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Fasting, Whose Idea Was It Anyway?!

Sanctioned Love just finished a Pastor’s Wives and Women in Leadership Conference. Our fearless leader, Lynda Renne, heard the Father say, “I want the team to fast during her time with Him. If you are going to ask these women who are coming to the conference to sacrifice, you must go first. Have the team fast for a month prior to the conference. It must be food, and it MUST cost them something.” Each of us was to ask the Godhead individually what we were to fast.

Note key words: sacrifice and cost us.

Have you ever fasted? I mean, really fasted. Like, fasted, fasted. Jesus chose carbs and sugars for me to fast. Those are my two main food groups! So, it definitely was a sacrifice for me.

My fasting did make me more tired and a bit weaker physically. Which, in turn, made my emotions, the ones I keep locked up in a box inside my heart, a bit more “tangible.” You know the ones.

All the times my heart got injured and “I let them go,” or “I got over them,” or I said, “it’s OK,” or “I gave them to Jesus,” yet there was still “residue” left. That little piece that gets triggered when someone gets too close to a hurt.

Now, I personally thought I was doing well, but………

“Out of the overflow of the mouth, the heart speaks.”

                                                                             Matthew 12:34 RRV                                                                           (Rheyma Revised Version)

Yes, I know I quoted it backwards. But that is how my mind works. I hear myself say something that reveals what’s in my heart, and Uh oh, time to check my “heart injury box.” Make sure it is secure and locked tight.

Little did I know my fasting or my obedience or both were thinning the walls of my “heart injury box,” which was a problem. The walls were thinning, and the seams were coming apart, even though it was still locked up tight. “Things”- old injuries, old hurts, deep hurts were starting to leak out of my box, my mouth, and even my eyes. No matter how hard I tried to “shore up” my box, I could not. My usual methods, which I had perfected over the years, weren’t working.

Let me give you a visual:

Have you ever had a toilet overflow? At someone else’s house? You immediately go into “let’s hide-it mode.” You quickly grab the plunger and plunge away. No luck. The toilet is still overflowing. Then you lean over and turn off the water. This does stop the flow coming into the toilet but doesn’t stop the flow coming out. “Liquid” is everywhere! You grab towels and start sopping things up. Then you grab the toilet brush and start frantically “sweeping things” away from the door, but too late, it has already seeped under the bathroom door and is now infiltrating the hall, which has carpet! You think to yourself, maybe no one will notice. Really, Rheyma? Are you being serious right now?                                                                 

I think you got the visual.

That’s what I felt was happening inside me. Nothing I was doing was working. My emotions were leaking out, my hurts were leaking out, and I was reliving them all over again, feelings/emotions and triggers included. Worse yet, my mouth was leaking as well as my eyes. I couldn’t seem to do a thing about it. I felt like a big puddle of emotions – the ones I had “conquered.” And if not conquered, at least successfully hidden. Or at least I  thought so.

NOPE! NOPE!  and  NOPE!

God obviously saw them.

Jesus: “Why don’t you give Me the box Rheyma? The whole box, not just a hurt or two”.

Me: “Why didn’t I think of that?” Well, actually, I did. I even tried once or twice, but that was when I was operating in the flesh and in religion. I allowed the enemy to use my heart injury box to keep me hostage.

Let me repeat that.

I allowed the enemy to use my heart injury box to keep me hostage.

Me, again: “OK Jesus, here is my box. You can have the entire leaky, stinky thing”. I actually handed it to Him prophetically – like “for reals” this time.

So, what did my obedience and fasting do? It gave me freedom. Freedom from “toilet particles” I have kept hidden for years.                                 

As a very dear 80-year-old friend told me, “I find myself living more in the “now” because I don’t have time to carry around yesterday’s baggage.”

Is there a wet towel possibly hiding in the corner? Maybe, but I will kick it over to Jesus so He can deal with it. After all, He knows how to walk on water, you know!

Addendum:

Two days after submitting my blog, my heart was “injured,” pretty deeply. So, now what do I do? How do I walk this out authentically? – Jesus-ly? I have nowhere to hide my hurt now. I feel very vulnerable, very naked, and I don’t know what to do.    Like I think Adam and Eve may have felt after “snacking” on the forbidden fruit and quickly threw on some fig leaves, hoping God wouldn’t notice.

Me:  “Jesus, I’m scared. I’ve never been without “my box,” and I don’t like it.       Oh…….You want to be “my box?” Lean into You? Lean totally into trusting You? Like, take my human reasoning and my human “game-playing” off? Take my hands off the situation and don’t mope around in my pain puddle? I mean, I kind of want to mope. Not a lot, just enough for people to notice, and the one who hurt me to feel bad.”

Jesus:  “You can absolutely do that, Rheyma, but not if you want to grow in your walk with Me or see the beauty I can bring out of this situation and in this relationship.”

Me:  BIG, BIG SIGH

Jesus:  “Rheyma, why don’t you re-read the *devotional you read this morning.

Me:  “OK, Jesus. But You still know my emotions are all tied up in knots, and I don’t know how to walk this out – Right?”

Jesus:  “Yes, Rheyma, I do. Now tell Me, what did you read?”

Me:  “You said, You have established a covenant of love between You and me. You haven’t left me alone even when I don’t perceive/feel Your love. Your love is beyond logic. It cannot be discovered with my mind or by my human reasoning. Your love IS REAL. It is as real as the warmth of a blanket on a cold night. . . Your love won’t fail or diminish even when I mess up.                                                                                            You are my fierce protector. I like that word fierce, by the way. Not just strongly protects me but fiercely protects me. Can I add fiercely protects my heart? I need that right now because my heart is incredibly vulnerable and extremely hurt.                                                                                                                                        

Then You said, Abide in My love. Rest in My love. Expect to see My love demonstrated in your life Rheyma as you lean into Me. Lean hard, lean strong, and lean totally into Me. I AM your fierce protector.”

Me still:  “OK, Jesus, I receive Your love, and I speak that out loud so I can hear it, the enemy can hear it, and my heart can hear it. As I speak it out, I will intentionally lean into You. By the prophetic act of leaning my whole body into You and saying, ‘I am trusting (on-going present tense) You, Jesus, and I receive Your love.’ Then I will intentionally and continually release (on-going present tense) my hands off the situation. How? By running to You the second I start to “feel” afraid; the second I start to “feel” my hands get sweaty as my emotions tie up in knots; the second I start to “feel” like I want to control the situation, or the person; or just plain run, hide and say ‘forget it – too hard.’ I am thankful You didn’t say that in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus. Thank You.’”

Me again:  “Jesus, did You notice that there were a lot of “feel’s” in what I just said? I’m thinking that “feel” and truth aren’t the same thing. Like maybe I have to stand against my “feelings” when my “feelings” are standing against Your truth.    Which isn’t always so easy. That is why I am going to proclaim Your truth     OUT LOUD! over myself, and my “feelings,” again and again, and again.”

Me some more:  “OK God. OK Jesus. And Holy Spirit, I will need You too. I have never traveled without my “heart injury box” for protection. Now, You three are going to be my protectors, my guides, and my safe harbor on this journey. To be honest, and I mean like really honest, I’ve never traveled this road or this far with You all.

Me: Thinking more, processing more, and chatting more with Jesus:  “Jesus, what if I don’t walk this well? This isn’t easy; I’m afraid; My heart is fearful. What if my heart gets hurt again? I don’t like feeling the hurt. It’s painful, and I want to build a new box!

Jesus: “Walk with Me, Rheyma. Tell Me all that is on your heart. You will be able to release your pain when you release your grip on the hurt.”

Me: OK, Jesus. I will lean into You and on You as strong and fully as I know how, expecting all three of You to show up and do what You do best,

.…….work SUPERNATURALLY………

So, here we go, Jesus, You, me, Holy Spirit, and Father.”

Rheyma Oosterman

*Devotional

HEAR HIS Whisper (Simmons, Rodriguez 2019)

HE will do it

I was reading in Acts the other day, particularly in Chapter 5, and I saw something that seemed to jump right off the page at me. We see how the gospel spread like wildfire through Jerusalem during the previous chapters. But not everyone was “gung-ho” about it. The apostles were beaten and imprisoned by the religious leaders, who ordered them not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore. Of course, they did not listen, saying they had to obey God rather than men.

But here is what got my attention. A Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the assembly. All the religious leaders were arguing as they tried to figure out what to do with the apostles.

Then he (Gamaliel) addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He, too, was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case, I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But, if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:35-39

I thought this was so powerful, especially verse 39. Obviously, the apostles’ message was from God because it is still spreading and growing today!

That scripture also reminded me of Revelation 3:7b which says,

These are the words of Him who is holy and true, Who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.”

I was thinking about these portions of scripture regarding the promises of God. If God has promised you something, whether it be a prayer you’ve prayed, an opportunity, or your calling – HE will do it.

Matthew Henry writes in his commentary: “He openeth, and no man shutteth; He shutteth, and no man openeth; He works to will and to do, and when He works, none can hinder.”

I have to be honest; I have felt so overwhelmed and stressed lately. The last few months of 2021 were challenging for several reasons. Still, I have literally just realized that it is because I have been striving to make it in my own power. I’ve left my sacred time with Jesus by the wayside (no wonder I’ve been struggling with exhaustion, burn-out, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed!) I live so much in the future – what will I do and accomplish – that I forget to live in the moment. What is God calling me to do today?

I have not figured it all out, but I am on my way to healing. I realized that I must come to a place of surrender once more, a place of knowing that what He has called me to do, HE will do it. It’s never been by my own power. HE will see that it is accomplished–in His timing and by His grace.

It’s so simple and yet so profound, isn’t it? If you relate to this in any way, I hope you will pray this with me today.

“Jesus, I confess that I have been trying to accomplish [whatever it is] on my

own. Forgive me for any pride I have allowed in my heart. I humbly submit

myself to You and the high-calling You have placed on my life. I love You.

In Your holy and precious Name, Amen.”

I know that distraction and stress are tools that the enemy uses to get my eyes off Jesus, and it’s a good reminder to always bring my focus back to Him. He will open and shut the doors, and no amount of my own striving will open or close them. Let Him do “His thing,” dear one. He will give

and accomplish – that I forget to live in the moment. What is God calling me to do today?

I have not figured it all out, but I am on my way to healing. I realized that I must come to a place of surrender once more, a place of knowing that what He has called me to do, HE will do it. It’s never been by my own power. HE will see that it is accomplished–in His timing and by His grace.

It’s so simple and yet so profound, isn’t it? If you relate to this in any way, I hope you will pray this with me today.

“Jesus, I confess that I have been trying to accomplish [whatever it is] on my

own. Forgive me for any pride I have allowed in my heart. I humbly submit

myself to You and the high-calling You have placed on my life. I love You.

In Your holy and precious Name, Amen.”

I know that distraction and stress are tools that the enemy uses to get my eyes off Jesus, and it’s a good reminder to always bring my focus back to Him. He will open and shut the doors, and no amount of my own striving will open or close them. Let Him do “His thing,” dear one. He will give you the grace and strength to partner with Holy Spirit.

Nicole Boyd

Sanctioned Love

TIME

The First thing that God created on Earth was TIME.

In the beginning, when He spoke and said, “Let there be light,” time began. It was the start of the timeline of humanity. It was the beginning of time. God, in His mercy, has given us years upon years of time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says;

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

John 1:1-4 says,  

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

God gave John insight about time; it started from the beginning. When John wrote the Gospel of John, God had placed John in the middle of the timeline of “HIStory” (God’s Story). John took us back to the beginning of time so that he could truly prove that our Alpha and Omega is JESUS, the Author of time, the Word that became flesh, and the finisher of our faith!  

John was also given a vision about the end of time and wrote the Book of Revelation, which speaks of the end times. There is undoubtedly a “time” for everything, and there is a time when time is no more. It’s called eternity!

God has given us time to call on His name so that we can be saved. He has given us time to repent and surrender to His love. He has given us time to proclaim His Majesty and to proclaim Him to those who need a Savior. He has given us time to grow in intimacy with Him and to grasp His unconditional love for us! He is giving us time to bring in a harvest of souls before His return…for such a time as this!

As we approach the end of time and usher in the King of kings and Lord of lords may our hearts be fully aware of what time it is. May we be comforted in knowing that God is outside of time. He knows the beginning and the end because He IS the Beginning and the End. He said that He would be with us always, even until the end of the age – until the end of time.

Maranatha

*Joy Pharo

Sanctioned Love

Many believers do not know the Word of God, let alone know how to use it against the enemy.

The enemy is defenseless to the believer who knows the Word of God and knows how to wield his Sword——and does.

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

This morning I got a picture of a believer who was given an actual sword but had no idea how to hold or use it.  It was hard for him to lift because it was so heavy.  The enemy entered the scene and noticed this immediately.  He had his own “weapons of choice” and was very skilled in their use.  The believer took his huge and powerful sword, and swung it awkwardly at the enemy.  It was hard for me to watch.  It was apparent this believer had no idea how to fight, let alone how to use his heavy sword.  It looked like he could’ve bruised the enemy or maybe even cut him a little, but nothing major enough to faze him.  The enemy then countered.  He came at the believer with his weapons, knowing precisely how to hold them and where to hit.  He hit the believer where it hurt most, knocking the sword right out of the believer’s hand.

This is what it’s like when a believer has no idea exactly what the Word of God says, how to use it or the power it has to defeat the enemy.  Sure, they might believe the Bible is God’s Word and that it has power and authority.  They may even pick it up occasionally but haven’t become proficient in it.  They haven’t built their “spiritual muscles” up in it to know how to hold it and/or swing it.  Bottom line: They don’t know how to use their Sword properly.

The believer must read his/her “Sword,” study it, know its power and become skilled in how to use its power.  If the believer doesn’t do this, the enemy can tell immediately and will come and pollute it or steal what he can, taking that believer out.  But Satan knows that if a believer gets the Word of God “down” (knows it and how to use it), rightly dividing the Word, he’s done for!

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth.

Hebrews 4:12

For the Word of God is living quick, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Swords are not offensive but defensive weapons.  They are used to cut, thrust, stab, mortally wound, and slice things right down the middle (rightly divide).  They can also be used to block a fatal hit of an opponent’s sword/weapon.

The Word of God is God’s Word-His spoken Word and His authority. He has given to us to use and it is meant to be used mightily and skillfully in the mouths of His believers!

Now, it can work two ways. God’s Word used properly can work for you and against the enemy (positive result, positive impact) or, it can work against you and for the enemy (negative result, very negative impact).  That is why it’s so vital to know how to be a skilled swordsman.

Every other piece of God’s armor (Ephesians 6) is meant to stay close and tight to the body, protecting and enabling you to move forward to take your stance against your enemy.

Of course, you always could always take your shield (your faith) and “whack” the enemy with it.  But then, you wouldn’t be holding it in the correct offensive position-tightly protecting your vital areas from the fiery darts of the enemy!

I googled “What makes a person a skilled swordsman,” and this is what I found.

It’s the ability to be highly proficient in the way of the sword.

The capabilities of a skilled swordsman are:

• They can demonstrate a natural aptitude for the ways of the sword.

• They can wield a sword with incredible expertise in speed, power, and skill. This will allow them to perform feats such as stopping and deflecting bullets, decimating large objects or areas, cutting through a solid material such as steel, and even hold back their strength to deal damage to their foes without killing them.

• The user can operate with little or no effort, deliver skillful strikes to weak points with great precision, and cut only and exactly what they want.

• This ability also allows them to become naturally skilled with multiple swords or any bladed weapon regardless of shape or size to suit their needs in combat.

• Their swift weapon control may allow them to bypass obstacles to cut their intended target.

We must know the Word of our God-our Sword.  We must have it in our hearts and become skilled in using it.  Swords are heavy and must be picked up and held multiple times daily.  It should feel like an extension of our bodies.  Our “spiritual muscles” are developed as we use them often.  We become stronger and more proficient each time we have to lift-read and use-the Word.  The more a person picks up his/her Sword, the more comfortable they become holding and wielding it.

So, use and “wear” your weapons God has given you, correctly and the enemy doesn’t have a chance!  He becomes defenseless against a believer who is a Skilled Swordsman!

Jen Meyers

Sanctioned Love

Staying Hungry

“Stay hungry”

What do you think when you hear those words?

Do you think, “keep an appetite for something yummy,” “don’t overeat,” “some weird diet fad,” or maybe you think, “I am always hungry!” When I say these words, I am not talking about food at all. I do love food, but we will save that for another blog!

Luke 8:21a, says, “God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.”

Being hungry for Jesus is so important. Sometimes, however, sometimes when we experience “spiritual highs” we forget to keep pursuing Jesus full force.

These “spiritual highs” can come in many forms. We can experience them after an amazing conference or a word we received that was so “spot on” we knew Jesus saw us and the things we were going through. It could be a simple, yet powerful, encounter with Jesus, or it could even be a quiet whisper from Him during your prayer time. There are so many ways a “spiritual high” can come. There is nothing wrong with having a “spiritual high” and feeling “spiritually full,” but we cannot stay there. We should never feel like we “have arrived” and are good where we are in our walk with Jesus.

Something you may have experienced, I know I have, is when you have found yourself in a “season of war” where you are fighting, contending for breakthrough and revelation, but once you receive it, you need a break. We are, after all, human. Our flesh gets physically tired from the spiritual fighting. We can have “spiritual highs” and “spiritual lows,” but we must always be pursuing the Father’s heart for our lives and for others. 

We are taught to stop eating when we are full or on the verge of being full. As Christians, we are supposed to be full of God’s Word at all times! “Switching brains” can be the biggest challenge with staying hungry while also staying full. As I keep trying to grow in this department-I’m talking spiritually, not food-I have learned a few things that I would like to share with you.                                                                                           

As a friend of Jesus, I don’t like doing things because the Bible says so or people tell me I must. I want to understand the why. If we do not understand the heartbeat and the why we usually end up “doing” just because, which then can become religious. I try to stay so far away from anything that even smells religious. I want to learn and understand how to stay full and stay hungry all at the same time. 

In the physical you can be hungry and not know what you are hungry for or what even sounds good. In the Spirit, however, your hunger is for more of Jesus. When you have tasted and seen His goodness in your life, you want more. You then begin to trust Him with bigger and deeper things in your life. As you continue to see Him be more faithful in your life, you know that He sees you, and your hunger to know Him more begins to grow and grow.

When we have struggles, our hunger can also grow. When you are hungry, even when you are full, you know you have experienced life with Jesus. You know He is good and faithful. You know He loves you, will provide and take care of you. You know He sees you, chooses you, and has placed you where you are for a purpose. You wake up in the morning, and the first thing you want to do is spend time with Jesus. You want to hear what He wants to say about your day, about you, about a friend or loved one, about your job, or your family. You want to hear whatever He has to say to you.

But if you find yourself not being the person I described above, know that there is no shame what-so-ever. Jesus never shames us. We all have seasons where “life happens” and things come up, but we cannot stay there. 

When you feel your blood sugar dropping, you might eat a small power bar to get some quick nutrition because if you don’t, your blood sugar will crash soon. It is kind of the same with our relationships with Jesus. God cares about the intentions of our hearts and the actions we take. He always has grace and mercy towards us, but it does take effort and persistence on our part to make sure we get that spiritual power bar every day! Jesus is our power bar! He sustains us in the storms. He provides when we are lacking. He gives us strength when we are weak. His love covers everything! Why would we not want more of Him? 

I believe that there are two crowds of people that this blog mainly pertains to. Those who have been to the table of God, have tasted and seen that He is good, and those who have not been to God’s table, haven’t tasted or seen that He is good yet have a yearning to taste something fulfilling and lasting. Jesus is the answer for it all.

If you have tasted and seen the goodness of Jesus, get back up to the table and see what else He has for you. He may want to show you a new dream, a new passion, a new friend, or a new person who needs to know Him, possibly a family member or co-worker. He may want to lead you into a new career. He may want to share something with you that’s especially for this day and age and why you exist in this time. He wants to speak to you! Come to the table! Come with a hungry palette!

To those that have not tasted and seen, He has chosen you for such a time as this. He desires for you to know Him like He knows you. He knows what makes you cry and what makes you smile. He knows what you want for life and your family. He knows your deepest heart desires. He wants a relationship with you! 

People need to know Jesus, not just know of Him. Knowing of Him is not enough. We must be hungry for Him and His ways. Get to know Him and stay hungry for Him, continually yearning for more. God is not a genie in a bottle. He wants to have a relationship with us. He wants to share with us and, in return, wants us to share with Him.

Let us come to the table.

Come hungry, stay full.

Come hungry again.

Megan Stockwell

Sanctioned Love

The Woman at the Well

In John 4:1-26, it says,

Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, His disciples did), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria. So, He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” for His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” for Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband, for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that, you spoke truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet…………………..”I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”       

 Jesus is telling the story of a woman He met outside of the city of Samaria. She had been married 5 times and was now living with a man she wasn’t married to. As I was thinking about this woman, I started wondering about her heart. How did this woman get to where she was? I wondered if it was because the society/culture was so accusatory of her. I wondered if she felt the pain of rejection as she had been abandoned in her life. In those days, men were the only ones that could request a divorce. Some speculate that it was because she could not have children that she had been divorced so many times.

In the story, it says that Jesus literally went out of His way to go to Samaria, where she lived. He encountered her at the well outside of town, where He asked her to get Him a drink. This was unusual because Jews and Samaritans did not speak to or “friend” each other. Why did He do that? Because He knew the thirsty places in her life that were dry from disappointments and rejection. He knew the pain she felt, and He wanted her to know that she was seen and valued by Him, that He was the answer, the “Living Water” she needed.

I started thinking about my own life, and I have had the very same questions. As I looked at my life, I literally asked myself, “How did I get here? What brought me to this place? Why did I make the decisions I did?”

Jesus never shamed or accused me. He just spoke to the deep places of my heart. I allowed Him in and allowed Him to love me where I didn’t even love myself. I didn’t know what true love really was until I met Jesus.

The same thing was true for this woman. Jesus spoke straight to her heart with love and kindness. Never shaming or accusing her. He just loved her. Jesus does the same for us. He speaks straight to the deep places of our hearts. Why? Because He sees and knows how deep and painful our hurt is. He wants to take that pain from us, from you, and replace it with His love. No shame. No accusations. Just love….. BUT, we must allow Him access and let Him love us.

The woman dropped her water jar she was carrying and ran to town-the town that had shamed and accused her-with the freedom Jesus had given her.

Jesus does not characterize us by our mistakes or our failures. He does not outline our future with ink from our past. Who you were or the things you still battle aren’t what gives definition to your life. Only Jesus does. He will never restrict or punish you by making you live in a box of shame and regret. No, He only calls you to a new life with Him

He has all the healing, freedom, and love we need and is willing to pour it out on us at any time. He is just waiting for us to be open and willing to receive it.

 Lynda Renne

Sanctioned Love

Years ago, I read a story of a man who went to heaven. St. Peter stood at the pearly gates. “Come on in,” he said, motioning for the man to enter. “I’m guessing you would like to see God first,” said Peter. “Head straight down this street, until you reach two large golden doors, that will be God’s throne room. You will find Him there”. So, off the man went.

As he was walking merrily along his way, the man began to notice that no one was on the road but him. This got his curiosity up, so he started looking around as he walked. The houses were empty, the playgrounds empty, where was everyone?

As he reached the golden doors, they seemed to open all by themselves. Stepping into the throne room, he was blinded by the light coming from the throne. He dropped to his knees and covered his face. After, what seemed to be a long time, He felt a hand on his shoulder and heard a voice say, “Get up, my child. I’ve been waiting for you”. God had been waiting for me?! God motioned for him to come.

Standing before God, he had so many questions, yet the one that was now plaguing him the most was, where were all the people? What about everyone he knew that had died and gone to heaven? Where were they?

“Anything you like to talk about, My son?” asked God. “Any questions?” This was his chance, he thought.

“Where is everyone?” the man asked. “Everyone?” asked God quizzically. It seemed like forever before the answer came. “Everyone………??? Where is everyone, you ask?”

Did you not know that on Earth, it was only you and Me?”

 OOOOUCH!!! That hit me like a 2 X 4 right between the eyes.

 I mean, I knew the Christian life was about walking with Jesus, but…. all the sudden, I realized I kind of thought of it as a “group effort.” Like I did my Christian walk with others. We all went to church together, prayed together, did Bible study together-you get my “drift.”

I have continued to grow in my walk with Jesus, Him, and me. In January, however, Jesus said, “Rheyma, this is the year of you and Me. Not you and Sanctioned Love and Me-just you….and Me. Are you ready to ‘go to the next level’ with Me? I have truths and treasures I want to reveal to you, requiring you to go into training with me. I want to strengthen Our relationship, grow your faith, and show you more of Myself. Are you willing, Rheyma?” My response was, “Yes, Lord, I am.” 

I mean, on Earth, Jesus didn’t depend on His disciple’s faith or their prayers to have a relationship with His Father. No, Jesus’ relationship with His Father was His own. Just Jesus and His Father. One on One. So, what makes me think I can live on others’ faith? Other’s comment? Other’s relationship with the Godhead.? No, my walk with the Godhead needs to be my own. One-on-one. Just the Godhead and me.

In his book, INTIMACY with the ALMIGHTY, there are many wonderful and profound quotes by the author Charles Swindoll. But one of my favorites is:                                                                                   

“Some of God’s best truths, like priceless treasures, are hidden in depths most folks never take the time to search out.”

When Jesus told me at the beginning of this year that it was going to be about Him and me-if, I was willing-this quote immediately came to mind. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was going treasure hunting, and I was going by myself. This was NOT a group thing. I was going to have to do the work myself. No one could do it for me. And Jesus? He’s right there beside me, encouraging me, supporting me, and loving me.

Blessings,

Rheyma Oosterman

Sanctioned Love

“But at midnight, there was a cry. Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”

Matthew 25:6

Do you ever stop and wonder about this cry? A lovesick cry, a cry full of anticipation, and a cry that has been resounding through the ages, from a heart that is yearning?

HE’S HERE! HE’S HERE!

Finally! The lover of our soul is here.!

In Genesis, it started with a marriage union. In the Gospels, Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. In Revelation, the crescendo of all time, we will celebrate with our Bridegroom at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

This is true love! This was God’s plan from the beginning! Communion-Co-union with us! 

We became betrothed to God as we made a vow to Him in faith when we said, “I receive You as my Lord and Savior Jesus.” 

We are married to Him. He lifts us to Him in the air and gazes into our eyes, face to face, and kisses us! 

“Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth, for Your love is more delightful than wine. Kiss me and kiss me again, for Your love is sweeter than wine”.

Song of Solomon 1:2

There is an expectancy in the air. There is a beautiful aroma that permeates the atmosphere. The sound of glory is coming our way! We are waiting for our Prince of Peace, the King of kings, riding on His white horse, coming to sweep us off of our feet. Yes, a divine romance is coming to its full fruition!!!

“My beloved is mine, and I am His; He grazes among the lilies.” Song of Solomon 2:16

What a glorious day that will be when our Bridegroom Jesus comes for His bride and carries us over the threshold. A beautiful bride, clothed without spot or wrinkle, in her elegant white gown.

These are the days of the Bridegroom. A revival is coming that will leave us longing for the Bridegroom, and we will cry out, 

“Maranatha!” 

“Come our Lord Jesus, come quickly.” 

Maranatha!

Joy Pharo

I went to bed praying for you last night and woke up this morning praying for you again!  I am praying, and I’m asking for a word specifically for you, one that will encourage you and lift you up.  A “right now” word. 

Do you remember how I said something to you about the pictures hanging in your front room? I just thought of a Scripture that pertains to them.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. 

Isaiah 40:31

Don’t you think it’s funny how we could go 31 years without seeing each other and then cross paths again? I believe God has something to do with it.  I believe He’s got His eye on you!   

I believe it is “for such a time as this!”

I love you, friend! You’ve been tucked into my heart by Jesus, and I believe it is because you are on His mind, and He loves you!
Yes, you’re right, I have changed a lot. Let me try to explain why.

I don’t know if you had ever heard about Jesus until now or not, but it’s all because of Him. When you knew me, I wasn’t so bad. I was just a young girl, barely 16, and living life. You didn’t know this about me, but I went to church when I was a little girl. In church, I heard all about Jesus. How we have all sinned, how God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save us from the consequences for our sins.  

It is these scriptures I heard over and over again.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” 

John 3:16 

“God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation”.

Romans 10:9,10

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

Romans 10:13

And then, one day, at the age of 7, I heard this message again, and it hit me differently than it ever had before. I knew I was a sinner and that I needed to be forgiven. So, I asked Jesus for forgiveness for all my sins and asked Him to come into my life. I gave Him my heart. It was the best feeling in the world. I felt like I had been cleaned inside out!  Until I was 16……

I don’t know if you’ve ever given your heart to Jesus or not.  Maybe you have, or maybe haven’t, or……..maybe like me, you’ve taken it back from Him. 

It was at the age of 16 that I turned my back on Jesus. That is when you met me.  You see, God isn’t a controlling God. He gives us free will, and I took my free will and lived it up! From age 16 to 27, it was “party hardy!” Girl, my life was a wreck, a total mess, and I had made it that way!  

At the age of 27, I hit rock bottom, and there was nowhere else but up to look, and I started to turn back to Jesus. 

I didn’t think there was any way He’d take me back. Yet, when I asked Him for forgiveness for the way I’d been living and turning my back on Him, He forgave me! 

I was absolutely wrecked!! The love of God wrecked me! By “wrecked,” I mean a very good thing, not like before. All my fears were taken away. My fear of punishment was wiped out. My guilt and shame gone! 

Every once in a while, I get fearful about things, but when I do, I turn to God, trusting Him with my fears, and He gives me an exchange of perfect peace. My relationship with Jesus has grown a lot. I’m talking about a friend-to-friend relationship. I’m not talking about religion. Religion is what my relationship grew into as a little girl, and that is why I walked away. I don’t believe God is into religion either.

I believe He is about restoring the relationship He had in the beginning with man. I did the religion thing when I was little, and it didn’t help me at all. It was the relationship with Jesus that made the difference. 

In 1 John 4:8, it says, “God is love.” He IS perfect love, and it was that love that totally changed my life!

