Fresh Wind Ministries

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.(KJV)

Living in Costa Rica, it is not uncommom for the power to go out during the rainy season. It does not happen too often, but it does happen. The power can be off anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, which is why almost every home has a supply of candles on hand.

When the power does go, we know exactly where the candles and matches are. It does not matter how dark it gets, we can always find them.

I remember one time when the lights went out, and it was pitch black. We were able to light the candle, and that small flicker gave us enough light for our home.

Just like lighting that candle in a dark place, the Holy Spirit provides the same function in our lives. The Holy Spirit guides our paths and gives us direction.

Not long ago I had to withdraw a certain amount of money from the ATM, then deposit those funds in another bank account  to pay some bills. On this particular day as I withdrew the funds, I began driving to the next bank. I then heard the voice of the Lord instructing me to go home, with the cash.

I did not hesitate, as I knew His voice and obeyed his leading and immediately drove home.

When my husband came home from work, he  asked if I was able to make the deposit. When I told him what happened,  he  praised the Lord for His divine protection.

I don´t know what could have happened, all I do know is that the Holy Spirit instructed me to go home and I obeyed. When we obey, we are under His complete covering.

Being prepared with candles and matches in our home, we we too can be prepared and ready to hear the voice of God to guide us and protect us. We can train our Spirit to hear His voice by following several suggestions:

• Read the word- in order to hear the voice of the Lord, we need to know what He sounds like and what kind of words He will say in our lives.  Becoming familiar with the word is the first step.
• Pray – praying should not be a burden but a joy.  I enjoy praying for other people and rejoice when I hear answered prayer.  Praying is easy.  It´s just talking to God from your heart, much  like having a conversation.
• Fellowship with other believers- This is important as you will have friends that think like you do and share the same beliefs.  These friends will pray with you and will be with you when you need it the most. 
• Remove the trash- life is full of trash. News, television, crimes.  Often times I need a purging and do a media fast.  This helps remove all the junk from my Spirit, to make room for the Holy Spirit.

There are  other ways to help you hear the voice of God more clearly in your lives.  These are just a few, and as you delve into His word and begin fellowship with Him, you too will begin to hear His guiding voice in your life.

 Blessings in Him

Exodus 7:6 Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as the LORD commanded them, so they did.(NKJ)

As I was reading through the book of Exodus, I came across the verse quoted above that caught my attention.  In Exodus, God had been telling Moses that he would deliver the children of Israel out of Egypt, and that he was the guy for the job.

Moses of course had every excuse possible to not do the task that the Lord had asked him to do. Time and time again he made excuses why he was not fit for the job.

But do you know something? I was that way as well.  I desired for many things from the Lord, but when it came down to it, I had some sort of excuse.  While my excuses were not the same as Moses´,  they were still excuses.

For me, I had to make a resolve that what the Lord was showing me was in fact for me , and that I needed to appropriate it in my heart and in my spirit and begin to act on it.

Once I decided to obey and take that step of faith, things began falling into place.

While not everything has materialized, I have the confidence that it will.  Just acting out in obedience has given me the confidence to continue and to pursue the goal that lies before me.

What has the Lord shown you for 2009?  Go for it, don´t make any more excuses.  There is much work that needs to be accomplished, and the Lord works through  man to make it happen.

Take that first step of faith  today to accomplish the vision the Lord has set before you.   Step out into the sea, and see the walls of water on either side move out of your way as you begin your journey.

Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

My mind keeps going over a recent prayer meeting I attended. My heart is saddened and my soul aches. You see, I left this prayer meeting wondering what had just happened. One person screamed at the Lord and demanded the presence of the Holy Spirit. Another wanted prayers answered and answered NOW. And yet another’s voice increased in intensity above someone else praying, reaching a point where it became unbearable to my ears. These were children yelling at their Father and demanding their own way. I can’t explain what happened in any other way.

