Food for thought Part 6

So in closing, I say stay prayed up, be thankful for what He has done and don’t get comfy. What I said above does not mean you will be perfect. What it means is that being human, you and I will (until we are made whole), make mistakes. It is a juncture that “Fear God” comes into play. For years I always thought that that meant if God got peeved that he was going to kill us all. Not the case. In reality “Fear God” means to reverence him. He knows that we are going to fail. He should he created us, so with that in mind, the reverence comes by way of knowing what “He” is capable of doing, and knowing that when we fail, we can come to him for forgiveness, hoping that some day we will no longer fall into that thing that so easily besets us. This gives a whole new meaning to “Love God hate sin”. Instead of just going through the motions we really mean it. Funny thing is that God is the only one that can decipher the true heart from the one that is just playing games. I have known many “arm chair “people that play church. I am saddened that they do what they do, because their actions affect not only themselves but others around them. The picture they paint gives some the ability to hate Christ even more because for most of the lost, the only Christ they see is what we show as Christians. All I can do is pray for them and if I find I am at fault, I ask God to forgive me in my follies and to help me to not do the things that cause me to fail (SIN) But to do the things I am supposed to do. Doesn’t mean I will but I know the struggle, and hope that “Plan A” would complete itself in me some day. Thank you Jesus.
Henry Santana Jr.

Food for thought Part 5

Remember I said that I would discuss the word “dynamis” later, this is why I waited. Read below.

Eph 6: 19
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

This my friends is part of the armour that has been least used and most controversial. Without communication, we cannot know what the Father wants, and more importantly cannot know where the direction of attack is coming from. Over the years I have heard many excuses as to what Paul was talking about when he spoke here of the word Utterance. The list goes from foreign language to speaking in an unknown tongue. I know what you are thinking and you are sort of right, but before you close this page out please allow me to explain a few things about this.

In the book of Romans Paul teaches about the “Power” of God. These Scriptures speak of the same word in Acts 1:8, 4:33, Rom 1:16, for Just a few. This word “Power,” used here is the word “dynamis” where we get our English word today being Dynamic. This word also has a duel meaning and in this text, is used both ways, from the excitement or enthusiasm of the situation, to the core structure of the science that it defines. The reality if you will.

For years, even though I never served, I have enjoyed the conversations with those that have served in the military. One of the things that I have learned, is the order and structure that the military uses for combat. A part of a soldiers training is that they use coded messages during battle. During a fire fight, if the enemy has moved positions, an order to shift fire is given. Two things take place at this point. The battle perimeter has changed as does the direction of fire, and the soldier is made aware of the enemies’ position. If a soldier does not hear the order, he stands a chance of killing one of his own, (the term used is Friendly fire), or worse he is flanked by the enemy and his line of defense is compromised. The same is for a Christian. When we pray, we are in communication with the Heavenly Father, but there are times he needs to give “special orders” that only you should be made aware of. This is where praying in the spirit comes in. Remember when I said there is a structure and way about God that does not change, this is part of that structure. Unfortunately over the years, a miss teaching or half truth, (BTW a half truth is a lie) has been slammed into the church. Trust me I have heard it all from every denomination, but I am convinced that as I dig deeper into the word, I find that praying in the spirit is a viable part of a Christians walk. For myself, I have had more prayers answered, more blessings bestowed, and more “Supernatural interventions” than I will ever know. The sadness that I have is that (because of not knowing what I know now), I have wounded or even destroyed some of my fellow brethren because I was not in tune to the coded messages that God was trying to send me. You may think it to be weird or from the devil, but the scriptures (Jesus statement) say a “house divided cannot stand”. And if this was of Satan then why did I get the “Supernatural Intervention”. Every time I have a need, I will get an answer by praying in the spirit. Sometimes it is the most unique answer that gives me victory. Sometimes I hear that “My Grace is sufficient”. It may not be the answer I wanted but that is why He is God and I am not. Another reason I know this is from God, is because the enemy hates to see Gods children prosper and be in health. He Satan will never help us get to health and prosperity. That too is another “Rule” that will not change. He was accursed forever. Think about it. Satans deployment is to “kill Steal and destroy” not to bless and prosper. What is also humbling to me is the anointing that flows with the prayer language. I have seen things and have been part of things that would rattle the “arm chair” Christians life. Are you going to die and go to hell if you don’t speak in tongues? No. Did this thing die with the saints of old? No. Should this be a part of a Christian’s life, I certainly think so because it is a covenant between you and the Holy Spirit, but that is your choice. Can God still use you? Yes. The question I would ask is to what degree, will He be able to use you. Do signs and wonders follow you as the word teaches or is there a blank on that page of your life? When hands are laid, do the sick recover? As a Christian, I choose not to compromise the work of God in my life. By not wearing the “Whole armour of God”, I allow myself the chance for disaster that I know is displeasing to God. In doing so, this becomes one of those perplexing things of a Christians life that has chosen to “walk in righteousness” It is our choice to wear what we wear, and what we leave off. I have learned when I get beat up by the enemy, I forgot one or more parts of my armour. I made the choice and suffered the concequnce.

