic dream - a glimpse of the future. I believe He was letting me know that time is getting short. We are in the last hours of the last days.
Through the Jewish Temple in my dream, God was giving me a glimpse of the hour on the prophetic clock. Jerusalem has moved center stage on the world scene. All this talk of nations moving their embassies to Jerusalem has made Jerusalem a "burdensome stone among all people" (Zechariah 12:2-3). The temple in my dream is also a symbol of the 7-year peace treaty that will be signed soon allowing the 3rd temple to be built. When this happens it will mark the start of the 7-year Tribulation period.
The pyramid in my dream represents my assignment. God is raising up Josephs this year. Joseph, from his youth, had prophetic dreams. Joseph had been sold by his brothers into slavery and he was held captive in Egypt. During his captivity, Joseph worshipped and relied on the LORD and the LORD showed him favor. God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams and God used him to save the people from famine. What Joseph's brothers had intended for evil, God used for good. Joseph was able to save the Egyptians and his family during those 7-years of famine. Joseph was given a warning that there would be 7-years of plenty before the years of famine, so he used that time wisely to prepare. (Genesis 39-42) I believe that is why God is calling up Joseph's in these last days. I believe God is going to give His children dreams and visions so that we will know how to prepare spiritually and physically for the coming famine and dark days. Whether that famine is literal or spiritual, I don't know. The key is to press in close to the LORD in these days like Joseph did. He prayed and asked God for wisdom. We must seek the LORD in these days. Ask for His wisdom. We must read our Bible and know the Word so we can rightly interpret the dreams we are given.
Lastly, the gold lampstand with the 3-crosses represents the church - the Bride of Christ. God is pouring out His oil, which is the anointing of the Holy Spirit, on the church lifting and lighting her up. She will glow brightly as a beacon of hope in a dark world that will be thrown into confusion, fear, and distress. We are the church! God wants to pour out His oil on us. He wants to light us up, raise us up. He wants us to shine brightly, to share the Gospel of salvation, to announce His soon return, and to use wisely these days of plenty to prepare for what is coming.
So, I'm not sure how God wants me to prepare. That is why in 2018 God is unleashing my Inner Dream Chaser. I'm asking for more dreams and more revelation of His Word. I'm seeking more of Jesus and His Holy Spirit! And, I'm knocking on the door of heaven because I want to soak in God's Presence. God has promised us that whoever asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. And, whoever knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
So, here I am LORD, use me. Unleash my dreams and visions. Give me Your wisdom and revelation to interpret them and help me to be a Joseph among my people for such a time as this.
In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Love,
Yolanda
Here is a link to a great sermon on what to expect in 2018 Biblically and prophetically,
