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Heaven’s Flames: Witness the Power of God Answering by Fire By Lorena Cox

Dec23

Heaven’s Flames: Witness the Power of God Answering by Fire

The phrase “God answers by fire” is often associated with the biblical story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, found in 1 Kings 18:20-40.
In this dramatic event, which it’s one of my favorite biblical stories, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call on their god to send fire to consume their sacrifice. Despite their fervent ritualistic efforts over and over again, no fire comes.
When Elijah prays to the God of Israel, fire immediately falls from heaven and consumes the offering, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the true Living God that the God is Israel is Lord.
What about our prayers?
Are the prayers being answered by fire?
What causes God to answer by fire?
The answer, faith in God!
Pleasing God through faith causes God to respond.
Through faith, we are saying:
“God, this is your moment to demonstrate your power for you to be glorified.
Everyone will know, you did it and not me.
Now, here is the offering, here is the sacrifice, here is my prayer.”
I hear the Lord say “move out of the way, my fire is coming down now!”

I encourage you and me, let’s keep praying with faith in God!

Our Mighty God who hears our heart, knows every word before we say it, He is pleased to answer our prayers by fire.?

Here are 15 powerful decrees for you to speak over yourself and watch God answer your prayers by fire in the presence of your enemies.

1. I decree that God answers my prayers by fire.
– Reference: 1 Kings 18:24 – “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”

2. I decree that the power of God is manifest in my life through miraculous signs and wonders.
– Reference: Acts 2:19 – “I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.”

3. I decree that the fire of God’s presence consumes every obstacle in my path.
– Reference: Hebrews 12:29 – “For our God is a consuming fire.”

4. I decree that the same God who answered Elijah by fire is working powerfully in my life.
– Reference: 1 Kings 18:38 – “Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.”

5. I decree that my faith is strengthened as I witness God’s mighty works.
– Reference: Psalm 77:14 – “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”

6. I decree that the fire of the Holy Spirit ignites my passion for God’s purposes.
– Reference: Acts 2:3 – “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”

7. I decree that God’s fire purifies and refines every area of my life.
– Reference: Malachi 3:2-3 – “But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.”

8. I decree that God’s fire burns away all impurities and leaves me holy and set apart.
– Reference: Isaiah 6:6-7 – “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'”

9. I decree that the fire of God brings clarity and direction to my life.
– Reference: Exodus 3:2-4 – “There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.'”

10. I decree that God’s fire ignites a revival in my heart and in my community.
– Reference: Luke 3:16 – “John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'”

11. I decree that the fire of God’s love consumes all fear and doubt within me.
– Reference: 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

12. I decree that God’s fire empowers me to live boldly and confidently.
– Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

13. I decree that the presence of God is evident in my life through the fire of His Spirit.
– Reference: Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

14. I decree that God’s fire illuminates my path and guides me in truth.
– Reference: Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

15. I decree that I am filled with the fire of God’s passion and zeal.
– Reference: Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Blessings and Love,
Lorena Cox

The Hidden Meaning of Contentious by Lorena Cox

Dec14

Unlocking the Hidden Meanings of “Contentious” in Scripture: A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth

This week, while reading scripture, I came across the word
“Contentious”.
To my surprise, the word contentious was mostly accompanied by the word “woman”.
This word kept calling my attention. I like word studies, but before I even look into it, I asked the Lord what is this about?
Why is being mentioned only for women?
After seeing it three times….I thought I am praying this one…I surely don’t want to be a contentious wife!
I prayed but without saying it I am thinking again why it’s only mentioned for women. I read some more…and BAM! I found it ladies ? prayer answered.

Memorize it “Proverbs 26:21”.
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
I am hallelujah!! ?
Ladies, we are still mentioned 4 times out of five ?.
I’m injecting a little humor here.
If you do some study on this word contentious, you will identify the meaning more in depth.

Hebrew word used on the following verses means strife, quarreling, scolding

Pr 21:19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.

Pr 25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Pr 26:21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Pr 27:15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike;

On this verse, Hebrew word means quarrels, controversies

Pr 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Contentious word is mentioned five times in the Old Testament, and all of them are in the book of Proverbs.

On the New Testament; however, the word contentious is mentioned only one time in the book of 1 Corinthians.

