(THIS IS NOT A DIET MESSAGE, I PROMISE!)

Today, as I watched people hustling about at the outdoor mall, I had the sense that many were scurrying around Christmas shopping just to hide pain and pressure.  Somehow just walking into stores and browsing seems to dull the ache and memories.  I am writing, today, to all those who are having trouble with the holidays because every Christmas reminds you of a wound you have experienced or a pain you remember from childhood or you are on stress overload.  You look at all the pictures posted on facebook, instagram and all forms of media and conclude that life is good for everyone but you. You dream of a life depicted by social media but decide that for you, it is going to be another season of battling through loneliness and heartbreak.  You may have lost your job, your family has been broken and/or you are all alone. Quite possibly you took a run through the drive through coffee shop or ate a sugar cookie just to try and numb the pain.  However, after several cups of caffeine and a sugar cookie high, you feel more distraught than ever.

If you fit any of these categories,
I have a word for you today.

Christmas is NOT about the things you see, touch or feel.  Christmas is not about trees, lights and peppermint.  It is not about shopping, friends or even family.

The Christmas season is highlighted to announce and remind us of a Savior who came to bring hope and salvation to all nations.  Jesus Christ, the Savior of the lonely and brokenhearted.  Jesus is the Savior of the downtrodden and hopeless. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world who came and continually comes to bring JOY to all mankind.  I am not talking about the joy that we experience in a moment of family fun, or laughter or even the joy of a new born, but rather a joy that comes from deep within at the knowledge of the ONE who gave everything for us.

It says in John 1:26-26, “I baptize in this river, but the One who will take my place is to be more honored than I, but even when he stands among you, you will not recognize or embrace him! I am not worthy enough to stoop down in front of him and untie his sandals!”   This all took place at Bethany, where John was baptizing at the place of the crossing of the Jordan River. (Passion)

John baptized at the Jordan announcing a new era for Israel. This place of crossing is likely where the children of Israel crossed into the Promised Land when the Jordan River parted and they passed through on dry land. (Joshua 3) This place became a powerful reminder of crossing over into a new day, a new era for Israel.  This was the place chosen by God for John to baptize.  As the Lamb of God, Jesus was publicly washed and proven to be without flaw or blemish, ready to become the sacrifice for all the world.  Although he would become the Lion of the Tribe of Judah in resurrection power, John points to him as the meek Lamb, a willing sacrifice for our sins. (Passion)  Today, right now, grab unto the fact that this can be a new crossing over season for you, a crossing over into the internal joy of knowing Christ in an intimate way. 

Christmas points to the One, the Lamb of God, and the only one who can bring true joy.  Happiness in this world is fleeting but joy always comes from within at the knowledge of what He did for us and continues to do everyday as we look to Him to take the sorrow, the pain, and to bring the prodigals home.  It is the joy that knowing that one day, all sorrow will pass and you will enter into eternity truly hearing the angelic song of the Lord, “Worthy is the Lamb!”

Today, as you look away from yourself and to Him, you will sense the real joy of Christmas begin to fill your heart and soul.  As you focus on His goodness, the presence of the Father will fill your heart.  Most importantly, as you learn to trust Him in all things, true joy will manifest in your heart.  After all, He is the best dad in all of heaven and earth and we are certainly His kids.  Daddy, thank you for Jesus. You really do love us!

Put away the sugar cookie, the wasted time trying to run from pain, grab a cup of hot chocolate and sit with the One who will bring peace to your heart.  The Prince of Peace has come to the earth and sits right there with you today. Offer Him your heart, your stress and your hurt.  The comforter has come!

