Power in your words

They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Revelation 12:11 NIV

Journal Entry Thu 4/23/15 6:40 am

A little while ago I heard my neighbors arguing. They were yelling at each other and it seemed another intense fight was starting [They fight often and the police have been called on occasion]. I said to myself, 'I won't miss this' [I'm in the process of moving out of this apartment]. I said out loud "Peace be still" — and the arguing ceased immediately! It was amazing. It was no fluke because it's been several minutes now has not started back up. Highly unusual.

From Abandoned to Beloved

The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all.

Psalm 118:22 GNT

When God called me to leave Chicago and move to Houston I left my cat Imzadi with my mother because he hated traveling, and I didn't think he'd adjust well. Following is an excerpt from my journal in which God spoke to me.

Journal Excerpt

Another message from God to me is Mom told me that Imzadi now loves the water dispenser I bought for him. Just like the cat bed I got him he didn’t show any interest in it at first. I was so hurt and disappointed in both cases because I bought them with hopes they would make him happy only to find him showing no interest at all. In both cases he just suddenly changed, and now he loves them both. He spends most of his time in that cat bed and he drinks excessively from the water dispenser. I got both because I know Imzadi and I thought I knew what was best for him. Well I was right after all. So my encouragement was it ain’t over, people do change, and that which was ignored and abandoned can still be loved.

Heavenly Father

You know us thoroughly and completely. At times it seems that You are leading us to people and places that aren't a good fit for us. But things can and do change, and You always know best. Help us to trust You in every situation.

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,

1 Peter 2:4 ESV

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'

Jeremiah 30:17 NIV

Journey of Faith - Going 'Round the Mountain 1 More Time

You may be aware that I occasionally share excerpts from my journal. I allow others to peek in on these private moments in hopes they will gain insights, and grow in their relationships with God and others.

A Message from Anointed Messenger

Journal Excerpt Thu 8//2/07

I wish I could see my own issues as clearly as I see others.  I see the mountains that others are circling repeatedly.  I pray about it and sometimes offer feedback but for the most part I recognize they have to learn on their own.  They’ve got to stop circling that mountain by making different choices.

Obey God & Leave the Consequences to Him

Click here for the most beautiful version of this message.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

A Message from Anointed Messenger

Journal excerpt

I do have some good news to share. On Pinterest I looked for photos by Charles Stanley (he’s a great photographer) and I saw “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.” I remembered when that was my motto, when I tried to obey and trust God for the consequences. But I felt like God led me into so many

SAFE TO HOPE

A MESSAGE FROM ANOINTED MESSENGER

Anointed Messenger Journal Excerpt Mon 9/29/08

Last night I spoke with [my friend] and she sounded sad. I thought the [Chicago Bears football team] must be losing [a common cause of sadness amongst Chicagoans], but she said they were ahead. So why was she so sad? She said it was only the 3rd quarter. At first that seemed puzzling but I recalled that last Sunday everybody was excited about the Bears game. They were shouting and excited and cheering. It was a pretty intense game and went into overtime. The Bears had the lead in that game too but in the end they lost.

MOVING WITH GOD

A Message from Anointed Messenger

Journal Excerpt

Wednesday 11/3/04 7:29 am

I was so tired this morning!  Even when the alarm went off I couldn't get up.  Imzadi (my cat) started whining long before the alarm went off.  He woke me up.  I told him to be quiet but he kept whining. Finally I got tired of him so I got up and put some food in his bowl, then got back in bed. But he came back shortly.  He wanted me to go with him. [I often sit with him when he eats and he enjoys the attention and social interaction.] Eventually he got in bed with me and didn't move until I called him.

Trusting the Lord of the Harvest to manage my seed

Say it and believe it:

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV

A Message from Anointed Messenger

JOURNAL EXCERPT

I received lots of Pinterest [an online pin board] notifications about people liking and repinning my pins. I haven’t even been on Pinterest in a while. But there was a time when I was on Pinterest faithfully. It was hard to tear myself away. I found lots of great pins and made boards I was proud of. Now, much later people are sharing and enjoying those pins. Many of them aren’t even following me, but somehow my pins are reaching them.

DIVINE DELIVERY METHODS 12/3/13

Don't be a stubborn heifer...

Receive this WORD from the LORD:

HOW CAN I BLESS YOU IF YOU WILL NOT GO WHERE I LEAD YOU? www.AnointedMessages.com

A Message from Anointed Messenger

Background Info: I sent an email to subscribers of my devotionals letting them know I am transitioning from sending emails as my primary delivery method to using blogs.

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Journal Excerpt

I see one person unsubscribed and said she didn’t want to read blogs; she wanted to receive emails. I could be wrong but she sounded a bit angry about it. Her unsubscribing also seemed premature as I am transitioning people and it will be a while before the emails stop. Also I will give people specific instructions on how they can continue receiving emails via the Blog. Of course I thought about the sense of entitlement we often adopt over things that are gifts. She’s been getting (hopefully) encouraging emails for free, even though it costs me money to send them to her. It makes me want to be more mindful about my blessings; and not approach God as if I’m entitled to things that He gives freely as a gifts.

Filibuster 11/29/12

Following is my journal excerpt about delays in moving forward with God. I edited the journal for length and clarity. References which would not make sense have been omitted. I pray you are able to follow and be blessed by the entry.

Thur 6/5/08    5:01 pm

I finally got some sleep last night and for that I am very grateful. I didn’t get into bed until well after 2 am but I did actually sleep. I know it was well after 11 before I got up. I had a lot on my mind during devotion. I want God’s guidance so badly. Discernment – and lots of it. I said Lord please show me what to do. What to do about ___? What to do about Anointed Messages? What to do about the ___ ministry and what to do about ___?

Landlord versus the LORD of all lords 11/26/12

Here is an excerpt from my journal. My experience with my landlord made me think about the LORD of my life, and how much faith and trust I have in Him to take good care of me. I hope it will encourage anyone who is thinking about taking matters into their own hands.

Another thing that encouraged me is I called the apartment office twice about getting my leaky faucet fixed. I spoke with Mary [not her real name] both times. The second time I called back and clarified that it wasn’t just a drip; it’s a leak that’s releasing a steady stream of water which is surely running up the water bill. I didn’t want them to think it’s not a priority and wait days to get to me. When time kept passing I decided I would run to Walmart or the hardware store and get a new faucet. That old faucet is so rusted and ugly I thought this is a good chance to get it replaced.

Quest for Antarctica 6/15/12

Journal Excerpt

I remember the penguins in Madagascar. They kept trying to get to Antarctica, and they made all these elaborate plans and they finally got there. Then you see them sitting there in all the ice and snow and they say “Well this sucks.” So they go back home. I feel kind of like that. I did all that waiting and praying for [this to happen] and now that I’m [in it] I’m like “well this sucks.” Not at all what I want. At least I know that now. But I don’t feel like God has released me yet.

Fri 6/15/12

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS:

  

Release yourself from all frustration and irritation.  The things that haven't worked out the way you hoped they would were for the purpose of a course correction.   You will gain some much needed wisdom from recent events that had the potential for disappointment and discouragement.  Forgive yourself and others, and ask Me for wisdom.  I will provide not only wisdom but direction and guidance.  Trust me to keep you in the flow of My Spirit, says the Lord. 

Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

That is very encouraging. That makes me feel like if I had struggled and fought to get to Antarctica only to discover that Antarctica sucks, everything would still be ok. J It’s ok if your dream turned out to be your Galifianakis;* God has another plan.

*A Galifianakis is a person, place or situation that is so difficult that you grow as a result of dealing with it/them. The Galifianakis requires extra grace and more fruit of the Spirit. The word is derived from comedian Zach Galifianakis' character in the movie Due Date.

Suspicious Minds 11/20/11

In the shower today the song Suspicious Minds dropped in my spirit. I found myself singing it then realized God was reminding me that we are supposed to be partners and we can’t move forward if I am suspicious about His motives. I know He’s used that song before so I found it in my journal from May 2008:

Thur 5/15/08 8:33 pm

I’m just getting in not long ago and TD Jakes was on. They showed a preview of next week’s sermon and it was just for me. It was awesome. This is what he said:

God does not raise hopes only to disappoint them

Journal Excerpt Wed 6/10/09 1:13 am
I wish I didn’t feel bad either. [I felt others picked up on my bad feelings.] I know I need to praise God and all that but I just don’t have the faith for it right now. That’s why I say it’s time for God to show up in a very real way. I know He likes to be all mysterious and He wants us to figure everything out and believe without any proof whatsoever but what kind of deal is that? If you really love someone why are you trying to make things difficult for them? If you want people to reach the destination why not guide them clearly to it? Why concoct a puzzling maze and give confusing directions?

Journal Excerpt Fri 6/12/09
Well I have a story I must share. Last night the service was over and I was helping Ms. D clean up. She wanted me to help her take some things into the sanctuary for the service tonight. Her back was hurting and in the sanctuary there were 2 teens sitting in the back near where we entered. D asked if they’d help us. The boy was hesitant but the girl immediately said yes. She had a great spirit. D asked them to take the things to the stage and said she’d give them some pizza. Well the girl got so happy! The boy was happy too but the girl started telling how she was so hungry and had already asked for pizza and been denied. She was fantasizing about food because she was so hungry. We all agreed that this was a divine setup. I don’t remember everything she said but she was telling the story and it was clear God had worked out all the details to bring her her heart’s desire.

