"It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied." But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease."
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours."
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt." Genesis 41:16, 39–41
Encouragement for Today from New Living Translation:
Overnight, Joseph went from literally the lowest place in the kingdom—prison—to the highest, just under the king in authority. It was God's doing. Joseph gave the king God's words and gave God the glory. He never took credit himself or claimed to have wisdom, except what God revealed to him. He was deemed worthy of great responsibility because of his faithfulness to God. What might God do in, through, and for you when you are faithful and give him the glory? Though you may have been waiting for years, as Joseph did, your change can come overnight.
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
On November 18, 2010 the Lord gave me this encouragement from Joseph Prince:
Beloved, see God’s heart for you today. He wants to prosper you greatly. Don’t settle for anything less, thinking that He only supplies your needs and not your wants. If you need a job, know that He wants you to pray not just for a job, but for a position. When you have a position, you have influence and you are able to impact lives. Maybe what you need is a pay increment. Then, pray not just for that, but also to be in a position to give increments!
On April 28, 2011 I was set free from prison; the Spirit lifted up and away from the desk and my heart was at last free to leave the previous job. I walked into the new one on May 2nd.
By mid-May I was convinced of my own helplessness and utter reliance upon the Lord to help me make sense of chaos; it seemed as though there were no way to make heads or tails of the new situation.
Today I sit in the position the Lord showed me back in November. Truly, God is good; God is faithful; and how merciful and kind He is to me. He is my God, my Deliverer, my Strong and Mighty Tower of Protection, and truly promotion cometh from Him alone.
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Return Visit to Ghana
I have been listening, listening, listening for direction with regard to the return visit to Ghana, and this morning I clearly heard in my heart to consider Philip, who was told, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Philip followed the instruction to go south down the desert road and along the way he encountered the eunuch reading aloud from Isaiah.
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
Philip was obedient to set forth from Jerusalem to Gaza, but he did not make his destination his priority; he simply arose and set forth. The Lord knew that the eunuch would be on that desert road and Philip was sensitive enough to the Spirit to divert his destination to explain the Word of God to him. Many would have considered the eunuch a distraction or an obstacle in achieving the destination; I confess that I can see the Hand of the Lord having worked a great change in my heart in this very area. The destinations are no longer so vital; it is the Way I walk and the opportunities He places on it that are vital.
I have been asking the Lord, "When will I return to Ghana? When will things be in place? When will I know that it is time?" And there has been no response until today, when I considered Philip:
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.
The Lord transported Philip when it suited Him to do so, and He did not transport him south as first instructed, but "farther north." And so, dear Ike, when I have that "Philip moment", I will be in Ghana; until then, I continue my walk.
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”
Philip was obedient to set forth from Jerusalem to Gaza, but he did not make his destination his priority; he simply arose and set forth. The Lord knew that the eunuch would be on that desert road and Philip was sensitive enough to the Spirit to divert his destination to explain the Word of God to him. Many would have considered the eunuch a distraction or an obstacle in achieving the destination; I confess that I can see the Hand of the Lord having worked a great change in my heart in this very area. The destinations are no longer so vital; it is the Way I walk and the opportunities He places on it that are vital.
I have been asking the Lord, "When will I return to Ghana? When will things be in place? When will I know that it is time?" And there has been no response until today, when I considered Philip:
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.
The Lord transported Philip when it suited Him to do so, and He did not transport him south as first instructed, but "farther north." And so, dear Ike, when I have that "Philip moment", I will be in Ghana; until then, I continue my walk.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Christ is the Standard, and in Him, I Have Met It
It has been a slow dawning in my spirit that there are no standards to live up to, no expectations whatsoever, that in Christ I simply can do all things. That is such an encouragement to me to do my best, no matter what it does or does not measure up to, for in Christ, my Father joyfully boasts about this little child who simply seeks to please His heart.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thoughts on Sowing
A little lesson in needing money: it is not the money that we need; the world operates on the foundation of money, but the Kingdom operates on the foundation of sowing. Money has its end in the object of its pursuit, for whatever it can buy will eventually be destroyed by the same sin that is destroying the Creation, which is groaning and crying out for its own Redemption.