Food for thought Part 4

Working all over the country I have met more than my share of what I call “arm chair” Christians. They quote scripture, go to church, and do everything on the surface that looks right. They pray those “King James” prayers that sound like this “ Oh Lordeth blessedeth beith thy nameth” until the winds of change blow in. Then boom ,they get a disease that is life threatening, finances go to the birds, you know what I mean, and then their prayers sound like this “ GOOOOOOOOOD--- WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME”.

This is all too common. When I stated earlier that my armour was on wrong, really what I was saying was that the foundation to do battle was wrong. Just like the “arm chair” Christian. I had what I needed to go into battle, but I wore it incorrectly, with the breastplate tucked into my pants. My pant legs thrown over my boots, (In my defense I am from Texas), causing my feet to get blisters, that blasted breastplate dug into my belly, I was miserable. I also began to hate the very thing that was made to protect me. With failure after failure, it took my ability to stand away as well.

This is how the battle armour can hurt you. The worst part of this uncomfortable battle armour, is that you want to sit down. Sitting down is no different than becoming complacent. Being complacent causes a person to get lazy. Getting lazy (well you get the picture). The problem with sitting while wearing the armour is that you can’t. This armour is designed to be worn standing up. To sit down you must remove pieces of your armour, (more than likely the breastplate) to become comfortable. When your armour is removed it is the state of complacency. (53rd state near Hawaii) I know a bad joke. Joking aside no armour means no protection; no protection will end in failure. Also without the foundation of the armour, the other 3 pieces are useless. I bet you thought I forgot didn’t you.

With a solid foundation to go into battle, the soldier would then put on his brain bucket, Grab his sword and shield and look for nothing less than victory because of the confidence that he had in what he wore. It is the same for you and I. The sword is used to be a threat, not a device used to help protect a uncovered part of the body. The shield was the only part of the armour that was to be used in a defensive posture, and the helmet to protect the head from flying objects.

When David had observed the Philistine, (while giving his brothers food), he saw a giant. The only trouble that the giant had was that he wore his armour wrong. With a battle plan set, David chose the only weapon that he could use to defeat his foe. A simple sling and stone. Knowing that the giant had removed his helmet, the weakness was exploited and David was given victory. After killing Goliath with the stone, David then took Goliaths sword and beheaded him. This should also be a lesson to us. The enemy knows the weaknesses, and sometimes the most simple mistake on our part can become devastating. Satan will exploit every piece of our armour, and if he finds a weakness will attack, and if our armour is off he will use it against us. For the Christians, the example of the soldier and his armour that Paul wrote, would be to storm head on into battle against the enemy. Move forward, using the five of the six pieces of armour for offensive force, having the knowledge that we have the victory because of Jesus. God never intended for us to sit around, He gave us the ability to have life and with more abundance. Defeat should not be in our vocabulary. I realize that we do fail but remember the word and how things spoken come to existence, the less advantage we give to the enemy the better.