    A NEW DAY IN THE MAKING

Early this spring in one of my favorite coffee shops, I sat across the table from a young woman whom I highly value. I looked her right in the eye and I said, “Michelle, I am in a transition and trying to find who I am in this new day.“

Michelle immediately answered by saying, “I know who you are and it is time for you to leave a legacy.” With confidence and boldness, she stated, “Please leave this generation something you have. We need you.” I was stunned by her conviction because it was with such passion. I will never forget that moment. She then responded with the words I needed to hear: “I will help you.” Let’s rebrand YOU for the generations to come. Let’s leave a legacy.” I believe this really is a word for every person reading these words today. I want to challenge you to leave something to your children and your children’s children that will leave a mark on many generations to come for the Kingdom of God. Let’s all do it together!

It has been nearly 6 months since we began this journey. You can visit my new website in order to see some of the progress. Michelle, a young woman with her own dreams, has been a gift from God to me in this season.

During prayer this morning, I heard the Lord capitalize on the word REBRAND!

I believe that we are entering into a new day of transforming how we think, what we confess and what we declare. It is a rebranding of who we are not only individually but as the church. First of all, we have bought into the world’s way of thinking in so many ways that even the Word of God has gotten twisted and diluted with the voices surrounding media, movies and TV. The more we have listened and agreed with the world’s thinking, the more we have gotten away from the rich truth of God’s word and this mixture has polluted much of our thought process. God wants this new day to be filled with mature discernment and wisdom.  In other words, we must think and speak as the scriptures teach us. “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8 (KJB) Also, it is important to meditate on the freshness of the word from Matthew 4:4, “But He replied, it has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”(AMP)

We are not what the world says we are! We are what God says we are! His Word beautifully unfolds our purpose, destiny and of course, the reality of who we are in Christ. Tolerating any reasoning apart from scripture has to change. The Scriptures are our final authority not the voices that scream day after day in our culture. If what is being declared in the open does not line up with God’s word, we do NOT have to receive it or embrace it in our own lives. We are being rebranded by God into something the world cannot stop no matter how hard it tries to change us because we have the fire of God living within us. We have the word of God in our mouth confessing and declaring truth. Only the truth of the scriptures boldly declared, obeyed and lived out can change the culture of our land.

God has been teaching me the importance of speaking and calling those things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) In other words, I am careful how I speak as there is life and death in the power of the tongue. ( Prov. 18:21) I am rethinking my verbal declarations and decrees when I speak. I am rebranding myself with the power of God’s Word. The NEW ME speaks, declares and confesses His Word boldly knowing that what He has said, He will do.   God has promised us so much but if we don’t quit declaring the bad, we curse ourselves. I finally began to learn this lesson when my husband was going through dialysis two years ago this December. I just kept declaring that God was good and that He had the answer ….I trusted Him for the outcome. I would never allow myself to speak anything but God’s word and His truth. I praised and glorified His name as our 39 year-old donor stepped forward and gave his kidney to my husband. That alone was a miracle from God. I trusted that God had the answer no matter what it looked like. But the WORD gave me strength to stand.

God is rebranding the church in how she sees and in what she hears. We will not be shaken. We will not cower and we will not fall back. We are now stepping up into what God has already put in place. We are declaring the seed of Abraham passed on to generations through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The blessings of Abraham through Christ belong to us. We are prosperous in all things because of Christ.

God is calling us to move forward declaring His word in our mouth like a trumpet. WE are moving into fast forward and not in reverse anymore. We are not stagnant as a church but moving forward quickly. There is movement now in the Spirit but we cannot see it or feel it. But we don’t move by feelings. We move by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. It is a new level of understanding of His word and the depth and revelation of it. It is a higher level of declaration where faith is actually attached to it. Whenever we hear declaration, there is a new level of faith connected to it. They will go hand in hand not one without the other – not just words but words with fiery faith attached.

It is time to once again stir up the gifts by the laying on of hands. Stir them up until there are no lumps but only the smooth, creamy flow of the Holy Spirit. It is time to dream again but attached to the dreams are the Words of faith and fire.

We must lock our mind to His Word and the Spirit.  BRAND US IN YOUR IMAGE! Blessings and may our hearts be branded afresh with His glorious word.  Julaine

 

Keys to Knowing God

Over the years I have asked this question of so many of my friends and those in leadership: How do you get to know God?

