The Python and Your Purpose.

           

              The Python and Your Purpose

The python is an evil being, sent to distract you from your God given purpose.

The python exists to cut off the lifeline to God, to stay the voice of the Holy Spirit, to stop your fellowship with Jesus.

Prayer is our communication to God and the python takes it upon himself to suspend that communication. If the python can choke our transmission point, we will never see our dream realised. 

The python speaks lies and brings hopelessness into our situation.

Python is not only demonic, but also a domain (principality), releasing the power of witchcraft. There are certain regions where pythons have a stronghold in the area. You can feel these strongholds in the air; as a sense of hopelessness and depression envelopes you.

The python literally squeezes the breath out of you. The breath of life, the Holy Spirit, is cut off when the python dares to come near. Pride will provoke a python, as will lack of discernment, when going on the offensive against it, particularly if it hasn’t yet done anything. 

Feeling tired, under pressure, loss of passion for prayer and worship. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless and helpless, are symptoms of a python attack. When you feel dead on the inside, you know it’s an assault from the python.

The python has no authority, but works to distract a believer. As a follower of Christ, you have all authority. The python has none. Make no mistake: The python is there to stop your progress, to draw you away from your God given assignment and you need to exert your authority to overcome the python and his ways.

Wherever there is turmoil, the python will strike. This is when you need to pray most exceedingly. It’s when you most need to pray, that the python attacks, so don’t ignore prayer at this point. It’s the python’s job to distract you from prayer, to cause you to feel you don’t want to pray, or that you can’t be bothered to pray. If you get to this point, the python has won the battle today. Don’t let him win the battle again tomorrow.

You might be blindsided, by an attack from the python. You won’t see it coming. Out of nowhere something will happen, to put pressure on you. Don’t forgo any occasion to pray. Stay close to God and you will overcome this period in your life. 

Spiritually speaking, you’re unlikely to die from a python attack, but an attack can set you back weeks, months, or even years. The shortcut to overcoming this setback, is to pray.

The python is after your destiny, abducting and seizing it out of your grasp. It appears like a torrent, pushing you back, tumbling you downstream, whirling you round, helpless as in a gushing flood.

The python is violent, with a demonic outpouring of witchcraft and a spirit of divination (prediction), bringing confusion and apathy. You need to be equally as violent, to overcome his ways. 

Timothy was told by Paul to fight the good fight. (1 Timothy 6:12) That means to stay true to God and His word, in the face of opposition. To be unwavering in your commitment towards God, in spite of the hostility coming against you. 

A serpent and a snake are one and the same. A python is a type of serpent. It was a snake who deceived Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden, bringing a spiritual death upon them. 

A serpent is shrewd and crafty and Jesus called serpents ‘wise.’ They are skilful, clever, cunning and sly. Don’t be fooled. Though they hide in dark places, they are still there, awaiting their moment to strike.

In life we adjust slowly to what’s happening around us. This slow and steady adjustment causes us to be blind to the python, until it’s well and truly wrapped around us, squeezing the life from us.  

In the realm of spiritual warfare, we need to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. A python’s work in our lives can be so subtle, often we don’t see any trace of it coming. Remember, serpents are well camouflaged and know how to hide effectively.

To survive a python attack spiritually, you need to wield the sword of the spirit, the word of God. Give praise and worship often. Don’t forget your prayer time. It is valuable. It is imperative. Prayer and praise, pulverise the python.

If you don’t know which enemy is attacking you, whether it be satanic, demonic, principalities, or powers, pray in tongues until the oppression lifts, until you detect a shift in the atmosphere, or a lightness of spirit. Pray in tongues until you discern peace, or you sense a leading towards a direction you’re comfortable with.

Remember, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force (Matt 11:12). You need to fight for what you want. Don’t fall in a heap, rise. Lift your eyes and your voice and call out to the God of heaven. 

Psalm 91:15 states; “he will call on Me and I will answer him.” Put your trust God and you will get through your most challenging times, regardless of the python, or any other enemy, which might be attacking you. 

In Life We Learn...

In life we learn: fear is not failure. Even the most successful people feel fear. Failure is not failure. Failure isn’t what you think. Failure is the step you take before you have success. Fear is what stops you from taking steps. The enemy is not fear. The enemy is not starting. The enemy is letting fear hold you back.

When fear holds you back you become angry, agitated and frustrated. Small things get under your skin, because you know you want to move forward but don’t seem to be able to. It feels to the one afraid, like others can do it but not us, as our fears appear to be brakes, squeezing our lives to a standstill. 

I heard it said once: When you have infirmity (illness, poverty, addiction, paralysing fears, etc.) it’s hard for you to do what others do easily. Having said that, this is not a green pass for you not to try. In life we need to ‘feel the fear and do it anyway,’ to use a phrase of the late Susan Jeffers.

The bible says: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) Now this is a fine verse to quote, but it won’t help you. It won’t help you, if you don’t believe it. Head knowledge is fine, but it’s of no use unless it goes down into your heart.

Let me give you an example.

Perhaps you were adopted and you may have been adopted by very loving people, however you might still feel rejected. Because you feel rejected, you think no one wants you, even though you were adopted by very loving people. 

Now you carry a chip on your shoulder and soon you see your friends rejecting you. As you grow into adulthood, you find relationships hard to maintain. You start to push people away, before they hurt you. Going into relationships, in the back of your mind, you’re already seeing the relationship fail. 

One day you hear the fault lies within your thinking. You’re a nice person, but you emit an aura of rejection. You expect rejection. You eventually come to the end of yourself and you turn to God. God tells you He loves you, but you don’t believe it. 

