Tuesday, February 23, 2010

THERE IS A CHANGING OF THE GUARD


THERE IS A CHANGING OF THE GUARD!
This past Sunday while changing my clothes after church, the Lord spoke and said, “There is a changing of the guard! The old is gone, the new is come.” (Is. 43:18-19)

“I’m changing leadership and bringing forth the new guard - not because the old guard did a bad job, but now it is time to bring forth the new with renewed and fresh anointing for all I have in store. This new guard; birthed of The Spirit - not by might nor power, but by My Spirit. Birthed for such a time as this.

Let me say that everyone has their place in My Body. All are precious in My sight. But I Am speaking specifically to leadership - those whom I’ve called and anointed to lead - clothed in My robes of righteousness to lead in this final hour. These leaders shall be clothed in meekness and humility; gentleness and love. They will have My Shepherd’s heart; yet be bold as a lion. Out of their meekness, mercy, gentleness, love, compassion, humility and kindness they extend to others; especially to the lost and the least esteemed of society, they shall be ministering unto Me - for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

What is holiness and righteousness? It is loving as I Am Love. Yes, I call you to be set apart; to be set apart from the world - to love your enemies, to bless those who curse you, to love the lost - for how will they know unless you show them My love?

Remember those to whom I said were white-washed tombs were also the very ones over whom I wept - O Jerusalem, Jerusalem.

On the Cross I asked The Father to forgive them for they knew not what they did. I said this to show you the Way of perfect love which casts out all fear. I spoke this out loud so you would hear and know The Way of Love; My Way.

You know that I was as a Lamb led to slaughter and opened not My mouth. But on the Cross, I cried out. I cried out, “Father! Father! Why have You forsaken Me?” I know what it is like to feel forsaken, and I tell you the Truth, I shall never ever, no not ever, leave you or forsake you. There is no pit too deep that I am not deeper still.

I cried out, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” And I cried out, “It is finished.” I had shown you THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. For My Way is the Way of the Cross. Lay it all down for the sake of your enemies. Love and forgive as you have seen Me do. Bless your enemies, I say. Bless them - for by so doing, you do not know who shall be compelled to come to Me and be saved from the pit of hell. My Children, love not only in word and tongue, but in deed and in truth.

These are the leaders I am raising up today - The ones who’ve been the least esteemed, because they know My love for the lost. They have been forgiven much, and they extend My love, mercy, forgiveness and redemption to a lost and dieing world. They have My Shepherd’s heart to go out and find the one who is lost, so that which is lost shall be found. And Beloved, I tell you the truth, there are so many who are Mine who are lost right now. Wandering aimlessly….hurt and wounded. It is My love, My compassion and My mercy which shall bind up their wounds as The Balm of Gilead.

Yes, I AM changing the guard to those who walk in My Love. Beloved, I love you with an everlasting love, and I desire no man be lost, but all come to repentance and restoration to Me. But how will they know unless they hear and experience Me through My Body? I tell you, My People perish for lack of true knowledge of Me as Redeemer and the Lover of their soul.

O Beloved, I AM changing the guard to those who love out of a pure heart for:
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God;
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God;
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth;
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy;
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Amen.

Crista Simmons (cmsimmons52@aol.com)
LifeCare Ministries and Healing Centers
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/l/LifeCareMin/
http://dinnerwiththeking.blogspot.com
http://restingbesidestillwaters.blogspot.com
http://www.openheaven.com
Richland, Michigan, USA
May be reprinted only in it's exactness. Freely have we received. Freely do we give.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

I Shall Fill Your Cup to Overflowing

This morning as I sat with the Lord sipping my almond flavored coffee containing the chocolate sweetener that I enjoy so much, the Lord said simply: "I SHALL FILL YOUR CUP TO OVERFLOWING".

For over the past two mornings as I've sat with Him, savoring my morning cup of java with my eyes closed, He's given me the same vision and accompanying sensation....As I held my cup in my hands and lifted it to my lips, I could see His silver cup that He held to my lips...Jesus held His cup and lifted it to my mouth...containing His wine....and oh, the soothing, life-giving, renewing sensation that accompanied this vision...from the time my lips touched the rip of my cup...His cup....to the warm, oily flow of His wine through my mouth, down my espophagus and into my stomach...and into my veins...flowing...like the oil which flowed down over the beard of Aaron in Psalm 133. It looked like deep, burgandy/red wine, but felt like warm oil; bringing His soothing refreshment.