I have come to realize that getting to know God is a process just like building a relationship with your spouse or friends. These relationships don’t happen overnight but grow progressively over time as we spend time chatting and doing life together. It is the same with our Lord and Savior. Initially, we come, give Him our heart and make Him Lord over our lives. Mistakenly, we think this is all there is to it; however, I am here to tell you that God has so much more in His Kingdom. Salvation is only the beginning – it is the “on-ramp” to the most powerful loving relationship you will ever experience here on earth. The Kingdom of God is progressive and continues precept upon precept depending on how far you want to go. As you come close day by day, your relationship will grow and deepen. As you share your heart and wait on Him, your ability to hear and commune with Him is heightened. So with all that said, I want to share keys that may help you in this process. Remember, a relationship with Christ is deepened as we spend time with Him so even these keys are just another “on-ramp” to levels of intimacy with Him. I call this place my secret place and this is how my time with Jesus begins.

Paul writes in Philippians 3:8, “Yes, furthermore, I count every as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him…” (Amp)

Begin Your Journey

SCHEDULE A TIME.

Make an appointment with God and keep it. If you are a calendar person, schedule it in at the beginning of each week. Go through your week and leave room for the most important few minutes of your day. Be as consistent as you can so that it becomes a habit – a discipline. Realize that Father is waiting for you every day and He loves His special time just with you. Be intentional and don’t allow the enemy to rob you of these precious moments. If you miss a day, try again as habits are built as we try every day. Don’t give up!

CHOOSE A TOOL – A BIBLE/DEVOTIONAL/JOURNAL.

Use your Bible but always have other translations available to help with furthering your understanding of the scriptures. You can Google Bible Gateway and choose from all different kinds of translations and commentaries. I recommend the Passion Version or the New Living Bible if you are just beginning. The Message Version makes for very easy reading as well.

START WITH PRAYER.

Prayer is talking with God. Don’t make it difficult but rather speak to Him in everyday language. If you need to confess sin before you begin, do it. Ask Him to forgive you and receive His forgiveness. Remember that when we repent, scripture tells us that He remembers no more and your sin is removed in the eyes of Jesus. Put on some good worship music and just enjoy God. If something or someone comes to mind, ask the Father to take care of it. Present the problem to Him and trust Him to accomplish His purposes. Put away long lists of prayer needs and trust that the Holy Spirit will bring to mind those things you should lift up to the Father. Then ask Jesus to give you ears to hear and eyes to see. Ask Him to open up His Word to you. Thank Him and believe He will. (Spend as much time in this place as you can. It is so life-giving.)

USE YOUR BIBLE OR DEVOTIONAL.

Get a journal, notebook or a piece of paper and as you read, jot down thoughts or verses that may leap off the page. If you don’t know where to begin, start with the Psalms or the Gospel of John. Talk to God about what you are reading. Ask Him questions even if they seem silly to you. You can look up words in the dictionary to get more understanding or read another translation and/or a commentary. If nothing stirs your heart, slow down, meditate on what you are reading and TAKE YOUR TIME!

We are not racing through the scriptures but rather remaining open to what the Father may want to reveal. Sometimes the scriptures just come alive and then other times they can seem dull, but just continue to read and enjoy the process with Jesus. I always have an extra piece of paper on hand so that if my mind wanders to things I have to do, or phone calls I have to make and etc… I write them down immediately and continue reading. Enjoy the moment with Jesus. Feel free to read that day’s devotional as well. Many times God will have a word just for you but the scriptures should remain your main reading material.

MEDITATE AND REST IN HIM.

I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to just sit before Him and enjoy His presence. The Word you just read can lead you into this moment. Take a few minutes now and review what you have read and what the Lord may have spoken to you. Thank Him for speaking to you even if you feel you received nothing that day. His presence fills the scriptures and He was there all the while you were reading and praying.