The Merriam Webster dictionary describe it as follow:
1-as in aggressive
feeling or displaying eagerness to fight
2-as in controversial
“given to arguing”
a tiresomely contentious person who likes to argue for the sake of arguin

This moment of insight, brings us into a place of self evaluation. Are we contentious wives? Are we contentious with our children?
Some of the (top)synonyms of contentious for your reference are:

– aggressive
– militant
– hostile
– confrontational
– combative
– irritable
– ugly
– pugnacious
– assaultive
– belligerent
– acidic
– argumentative

According to 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

In other words, contentious shouldn’t be part of our culture and behavior. Each one of us, continue to become more like Jesus, and in this path, we take a moment to meditate on this as we evaluate ourselves.

It’s important to note the opposite of contentious.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary here are some (top) antonyms for your reference.

– peaceful
– peaceable
– nonaggressive pacific pleasant
– uncontentious
– friendly
– amiable
– conciliatory
– amicable
– cordial
– unwarlike
– benevolent
– gracious

Abba desires for every one of us, to be women/wives, men/husbands gracious to each other. Only Holy Spirit can help us on this journey to stay away from being contentious and becoming more peaceful and gracious.

Let’s repent individually for being contentious spouses in any way our form. Even if we feel like our behavior has not been this way. Let’s humble ourselves before God.

Now, let’s decree in Jesus name.

I decree that we are virtuous spouses, wives of noble character by and through the empowerment and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s say out loud the following decrees based on Proverbs 21:19, 25:24, 26:21, 27:15, and 21:9.

1. I will strive to be peaceful and avoid contentious behavior, creating a harmonious environment.
2. I will cultivate a spirit of calmness and patience, steering clear of anger and strife.
3. I will foster relationships built on mutual respect and kindness, avoiding quarrels.
4. I will be mindful of my words and actions, ensuring they contribute to peace and unity.
5. I will continuously evaluate my behavior, choosing to act with grace and humility.

Some BONUS decrees based on Proverbs 31.

1. I will be virtuous and honorable in all my actions.
2. I will commit to diligent work and manage my household with wisdom and care.
3. I will provide and care for my family, ensuring their well-being.
4. I will extend my hand to the poor and needy, offering help and kindness.
5. I will speak with wisdom and teach kindness.
6. I will ensure the affairs of my household are well-managed, avoiding idleness.
7. I will be known for my strength, dignity, and preparedness for the future.
8. I will cultivate a reputation of good deeds, earning respect from others.
9. I will value inner beauty and godly character over outward appearances.

Hope you enjoy!
God bless you. Lorena Cox

An Olive Becoming Oil by Conny Hubbard

Oct28

The idea of writing as oil has come to me. Last night it flowed, you might say. Can anyone relate? And at what stage of crushing might you be? Maybe the better question is, Who am I becoming?

An Olive becoming Oil

I am an olive, no, wait, that’s not right. I need to begin by saying, “I was an olive” but now I am oil. Of course, oil cannot be produced from just one olive but it takes many. We were many and we went through a painful process of crushing. I still shudder when I think about it. I don’t wish it on my worst enemy but I also wouldn’t want to go back to the way I was before. I was alone, hard and somewhat bitter, hanging on a tree branch, a place that had become quite comfortable for me.

When the harvester’s hands reached for me, I hung on with all my might and resisted.

“I shall not be moved,” I sang on top of my lungs, believing that I was firm in my faith and that I needed to defend myself against these forces that sought to dislodge me from my cozy place of comfort.

But I didn’t succeed in my attempt at self-preservation. I was plucked mercilessly and thrown into a huge basket with too many others. It got dark and uncomfortable really quick and I resented it. I had no idea at the time that this was only the beginning of a crushing that I had not invited nor welcomed. Indeed, these challenges I was facing now were like a death.

Together with the others we were ground into a paste. Yes, you heard right. Ground into a paste! All the layers of our individuality were stripped away until we were laid bare and revealed the core essence of our being. At the time I had no idea what the essence of my being was. I just felt raw and exposed and feared that no one would ever see me for who I really was – an olive. At least that had been my identity. I had already lost my place in the sun and now I was losing my identity, too. It was so confusing. I was sure I was losing my mind.

“Who am I?” was the big question. I learned that fighting against this was of no use. I had no choice but to yield. There was quite a bit of murmuring and complaining going on in that pile of ground paste. We were definitely too close for comfort. It was messy. Our lives got entangled and intertwined. All the things that had worked for me in the past no longer worked. In the olive grove I had enjoyed the gentle breeze of the wind. I was cared for and protected from anything that could harm me. I felt important and knew that my purpose was to grow and be productive. But at the height of my growth I was suddenly thrown into this process that didn’t make sense. I longed for the presence of the wind that often delighted me with sweet songs. Instead I had to endure the cold and hardness of the stone that mercilessly crushed me and the others.