And as I sit to write this morning....the words from the following hymn fill my heart~

Fill My Cup, Lord
Words and Music by Richard Blanshard
John 4:14"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy:
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from my well that never shall run dry".
Chorus ;

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
There are millions in this world who are craving

The pleasures earthly things afford;
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
Chorus:

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!

May you be blessed, dear one, by the following scriptures:
Psalm 23:5b "...You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over."
Psalm 133 "Behold, how good and how pleaseant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body]. It is like the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessings, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly].
Psalm 119:57 "You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to keep Your words."

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him], shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
Isaiah 55:1 "Wait and listen, everyone who is thirsty! Come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Yes, come, buy [priceless, spiritual] wine and milk without money and without price [simply for the self-surrender that accepts the blessings]."
Isaiah 58:10-11 "And if you pour out that with which you sustain your own life for the hungry and satisfy the need of the afflicted, then shall yur light rise in darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday. And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall become like a spring of water whose waters fail not."

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."
Matthew 13:12 "For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance...."

Luke 6:38 "Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you."

John 7:38 "He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water.

Crista Simmons mailto:CMSimmons52@aol.com)
LifeCare Ministries and Healing Centers
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/l/LifeCareMin/
http://dinnerwiththeking.blogspot.com
Richland, Michigan, USA
May be reprinted only in it's exactness. Freely have we received. Freely do we give.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

His Encouragement - His Promises


Sometimes we all just need encouragement don't we? Me, too~
My heart was so blessed by what the Lord shared with my friend Becky,
that I pray you are equally blessed.
Only the Lord knows what each one of us faces...day to day...and all the dry, dusty deserts we've crossed by His Spirit...and the tempests He's taken us through...
I don't know what you're dealing with in your life,
but I know the things I've been through in mine lately...
and the Lord's word and encouragement through Becky made me cry....
There are two postings...so please be sure to read through to the end.
From His heart to yours~
Love always,
Crista

Psalm 30:5 "...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

I AM About To Give You Your Portion
By Becky Porter

As you align with My will, you will begin to see My blessings unfold in your life.

Rejoice, for your deliverance is at hand. I have some mountain peaks for you to climb, and I will be waiting for you at the top, with flag in hand, proclaiming your victory and rejoicing with you for all that you have accomplished and overcome.

You have had much sadness and sorrow in your life, but I am about to give you beauty for ashes and joy instead of mourning and praise instead of heaviness. The mountains in your life will become as plains – I will level all that stands in your way. Rejoice, for your heart’s desires are about to unfold – ALL of them! Begin again, anew and afresh – a new page in life. Turn the page and don’t look back - old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.

When a car’s tires are out of alignment it affects many other parts of the car and causes it not to function at its best – things rattle and shake that are not supposed to, you may want to go one direction, but your car pulls in the opposite direction, so you are constantly battling to get it to stay in a straight line, your tires will wear unevenly, and your driving experience is just not as pleasant as it once was, but once things are brought back into alignment, everything flows and functions smoothly, just like it is supposed to, and once again it becomes a joyful experience to drive your car.

I am going to bring some things back into alignment in your life that have been misaligned. It is similar to when a person goes to a chiropractor for an adjustment when their neck and spine are out of alignment. The adjustment causes everything to once again function properly - nerves are no longer pinched and the pain ceases. When a chiropractic adjustment is first made there is often some temporary pain and discomfort for a day or two, and then you soon notice that all of the pain is gone and you feel wonderful again. Know that any temporary pain you may experience will be well worth it for the health and wholeness that await you on the other side of the adjustment and realignment.

I am about to take you on the adventure of your life. Enjoy the ride, for we will be traveling together and we are going to cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time. A year from now when you look back, you will be amazed at how far you have come in such a short time, for your life is going to look quite different than it does now.

I hear the Lord saying, “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 30:15 NKJV

For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “ In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength."

I am giving you revelation that you need. I am revealing things that you need to complete your journey and to help others complete theirs. There is much more to come, so buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride, for we are going to see many things on this journey – it will be like going on a safari – you will see all kinds of things you have never seen – it will be a very enlightening and enjoyable experience and you will learn MUCH along the way!

