#95 Seasons of Dryness

C. Peter Wagner tells us, 
"It would be easy to put 
intercessors up on such a 
spiritual pedestal that we 
forget they are human just 
like the rest of us.

But they themselves will be the 
first to remind us of their frailty.

Intercessors have their ups and 
downs. They have their good days and their bad days.

They can leave a powerful mountain-top experience with God and plunge into the valley.

One of our roles as leaders is to understand this and nurture them through difficult periods just as they do with us.

A while ago Alice Smith went through a particularly strenuous time of intercession and spiritual warfare in Israel where she felt that significant battles were won against some high-ranking principalities.

Soon after that she wrote to Doris and me saying,

   'I am in the midst of a very difficult time of dryness before 
    the Lord. This is not uncommon to experience because 
    intercessors have to have a spiritual 'tune up' every once 
    in a while to see if they are praying for the benefits, or 
    really praying and enjoying the Lord because of who He is.'

Here again is the heart of a true intercessor who has no greater desire than a close relationship with God.

   'Especially after a very high spiritual experience such as 
    I encountered in Israel,' Alice says, 'there is often the 
    tendency to press into the Lord for a 'bigger high,' while 
    He is more interested in the quiet, still fellowship of 
    knowing His presence.'

She seemed somewhat apologetic that even when she prayed for us, she was not hearing much from the Lord.

She was apologetic, that is, to us, but certainly not to the Lord who, she felt, was monitoring her faithfulness at that point. She concludes by saying,

   'These times always spark a fresh gratitude for when I do 
    hear Him speak once again."

Soon afterward, as we knew and she knew would happen, 
the dry period ended and things returned to normal. 
Meanwhile, we noticed during that period God had given 
extra assignments to some I-2 intercessors.

For example, during that time Doris and I made a very significant visit to the March for Jesus office in London and, as I mentioned previously, Dave Rumph and Bobbye Byerly were used by the Lord in a special way to pray the event into being." #65  Feeling the Wind of the Spirit

#95 Seasons of Dryness, in the series

 taken from C. Peter Wagner’s 

book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to 

intercede for pastors, Christian

leaders and others on the spiritual

frontlines. (pgs. 173-174) 

By Regal Books

PRAYER SHIELD by ChristianBooks - offered for $9.69 There are many of Wagner's books offered. Type in the title of this book at the top of page.

Let’s pray:

   Father, when we're in a time of dryness of soul, may we remember that that's the time to seek You.

   Your Holy Bible has the answers for us with encouragement and instructions throughout its pages.

   We can turn to the book of Psalms, which is directly in the center of Your Word, and read how King David often had good reason to be discouraged. 

   But he reminded himself how You'd helped him in times past. (see Ps. 119:49, 50)

   Remind us of how You have 'been there' for us, too!

   May my own heart turn again to You for comfort, peace, and direction each time I find myself in 'seasons of dryness.'

   I ask this in the Name of Jesus, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 119:49, 50 "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me."

Today’s quote: Stormie Omartian “The past should not be a place where we live, but something from which we learn.”

Some thoughts today: God wants us to be content with where we are right now. It is His opinion that we have enough, and need to stop masking our problems with wanting to change our circumstances.

- Loneliness is filled with God alone. You can be in a crowd and feel utterly alone. Let the peace of God fill you today...

26th- Thursday’s post:  #96  Need Help from Others  C. Peter Wagner

28th- Saturday's post:  Smile  Joe Stowell

29th- Sunday's post: Pride (how to deal with it)  James Cagle

29th- evening's post:  God's Under the Bed  GodVine

A popular post:  Have You Ever Been Alone with God? 
Oswald Chambers "When God gets us alone by affliction, 
heartbreak, or temptation, by disappointment, sickness, 
or by thwarted affection, by a broken friendship, or by a 
new friendship – when He gets us absolutely alone,  and 
we are dumbfounded, and cannot ask one question, then 
He begins to expound."

   

     jowildflowers@gmail.com (for comments)

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99  Bridal Shower Devotional 

(Wisdom for Women planning to get married)

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

Wisdom for brides (Christian Marriage, 
Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)

Samples of Jean's crafts
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Part 3- How CAN we hear from God? (15-22 ways)

Jean Oathout continues her listing of various ways God speaks to us. 

The following list completes my present list of 22 ways that I've noticed that God speaks to us.

Hopefully, you have taken notice of several, and you've begun to hear Him clearly in various ways that work for you. 

If you haven't read my previous two posts, please check them out:

Part 1- How CAN we hear from God? (7 of 21 ways)

Part 2-  How CAN we hear from God? (8-14 of 21 ways)

It is my desire and prayer that you benefit from the 22 ways that we have that God can speak to us.

