December Newspaper: The Purpose of "INN" Convenience (Trust God)

Our Online Newspaper - Special Edition

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from God-Driven-Designs! Welcome to this Special Edition of our Online Newspaper!  Father God gave a special message today that you can find below. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! He's right on time!

Have faith in this season. God's working it out and so many are in line for promotion. However, we must continue to submit to God, separate ourselves and come out from among them. 

In this issue:

Our Message: The Purpose of "Inn" Convenience, Our December Prayer and a Special Message from Father God

Music Spotlight: Lift Him Up: Best Sleighs, Praise and Worship Music

Best and Worst Christmas Lights, Holiday Displays and Cards: Our list of the best, worst and funniest holiday lights, cards and displays is back (Brace yourselves)  

Our Book: Pray It By Ear

LOL: Not a Creature Was... Really?

Oh, it's on...

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps, Proverbs 16:9.

12-pounds! I was in shock when the airport porter told me I had to remove that much weight from my luggage. It just didn't make sense. I was trying to get on a return flight home and was outside at the terminal trying to check my bags. How could he make me take out so much? On my outbound flight, the agent let me get by with 54-lbs. for both my bags. To make matters worse, we'd done a little shopping and I was already carrying about 10-lbs. from my computer, tablet, phone and other gadgets. 12-pounds. I knelt down and prayed and said to myself, "Yes, Lord. I will obey." However, I didn't understand why this particular agent was so harsh.

As I got one bag down to 52-lbs., he said, "Take one more pound out." I didn't say a word as I realized the heavy weight I would have to carry through the airport which was now about 25-lbs. It wouldn't have been a problem if I hadn't pulled my shoulder and my knees from playing so much basketball. And, then there were all the workouts I enjoyed at the gym. Yeah, that, too. "So," I thought to myself, "the devil knows I had a great vacation and I was praying for people, so now he's trying to get back at me." I prayed as I carried my heavy load past the porter who whispered, "We take tips, you know." I didn't even turn around.

"Weight" on God...

Inside the terminal, I met my mom's flight and it was a struggle just to get to her gate. Maybe I had more than 25-lbs because I kept having to shift hands and I could feel myself going slower and slower. I was praying my back didn't start hurting or my knees again. I sat and waited for my mom's flight and tried not to let the distraction get to me. Satan was busy. When my mom arrived and I explained what happened, I only had about 20-minutes to get to my flight. I heard the Holy Spirit say, "Stay with her," and then I realized why. She said, "No, we're not going to have you carry all that through the terminal." We learned that my gate was about 11-minutes away and with the heavy load I had, it might have felt longer. My mom asked the agents at the gate about wheelchair transportation to get me to my gate. As she explained about the bag and my aching knees, crowds of people stood by watching. My mom said, "Ignore them. You're not carrying all that and making your knee pain worse." However, one of the reps at the gate said in a snide remark to another, "It's not a valet service." 

The Terminal "Tour"...

I sat in the nearest wheelchair per their instructions. A minute later, a cheery man came over to take me to my gate. I was so embarrassed - not because I needed the chair but I didn't want to take from someone that might need it because I had this heavy load. I could have walked the distance if my flight was later. The man told me don't worry about it as I said goodbye to my mom, he whispered, "We are a valet service. We're here to help people that need it." I explained that a few days ago I had exacerbated my knee pain so much I could barely bend down but he said, "Don't worry," as he pushed me along.

A few seconds later as we approached another section of the lengthy terminal, the porter said, "And, this is the reindeer. The tree's not up yet." I had to laugh because it was like the porter was taking me on a personal tour. I settled into the seat and listened as he stopped briefly, "And, this is where a lot of people go to eat." Then it was off to another location.

At one point the porter stopped and said to someone, "Hey man. Keep your head up," and then we started moving again. As we made our way down another section of the terminal which was a lot longer than I could have imagined, the porter said when he wasn't within earshot of the man we passed, "Yeah, he needs a lot of help." I asked, "What's wrong?" The porter explained the man's wife was extremely sick and he was working two jobs full-time and only making $9 per hour. It hit me like a wall. I wasn't in this chair because of my knee or the heavy weight. I was in this chair for a reason. God was letting me see who needed prayer here! But, let's back up for a minute because this is important.