What we do need is seed, for Jesus taught us emphatically in Mark 4 and continually throughout the Gospel records that we must sow seed according to the Word of God. A seed sown will yield an abundance that will meet not only the need of the sower, but will also fulfill God's Word to put seed into the hand of the sower in order to meet the needs of others. Seed sowing is perpetual; even famine cannot keep the seed that God gives His children from producing abundance, for if we take what we have in our hand and worship Him with it, seek Him for direction as to where to sow it, and then water it with more of His Word, with praise and thanksgiving, the harvest will come and there will be abundance in the House of God, which is His Body, His Church, His Bride....in other words, in you and me.
What we do need is seed, for Jesus taught us emphatically in Mark 4 and continually throughout the Gospel records that we must sow seed according to the Word of God. A seed sown will yield an abundance that will meet not only the need of the sower, but will also fulfill God's Word to put seed into the hand of the sower in order to meet the needs of others. Seed sowing is perpetual; even famine cannot keep the seed that God gives His children from producing abundance, for if we take what we have in our hand and worship Him with it, seek Him for direction as to where to sow it, and then water it with more of His Word, with praise and thanksgiving, the harvest will come and there will be abundance in the House of God, which is His Body, His Church, His Bride....in other words, in you and me.
Friday, April 15, 2011
He is Risen!
Charles Dickens opened one of his most famous works with the words, "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." I am sure that many have quoted those words with reference to their day and age, but as we look around us at our world, how much truer could they be? The earth is physically breaking apart as it groans for its day of redemption; the weight of sin is overcoming it.
As the day of celebration of the Resurrection of our dear Lord Jesus Christ approaches, take time to read the Scriptures that so graphically detail the great love with which He loves us; ask the Spirit to put Life into them; and make them personal, for all that He did, He did for you. It was personal, very personal. You are His treasure, and He gave all that He was and all that He had to find you.
Sit back and enjoy the extended version of Father's Love Letter and then take time to worship Him. Just click the title, He is Risen!, and you will be redirected to the video. Then pour out your heart to Him in praise, in worship, with tears, with joy; just come before Him and sit in His Presence, for He so longs for your company.
Every one is familiar with the heart-moving melody of "Amazing Grace," and some know the words to the first verse. Meditate the words of this wonderful song as you bring your heart before your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Time is coming to its end and He is returning on that white horse soon, very soon.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Words: John Newton (1779)
Have a most blessed Resurrection Celebration.
Blessings, hugs, and smiles,
Colleen
As the day of celebration of the Resurrection of our dear Lord Jesus Christ approaches, take time to read the Scriptures that so graphically detail the great love with which He loves us; ask the Spirit to put Life into them; and make them personal, for all that He did, He did for you. It was personal, very personal. You are His treasure, and He gave all that He was and all that He had to find you.
Sit back and enjoy the extended version of Father's Love Letter and then take time to worship Him. Just click the title, He is Risen!, and you will be redirected to the video. Then pour out your heart to Him in praise, in worship, with tears, with joy; just come before Him and sit in His Presence, for He so longs for your company.
Every one is familiar with the heart-moving melody of "Amazing Grace," and some know the words to the first verse. Meditate the words of this wonderful song as you bring your heart before your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Time is coming to its end and He is returning on that white horse soon, very soon.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Words: John Newton (1779)
Have a most blessed Resurrection Celebration.
Blessings, hugs, and smiles,
Colleen
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Missions Outreach 2011 Ghana, West Africa
Dear Friends,
It has been six years since I first went to Ghana on my first missions outreach. Since returning, my thoughts have often travelled back, but not my heart. This week, however, the Lord has touched my heart.
The emails that I had sent home from the first two visits became the manuscript for a book; the book was never published, although it is print ready. Yesterday, a gentleman from a publishing company contacted me and we had a delightful discussion, not just about the book, but about missions. He said to me that he could hear the Lord calling me back to Ghana as I spoke; my heart leapt at those words, but I quickly pushed them away.