May they cultivate your ability to hear effectively and to become listeners for His instructions, encouragements, and promises.

When we begin to hear from God in the various ways He speaks, we will be more aware of His presence. He is always with us. 

God loves you, and He wants the very best for you.

Will He speak to you in visions and dreams? Or are you more open to poetry? How about the times when you sit quietly before God, does the worship music help you worship Him?

However you hear from God, let it speak directly to you, my friend. He is determined to make His way clear to you. It will come as you're ready, and in the way you'll best respond to .

Now, let's check out the last 8 ways that I've found that we can hear from God:

15. Encouragement- Others may speak to us, or we may speak into someone else’s life, with even a few choice words of comfort, encouragement, or edification. This can help us trust we've heard from God. 

16. Be quiet before God- Spend some quiet time before God. Set a timer for a short time, like 5 minutes at first. It will begin to go by very fast after a while! A word spoken to us in our spirits by God can get our attention! We won't forget it, believe me. It holds us in our journey through our ups and downs in life.

17. Internet/TV- When we choose wholesome programs to watch, there may be things said that will touch our hearts, which can have God's truth in them.There is so much offered for our viewing, which have the potential to harm our faith. This is why is it so important to select what we watch.

18. Speaking in tongues- Our speaking and singing in the heavenly language causes us to relax and allow the Holy Spirit to speak the prayer that's needed for the moment.This gift is offered to every believer in Christ Jesus. (see Acts 2:38) This is where the power to be his witnesses was to be found, which Jesus had promised us. (see Acts 1:8)

19. Dreams and Visions- These can happen to anyone, but some people have them more frequently. Dreams and visions can speak to us 
of God's intentions and plans. 

They can come as warnings, or hey may make us aware of some danger. 

20. Listen to some worshipful music, such as 
hymns, (for us older folks), that are soothing, and which  bring up memories of God's goodness. There are web sights on the internet that let you choose music that  pleases you. Be sure to try some "soaking Christian music."

21. Impressions- There will be times when we simply have a strong impression that something is either wrong, or is what we’re to do. If God brings the impression, it will not leave us until we act on it. When it’s a troubling impression, and something needs to be dealt with, He has a plan to address it, and usually will quite soon!

(Here's another one I was reminded of...)

22. Word of knowledge- About 20 years ago, the Lord 
spoke to me while I was praying one day. He revealed 
something that would yet happen, which looked impossible. 
But I believed it, and it has given me hope that it would take 
place. Because of a recent phone call, I believe it will soon take place!

Let’s pray:

   Father, when it comes to hearing from You, I do need to understand the ways You've designed for me. Please enable me to recognize Your directions in many of the 22 ways mentioned in the 3 posts.
   Like as a little child, may my heart become more open to hear Your various means of communicating with me. Thank You for having so many ways to contact us, Father. I'm grateful! In the Name of Jesus, Your Son, I pray. Amen

(Google images used)

Today’s Bible verse: Gal. 5:16,17 NIV "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature." 

Today’s quote: James H. Cagle – “King David longed for the ability to fly, that he might escape the many problems he had to face (Ps. 55: 6-8). But like him, it’s facing our problems that develop our character and molds us into the likeness of Christ. And it’s in facing our problems that we see the power of God working and experience His grace and love.”

Some thoughts today: The apostle Paul expected God would have impact on our lives politically, in dealing with authority, in our ethics and integrity, in our families, as well as in our social interactions.

- You may be thinking that you need a change of circumstances to more effectively serve God, but did you know He can use you right where you are?

- Are you transferring your problems onto your circumstances? It may not be an external change you need. 

Declare today: " I can serve God where I am." (The future may very well change.)

24th- Tuesday’s post:  #95 Seasons of Dryness  
C. Peter Wagner

26th- Thursday's post:  #96  Need Help From Others  
C. Peter Wagner

28th- Saturday's post:  Smile  
Joe Stowell

29th- Sunday's post:  Pride (How to deal with It)  
James Cagle

A New Normal: Life After Cancer

By JillSavage on Jun 16, 2014 05:04 am

"Last Tuesday I finished my radiation treatment.

I. Am. Now. Cancer. Free! 

Surgery. Chemotherapy. Radiation. 8 months of treatment is now behind me."

Jill's celebration party!