You are in a season of restoration and harvest. I am restoring all that the locusts and canker worm have eaten in your life, and I am going to open the windows of heaven and pour abundant blessings in, upon, and through your life. You will be as a never ending fountain of blessings for others to drink at – a well that will never run dry – for it is My Living Waters that sustain you and cause you to be a place where others can be nurtured and sustained. Keep loving them through Me, keep looking at them through My eyes and see the finished product, not where they are at right now. Love them to wholeness - don’t give up on them, no, never, never give up.

I will reveal the secret and hidden things to you – things that will astonish, mesmerize, and amaze you - nuggets of truth that I have hidden in My Word that you have never seen before – all will be laid bare as I make it known to you.

Your season of suffering has come to an end. It is time to rejoice for I am about to give you your portion – your long awaited portion that you have looked for and sought after and wondered if you would ever see – you will - you will! Even now I am clearing the path before you and moving rocks and boulders out of your way. Doors that have stood staunchly closed and frozen in place will suddenly swing wide for I have oiled them with My glory for this appointed time and season of your life. Countless lives will be touched, healed, delivered and set free as I do my work in, and through you. Get ready, for you are about to be launched into your destiny at full throttle.

Don’t look back – the past is the past - leave it there - it is dead and gone – you are entering into a new season of your life. The past is full of dead men’s bones, but the future I have for you is full of life and abundance - My Living Waters are full of life, liberty, health, wealth, and provision.

You will see things in your lifetime that you never dreamed would be possible, but you will be living it and experiencing it, and it will be YOUR life. Watch, as I unfold My Kingdom before you. Watch!

I have given you the keys of My Kingdom. Place the key in the lock before you and watch the door spring open – it has been waiting for you to place the key in the lock, and all of heaven will be rejoicing as you enter this next door I am about to open for you. One step at a time, one day at a time - let Me guide you every step of the way. Be in tune with Me and be in step with Me. Obey Me when I prompt you – don’t miss any opportunity I present before you. As you step into sync and timing with Me, you will be amazed at how everything falls into place so perfectly and smoothly, just like a syncopated clock or a beautifully choreographed and orchestrated Waltz. Let My music (the music of heaven), move you into new territories and domains, and take dominion, for I have given you all power and authority over the enemy. Use the keys of the Kingdom to walk in My power and authority. I have placed the enemy under your feet – walk in it and live it – it will serve you well - remember, you do not stand alone – I stand with you.

Isaiah 61:3 NKJV - To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Luke 10:19 NKJV - Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Joel 2:25 NKJV - So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Luke 3:5-6 NKJV - Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Becky Porter - lovetoencourage@yahoo.com


February 10, 2010

My Long Awaited Promises Are Coming
By Becky Porter

Do you hear the rumbling? Do you feel the shaking? Things are beginning to shift and unfold all around you. Soon you will catch a glimpse of My long awaited promises coming into view, just like the first signs of life that come forth when a newly sprouted seed pushes its fresh green sprouts through the hard ground. It can also be compared to a woman giving birth who has been in labor for many hours and has been pushing and pushing, when suddenly she feels a great sense of relief when her baby’s head finally comes forth because the most difficult part is over, and the rest of the birthing process is very quick and easy as the baby is born moments after this occurs.

You have pushed and pushed until you felt you had no strength left, but your pushing will soon be rewarded when the beautiful, healthy baby arrives. Your baby will be sure to let you know it has arrived as it takes it’s first breath on it’s own and it’s first cry can clearly be heard. As with any new baby, there is some clean up required before the full beauty can be seen, and then it’s beautiful, fresh, soft and new baby skin is revealed, and a person can see all of the intricate, delicate, and wondrous parts of that baby, knitted together and functioning in perfection as God created it to do! And as any new mother knows - when her baby arrives she is required to spend quite a bit of time tending to her new baby, nurturing it, watching over it and taking care of it, but also enjoying the process of watching it grow and mature. As time goes on the baby becomes more and more self-sufficient and is able to do more on it's own, and it does not require as much attention, and eventually that baby grows to full maturity and becomes a fully functioning adult that can take care of itself.

Know that I am well pleased with you, and I say “Job well done!” Thank you for your obedience and sacrifice, and for putting My needs and the needs of others before your own. Your obedience and sacrifice are going to pay off in ways that you cannot imagine, and ways that will far surpass your deepest heart’s desires. Many are coming to stand with you – you will not stand alone. I am bringing many like-minded warriors and servants to stand with you. You will have more helping hands than you know what to do with, just like the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends of a new mother step in to help her with all of her newly acquired responsibilities. I will supply your needs even before you ask. You are entering into a “time warp.” Suddenly things are going to pick up speed, and what took months and years to complete in times past, will now take days and weeks, and what took days and weeks, will now take seconds and minutes. You will be surprised and amazed at how easy things are about to become, and at how much will be accomplished in a very short amount of time.