Finally, you come to the conclusion, God loves everyone – except me. That’s your rational thinking at work. You read your bible. Intellectually you know God loves everyone, but because you internally think no once cares about you, that’s what’s reflected back at you. Intellectually you know God loves you, but it hasn’t yet infiltrated deeply into your heart.

As you delve further into your bible, little things begin to happen. God’s blessings start to arrive at your door. You begin to make new friends. You start to think you can have relationships and eventually your head space changes. Little by little, you see yourself as worthy of friendships and healthy relationships and now the truth of God’s word is starting to pierce into the very fabric of your heart.

Distortional thinking comes in many forms. In the above instance, it’s about relationships. It could also be about finances, health, success, ability, even to the degree of gaining or losing weight. If what we think about is what we bring about, then how we view ourselves, is what’s reflected in our lives.

The power is in the tongue, so the bible says. For what you think about is what you talk about. If you find yourself saying you only have to look at a cake and you put weight on. Or I can eat anything and not put weight on, both are right, for both are going to be reflected in your life depending upon your view point. 

You will be overweight, or underweight, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. You will be rich or poor, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. You will have great relationships, or terrible, depending on what you tell yourself and those around you. 

Speak only good things about yourself and say these things to those around you and that’s what will be reflected in your life. This is the power the tongue holds. The bible tells us, the power is in the tongue. Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Such a little thing, but with large consequences.

The key to happiness is in our own hands, no one else’s. It’s in how we view things and what we say. We can’t rely on others, when it comes to happiness. The atmosphere around you changes, according to the atmosphere within you.

It’s not always easy to cultivate an atmosphere of wholesome mental growth. We can’t do it in our own strength and this is where bible study and a love of Jesus comes to the fore. God promises joy and favour on your life. God will show you favour, if you follow His Word, just as He showed it to me.

The bible explains that Mary was called ‘highly favoured’ by God. Why do you think that was?

Mary believed God, when He sent an angel to speak to her. 

Mary carried Jesus inside her.

Mary didn’t scoff or doubt, as Sarai and Abram did (Later, God changed their names to Sarah and Abraham – descendants to the lineage of Jesus), when God told them they would have a child in their old age.

Mary trusted Jesus and when trouble arose, Mary told the servants to; do whatever He (Jesus) tells you.

Mary knew shame! As a woman, pregnant out of wedlock, even though carrying God’s only Son, she knew many didn’t believe her story, the story of immaculate conception. 

Because Mary understood shame, Mary didn’t want the wedding hosts (Jesus performed His first miracle at this wedding, turning water into wine) to be shamed, by not having enough wine - a huge embarrassment, in that day and age.

Mary’s total trust in God, caused her to be highly favoured.

Mary also knew trouble. At one point her and Jesus’ brothers thought Jesus had lost his mind (Mark 3:21) and they went to get Him. She had to watch her Son die a criminal death, though He had done no wrong. She knew shame, knew that others didn’t believe her story of the immaculate conception. And yet God called her highly favoured. We all go through hardship, even the highly favoured of God.

We need to remember, we carry Jesus inside us, just as Mary did. We have the ability to hear God speak to us, just as Mary did. We know people don’t always believe our story, just as Mary knew. We know we don’t want others to go through what we’ve been through, just like Mary didn’t want the hosts of the wedding feast to feel the shame she’d been through. We are Mary’s story! And in spite of this, our total trust in God and our righteousness, is counted as favour. So, just like Mary, we have the favour of God!

God desires to manifest His favour in our lives, every day. Psalm 145:8 The Lord is gracious; meaning the Lord is favourable. The favour of God produces success for God’s people. 

There’s a connection between declaring favour on your life and seeing it in your life.  I wrote recently, in some notes from a bible teaching, that we need to decree God’s promises, to see God’s promises. 

When you pray and get a promise and not an answer, then your role has shifted into co labourer, where you make prophetic decrees, where the angels can’t move until you speak the word God has given you. We need to partner with God in Heaven, so the angels can carry out God’s will in our life, through the promises of God. 

When you acknowledge God’s favour, you get more favour. Just as when you value a gift, the gift giver is pleased. So too is God pleased, when we value what He gives us. That goes for angels as well. We get more in life, of what we value. If we value the work the angels are doing in our sphere, more angels will come.

Jacob talks about angels coming and going, when he sees a vision. This vision is known as the story of "Jacob’s Ladder.”

In my writings at one point I asked God, if I’m doing anything wrong, what do I need to do right, in order to receive my blessing? I’d waited so long, for the work of my hands to prosper (another promise, God’s given to His people) that I thought I must be doing something wrong.

The story of Jacob and the ladder came to mind. I’d been reading about it earlier in the week; how he saw the ladder going to Heaven, with angels ascending and descending. How he recognized that this must be Holy ground, made an alter and went on his merry way, only to come back 20 years later, to the same place and there he wrestled with a Man all night. Some texts say The Man was the word of God, Jesus come in the flesh. Others say it was an angel of the Lord.

My understanding of this story, was that a battle that was going on in Jacob’s mind, as he was in a difficult position, returning home to his brother, and that the Man was Jesus (or as some say, an angel), who did at times come to Earth in a fleshly body. I believe he was wrestling in mind and body at this time. Then the Man/angel just touched Jacob’s hip and it became dislocated, showing Jacob just how powerful He is and how He could have inflicted much more damage at any time through the night, but He held off. 

