Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts

Saturday, November 3, 2018

I HAVE CALLED YOU FOR THIS TIME. The Dream Still Holds. - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Special Edition:

On Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, 53 men and women, making up the leadership of Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC, were gathered for a weekend time of fellowship and teaching. During the Friday morning session, several were given prophetic words to share, for encouragement and destiny.

This is a prophetic word the Lord gave me. which I then spoke out for the group.

I believe it is also meant for many of you, located in the nations.

Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.
Charlotte, NC USA



I HAVE CALLED YOU FOR THIS TIME
-The Dream Still Holds

“Your eye has not seen yet what I see ahead. Your ear has not heard yet what I hear.

I have called each of you to this place. I have called you for this hour. 

Many of you know I called you –even when you were 10 and heard Me. Or those of you who were teenagers when I called you to Me.

You have been hurt, rejected, and left laying on the road. But I was there with you, and during the times you were in your closet, crying, in despair, and wanting to quit, I was there with you.

Know that the dreams and that which I placed in your heart long ago have not been forgotten or ended. It is for you now.

You are being joined together to bring My Word, to share My heart, to fulfill the plans and purposes I have for you.

My heart is for you. My heart is for you."






May the good Lord God, Father of All, bring to pass the dream He gave to you even as a child. He is Faithful and True, and will yet complete that desire He placed in your heart, even back then, to share His love, mercy, and grace to the nations.

We give thanks that He is bringing many back, to complete the call He has given to them. We need each person in the Body of Christ, walking out their destiny in Him.


Shalom and ahava (peace and love in Hebrew).

Now think on this,
  
Steve Martin
Founder/President
Love For His People, Inc.






If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$50 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.
  
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Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) 

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Now Think On This #363 - in the year of our Lord 11.03.18 – “I Have Called Your For This Time - The Dream Still Holds”, Saturday, 5:10 am  Fripp Island, SC  AIC Leadership weekend



Monday, August 7, 2017

Are You Truly Engaging Holy Spirit When You Worship and Pray? - KATHERINE RUONALA CHARISMA MAGAZINE SPIRTLED WOMAN


But then I realized I was singing, "I love You," with my mouth but not with my heart. (Flickr/D Coetzee)

Are You Truly Engaging Holy Spirit When You Worship and Pray?

KATHERINE RUONALA  CHARISMA MAGAZINE  SPIRTLED WOMAN
SpiritLed Woman PowerUp!

Years ago, when I was a backup singer on a worship team, I would be concentrating so much on singing the right part that I would sometimes forget I was meant to be worshipping. It's easy for a music teacher and a perfectionist to get focused on harmonies and pitch. One day I was singing away and heard the Holy Spirit say, "Who are you singing to?"
"You, Lord," I answered. But then I realized I was singing, "I love You," with my mouth but not with my heart. I absolutely loved Him in my heart, so that wasn't the problem, but I was having a conversation with Him without being conscious of what I was saying. I made a decision at that moment never to do that again. I told the Lord I never wanted to sing another worship song without being aware of to whom I was singing, the sincerity of my words, and the reality of His presence.
Imagine what that would be like with my husband. "Um, yeah, you're awesome, Tom," as I look around and occupy myself with other things. "Really great ... I appreciate you so much," while I yawn and check my e-mail. That's a bit strange, isn't it? It doesn't demonstrate sincerity or a desire for connection. That's what happens when we think we are worshipping but don't focus on God. I think that especially happens with the Holy Spirit, who can sometimes seem like the mysterious, forgotten member of the Trinity. The Father and Son can seem easier to relate to. We have natural fathers and sons in this world, so the concepts of God the Father and God the Son make sense to us. But what about the Holy Spirit? He loves our attention too, and He very often doesn't receive it.
I don't want to grieve the Holy Spirit in any way. I know He doesn't take offense easily; that's a wonderful thing about God. "God is love," and love is not easily offended (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:5). The Holy Spirit is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Even when I have at times drifted from truth, He remained constant and kind. He is patient and understanding. He doesn't withdraw His love. We can worship by faith, believing that as we come to worship, He is always so happy to be engaging with us. Because Jesus has made us clean and pure by His blood, we can always approach the throne of grace.
I want my relationship with the Holy Spirit to be about much more than coexisting. I don't want to just mentally acknowledge His presence. I want deep, close companionship; the fullness of His power and love; His guidance and direction; His comfort and counsel; and so much more. I want to know and be deeply, passionately in love with the One who knows and is deeply, passionately in love with me. I want to do life with Him to fulfill every inch of my destiny and see His kingdom come on earth just as it is in heaven.
Do you feel the same way? You wouldn't be reading this if you didn't want these things too. This is what your heart was made for and what you've been longing for. The wonderful news is that the Holy Spirit wants to help you with everything. He wants to partner with you even more than you want to partner with Him. He wants your destiny in Him to be thoroughly, gloriously fulfilled.
The Holy Spirit wants to speak to your heart. He wants to encourage you, and He wants to refresh you. He wants to supernaturally expand your capacity to receive His love and demonstrate it to others. He wants you to move in His power. He wants to take you higher and higher into absolute, overwhelming joy. There is fullness of joy in His presence, and that's where you get to stand—you and Him together. A life surrendered to Him will change the world forever. Are you ready?
life with the holy spiritAdapted from Life With the Holy Spirit by Katherine Ruonala, copyright 2017, published by Charisma House-Charisma Media/Charisma House Book Group. If you are hungry for true fellowship with God, are eager to experience His power and want to work with Him in ministering to others, then this book is for you. It will help you know the One Jesus sent to comfort, teach, fill, empower and guide you to fulfill God's purpose, while experiencing the delight and benefits of having a meaningful relationship with Him. To order your copy click on this link.
Prayer Power for the Week of Aug. 6, 2017
This week, take some time to "pray in the Holy Spirit" so that you can immediately connect with the heart of God and His priorities for you, your loved ones, the nation and the world. Continue to pray for those in authority over us and ask the Lord to surround them with wise counsel and give them wisdom as they make decisions affecting us and the entire world. Remember those who have suffered loss through recent natural disasters, crime and/or terrorism. Ask the Lord to show you what you can do to help. Continue to pray for worldwide revival, those serving the people in our communities and nation, and our allies. Read: 1 Cor. 13:5; 1 John 4:8.
Readers are Leaders! Subscribe now and get 3 magazines for the price of 1. Get Charisma, Ministry Today and SpiritLed Woman all for $24. YES - Sign me up!
3 Reasons Why you should read Life in the Spirit. 1) Get to know the Holy Spirit. 2) Learn to enter God's presence 3) Hear God's voice clearly! Click here to draw closer to God!

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold

Now Think On This
Steve Martin


“Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life’s consequences.” Proverbs 4:23, Complete Jewish Bible)


I had woken up trying to fight off bitterness and resentment in my mind. I didn’t want it to overtake my heart.

In the dream I just had, my wife Laurie and I were ushers for a large gathering. I don’t recall if it was on a ship, at a conference, or a special church event. It seemed as if we had been part of the “invited guests” list, being a part of the group, but chose to be servants for the others by ushering. We had been doing this for a number of years.

As the dream continued, around 10 pm, when the meeting was over and all had left for the banquet, we too went to get our food, expecting to receive what the others would have gotten earlier. Along the way I passed several tables which had key lime pie available on small plates, as the desert. Thinking I might want a piece before they were gone, I picked up one plate and began eating the slice of pie. (I must have been hungry!)

When I got to the food line, where the food had been set up in cafeteria style for large crowds, all I could see left were turkey wings – basically bones with a little meat on them – and some mashed potatoes. I asked the servers if there was anything else left, and they said no. They were preparing for the next meal, but I couldn’t have that.

I then woke up (the red digital lights read 2:22 am on the clock) and I laid there for at least 20 minutes, trying to guard both my mind and my heart from the thoughts of bitterness, anger and resentment that threatened to overtake me. Here we had just served all these people, and yet nothing good was left for us to partake too.

It was a real struggle, as my mind thought back over the years when my service in ministry could at times have been taken for granted. Would I allow this attitude to get the best of me now at this point in my life?

There are three things I felt the Lord was trying to tell me. He may also do the same with you through this dream.

1.      We are in a spiritual battle. In these last days, our hearts can grow cold due to the atmosphere around us, with darkness trying to constantly overtake everything. We are in a real battle for our souls and those we are in contact with.

2.      As we grow older in the faith, and in our bodies, we can become cynical, seeing things happen over and over again, with no change happening. It can wear us down and cause us to pull back from engaging with others, and giving in service to them out of love.

3.      If we allow weeds to fall in our spiritual soil and grow roots, they will consume the good wheat that has also been planted. A root of bitterness can destroy your spiritual walk and testimony. “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15, NASU)

Looking back in our faith walk, in order to keep moving forward, if we do not give thanks and continue to see with the Lord’s vision, we will give in to that which will steal our joy, our purpose, and our direction in this life. We must keep fighting the good fight, guard our hearts, and pray that they do not grow cold.

Remember, we serve a good God, and He is the Rewarder of those who seek Him. May He find faith when He returns.  “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.” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)

Lord, help us stay close to you.