When I didn’t think it could get any worse we were pressed even further. Then we were spread out onto large fiber disks that were piled onto each other. At this point I lost consciousness and I was told later that the pressure that was put on us was so strong that oil and water seeped out of us. Furthermore, we had to flow through a filter to leave any impurities behind and what remained was a clear yellowish oily liquid.

The workers who did all this to us talked among each other and I overheard some phrases that made me wonder. I heard things like pure, desirable and valuable. I had no idea that I had carried droplets of oil within me all along. It took all this work to extract the oil but now that I was no longer a single olive but a part of oil I felt something had shifted within me. A new identity had emerged and with it came a clearer understanding of purpose.

Becoming oil had been tough but now united with many others we discovered a new purpose. Together we would be used for all kinds of wonderful things, such as

cooking, lighting, perfuming, anointing, beautifying skin, in the making of soaps and in healing wounds. We were even referred to as “liquid gold” and as “the great healer.”

Some of us were dispatched one day to assist a Samaritan man who came upon a man who had been beaten by robbers. It was a good thing he had us with him that day because he poured us into the man’s wounds so we could do our healing thing. Wine was also present that day. They were used to cleanse the wounds. Wine had to go through a similar crushing and they also had a story to tell. We were not in competition but each one did what was needed that day. For us, the oil, it felt so good to bring soothing to these wounds.

You might have noticed that I don’t refer to myself as a lone olive anymore. It has become a thing that we do together and not one olive can boast in it. I am part of a greater substance and in losing my single solitary life I have found a life that is much richer and more fulfilling than I could have ever dreamed of.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 The Message Bible

We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives.

By Conny Hubbard

October 2024

The photo below was taken by my sister Lydia in Mallorca. It’s a very old olive tree. What do you see?

Iyar NeuroArt Teaching by Conny Hubbard

May14

Iyar Teaching by Conny Hubbard

May14

JoBeth and I would like to Thank Conny Hubbard for including the Quest Of The Overcomers in her Neuro Art teaching on the Hebrew Month of IYAR and her excellent review of our book.

Please, click the link to partake of this lovely instructional teaching on how to draw out a Biblical Truth in a lovely and creative way. 

Conny Hubbard is a well known Author, Teacher and Chaplain. She is one of the most creative women that I have ever met. She teaches Bibliodrama writing classes that bringing the Word of God to life in an exquisite and creative way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXXnej4rtzM

Reach out and let us know how much you enjoyed The Quest and Conny’s Teaching. 

The Lion and The Lamb

Nov12

Be Encouraged in the Lord welcomes Guest Author Bonnie S. Vaughan. We trust the Lord that Bonnie’s submission will Encourage and Bless you today.

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The lion and the lamb, though two different creatures, will one day lie down together.

In a world of chaos, we sometimes wonder, “How can this world endure?” But as we focus on the Lord, we are full aware that He is in control, and all things will work out as He has planned. Even in our own lives we can have chaos and wonder, “How much longer, Lord?” Yet, He responds with a love that melts our hearts.

Yea, though I (you) walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I (you) will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). Emphasis added….

No matter what life throws our way, God has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us. His abiding presence is the blanket we wear, and the fragrance we smell.

Though we may not know what tomorrow holds, this one thing we do: casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7 NKJV). It’s in the “casting” that we are able to be free from the burdens that weigh heavy upon us; for in due season we will reap if we faint not.

Just as the lion and the lamb are so different, but will one day come together; our lives are so different without Christ. But when we come to Him, like the lion and the lamb, we will be one with Him, and life’s struggles and heartaches will fade away.

Whatever challenges you are facing, may you find His peace to be the shelter that you run into for safety.

Blessings,

© Bonnie S. Vaughan

www.bonnievaughan.tateauthor.com

 

This entry was posted on November 12, 2015, in Guest Author.

Beyond The Pain by Bonnie Vaughan

Sep9

DSC03114When the seasons of our lives makes twists and turns, it leaves us to wonder how we’ll make it through. When burdens weigh heavy and it seems overwhelming, our sense of trying wants to figure out what’s happened. When situations don’t unfold as expected, causing us to question our faith beyond measure; we long for a way out. When problems continue to invade our lives, we run away in despair without any hope in sight to a place of utter confusion. When all else fails and our prayers don’t seem to get answered, we tend to hide deep within our pain. When trials bombard us we look for the door that leads to the broad path, a path of destruction and wasteland. But our only defense is in Christ, the Lover of our soul.