Food for Thought Part 3

Keep in mind, the things that I am about to share, are only a portion of a teaching that has aided me to gain a walk with God that is victorious.

In Ephesians Paul teaches about wearing the armour of God, and for the most part we all can pretty much quote the Verses below.

Eph 6:10 – Eph 6:18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

When read, we find that there are 6 main elements that the armour covers. In full dress, If we were to see a picture of a Roman Soldier, we would know what Paul was looking at when he put these words into his letter. Each piece covering the other, to protect the soldier within. It is the same for the Christian, except we need to wear a spiritual armour. Next, notice the order to which Paul speaks of when he describes how we are to wear the armour. This is one of those “Rules” again that can be applied to our lives. If the armour was placed on out of sequence, the pieces would not overlap like they should, making it difficult for the soldier to walk. The same is for us. The more revealing issue is that in some cases the armour would become an instrument against the soldier’s body, that would cause injuries that would take time to heal. These are illustrations that I hope can be understood, so that you don’t make the same mistake I did and blame God when it really wasn’t his fault. My armour was on wrong and it hurt me rather than being a tool to help me. This why it is necessary to keep things in order.

Remember rules of God do not deviate nor does the order to which He laid them out. He made them, so it is to our best interest to learn to follow them.

Now to get us dressed for battle. First we have to put on the protection for our loin. This is a covering or pair of steel meshed pants that protects us from our ankles to our waist, or our lower extremities.

Note, Isn’t it funny how satan loves to get a cheap shot in. He is the master of the “ Low Blow”. The next piece to be placed is the breast plate, which covers the “Vital organs” of the chest. Notice that it will overlap the loin protection. Then we step into the boots, which overlap the loin protection as well. At this point, we are now ready for battle.
Blessings until next time!

Food for thought Part 2

This is part 2 continued from yesterday, that my dh wrote to explain the armor of GOD.

In Genesis the word said “God said”. And it came to pass. This is one of many important “Rules” of God that need to be learned. I will be speaking of more “Rules” during this teaching. If you read the word, you will find that throughout the scriptures that when someone “of God” spoke, or said something, that it came to pass. Hannah went to the priest Eli, for a son. She 1st made a commitment to God, then asked for her desire. Eli spoke and Samuel was conceived. Was it an accident this took place, no, It was word becoming flesh. See the picture starting to develop. We need to recognize that our words have power. This word “Power” has many meanings, but for this discussion, I would like to focus on one meaning in particular, and that definition in the Greek is dynamis. I will deal more on this later.

Like many, I find it is always a challenge to walk with God. To please him, even more difficult. What most people want is an easy chair to sit in while God does the rest. Well that is not the case. That is a comfort zone that can collapse at any time. To walk with God means (I hate to say it) that life will change daily with your faith, and that with this walk, you will live on the edge, no more comfort zone. For years I was taught that if you walked with God, that there would be an increase to your faith and a resting time on a plateau, but what I have found is that there are “Rules” that govern the earth and the heavens. One of those rules is that, God made them we didn’t. Another “Rule” is there is a precise order or sequence; a structure if you will that repeats itself over and over that God or his word will not deviate from. And the most important “Rule” is that, God is God and I am not. With that in mind, I found that what I had been taught about increase to plateau was a half truth. As I have grown to know God, I have found that He is an ever increasing God. He never stops to walk on a level plane. As I applied this to my life, I began to increase with him, meaning yesterday’s faith will not help me today, nor will today’s faith help me tomorrow. This is why we need to stay focused on where we are today, walking on an ever increase with him. Anything else brings worry, which is a seed to Fear, which is a bastardized faith. Just ask “Job”, in his words, “The thing I feared the most has come upon me” he lost everything because of his fear. He had been speaking death in his prayers (not realizing it), Satan attacked, and he got what he asked for. By staying focused on the “NOW”, we will find that the winds of change always blow. When we are faced with the trial, if we have walked with Christ, we will find ourselves on the top of the mountain. Then we can say “Mountain be thou removed”, because the mountain is under our feet where it belongs.

