So, Let Me Ask You, Do You Have Hope?

Fantastically Fun-Filled Fabulous Friday! As I read K-Loves Encouraging word this morning, I just am overwhelmed with emotion. You could say I've walked a bumpy road, you could even truthfully say I went in the complete wrong direction a time or two, bound and determined to have my way. We all have a past. We all have something we are not proud of. But do not let that hold you prisoner. For that is not what your Father has suggested you should do. Here is today's encouraging word from K-Love:

Come back to the place of safety,all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.

~ Zechariah, Chapter 9, verse 12, NLT

What a call to return home! A promise to bless you twice for each trouble. Not just come home, I'll show you some love. No. I will REPAY TWO BLESSINGS for EACH TROUBLE.

So, let me ask you, do you have hope? If you do, I urge you to invest that hope in your relationship with God. The closer you get to Him, the more you will witness a difference in the ways things unfold in your life. Prayer matters. It part of your armor. I don't know about your daily life but throughout my day I run into others that seem to be having a really bad day. If you are not prepared to come under attack, these run ins will really throw you into a loop. I talk a lot about renewing one's mind. So many of us are watching these so called 'reality shows' with MAJOR drama in the mix. You can believe all you want that these shows do not impact the way you yourself react to certain things, but if this is all you are pumping into your mind, I can promise you this is a natural result.

On the other hand, if you are delving into God's word, if you are renewing your mind in as many positive ways as humanely possible, I can also promise you that situations will not escalate in the same manner. If you add prayer to that formula you will often witness unbelievable events. Like a child lifting a car off a parent or vice versa as an example. Or like me, you may be blessed by becoming a tool in the healing of another individual! Perhaps you might meet another sister in Christ who has a message for you, given to her by your Heavenly Father! This could lead to so much more. I know this to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt. Of course if you have read my blog "Show Me A Sign" as well as "Unpacking Treasure, show me a sign part II" you know this actually took place in my life as well. By being introduced to my sister in Christ, I ended up meeting her sister at a fundraiser and today I am a part of her ministry. I am telling you, your whole world could explode in blessings!

I have to laugh, because last night at bible study we were talking about how we are instructed to rejoice always. Not just in the good times but through the mishaps of life as well. We happened to be reading about Paul and Silas in Acts, Chapter 16. They had just been dragged into town by the slave owners of a fortune telling girl who, due to Paul ordering the demon to come out of her in the name of Jesus, had lost her talent and in turn the slave owners risked losing their profits. The slave owners made the false claim that Paul and Silas were throwing their city into confusion, being Jews, and claimed they were proclaiming customs which were not lawful for Romans to accept or observe! The crowd rose against Paul and Silas and the chief magistrates tore Silas and Paul's robes off and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After striking them with many blows they hauled them off to prison. The jailer threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks. This is the first recorded account of anti-semitism! So next, we learn that Paul and Silas were not only praying, they were also singing hymns of praise to God. It also says all the prisoners were listening to them when suddenly there was an earthquake so grand that the foundations of the prison house were shaken and All the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened! I cannot imagine what that scene must have looked like! One thing is for sure that is some exciting stuff!!! 

 this past Thursday I had posted this on my 'You Are Worthy Too' fan page: Tremendously thankful thoughtful Thursday! Indeed I am thankful. Yesterday my 'world' could have blown up. I admit I cried out loud. I called a friend quickly and asked if she would pray for all of us as I was a mess. She did. In the end what was meant for evil became good. Thank you Father God. As your word claims, it is true:

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.
~ Psalm 138:3, NLT

In the midst of absolute fear of what may transpire, I was able to keep my head about me and leaned upon my heavenly Father. He not only gave me strength, He provided me with insight. 

