October Newsletter October 15 2017

 

 

Happy Fall and Happy October from God-Driven-Designs! It's time to get the sweaters out and get those pumpkin spice recipes ready as we prep for the holidays! 

For October, we put our Health Special on hold as we are praying for Puerto Rico with a message from Father God about being merciful as it relates to Puerto Rico and Las Vegas as they heal from this senseless tragedy. Our music spotlight showcases new artists Bonray and we love how their new song coincides with our October message. Lastly, in our Deals section, we have included a shopping segment with websites and apps that can make shopping a lot easier and faster, so you can prep for the holidays without having to open 10 sites at once! 

In this month's issue we cover:

Our October Message: Faith in the Middle, God the Gap Filler, Waiting On God, Our October Prayer; Prayer for Puerto Rico

Music Spotlight: Bonray: Turn My Eyes; Everything God: William Murphy and Pastor Paul S. Morton; Kim Walker-Smith: In The River; Tamela Mann: Change Me

Need a Word? You are Born to Win Child of God

News: The Las Vegas Mass Shooting

Deals: Best Deal Sites You Should Be Using

LOL: 3 Ridiculously Fun Gag Gifts For the Holidays

 

Let's do this...

 

 

 

 Do you have convenient store faith? Do you only go to God when you run out of something.Check out this awesome short video compilation on how God wants to supply all our needs.

 

Faith in the Middle: Trust God to Bridge the Gap

Lean Not On Your Own Understanding...

In the Old Testament, Elijah went to stay with 2 women with very different stories: 

• The first woman, was a poor widow with only her two sons left and she thought they would be sold into slavery after her husband died. Elijah asked for a small cake. She made it, thinking it wouldn't matter as they would die soon. Elijah asked what she had in her home and she said empty jars/vessels where the oil used to be. He said to have her sons go collect all the empty jars/vessels they could find and to come home, shut the door, and pour out into the jars. She had so much oil that was poured out, she ran out of jars/vessels! Elijah said to sell the oil and live on the money that was made.
• In the second story, there was a rich woman who made a room on the second floor of her home. She was barren, but made room for Elijah. When he tried to bless her, he realized she already had everything, or so it appeared, until he was told that she was barren. Elijah told her God would bless her and her husband with a child despite their old age.

   

To understand these stories, you have to have faith. The poor woman had to believe the man of God and SHUT THE DOOR for the blessing to work. She and her sons had to believe for the impossible in the same way the staff at the wedding poured out the water that turned into wine. What the poor widow needed, she already had in her house. That's why we don't lean on our own understanding, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." You don't need to see it to believe it shall come to pass.

Just like in the second story, the woman was clearly barren, but she was HOPING for a birth because she used the room that would have been for her baby for Elijah. When the man of God spoke, all she needed to do was believe. That's why when the angel went to Zechariah, (John's father), in the New Testament, the angel shut his mouth when he didn't believe that John would be born, but Mary was blessed because she believed right away. Faith was evident in anyone in the New Testament when Jesus healed them, "Your faith has made you whole." 

 

 

 

God the Gap-Filler

In seeing God as the gap-filler, it's important to note that with the poor woman, there was a miracle already in her house. What is it that you are "lacking" that you already have in your home? With the second woman, she was "mourning". What is it that you are mourning for that hasn't been birthed yet? Elijah didn't even touch the poor woman or the rich woman. He just spoke over them. He told the poor woman what to do. He told the rich woman what would come to pass. Remember, in the New Testament, Jesus couldn't heal as many as he wanted to or show more miracles because of the unbelief of the people. Even in your own life, flesh and your perception will say, "It can't be done," or "It's impossible." That's because we're taught to use eyes to see in the flesh, but faith works in the supernatural and the unseen. In order to see God as the gap-filler, you've got to say what God says and see what God sees. To fill the middle, you have to rebuke every contrary word and put the naysayers out. Now let's show that faith in action based on the steps:

Shut the Door and Open Your Spiritual Eyes 

The poor widow had to SHUT THE DOOR likely because her neighbors were probably chatty and walking in the flesh and would tell her the miracle wouldn't work - like Peter walking on water until he looked down- flesh. Jesus shut the door on naysayers and only took Peter, James, and John with him to perform most of His miracles. In seeing the supernatural with spiritual eyes, you have to rebuke what the devil has likely programmed into your mind.

The devil will say: 

• You can't go back to school. You can't afford it. You're too old.
• You can't get that job. Who would hire you?
• You have all those bills. You'll always be in debt. 
• You're so unattractive. No one wants or loves you.
• That business will fail. You should just give up.