When I faultered, it was because of the increase to plateau teaching. Somewhere along the way I would let go of Gods hand and when the trial came I was looking up at the mountain with no way to “make it move”. Faith is for today, and should ever increase. Which brings me to the heart of the teaching.

Blessings until next time!

Food for Thought Part 1

One day, after fellowshipping with some local folks here in ND, dh shared with me some of the things he shared with the gentleman (husband, dad). Dh was sharing with him the armor of GOD (see Ephesians 6:10-17) I found the discussion fascinating and asked dh to write it down. Dh felt lead to write this instead. I'm going to be sharing it this week with you all. It's long, so I've chosen to break it up into parts.

My wife asked me to share a bit about the armour of God from Eph chapter 6, but because of the complexity of the passage, I cannot just deal with a portion of the teaching without a greater foundation to explain, so I wrote this below in hopes of explaining my reasons for a not so short of an explanation.

Food for thought….
I call it “Plan A”. “Making sure your right with God and are pleasing to Him.” For me, this has become most important. I find God tends to do favors in the supernatural for those that honor him, when the rest are left sitting on their thumbs. Case in point, take “Elijah”. (1st Kg 17). Elijah has just challenged the (Wicked) King Ahab, cursed the land for no rain which means no water, (stuck his neck out to obey God) has every one and their uncle after him, and God directs him to go to the brook. He is told by God that there, He will be protected and will eat and drink. Supernatural Intervention. The land, for the next 3 1/2 years will be in drought, the King will rage, the land will suffer, but the man that honored God will have plenty. Sure you say, that was easy for him, he had a different faith, but we live in a different time. True, we do live in a different time but it takes the same faith, in the same God, which is the start of “Plan A”. We cannot please God without Faith.

Over the years I have known many people that have needed Supernatural Intervention, me included. I did not receive what I had asked for, nor did they. Does this mean that God has changed, the answer is no. I have come to the understanding and conclusion, that “Plan A” was not in affect. I may have been a Christian, but did not carry the tools needed to “Stand” against the enemy. The biggest enemy I found was me, and the words that I used. Open mouth speak disaster. I got what I asked for, disaster.

Blessings until next time!

Oh also, please be in prayer and fast for Mike. Mike is my URL Susan's, from the THL, husband. Mike had brain surgery a couple weeks ago. This is the latest report from Susan. "Bobbi he is very sick.I know God has a plan and though i am scaried they say i will be a single mom soon but i know not until ther good lord says come home my son."

You, those who read my blog, know how I feel about GOD's healing. It's time to step it up a notch people. We need to seriously be interceding on behalf of fellow believers and the lost. We need to show the devil we mean business and also petition GOD. If fasting isn't necessary, then why did JESUS do it? I urge you and encourage you to just skip on meal today, on behalf of Mike, and take that time and read GOD's Word and pray.
Thank you!

BOOBIES:On the lighter side...

Next week I plan on posting a message I asked my dh to write for me to share. So, for the close of this week, here's something on the lighter side...

This was sent to me from a friend. I added my own little joke to it, and no, we don't celebrate Halloween, but I thought this was too cute not to pass on:
What do you call bees with ghost costumes?
BOOBIES:




















so what did you think you were going to see...... it's HALLOWEEN time! :-)

Interesting thought and a recipe...

