Thursday, February 26, 2009

Staring intimidation in the face

One Sunday Morning, as I was worshiping in church, I saw in a vision, a very angry cat looking directly at me. I could see the eyes trying to stare me down. The eyes were angry yellow and the pupils were very narrow black slits.

So I am standing in the Church and these large eyes are right in front of me. I am face to face with this angry cat. (I could only see its eyes.)

I asked God about the cat and He said "The spiritual being is trying to make people afraid. It is a spirit of intimidation."

As I stared at the cat I felt it trying to stare me down to intimidate me. I however was not fearful at all. I was being filled with faith, the Holy Spirit was being poured on me.

The Lord spoke to me and said " How do you get rid of a wild cat?" I was some-what surprised by the question. Then, I saw a huge bucket of water thrown at the cat. The cat disappeared - it was gone. I knew the water was the Holy Spirit

To get rid of the fears (and demons) from your life, family, workplace or community; ask God to pour out His Holy Spirit in vast quantities.

Lord soak our lives in the Holy Spirit “Please turn on the Light and let the darkness flee"-
Blessings
Bob Lipsys
ps Throw another bucket of the Holy Spirit on us Lord, Amen.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Should I trade my Bible for a Science Book?

Here is a quote from the Naked Pastor’s Blog
“Recently I spoke with a good friend who has left the church and Christianity because he was reading science, agreed with some conclusions, and automatically felt alienated from his beliefs. He felt, and often this is true, that he had a choice: science or faith.” from http://www.nakedpastor.com/
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The above quote typifies a “intellectual block” many put forward towards the gospel.
They think science disproves the Bible in some way or other. I believe this claim requires a serious examination. Here is my response.

Before you put your faith in a modern science book, take a look at one from the early 1900's. I did, and as a Science teacher I'd say most of the information in it would be considered laughable if it were taught in universities or schools today. (eg the book stated that humans could not travel faster then the speed of sound etc). In 50 years time, the science we are now basing our lives on will likewise be surpassed. It will be replaced by more advanced theories and technologies.

No-one today puts their faith in a 100 year old science book. Yet many base their lives on the Bible which is 1900 years - 3500 years old, and they live successfully believing and living it. Based on the Bible, my marriage works, I have good relationships with and the respect of my teenage children, I know the Lord God, I receive comfort and strength, I've stood through many great storms in life, and I have always had hope.

In 50 years time today’s science books will be at the local rubbish tip. The Bible will still be the most read and trusted book in the world.
Why? It Works.

Why give up your faith in God for theories in a book that will no longer be around in 50 years time?


Blessings are falling round you,
Bob Lipsys

Monday, February 23, 2009

Then, in a week everything changed.

G’day from Australia,
A short word of encouragement for those of you struggling through life
feeling forgotten even by God....

Last year I was having a ‘good whinge’ to God about the delay to the fulfilment of a “dream He had placed in our hearts.”.........
Having patience and waiting is very hard at times.

When I got to the end of my lament, an ad came on ABC TV, our national broadcaster.

An elderly man was talking of a harsh drought he’d been through. He ended with these words. "Then the rains came, and in a week everything changed."

That describes God perfectly. You can try all sorts of things during a drought. None of them really work. You just have to wait patiently for the rain. But, when it comes, everything quickly changes. In a week everything is different.

Patient and frustrated one, soon you will be testifying: “Then the Lord God came, and in a week everything changed.”
Bob Lipsys

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Love finds you

We think that we will find love by being strong,
by getting our act together,
by changing ourselves into “better” people.

Yet, Love finds us when we are weak,
when we are lost and struggling,
when our life is falling apart because
of our own decisions and choices.

The Father's Love is Love that finds you.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Have faith just like a mustard seed has faith

Sometimes the smallest insight can refresh the meaning of a whole passage in the Bible. It can get us to look at the Bible from a new perspective. Simple truths have a way of impacting “our lives” in a big way. They can also challenge some of our long held beliefs and mindsets. They can free us and release us to serve God at a new level.