Standing in the Need of Prayer...

During our trip, my mom and I had prayed for our taxi drivers. We prayed for all the hotel and housekeeping staff. We prayed for people in the stores and those the Holy Spirit had singled out. So, this wheelchair ride wasn't a coincidence. I was getting it now. God wasn't done. What the devil meant for harm (trying to weigh me down to exacerbate an injury), God was working out in our favor (using me to pray for others). This man was taking me around and pointing out who needed prayer! Sure enough, when the next man walked by that the porter knew, the Holy Spirit said, "Pray for him." I obeyed and prayed for the young man and we also prayed for the man with the two jobs and the sick wife. I was seeing how God made an inconvenient situation a way to get blessings and prayer to those that needed it most! And, maybe that inconvenience is what Mary and Joseph thought about in Bethlehem.  

We Have No Vacancies: Understanding The Inconvenience of God

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men, Luke 2:11-14

 

 

The Birth of Jesus

One of the hardest things to imagine that the King of Kings didn't come into the world like everyone else. Jesus, even in His infancy, was inconvenienced. You see, our Lord and Savior wanted to go through experiences as we did. He needed to understand our suffering. He had to be rejected, lied about and spat upon. He suffered these abuses so He could identify with our hurts and pains. He needed to experience what we endure so He could deliver us from everything we go through. Jesus also endured suffering and hardship so you and I could have life through Him. Hence, Jesus was born in a manger. This wasn't a coincidence but preordained because Jesus came into the world and lived humbly. He didn't need a fancy hotel, had no need for the room upgrades and ocean view and wasn't concerned about the free, warm cookies at check-in. He was about His Father's business.

There are other inconveniences that occurred in the Bible, too.

Here are a few examples:

• Jesus was born in a manger. He rode into town on a donkey and wouldn't let the people make Him a king.
• Jonah had to spend 3-days in the belly of a whale. God wanted him to preach to Nineveh and not harden his heart against the people.
• Joseph in the Old Testament was sold into slavery and thrown into a pit long before he became king and saved his family.
• David was ignored by his family and made to serve them despite being anointed to be king.
• Mary was pregnant with the baby Jesus and was a virgin who had to trust the angel's words that she was carrying the Lord in her womb. Joseph, her husband, also had to believe that what Mary was saying was true and an angel came to confirm God's words.
• Zechariah, John's father wasn't able to talk because he didn't believe the angel about the birth of John.
• Paul was thrown into prison and some of the apostles were ostracized and arrested for serving God.
• The Children of Israel received more work and less help when God was trying to get Pharaoh to release them from bondage. They then had to walk through the Red Sea carrying all their belongings.

 

In all these examples we see how God worked it out. Won't He do it? But, why does God make things inconvenient? Or, why does He allow inconveniences when He can just tell us what to do or who to speak to?

Free Will, God's Will and God Who Makes the Way

You see, God does things differently than us and He makes a way out of no way. Look at the Baby Jesus. King Herod sought to kill Jesus but God had already made room for Him elsewhere. God has hidden paths for us so we can accomplish His will. God will also reroute you or takes you out of the way to achieve what He wants. When this happens, know that God has a plan - and, He's already made the way! It might be a particular mission He wants you on or certain testing He has in mind. Now, let's look at Jonah who was inconvenienced in the belly of the whale because he chose his will over God's.

Jonah learned in his 3-day tomb that he HAD to witness to the people of Nineveh because God wanted to give them time to repent. We serve a loving God who WANTS to give people time. He knows the world is full of stubborn pride but God is so loving that He gives us time to change our hearts, repent and turn to Him (Read the message below God has for us and you can hear His love for us as He asks us to repent and don't look back). God sometimes inconveniences us so we can reach people in need. And, that's what happened to me with my computer.

Why Is This Happening To Me? When God Reroutes You...