   

The poor widow who "thinks she has nothing" would not have anything because her mentality is that she won't have better. In my writing business, I have a client who wanted articles on banks and which savings accounts would give the best interest for a $5 million deposit. I sat back for a second and thought, "Wow, you don't see articles like that every day." That's because we don't research the place we want to go to every day. This is why some people are living in a perpetual Caste system. They are  pushed down so they stay down, i.e., their parents were poor, they are poor, and they see their future as poor. Now, let's look at the rich woman.

When the rich woman decorated the room, she was trying to make use of a space that would have been decorated for a baby. She gave out of her mourning and loss, like the woman with the 2 mites who threw all her money in the offering and this is where the gap filler comes in. There's a verse, The Liberal soul shall be made fat. Elijah couldn't find a way to bless this woman because she already had everything. Sometimes in life, we don't make room for God and God won't bless and can't bless what you're already managing. That is why a lot of people don't see God move on their behalf.

If you have your hands "on it", He takes His hands "off it". If you are so self-sufficient and independent that you don't leave room for God, then how can He show up and show you who He is? He has to make a gap, or area where you need Him. It looked like the rich woman had everything, but God left her with a gap in her heart, just like the blind man who was blind for such a time as this. God sometimes purposely puts a gap right in the middle so He can show you how He does the impossible, not us. It's great to quote the scripture, "God supplies all our needs," but if you're not letting Him supply them, how can the scripture be fulfilled? His Word won't and can't leave void. 

 

Let God Bridge the Gap

However God decides to bridge the gap for you, know that you need faith for the middle. The goal in all of this is when there is a lack, try not to fill it in yourself, but to let God fill it in because He is our God. We need faith and we also need to take more risks because sometimes we play it too safe. For example, the poor widow put her sons to work by making them gather empty jars/vessels and that meant she would be indebted to her neighbors, but she was taking a risk with a work strategy that worked for her through God. With a bigger capacity, God was able to flow through her.

God blesses exceedingly and abundantly, so you can't always go to God with a single jar/vessel or a tiny net. What God wants to do in your life is give you an overflow and blessing you don't have room enough to receive. Peter needed a bigger net and all the fishermen were blessed, not just when Jesus was walking with them, but after Jesus's resurrection when Peter fished again and they sat and ate together. Anytime you can't do it without God, that's when He shows up. That's why we pray for Puerto Rico and other areas that have gone through severe hurricane damage.

While they may have had a recession, not only are economists now working out how to resolve the debt, but people are looking at ways to rebuild their infrastructure and get the power back on right away. We pray for them. There is a huge exodus of Puerto Ricans coming from the island and we pray God's mercy as they move to new areas, get their kids in school, and seek out a better way of life. We also pray for them to not have to leave and rebuild so they can stay in their homes and on their land.  

In seeing God as the gap-filler, when you pour out your vessels, God will pour in the blessings. That means you can see God work on your behalf:

• When you think, "I can't go back to school. I can't afford it. I'm too old," say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The memory of the righteous is blessed. God supplies all my needs."
• When you think, "I can't get that job. Who would hire me?" say, "The stone the builders rejected has become the corner stone. My gifts make room for me."
• When you think, "I have all those bills. I'll always be in debt," say, "Bless me indeed, Lord. I cancel the devil's assignment, I am the head, lender, and above. I am debt-free and a blessing to those in need." 
• When you think, "I'm so unattractive. No one wants or loves me," say, "God loves me so much, He sent Jesus on Calvary. I am blessed and highly favored of the Lord. I am fearfully and wonderfully made."
• When you think, "That business will fail. I should just give up," say, "Lord, program my mind for the answers. I ask for the wisdom of Solomon and I'll read Proverbs about savings and planning. I am a success story. God is enlarging my tent and widening my territory."

   

We pray this message blesses you today as you see God bridging the middle with faith so you can cross over into your blessings and all God has for you. You are more than a conqueror! You are a sweet success story!

 

If you need prayer, please call the Bill Winston Prayer Center at (877) 543-9443. You can also check online for Joyce Meyer's prayer request form and other sites that can pray for and with you.

 

 

Bonray has a new song out called, Turn My Eyes. It's about when God calls you to use faith, you have to set your eyes on Jesus...

Waiting on God 

If you noticed, we didn't post our newsletter on time  this month. Often we might delay it if we're not ready or if we're waiting on God's input. Because we were waiting to see what He wanted to include, we needed a little more time as He wanted the emphasis on this message and Puerto Rico. What God said over the past few days was revealing. Even in my own life, I have to remind myself not to run before God, but to wait for God. 