Perhaps I’m old fashioned or just prefer the quietness and personal relationship that comes with being with the Father in prayer. Some may even say I misunderstood the prayer meeting. But I wasn’t the only one who ‘misunderstood’ what and how they ‘prayed’.

I love to pray. I love to pray in prayer meetings, even if someone finds the need to pray over the top of me because I’m not loud enough for the Father to hear. I can’t ever remember reading in the Word that our Father is deaf. Where has the burden gone to pray as Jesus prayed? Where is the desire to set time aside to really pray as He taught us?

Without going into a thesis, what does it really mean to pray? Prayer is more than asking. Prayer is praising God, waiting in his presence, confessing our sins to the Father, reading and meditating on his word, interceding for others, presenting our petitions and thanking him for all things. For some, it can even include singing, but we need time to listen to what God has to say to us; to hear that still small voice.

Matthew 18:20 speaks about praying together. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” So why would we need to demand His presence?

The next time you make time to pray, either in a group or in your own quiet time with the Father, remember to really take time to pray. Don’t make your own agenda and check your motives.

Father, help me to remember to pray as you have taught us. Help me to praise Your name and give thanks for your blessings. Don’t allow me to get caught up in my own agenda and demand my way as a spoilt child. Give me a heart to take the time to really pray. Amen

By Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS

1 Corinthians 3:11-13  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each ones work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each ones work, of what sort it is.

During these difficult economic  times that many  are facing,  it is not uncommon to read  stories of wealthy people committing suicide.  It is so tragic that these things happen.  Suicide affects families, communities and everything else that the person has left behind.

While many of us are going  through trying times,  it is comforting to me  to know  that to everything there is a season.  Winter does not last forever,  and it too shall pass.

Are believers exempt from financial crisis, difficulties and bankruptcy?  No, not at all.  But what we do have, or at least should have during these times is a sure foundation, and that foundation being Jesus Christ.

There are many verses in the Bible regarding our foundation, and I am sure you may know some of them,   One popular verse is 1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.(NKJ)

We are to take heed how we build our foundation.    But how do we build the right foundation?’  The answer is simple.  We read the word, attend church, fellowship with others of the faith, and our foundation in Christ becomes stronger over time.

There are many ¨foundations¨ out there.   Most of them rely on your own ability and willpower to succeed.  We rely on Jesus and his ability, not ours.    Did you know that when we build our foundation  on the rock, that we are blessed? 

Read it for yourself in this verse:  Haggai 2:18-19  ’Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day that the foundation of the LORD’S temple was laid– consider it:  ‘Is the seed still in the barn? As yet the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yielded fruit. But from this day forward I will bless you.’”(NKJ)

From the day we start to build proper spiritual foundation, God will bless us .  What a wonderful promise!

Does that mean we will not go through difficult time?  No,  not at all.  But rest assured, since our foundation is built on Christ,  we will stand and not be shaken by the things around us. 

When the fire comes and burns everything around us, we shake off the dust and get back on our feet. It is then we will find out what we are made of, and  obtain obtain spiritual maturity. 

Blessings in Him.

Welcome to the January 2009 edition of Carnival of Devotionals and Inspiration.  We have received some wonderful submissions this month for your reading.  Enjoy!  

Peter presents Devotional: I Brought My Suitcase, Lord posted at Bible Money Matters.

Minister Mamie L. Pack presents A Simple Box posted at The Life I Now Live.

Allen Scott presents Back to the Beginning posted at Journey Across the Sky.  

Rich Bordner presents Cross-less Christ posted at The Pugnacious Irishman.

Bible SEO presents The Guest of the Sinner – Jesus and Zacchaeus posted at Bible Study Exposition Online.

michelle presents Isaiah 40:28 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. posted at Thoughts and Confessions of a Girl Who Loves Jesus….

ChristianPF presents The complacency of fools posted at Christian Personal Finance Blog.

This is a prophetic word delivered by Claude Widmer, founder of  Follow Him International that we are re-posting here.  I am sure you will be blessed as much as we were.

