November Newsletter: Stand and See the Salvation of the Lord
Our November Newsletter
Well, gobble, gobble! Happy November and Happy Thanksgiving. Time to put the turkey on and all the trimmings!
We pray for all family, friends, students, seniors, and the military as they travel over this busy holiday season. And, we keep all parcel workers in prayer as they gear up for big holiday deliveries.
In This Month's Issue We Cover:
Our November Message: Stand and See the Salvation of the Lord, God's Purpose For You In This Season, and Our November Prayer
Music Spotlight: Rend Collective: Blessing, Miranda Curtis: Be Glorified; Lauren Daigle: Rescue; Bishop Hezekiah Walker: Grateful (Live)
Christian Movies in Theaters: Indivisible
Countdown to Thanksgiving: Cranberry smoothies. Turkey cupcakes (wait, what?). Put a new spin on an old recipe and amaze your holiday guests
Need a Powerful Word? Ministry Messages
Holiday Gift Guide: Get Deep Discounts and Awesome Gifts on Any Budget
News: Kids Sign Happy Birthday to Hearing-Impaired Custodian, Teen Drives 7-Hours to Deliver Pizza to Dying Man
LOL: What's That Smell Coming From the Oven...
And away we go...
Stand and See the Salvation of the Lord...
I can remember one night I had to stand in the corner of the room as punishment for not getting good grades. I stood there for an hour or two, maybe longer, I'm not sure. I remembered that I hadn't eaten dinner.
When I was finally allowed to come out of the corner and go get ready for bed I walked into the bathroom exhausted. Looking in the mirror at myself, I was shocked at what I saw. It looked like there were deep, dark circles under my eyes. I remembered gasping when I saw my face as I thought, "What's happening to me?" While I was a young Christian, I didn't have a relationship with the Holy Spirit yet, but I heard an angel say to me, "It will get better."
Recently, I was watching a few episodes of Iyanla Vanzant's show. They all shared similar themes: Children from broken homes that grew up experiencing or witnessing abuse in the home. There were also broken marriages where men and women married their spouse and repeated the abuse they vowed they would avoid earlier in their lives. The same patterns emerged: Children that were afraid, hurting, and abused. The parents shared the same patterns, too. They had done their best with what they had at the time.
I watched one stoic father quickly collapse into tears. He wasn't trying to be mean to his children. He was trying to provide. A mother had turned to alcohol because she thought her kids hated her so she drank to mask her pain. I cried openly when at one point, her daughter at 39-years of age said, "I just want my mommy. I don't want her to leave and die from alcohol abuse." It was so touching and a reminder that while early relationships shape us, they don't define who we become. God does.
At a time when families are preparing for the holidays, how do you clean the house and clean out the closets when there are a lot of skeletons there? Importantly, how do you move beyond the past to embrace what God has for you when the devil wants you intimidated and living in fear?
It Doesn't Matter What They Say or Do...
"And Moses said unto the people, 'Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall see them again no more forever.'" Exodus 14:13
The Children of Israel knew what it was like to suffer abuse. They were powerless against the Egyptians. But, God allows everything at a particular time for a particular reason. When it was time for Moses to speak to Pharaoh, he must have been shaking in his sandals. The Bible stated he had a stutter and now God was commanding him to go before Pharaoh.
Here's God on one side telling you, "Tell Pharaoh let my people go." And, there's Pharoah, "Oh yeah, Moses? God said that, did he?" It must have been a sight. It reminds me of the oppression that minorities and people in lower economic classes have experienced.
When You Pray For Better, but It Gets Worse
Sometimes when people pray to God for better, it "looks like" it's getting worse. That's what happened to the Children of Israel.
Pharaoh increased their work and reduced the food he gave them. God allowed it because we know God had a plan and with God all things are possible. It's happening in our own economy. Trump is in office and services are being cut back for the poor while it looks like the rich are getting richer. But, we know God has the final say.
At a time when it looks like more oppression is coming, be careful that you don't take on the spirit of bitterness, anger or revenge. Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Our role is to walk in love, healing, and forgiveness, and rebuke their personalities.
Rebuking Past Hurts and the Spirit of Oppression so You Can Stand and Receive Your Blessing...
"Tremble O Earth at the Presence of the Lord, at the Presence of the God of Jacob." Psalm 114:7
For anyone who went through oppression this year whether it was on the job, at school, in their community or in their family, the devil probably had a field day. Meaning, he was busy at work trying to bring God's people down and delay them. He was trying to get them to take on the spirit of offense. There were all kinds of sabotaging attacks and the devil was hard at work in the demonic.