{I hope you'll read Jill's message. It is a very heart-moving account of her journey, and all those who "walked it out" with her.}

A book by Jean:

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99  Bridal Shower Devotional 

(Wisdom for Women planning to get married)

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

Wisdom for brides (Christian Marriage, 
Counseling, & Help)

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Praying Scripture Over Children

Sharon Jaynes shares with us:
Proverbs 31 introduces us to the 

mother whose children rise up and call 

her blessed. 

She is a “wife of noble character” (NIV),
“an Excellent wife” (NAS) and “a capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman” (AMP).

The actual Hebrew word for excellent or virtuous 

is chayil and is sometimes interpreted as “virtuous, 

boldly courageous, powerful, mighty warrior.” 

The mother whose children rise up and call her blessed is a warrior who battles in prayer for the hearts, minds, and souls of her children.

She prays a hedge of protection around

 them and stands in the gap for them. She meets the enemy head-on, dressed in the armor of God with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) drawn and ready for action.

We may never know the many times that the enemy’s schemes against our children were thwarted by the power of our prayers.

As a mother, grandmother, aunt, or friend, you may feel that

your burden for a child seems more than you can bear. Peter

tells us to “cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares

for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

When my son was young, I created a 4 x 6 laminated card
with prayers that were my defense against the enemy’s attack.

You, too, can pray that your children will:

•     Know Christ as Savior early in life. Psalm 63:1; 2 Timothy 3:15
•     Have a hatred for sin. Psalm 97:10
•     Be caught when guilty. Psalm 119:71 (My son really wanted me to remove this one.)
•     Be protected from the evil one in each area of his life: spiritual, emotional, and physical. John 17:15
•     Have a responsible attitude in all his interpersonal relationships.  Daniel 6:3   
•     Respect those in authority over him. Romans 13:1

•     Desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. Proverbs 1:10- 11

•     Be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

•     Be kept pure until marriage (as well as the one he marries). 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

•     Learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all things. James 4:7

•     Be single-hearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2

•     Be hedged in so he cannot find his way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to him. Hosea 2:6          

A mother wears many hats during the years of raising her children. And while we take off those hats one-by-one as they grow and mature, there is one that will always remain—the hat of a mother who prays.

Today’s Truth

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth"  (3 John 1:4, NIV)

Let’s Pray

   Dear God, I agree with John who wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” That is my prayer today…that my child will walk in Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Praying Scripture Over Children by Sharon Jaynes  5/19/14

(Used by permission)

Children Spell Love T-I-M-E

Be sure to check out the message by Jill Savage on May 28, 2014 05:51 am

Today’s guest post is from Dr. Debbie Cherry.  Dr. Cherry is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker who is a workshop speaker at our 2014 Hearts at Home conferences.

"Spending time together is a powerful way to show your child love.  As a matter of fact most children spell love T-I-M-E.  But we live in a very busy world that seems to keep us running 100 mph just to keep up.

So, how do you slow down and commit to a less-hectic 
lifestyle that will allow you and your children more time 

together? Here are a few (10) suggestions..." {Check out Debbie's suggestions to discover some really nifty ideas.}

Let’s pray-

   Father, we do have a great opportunity, as well as a responsibility in raising our children in godly ways, and with Your protection.

   I trust You'll give us the courage to spend the time needed to teach our children and other children we come in contact with, to trust, honor, and obey You.

   Forgive our failures, please, and use our lives to be examples of Your grace, which is working to perfect us.

   Those of us who have grown children, we ask that You prod their memories, that they will remember our efforts to demonstrate Your love and teachings to them during their growing up years.

   Your inspiring them with Your Word today, will help them in their daily activities and decisions.

   In the precious Name of Jesus we ask this. Amen

Today’s Bible verses: Ecc. 7:8 "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

Ps. 145:4, 5 "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works."

Today’s quote: “The first to apologize is the bravest. The first 
to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.”
 Unknown 

Some thoughts today: Parents will give the early formative instruction. What will our lives show to our children. Will we be God-praisers? 

- We need to be living examples in planned and un-planned times.

- We need to be interactive with God to become Christ followers. What's in us will be squeezed out...under pressure.

Upcoming posts:

22nd-  Sunday evening’s post:  

Part 3- How CAN we hear from God? 

(15-22 ways) Jean Oathout

24th- Tuesday's post:  

#94  Seasons of Dryness  

C. Peter Wagner

26th- Thursday's post:

  #95  Need Help From Others  

C. Peter Wagner

28th- Saturday's post:

  Smile  

Joe Stowell

A popular post:  God's Birthing Agent   Dutch Sheets tells us,  "It will help us to keep us from error and alleviate some of your concerns if I state clearly up front, we don't birth anything spiritually, the Holy Spirit does."

"Train them up in the way
they should go..."

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse