A Letter I sent to Tiffany awhile back...thought I'd share

Faith vs. Fear

Creflo A. Dollar

Dear Tiffany,
I have been praying for you, and found this fantastic article, and thought of you. I am sending it to you. I will pray that God speaks to your heart through this wonderful message.
I am behind you all the way, girl!!! (You may not remember me…Karen, Lonnie’s daughter…Your mom’s cousin, Your Grandma’s niece) I can’t wait to see you this summer.
Know you are loved and you have an army of prayer warriors in your path!
Love,
Karen Eve Tinnes

Many people think fear is a normal and acceptable part of life. I've even heard some people say, "There's nothing wrong with having just a little fear." Nothing could be further from the truth. Fear is anything but normal. From a natural perspective, fear is associated with simply being afraid. But spiritually speaking, fear is actually twisted faith. It is having faith in the devil and what he can do, rather than having faith in God and His Word.

Fear isn't just a feeling, it's a force. The Word of God defines fear as a spirit that doesn't come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). To live in fear sets you up for disaster because just like faith will connect you to the promises of God, fear will connect you to the things you fear. When you operate from a position of fear, you actually position yourself to receive the very things you are afraid of.

In examining fear and its impact on your life, it is important to consider words and their creative power. Words are spiritual containers that carry either faith or fear. Words of faith are encouraging, hopeful and in line with the Word of God. On the other hand, words of fear are full of doubt, unbelief, dread and despair. Fear–filled words go against what God has said in His Word and will cancel out the good things that He has planned for your life.

It is critical that you align your words with the Word if you want to override the spirit of fear when it tries to attack you. Faith–filled words empower God to move on your behalf.

Fear is designed to stop you from experiencing all that God has promised you in His Word, but the good news is that He has already delivered you from it. If you are in relationship with God, you don't have to be ruled by any type of fear.

Hebrews 2:14, 15 says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." Fear is the primary tool Satan uses to destroy people's lives. But the ability of the enemy has been annihilated by Jesus Christ. You are no longer subject to fear.

There is a way to flush fear out of your life if you find yourself struggling with it. The key is walking in the love of God and allowing His love to mature in your life. First John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." Every time you walk in love toward others (1 Corinthians 13) and maintain a consciousness of God's love for you, you kick fear out.

Once you get the fear out of your life, your faith "receiver" will be free and clear of all interference. You will then be able to believe God for His promises without hindrances. Allowing the love of God to rise in you will support your faith and position you to receive the blessings of God—healing, deliverance, safety, provision and financial increase.

In the midst of life's trials, refuse fear. I don't care what is going on around you. Resist fear with everything in you. Confess the Word of God over your situation until you begin to see things change. Stand firm on the Scriptures which will help to build your faith. Begin to praise God for what He has already done for you. Have confidence in God and His Word and don't let fear contaminate your faith.

TRAVELING MERCIES

Heavenly Father,

I humbly come before you this night and ask that you grant traveling mercies to ALL family members who are coming to Tacoma this coming weekend. Post your angels around their vehicles, airplanes, trains, rented cars and around them and allow no mishaps to happen. Keep them safe and happy and please allow them to arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy their time here. Please give all who are traveling good weather for their trip and give them the beauty of creation to marvel at as they travel. I love you, Lord. I know you have my loved one's safety and well-being in your hands. Amen.

Saturday, June 7, 2009 - day of prayer for Brian and Diane

This picture was taken at Diane's parents home in Kuhlmbach, Germany in 2006.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 -

"Go eat your food and enjoy it;
drink your wine and be happy,
because that is what God wants you to do.
Put on nice clothes
and make yourself look good.

Enjoy life with the wife you love. Enjoy the work you do here on earth. Whatever work you do, do your best."

and Ecclesiastes 3:13 -

"When you eat and drink and find happiness in your work, this is a gift from God."

God has gifted you - good jobs and all you need.

You are both so wise and lots of knowledge. Thank God for it, and pray for Spiritual Wisdom and Knowledge. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given unto you."

God has blessed you. He IS blessing you right now.

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We know that someday our heavenly Father is going to take all those who follow Him into eternal happiness. It's to that day that we look. It's upon our hope and confidence that He will return that we stand. Our prayer should be that our Father will help us make decisions that will set us on the course of eternal life.

Listen to the Christ rather than to the voices of men. Jesus says you can't please men and still be a servant of God. Those who listen and follow Christ will be received into heaven by the pierced hands of the one who knows the freedom of giving up what you cannot own in order to receive what no one can take from you--eternal life.

Praise the name of Jesus. Lord, may we see the joy that is before us. Would you pull back the curtain and give us just a glimpse into the eternal life? Would you hear the yearnings of our hearts? Will you keep us close to you this day - and always?

Friday - June 5, 2009 - prayer day for Debbie

In my prayer for Debbie today, I turned to psalm 51: 10-13:

"Create in me a pure heart, oh God,
and make my spirit right again.
Do not send me away from you
or take your Holy Spirit away from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation.
Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit,
THEN I WILL TEACH YOUR WAYS TO THOSE WHO DO WRONG,
AND SINNERS WILL TURN BACK TO YOU."

Isaiah 55: 6, 8 - 9:

"Seek Yahweh while He is still to be found.
Call to Him while He is still near.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
My ways not your ways - it is Yahweh who speaks."

Psalm 37:7:

Be quiet before Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him."

Psalm 37:23:

"Yahweh guides your steps,
They are sure and He takes pleasure in your progress.
You may fall, but never fatally,
since Yahweh supports you by His hand."


Debbie - While in prayer I felt it is important for you to stay in God's word - daily!
I also think you need to re-join a bible study group. Seek truth. Pray. God wants to use you and will use you in a mighty way soon - TEACHING TRUTH !!!

Revelation 16:15 -

"Be on your guard! I come like a thief. Happy the one who stays wide awake and fully clothed for fear of going naked and exposed for all to see!"

This is speaking of spiritual clothes. Spiritual wisdom and knowledge. Stay clothed (in My word, says the Lord) so you won't be caught naked! Stay awake! (Be ready!)

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The bible is like a treasure hunt. The more we explore and prod and poke around it, the more gems we find. If you want to grow in the Word of God, become a person with a chisel and and chop at the Word--look, explore, seek. Let The Word become Your word, and you will grow.

Father, we're amazed at how practical your Bible is. (Did you know that the word "Bible" means GOOD NEWS? Or the gospel truths? Isn't it better than reading the Bad News?) Who would have thought that daily help could be found in a book so old. Every time we open it we find it's not old at all. Help us to look for your guidance in that precious book. Make us aware of how precious your Word is. Bless those who share this Good News with everyone around them. Thank you, Father, for giving us this source of light and strength, and for giving us the opportunity to uncover the jewels waiting to be discovered in your holy pages.

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Dear Lord - be with Debbie. Be her constant companion. Help her fight loneliness. Thank you for revealing yourself to her daily in her bible pages and her prayer. Thank you for her abilities and gifts to teach. Protect her from all harm.
In Jesus' name we pray - AMEN!

7 wonders of the world

Tuesday - June 3, 2009 - day of prayer for Linda and family

I couldn't find any recent pictures of the boys all together, so I posted a couple of my favorites. Aren't they the cutest!

June 3rd - 1st anniversary of Dennis destroying everything and going to jail. Linda has been cleaning up all the damages he caused ever since. A very tough year (or 3, really!)

Here is a scripture I found for Linda and her boys:

Isaiah 30:18 - 21

"Yahweh is waiting to be gracious to you, for Yahweh is a just God; happy are all who hope in Him. Yes, Linda and boys - you will live in Great Falls and weep no more. God will be gracious to you when He hears your cry; when He hears He will answer. Dennis - when the Lord has given you the bread of suffering and the water of distress, He who is your teacher will hide no longer. Linda and boys, whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear these words behind you - "this is the way, follow it".

Oh Lord, we all join together in placing Linda and her family at your feet. We praise you and thank you for being their God - for your grace, mercy, and protection!

Protect Joshua from harm in his travels in the Marines. Let no harm come to him.

We pray for Jeremy and Jade during the summer months. They need jobs. Thank you that Jeremy can work for Paul. Now he needs a dependable car to get there. Please provide for them. We pray for emotional healing of all the hurts and memories they've endured.