Below is an example of such an insight. I found this on the “Life Coaching with Pastor Hous” web site. The http is listed below.
Bob Lipsys
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Mustard Seed Faith by Pastor Hous

There are two separate mustard seed stories in the New Testament of the Bible.
In one of them, Jesus tells us that if "we had faith AS a mustard seed, we could ____"

I did an in-depth study of the original language of the Bible, and learned that "as" in this case, is an adverbial particle and not an adjectival particle. What does that mean?
It means to have faith as a mustard seed has faith (adverbial), not to have faith the size of a mustard seed (adjectival).

How does a mustard seed have faith?
Simple.
It simply does what it was made to do. And miracles follow. It doesn't question. It doesn't complain. It never doubts. It doesn't compare itself to others seeds.
It just does its thing.

You are a little seed planted in the grand garden of creation. You started as a single cell in your mother's womb; even smaller than a mustard seed.

Just do your thing!
And miracles will follow.

Daily Life Coaching
with Pastor Hous
http://www.robinwoodchurch.com


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Check out Pastor Hous’ site. A lot of “gems of insight” can be “mined” there.

Blessings are falling all around you,
Bob Lipsys

Friday, February 20, 2009

Keep praying. Never give up

Jesus said that we should keep praying and never give up. He said that God would hear and positively answer the prayers that He has put on our hearts. That is what praying “according to God’s will” means. It is not an “opt out clause” or excuse for unanswered prayer. It is there to give the person of faith certainty in that their Holy Spirit inspired prayers will be answered.

What has God put on your heart to pray?
Blessings,
Bob Lipsys.


Here is a true story about persisting in prayer (The Book's reference is given below.)

Roger Simms, hitchhiking his way home, would never forget the date--May 7. His heavy suitcase made Roger tired. He was anxious to take off his army uniform once and for all. Flashing the hitchhiking sign to the oncoming car, he lost hope when he saw it was a black, sleek, new Cadillac. To his surprise the car stopped. The passenger door opened. He ran toward the car, tossed his suitcase in the back, and thanked the handsome, well-dressed man as he slid into the front seat. "Going home for keeps?" "Sure am," Roger responded. "Well, you’re in luck if you’re going to Chicago." "Not quite that far. Do you live in Chicago?" "I have a business there. My name is Hanover."

After talking about many things, Roger, a Christian, felt a compulsion to witness to this fifty-ish, apparently successful businessman about Christ. But he kept putting it off, till he realized he was just thirty minutes from his home. It was now or never. So, Roger cleared his throat, "Mr. Hanover, I would like to talk to you about something very important." He then proceeded to explain the way of salvation, ultimately asking Mr. Hanover if he would like to receive Christ as his Saviour. To Roger’s astonishment the Cadillac pulled over to the side of the road. Roger thought he was going to be ejected from the car. But the businessman bowed his head and received Christ, then thanked Roger. "This is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."

Five years went by, Roger married, had a two-year-old boy, and a business of his own. Packing his suitcase for a business trip to Chicago, he found the small, white business card Hanover had given him five years before. In Chicago he looked up Hanover Enterprises. A receptionist told him it was impossible to see Mr. Hanover, but he could see Mrs. Hanover. A little confused as to what was going on, he was ushered into a lovely office and found himself facing a keen-eyed woman in her fifties. She extended her hand. "You knew my husband?" Roger told how her husband had given him a ride when hitchhiking home after the war. "Can you tell me when that was?" "It was May 7, five years ago, the day I was discharged from the army." "Anything special about that day?" Roger hesitated. Should he mention giving his witness? Since he had come so far, he might as well take the plunge. "Mrs. Hanover, I explained the gospel. He pulled over to the side of the road and wept against the steering wheel. He gave his life to Christ that day."

Explosive sobs shook Mrs Hanover’s body. Getting a grip on herself, she sobbed, "I had prayed for my husband’s salvation for years. I believed God would save him." "And," said Roger, "Where is your husband, Mrs. Hanover?" "He’s dead," she wept, struggling with words. "He was in a car crash after he let you out of the car. He never got home. You see--I thought God had not kept His promise." Sobbing uncontrollably, she added, "I stopped living for God five years ago because I thought He had not kept His word!" [J. Kirk Johnston, Why Christians Sin, Discovery House, 1992, pp. 39-41. www.christianglobe.com/illustrations/prayer])

Never give up praying
And never ever give up your hope in the Good God you are talking with,
Bob Lipsys.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

No Worries Mate

No Worries Mate is a great Australian saying. However, it can only be really true for those who rest in their Heavenly Father’s Love. In this land of droughts, floods, cyclones, bush fires, interest rate rises, marriage breakdowns, stock market falls and sin... there is plenty to worry about ..that is, if God is not in control of your life.