Jesus/angel said; ‘let Me go, for it is nearly light.’ Even though Jacob was in great pain, he refused to let Him go, until He blessed him. As this story unfolded in my vision, a verse came to mind; Matt 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist, until now, the kingdom of Heaven has suffered violence and the violent take it by force. 

In looking that up, the word violence has two meanings, just as the lion can mean king, or ferocious beast, violence can mean to inflict pain on another, or fervent and impetuous zeal. We’re asked to press in and grasp with eagre pursuit, not letting go, until the promised blessing is imparted and received. 

The bent and temper of the mind, must be altered (renewed), so that we do not quit in our pursuit, do not quit on the grip of the promise, without receiving the blessing. 

Many people are ignorant (without knowledge and understanding) of this blessing and they quit, when they don’t feel their promises are coming to pass. They are ignorant, because they refuse to learn. In keeping on, keeping on, I have continued to learn, in spite of having to wait so long. I’ve been through my ‘wilderness’ experience and come out the other side. And I continue to pray that the work of my hands prospers, until I see the promised blessing. 

I’ve known for a long time, that there’s more. I kept thinking it will manifest, if I just keep in God’s word, stay in His presence. We all hear about relationship, about having a “relationship” with God. But really, most of us don’t know what that is, or how to get there, how to achieve it. 

I know there’s more to this journey and I’ve desired more, for a long time. I thought because I read my bible every day, that it would come, even if it did come in small increments. And that’s true, but what I didn’t know and what it’s taken, is time; spending time with God. Spending time in fervent and impetuous zeal. 

Not just a ten-minute bible read, or an hour on Sunday, but spending hours and hours with God, as we go about our every-day living. For what we give honour to, is what will manifest in our lives. The more time we give to God, the more we honour God, the more His hand works in our life. Are you willing to put that kind of time in? That’s what brings the “more,” the increase. 

In putting in this kind of time, in seeking God (Matt 6:33 but “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’), we form a relationship with God and this is where practicing the principles, nurturing our relationships with God, helps the promises of God come to pass in our life. At the same time, we’re not to seek for all we can get, but to seek out what we can give. The rest will follow.

As we gain knowledge, understanding and discernment, we hear more from God, make better decisions with God and have that connection, of bringing Heaven to Earth. If you stick with God, and spend time with Him, you will hear from Him and know what direction to take, when making difficult decisions.

The measure of Presence we hold, lies with us. If we truly want it, we’ll go after it with unabated passion.

I want to make a difference in my life and in the lives of those around me. We need to remember, life’s not in the big moments, but in all the little moments, which add up over time. It’s building block upon block, until the full image becomes apparent. 

One day, I put a photo on Facebook, with a little word - When your too small to do big things, try to do small things, with a big heart. My hope was it would inspire someone to action. If we all did one small thing to make a difference, how much better will the world be!

Each of us holds the key to happiness in our own hands. We can’t rely on others, when it comes to happiness. (Perhaps that too, should go on a photo.) The atmosphere around you changes, according to the atmosphere within you. 

Whether you’re depressed or happy, there’s an aura around you reflecting it. You may have heard it said, “You could cut the air with a knife, it was so thick.” That’s atmosphere. Possibly depression, or anger. A depressed person repels people, if it’s a heavy depression. Angry people repel people. After all, who wants to be around an angry person? A person with joyous atmosphere tends to have a lot of friends, because they bring a lightness into the world and that draws people to them. 

When we help inspire others, or lend a helping hand and do it with a smile, it not only helps the person, but it brings us joy – regardless of our own personal circumstances. If you’re not happy, try taking your mind off your own problems and help someone else with theirs. It becomes a soothing salve, when we do this. It brings a personal joy that we otherwise wouldn’t have. 

What we could do, if we’re depressed, is bring Heaven to Earth; asking God what He wants, ministering to God, just as Melchizedek did. (Melchizedek - priest of God Most High. Gen: 14-18) When we take our eyes off our own needs and minister to God, that’s what forms a relationship with Him. When you have that relationship, your needs are automatically met.

When you have a purpose, such as that of bringing Heaven to Earth, you’re emitting a light in the darkness. But any good purpose is good for souls. Visiting the sick, mowing the lawn of the elderly neighbour, perhaps minding someone’s child, who you feel needs a break. 

What you give out in the world, you get back, perhaps not in the same way, but in some measure. So you’re doing yourself a favour, when you help another. And occasionally, you just need to remind yourself, that it’s all going to be ok. Whatever you’re going through will end, it will get better. Sometimes, it just takes time, but eventually you will be on the other side of your concern. 

Reading my bible (and companion books) every day, I learned about the baptism of water, spirit, and fire. In water baptism, we have salvation; deliverance, restoration and liberation. The baptism of spirit, brings sanctification; blessings, anointing and ordination. And fire baptism, which is exhortation; encouragement, coaxing, and motivation.

Each step draws us closer to God. Each step is a spiritual battle, where we have to fight and push to keep going, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By the time we’ve gone through the fire, we’ve faced severe obstacles to our faith. It’s an intense heat, which burns off the chaff; where God is removing the dross, that we shall come forth as gold (Job 10: When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold). 

I know I’ve been through all three, the third being the most exciting (and frightening), for me anyway. In the baptism of fire, once one has gone through, it’s expected one is able to perform all duties effectively having demonstrated the mental, physical and emotional strength to survive. I feel the battle is now over, and I can move forward in life, with a greater anointing.

The Father is glorified, when we live with fulfilled dreams. The Father wants to illustrate His nature, through our dreams. He wants all the people of the world to see that He blesses His chosen people, in all that they undertake. For it’s in our blessings that other people see and want what we have and then they ask about our faith. As we answer their questions and speak about God, the Father is glorified. 

You, having your dreams fulfilled, glorifies the Father. But to get there, we need to seek first the kingdom. You dial into what’s on God’s heart and He’ll dial into what’s on yours. Fulfilled dreams are just a start, there’s much more to come and I’m so looking forward to seeing where the next step leads. 

Walk with Jesus all the time and the Holy Spirit will teach you all things. Pray in tongues, worship, read His word, go to church, listen to Christian messages, read Christian books and you will grow in favour. It will happen naturally and without effort. 

Jesus is the vine and you’re the branch. A vine has the living water. There’s no cut off, as in a tap. Even a small branch on a vine has life. Even a small branch will grow in time. Like a growing branch, which needs nothing more than water and sunshine, life will just flow. Abundant life! Isn’t that what we all want, abundant life? 

 

*Biblical quotes from the Holy Bible NKJV

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration. 

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it. 

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse. 

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Have Been Given All Authority! How you can succeed in prayer.

John G. Lake had a lot of death within his family, burying 8 of his siblings, during his childhood and his first wife, as an adult. A traveling minister who wasn’t there a lot of the time, for his family. With all his success in ministry, he failed in drawing his family to God. John G. Lake neglected to teach his beliefs to his children and many of them died, not knowing God, according to some reports. I want my family and friends to know how to have the authority of Jesus Christ, and that’s why I’ve written this piece. I don’t want anyone in my circle to die, not knowing Christ and the authority He’s given us, to overcome that which is holding us back.

You Have Been Given All Authority!

How you can succeed in prayer.

There are a few things we need to know and I’ve put pen to paper, so to speak, to unlock the secrets and mysteries of God’s great power, so that power might work in us.

This is not a formula, but a plan you can start with. As you learn and grow in God, you can change this plan, to suit your individual needs. Read on, my cherished friends.😊

I have authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and nothing shall by any means hurt, detain, hold me back, or hinder me, but I will advance the kingdom of God…that’s who I am.

Sickness, pain and disease have no right to be attached to my body, or the body of the person I’m praying for.

No devil…not this time! I am an ambassador and I have rights and privileges. And I exert my right to silence. (Don’t agree with the devil.) Jesus intercede for me on behalf of….

Praise - perfect praise shall cast out the devil, sickness, disease, pain, fear, poverty, etc.

In praise there is strength. Your strength rises in praise, because it stops the work of your enemies, so praise often.

Praise is for what God has done. (Worship is because of who God is.)

Let your children know the mighty works you have done, in His name. Works delivered by His mighty arm. Let your children know how He delivered you from sickness and disease, poverty and anxiety. Let them know, the more you praise the stronger you become.

David said he’d take care of the giant. David hadn’t forgotten - he had already killed the bear and the lion and the Philistine is no different. The Philistine is just another beast, to be done away with. Remember the past victories and apply them to your current problem: “God, You were with me here, You were with me there and You are with me now.”

Praise for the things He’s done; remember the things He’s done. These are your testimonies. These are for you to draw on and tell others about. Tell others: God did this. God did that. He did it for me and He’ll do it for you. Refuse to forget what God has done.

Refuse to allow your family to forget. Keep saying to your family, what God has done for you. Keep praying and stepping out in faith, so you have new stories to tell and are not just rehashing old ones.

Praise will stop the enemy (the enemy who comes to kill, steal and destroy) and the avenger (the avenger has a right to attack you and praise is the way you stop it). 

Maybe you did mess up, and although the avenger has the right to attack, if you repent and praise, that right is forfeited, for the avenger has no legal authority. 

If you want the bad seed not to grow up, you need to be thankful and praise, so your position remains as having dominion over all the earth. Don’t lose your position, by allowing a bad seed to take root and grow.

Don’t doubt. Worship, but don’t doubt. Jesus spoke to the people in Matthew 28:18: “All authority (to have dominion – my emphasis) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” The blood of Jesus has made all men of one blood. Go ye therefore, (go in the name of Jesus, for that name has all authority – full authority is at your disposal). Expectation is the highest form of faith and you need to expect healing when you pray for it.

Expect your Heavenly Father to meet your needs. Often needs are not met, because we have no faith, no expectation. I expect to have the favour of God. I expect things to go my way. I observe all that He’s commanded me to do. “You command me to pray for those who need healing and, in Your name, I do this.”

The commission is to pass on everything that is taught. Pass on the instruction of power and of healing and let everyone know about it. And pray it forth this day. “I am going into the world, and praying for those in need, as You’ve directed me.”

Proclaim the word with a solemnity, a gravity and an authority, by which it must be listened to and obeyed. He preached as One who had authority. You’re not here to offer things, not to debate or share, but to proclaim with authority. That’s dominion. Don’t guess, wonder, or try to figure out which way to go, declare it in your authority.

If your going to wonder, don’t go. Make sure you’re right and then go ahead. Get that commanding spirit, the spirit of authority. You need to know, you’re the highest-level spiritualist in the world. The power in you is greater than the power that’s in them (devils/unbelievers). Walk in that power. Manifest as the Son of God. Expect the victory.

Faith is unreasonable. That’s why Jesus cursed the fig tree, because He was hungry and the tree didn’t manifest fruit, even though it was out of season. Don’t base faith on what’s normal, because faith is not normal. Faith will stand up. When you do His will, faith will stand up. If it doesn’t happen you can tell God: “It’s because You didn’t provide, not because I didn’t go.”