I now give my heart to Him daily. By reading His Word and talking with Him, my mind is being transformed. I’ll get up in the morning, and sometimes I say “Good morning, Jesus” or “Good morning Holy Spirit.” 

By the way, the Holy Spirit is Who you welcomed into your home when I asked you, “Is the Holy Spirit welcome here?” You said yes, and I said, “Then tell Him that!” Remember the feeling that came into your home when you did? That was HIS Spirit!  The Holy Spirit! He is a gentleman and waits to be invited in. He is our comforter. He is also the One who comes to stay in our lives when we ask Jesus into our heart.  

After Jesus rose from the grave, He told His very close friends (the disciples) that He had to leave; it was so that His Father could send the Holy Spirit to those who are His. That’s us!… if we have invited Him in. The Holy Spirit is the helper, comforter, friend, advocate, counselor, the very Spirit of God! He’s so many wonderful things. That is Who you invited into your home, and He wants to come and make His home inside of YOU!

It is the very Spirit of God that is placed in your heart when you invite Him in. He will come in and clean it up like He did the very atmosphere in your living room that day.  You will become brand new! It is where you begin to trust in the Lord. It’s where you find new strength. It is where you will soar high on wings like Eagles! It’s where you run and not get weary.

If you haven’t done so yet, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your life. He loves you! Ask to be cleansed and forgiven, and you will be. I promise you won’t regret it! 

Fly High, My Beautiful Friend, See You Soon!

Jen Meyers

To gain influence in the world, you have to prove you are something. To gain influence in the Kingdom of God, you have to be obedient. – Natalie Davenport

The Israelites wanted a King “just like all the other nations had.” (1 Samuel 8:5b), so God gave them Saul to be their King. Saul began his reign by seeking God for instruction and guidance. As time went on, though, he started to make decisions based on his own reasoning. He wanted to prove how great he was to the people of Israel rather than giving complete obedience to the instructions of God. 

How often do you find yourself being asked for complete obedience from God, only to realize that the sacrifice will cost more than you think you can give? Maybe you feel you will be viewed as that “crazy faith person” by the people around you. Or perhaps you won’t fit in with the “popular crowd.”

If you feel you have been asked to be obedient and sacrifice more than you ever imagined you could handle, you are not alone! The sacrifice is far better than losing your promise or influence in the Kingdom of God. King Saul thought he could get away with practicing “half obedience” but ended up losing his Kingship. When confronted by the prophet, Samuel, King Saul defends himself, exclaiming, 

“What are you talking about? I did obey God. I did the job God set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So, the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to God at Gilgal–what’s wrong with that?”  Then Samuel said, “Do you think all God wants are sacrifices–empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to Him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said no to God’s command, He says no to your Kingship.” 

1 Samuel 15:20-23 (MSG)

Just like that, Saul’s Kingship was taken from him. I pray that I would constantly choose the sacrifice over the chance of walking in the consequences of my foolish choices. A quote that I learned from my friend and fellow Sanctioned Love worship leader, Megan, is,

“What you don’t sacrifice, you will lose.”

It is better to assess the cost of your sacrifice and do things God’s way. When God asks you to give something that seems too important for you to lose or He asks you to be obedient in an area that seems too risky, God will always reward it with something far greater than you could have ever imagined. Maybe God is asking you to give away something to someone else that means the world to you, but yet, it would be a greater encouragement to them. Maybe He’s asking you to leave a second job because He wants you to make yourself more available for the call He has placed on your life while showing you that you can rely on Him to bring in the finances needed each month. Maybe He’s asking you to let go of bad habits because He has a healthier, more stable life for you to live. It makes me think of the picture with a little girl holding a small teddy bear. God is asking her to give it to Him. Little does she know, God is holding the biggest teddy bear she could only dream of, but first, she must be obedient. She must let go of what she currently possesses to gain the great thing God has for her. 

I’m living this teaching out right now in many areas of my life. Many things I can’t go into detail until God has brought the full picture into focus. But I want to encourage you. If you are struggling to let go because you are scared you will go without or that He is asking too much of you, don’t let that keep you from receiving the full measure of what God has in store for your life. 

Obedience is worth the sacrifice.

You may not gain influence in the eyes of man, but you will gain influence in the eyes of God. If He can trust that your heart is obedient, He will increase your influence in the world. It will be a Godly influence, not tainted by greediness or the scratching and clawing to get the top. But in the right season, your influence will be known in the Earth for the sake of the Gospel and all for the Glory of God. 

As for myself, I choose to surrender all!

Natalie Davenport