Worried? Anxious? concerned about your future. Then it is time to ask Jesus to take over your life. Let Him be King and you will walk in peace
Be Blessed in Jesus
Bob Lipsys
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Here are the words from a Godfrey Birtill song. Although a popular Christian Singer in the UK he is relatively unknown in Australia. I find that many of his songs have a prophetic edge. He is well worth a listen BL
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When I look at the world I get distressed
When I look at myself
I sometimes get depressed
When I look at the Lord I find rest
As I listen to His words...

Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...
Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...No No!

When I think of the time wasted in bed
Things blown out of proportion
Buzzing round my head
Something tries to steal the very best
Then I listen to these words:

Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...
Don’t be anxious or uneasy
Don’t be tense now, don’t worry...No No!

No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
No No...No No...No No...No worries
God holds the future, He is faithful
I’m going to trust Him, each and every day.

No worries (When I look at the world)
by Godfrey Birtill 2007 © Thankyou Music
http://www.godfreyb.com/

__________________________________________________

Monday, February 16, 2009

Speaking in tongues

As a primary school kid, from about grade 6 or 7, I used to sing in tongues in the vegetable garden at home. I had no understanding of what I was doing. I had never even heard of “Speaking in Tongues.” However, I experienced God, at these times. God was really close. These were special experiences. Times of healing and faith building.

Years later I was walking past a church in Adelaide. They were having a Charismatic Conference. I walked in – attracted by the singing. At one stage they all sang together forming a beautiful symphony of voices. When I listened closely, and picked out individual voices, I heard people singing in different languages. I recognised it as the singing I did as a youngster. I asked a man standing next to me: “What are they doing?” He replied: “They are singing in tongues.” Oh I said “Is that all tongues is…”. You see by this time my church had become very negative towards tongue speakers, and spoke against them.

From that day however, I renewed my use of the gift I had been given as a child, and I began to pray and sing in tongues throughout the day. Tongues allowed God to “Invade my space” with His Holy Presence.

Speaking in Tongues is not something to be scared of. It is also not something to be boastful of. “Tongue speakers” are not superior Christians – There are no “superior” Christians.

Speaking in tongues is a gift, a tool given by God. It builds up the speaker’s faith. It brings them in contact with God’s presence.

If you are a Christian and would like to speak in tongues go to God and ask Him for the gift. Ask Him to fill you to overflowing with His love and Holy Spirit. Tell God you want to know Him personally. Let Him fill you to overflowing. It is not the gift you are really wanting but the giver, God.

Any Questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
Bob Lipsys

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Changing your world

You can be a person who changes the world around them just by being there.

Last year, just before Easter, my wife and I were in a crowded shopping centre in a very long queue. Many people around us were frustrated and angry, they had waited a long time to be served. Then the computer system in our lane broke down. The cash register closed down completely. The lady being served at the time exploded in anger. She yelled at the checkout staff and she yelled at her children. This anger and frustration was transferred to others.

Standing in line, I remembered what John Paul Jackson said in one of his CD’s about God using these sort of delays for His purposes. So I silently prayed for those around us. The lady in front calmed down. I invited a heavily pregnant woman to go ahead of us as she looked very tired and worn out at the wait. As I silently prayed for all the frustrated people around us they calmed down. After a bit of a wait the computer sprung back into life. The woman in front, who had been complaining and making a fuss, found out that the problem was actually caused by her child pulling a cable out of the computer.

When we got to the front of the line, the check out lady apologised for the delay and commented on the peace my wife and I radiated. I went out happy, having transformed my area of the world with God's touch.

Next time you are delayed, assume God has allowed the delay to happen to you with His purposes in mind. He is giving you the opportunity to change the world around you.