Prosper Linda in her work. Give her the energy and health she needs to do all she needs to do.

Guard their finances.

Guide them on their paths.

In the name of Jesus we pray! We plead the precious blood of the lamb over them, and over their doorposts, over their cars, their friends. No harm to come near them.

Thank you, Lord!

Day of prayer for Janet and family - June 2nd

From my journal of prayer for Janet, Eric, Arjay and Kailey:

Psalm 46:

God is our protection and our strength.
He always helps in times of trouble.
So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes,
or the mountains fall into the sea,
Even if the oceans roar and foam,
or the mountains shake at the raging sea.

There is a river that brings joy to God,
the holy place where God Most High lives. (could this be speaking of the Holy Spirt?-
the River of Life?)
God is in that city, and so it will not be shaken. (God dwells in the praises of His people. God IS the Holy Spirit!)
God will help her at dawn.
Nations tremble and kingdoms shake.
God shouts and the earth crumbles.
The Lord All-powerful is with us;
the God of Jacob is our defender.

Come and see what the Lord has done,
the amazing things he has done. (I like to stop here and think of, or share with people, what He has done for me!)
He stops wars everywhere on the earth.
He breaks all bows and spears and burns up the chariots with fire. (weapons of war).

God says, "Be quiet and know that I am God.
I will be supreme over all nations;
I will be supreme in the earth" (I am your God, there is no other).

The Lord All-Powerful is with us;
The God of Jacob is our defender."

This scripture is so wonderful! Such great promises in it. Such hope! God is with us. Such great news.

Let's take a moment to think of some way God has answered prayers - ways He's touched our lives - ways He's let us know He is with us!

I know that God worked out our trip to Washington! We had all these plans made, reservations done, and everything - before we even knew Sharon had cancer. It started out to be just Bev and I going there sometime on the train. Then Mickey and Kay decided we just had to get together with Sharon (Bev and I because it was ages since we'd seen each other). Next thing you know Kay and Debbie decided to go, too. So Mickey suggested we send out invites to everyone and chose the date of June 12-15 because that is the date of their June Family Fun Day. So they did. Then Brian and Diane and Karen made their reservations to be there. Linda didn't want to miss out on seeing them, so she booked a flight too. Chad and Brea decided to come, and so did Rick! Then Bev and Mike got on board, and so did Maria! I do believe that was the work of the Lord. And Mickey and Kay co-operated with His plan. Otherwise it may never have happened. Praise God. (We will definitely miss having the rest of our family there - and the Friede's, but at least we get to be with all these family members!)

Do you have any stories of how God worked or answered prayers in your life? Please share.

Dear Lord - I pray for Janet and her family. I thank you for their jobs. Please keep them working and earning enough money to make it. I thank you for Arjay's abilities to build rockets and be a part of the space program, NASA. Protect all of them from the evil one. Thank you - in Jesus' name we pray - Amen!

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I believe Psalm 46 is a word for Sharon, too - and all who read this blog.

A word for Sharon and for all of us: (from God)

Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind.
Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God.

It is through knowing Me intimately that you become like Me. This requires spending time alone with Me. Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God.

Monday - day of prayer for Karen, Chad, Brea,

This is a picture taken at Dry Wolf campground. We've had so much fun camping together, haven't we. (Sorta looks like they might NEED some prayers, huh)? The picture of Karen is from 2007.

Here is what I had in my prayer for Karen, Chad and Brea yesterday, June 1:

1 John 4:13-16 "We know that we live in God and He lives in us, because He gave us His Spirit. We have seen and can testify that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God has God living inside, and that person lives in God. And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God IS love. Those who live in love live in God and God lives in them."

God illustrates perfect love to us. We aren't always sure ourselves when we use the term love. That word has become one of the most widely mis-used words in our language. We use the word love to describe the basest as well as the most exalted of human relationships. We "love" to travel, we "love" to eat chocolate cake, we "love" our new car, or the pattern in wallpaper in our home. Why, we even say we "love" our neighbors--but most of us don't do much more than just say it and let it go at that! No wonder we don't have a very clear idea of what the bible means when it says "God is Love".