The Holy Spirit said to "Pray for Puerto Rico." We've included a prayer in the next segment and on our site. He also said, to "rebuke the anxiety" which we'll cover in our October Prayer. Father God woke me up the other night and said "If we don't show mercy, we won't receive mercy," and we'll cover that next:

As it relates to the Las Vegas shootings, it was startling to see the posts on Facebook as not everyone was quick to pray. There are a lot of people that said right away, "Good. Let them see what it's like." These may have been people that were oppressed in the past, but know that God doesn't want His people becoming bitter or secretly wishing harm for others despite what they went though. 

 

Lord, don't let me become bitter. Make me better...

There was a girl I worked with who was overlooked for promotion after promotion and she became bitter. When someone would misspell a document, for example, instead of pointing out the error - because she was very smart and would usually catch tiny errors right away, she would overlook it and methodically wait in a passive/aggressive game anticipating the moment the person would get in trouble. It got to the point where she had more enjoyment in seeing the demise of others instead of lifting them up and helping them. She would look at situations as "What's in it for me?" That is not how God wants us to treat others.

In terms of judgment and forgiveness, if we don't show love and compassion and forgive others, God won't show love and compassion and forgive us. So we'll include a section in our prayer for the Las Vegas victims about those that are secretly hurting, that they can be healed and not stand in judgment. It's so important to look inside yourself another thing the Holy Spirit said, and ask where any bitterness might be hiding so you can remove it.

I saw the other day where a person on Facebook was praying because they had committed the unpardonable sin by cursing the Holy Spirit, and this is what we're seeing in youth that sell their souls to the devil. It starts out as hating life, being bitter towards others that "have" while you feel you are without, and the devil creeps in and says, "You should just curse God." Pray and take Jesus to the place in your heart that is hurting and look inside yourself. If you have gone through the deepest hurt, you have to be extremely careful that you block bitterness and don't take on the spirit of offense. This is a killer because to curse God and the Holy Spirit means you will be judged and subject to eternal damnation. Go to the altar call, lay at Jesus's feet and ask God to heal your heart and renew your mind. We're in end times and satan is coming up with brutal attacks in the family and with friends to tear down the foundation that we have in Christ. You have to keep God and Christ closest to your heart. Let God and Christ in. 

Hidden Hatred and Ulterior Motives

On the flip side, in looking at all the hatred in our world and even online, there are people that have hate in their hearts. Democrats, Republicans, those that hate Hillary, Obama, Trump, the elderly, the millennials, those with Apple products, (kidding on that one), the rich, the poor, blacks, whites, Mexicans, Indians, Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc. Remember, don't get tied up in any group that hates because you can't hate ANYONE and think you'll get into heaven. If you judge, you will be judged. 

There is another side to this, and that's those with hatred and ulterior motives. If you look at Puerto Rico, from a business standpoint, Puerto Rico is rich because they have a beautiful island thriving with greenery, natural resources, scenic mountain views, and plenty of land for new golf courses and new housing. This was the mindset that went into the building up of Florida years ago. It's also how areas like North Korea and some parts of China look at the U.S. They hate us and only see rich land opportunities that their people need. There are many who might intentionally try to block relief efforts  in Puerto Rico because they want the people to leave through a mass exodus so they can buy up their properties, rebuild, and set up new golf course villas, vacation properties, hotels, and commercial businesses.

How is this strategic? Remember, Florida is starting to show sink holes and Puerto Rico has always been a popular area for tourists. We pray Puerto Ricans don't leave and don't forfeit their birthright, but we're also praying because they are starving if they stay. We pray God shines a light on this in how the poor are being exploited here for their land and we will include this in our prayer section. 

 

 

Our October Prayer

 

Father God, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we come to you with humble hearts. We ask forgiveness of our sins that our prayers might be heard. We praise you and thank you for saving Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Thank you that they can rebuild and while it might take time, thank you for restoring them. Lord, please bless all those who rallied, pitched in, prayed, donated, and helped out as Hebrews 6:10 says, "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

We pray for those affected by violence in Las Vegas. Please bring healing to these families, Father God and make our nation safer. We know we have an advocate in you. We pray against gun violence and ask that there be more peace on our streets as we enter into the holiday season. We also pray against violence in the streets, and we pray against earthquakes near bodies of water, and natural disasters.

Lord, we pray for those dealing with spiritual battles, those with huge bills, debt collectors calling, and those fighting cancers. We pray Lord, please stand in the gap and make the way. You said you would supply all our needs and we rebuke the demons of sickness, disease, and all cancers. By Jesus's stripes we are healed. Cancer, we command you to leave now in the name of Jesus and never return.

