Advent: The Blessed Hope!

For centuries mankind looked for the blessed hope to come! Those that heard the voice of God, or believed those who did, were certain that there was one coming who would bring them salvation from the oppression they faced on a daily basis. The clenches of unjust rulers, the bondage of sins waged from within and without, man knew that He needed a redeemer! And prophet after prophet declared that in fact He was on the way. Ezekiel was one such prophet and he declared in Ezekiel 37:23 (AMP): read more...

Advent: Wise Men Still Seek Him!

Since the beginning of the known world, there have always been scholars, wise men who studied the times. Some studied the times through divination, others through astrology, others through taking note of the things and people around them. Intuition, discernment, mother wit, whatever you choose to call it – there have also been ordinary people who are extraordinarily aware of changes taking place in their world. read more...

Advent:What Jesus Can Do With a Simple Man!

I’ll never forget the first time I stepped foot on the campus of Oral Roberts University. The gleaming gold on the rooftops of some of the buildings, the quiet awe that flooded the prayer room, the sense of destiny that permeated the hallways – I was there for the graduation of my sister-in-law, I was captivated by the spirit of God that resonated on this campus – I received something life altering even by being there. I also have never forgotten the message at her graduation – delivered by Pastor Jack Hayford, (Pastor of the Church on the Way), “Waiting for Your Next Suddenly” – I confess I have used it many times – it was a word that still lives strong in me. My greatest desire was for my children, too, to attend this great university where the educational curriculum was centered around the Word of God! read more...

Advent: We Wait in Community!

One of the characteristics of this season is the gathering of people together in community. I particularly love the “gathering” in the churches – the celebrations in music, the Christmas plays, the feeling of real kinship that you don’t experience at all Christmas gatherings. For it is in the community of like-minded believers that you experience the real reason for the season! Your faith becomes revitalized! You know that you are part of a plan that you could never have orchestrated for yourself. The joy is unspeakable! A sense of peace floods your soul – all is well! read more...

Who is In Charge?

When I was thinking of Advent today, I thought of Mary. The words of the Magnificat – Mary’ s response to Gabriel upon his news that she would bring forth the Christ, speak of such strength from a young peasant girl, read more...

Advent – While We Wait!

Most contemporary churches don’t spend a lot of time talking about the season of Advent. Having had the privilege of attending both contemporary and traditional churches, I have developed an appreciation for the value of both kinds of venue. There is a part of me that loves the pulpit adorned in purple, the candles, the special devotions and music – it is a reminder of this special holy time! read more...

A Clarion Call!

In medieval days when the sound of the clarion was made, people took note. I am sending forth a clarion call today. I am asking you, our HeartLife readers to blow the trumpet in Zion and sound the alarm. After talking to one of my friends last night, who is a teacher, like myself, I found out one more reason that we need intercessors who will actively stand on the wall! After nearly 33 years of teaching she is being investigated on the claims of a student for kicking him! This situation, like so many that I hear is becoming far too common in our schools. Students are lashing out at teachers, both in the form of verbal accusations and actual physical abuse! Not only are students attacking each other, they are attacking teachers as well! In my lifetime, when I first began teaching in 1968, all I had to do was frown at a student, and I usually got the response I needed. read more...

An Old Friend Returns!

When I was a very young believer, God sent a woman into my life to mentor me. Now I didn’t know that was her purpose at the time, all I knew was for some reason I connected with this very kind, elderly woman. This woman, Mother Black, became the one who patiently led me out of my “intellectual babble” into the truth of God’s Word. Yes, I attended church, Sunday School, conferences, etc – but it was at the feet of this gentle woman that I received thet real knowledge found in the Bible. read more...

The Purpose of Pain!

I am so used to not living pain, that when I have pain, I act just like a baby. The other day I cracked a tooth and of necessity had to get it pulled – there was a live root that kept me aware that if I didn’t move on it, it would move on me! There were complications with getting the tooth pulled and I have been in one level of pain to another all day and night. Strange way to begin a post on heart – life! read more...

The Breath of Life!

The marvelous thing about God’s Word is that it is not merely words, it is a weapon in the hands of someone who knows how to use it. This knowledge is not given to everyone – it is uncovered by those who are willing to seek that information out. I can remember as if it was yesterday the day God answered me after I asked Him what my gift was. It was at a Prayer Band Convention – I wanted so desperately to know where I fit in the body of Christ, what special job He had assigned to me. This was the scripture that He gave me, of course we didn’t read The Message Bible then, it was the good old King James, but as i read it in Ezekiel 37: The Message, it took on new life: read more...

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