Blessings are yours in Jesus,
Bob Lipsys

Saturday, February 14, 2009

I'm looking forward to the End Times

Jesus told His followers that they need not be
afraid of the end times. He confirmed that there
would be wars, natural disasters, and very hard times.
But He also said to His followers that when these
happen don't be depressed, rather lift up your heads
for your salvation is near, (see Luke 21:28).
Jesus' disciples saw the end times
as a time of great signs, wonders and miracles,
a time when the Holy Spirit will be poured out.
A good time. A time of celebration and joy.
If you follow Jesus, the last days are good days.
Blessings are falling around you
Bob Lipsys

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The Bible also says this
What you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy.
And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved.’ Acts 2:16-21

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Be filled with Joy

From the "Good Book"


“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence…” – Psalm 16:11

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” – Romans 14:17

“May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you Lord, rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.” – Psalm 67:4

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Blessings of Joy are falling all over you.
Thank you Jesus.
Bob Lipsys

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

If God cares for us, why has this happened to us?

In a world filled with tragedies and pain, this question is deep in the hearts of many. Why? ……… Why God why?
One of the best pieces of writing I have read on this topic was authored by Phil McCallum. Phil tells us that when caught up in this thinking we need a mind shift.
He says that we are getting the wrong view of the situation. God is not against us or punishing us. Rather God has come to rescue us….
Have a read for yourself.
Bob Lipsys
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by Phil McCallum http://www.todayspastor.com
“Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?
Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” Judges 6:13-14
Observation
The greatest obstacle to answered prayer can be me. The problem is not with God. He wants to rescue. The problem instead is with my skewed view of reality.
Gideon had a head problem. He had a faultless chain of logic that was totally wrong but made perfect sense. Bad things were happening, therefore he assumed that God was against his people. The difficulty of his logic was that it exonerated Gideon from attempting anything to challenge the status quo. He felt perfectly justified to hide like a fugitive in his own land, choking on chaff dust, because God was against them all.
We too block answers to prayer when we see God as the source of our problems instead of the beginning of our solutions. If we think life’s problems are God’s fault why try to change things?
There is a higher, heavenly perspective that the angel brought into Gideon’s life. This heavenly logic is like a gust of fresh air in a stuffy room. Here’s the new logic: assess your personal strengths and use them and God will use you. The presence of potential in Gideon’s life was proof that God was with him. He later proved himself as a leader, strategist and warrior. Once unpackaged the problem was solved.
Application
Answers to prayer require as much a change in my heart as in God’s heart. We must exchange faulty thinking for fresh perspective. Instead of asking, “What does God have against me” we should instead ask, “What do I have going for me?” The answer to prayer is not external, it is internal. Inside of me God has placed the potential for the answer. I have to change my outlook so God can use what he has given me to change the world around me.
Prayer
Father, give me a clearer and clearer understanding of what you have invested into my life so that you can work through my life. Amen.
by Phil McCallum http://www.todayspastor.com
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Good Word Phil……
“I have to change my outlook
so God can use what he has given me
to change the world around me.”
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Blessings are falling
Grab them with both hands- Bob Lipsys

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

A Word for fire ravaged Victoria

The fires destroying Victoria at present
will one day be insignificant when compared with
the love and blessing God will pour out in response
to this disaster.

The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy,
but I (Jesus) have come so that you may have life
and experience it to the full. John 10:10

The thief has had his day of destruction.
God is about to break out with healing and restoration.

Pour out your healing love Lord and bring your life
to southern Australia in a big way.

Lots of love to you from the Father
Bob Lipsys

Monday, February 9, 2009

Let the controls go. Don’t do anything, just think.

Jet Fighter pilots in the Korean War were trained not to grab at the controls when disaster struck. Artillery exploding near the plane could flip the fighter jet over. A disoriented pilot grabbing at the controls could quickly slam the plane into the ground.

“Let the controls go. Don’t do anything, just think.” was the command that flowed through their minds. Fear causes confusion. The pilot must regather their thoughts, take a risk and leave the controls alone, and consider carefully the gauges and warning lights in the aircraft. They could not afford to be afraid. They needed a clear, unconfused mind.