Sometimes your prayers appear not to be working and it might be just in the timing. Often the unseen work is being done, before the manifestation is seen in your life. Remind God of His promises to you, at these times. Tell God: “You said…” Quote His scriptural promises, written in His word, the Bible. Remind God, if He cannot lie, then His promise must come to pass.  

In My name (Jesus) shall they cast out devils, lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. (….- insert name) is a believer. I am a believer. Healing shall follow those who believe. And believe it or not, the other person doesn’t have to be a believer. As long as we (the one laying on hands) believe, there will be healing.

Also, we don’t actually need to lay hands on the part that hurts. We can lay hands on a person’s head, or hold their hands. We can even command healing without touching the person at all. We can pray from a distance and have the same outcome, as if in the room, with the person we’re praying for. Don’t limit God. He can heal anywhere, any time.

All authority was given to Jesus, in heaven and on earth and He gave us that authority. We need that authority, to overcome principalities and powers. Use it!

You pull down strongholds. The strongholds are in your mind and to overcome them, we need to tear them down.

Principalities and power, we are over. We are in the heavenlies, seated at the right hand of God and we put our foot over the principalities and powers in our life and we push them down and crush them. His enemies are made His footstool and He left us to do the same.

Our authority supersedes Adam’s. You lay hands on people and they recover. As sons (and daughters) of the most-high God, you have all authority. You are endued (endowed/favoured) in Him. Wherever you go He goes. Wherever you go, the power goes. He and you are together, co labourers, in this together. Wherever your hand goes, He goes. He gave us the Holy Ghost to use for His glory. And God can only be glorified to others, when we can show good success.

This is who you are. When you walk as sons of God, you walk in authority and dominion. Speak and it shall be done. All things are possible to him that believeth. Faith doesn’t stop until it gets what it goes for. The Lord’s prayer isn’t a request, it’s a command. Fix it! Fix your life and the life of those around you and don’t stop, until it looks like heaven here on earth.

Sickness and disease - it's an enemy. Do not come before the enemy with emotion. It's not emotion that heals, but the word and power of God. Hate your enemy, in this instance. Come in without emotion, but with logic and reason, based on biblical facts, based on God’s word and His promises. It's not about shouting, crying, or screaming, it's about taking God at His word.

There are some diseases which are caused by how we've lived. God’s laws are always in play. If you smoke, you’re going to become ill, sometime in the future. If you drink often enough, you will end up with liver issues. Sickness wasn't there before the fall. Before the fall, Adam and Eve ate and drank what was good and healthy for them, but you can turn things around.

Get fed up with being normal, watching your loved ones die. Get fed up with sickness and disease, addiction and accidents, even curses placed on you by others (in fact, you can’t curse God’s people, because God’s people are never under the curse, they’ve been set free from the curse). All kinds of illness can be healed, once you decree a matter. Get on the right page and it will be so. You decide with your mouth; wellness or illness.

His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Treat all sickness as the same, for all sickness is an enemy. If you let enough little enemies in, they'll kill you too. Illness is death in baby form. Don't let the illness grow up. Let His will take hold of you and declare victory.

Don’t let the enemy get a foothold in you. If you give an inch, he'll take a mile. Treat all sickness like a person, like a living thing, for it is a living thing. It is a devil, come to kill, steal and destroy. Cast it out.

Don't bother to dignify the devil by learning its name. Command it leave, do not beg. Talk to the fig trees in your life (that which isn’t producing fruit), talk to the mountains (the areas you feel you can’t seem to overcome). Jesus didn't say talk to God about the mountain, He commanded the devil to leave.

Do it like Jesus. Make a command. "GO! in the mighty name of Jesus." At the name of Jesus, every knee must bow. Remember, you’re a representative of Jesus Christ. Speak to the problem, not to others about the problem.

Sick people are oppressed prisoners of war, held captive. If you look at it this way, you’re not a judge, but compassionate. A deliverer, instead of a critic.

What you live by is what matters, not what you know. You're more like Christ when you do something He’s told you to do. So, get clean, stay clean. Get your life cleaned up. Get rid of what's not ok and what’s not working in your life.

No excuses. It's time to grow up. You don't have to stay in hurt. Grow up, move past the hurt. God’s given you everything you need to be free; word, spirit, and authority. It's time to act on it. There's a boldness which comes from being clean and sure. If you're not bold, you're not sure and you'll be easily swayed and talked out of it.

When people know what you stand for, they back off.  Stay out of pride. It’s not done because of you. It's all done in Jesus’ name and because you believe in Him. We're in Him, He’s in us. Jesus is the only highly anointed one.

People will try to say: “Who do you think you are?" Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. When you know you’re right, you can stand on that. Make sure you're right, then go ahead. You’ll know you’re right, when you know God’s word. When you know God’s word, you’ll know what to do. Glorify God whenever results come. God gives further blessings, when we thank Him, although that’s not why we should thank Him. It’s never about the blessing He brings, but about what you live by and for.

Be ready to be misunderstood by others, expect it. Be led by God’s nature and character. Be aggressive. Develop your aggressiveness in Christ. Stand on who you are in Him. Matthew 11:12 …the kingdom of heaven suffers violence (fervent and impetuous zeal) and the violent take it by force. Be forceful, in God’s word, in His promises. Remind God, you’re still awaiting the fulfilment of His promise, if you feel He’s forgotten you. Wield the double-edged sword, the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, spoken and quickened. (Quickened, is where a bible verse rises up inside of you and you stand on and claim that word for your situation.)