****** I started this blog post on Friday. It is now Sunday. In the last 5 days I have dealt with massive fear 3 times. I cannot imagine what shape I would be in right now were it not for my relationship with the Lord. I'm about to purchase some knee pads, for I have fallen on my knees several times in a few short hours. At the end of the day, my children are safe, my mother is safe, Mike is safe. Thank you Father God for your protection and your love. I feel like I have survived a train wreck. Amazingly enough I was even able to chuckle at a couple of mistaken words on a face book posts. The whole message changes when pray becomes pay and letters becomes lawyers. Laughter truly is a medicine. 

Father God I ask that you help those in pain find a way to laugh through their tears as you have caused me to do tonight. You truly are a loving Father. Where would I be without you? I shudder to even think what life would be like were you not there for me to lean on. The evil one is banging at my door Father. He is trying to steal, kill and destroy. I ask that you bind him. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Wendy

© Wendy Glidden, 2013

My Craziest Dream Doesn't Come Close to The Beauty in My Life Today!

Wild Wacky Wonderful Wednesday! Wow!! If you had told me a year ago that I would be in the midst of sharing my life story with the world via a blog, I would have literally laughed out loud. No way would I open my closet for the world to see! I mean, who in their right mind looks for critics and judges?

If you would have claimed that within 7 months of me stepping out in Faith and following the direction God was pulling in, my story would have well over 40,000 page views and I would have been read in 75 countries, I'd of told you that you should be writing a story! Yet, here I am. In absolute awe of our Heavenly Father. He is Faithful.

Were you to take my craziest dream and throw it up on a 'dream board', it would not even come close to comparing what is happening in my real life today. If that isn't absolutely mind blowingly wild, well, I don't know what is!

Recently I prayed for a way to create an income from nothing so that I can fund my ministry. While that prayer seemed like one that had little chance of being answered, I said it regardless. After all, with Faith anything can happen! So, I have the idea, the core of it, and I am super psyched to get started. All I am waiting on is for the 'so called clutter' to begin arriving in the mail. It is my prayer this happens before next month ends. If you missed that blog "Clear the Clutter" and you have no desire to go and read it for yourself, I am asking for donations of all broken crayons as well as all empty vitamin bottles. Any donations of either are greatly needed and appreciated. Simply mail them to Wendy Glidden, PO Box 481, Westfield, IN 46074.

The coolest thing about what I am doing right now is the messages I receive from readers. Money, no amount of it, could ever hold a candle to the encouraging and thankful messages I have received. They warm my heart and give me the courage and strength to continue. I do receive nasty insults from some. I know where that comes from. I just smile and think to myself, "I must be encouraging many for such attacks!"

I am firm in my faith and I will not waiver. Decades ago when I did not wear a full suit of armor the evil one was able to commit acts of connivery that in all reality were 100% cruel. I pray my fellow brother's and sister's in Christ learn about all the armor available to protect themselves from the daily battle we all face. Without using it all, we leave ourselves vulnerable. I now recognize the battle we are in and I am thankful for such clarity.

Speaking of clarity. I have been praying for it recently. The other night I had the craziest dream. You know, one of those where it seems so real, you believe it is happening in real life. That happened to me last week. In my dream, I couldn't 'see' who was with me as everything was slightly fuzzy, almost like being in a hospital under the bright lights undergoing surgery yet awake. Anyway, they were looking into my eyes. Next thing I know, they pulled out this whitish film but it was thick. I was shocked it had come out of my eye. Then I heard them say, "There, that should help you see clearer." When I woke up my eyes felt rough. I got up and went into the bathroom to wash my face. As soon as I splashed that first handful of water on my eyes, I stood straight up recalling what I had witnessed during the night. I am still blind as a bat but I am seeing things clearer.

I came to work and shared my dream with Joan at work. She said, "Wow, sounds like you had scales taken out of your eyes!"  I am not sure what transpired exactly. What I do know for sure is I am now praying for my ears to be in tune with truth! I will be sure to share any other crazy dreams I have in the future!

The highlight of my day thus far would be when I went into the break room to heat up water for my oatmeal. I found my 14 year old daughter curled up reading her bible. Her Ipod and my laptop are sitting on the table for her to use and yet she is entranced in God's word. I don't think anything can top that!