(By the way, I did get another hour of sleep before I got up for Bible reading and prayer.)

Now think on this,

Steve Martin
Founder
Love For His People, Inc.



P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

We are blessed when the ministry receives gifts to support the families that we do, primarily in Israel, India, Pakistan and the hurting ones here in the USA. You also can share out of the abundance you have been given.

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA humanitarian organization started in 2010 to share the love of the Father in the nations.

If these messages minister to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $5-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families we know in Israel, whom we consistently help through our humanitarian ministry. Your tax deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

Click here for safe ONLINE GIFT GIVING THROUGH OUR WEBSITE using major credit cards: Love For His People. If you don't have a PayPal account you can also use your credit card or bank account (where available). 

Contribution checks can be sent to: 
Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box414   Pineville, NC 28134

Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.)
Please share Now Think On This with your friends.

Email: loveforhispeople@gmail.com  
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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 08.02.16 - #263 –“Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold” – Tuesday at 6:00 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This


Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

Saturday, December 26, 2015

"The Bed is Too Short: Dealing With a Restless, Discontented Spirit" by Bobby Conner - THE ELIJAH LIST


I enjoy discovering passages of Scripture tucked away that one seldom hears people speaking about. Here is one such passage:
"For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it (Isaiah 28:20 NKJV).
I've personally experienced this passage! My wife and I were traveling across Eastern Europe in ministry. In one location where we stayed the night, the bed was so short that most of my lower body hung off it, my feet almost dangling to the floor. Needless to say, I was dreadfully uncomfortable, more comfortable on the floor than the bed. 
I am over six feet tall and the bed was about five feet long. Nevertheless, it turns out I'm not the only one who has faced such an experience. The prophet Isaiah describes exactly this condition: (Photo via Pixabay)
"You will be like the person in the proverb, who tries to sleep in a bed too short to stretch out on, with a blanket too narrow to wrap himself in" (Isaiah 28:20 GNT).
A colorful and sarcastic metaphor is employed by the Prophet Isaiah to describe the condition in which the people of God find themselves as a result of their failure to fully follow the Lord's guidance. The bed is too short and the covering too narrow. 
This speaks of the absolute futility of attempting to be satisfied, peaceful, and comfortable when a person is willfully out of God's will and way.
Man's best-laid plans are disappointing and unsuccessful without God. This is clearly revealed in the saga of mankind attempting to build its own access to Heaven, only to discover this is a foolish and futile attempt. You can't get to Heaven without God (see Genesis 11:1-9).
When one is directed by the lust of the flesh, one forfeits contentment and personal peace, exchanging the tranquil soul for a troubled mind.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:7-11 NKJV
The carnal person, the person that continues yielding to the desires of the flesh, has no real contentment; their spirit is like a storm-tossed sea. Remember, we are warned that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (see James 1:8). Their sinful lifestyle leaves them uncomfortable and unable to rest and find comfort; their soul is in a troubled storm.(Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. "There is no peace," says my God, "for the wicked." Isaiah 57:20-21 NKJV
Scripture reminds us that man's plans without God's guidance always lead to failure (see Proverbs 14:12). The too short bed reveals the insufficiency of man's self-directed way to produce the much-needed peace and tranquility of heart and soul that God offers all who trust and obey Him (see Isaiah 26:3).
Truly it is only as we keep firmly focused on Christ that we will obtain and maintain a peaceful soul. Scripture states that great and lasting reward comes to those who seek to know God more deeply and intimately.
Acquaint yourself with HIM, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you. Job 22:21 WEB
For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and shall lift up your face to God. Job 22:26 WEB
Never forget, true peace comes from Christ Jesus (see John 14:27).Genuine peace is one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22).
...for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NKJV
ElijahList Prophetic Resources
Points To Ponder
If you've been feeling unusually restless lately, the following may be some of the reasons why. Perhaps you're trying to fit into a place you've inherited from someone else – a "bed" that is too small for you. There is a dissatisfaction within us when we are not doing what God has called and destined us to do. When we are walking in the will of God, we have peace and contentment (see Philippians 4:11).
Maybe you've been like the frustrated baby who simply has outgrown his once-perfect crib. The Kingdom of God is ever expanding! We must learn and adapt to growth also. It could be the doctrinal "blanket" that once kept you so snug and cozy is now too narrow to cover your expanding revelatory insights.
You are not alone in your restlessness; however, you can't stay in that kind of bed...or try to cover yourself with that kind of blanket (see 1 Timothy 6:6).God is stirring up your souls to seek Him in a much deeper manner (see Jeremiah 29:12-13). It is time to expand our horizons spiritually.
A Downward Pathway
A restless, discontented spirit is not something to be taken flippantly; that is a plan for disaster and destruction. Never forget there is a high cost for low living! The pleasure of sin brings with it some horrendous consequences (see Romans 6:23).(Photo via Flickr)
King David is a vivid example of the fruit of a restless spirit (see 2 Samuel 11:1-5). As we search for reasons for King David's discontentment, we soon discover he is out of the place God had prepared for him. Thus, he is dissatisfied and disturbed within his spirit. David is restless and he takes a walk on the palace roof. Little does he know that he has set out on a downward journey that will affect him for the rest of his life.
It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. 
And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child." 2 Samuel 11:1-5 NKJV
The open door to this restless spirit happened when David did not go out to battle; this was his anointed place. It is so important to grasp and understand that if we are not where we are supposed to be, then there is no grace to be where we are! 
Let me say that again: "If we are not where God has told us to be, then there is no grace to be where we are!"
David is restless, and soon he is on a downward journey. He is bored and restless, so he takes a stroll. Notice the downward pathway. First, he is out of the will of God. Second, discontented, he opened himself up to a demonic distraction: he sees a naked woman in a bath. A spirit of lust moves upon his heart, and David takes another man's wife. 
This story is all too familiar; a discontented spirit leads to an open door for demonic distraction, and then attempts to satisfy the lust of the eye. A spoiled attempt to cover up his sexual sin soon leads to the untimely death of a faithful soldier Uriah, a loyal, mighty warrior, whose name speaks of being "a flame and light for God." Scripture warns: "Be sure your sin will find you out."
How to Defeat a Restless Spirit
1) Focus your attention on things above: heavenly things! (Photo via Pixabay)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Meditate on These Things
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV
2) Busy yourself with loving and following the Lord Jesus!
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.Proverbs 17:22 WEB
Christ Jesus is the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6). Yield to Him; give Jesus first place in your heart and life. His plans for you are far greater than you could design for yourself (see Jeremiah 29:11). In a troubled world, Christ Jesus is the Solid Rock.
Bobby Conner
Eagles View Ministries