Then, I received a message from a dear man of God in Ghana, someone I have not conversed with for several years. Here is the text of his last comments to me:
"Hi Colleen, Thank you for your prompt response I am so grateful to God for you. Yes Doe is in Prampram with the wife and the twins. But I don't work with him. Actually we are friends but working in separate ministries. As for Prosper I may or may not know him, the reason is in this African proverb "Names are different from faces" Once again I am so grateful to the Lord for you. I remember the first time we met and was traveling in my car, I felt as if I have known you for a long time. There was something about you that was African. Something that is beyond description but very warm, genuine and sensitive.
"Actually I am no more in Prampram. I now reside in Gulf City (Sacki) which is closer to Ashaiman. I now pastor the Power Center Assemblies of God Church.
"Colleen, like I have stated earlier, most of our children teachers in the local churches (about 26 churches) are not trained. Most of these children do not even have a shelter or meeting places. Some meet in the same auditorium as the adults.
"What I want you to do is to organize some resources that could be used in the training of the teachers or if possible coming down to Ghana to help in the training of the teachers. Like I said earlier I am willing to organize all the Children Teachers in my new District for the training.
"I know it is very difficult to raise the funds for a round trip to Ghana, but I believe that we have a God who is able to provide beyond our request, expectation and imagination. Thank you for outline of your children church. I think it is helpful. I am now trying to start up a nursery for secular education at my new place. Please pray with me for God's wisdom and guidance at my new station. I really covet your prayers. Thank you once again for your friendship and time. Remain Blessed. Ike."
Well, my heart has taken up the call. This gentleman is the one person whom I met in Ghana whose heart totally connected with mine. The car ride he mentions is the single most vivid memory of my visit, and yes, we shared hearts and visions for children's ministry that exceeded any I have had before or since that time.
Pastor Ike is blessed to be able to think outside of his culture and inside the heart of God for his people. Although I met many ministers in my travels in Ghana six years ago, this one man is the one who stands out in my memories and prayers. His work among his people is honorable and exemplary.
At the Village of Faith Church, I am the children's minister and administrate the children's church. The Lord has blessed me with strong administrative skills and this is what Pastor Ike is seeking in his ministry. It seems that the Lord has enough confidence in me to bring what I have learned back to Ghana; this time, however, there is a ready and eager reception for it.
So, I will be keeping this in prayer to hear the Lord's direction as to how to get myself back to Ghana, and when I should go. Please bring this petition before the Lord in your prayer time so that I can hear very clearly when He speaks.
Should you find your prayer time nudging you to help with airfare and expenses, please send your donation to the Village of Faith Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville, NY 11738, with a memo for Colleen-Ghana. Currently, the Missions Outreach is scheduled for late October/early November 2011.
I bless you in the Name of Jesus. Remember, please, that without prayer, there can be no success. smiles
It has been six years since I first went to Ghana on my first missions outreach. Since returning, my thoughts have often travelled back, but not my heart. This week, however, the Lord has touched my heart.
The emails that I had sent home from the first two visits became the manuscript for a book; the book was never published, although it is print ready. Yesterday, a gentleman from a publishing company contacted me and we had a delightful discussion, not just about the book, but about missions. He said to me that he could hear the Lord calling me back to Ghana as I spoke; my heart leapt at those words, but I quickly pushed them away.
Then, I received a message from a dear man of God in Ghana, someone I have not conversed with for several years. Here is the text of his last comments to me:
"Hi Colleen, Thank you for your prompt response I am so grateful to God for you. Yes Doe is in Prampram with the wife and the twins. But I don't work with him. Actually we are friends but working in separate ministries. As for Prosper I may or may not know him, the reason is in this African proverb "Names are different from faces" Once again I am so grateful to the Lord for you. I remember the first time we met and was traveling in my car, I felt as if I have known you for a long time. There was something about you that was African. Something that is beyond description but very warm, genuine and sensitive.
"Actually I am no more in Prampram. I now reside in Gulf City (Sacki) which is closer to Ashaiman. I now pastor the Power Center Assemblies of God Church.
"Colleen, like I have stated earlier, most of our children teachers in the local churches (about 26 churches) are not trained. Most of these children do not even have a shelter or meeting places. Some meet in the same auditorium as the adults.