Many times we face things with a longing in our hearts to know the reason for their existence, yet it’s at these times our peace needs to remain; giving us assurance that God is in control and all is well. No matter the depth of the hurt, the many tears, or the lack of understanding, we can rest assure that our Redeemer lives. He never leaves us nor forsakes us, but continues to wrap His loving arms around us, holding us close to His heart.

So if you’re facing difficulties that are unpleasant at the moment, if the weight of the world is on your shoulders, if others are against you, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that His sacrifice has paved the way for your victory. He offers you the sweetness of His embrace, carrying you beyond the pain of the present, and leading you down the path of comfort.

Come to Him today and allow His kiss to touch your pain, and you will never be the same…ever.

Blessings,

© Bonnie S. Vaughan

http://www.bonnievaughan.tateauthor.com

This entry was posted on September 9, 2015, in Guest Author.

Hardships by Bonnie S. Vaughan

Aug4

Be Encouraged in the Lord welcomes Guest Author Bonnie S. Vaughan. We trust the Lord that Bonnie’s submission will Encourage and Bless you today.

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Hardships can come in many forms and fashions, and we can find ourselves wondering what is going on. But amidst it all, God is working all things out for our good. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

At times, our lives may take twists and turns leaving us to lean more and more into the One who knows our frame. Not that we understand it all, but it’s in the unknown that faith is made alive, and we continue to trust even though we don’t have all the answers.

Our focus tends to lean inward and outward causing us to search for reasons as to why the outcome is not as expected. It’s in these times we need to realize and look into the face of the One who holds us close to His heart, and will only allow us to go through what His hand has not permitted. He is faithful and will not lead us astray, but will continue to lead us by His Spirit onto the path that leads to righteousness.

Having had two siblings in less than a year and a half go home to be with the Lord, and yet another one at heaven’s door, can cause questions to arise, wondering if God’s Word is truly what He says it is. It’s not a matter of a lack of faith, or a sense of not knowing in whom you believe, but learning from past experiences of His steadfast love that will carry us through no matter what we encounter or come up against.

His faithfulness is forever etched into our hearts, and we can rest assure even with questions at hand, that He will be our all consuming shelter, friend, companion, and comforter, as long as we continue to allow Him to be the entrance into our every situation and trust Him completely.

It’s okay to have questions not answered; it’s okay to wonder at times where God is; it’s okay to ask Him, “God where are you?” For He is big enough to handle the most difficult questions we embrace, and is more than able to supply our needs even if the answers we desire do not surface.

So let me encourage you to hold tightly to His unchanging hand, and never allow anything to keep you from His presence; the place of sweet rest and peace.

Blessings,

© Bonnie S. Vaughan

www.bonnievaughan.tateauthor.com

Cleanse by Lee Gossett

Jul29

Be Encouraged welcomes Guest Author Lee Gossett. We trust the Lord that Lee’s submission will Encourage and Bless you today.

CleanseCleanse: We know that Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of our tongues.

PROVERBS 18:21 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose (MSG).

We can do a better job to guard our hearts and what comes out of our mouths. Just because you think it doesn’t mean you need to say it! Never have I seen such a time of disrespect in the world. Whatever is on our minds, comes out of our mouths. We need to be more thoughtful of the destructive nature of our words and the impact on others.

LUKE 6:43-45 You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the trees. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds (MSG).

Let’s ALL agree today that we can do better in this area to guard our hearts and watch what we say.

LUKE 6:45 Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart (CEV).

 

 

 

 

Guidance by Lee Gossett

Jul22

Be Encouraged welcomes Guest Author Lee Gossett. We trust the Lord that Lee’s submission will Encourage and Bless you today.

GuidanceGuidance: In a time where everyone has an opinion about everything, can you trust it? There is only one source for absolute and accurate instruction – that is the Word of God. Life is too important to depend on our own understanding and “will” to get through the difficult decisions that come our way.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 With all your heart, you must trust the Lord and not your own flawed judgment. Always let Him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow (CEV).

If you have a decision to make, what I’ve learned is to STOP and wait until you have peace about it. If you can’t feel peace in the moment, then there is a good reason to delay. It’s important to be “this” thoughtful.

JOHN 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come (ESV).