I wonder: What artillery has the enemy fired at you this week? Has he turned your life upside down and disoriented you. Have you been wildly grabbing at the controls of your life seeking to get back on the right track? If you have been reacting in fear, if confusion is taking over your life, then: “Let the controls go and don’t do anything, just think.” Stop what you are doing. Regather your thoughts. Focus on God; The Heavenly Father loves you. Rest in His love. Check out your life from His perspective. Let His Word take fear from your life. This will end your confusion. His Word is more accurate then your interpretation of the situation. Trust Him and you will soon be flying through life the right way up

Blessings are falling all round you
Bob Lipsys

Here is a quote from a book by M. Basilea Schlink
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You are troubled and anxious. Yet you cannot solve your problems and difficulties by yourself. Your own restless thoughts and aspirations are making you weak and incompetent. They clog the channel of your heart through which God wants His help to flow. Leave everything to God. Let all your restless thoughts, worrying and frenetic planning come to rest. Rest in God and in His sovereign rule in the knowledge that He will act. Then you will discover that ‘in quietness and in trust shall be your strength’. So choose this course and you will experience help.
Read Isaiah 30:15 RSV Father of Comfort by M. Basilea Schlink
See http://www.marysisters.org.au

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Perhaps your vision is too small

God promises many times in the Bible that He would provide for the needs of His children. When finances are delayed, I’ve often heard people say statements like this: “God provides for our need not our greed.” Words like this lower our expectations of God. I find that most people looking to God for finance have good hearts and want the resources to extend God’s kingdom and not to feather their own nest.

Want to hear a radical thought I had:

“Sometimes God delays finances when our vision is too small for His purposes. God may be waiting for us to ask for something greater. .........”

Too often when finances don't come as expected, we reduce our expectations. But what if God is actually giving us a chance to raise them .... We may be asking for a house when God wants to give us a city....

When Jesus fed 5000 hungry people with only 5 bread rolls and 2 fish he told the disciples to collect up what was unused- 12 large baskets full. That was a basket each to take home. Our God is “the God of more then enough” not “the god of just enough.”

“Lift up your eyes...... and rejoice.”

Never, never lower the vision God has given you.

Rather, lift up your eyes and get an even greater vision.

Blessings are falling all around you

Robert Lipsys

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Bored at Church?

There is nothing as soul destroying as superficial worship. Sitting in Church going through the motions would drive anyone to distraction and absolute boredom. You are not alone in this. (And it would be 100 times worse if you are only going to please someone else - partner, parents or in laws.)

For worship to come alive you need God present. When God turns up in church, the wierdest things happen. Some people fall over. Some cry, others laugh, some shake, others repent, some feel lincredibly loved, and others get new direction for their lives. People are impacted at their deepest level. It is definitely not boring when God turns up. Some people get angry when God turns up. They want the boring. They fear the change.

Don't destroy your soul by sitting in Church going through the motions. Ask God to turn up.

Blessings are falling around you.........Bob Lipsys

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Happy People

Well into his eighties, Alan was one of the happiest people I have met. He was always joyful and I never heard him say a negative word. He never criticised or judged others. For those struggling in faith, he came along side. They gained acceptance and strength from his walk with God. He had his own beliefs, was an elder in his church, but he lent support to all the churches in town. I prayed with this man once a week at an inter-church prayer meeting over two years. He was a man of few words, but one from whom I learnt much.

His secret, was a life time of worshipping Jesus.


Worshiping Jesus is the only antidote to a negative and critical spirit. The Bible States:


Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship,
for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation.
They exult in your righteousness.
Psalm 89:15-16


Blessings come when Christians worship together,

Bob Lipsys

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Do you understand the new life God has given you?

Is God’s Spirit stirring within you? Do you feel like you are on the edge of something wonderful. Can you sense that God about to do something amazing in your life? The time is soon. Bob Lipsys
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(From The Message Bible)

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Dad?"

God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!

That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it's not only around us; it's within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us within. We're also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Romans 8:15-28 (The Message Bible)

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Is God’s Spirit stirring within you? Do you feel like you are on the edge of something wonderful. Can you sense that God about to do something amazing in your life? The time is soon.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Deams and Destiny

Most of us live lives that are so busy that we never reflect on them. Many get to the end of their lives realizing that they never fulfilled their dreams. They were so caught up with the every day that real life passed them by.

Rob and Dawn Critchley were challenged by friends to consider where they were going in life. By taking a risk in God they are now impacting the lives of many though their music. A dream God placed in their hearts is being fulfilled.... Blessings are falling around you....night.light

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DREAMS & DESTINY ~by Rob & Dawn Critchley ~

Let me ask you some questions:
•Are you happy?
• If you think about what you are doing now, and were told you would be doing it ten or twenty years from now, how does would make you feel?
• What is your life producing?