Every person I talked to was going through something. But, that's the point. We go through for a season and God brings us out. That "season" is over and because vengeance is God's and we didn't retaliate in the flesh, God Himself can now deal with our enemies.
Let God Fight For You
It's like two boxers in the ring but instead of throwing punches back and forth, they take turns. One is advanced and uses all kind of slick moves and uppercuts. He's probably a southpaw and hits the other guy out of nowhere. He knows certainly that he's won. Then the bell rings and its the smaller guy's turn. Only, instead of stepping into the ring, his coach says, "Unh, unh. I've seen enough. I've got this." And he obliterates the enemy with the same tricks and tactics, but worse.
Now is the time to stand on God's Word and see the salvation of the Lord as He works on our behalves. Let Him work.
It Doesn't Matter
There might be people who thought they had an edge on you or could do what they wanted to you. I'm sure they did. It worked for a season because we were in a season of testing. But, now that its over, the devil is not only shocked at the shift, but he's trying to retaliate because he's realizing he lost. He's running scared and afraid because we're not walking away or running away in fear and we're not intimidated. Those fear tactics aren't what God has for His people and He doesn't want us tip-toeing around the enemy. God wants us to walk in our inheritance and all that He has for us.
Please know that in this season, the enemy has gotten bold. He's defiantly coming against people with threats of violence, witchcraft, the occult, voodoo, or a big mouth with veil threats. Know that you know that you know because the Holy Spirit keeps stressing this: "It doesn't matter what they say or do." God is on the throne.
Rebuke every detail about the incidents and threats and stand on God's Word. Walk only in love, healing, and forgiveness. What the enemy means for harm, God works in our favor. What they speak on God's people will come back on them instead. Remember, Michael the archangel guards us and defends us in battle. The battle is not ours. It's the Lord's. While my enemy is cursing us and making veil threats, they didn't realize God made us fire-proof and is now sending back to them what they meant for us. Keep speaking over yourself and stay encouraged. Stand firm on God's Word. We do not fear man or the wrath of man. He who vindicates us is near.
The Tide is Rising and Turning...
Just like the tide rose on the Egyptians, the enemy that is chasing you will be engulfed, too. That doesn't mean we gloat or point a finger. On the contrary, we pray for your enemies. Pray that their hearts change while there's time. Pray that they find Christ before it's too late. That hell they're trying to put us through will be the hellfire and eternal damnation that comes to the earth because what they breathe out against God's people is coming to them instead. The wheat will be separated from the chaff.
As we move through the hidden path God has for us, it's a time to let go of the past, rebuke the enemy, rebuke their personalities, pray for forgiveness, and let go of anything that tried to attach itself to you. We cannot hold onto the spirit of oppression or cast a bitter eye at the enemy. We cannot oppress because we were oppressed and we don't want to repeat cycles of abuse because that's all we saw or grew up with.
New Wine, New Wine Skins
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up. James 4:10
No flesh can stand before God and we must show Jesus' love and compassion. God is bringing correction and God is just. God will defend His people.
Like the episodes of Iyanla Vanzant where she tells everyone she counseled to let go of the past hurts and anger, we must let go of the past so we can be a clean vessel and a new wineskin ready for God to pour into us. As I was writing this, the Holy Spirit said to let God's people know, "A flood is coming to swallow them up," and "Promotion and favor are coming to God's people. He keeps us in perfect peace." Your enemies are defeated and it doesn't matter what they say or do. God is in control.
The Holy Spirit keeps pressing that point, "It doesn't matter." Even if it looks like they've already won, they have not. God has His hand on it and God has the final say. He is in control.
Music Moment
Have you heard Rend Collectives Counting Every Blessing? Love the lyrics, "I've been blessed beyond all measure. I am counting every blessing. Show me every season. You are good to me."
Thank you, Lord, for never leaving us and never forsaking us. We are blessed indeed!
God's Purpose For You In This Season
The Holy Spirit wanted us to add a special section about God's purpose for His people in this season.
At a time when the enemy is trying to strike fear and retaliate against God's people, it's important to remember a few things to help you stand firm on God's Word. This is especially important now.
Please use these tips so you don't war in the flesh and you can stand firm and allow Father God to work on your behalf and use you:
1. Remember, the Battle is Not yours. It's the Lord's.
"They that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:24
The enemy wants God's people to war in the flesh, to seek revenge, get angry or try to rely on old ways or old thinking. This isn't that kind of battle. This is Spirit.
