All posts by : Joy Pharo

One of our teachers at our Wonder Conference asked me if I would help her write some prophetic words for the 11 to 13-year-old kids who were going to be in her class. I printed pictures with scripture verses on them. I then sat before the Holy Spirit, praying over each word to go with the corresponding scripture. I then wrote a prophetic word on the back of each card.

One of the words the Holy Spirit gave me was, “You will have a Mantle of an end times Moses to set the captives free, and you will proclaim an end times mandate. You will proclaim My Heart and the fulfillment of the law by announcing these two commandments. The most important one being,

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’”

After I wrote that prophetic word, it hit my spirit with so much weight and gravity. I have pondered it since our Wonder Conference in July 2022. The Lord told me to carry this mandate and to proclaim it from the highest mountain and to the lowest depths.

All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments!

That is a HUGE saying! What did Jesus mean?

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Jesus highlighted two specific commandments that would fulfill the whole law given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

All the prophets prophesied about Jesus that He would become Emannuel, God with us. God would leave His heavenly home and become a man to dwell among us, His creation. He came to suffer, die, and be resurrected so we could be redeemed from the curse of sin and death. He knew He Himself would have to become the perfect and holy sacrifice for us.

That brings me to the two commandments the law and the prophets hang on. It was about LOVE!

John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world and gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish and have everlasting life.

When we receive the love of God that hung on the cross, Jesus, we are changed literally forever! God gave His Son, Jesus, as a ransom for our sins. He redeemed us so we could be called His sons and daughters and have everlasting life. When we know His love, which can only be supernaturally discerned, we love Him with all of our hearts and with all of our souls, with all of our minds and with all of our strength, and supernaturally love our neighbors as ourselves.

Before Jesus suffered, died, and was buried, He prayed to His Father in John 17:22-23. He said, “The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.”

He knew that He was going to go to the cross and the above was one of His last prayers.

When a man is dying, His last words carry weight and so much gravity. They mean something!

This is a Clarion Call word. God’s heart in these last days is that His bride with Army boots will come into full intimacy with Jesus, our Bridegroom. That we would come together in unity with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and love one another.

This love will make a mark on the world and bring in a harvest of souls. They will know that we are Jesus’ Bride by our love. Love loves at all times.

We will be able to cry, ‘MARANATHA!” Jesus has come, and He is coming back!

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 10:12 ESV

Maranatha!

Joy Pharo

The number one need in a Christian’s life is a renewed mind. By renewing our minds we as believers find out what is truth and what isn’t. Then we know what to accept as truth and what to reject as a lie. This can clean out the “junk” we have let into our minds and lives.

Renewing your mind is not switching the “to-do” list of the world for the “to-do list” of God. It is literally a change from the inside out. The Holy Spirit renews our mind supernaturally as we spend time in God’s Word. For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and the spirit and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Let’s look at what Paul says about renewing our minds–our thoughts, feelings, and will.                                                                                                                    

Romans 12:2 says,                                                                                                                                                                    

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (NKJV)

Or , as the New Living Translation puts it:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

To be conformed means to walk downstream or to go with the flow.

In other words, you harmonize or comply with this age. 

God says DO NOT be conformed –Do not stay conformed to the world and all of its doubts and fears. Do not be fashioned by its religious ways.

This world means this age.

This world has nothing to do with the Father; it is a Godless system.

But be transformed–The word transformed comes from the word metamorphosis (G3329 Strongs). When we are transformed, it means we walk against the current to make a thorough or dramatic change in form or character. 

The renewing of our minds means to renovate–a renovation of our mind. (G342 Strong’s)

A renewed mind will walk upstream. 

Even though we are born again and trying not to accept the pattern of this age, we still can be in compliance with the world’s way of doing things.

This is why the renewal of our minds must be a daily pursuit. We are only changed/transformed after being with Jesus.

Renewing your mind is a continuous act of obedience. 

By renewing our minds we are replacing the world’s way of thinking with the truth of God, revealed in His Word, the Bible.

Ephesians 4:23-24                                                                                                                          Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

We must fill our minds with God’s Word, for Jesus says, Sanctify them in the truth; 

Your Word is truth. John 17:17

Blessings!

Lynda Renne

Rheyma in Real Life

This is not a parable; this is the real deal. These are actual conversations I have with Jesus from my

journal.  I am walking this out in real-time.

Me: Jesus, it has been about two and a half months since I wrote my “addendum” (see previous blog 3/22/22), and I am doing a little check-in. You asked me to “walk with You.” I can’t say I have done particularly well with that request. 

I was strictly in survival mode for a month and barely survived that. Some days I thought I might explode; the internal pressure was so high in me. I was just hanging on, and sometimes not. I have cried more in the last two months than I have in the last two decades. 

With my “heart injury box” now gone, my thoughts and feelings seem like free radicals inside me that need to be neutralized, if not eradicated!

They are like loose live wires flopping uncontrollably, randomly spitting out sparks. These “sparks” are my not-so-pretty thoughts and feelings left behind, ungrounded and dangerous. Without a box to put them in, they are now free to roam around until they get triggered, at which time they might fly out of my mouth without notice and definitely do not edify anyone. 

Have You heard any of them, Jesus?”

Jesus:   “Yes, Rheyma, I have.”

Me: “Actually, I know You have Jesus because Holy Spirit has been calling me on them. But Jesus……..haven’t you ever just wanted to tell someone off? I mean, let them know they are wrong and you are not? That they hurt you? How will they know if “someone” doesn’t tell them? You see that way, they will know how much they hurt me and are able to feel bad about it and repent…….just sayin’………”                                                                                                                                                          

“A few weeks post survival mode, “things” started to become bearable; the stress easing, the pressure decreasing, and the feeling of internal combustion was subsiding. I was able to at least take a breath. But now, I was wanting to get back on that same old ship and sail away. Do things the way I have always done them-cover over my emotions, take the path of least resistance, pretend like everything is “okay,” and go back to “the familiar.” But then I start “defaulting to my defaults.” And even though it is possible and easier in the moment to go that route again, it is not the one I want to choose. Been there, done that, bought the shirt, got a medal, and still ended up losing.”

Me still: “Jesus, You, asked me to take a walk with You. To spend time with You-just the two of us, enjoying time together. Now, you would think that would be pretty easy, right?  AAAAHHH, that’s a no! I really don’t know how to be still. To relax and enjoy. To go for a stroll, look at the flowers, smell Spring in the air, and just be with You, Jesus. 

I don’t think You are talking about blasting praise music through the house and doing the chores. No, You are talking about just enjoying being with You and You with me.”

Jesus:  “Do you even know what being still means, Rheyma?”

Me:  “No, not really. When I am being still, I am still not being still. I think it is a lost concept, especially with social media today. Growing up, I used to be able to relax and enjoy things, people, and life in general. Now, it seems to just be do, do, do.                                                                                                                                                   

I love how You make no bones about what You are telling me. It is not like I have to guess or figure it out. Nope, You say it straight up to me because You know I tend to get it best that way. So, once again, in my devotional, I Hear His Whisper, by Simmons and Rodriguez, You talked about rushing. How in our lives, we tend to always be rushing here, rushing there, doing, doing, doing. Even when we are sitting still, our minds are still rushing. Rushing here, rushing there.”

Jesus: “Sound familiar, Rheyma?”

Me:   “AAAHHH….maybe a little. Oookaay, maybe a lot.” 

Jesus:  “Rheyma, there is no condemnation in Me, but this walk with Me requires intentionality. You must choose to make and take time with Me. You must be intentional about being still with me. 

This walk with Me is absolutely “the way less traveled.” It is a road you have never walked before. One you never even knew existed spiritually. It requires less talking and more listening. More believing and more trusting. These are action words. Not just Bible words you throw around at church to sound spiritual. I am asking you to put these words into action, Rheyma, in-your-heart. To do them, not just say them. These are heart-action words, NOT mouth-action words.

I know you have heard, “My ways are not your ways.” It is time to step out, believe, trust and have faith IN ME. It is time for action, my sweet Rheyma.”

Me:  “Okay, Jesus, I am willing. Where do I start?”

Jesus:  “Being willing is the perfect place to start, Rheyma. A willing heart is a teachable heart.”

Me:  “I am definitely willing, Jesus. When what’s next?”

Jesus:  “Next, I want you to:

            STOP-doing human reasoning.

            LOOK–AT Me, Rheyma. Not for Me, but AT Me.

            LISTEN-to Holy Spirit. You and I both know you hear Him.

ACT-Act on what you hear Holy Spirit saying. Realize that sometimes action can mean inaction.”                                         

Me: “You mean like keeping your mouth shut? And why Holy Spirit has been asking me, “Is that comment on the tip of your tongue necessary, Rheyma? Is it going to edify the hearer?” I have definitely heard that question a lot lately.  Those stinkin’ free radicals!

I heard something in a movie I saw last night called The Cupcake Mayor (don’t laugh, I love “feel good” movies). Anyway, it said, “You chose the road, OR the road chooses you.” I don’t want the road to choose me. I have already been down that road. I call it my default road. The one where I default to my defaults, just try to stay afloat and look like everything is going fine as I slowly sink below the water line. No, I am choosing Your road, Jesus–the road less traveled. What will that require of me, Jesus? How do I walk it in real life?”  

Jesus: “Rheyma, do you remember the scene in the movie “The Shack” where Mack is in the row boat, it is sinking, and he doesn’t know what to do? He is terrified and desperately trying to figure out how to stop the water from coming into the boat. I tell him, “Look at Me, Mack. Focus on Me.” But he is so scared, frantically trying not to go down with the boat, that he cannot even hear Me. I keep telling him to “Look AT Me, Mack,” and when he finally does, the boat stops sinking. Like my disciple Peter, who walked on water while a storm was raging (Matthew 14:22-33). As long as he kept his eyes fixed on Me, he stayed on top of the water and walking towards Me, regardless of what the storm was doing around him. 

And that Rheyma is what walking the road less traveled requires of you. In real life, stop trying to figure out what you “need” to do, say, or be to walk this road with Me. Look AT Me, focus ON Me, and Me alone. You will need to be intentional about spending time with Me; it “just doesn’t happen,”, especially in today’s world. My Father, Holy Spirit, and I will teach you. As you meet and talk with Us, We will instruct you and teach you in the way to go (Psalm 32:8). As you listen and act, you will know Our voices more and more. It is essential to be intentional, Rheyma.”

Me: “Jesus, I read this snippet in “Intimacy with the Almighty” by Charles Swindoll. 

Noise and words and frenzied, hectic schedules dull our senses, closing our ears to His still small voice and making us numb to His touch.”

Jesus: “Yes, Rheyma, this is true and why intentionality is vitally important. You must choose to make and take time for Me. It is not going to just happen.”

Me: “So many questions, Jesus. How? When? Where? What?” 

Jesus: “I get that, but this “walk with Me” is not dependent on you, Rheyma.  Remember what I said about believe and trust? That they are action words. You must choose to put them into action–heart action, by believing and trusting that what I say is true, no matter how you feel. Choose intentionality, My daughter. Set time aside for Me, and come. My Father, Holy Spirit, and I will meet you there.”

“Your job Rheyma is to choose Me.  I have already chosen you.”

Rheyma Oosterman                   

 We have all heard the song…

“She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes. 

She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes. 

She’ll be coming around the mountain, 

She’ll be coming around the mountain, 

She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes.” 

A childhood tune. A catchy repetitive tune. A tune, for some of us, that represents some of the adulthood choices we have made. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why am I circling the same mountain…..again?” or “Why does this scenario feel familiar?” or “Same script, different cast?” We all have had a mountain or two in our lives. We all have had obstacles come whether we were expecting them or not. How we choose to handle the mountains and circumstances is entirely up to us. Do you have people in your life that you watch who make the same choices over and over? It’s like they never learn their lesson. Or maybe you are that person, and you feel like you’re circling in thesame circumstances over and over.

There is no argument that life happens unexpectedly,taking us by surprise. However, I would argue that how we choose to handle the unexpected is up to us. Things happen to us, but we can choose a different outcome. People say and/or do something to us that strongly affect our lives. How we choose to handle them is up to us. Sometimes we find ourselves experiencing the same circumstances over and over and wonder why we keep circling the same mountain with no result. God has granted us free will. I am not talking about the expected happening. I am talking about our decision to make different choices to get off the mountain or reach the top. 

“Life Mountains” can be a blessing. Learning is a blessing. Recently in my life, I went through a very difficult “tunnel”that led me to a “life mountain.” The tunnel revealed a lot about me and a lot about those around me. The “life mountain” represented surrender. I remember telling my friend, “I feel like I already went through learning about surrender. I don’t understand why God would want me to learn this again.”

You can ALWAYS learn something.

When you approach life thinking, you will only have to learn about something once; you have already set yourself up to be discouraged. To gain the most out of your choices and “life mountains,” you must ask yourself, is there anything else I can learn in this?

Is there anything I am missing or missed last time? We can circle a mountain on purpose, but the scenery changes as you go higher. In my example, I had to learn in phases how to surrender things to God. He knew He could not teach me in one 15-minute message that I need to surrender it all and have this jaw-dropping, life-altering moment. There were different stages of surrendering I had to learn. There were different things I needed to surrender at different times in my life. I was willing to learn, which is why I did not have to circle that “life mountain” for a long time. 

Don’t make excuses as to why you are on the mountain.

 In today’s society, it is always easy to look at and point out all of the reasons or people that are why we are, where we are, on the mountain. If we choose not to evaluate ourselves, or our choices, or even our dos and don’ts on this “life mountain,” then we will, for sure, be stuck circling, not learning what God wants to teach us.

Someone may have hurt your feelings, and now you haveto learn to forgive on this “life mountain”……AGAIN. Now,if you continually think about how they hurt you, why they didn’t say I’m sorry, how you are going to get even, and why it’s not your fault, you will be going around that mountain, again and again, not learning what God has for you.

We can experience deep pain on a “life mountain,” yet we still need to look internally and ask, am I supposed to learn something about myself or others? That question is different from making excuses and/or blame-shifting. Questions are always a great thing to ask God. He wants us to ask Him questions because He wants to give us His answer. 

 Always be listening for God to speak.

 When we find ourselves ready to learn, ready and willing not to make excuses, then we need to be listening and ready for God to speak to us about this “life mountain.”Sometimes God will reveal something that we saw coming from our friend, Holy Spirit. Other times we may feel like it came from left field, and we had no idea that that was something we needed to hear from God. God’s timing is always better than ours. God’s ways are always better than ours. We must be ready when He speaks so that we can grab ahold of it and not toss it aside. When God speaks and provides direction, and we choose to do our own thing, guess what will most likely happen…. “She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes….” God speaks on purpose and in purpose. We must be ready to listen and pay attention. I have circled mountains due to my own choices and due to God presenting it again to me. I now always try to be ready to learn, not blame shift, and listen attentively for Him to reveal something to me about this “life mountain.”

We are human, and we will not always get it right. We will make mistakes. We will not hear right, or we will hear right from God and still choose to fuel our flesh. God’s grace and mercy come into play and provides an opportunity to re-learn it again. Yet, who really likes to learn the same lesson over and over and over again? Can you imagine going to school and learning the same lesson plan every single day? It would drive you crazy, and rightfully so. But what would you choose to do in that scenario? Strive for the A+? Would you see if there is something you missed the day prior during that lesson? Or maybe blame the teacher for not having enough good material? What about “bashing” the teacher to your friends because they gave you a C+ when you felt you earned a better grade? There are so many scenarios that could play out here. 

What would you choose?

What do you choose to do on your “life mountain”?

What will you choose to do now on your “life mountain”?

The most important thing to remember is that God isALWAYS for us! He wants us to succeed in life. He wants us to be blessed. He wants us to have joy. But He also wants us to listen to Him. As a parent wants their child to listen the first time, so they do not have to be disciplined or learn the hard way, so God wants for us, His children. Circling the mountain is not always a bad thing, it is how we choose to deal with it that is the key. 

Albert Einstein once said,

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Let’s not be those people, but if we do circle the same mountain, let’s learn what we are supposed to so that we do not have to keep circling it, again and again, more than we have to. 

Proverbs 16:16 

How much better to get wisdom than gold and good judgment than silver!

 

Isaiah 41:9-10

“I have called you back from the ends of the earth saying, ‘You are my servant.’

For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am yourGod. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.