On our trip, my computer died which wasn't a surprise to me. Sometimes when God gives me the BIGGEST ministry message to share, my computer or tablet acts up and I know it's satan playing games. So, I rebuke Him and call on the angels. But, this time, it was different. My computer died and I was using my mother's computer which SUDDENLY wouldn't work online. We were traveling and I was trying to work on our holiday ads. It was a BIG inconvenience but James 1:3 teaches us that, "The testing of your faith produces perseverance." This means that I KNEW I would get through eventually because God's word never leaves void. I just had to find a way. So, my mom and I went to the IT professional who handled the internet access for help. But, little did I know, I wasn't the one in need. God had a plan and was sending me to someone desperate for a miracle.

Waiting On An Answer...

At the IT desk, I met a young woman with a heavy Jamaican accent so I wasn't sure if there would be a language barrier when I started describing my computer problem. The woman explained that her manager was away while I explained that I needed internet access to work on our ads ASAP. We went back and forth a few times with her saying there was nothing she could do. I was growing frustrated but remembering that I still needed to keep my peace so I could hear from God, I told my mom, "Let's leave and come back when the manager is here." As we turned to walk away, my mom was a good distance ahead of me and I was walking much further behind her when I heard God say, "Tell her it's going to be okay." I wasn't sure who this was for, my mom or the lady? I had to confirm it and obey so I yelled up to my mom that we had to go back.

Returning to the IT desk, I said to the young woman who looked at me quizzically, "The Holy Spirit said to tell you, "It's going to be okay." Her eyes filled up with tears. as she said, "No, you don't understand" through her thick accent. When I saw the shift in her eyes and the sudden change in her expression, I realized the message was for her. I said it again, "The Holy Spirit said, 'It's going to be okay.'" The young woman blurted out quickly that her son was very sick and her other child was having emotional problems. As her eyes filled with more tears and I took her hands, my mom walked up but didn't know what was going on. I said, "Mommie, we have to pray. This isn't about the computer. This woman desperately needs prayer. She needs a miracle and she's waiting on God."

I explained to my mom what the woman told me and we started to pray for her son to receive a new kidney and for her daughter to be healed emotionally. After tears and rejoicing, because we know God ALWAYS makes the way, my mom and I turned to leave and by the time I got back to the room and got online again, the computer worked fine and never messed up again. God inconvenienced me and rerouted me to reach someone in need. And, yes, He will work like that and inconvenience us so that we're available for Him and always about our Father's business!

What are the Inconveniences of God?

Something I learned early in my Christian walk was that sometimes when God wants to use you, He might send you to someone when you least expect it or when you're in a hurry and busy doing something else. I've seen this happen so many times it's become a familiar pattern. For example, I might be leaving a store and the Holy Spirit will say, "Go back and pray for the cashier." Or, He might wait until I say goodbye to someone and they're walking away and then say, "Tell her God will handle it." But, the inconveniences of God aren't always about getting a word to someone else. Sometimes God uses an inconvenience as an opportunity to bless you.

Once at a hotel, construction noise started at 5 am and when we complained to the manager, they comped us $200 in food. However, we had a kitchen fully stocked with food as the hotel suite included a full kitchen and we'd gone to the store already. We ended up sharing the blessing with a family in need. Another time, we were inconvenienced when a hotel room had loud noises coming from construction and we were moved to a much larger room - what a blessing from Father God! God gives free upgrades, too!

What To Do If You're Inconvenienced or Rerouted

Father God might inconvenience or reroute us for different reasons. He might use us to bless someone else, pray for them or get a word to them. Or, the inconvenience might be to get a blessing to us, a word or message from God.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

If you're inconvenienced, stopped/stalled or can't get THROUGH

This could be anything like losing internet access, a stalled line at the airport or being stuck in traffic. If this happens, ask God if you're stalled or stopped for a reason:

• Is there someone around you that He wants you to speak to? Or, is He sending someone to you with a special word?
• It might be a customer service agent in need of a kind word or someone that needs prayer.
• It could also mean that God is going to get a special blessing to you.

   

If God reroutes you or makes you go BACK

Sometimes God will send you back to someone because the Holy Spirit does that from time to time. Pay careful attention to this and obey God.

He might:

• Tell you to go back and speak to someone with a special word from God.
• Give you a Bible verse for someone or ask you to share your testimony.
• Tell you to go back to the person but not tell you why UNTIL you get there.
• Send you a sign or show proof of a direction He wants you to take or one that He doesn't. Two years ago we were getting ready to post online about a cruise deal but the Holy Spirit said not to. So, instead, we stressed the need for people to pray before they travel. The same cruise had an incident in a severe storm leaving or returning to Bayonne, NJ in the wintertime and several people were injured. 
• Delay you intentionally to speak to someone in need. Your flight might be diverted or a meeting canceled so you run into someone who needs a word. In this case, listen for God because the next person you encounter might be who He wants you to share a word with or pray for (no coincidences with God).

   

If you're in a situation that might look humiliating, it might be God HUMBLING you so He can use you

Remember how I described myself riding through the airport in the wheelchair? With a super heavy load, I couldn't walk the 11-minutes to get to the gate fast enough. It just wasn't possible. I was so embarrassed because I had to ask the porter for his help to get me there. But that was part of God's plan so I could HEAR from the porter who on his route was in need of prayer.

In this case, God might:

• Put an obstacle or obstruction in front of you that stops you. Be patient and listen for God to speak or SHOW you something.
• Reroute you in a different direction to show you where there's a need you can pray over. That goes back to the story about the man in the Porsche who had car trouble. He was forced to stop and call AAA. While waiting, he heard a child nearby calling out for help. The boy's older brother fell off the deck in his wheelchair and the man was able to help.
• God sends you in an area where you think, "I don't need help" but it's not about YOU. This happened when I had to go to the ER for what they thought was kidney stones but there was a man there who needed prayer because the surgeons were going to amputate his feet due to his diabetes. I only knew because the young intern yelled it out in English thinking the old man was hard of hearing. However, he was Spanish, not deaf.

 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, know that what looks like an inconvenience is sometimes God rerouting us to accomplish His will. He might reroute you to get a blessing to you or to have you help someone else. Be patient and stay humble so you can hear from God or see what He's trying to show you.

Jesus was inconvenienced his entire life. He was born in a manger and wouldn't let people make Him a king. He even rode on a donkey because his life was about humility before God. And, importantly, we have to follow His example. Jesus was determined to focus on His mission, i.e., God's plan and to not be deterred from that. Let us pray that we can always focus on God's will and keep an ear open to hear from God so He can use us when and where he wants. He's looking for His people to be attentive to Him. That means, always make room for God, expect inconveniences and when they occur, ask God if He's doing it for a particular reason and to show you or speak to you. And, He will reveal His will. You can also ask God for signs and He will help you. He's a faithful and loving God and He has great things in store for His people!

P.S. A Mighty Testimony: When God Makes It Convenient

We never use a P.S. in our monthly newspapers or newsletters but I wanted to share something miraculous about that particular airport experience from the opening section.

My mom who had to travel through the same airport to reach her connecting flight said to me, "Thanks for sending the attendant." I said "I'm sorry? I don't know what you're talking about." When we booked her flights, I knew she had only a short time to get to her connecting flight and due to a booking error, I couldn't change her ticket (remember, no coincidences with God). I had prayed and asked the angels to make the way. So, my mom says, "You sent the porter, remember?" I shook my head no and said, "I didn't send anyone. I don't know what you're talking about."

My mom went on to say that as soon as her plane landed, she got up to leave with her carry-on bag and a man was waiting right outside the door. He said, "Your daughter sent me because you have to make your connecting flight. Have a seat. I'm going to take you there," as he pointed to the wheelchair he had for her. He whisked her through the long complex series of terminals and she caught her flight on time. I shook my head and said, "Mom, honestly, I never sent anyone to get you." We realized that we did - when we prayed and asked God to help her make the connection. He dispatched angels and we didn't even realize it. Look at God making things convenient! Glory to Your name, Lord!