Rejoice, for your heart’s desires are about to unfold! Shout, for I have given you the city!
I hear these words: “God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Becky Porter - email: lovetoencourage@yahoo.com
More prophetic words by Becky may be accessed at:
Voice of Prophecy button

Crista Simmons
LifeCare Ministries and Healing Centers
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/l/LifeCareMin/
http://dinnerwiththeking.blogspot.com
Richland, Michigan, USA
May be reprinted only in it's exactness. Freely have we received. Freely do we give.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

First Love

The other day I awoke with the words from the song: "More" running through my head.
The Lord had given me this song for a reason.
Being a "boomer", I was familiar with the words, but couldn't quite put my finger (brain - actually!) on them.
And then with help from my friend, Sue Love....tracking down the words...
and then I was able to track down the recording I remember....
and yes, sister crooner swooners....it is Andy Williams who is doing the vocals.
I've included the link and the words here for you~
But more than anything else, know that this is The Father expressing His Love for us....
His children....
Jesus, The Bridegroom expressing His Love for His Bride.
Oh Beloved....Happy Day!
Jesus Loves Me This I Know~
~For the Bible tells me so!
Love always,
Crista
Jeremiah 31:3 "The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying,
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you."

Love Song from the Lord to His Bride
Click to listen to Andy Williams sing the song entitled: “More”
http://sso.playme.com/sso/d/s.php?media_type=audio&community_id=18108181&content_id=396387&id=8144585&wapdld=391187&getmp3=1&id_leaf=0013&tms=1263918415
More than the greatest love the world has known
This is the love that I give to you alone
More than the simple words I try to say
I only live to love you more each day.
More than you'll ever know
My arms long to hold you so
My life will be in your keeping
Waking, sleeping, laughing, weeping.
Longer than always is a long, long time
But far beyond forever, you'll be mine
I know I never lived before
And my heart is very sure
No one else could love you more.
More than the greatest love the world has known
This is the love that I give to you alone
More than the simple words I try to say
I only live to love you more each day.
More than you'll ever know
My arms got to hold you so
My life will be in your keeping
Waking, sleeping, laughing, weeping.
Longer than always is a long, long, long time
But far beyond forever, you'll be mine
I know I never lived before
And my heart is very sure
No one else could love you more.
(Author not listed.)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Hand Holding


This past Sunday, the Lord gave us a message at the nursing home about upholding one another. While Moses was in battle, the Israelites were winning as long as Moses' arms were lifted up. Aaron and Ur came alongside to lift up his arms...."So Joshua defeated Amelek and his people with the edge of the sword." (Read Exodus 17:8-13)
It's like me walking across an icy parking lot. I can do it - alone...but I prefer not to - because after having a total hip replacement (and even without one!), I really DON'T want to take unnecessary risks that I may fall. So, I wait for my husband, and he holds me while I make my way across the shiny, frozen sea. This way, if there happens to be "black" ice also....ice which is not visible...he's there to support me through this navigational arena, too.
Brothers and Sisters, we are to support, encourage and lift up one another. We are His Body and in so doing, we love God (Whom we can't see) by loving each other (whom we can see).
I hope you're encouraged in your heart to stretch and grow today by the following scriptures and the story that was sent to me today...written by an unknown author. Maybe the Lord wants you to hold someone else's hand....as He holds ours.
Blessings and love always,
Crista

Galatians 6:2 "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion....

Ecclesiastes 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."


One Stone is enough to break a Glass...... One Sentence is enough to break a Heart...... One second is enough to Fall in Love...... and One Misunderstanding is Sufficient to Break Friendship. Friendship is the Rainbow between Hearts.

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter,
"Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river."
The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father.
"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me,
chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."~Jesus~John 1:28-29

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.
So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours...

Welcome ~

The purpose of this blog is to encourage our walk in Christ; together in Him; for as we develop our relationship with the Lord, we ARE more than conquerors through Christ Jesus! Praise God! My writings are mostly from an experiential standpoint; however sometimes this includes dreams and visions. (Comments are reviewed prior to posting.)