We must let God lead the way and work on our behalves. Satan also wants us looking with "physical eyes" at his powerful threats and attacks so we'll cower in fear, be distracted and can't hear from Father God.
2. Keep Your Defenses Up
The devil is cunning like a snake. He's trying to find ways to retaliate against God's people and seek revenge. He may try to discourage you or get you to come down from the heavenly/spiritual realm into the flesh/emotions.
An example might be saying that you stole something on the job. Guard your emotions and your words. Season your words with salt and stay in God's shadow. We know who our help comes from. It comes from the Lord.
3. Rebuke Their Personalities
The devil has been trying to get people to take on the spirit of offense. Instead of rebuking the person's personality, you get offended and carry that spirit around. You become offended and now carry the spirit of offense. It's like having a ball thrown at you. You don't have to catch it and carry it. Leave it there. Let it drop. End of discussion. Pastor Joel Osteen has been speaking a great deal about this, too (confirmation).
What Jesus wants us to do is rebuke their personalities, meaning "refuse" to take on the offense. Refuse to talk about what they did. Refuse to rehash it. Refuse to feel threatened and emotional by it. That way you can walk in love, healing, and forgiveness which is what Jesus wants.
To help you, when someone says or does something offensive, pray, "Lord, I cancel that devil's assignment in the name of Jesus. I forgive that person and their words don't cling to me. I only have love, healing, and forgiveness in my heart." And then walk away and don't keep repeating or reliving the offense. It's a snare.
4. "Wait for Me", i.e., Wait on the Lord for Direction
In this season, wait for God to direct you. The Holy Spirit will guide you and you have a guardian angel with you, the Holy Spirit is there, and you can call on wisdom. You also have Michael the archangel with you who defends us in battle.
When you wait on God, you're waiting on the Holy Spirit to speak to tell you what to do. He might say, "Rebuke them," or "Walk away." Obey what the Holy Spirit says and quickly walk away.
5. Stay Encouraged and Keep Your Spirits Up
Continue to speak over yourself and stay encouraged. Keep reading your Bible. Remember, stay in the spirit and don't let small things bring you down to someone else's level. These are snakes meant to snare you. Wait on the Lord, stay encouraged, and keep reading your Bible. The attacks the enemy had planned will be used on them instead and no weapons formed against you shall be able to prosper.
6. Walk in Your Assignment
What is your calling for God? Write another book or movie. Create another blog. Sing a new song. Prepare a new dance. Witness to more people. Pray to be an answer for someone in need. Your assignment is about positioning and every job is important.
Remember David who slayed the giant, Goliath? David wasn't "called" to slay the giant. His assignment was to take bread and cheese to his brothers and check on them. But, God had a greater work for Him! Work in your assignment and if God calls you, BE READY!
7. Remember Who You Are and Whose You Are
The whole point in all this is to remember who you are and whose you are so the devil can't uproot you by shaking the boat. Jesus is on the water and He's here with us. But, He doesn't want us running around like chickens when we're called to be eagles. As Dr. Bill Winston would say, "Maintain your altitude."
Ultimately, know that in the coming days, this is an offensive demon that's trying to retaliate and get God's people to react.
Stand on God's Word and let God use you where He wants you:
- You might be called on to volunteer at a shelter for the homeless.
- You might be asked to donate money for the less fortunate.
- God may have you speak over someone in need.
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Father God may have you fellowship with someone you don't know who might be feeling discouraged.
Lastly, remember, we have the victory and we are covered in the name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 and put on the full armor of God. And having done all, to stand!
Confirmations, Prayers, and Reminders...
Confirmations: The Holy Spirit said to pray for Pittsburgh. A shooting took place 10/27/18 at a Jewish synagogue.
We keep all those affected by this horrible tragedy in our prayers.
Prayers:
- The Holy Spirit said on 11/2/18 to pray for Long Island, NY.
- The Holy Spirit said at the end of October about avoiding crowds and something about "mass evacuations".
- The Holy Spirit said to pray for Florida.
- On 10/28 the Holy Spirit said the stock market is going to crash soon (Disclaimer: This does not represent an immediate timeline or event happening soon. We are not stock brokers or posting this as stock advice).
- The Holy Spirit said there's another bomb that's about to go off. Another bomb explosion. There will be mass casualties. We pray against this in Jesus' name.
- The Holy Spirit said at the end of October to pray for New York.