DON’T JUST READ BUT OBEY WHAT HE HAS SPOKEN.

Do what the word says to do. James 1:22 says that we are not to be hearers only but doers of the Word. If Holy Spirit is speaking to you about gossip or any other character issues during your devotions, then that is the area He is highlighting and He is asking you to obey Him. Every time we obey His Word, we get to know Him in a deeper way. It warms His heart as we obey His Word and long to become like Jesus.

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO READ THE WORD EVERY DAY AS BEST YOU CAN.

If you miss a day, try again the next day. Remember that you are developing a habit and that takes trying and trying and then trying again.

YOU ARE NOT BEING GRADED ON YOUR PERFORMANCE.

This is all about your heart and your longing to get to know Him. Performance is a thing of the past and you are on this quest to know the One Who created you and wants a deep relationship with you. Loving, relational and merciful describes our Father. Despite the “worldview,” He does speak today and longs for you to hear His voice. YOU ARE A PERFECT A+ IN HIS EYES!

I pray that this helps you get on that path to a deep relationship that never ends. The deeper you go with Him, the more He has for you. It is a quest to seek the face of the One Who gave it all.

Love you so much,

Julaine

 

With all the news and narratives concerning ISIS, nuclear threats, our freedoms daily being taken away, it is no wonder many are fearful.  We have to always remember that when we feel fear, it is the work of Satan.  2 Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind.  Actually, the Amplified puts it this way:  “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”   This is putting it quite bluntly.  Of course, we know that Paul is writing to Timothy encouraging him not to be afraid but to speak boldly of Christ.  But it still addresses the subject of fear.

Everytime you feel fear in your life, it is not of God but is certainly a manifestation of the kingdom of darkness.  This is the spirit the enemy uses to try to rule over God’s people and keep them in bondage and unable to come under the authority and leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the spirit that would keep Christians in a corner fearing for their life – fearing they cannot speak out.  It is used against Christians to keep them from the great plans God has for them.

What are you afraid of today?   

What keeps you bound and unable to move forward?  Some fears may be lack of finances, death, loneliness, authority, people, your job, commitment, rejection, failure, not good enough, etc.   The fact that you feel paralyzed by your fear is an indicator that this is not the work of God.  God is love, joy, peace in the Holy Spirit.  God is for us and not against us.  God has a plan for each of us and desires that we live in His peace, despite our circumstances.  But if we allow fear to rule in our lives instead of faith and trust in our Father, then we will become a servant and slave to the fear. It will become our master in that area of our life.

When the enemy brings fearful thoughts, we must learn not to submit to those lies.  But instead,  turn to God’s word so that it can break the hold of the fearful thought.

For instance,  maybe you struggle with believing that God will take care of you.  The truth is Ps. 46:1:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present and well-proved help in trouble.”  Now this is what the word says!  God is not a liar but He has covenanted with us and His Word is our promise.  If you are living your life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, then this Word is for you.  You can count on it.  No matter how many times the enemy brings a lie to you, you counter it with the truth.  The Truth breaks the power and yoke of the lie.  Are you getting it?

I remember years ago.  We were having some financial difficulties and I was operating at the top of my fear thermometer.  I was anxious and all kinds of thoughts were flooding my mind.  As I stood at the mirror that morning combing my hair, I heard God say this:  “I would have fainted had I not believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Ps. 27:13)  I grabbed this truth and yelled, “I believe YOU, God.”  A few days later we received a check in the mail that helped us get through that struggle.  Praise to Jesus.

Now it is time for you to face your fears.  I believe that God’s tender heart always works to bring us gently into freedom. I have found that when I look my fear straight in its face, the fear dissipates.  I remember when we were in China and driving up a mountain range in our van.  The mountain was the steepest I had ever seen in my life and the road the narrowest.