God’s nature is love. Ask yourself, what would love do, if love saw someone sick? Accept responsibility for you brother and sister. Where are they lacking? How can you help? Offer your services: Here am I send me. If it's not you...then who will go? You may be the only Jesus someone ever sees or knows. However, don’t be taken advantage of. Ask if it’s God’s will and listen for His answer (as you become more aware of God’s promptings and His voice, you will hear Him when He answers you), before offering your help.

Decide to obey the bible, not arbitrary feelings. Obey, for the word of God is true. The bible says to lay hands and they will recover, because what's in you is greater than what's in them. It's a mindset and an attitude and you don't ever back down. You have to be the same every day. Preach and proclaim every day. Know that God is with you, in you and for you. If we know this is so, we would act just like Him.

Don't allow fear. Fear will stop every one of the things you’re trying to do, if you let it. Whatever fear you allow to remain, will rise up whenever God asks you to do something. Whenever the enemy thinks you're weak, he'll enter into your life and try to thwart your efforts. Be strong. Be bold. Be brave. This is how battles are won.

But there is one more element to effective prayer. That element is virtue. God tells us to attain virtue before knowledge, that’s how much He esteems a virtuous person. We all want knowledge, knowledge of God and of the gifts He bestows upon us. Virtue is something we have to strive for ourselves. God won’t do it for us. God will quicken a passage, so we get the full knowledge of a text, but He won’t bestow virtue, we need to work towards that personally. 

Merriam-Webster.com states virtue as 1 a): conformity to a standard of right: morality b) a particular moral excellence. 2: a beneficial quality or power of a thing. 3: manly strength or courage: valour. 4: a commendable quality or trait: merit. 5: a capacity to act: potency. 6 chastity especially in a woman. 7: virtue plural: an order of angels, by virtue of or in virtue of: through the force of: by authority of…

We need to be the ones who choose what to watch on tv, what to read, how to behave in traffic, how we use our words. We need to choose peace over anger, love over hate, humility over pride, honesty over deceit. We need to put virtue first. God will not take away our free will. He will not take away our ability to choose to do the right thing. A virtuous life is a life in right relationship to God. 

Not all things we do are illegal, but not all things we do are good for us either. When we choose to do what’s right, we will develop a right relationship with the Lord.

Bravery, valour, moral goodness, good character, are all traits of virtue. Lawlessness, dishonesty, injustice, are opposites of virtue. There’s a conjunction between virtue and power and power is relative to the proportion of virtue we hold.

Virtue seems to have been skipped over, in our rush to attain knowledge. Jesus felt virtue leaving His body, when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of His garment. Jesus was endowed with much virtue and if we are to be like Him, if we are to work with the same power He holds, we need much virtue also. And we cannot walk in virtue without the grace of God. 

 

*Biblical quotes from Holy Bible NKJV

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

For We Will All Blossom

For we will all blossom, under the shelter of the Lord, just as a flower blossoms in springtime.

I thought I’d mention my diary entry for today, even though it is personal, it’s quite important for those who follow The Lord.

20/06/2022

Last week at church, the Pastor Tim spoke of the seeds of bitterness. This week Angela spoke of the seeds of unforgiveness. This morning I opened the Word for Today and it was on the seed of God’s word (21st June). Each of those seeds will take root and grow, but only one of them will bless you (do you any good). 

The seed of God’s word grows in time and if you act on those words (do as they say), you’ll be able to walk on water, move mountains, have the desires of your heart. And I’m seeing that now. I’m seeing more and more as I step out boldly and inform others: I am the solution to your problem, through Christ, in prayer. 

God won’t give, until the need arises. You won’t get the money, until you set out, you won’t get the healing, until you offer the prayer, you won’t get the breakthrough until you declare it as being done. But somehow, it’s more than that. 

We’re told to have a relationship with God. How do you have a relationship with a being you can neither see nor feel? That’s the point at which many of us start. Many of us compare The Father, to our own father. Our father may have fallen so very short, we can’t view The Father in love.  

The truth is, you do need to have a relationship and that’s what I’ve found out. When you search for Him with your whole heart, He will reveal Himself as a great and mighty God, and also as a loving and caring daddy. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; that’s what the word tells us to do and it tells us to search until you find. 

At this point in my life I do have that relationship. At times, I just sit with Jesus, asking nothing of Him, but sitting in quiet adoration. I spend time with Him. I thank Him for what He’s done in my life. I cry, at times, when I see Him (and I do see Him), because I have so much love for Him. I do feel His presence. And that, I believe, is why I’m now having so much success in my prayer life. I’ve taken action on the word of God, not just gone to church on Sunday and left Him there, as I walk out of the building. 

It helps too, that I’ve come to believe I am worthy. I used to think I wasn’t worthy (which actually undermines the word of God), that I wasn’t good enough. I’ve come to believe I am a ‘son’ of God, a pillar in the temple of the Lord. I am a righteous child of the Most-High God. And because I believe it, because I act as if it’s true, because I believe and act on what God’s word tells me, God is moving mountains on my behalf. 

I never saw myself as a self-funded retiree, in early retirement. Deep down, it was a dream of mine, but I didn’t think it would happen to me and yet here I am. I have enough money to pay cash for my next house (since I’ve sold my last one and haven’t yet purchased my next one) and enough money to use as investment income, until I get my superannuation and possibly a part pension in 8 or so years. I got such a late start in it all, I didn’t expect to be here, but God has blessed my efforts at tithing, saving, paying the mortgage off before it’s time and learning about investing. And I feel, from where I’ve come and how hard it’s been, now very blessed indeed. 