Email: manager@bobbyconner.org
Website: bobbyconner.org
Bobby Conner: This "Gentle Giant" is uniquely anointed with refreshing humor and razor-sharp prophetic accuracy, which has been documented around the world. Bobby's dynamic capacity to release outstanding demonstrations of the miraculous – healings, signs and wonders – reveals the very heart of the Father toward us! 
Surviving a dramatic abortion attempt by his mother, being rescued again by the hand of God from drug dealing and suicide, the story of Bobby Conner is a display of a man who now walks in his God-ordained destiny to set others free! Highly esteemed as an internationally acclaimed conference speaker, Bobby has ministered effectively to over 45 foreign countries as well as here in the States for many years.
To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe


LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE FEATURED BOOK



Monday, November 16, 2015

Hannah, Jonathan and Levi - He cometh soon!

Mama Hannah (Martin) Avalos and Papa Jonathan Avalos 
- with Levi Zachary Avalos - in preparation

Celebrating Marriage and New Life!

We are greatly looking forward
to Levi Zachary Avalos
arrival in mid-Janurary, 2016!

Shower time - Nov. 15, 2015

Thank you for Your love that rains down Lord!

 Our prayer for Levi Zachary Avalos
- with Hannah, Dad & Mom
Nov. 15, 2015

Steve, Laurie, Hannah & Levi (in hiding...)

Hannah and younger sister Christen 


Mama Hannah (Martin) and Papa Jonathan Avalos 
- being fruitful and multiplying!