Enjoy!

THE PROMISES ARE STILL VALID 

Indeed I am doing a new thing in this coming year. Do not think about the former things or ponder about the things of the past my children. Do not hold fast to the things that did not work out or the promisses not coming to pass.

For I am doing a new thing in your midst. The promisses that I have given are still valid. The promisses that I spoke forth will still come to pass. But it is time that you start to move your feet and that you start walking out the path that I have for you!

My people just stand and wait and think that I will do what I have promissed. But this is not the way it works my children. You need to get moving into the direction I have given you. And once you have taken a step in faith, I will do all the rest.

STEP OUT AND ACT

Once you have stepped out of that boat I will calm the storm. Once you have taken a bold step, I will do the miracles. Once you have spoken the word, I will confirm it with signs following.

But the time of waiting is over my children, Start walking out your calling. Start doing the little steps I have told you to take and I will accelerate everything. Once you take one step I will come with my Spirit and blow upon this little step you have taken and it will look like you have taken 30, 60 or a hundred steps.

Take that step and start digging for water in the dry land. And when you start digging I will bring forth the water and make the desert green. But you look at the people you know and the nations you live amongst and do not see the promissed land.

You think that you live among a hard people. It is hard ground that you have to work on. People seem to be arrogant and not wanting to see Jesus. But this is a lie by the enemy. Do not believe it. For the fields are ripe and ready for harvest!

The people are in need of a Saviour and need Healing and Comfort. Although it all looks like a dry land, it is not a dry land, but a ground that is ready with just a little water to be transformed into a beautiful garden.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

What are you waiting for my children? I have given you everything you need. I have placed my Spirit within you. I have washed away all your past experiences and all your hurts. I have made you ready for such a time as this.

For this world is about to experience something new. In the midst of conflicts and difficulties I am building my Kingdom says the Lord. I have chosen you to walk in my Power and bring forth a mighty harvest.

So do no longer be like Lots wife and look back all the time. Look ahead and see the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Do not hold on to old experiences and believe me once more. Throw the nets out once again and be a willing vessel. Step on the water and take action. For only if you are willing to take action and to risk something for me, can I come and confirm my word with the signs following.

Do no longer wait for me to do it. Start acting and start going out and do the stuff and you will see one miracle after the other. For I am still your provider and I am still your God. Is my arm to short to help? Am I not able to perform my word and hold my promisses?

BE BOLD YOU MIGHTY WARRIORS!

So be bold now and take the steps you know in your heart. For I will confirm your steps and let you run like never before. You will suddenly accomplish so much more than ever before and be part of the Move I had planned for such a long time says the Lord!

Be one of these warriors in my Kingdom, that will bring forth a bride that is shining and powerful without any wrinkle and without any spot. As you keep walking you will see some of the dross and dirt come out of you at first. But the more you walk and the more you give your life for my service, you will find that through the washing of the word, your motives will be cleaned and you will shine and my Body will be this city on a Hill, that will shine brightly.

Be bold and make steps in my Name and I will open the way before you every time! Do not expect it to be easy, for the enemy will not like what he sees. But he can not stop what I have begun, says the Lord.

Prevail and overcome and keep on walking even in the midst of resistance and attack and you will see my Kingdom advance and my Spirit move in your life and Ministry like never before! Just do what I have called you to do and walk in the ways I have opened before you and you will see my glory rise and my Power abound, says the Lord!

TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY IS TAKING PLACE

This coming year you will see lots of transition and transfer taking place. Transfers of means and finances from one continent to another from some people to other people. You will see a transfer of authority from one continent to another and even in the Spiritual many leaders will rise up from nations that did not have much Spiritual influence nor financial influence before.

A switch is taking place even now as we speak and Christian leaders will rise up that you have not heard of before and others that seemingly had strong influences will loose their influence. When you will see this happen, do not be afraid. For these transfers have to take place.