We pray for healing, complete and total restoration of health, vitality, and energy. We also pray for those with bills that they can find the right debt counseling. Let them declare "I am totally debt free in Jesus's name and the devil is under my feet!" Please help those with spiritual battles and financial burdens to see signs of recovery. Lord, please show them where to lower their nets. We know you are the way-maker and it's already done!

Lastly, we pray for those battling anxiety. We rebuke the demon of anxiety and it must flee from God's people for it is written, "Be anxious for nothing." We know you God can do the impossible. Lord, please bring peace and calming to the minds of those that feel anxious. We know that's the devil trying to cause fear and we rebuke him in Jesus's name. That's a snake and attack from the enemy. We curse you at the root satan, wither, and die. Let people stand firm on Your Word, Lord, for thus saith the Lord, "And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed."

We praise you and love you, Father God and thank you for helping to bridge the gaps in our lives to meet all our needs, in Jesus's name, amen.

 

Prayer for Puerto Rico

Please keep Puerto Rico in prayer. There's a big sense of urgency...

Father God in the name of Jesus, Lord, we pray for Puerto Rico. Please fill their void, Lord. Please give them the flood of resources they need. You are saying "resources" so we are praying for that. While their first inclination might be to leave and you've said there would be a "mass exodus of people", we also pray that if they stay they can rebuild so they can keep the land that they are on and their birthright. Like the poor woman who didn't know what resources she had in her house, in the case of Puerto Rico, it's the land that is their most valued resource. We pray shine a light on the true motives of those that don't want to help and please send relief aid in the form of youth ministry groups like Houses for Humanity and other non-profits and churches that can go and help the people rebuild so they can retain their land.

We pray for storm proof housing and equipment so they never have to go through a storm like this again. Please let Puerto Rico receive the assistance in the same way Florida and Texas have received help, but more importantly, let them have durable housing that's flood-proof, not flood-prone. We also pray for those that migrate to Florida and New York. Let them be embraced and be able to get their children back into schools. Give them safe and affordable housing and shelter, in Jesus's name. For those that stay, please give them strength to get through especially as we are nearing, but still in, the end of hurricane season - and we rebuke Tropical Storm Nate. Keep him at sea and let him dissipate into nothing. We also thank you for answering our prayers as you saved so many lives and you sent the cruise ships to help the people. We know more relief aid is coming. We praise you and love you, in Jesus's name, amen. 

The Prayer of Salvation

If you haven't said the Prayer of Salvation, now's the perfect time: Father God in the name of Jesus, Lord, I ask forgiveness of my sins. Please come into my heart. I turn my back on sin and I make you my Lord and Savior. I want to follow you for the rest of my life. Please give me eternal life through you in Jesus name, amen. 

Re-dedication to Christ Prayer

If you need to rededicate your life to Christ because you feel like you've been sinning or haven't been living right, pray: Father God in the name of Jesus, I ask forgiveness of my sins and I turn my back on sin. Please help me to overcome ---- and I want to lead a better life through you. I decree and declare this day I have overcome ---- and I have the victory in Jesus name, amen. 

Stay in God's shadow, stay away from sin and temptation, keep reading your Bible and keep seeking God first. 

Be ye doers of the Word... We pray this message blesses you today!

 

 

  

News: The Las Vegas Mass Shooting 

It was clear as day. I had a dream that a mass shooting would take place. People were running and ducking for cover. We posted it on Facebook about 2 months ago and stressed that parents who have kids in public places like concerts, teach them an evacuation plan or what to do during a shooting so they don't panic.

When the Vegas incident took place, I could barely watch the news as it mirrored parts of my dream when one girl tearfully explained that they saw people run in the direction of the gun fire. In my dream, it was an open market area like Grand Central and there was more than one shooter who was watching the news activity during the shooting. We can't stress this enough, please pray for peace on our streets and calmness in our communities, teach your kids what to do if there's gun violence, and please pray for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. 

Harden Not Your Hearts...

On Facebook, while a lot of people were praying, there were...

For the full article, please click here...

 

 

Are you looking for new music? Check out this music compilation. Hear Everlasting God by Bishop William Murphy and other songs that have been added to the mix! To set up your own video mix, in YouTube look for "YouTube Mixes." Or you can go into Pandora and select Christian Radio Mix, Church Mix, or Gospel Mix. 

 

LOL: Ridiculously Fun Gifts for the Holidays

Not sure what to get the family? We have a few hilarious ideas. For the upcoming holiday season, check out the top 3 Ridiculously Fun Gifts!

 

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