Don't make the mistake of thinking that because God is Love that everything is going to be sweet, beautiful, and happy and that no one will be punished for his sins. God's holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God's love provides the plan and way of redemption for sinful man. God's love is the cross of Jesus, by which we can have forgiveness and cleansing. It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross!

Never question God's great love, for it is as unchangeable a part of God as His holiness. No matter how terrible our sins, God loves you. Were it not for the love of God, none of us would ever have a chance in the future life. But God IS Love and His love for us is everlasting! (from Peace With God by Billy Graham)

I am not sure why this was where I was led to pray for you guys today. Maybe it is speaking to your hearts. At any rate it is a good "teaching" for you and for all of us today.

Dear Lord, I pray for peace in Karen's heart. Let her feel your radiant light, warmth, peace and love. Give her the moments she needs to just sit in your presence and be quiet before you. Help her experience your throne of grace. And be with Brea in these trying times. And Chad, too. Bless them, Lord, with joy and your abundant love! Thank you, Jesus - in Your mighty name I pray!

A word from God for you:

"When you focus firmly on ME, My peace displaces all fear and worry. They will try to gain entrance, so stay alert. Let trust and thankfulness stand guard, turning back fear and worry before they can gain a foothold. Sit quietly in my light and my SON-shine, while I bless you with my peace and love. Words of a song we sing often are running through my mind - words for you right now: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful eyes - and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and love."

Red is the color for rejoicing

I thought this article was well worth printing here. It is excerpted from an article in our Tribune the day before Pentecost Sunday, May 31st. I added a few of my own words and experiences and subtracted a few of her words and experiences so as to make it relevant to our family and friends. Here it goes:

Pentecost remembers the Christian church's long-ago birthday in Jerusalem.

Every Pentecost I think, "Party on, people!" Our scriptures at mass on Sunday were all about the first pentecost. Red is the color of the Holy Spirit. The priest wore, red, the decor was all red. Dad and I wore red shirts to church. I can remember very few Pentecost Sunday masses that were a joyful celebration. And yet, it should be. It was the beginning of Christianity. Many passages in the scriptures say "Celebrate! Clap your hands! Play in praise before your God! Worship Him with stringed instruments, trumpets, tamborines, etc". Peter and the other disciples of Christ became bold after that first pentecost and went out and proclaimed Jesus as Lord without fear! You can read all about in the book of Acts.

The church should bubble with excitement. Often I think church people do not party nearly enough. Some people in church truly do behave as if our spirits are frozen. We sit unsmiling in the pews, annoyed when children bounce or adults clap. That's who I was until the Holy Spirit jerked my hands off my lap and said loudly - "bring 'em together, Lonnie. Raise your hands and receive what I have for you. Raise your hands in praise of me. Show your joy. Jesus Christ has lived for YOU!"

It was a challenge. At first I was all frowns and disapproval. So skeptical. What were these praise songs, singing the same simple lines over and over? "Give me the good old hymns and organ music," I said.

The Holy Spirit kicked me and said "Get a life, Lonnie. Have you bothered to find out what those simple, repetitive lines are? They're scripture. Sing them over and over until their meaning penetrates your hard head."

The Holy Spirit is not always gentle with me. Sometimes He knocks me down because I am being dull, dull, dull. The Holy Spirit, I've concluded, does not like dull. The Holy Spirit likes liveliness, sunshine, people with the energy to dance their faith the way King David did.

The Holy Spirit also loves the tiny, adorable hands of infants, horses running on the range with their manes and tails flying, spring crops pushing out of the ground, and people who love God praying silently in their beds.

Sometimes the Holy Spirit rushes like a mighty wind, as when he descended upon the disciples in Jeruselem that first time, placing tongues of fire on all their heads and allowing them to understand each other no matter what language each was speaking.


Other times the Holy Spirit is silent, or as quiet as a baby bird making its first chirp.

I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit in my life. He picks me up when I am down, cools me when I get overheated, settles me when I'm agitated. He sings me to sleep at night and puts a song in my mouth when I arise.

I am grateful for Pentecost and the coming of the church, and most of all for Jesus Christ, a man of such amazing courage and strength that He was willing to take on the whole world's burdens so that my burdens and yours might become a bit lighter.

I am so grateful. Let's celebrate! The color is red!