 

 

 

Our December Prayer

Father God in Jesus' Name, Lord, we come to you. We give you all the glory, honor and praise. We thank You that when it looks inconvenient, You, Lord God, show up and make the way. Thank You for every lesson learned and every time you've rerouted us and kept us out of harm's way. Thank You that you have always provided for us and open doors and make the way for us. Thank You that we have a loving Father God and You Change not. Thank You for speaking to us and guiding us. Even in the worst storms of our lives, Lord, You are there on the water with us and in the boat reminding us to rest in You. Thank You for speaking to us and answering our prayers. Thank You for defeating the enemy and fighting our battles. Thank You for showing Your strength and that we need only be still and call on You and stand firm. Father God, You know every plan in advance and we ask for Your help and guidance. Lord, there are so many that feel like they are hanging on by a thread  financially. There are so many desperate for change and in need of help. We call on You to make the way. The enemy wants to play games and tease us or display fake wealth but we know that's false. True riches are found in having Jesus Christ. We ask for special help, Lord for those who are having a hard time providing for their families. Lord, please provide EVERY need. There are many who only have crumbs tonight and don't know where tomorrow's food is coming from. Please provide and make the way. Please open the supply house and pour out blessings on Your sons and daughters. You supply ALL our needs and we call on You, Lord. Please help us to be an answer to each and everyone that has a need. Help us to hear clearly from You and be ready and on assignment to go where you send us and to do Your will. We know You are preparing a table for us in the presence of our enemies. We pray for our enemies, Lord. We pray they change their minds and find You while there's time. We pray they see our example and look to have a relationship with Christ. We ask forgiveness of all sins that our prayers are heard before You. Forgive us for lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Forgive us for putting false idols above You. Forgive us for selfish pride and not seeking You first. Thank You, Lord that you always make the way. We repent of our sins and turn our back on sin. We want to follow You, Jesus. We pray for President Trump and all the government officials that they get on one accord with You and Jesus FIRST. We pray for Philadelphia that ALL CORRUPTION IS EXPOSED and THY WILL BE DONE, LORD. We pray for our military, police officers, fire and rescue services. We pray for these brave men and women who are facing dangers every day. Please cover and keep each and everyone safe, Lord. We pray for all delivery personnel. Cover and keep them safe while they deliver their packages and make their deliveries. Keep them out of harm's way. We pray for the delivery workers scrambling to complete their orders. Please make the way for them and their families and keep them safe. We pray for those that have to work out in the cold. We pray for peace in Mexico, Haiti and Venezuela. We pray for Somalia and Syria. Lord, there are so many people all over the world that have special needs. Please be with each and everyone. Please deliver us from all sickness, disease and death. Please find cures for covid, Aids, cancers, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. So many suffer silently and are stripped of their livelihood. Please make the way. So many are forced to chose - Pay the bills or provide food for my kids. But, we know You are a loving God and You will send help and make the way because Jesus said all we have to do is believe. Please let there be more random kindness from strangers. Please let more celebrities, business moguls, musicians and sports stars give back to the homeless and also give a hand up to the less fortunate. You said promotion is coming and we wait expectantly on You. Thank you for this holiday season and for sending Your son, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus for Your life and all the sacrifices You made for us so we can call on You in our times of need. We love You, Lord and we give all the glory, honor and praise to You in Jesus's name, Amen.

We know nothing is impossible through You!  

 

A Message from Father God

Father God said, "Tell them they will be saying Hallelujah soon!"