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He also said to include a reminder that a huge earthquake is coming which He mentioned in our October Newsletter.
Reminders: The Holy Spirit said, "It doesn't matter what they do or say." God's in control and He is on the throne. "Never give up." "It will get better." "Look for your window." He also said, "They will leave God's people alone."
Our November Prayer...
Father God in the name of Jesus, Lord we come to you and ask forgiveness of sins that our prayers might always be heard before you. Forgive us for lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. We plead the blood of Jesus over our lives and we repent of all sins against you and our fellow man. Father God, thank You, Lord, that You are so loving and kind. We know we have an advocate in You and You will not fail us. We pray over our friends, family, neighbors, communities, our nation, and our planet. We pray for all of those in need of salvation and those struggling to pay bills. We pray for those being oppressed and we rebuke and curse those demons that are oppressing people and tell them "You will leave God's people alone in Jesus' name and by God's authority."
Father God, we pray for all those grieving and struggling. Lord, so many have been the victims of hate and hate crimes. But, I hear you saying "It doesn't matter" what the enemy says or does. We know You are just and You will bring justice. Lord, we keep our hands off it and we wait for You and Your timing. Father, we pray a special prayer for grieving parents. There have been recent incidents and tragedy in the news where parents have lost their children suddenly to bus accidents. We pray healing for these grieving mothers and grieving fathers. Heal them, Lord. There's uncontrollable hurt and pain they are feeling. For those that lost family and friends at the Pittsburgh synagogue, we pray for them. We grieve with them, Lord. Lord, we ask for your mercy against this demon of hate. They're trying to intimidate people by putting up swastikas and anti-Semitic messages. They're targeting blacks by telling them they're unwelcome in their own communities. They're trying to cause a spirit of retaliation, revenge, anger, and hatred in God's people and I'm hearing "It's not fair," as people see how the abuses are being tolerated and overlooked. Lord, we know we have an advocate in You and You are a Just God. You said, "Call on Me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you and you shall glorify me." Lord, we pray, remove the hatred from the enemies' hearts, Father. Remove every act of hatred and violence against God's people and against innocent people. We will not retaliate. We will wait on you. The enemy wants wrath. He wants God's people to fight and create a situation of Marshall Law. But, we will not war in the flesh, Lord. You are Our vindicator and we wait on You. We know you will help with every detail in our lives. We thank you and we glorify Your name.
Lord, we pray for the sick and elderly. We pray for those that are shut-in. We pray for families struggling to provide for their children. Please make the way for them, Lord. For someone that needs it, the Holy Spirit said, "Don't worry about the money." We pray for those that can't afford to go to the doctor's office or a clinic. Please make services available and open the supply house to send now favor to those in need. We praise You for releasing floods of blessings to God's people and we hear you saying "Tell the enemy to Leave God's people alone."
Thank you for your love and mercy, Father God. We bind every hindrance away from us and release your covering and authority to work on our behalves. We pray for all those traveling over the holidays, all our students, the elderly, and the military, please give them traveling grace and mercies. Thank You, Lord, for delivering us and saving us and protecting us from the storm that's about to start and Your coming wrath upon the earth, in Jesus' name, Amen.
The Holy Spirit said, "You know the mark of the beast is coming," and "Stay in God's shadow and He (God) will deliver you."
Aside from titles, anything in bold above is something the Holy Spirit mentioned to pray about.
The Prayer of Salvation
If you haven't said the Prayer of Salvation, now's the best 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!
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. You are more than a conqueror!
Music Moment
Have you heard Lauren Daigle's Rescue? At a time when we need God's help the most, He's a loving Father to us and He's coming to comfort us. Father God is coming to our rescue.
Thank you, Lord, for delivering us, for always keeping your promises, and never giving up on us. Glory to your name, Lord!
(Remember, keep reading your Bible).
Shop for Thanksgiving Theme Products...
Music Moment
Such an amazing voice! Watch Miranda Curtis sing, Be Glorified. All we want, Lord, is for you to be glorified and lifted up. Thank you, Lord, for being our Way-Maker!
Countdown to Thanksgiving
Cranberry smoothies. Mashed potato bombs. Fried macaroni (wait, what?).
What's old is new. Well, sort of. Here are a few new takes on some old holiday favorites. And, a few vegan and vegetarian dishes, too...
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Music Moment
Of course, you've heard Hezekiah Walker's Grateful, but have you heard the Live version of Grateful? What an amazing God we serve. Let every voice sing and declare that God is good all the time and...