"Solomon, when writing the books of wisdom for Israel, made the point that a cord, or rope, braided with three strands is not easily broken (Eccles. 4:12) Likewise, when giving, praying, and fasting are practiced together in the life of a believer, it creates a type of threefold cord that is not easily broken. In fact, as I'll show you in a moment, JESUS took it even further by saying, 'Nothing will be impossible'(Matt. 17:20)

Could we be missing our greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast? ... Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and hundredfold return JESUS spoke of (Mark 4:8,20) Look at it this way: when you pray, you can release that thirtyfold return, but when both prayer and giving are part of your life, I believer that releases the sixtyfold blessing. But when all three---giving, praying, and fasting---are part of your life, that hundredfold return can be released!"~Jentzen Franklin "fasting"


I tried this last night. It was awesome, easy, and delicious! I got it off of allrecipes.com
If you like broccoli cheese soup, I encourage you to try it! It's YUM!!!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

DIRECTIONS
In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.
12 servings

Leftovers!!!

How many times has your family asked, "What's for dinner?"
You answer, "Leftovers"
and then you hear it... you know the moan..."UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"???

Have you ever thought to think that's what GOD says?

When would GOD say that? Think about it for a minute...

Most people don't put GOD first or their finances to GOD first. Instead of tithing first, they pay bills, they buy groceries, they buy clothes, etc....they then give GOD their leftovers. Instead of giving GOD part of their day, they say, Oh GOD doesn't need me to read HIS WORD, he doesn't need me to pray, I don't need to spend time with HIM. LEFTOVERS! If we are doing that, we probably wouldn't be in the predicament we get into of not having enough money, time, good health, etc to begin with. Not saying always, but I bet most the time. Otherwise that would make GOD a liar, and I know HE's not.


Just food for thought.(lol)
Blessings until next time!

I DON'T NEED a BAND-AID!!!

Have you ever noticed how people (the body of Christ) are looking for a band-aid instead of the solution?

Instead of proclaiming the WORD of GOD over a situation, they will whine and cry until GOD does something...to ease the pain. All they are asking GOD for is a band-aid, not the solution!

What are we to do when we get sick?
What are we to do when we lack financially?
What are we to do when we get lonely?
What are we to do when the enemy attacks us or allows others to attack us?

We are suppose to go to the solution, not ask GOD for a band-aid!!!
What is the solution? GOD's WORD. It's true, it's living, it's our hope! We can find any answer to any problem in there (except maybe the answer to your kid's algebra problem....lol :P) Go find the verses for your problem, meditate on them, read them, pray them.

Know what else is part of the solution? (I've known this part, but really starting to put it into practice lately.) FASTING.

I've been reading Jentzen Franklin's book "fasting" again. Here are some quotes I find noteworthy:

"What if GOD were hungry and all we feed HIM is our same dull religious routines day after day? Just like ending up with meat loaf on the table night after night, I can just hear our HEAVENLY FATHER sighing, 'Religion again?'"

"We can become overly nourished on a hefty diet of church programs and activities, religious structure, and traditions of men and yet be severely undernourished when it comes to the deeper things of GOD"

"Faith is progressive. Faith never gets in a bad situation and says, 'I'm just going to sit here and die. It's over.' Faith never stands in the desert, having a pity party with everything drying up around it. You walk by faith. You don’t stand still, drowning in your misery. When you get into the wilderness, you keep walking; you keep going forward even if you are only an inch of progress with each step. When you get into battles, you keep saying, 'I will move forward.'"

I want the deeper things of GOD, I don't want to settle for a band-aid. I don't want just a sickness to go away. I don't want to be sick anymore EVER!
I don't want just enough to scrape by, I want my to be debt free!

How can we get into the deeper things of GOD if we're not willing to do what HE's called us to do? I want that faith, I want to inch forward if that's all I can do to go forward! I'm not standing still! I'm not taking the religious mumbo jumbo anymore! I'm standing on the WORD of GOD. I choose to go forward and not retreat! How about you? What are you going to do today? For that matter, from here on out?

I encourage you to read "fasting" by Jentzen Franklin. But mostly, I encourage you to dig deeper into the things of GOD-HIS WORD. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Blessings until next time!

this is what I've figured out...