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

"These Prayer Requests Have No Postage on Them – Return to Sender!" - Bill Yount


In the Spirit I saw many prayers ascending upward toward the throne. I sensed that many of these prayers were being prayed according to the Father's perfect will. Many were prayers for gifts, callings, and destinies to be manifested. A majority were bundles of prayers for the lost, especially for family members. Many of these prayer requests were made up of strong cries, day and night with fasting, that had become heavy burdens on hearts over the years.
As these prayers began to ascend, they seemed to go only so far and then drop back down to earth as though they were bouncing off the ceiling from where they were being prayed. I saw in Heaven something like a huge "heavenly post office" where prayer requests are received and where answers to prayers are sent out. 
At the entrance of this "heavenly post office" on the front door was written in gigantic letters the Scripture Philippians 4:6"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God."
Many Prayers Weren't Making It
As huge bundles of prayer requests came through the front door on the way to the throne room, I was appalled by how many requests were being stopped and never made it to the throne room for answers. I heard a voice that shook me. 
An angelic postmaster general proclaimed, "These prayer requests have no postage on them. Return to sender!" (Photo via Freeimages/Tawny Nelson)
In the Spirit I saw these huge bundles of prayer requests like letters that had no postage stamps on them. These could go no farther! The ones I did see going on into the throne room to be answered had a postage stamp of "thanksgiving" on them. 
These ones became "priority mail" inside the throne room, and immediate confirmation of peace was sent to the sender with the following verse: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Before the answers of these prayers were manifested on earth, the people that sent their requests with thanksgiving were receiving the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen because of the peace of God they were receiving through "giving of thanks".
There Can't Be Thanksgiving Until There's Believing
Many prayers for lost loved ones never really reached their heavenly destination, not because people weren't praying, but they simply were not believing that they would receive what they were asking for. Therefore, to be thankful was very difficult for them.
The Lord seemed to say, "Tell My people that many have already prayed and prayed and filled Heaven with their prayers for the lost and their loved ones. They actually need to stop praying and simply believe ME to save them. 
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved...and thy house! Many are carrying a false responsibility, feeling that they are responsible to get their family members saved. May I remind you that you could not save your own self, and therefore, you cannot save anybody else. And since I saved you, I can save anybody!"(Photo via Pixabay)
Many who were faithfully praying for family members for many years were actually praying themselves into a state of depression. I sense the Spirit saying, "This kind of praying is not scriptural! Begin to believe and start thanking Me that I am going to save them now! Thank Me that I am going to bring in the lost. Just send up some stamps of 'thanksgiving,' and I will stamp your prayer requests to forward them to the throne."
ElijahList Prophetic Resources
Start Living as Though Your Prayers Are Already Answered!
I sensed the Father saying, "As you are thanking Me, go ahead and start treating the lost as though they were already saved. Start living as though your prayers are already answered! When you do, your life will become so full of thanksgiving and praise and worship, that you will begin to see My heavenly 'UPS' and 'FED EX' arrive, bringing speedy delivery from Heaven to impossible requests upon the earth! Praise and worship moves Me to do outrageous acts of blessings upon the earth!"
I remembered when Peter was put in prison and the Church was praying for his deliverance. There was also a prayer meeting going on for Peter in a woman's house. Her name was Mary. As the angel came and delivered Peter, he made a straight run to Mary's house. I believe he felt the power of their prayers.
We Can Stop Praying Now!
As he knocked on the front door, a handmaiden, Rhoda, answered the door and got so excited she forgot to let Peter in. Rhoda ran inside that prayer meeting shouting, "Peter is at the front door. We can stop praying now!" (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
For some reason they didn't seem to hear her. Perhaps someone was giving a strong prophetic utterance about Peter's soon release! Again, I can hear Rhoda shouting, "Our answered prayer is at the front door! We can stop praying!" Finally, Rhoda gets the prayer group's attention, and here is the spiritual temperature in that prayer room – here is what they say to Rhoda: "You must see his ghost!" In other words, "We don't believe it!"
You Will Never See It If You Don't Believe It
You can pray for a hundred years, but unless you believe that you are going to receive what you are asking for, you will never see it! "Whatsoever things you ask in prayer, believe that you receive them and you shall have them."
I personally believe there are some prayer meetings that need to be broken up. Many churches have prayer meetings, but few have "prayer-believing" meetings. It was easier for Peter to get out of prison than it was for him to get inside that prayer meeting!
Our Thanksgiving Proves Our Faith
Next time you pray, try putting a postage stamp of "thanksgiving" on your request. I promise you, you will enjoy prayer time much more, and you will probably live much longer! Prayer with thanksgiving proves to God that we believe we are going to receive what we are asking for. (Photo via Pixabay)
As a father, when my children thank me for something in advance, it's hard for me to get out of giving it to them!
Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministry

Email: theshofarhasblown@juno.com
Website: billyount.com
Bill Yount has been a member of Bridge of Life in Hagerstown, Maryland, for the past 36 years where he is now an elder and a home missionary. He is currently an advisor at large for Aglow International. Bill faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope for 23 years and now travels full-time, both in the U.S. and internationally, ministering in churches and Aglow circles. "Humility and humor" characterize his ministry as he brings forth a fresh word that is "in season," proclaiming the Word of the Lord! 
The shofar (or ram's horn) is often used in his meetings, breaking the powers of darkness over regions, churches, and households. The shofar represents God's breath blowing into the nostrils of His people, reviving them and awakening the lost. Many of God's messages, which Bill ministers prophetically, come out of his everyday life with his family and friends.
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