All the time, God is good!
News: Kids Sign Happy Birthday to Hearing-Impaired Custodian
Shared via CBS News: Kindergartners in a Tennessee elementary school learned "Happy Birthday" in sign language to surprise their hard of hearing custodian on his 60th birthday. The song was caught on video — and so was the man's heartwarming reaction.
James Anthony, or Mr. James as he is known at school, has "been a part of Hickerson Elementary's family" in Tullahoma, Tennessee, for 15 years, school nurse Angela Ridner told CBS News. Anthony turned 60 Tuesday and the school wanted to give the dedicated man a very special surprise. And surprise him they did.
The school's kindergarten classes learned how to sign "Happy Birthday," with the help from their teachers Mrs. Allyssa Hartsfield and Mrs. Amy Hershman, teacher's aide Shelly Lucas and Ridner.
In a heartwarming video posted to the school's Facebook page, Anthony is seen walking into a room where a group of young children, and a few adults, begin to sign, and sing, "Happy Birthday" to him. Anthony immediately exclaims and smiles. His grin keeps getting wider as the kids finish their performance.
Local station WZTV reports the custodian said the students' gesture "touched his heart."
Father God, we pray for all those that might be hearing-impaired, blind, or suffering from another disability. Please show us how we can open our hearts and make them feel loved and welcome. We give you all the glory in Jesus' name, Amen.
News: Teen Drives 7-Hours to Deliver Pizza to Dying Man
Story shared courtesy CBS News: A teen in Michigan made a pizza delivery he'll never forget, and his gesture is warming hearts across the nation. Eighteen-year-old Dalton Shaffer was working his shift at Steve's Pizza in Battle Creek, Michigan, Tuesday night when he got a call about an old customer.
The man on the phone said his son-in-law, Rick Morgan, who had moved to Indianapolis, was a big fan of Steve's Pizza and was battling cancer. They had planned a trip back to Michigan and a visit to Steve's, but Morgan's health took a turn for the worse and he was now in hospice care. The man wondered if the shop might be willing to send Morgan a text or a card.
"He was kind of telling me just a little bit about how they used to live in Battle Creek and they were just really big fans of Steve's Pizza," Shaffer told CBS affiliate WWMT-TV.
After hearing a fan of Steve's Pizza was unable to fulfill his dream of eating a slice again, Shaffer wanted to do more than send a card. He asked the father-in-law what kind of pizza Morgan wanted. Then, after he closed up shop for the night, Shaffer jumped in his car with two pizzas. He drove three and a half hours from Michigan to the home in Indiana. "The family came up, gave me a hug ... The expressions on their faces and everything, like, that was cool," Shaffer told the station.
Morgan's wife, Julie, had no clue Steve's Pizza was on its way. In a Facebook post, Julie described how overwhelmed she was when she woke up at 2:30 a.m. and saw Shaffer had driven such a long way to drop of her husband's favorite pizza.
"[Twenty-five] years ago we lived in Battle Creek, MI. We were young and money was tight but every pay day, Rich would pick up Steve's Pizza for dinner," Julie wrote. "I can't possibly describe how delicious this pizza is – but several moves and all these years later, it is still the gold standard and we've never found a better pizza yet."
The wife wrote she and her husband planned a birthday trip for her to Michigan, but that plan took a back seat when she had to take him to the hospital due to complications from his cancer. Morgan was in the ICU for five days when the family found out his battle with cancer would soon come to an end. Julie wrote she had no clue her dad called Steve's Pizza and spoken to Shaffer. "I am beyond overwhelmed and humbled by this act of genuine kindness," the wife wrote.
Steve's Pizza doesn't even offer delivery, Julie wrote on Facebook. The Morgans offered to put Shaffer up in a hotel, but he ended up driving back home to Michigan that same night. "Dalton brought our family so much joy – and the best pizza in the world – at a really difficult time. While 'thank you' hardly seems adequate – from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Dalton from Steve's Pizza in Battle Creek, MI for making your epic middle of the night pizza delivery!" Julie wrote.
Prayer: Father God, Lord, we pray special blessings for this young man for his generous spirit and going out of his way to be a blessing to someone in need. We also pray for all those battling cancers and long-term diseases. Lord, let us be an answer to them or bring good news and encouragement when they need it in Jesus' name, Amen.
LOL: What's That Smell Coming From the Oven?
(That light bulb moment when you realize you should have used a pie pan)
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