You know why it's called Fargo? Because it's far to go to anything good-good to eat, good to worship, etc., etc.. Guess what else? North Dakota should change their state motto to..."Winter All Year Long" roflol

Here's some pics of the snow we got overnight:

3 days in a row...house cleaning

For the past 3 days I've woke up around 4-4:30 am. Anyone that knows me, knows I don't do mornings well. I've gotten better over the years, and can tolerate them, and even enjoy them most of the time.

It's been interesting, because I've woke up singing praises to the LORD or praying. This morning I woke up singing, and then I started praying, and then I was reminded of one of my favorite sayings. "If you come to see my house, please make an appointment, If you've come to see me come on in." I started thinking what on earth am I thinking this at this time of the morning???

The LORD spoke gently to my heart. (I love when HE does that) HE said, "Many people try to make appointments with me to get saved. They plan on inviting me in when their heart is clean and pure. Other people let me in with their hearts just as they are." Hmmmmmmmm, I wonder why I've always liked that saying? I never looked at it as a spiritual cleaning. How true that is! So many times people think they don't need GOD to come in until they get everything in order (as if that will ever happen!!!) They try to be a better person first. They try to do all the right things, and change in their own power. I have news for you, that doesn't work!!!

The LORD said, in Matthew 11:28-30:
28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light

Praise GOD for HIS salvation! Praise GOD that we don't have to carry the burden ourselves or try to change in our own power! I'm so thankful for HIS salvation! I'm so thankful that HIS mercies are new everyday! I'm so thankful that we can go to HIM and ask for forgiveness and HE is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Thank YOU, LORD!!!

If you are struggling with your walk with the LORD, I urge you to go to HIM today, and ask HIM to help you. Ask HIM in. We don't have to have everything in order and perfect before HE comes over. HE can make it perfect, without our help (other than just our asking).

Blessings until next time!

wow, 2 weeks...

I thought I would be getting back into the swing of things as far as blogging...but it's just not that interesting anymore. Life is life...it's hectic, it's cold, and I'm dealing with trying to stay joyful and not complain and remember GOD is in control, and I live by HIS WORD and not circumstances or emotions.

Hmm...so on that note...here's the latest and greatest...
It snowed on and off all weekend. Nothing stuck...thank goodness. The night temps have been averaging 22*F and the day temps are in the low 30's.

We still aren't in the house...and might not be anytime soon. The new owner still hasn't been able to close on the property, so everything is in limbo. sigh...again trusting GOD!

The mouse left...I think he ate the poison and went to find water. (He probably told his family he was going out for a pack of smokes-roflol)

We went on a field trip that I coordinated last week to a place called Dakota Carriage Company. Would have been really fun if my kids were about 5...not so fun now that they are older...not to mention it was too cold and so the picnic...well it didn't really happen, so I still don't know many of the homeschoolers here.

DH's Great Aunt Emmy past away last week. It was sad that we couldn't go home for the funeral, but we both felt it wasn't necessary. She will be sorely missed. She taught Doodles and me how to make homemade bread (um without the bread machine). So we have some wonderful memories of her. :)

Joe Bug is doing robotics this year...guess who are the coaches??? What was I thinking? and why did I volunteer dh? sigh... Joe Bug isn't wild about robotics...but it might get better, at least he's making friends.

Doodles got a job at the Family Christian Bookstore. She is really enjoying working there. It's quite the drive though. Maybe she can make enough to rent a small apartment or rent a room and not have to deal with the drive. It would be nice if she could get a regular schedule and work during the days.

Our house still hasn't sold...we are hoping for the best. It's not looking good in the natural, but we continue to trust that GOD has a perfect plan, even if we don't understand what it is. In the natural, we can't afford it anymore. Again, we choose NOT to trust in circumstances or emotion, but the very WORD of GOD. So prayers would be appreciated.

I think that's all for now.
Blessings until next time! (who knows when that will be...)