If you want to reach this place, I’d suggest you let everything go and just work on that relationship. Concentrate your efforts on drawing close to God, on forming a loving and caring relationship with Him. If I had my time over, this is where I’d start. I’d get that relationship happening straight up and then work on the rest. 

After all, the bible does say: But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NKJV)

As a flower unfolds and blossoms in springtime, so too do we, under the shelter of wings of the Lord and in His timing. 

 

 

 

Divine Intervention

Divine Intervention

Psalm 91: also known as the deliverance prayer, the protection prayer, the believer’s prayer and the soldier’s prayer (as many soldiers recited it in battle). There are times in our life when we face a battle with an enemy, either seen, or unseen and sometimes it’s both. This is the time to stand on God’s Psalm, on His promise of deliverance and protection. This is where Psalm 91 comes into its own.

There are some things God only gives to the spiritual. And this is one of those things. It’s a prayer for believer’s, something a believer can hold on to, during a particularly difficult time. I urge you to read Psalm 91 for yourself and put it in context with the following words.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most-High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most-High, is he who lives under God’s shelter, His protection.

Will rest in the shadow, meaning those close to God. For if you’re in someone’s shadow, you’re close to them.

One bible verse puts it; He that dwells in the secret place of the Most-High, so it’s not a place available to everyone. It’s a secret place, kept only for those who are close to God.

We are to be an overcomer: “We” that is “God’s church, His people.” However, to overcome, we must to remain close to God. The spiritual person is protected by divine grace, from Satan’s attacks and God brings divine intervention to His believers.

I will say of the Lord; “He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” He is my safety, my stronghold, my security, my protector. He who chooses God, shall find in Him, all he needs. He is a refuge, in times of trouble. He is to be trusted in both the temporal and spiritual.

Surely, He will save you from the fowler’s snare (traps, lies and deception) and from the deadly pestilence. He will rescue you from every trap (physical, mental, spiritual) and protect you from deadly disease (dis-ease), rescue you from the destructive plague and a calamitous pestilence.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings (pinions) you will find refuge: His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (buckler, defence, safeguard).

His faithful promises are your armour and protection, as He overshadows you with those promises. You are in His bosom, where His wings cover you, protect you, hide you. He is your shield, and protective wall. His Truth shall surround you, that of great security which is promised in the midst of danger. The fowler’s lies cannot penetrate the security of God’s truth.

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow which flies by day. Don’t lay awake at night, when the terror of the situation seems to be at its worst. If you can’t sleep, you can recite Psalm 91 and it will bring comfort. 

Nor will you fear the arrows (fearful panic) Satan tries you with, through the day. Remain calm in God’s Truth and in His promises. His Truth shall encompass thee with a shield. The man who trusts in God, with be especially protected in the peril of battle.

Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, or the plague that destroys at midday. The devil invades in the light and in the dark, but you are to remain calm in God’s presence. Satan is the beast of the field through the day and the beast of the shadows at night. Do not dread the disease, epidemic, illness, plague (fear nothing; temporal or spiritual).

Although a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, it will not come near to you. Evils will not touch you, no matter how many are falling around you. You have chosen God as your protector. Trust Him now.

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment (or the reward) of the wicked. The wicked have nowhere to turn. God doesn’t know them. He doesn’t honour them and He hasn’t given them His word. He hasn’t given them His promise of protection. This promise is only for those close to Him. The wicked are the one’s falling around you. (They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. Psalm 20:8)

Because you have made the Lord who is my refuge, even the Most-High your dwelling place: no harm shall befall you, no disaster come near your tent. Your tent covers all those who live under it. Your tent extends to your family. God will honour you and your family, for He honours the children and the children’s children, for a thousand generation – but only if He is Lord in your life.

No harm, disease (dis-ease), plague, or illness will come near to your home. The Aramaic Bible says: Evil shall not come near to you and disease shall not come near your dwellings. That’s dwellings – with an s – more than just your house, but the houses of those you love. It means the place of your parents, as well as your children.

For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, so you will not strike your foot against a stone.

The angels will protect you, wherever you go and guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up and carry you if needs be. You can pray to your angels for help any time you want. There are legions of them, waiting for people to put them to work.

Though trouble and affliction shall befall the believer, it shall come not for his hurt, but for good. God’s promise is, He will, in due time, deliver the believer out of trouble. While waiting for that due time, God will be with him during his troubles.

Satan tried to craftily make use of the promise of the angel’s protection, by tempting Jesus (Matt 4:6 If you are the son of God, throw yourself down…) Satan lost that battle. God will command His angels concerning you too.  Satan lost the battle of tempting Jesus, as Jesus stood on God’s word and as we stand on God’s word saying “It is written…” we too shall win the battle.

Satan’s using the same tactics today, as he did then: lies and deceit. Telling people “Surely God won’t…” (kill you, as in the garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve). Trust God’s promises in your darkest moments, not Satan’s lies. Remember Jesus used God’s written word and know there are many more promises, written in God’s book of life. Lean on them now, during your time of distress.

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra, you will trample (subdue) the young lion and serpent underfoot. A lion has a duel meaning, in the bible. It can represent life, or death (a king, as in the Lion of Judah, or a beast of the field). In this instant, it’s a young lion. A lion in his prime. A beast. A fierce and ferocious hunter.

Beast is another name for Satan. A cobra, or a serpent, is a beast which scurries around in darkness, lurking in the shadows, hiding down dark holes, waiting to strike the unwary. But you, as a believer of God, shall trample the beasts of this world, underfoot. Just as David killed the lion and the bear, so you too, shall kill the beasts of the field.