These are all questions that friends of ours asked us some time ago and we were not happy with our answers. This set us on a journey of seeking and asking God, taking new steps of faith, overcoming some fears, and taking risk in order to start walking in the fullness of our destiny.
The journey has not always been easy, in fact it has been a lot of hard work.


Has the hard work, steps of faith and overcoming fear been worth it? A resounding YES! We are now living a portion of our dreams and are watching while God moves through our lives in ways we never expected.

It may sound like we came to this place easily, that things just fell into place for us. BUT, our family (including our kids), had to overcome much fear.

Fear is one of the biggest roadblocks to walking in faith in the dreams and destiny that God has for us. It can paralyse us or grip us with such a force that we are unable to move ahead. All fear comes from the evil one. It is his goal to keep the people of God from the purposes of God.

-When we live in our destiny we are doing what makes our heart sing, what we were designed to do, therefore we are happy and fulfilled.
• When we are fulfilled, our lives inspire others
• Because we are doing what God has designed us to do
• We move into a sphere of influence that we may not have otherwise.

Some paralysing fears that keep us from moving forward towards our dreams are:
• Fear of Failing
• Fear of Change
• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of debt
• Fear of disappointment

When you have fallen from your horse (or bike) you must get back on and ride again and face the fear of moving forward. In the case of a relationship, giving your heart again when maybe it had been hurt before: in the case of a dream, extending faith and trusting God again when perhaps you have been disappointed in the past.

Perfect Love casts out fear
• We cannot find this love within ourselves because we are far from perfect
• The only place we find perfect love is in God


So, how do we overcome fear and begin to walk in the dreams and destiny of God?
• GET CLOSE TO HIM
• SPEND TIME WITH HIM
• ASK HIM WHAT HE HAS DESIGNED
FOR YOUR LIFE
• TRUST HIM TO LEAD THE WAY
• BELIEVE THAT WHAT HE HAS SAID
IS TRUE

Here are some of the things that God has said in His word:

• Matt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. What man among you, when His son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone, or a fish and gives him a snake. How much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him”

• 1John 3:1 “It is My desire to lavish My love on you”

• James 1:17 “Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand”

• Jeremiah 29:11 “My plan for your future has always been filled with hope”

• Jeremiah 32:40 “I will never stop doing good to you”

• Jeremiah 33:3 “I want to show you great and marvellous things”

• Ephesians 3:20 “I am able to do more for you than you can possibly imagine”

• Psalm 37:4 “Delight in Me and I will give you the desire of your heart”

• Philippians 2:13 “For it is I who gave you those desires”

• Psalm 16:11 “ You will make known to me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy, in Your right hand are pleasures forever”

• Romans 9:33 “He who believes in Him will not be disappointed”

• John 10:10 “Jesus said” I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

We pray that you will each get to know God’s heart for your life and the He will help you to overcome the fears that may paralyse you.!

~ Rob & Dawn Critchley ~ http://www.wildox.ca/


Sunday, February 1, 2009

What does the dream mean?

We spend one third of our life sleeping and much of that time dreaming. Do our dreams have meaning?
For just over a year each member of my family has been writing down the main features of their dreams. Often we talk through the dreams before work and school. We also pray for each other, each night, asking God to give us His dreams for our lives. As I quickly forget my dreams, I keep a MP3 type note recorder by the bed and speak my dream into it to save them until I have time to examine them in detail later in the day. I also find that by talking about the dreams in the morning, we each remember some more significant details. Questioning each other about their dreams also helps trigger the memory.

Do our dreams have meaning. We have found that God uses them to encourage us in our every day lives. As we started to take our dreams seriously, we found that we remembered more of our dreams. We have also found that God does speak clearly to us through our dreams.

To help find meaning to our dreams we have completed three short CD courses on Biblical Dream interpretation by John Paul Jackson. He also has some useful "dream interpretation cards." John Paul runs in-depth courses on hearing God's voice and dream interpretation. James and Michal Ann Goll's book "Dream Language" is a useful reference and a great introduction. The Golls are great teachers on the symbolism of dreams. Doug Addison has taken Christian dream interpretation to the streets and new age festivals. He has brought many into a relationship with Jesus as he prophesied into their lives and gave meaning to their dreams. All the above authors have led me to restudy the dreams and the other symbolism found in the Bible as a basis for interpreting our dreams today..

Below I have reproduced an article by Doug Addison.
Blessings are falling around you
Bob Lipsys
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Dream Interpretation: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Kingdom

Written by Doug Addison

Is dream interpretation a New Age practice? Is it possible for Christians to tap into these stories of the night and receive deeper insight into their waking lives? Many people believe that dream interpretation belongs to the realm of the psychics and psychoanalysts. The Bible, however, reveals to us that dreams are one of the ways that God speaks to us (Job 33:15 & Number 12:6). The key to understanding a dream God’s way is that we must use a biblical basis for symbolism and the Holy Spirit as our source of revelation.

Genesis 40:8 clearly states that the interpretation of a dream comes from God. There were two people in the Bible who actually interpreted dreams - Joseph and Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh both had dreams, and no one could interpret them except Joseph and Daniel who realized that the true interpretation came only from the Spirit of God. In both instances the popular dream interpretive methods of that day could not correctly interpret a dream from God (Genesis 41:8 & Daniel 2). We have found that this is still the case today.

Most dream interpretation methods and the explanatory books offered today use a Freudian or Jungian approach. These methods are not biblical and according to them, a dream does not come from the Spirit of God, but rather from our own soul or psyche. Therefore, if you try to apply these methods to a dream already interpreted in the Bible, you will not interpret it in the way God intended. I do not recommend using dream symbol books that derive their meanings from these methods.

Jesus often taught people by using parables, which are stories with a deeper spiritual meaning. He admonished his disciples that they must be able to interpret parables and understand this type of symbolic thinking in order to uncover the mysteries of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:10-15). Dreams are symbolic and are basically night parables.

The first place to look to understand the symbols found in our dreams is the Bible. For instance, depending upon the context in the dream, a tree can represent a leader (Daniel 4:22) and a snake can mean lies and deception (Genesis 3). But what do we do when we come across a symbol in a dream that is not defined in the Bible? We must then learn to think metaphorically.

Jesus gives us some insight into how to understand things symbolically in Matthew 16:5-7: When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Jesus was attempting to help the disciples understand things on a deeper level, but they were thinking literally and not symbolically.

“How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

Most people miss the fact that Jesus was giving us a major clue to understand parables and even the symbolism found in dreams. Yeast causes things to “rise,” so the hidden meaning here is that the teaching of the Pharisees causes pride and hypocrisy (Luke 12:1).

Applying this type of metaphoric thinking to symbols that are not clearly defined in the Bible can help us unlock God’s hidden messages in our dreams. A car can represent our life or career. A jet plane can represent a church or a ministry. Being late can symbolize a warning not to miss something important. Taking a test can give us a clue that we are being tested.

After interpreting thousands of dreams for people, I have noticed that there are a few common dream themes that I hear on a regular basis. Some of the common dreams are flying, teeth falling out, falling, going to the bathroom, to name a few. I began to recognize that the meanings of these dreams show where many people are today spiritually. For instance, flying indicates a high destiny in God; teeth coming loose or falling out may mean there is a need for wisdom or advice; falling may indicate feeling out of control of a situation; going to the bathroom is the need for spiritual cleansing or flushing (forgiveness).

As we understand the meaning of dreams, we can help other people find their destiny in God. Although not all dreams are from God, people everywhere are having dreams, and many of the dreams which people share with us have been divinely given. Acts 2:17-18 reveals that prophecy, dreams, and visions will become a strategic part of God’s strategy for reaching people in the last days.

I have been leading prophetic and dream interpretation outreach events for several years. We are finding that people everywhere are very interested in knowing what their dreams mean. As they share their dreams, their walls of resistance come down and they become very open to talking more about God. Since people today consider themselves spiritual, being able to interpret their dreams accurately through the Spirit of God is proving to be an evangelistic goldmine. Dreams are one of the tools that God is releasing to us today that allows us to become more culturally relevant.

Bio: Doug Addison is the founder of InLight Connection in Los Angeles, CA and the author of the book Prophecy, Dreams, and Visions: Revealing God’s Love through Divine Encounters. Doug travels worldwide teaching on spiritual gifts and training and leading dream teams and prophetic/power evangelism outreaches.

Get Moore information at

www.dougaddison.com