An Encouraging Word

You my son are like a helium balloon.  You will rise.  As you continue to be faithful with all I put before you, you will rise.  I am the lifter of your head.  I am your strength and your song.  All those that put their faith in me will rise as well.  Like a helium balloon defying gravity.  I exalt the humble.  Humble yourself before me.  Know that every blessing, every gift, every talent comes from Me.  I am the Author and the Finisher of your faith.  Tom I am making your dreams a reality.  I am bringing you into the fullness of your calling.  My hand is on you and my hand is on those that have ears to hear.  Come unto me all those that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest for your souls.  I am meek and lowly of heart.  Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.  Come to me.  Seek first my kingdom and I will bless you.  Seek my face and I will reveal myself to you.  Open up my word and receive the nourishment you need.  I will exalt you as you exalt me.

I Bore Your Griefs

Here is something the Lord shared with me in my prayer time.  I believe it will be a blessing to you...

Behold my people, I am doing a new thing. In Isaiah I have written that I bore your griefs. No matter how deep the hurt or how significant the loss, I bore that pain. I took it on the cross. Release it to Me. For my yolk is easy and My burden is light. You will find rest for your souls when you put your faith in Me. Know that I bore your griefs so you would not have to.

Anointed Music

But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. And Saul's servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” NKJV

God cares about the music you listen to. Music is a gift from God. Anointed music flows from the Holy Spirit who is within and upon the musician. The lyrics of such music should be rooted in the Bible - the word of God.

Saul's servants searched for a man who was skillful on the harp. David fit the bill. He not only was a skillful musician, but the Scripture says that the Lord was with David. Whenever David would play his harp, the distressing spirit departed from King Saul.

Skillful musicians or minstrels, who are anointed by God, know how to yield to the Holy Spirit while they play their instrument. Singers who sing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit and instrumentalists who play under God's Presence, release power to those who listen and enter into worship. Strongholds in people's lives are broken, when this kind of music goes forth.

God has given us music to glorify Him. This is its primary purpose.

If you are a musician or a singer, develop your gifts. Grow your talent, but always cultivate a heart that pants after God. Then your gift will please Him and touch others.

If you are not musically inclined, remember you are to make a joyful noise. Never be ashamed to raise your voice in song. God looks at your heart. If it beats after him, your singing is delightful to God's ears.

Godsend

My wife and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary.  This is a poem for her.

She came on the wings of the wind 

My Father God brought her to me.

A Godsend – sent by God

I sought her out.  I found her.

And I have found a good thing....

Your beauty defies all logic

For you grow lovelier year by year.

We are one because of Jesus.

We are one through the covenant of His blood.

Joy abounds when we love as Jesus loves.

Though the enemy may try to unsettle us,

We have the power together to unsettle him

We can overcome him every time

In Jesus name

You are my wife

And I am your husband

I am a better man because of you

I love you, my love

Thank you for your love in return

Prophetic Word Regarding Intimacy with God

Here is a prophetic word that I gave today at FaithBridge Church in West Chicago, Illinois. 

When I gave My life up upon the cross, I tore the veil of separation. I made it possible for you to come near. You can now come boldly unto the throne of grace. I will give you what you need. I will answer your prayers. I will draw near to you and you, My people, can come near to me. I will not push you away. I have made the way for you to come near. So lay your burdens at my feet and be welcomed in My embrace.

Christ's Blood Set Me Free

My head was upraised

My neck stiff and arrogant

The world was my home

Self sat comfortably on the throne

I went with the flow

Canoed the murky river

Yet Someone called my name

It was an odd voice

I heard it once before

When a gospel salesman came to my door

A salesman not greedy for the stuff of this earth

His heart was an open door

But I stiffened

This second time I turned to listen

The voice came through a gospel singer

He sang and spoke of freedom

I ran to the cross

Exchanged the chains that engulfed me

For a crown

Jesus saved me

Not through an effort of my own

But through His sacrifice alone

Now I climb the mountain

Swim against the tide

Now I choose to bring the gospel far and wide

Grace is the Banner over me

Christ’s blood set me free

No Stain

When I am bowed down

From the weight of my sin

And the heaviness of guilt

Plagues me within

A thick black cloud

Tries to silence my tongue

As I hear the whisper

Of the evil one

But when I run to You,

Jesus, my bitter pain is through

The coldness of my heart

Warms in Your embrace

As I gaze at Your bright beaming face

My heaviness flies out of sight

Like a crow that takes flight

When I confess to You, Lord, my wrong

Within me wells a song

Amazing grace so sweet

Brings dancing to my feet

I stand erect with hands held high

Praising the One who hears my heartfelt cry

I am free, I am free

Through Christ I lay hold of victory

I am free, I am free

There is no stain upon me