She was still joyful and chattering about it when we went back to the snack room to get the pizza. I was the one distributing the pizza earlier so I knew where it was. We’d had a lot of pizza but it seems that some guy got the last of the pizza that was out as we were walking up. The teens were disappointed and said “That guy got the last of the pizza.” I said no way – that’s not the kind of God I serve. He didn’t bring you this far just to disappoint you. They were accepting fate but I was determined. I went inside and was looking around but found nothing. That girl had already rejoiced in her blessing – surely God wasn’t going to do that to her. I really wanted them to have their pizza. I was going to find some somewhere. I even was ready to give them money to get pizza. But then here came Ms. D with 2 pizzas and gave them a whole pizza. I was as happy as they were. I said I knew you were going to get your pizza – that’s the kind of God we serve. There’s no way He was going to disappoint them like that. The girl was too happy. We were all praising God for the blessing.

That’s a good lesson for me right now too. If I, as someone who didn’t even know them, felt that strongly that I didn’t want to see them disappointed, how much more is God on our side? There’s something about someone delighting in the Lord; that’s someone you don’t want disappointed. I’m getting a deeper take on delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. When you’re delighting and bragging on God’s goodness and so happy to be His, He wants to shower you with blessings.

When I was going through my issues this week I told God that I was no longer going to worry about His reputation. Let Him defend His own name. But I did not want those teens to think of God as the One who raises hopes only to disappoint them. We are God’s hands and feet. He uses us to bless others. But I didn’t have to defend Him; He had the pizza for them. In the same way I’m sure God has good things planned for me. I’ve already rejoiced about some things. I sang songs and shouted and danced and then it looked like disappointment again. But God is not going to let me go out like that. Just like I told those kids – that’s not the kind of God He is.

I’m thinking about how the disappointments can make the blessings seem even sweeter. After those setbacks and disappointments the kids were even happier when that pizza was actually placed in their hands. They wouldn’t have had the same joy and appreciation if someone had just handed them pizza in the beginning. No, they were denied, then had time to deal with their hunger, then received a promise, encountered a disappointment then finally the blessing. Sweet! Now that pizza wasn’t just a pizza but a prize.

God teaches us how to appreciate blessings. He knows we don’t appreciate things that come too easily. And He knows that we have to be taught to trust Him. I’m learning that no matter what happens in the middle, in the end I’m going to receive whatever God promised. I’ve been learning that setbacks and disappointments are just part of the process.

Why Isn't My Ministry Being Blessed?

From the Journal of Anointed Messenger on Thur 5/29/08 4:39 pm

I started thinking about all the people who had people just come to them to provide what was needed so their ministries would flourish. [A man] volunteered to do [my friend’s] website. People just appearing and often donating their services to the ministry. I wondered why I don’t have that experience. I seek people out [and pay them] and it still doesn’t work. I pray for help to come and it doesn’t.

So in devotion I was asking God about it. I seriously needed to know. Where am I missing God? Perhaps what I thought were God ideas were my ideas. Maybe I’m not ‘good enough’ yet. What should I do? I was desperately seeking guidance so I pulled a message from the large bin of Anointed Messages that I started (and haven’t finished cutting). Three came out. The first said

Blessed are those who are not offended.
© 2007 Anointed Messages™

My first thought was so I’m not blessed because I’m offended? Who do I have ought against? I thought I let it all go. Then the Truth came to me; the same truth that inspired the message. That’s what Jesus said to John the Baptist when he was having similar questions. I thought about John the Baptist. He served God and his heart was right yet he was beheaded. Nobody showed up to release him from prison like in Peter’s case. Yet it wasn’t because he was bad; that was just God’s plan. I got so much peace after meditating on that. The other two messages were

Nobody understands you better than your Creator.
© 2007 Anointed Messages™

You are still here because God has a reason for you to still be here.© 2007 Anointed Messages™

All three of those messages blessed me. They did several things for me. They comforted me that the problem isn’t that I’m unworthy or out of God’s will. They encouraged me that God understands me and has me right where I need to be. And they motivated me. Because I was blessed by them I really want to get the messages out there so other people can be blessed. I want others to receive a word in due season just like I did.

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NOTE: I designed my website myself and I'm very happy with it. God didn't send help in the form of others, He gave me ability and I wouldn't have realized it if I'd received help from others.

Can you persevere past your pain?

Anointed Messenger Journal Entry

Sat 8/9/08

On TV I saw some of those animal attack/incident shows and God used them to speak to me. One thing is there were several stories of people having awful encounters with animals. They got attacked while fishing and mauled by dogs and all kinds of horrible things. But they all kept on doing what they had been doing. One boy was stabbed in the throat by a Black Marlin and it tore up his throat and he almost died but he still fishes today and just shares it as a story. Now he says fishing is a “contact sport.” I admire his tenacity. A woman was stung by 500 bees and she endured horrible pain and almost died too but today she still uses honey bees on her farm. It’s part of the family’s tradition/business and she didn’t let her painful near death experience ruin that. I heard all these stories and thought ‘Wow they’re crazy’ and ‘Wow what gumption.’ I do admire that kind of perseverance. God was showing me people who overcame adversity and never gave up.