"What I want you to do is to organize some resources that could be used in the training of the teachers or if possible coming down to Ghana to help in the training of the teachers. Like I said earlier I am willing to organize all the Children Teachers in my new District for the training.
"I know it is very difficult to raise the funds for a round trip to Ghana, but I believe that we have a God who is able to provide beyond our request, expectation and imagination. Thank you for outline of your children church. I think it is helpful. I am now trying to start up a nursery for secular education at my new place. Please pray with me for God's wisdom and guidance at my new station. I really covet your prayers. Thank you once again for your friendship and time. Remain Blessed. Ike."
Well, my heart has taken up the call. This gentleman is the one person whom I met in Ghana whose heart totally connected with mine. The car ride he mentions is the single most vivid memory of my visit, and yes, we shared hearts and visions for children's ministry that exceeded any I have had before or since that time.
Pastor Ike is blessed to be able to think outside of his culture and inside the heart of God for his people. Although I met many ministers in my travels in Ghana six years ago, this one man is the one who stands out in my memories and prayers. His work among his people is honorable and exemplary.
At the Village of Faith Church, I am the children's minister and administrate the children's church. The Lord has blessed me with strong administrative skills and this is what Pastor Ike is seeking in his ministry. It seems that the Lord has enough confidence in me to bring what I have learned back to Ghana; this time, however, there is a ready and eager reception for it.
So, I will be keeping this in prayer to hear the Lord's direction as to how to get myself back to Ghana, and when I should go. Please bring this petition before the Lord in your prayer time so that I can hear very clearly when He speaks.
Should you find your prayer time nudging you to help with airfare and expenses, please send your donation to the Village of Faith Church, 1070 Portion Road, Farmingville, NY 11738, with a memo for Colleen-Ghana. Currently, the Missions Outreach is scheduled for late October/early November 2011.
I bless you in the Name of Jesus. Remember, please, that without prayer, there can be no success. smiles
Believing and Speaking
The woman with the issue of blood kept SAYING (Amplified), "If I only touch the hem of His garment, I shall be restored to health" (Mark 5:28). A moment later, when bad news came for Jairus, Jesus immediately spoke to him, "only keep on BELIEVING" (verse 36).
What did the woman keep on saying? I shall be healed. She said it until she had it. Once she had it, fear came against her to steal it away, yet she boldly defied fear and kept on SAYING it.
What was Jairus to keep on believing? That if Jesus would touch his daughter, she would be healed. Jairus believed it until he had it within his grasp. When fear came against him to make him lose his grip, he was to go on believing what he had said.
Keep on believing, keep on speaking, for faith is believing and speaking, believing and speaking, believing and speaking the Word only. As we continue to believe and speak, believe and speak, believe and speak, filling our hearts with the Truth of God's Word, the abundance of our hearts will speak that same Word, releasing the power of God's Word into our atmosphere, our sphere of influence, and that Word will change situations, heal the sick, set the captive free, and raise the dead.
Never change your testimony, for it is by the word of our testimony and Blood of the Lamb that seals it that we overcome every adversity. Believe the Word only, speak the Word only, and your soul shall be healed and its strongholds removed. Believing and speaking is the Way to victory.
What did the woman keep on saying? I shall be healed. She said it until she had it. Once she had it, fear came against her to steal it away, yet she boldly defied fear and kept on SAYING it.
What was Jairus to keep on believing? That if Jesus would touch his daughter, she would be healed. Jairus believed it until he had it within his grasp. When fear came against him to make him lose his grip, he was to go on believing what he had said.
Keep on believing, keep on speaking, for faith is believing and speaking, believing and speaking, believing and speaking the Word only. As we continue to believe and speak, believe and speak, believe and speak, filling our hearts with the Truth of God's Word, the abundance of our hearts will speak that same Word, releasing the power of God's Word into our atmosphere, our sphere of influence, and that Word will change situations, heal the sick, set the captive free, and raise the dead.
Never change your testimony, for it is by the word of our testimony and Blood of the Lamb that seals it that we overcome every adversity. Believe the Word only, speak the Word only, and your soul shall be healed and its strongholds removed. Believing and speaking is the Way to victory.
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