Many leaders in my Body have served for a long time and they have served my purposes well. But it is a new time and these things will even be changing in my Body now says the Lord. For I have been giving authority to a new breed of leaders.

People from other lands and continents that have not had the resources and means to be known will rise up now, says the Lord. Although they had nothing but me in the past, I will transfer means and resources into their hands now and they will speak for me. And it will not be just one person and one move. No, it will be many leaders and many moves, so that the enemy can not take one person out or stop my move in one region… it will be massive and he will try to put out the fires, but it is too late.

CHANGE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST AND IN THE WORLD

For I am doing it spiritually, but also politically. Things will be changing at a very fast pace and be different in short times. But when you see that happening, know that I am in control and that I am building my Kingdom, although it might look like the enemy has taken the land.

And indeed the enemy is fourious and is bringing much conflict and tumult, but have I not told you this a long time ago in my word? He can only work for so long and his resources are limited. So just hold on and be patient and know that I am bringing forth water in the desert and springs in the dry places and that I am about to bring in a big harvest in this coming season.

Even when it seems impossible, just trust in me and have faith, because I will accomplish it says the Lord and I want to work through you my children!”

Amen.

Not noticing that my computer had become slower, I continued to work as if there was nothing wrong.  It was not until it nearly crashed that I discovered that it had a virus.

My computer episode reminded me of the frog story.  In case you don´t know the  story, it is about a frog that sits in water.  Little by little the water becomes warm, then  hot.   The frog never notices that the water has become  so hot, that he eventually dies.

Sin is the same way.  It can creep up on us  so subtly, that we  don´t notice that it´s there.    If we don´t  realize the sin  operating in our life , it may take a crisis or another person to point it out so that it can be dealt with.

So what do we do when we discover the sin?  It´s easy.  Just like conducting   a virus scan, do the same with the Lord.

 Ask the Lord to show you the point of entry.  When it is found, confess it, or hit delete.  Believe that Jesus has repaired it,  renew yourself afresh and get back on track. 

All of us run into sin at one time or another in our lives.    We are not to feel any condemnation when we realize the sin, because the word says  in Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.(NKJ)
Praise God we have Jesus to help us when we obtian a virus.   As we reach out to Him, He will hold out His hand and gently set us on the right path.  We will walk stronger  and bolder as we continue our walk in Him.

Blessings.

Daniel 4:3   How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation.(NKJ)

We read much about the kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven.  While both terms may seem to mean something different, they don´t.  Both of these terms have the same meaning. 

The word says that the Kingdom of Heaven existed before creation, exists today, and  will continue to exist eternally.  In studying about the kingdom, it brought a renewed strength to my spirit.

We live in a world where there is so much anti – kingdom – of - God around us, that it is easy to feel despair.  Other religions are growing fast, and many movements against Christianity exist.  But,  His word says that the Kingdom of God is everlasting, and will know no end.

God wanted to establish His kingdom on the earth through man, (Adam) but man failed.  God desired so much to be with us, but man failed time and time again.  It was not until God  sent His son  Jesus to fulfill what man was unable to do.  

A popular passage in scripture is this:  Behold, the kingdom of God is at hand.  In other words, the kingdom, Jesus,  had arrived.

There are two kingdoms upon the earth today.  The Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Satan.  We live in one or the other. 

As believers, we currently enjoy the spiritual kingdom of God, and it will not be until the second coming of Christ that God will establish the kingdom in visible form on Earth, an then, all other kingdoms will be defeated.

What a wonderful promise!

So, how does one enter the Kingdom of Heaven?  We can find that in this passage of scripture.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJ)

Being born again means to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Doing so will transfer you from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light.

Why not make your New Years’ resolution a special one, switching over from one kingdom to the other?  In doing so, you will enjoy life eternally, and  will experience life and enjoy the benefits of Kingdom living.

He guarantees that you will not be dissapointed!

May you be abundantly blessed.