Fear rushed over me so quickly that I thought I would be ill.  I grabbed my husband and held on to his chest praying in the spirit.  My friend Connie yelled at me saying, “The worst that can happen is that we will be with Jesus.  Just think of the kids we will be helping at the top of the mountain.”

I am certain those words did not change my perspective, however, they did remind me that Jesus is my help and my life is forever in His hands. As we continued up the mountain  I set my heart on Jesus, my deliverer. Arriving on top of the mountain and seeing the joy on so many children’s faces, I felt the fear disappear.  On the way down, the joy of the Lord hit me and I seemed to be in heaven as we maneuvered down that narrow road enjoying what God had just done with all the children.  Fear had no more control. I even enjoyed the beauty of the mountain range.

Today, I want to encourage you to keep going.  Don’t allow fear to rule and reign in your life.  Look fear straight in the eye with God’s Word.  Hang on to His word and allow its truth to begin to break that stronghold of fear.

Remember that the enemy’s lie is the counter to God’s truth.  So throw the truth at the lie and watch it begin to melt. Throw it at the enemy until you sense joy welling up in your belly!

NOW IS THE TIME!

Psalm 119:50

“This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction:

 that Your word has revived me and gives me life.”

Blessings and have a faith-filled day.

Julaine

OK… I wish I looked like her!  But you get the picture…  (Big huge smiley face)

I have decided that I am too much of a perfectionist and it keeps me from this keyboard. TODAY, I will sit down and write. No excuses!

I have been running away again to my secret place; that is, when I am not traveling and hanging out with my amazing kids, grandkids and/or HUB friends and family.  It is a must for me.  I have to hear the voice of God and I must have my time alone with Him. My heart is burning to be with the One I love so much. The sound of His voice is like a sweet bread and sweet wine.  It fills me up and satisfies like nothing I have ever experienced. I know that it also gives Him more pleasure than anything to know that I would want to get away just to be with Him.  He longs for us, you know.  He burns with a passion to speak and share His deepest secrets.   He is a Father – He is not a tyrant or a dictator.  He is Father and He wants to have deep intimate times with His children.

Here is something I have learned over the years about hearing His voice. Did you know it only takes a few minutes of quiet to hear His voice or just to connect with Him.  You don’t need hours but you need a hungry heart.  Remember, it is that still quiet voice in your heart.  You will know when you hear it.  IT is sometimes a scripture or just a gentle “I love you.”

Here is how I choose to live each day.

First of all, I check my heart daily to make certain that if I have sinned in any area, I repent and change the way I think.  Secondly, I get out my wonderful journal notebook and prepare to write.

Thirdly, I find a quiet secluded place (Matt. 6:6), put on my favorite soaking CD in the background and read a Psalm allowing my mind to focus on Him.  I meditate on the scriptures and still my mind.  He becomes my thought life.  If my mind wanders off, I gently pull it back to the scriptures and His goodness and then, continue on.  I  will ask Him a question.  For instance, “How do you see me, Jesus?” or ” What do you want to say to me today?”   Another one I like to ask is, “How can I worship you today, Father?”  Sometimes, I will have a passing thought and that is where I begin writing.  You see, if your mind is focused on Christ and His Word, then the things that pass through your mind should reflect His love and character.

I begin to write what comes to mind.  It is a beautiful time of just following His lead.  You will be surprised when you go back and read what He has written to you and about you.  He really, really wants to communicate with His kids. If you are unsure as to whether you heard correctly, it is always good to check it out with God’s written word.  Does it line up with scripture?  Is it encouraging and edifying or instructional?  It is also good to share with a good friend whom you can trust just to validate the word.  The more you write the more you hear.

I was by the lake recently just sitting with Him.

It is so amazing when we just stop what we are doing for five minutes just to behold Him and LISTEN to His voice.  Ok… let’s do it!  Just 5 minutes of tuning in can change your life.

Please, please if possible, will you send me your testimony of things you have heard?  We are in this together because we are family and He is Father.

My email address is julaineministries@cox.net

Love you much.  Julaine