Repost (Father God said, "Tell them we will have another letter soon.": Father God is saying "Keep coming out from among them." I have better plans and better things for you ahead. Keep trusting in Me. Keep singing to me. Be strong and courageous. You are not fighting this battle alone. I give you victory. I have a hedge of protection around you. Tell them Don't keep looking back. They keep looking back but I'm doing a new thing. Tell them don't look back. That's what they/the devil wants. We rebuke every demonic attack. They are covered. I am covering you. I know it's a spiritual battle. You are not alone. I fight for you. It's my time. It's our time. It's a chosen time. I have set you apart. You are God's people. Give me the offerings/the sacrifice of praise. Offer for me the sacrifice of praise. I cut the head of the enemy off for a reason. Keep singing to me. Worship me. True worshippers worship me in spirit and in truth. The devil cannot touch you. Believe me. Keep rebuking every sabotaging attack. I have a hedge of protection around you and no harm shall come near you. No harm shall come near your dwelling places and no evil shall befall you. It shall not come to pass. Keep giving me glory. Glory. Enter in His courts. Keep giving thanks for the great things He does. I'm doing this for my people. My chosen ones that are in covenant with me. So many are in line for promotion. Keep trusting me not man. Keep confiding in me not man. I am the God who provides. I have a hedge of protection around you that man cannot touch. No man can defeat me. Keep reading your Bible and lifting me up in prayer. I am delivering them. I sent my lamb for the slaughter to deliver you. Lift Jesus up. The devil cannot touch or stop God's/My purpose. They cannot touch you. Don't fall into the enemy's hands. You are covered if you come out from among them. I have so many plans in store the devil cannot stop you. Keep rebuking all sickness, disease and death. Keep reading your Bibles and lifting me up in prayer. I have not forgotten you. So many think I have abandoned you but I remember my promises my commitment to my people my chosen ones. Be committed to me. Keep reading your Bibles and be committed to me. It's time for my chosen ones to set themselves apart from them. Come out from them. Be committed to God. You are covered in the blood of the Lamb. Come to the cross. There's a great suddenly/shaking/earthquake that's coming. I'm about to/going to change their atmosphere. They need not fear. I am going to set them apart as my chosen. So many are in line for promotion. Keep committing to me/submitting to me. They don't have to be afraid. That devil is defeated. They're so afraid he might retaliate. They're living in fear that he'll do it again. But I guard you. My angels guard you. I make the way. I defend you in battle. I am the one who guards the door and there's nothing the devil can do to stop me. His presence means nothing. He is defenseless. Keep giving to God. Keep submitting to me. Keep laying your burdens down. Arm yourselves with the sword of the Lord. Your armor is your shield in me. Arm yourselves with My word. Hear My voice. When I call turn not away. Tell them don't turn away when I am calling. I am calling you to come up higher to come out from among them. Do not return and don't look back. The devil is trying to distract you through fear. Do not fear him or his armies, legions. Satan is defenseless he has no plans I don't know about. Keep submitting to me. Keep saying Hallelujah and calling on me. Write that book. Work on that paper. Invest in that new material. I am the God who provides. I have chosen you. They will look and see you've come out from among them. That was only the devil. They want you to walk away from me. Be determined to keep giving God glory. Keep turning the TV off and submitting to me. Keep your guard up. My servants are not unobservant of satan and his henchmen. He roams about. Guard your hearts and keep submitting to me. When you hear my voice harden not your hearts. I have set you apart for a reason. There's a hedge of protection around you. Keep rejoicing in me. Keep that TV off. It's satan and he's a menace trying to get through. But I have all that you need. The devil cannot provide for you. He thinks he can. That's part of his plan. But, bow your knees and keep coming to me. 

Father God also said, "Tell them they don't have to be afraid. God is rebuking all of your enemies." He also said after we posted this, "Tell them, Don't turn your backs on me. They will regret it if they turn their backs on me. Tell them not to be afraid. Keep speaking to me. With God it's more than enough." He then said, "Tell them don't worry. It's going to be fine." 

Get Your Copy of Our Latest Book: Pray It By Ear

In a world that wants us to tune in or turn to man and electronic devices, it's important to hear from God.

God-Driven-Designs has created a prayer-inspired book that gives:

• Simple prayers to call on God
• Sample prayers that have worked
• God's sense of humor: Funny stories about answered prayers
• How to ask for God's mercy and scriptures to rely on
• Prophetic words that God has shared about the recent earthquakes, Puerto Rico, cruise ship and travel accidents and mass shootings
• Steps to help you pray for others and have your own prayers answered
• An important message from the Holy Spirit when He asked that we include a Prayer for Wisdom

Order your copy of our latest book today!

 

LOL: Not a Creature Was... Really?

That moment you realize a mouse is the least of your worries.