Because he loves Me, says the Lord, I will rescue him. I will set him securely on high, because he knows My name. I will protect him for he acknowledges Me. He will call upon Me and I will answer him.

There’s God’s promise, right there: I will protect him. (Because you love God and call upon Him.) It’s in His book. It’s His word, His promise. He’s just waiting for us to trust Him to deliver.

God will protect His people, answer their prayers, deliver them, rescue them, honour them and give them a long life. God will satisfy him and show him His salvation. A long and satisfying life, prayers answered, protection given and deliverence to all those who dwell secure under God’s protection.

There are times in a believer’s life, where we walk between wild animals and angels. Our quest at this point is, who are we going to pay attention? Where are we putting our trust? In God’s promises, or Satan’s lies? I know which direction I’m going to take.

At times, every one of us believer’s face a battle (…for in this world we will have trouble…  John 16:33) and you require a battle strategy to get through those times. I have confidence, Psalm 91 is the battle strategy we need.   

Answered Prayer

To receive the promises of God, you need to practice the principles of God. To achieve answered prayer, isn’t necessarily about doing works, but there’s an element which comes to the fore if you want to see positive results in your prayer life.

What if I told you, the fruit isn’t about dollars, or stuff, but about prayer? He who bears much fruit, usually has a fruitful prayer life. Yes, the dollars (stuff) will come in time, but let’s put that aside for the moment.

In order to have answered prayers, there are certain steps, which will help get you there faster. Now, having said that, God is not a magician who’ll wave His magic wand and everything falls into place. There are prayers which can’t be answered, for a variety of reasons, however, if you know the word of God, you will pray according to that word and are more likely to have success in this manner.

So, what are the principles you need to practice, to succeed in your prayer life? Read on my friend.

You must have faith, for a double minded person will not receive anything from God. The bible tells you in James 1:6-8. Let him ask in faith without doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Distraction and doubt are your enemy. Don’t allow them a foothold, not even an inch. If you’re distracted, refocus and get back on track, as soon as you notice it. If you at any time, have doubt, repent, ask forgiveness for your unbelief and pull your mind back to what you’re wanting to see happen in your life.

You must know God’s will and you’ll only know that, if you’re reading your bible. When you know what’s in your bible, then you can approach God with confidence. It’s only in knowing your bible, that you know, what you’re asking is in line with His will. You can then say: God, Your word says…

When you approach God with confidence, when you set to boldness, having the audacity to come to the throne and ask, then you’ll receive what you ask for. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Compassion. Jesus healed from compassion. He had compassion for the people and at times he wept. Our heart needs to be truly invested in what we're asking for. 

And you want a relationship with God. If you sincerely desire to have a relationship with God, He will be with you. James 4:8 says: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Yes, you can send a quick arrow prayer, but if you form a relationship with God, before you need Him, it’s more likely He will be there when you call on Him.

How do you form a relationship with God? Read His word! Read books, listen to you tube and podcasts that discuss God, who He is, what He does, how He works. Pray without ceasing. Talk to God, as if He is a friend, because that’s what He wants from you: Friendship! He wants you to spend time with Him. How long do you think your relationships would last, if you never spoke or visited your friends? God’s just like that. He wants you to sup (dine) with Him and call Him friend.

“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7.

So, spend time with God and in His word. Talk to Him. Be His friend and then you may ask whatsoever you desire. Let Him be the light in your life and the calm in your place of troubled waters. He will be there. You will find Him when you search for Him with your whole heart.

Also, remember to give praise and thanks to the Lord, for that is the rocket fuel to success. Call those that be not, as if they were. Talk as if you have received what you've prayed for, as that shows a level of belief. That shows you believe God has acted on your behalf. 

It's not always easy, to walk in God’s ways, but it helps to know the keys to unlocking those ways. It's a battle strategy which helps get you where you want to go.

There's so much more I could write about on this topic, but I'll end here and hopefully this article will at least get you started. 

 

*Biblical quotes from NJKV 1994

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith and Self-esteem

 

I had a revelation this morning and what I felt was interesting. I hope you might also find it interesting: Many years ago, I had very low self-esteem. It hadn’t occurred to me at what point it changed, but change it did. I no longer feel I have low value. I thought you might like to hear a little snippet of my bible reading today…

Low self-esteem is faithlessness. This was the position from which I started my Christian walk, so if this is you, don’t despair, as in time we all grow in faith. Just as a flower grows from a bud, so too, we grow in Christ.

A Christian who does not live under self-judgement is at peace with themselves. A mature Christian does not self-condemn, as he/she knows Jesus bore all our frailties and faults, for in life, we will make wrong decisions and choices and God covers those decisions and choices, by His grace. That's what grace is for, what grace and mercy are all about. A grace-oriented person is free of guilt and condemnation.

I can make a mistake, do it wrong and feel no guilt, nor condemnation. As I step out of fear and try new things under faith, I know I’m not perfect. I know I might get it wrong, but it doesn’t bother me. I tried. I trusted in God and had a go and that’s the main thing. God applauds our efforts. God loves it when we place our trust in Him.

It’s been a process. It wasn’t like I flicked a switch and it all came together. At times, it was downright scary. At times I did it wrong – in other words: I failed. I did it again (and again and again, if I needed to) and I didn’t quit. And now, I’m comfortable in who I am, what I do and where I’m going.

Praise the Lord, for His mercies endure forever.