Today I pray eyes and ears are opened to the truth. I pray countless lost are found. I pray the hands and feet of Jesus move into action all across the world as one. I pray my brothers and sisters begin coming home in the thousands. May the evil one lose his hold on countless held in bondage. I pray all learn about the war and the armor needed to win. I pray they take advantage of all the armor available. I pray I begin to receive countless packages of broken crayons so I can begin my fundraising idea that makes me giggle like a child every time I think about it. I thank you Lord for all you have blessed me with. I am blessed beyond measure. I pray I continue to receive insight on my next steps. I pray I am always able to see an attack and recognize it for what it is. I pray that while sin crouches at my door it finds no entry into my heart and mind. Protect me from harm Father. Protect my family from harm. Strengthen the Faith of all my family. In Jesus name I pray! Amen.



Wendy, Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden 2013

Have You Been Called?

Over the last couple of days, again and again and again I have heard "Go forth and Make Disciples." Ironically when I glanced at my alphabet picture on my wall today I realized I am on Letter G and it highlights The book of Matthew, chapter 28, verse 19. Taken out of my MacArthur Study Bible, it reads:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Now if you recall, anytime you see therefore you really need to go and read what was happening prior.

I jumped to the beginning of the segment which began at verse 16 only to discover that verse started with the word "But" meaning I needed to go a little further back only to discover to do this verse justice, I needed to start back in Chapter 27. It's such an awesome chapter and it thrills me to no end no matter how many times I read it that I am almost tempted to go even further but for now this will suffice! I am going to start off with Chapter 27 verse 45 and suggest if this intrigues you, do your own due diligence and read the prior 44 verses for yourself!

With that being said, again from my MacArthur Study Bible:

The sub heading is: Jesus Dies; Accompanying Signs

and it references The Book of Mark, Chapter 15, verses 33-41, The book of Luke, Chapter 23, verses 44-49; The book of John 19, verses 28-30

verse 45: Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.

verse 46: About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

verse 47: And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah."

verse 48: Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink.

verse 49: But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him."

verse 50: And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.

verse 51: And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.

verse 52: The tombs were opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

verse 53: and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

verse 54: Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

verse 55: Many women were there looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee while ministering to Him.

verse 56: Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

As we proceed on to verse 57, we have another sub heading: Jesus is Buried. (This part references Mark 15: 42-47; Luke 23: 50-55 and John 19: 38-42)

verse 57: When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

verse 58: This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

verse 59: And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

verse 60: and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.

verse 61: And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.

verse 62: Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate,

verse 63: and said, "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that the deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again.'

verse 64: Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead', and the last deception will be worse than the first."

verse 65: Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how."

verse 66: And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone

Now we come to Chapter 28: The subheading for the first 7 verses reads: The Empty Tomb. This section references Mark, Chapter 16, verses 1-8; Luke, Chapter 24, verses 1-11:

verse 1: Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.

verse 2: And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it,

verse 3: And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.

verse 4: The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.

verse 5: The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.

verse 6: He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.

verse 7: Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

The next subheading is: The Appearance of Jesus to the Women

verse 8: And they left the tomb and quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.

verse 9: And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.

verse 10: Then Jesus *said to them, Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me."

The next Sub Title: The Bribery of the Soldiers

verse 11: Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened.

verse 12: And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers,

verse 13: and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'

verse 14: And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble."

verse 15: And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.

The following sub heading is: The Great Commission

verse 16: But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.

verse 18: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

verse 19: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

verse 20: teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

You see why I get so excited! Jesus conquered Death. His only request for those brothers and sisters that believe in this Truth is to spread the good news. Honestly, I don't know how you can know all of this and not  share it with others at every opportunity.

Since the beginning Satan has schemed, lied, stolen and deceived countless numbers. Jesus conquered him! The evil one, the devil, The father of lies, he has more names than anyone other than Jesus in the bible. I found this list that really lays out just who Satan is by name and book so that you can verify it all for yourself. http://www.markbeast.com/satan/names-of-satan.htm In all things when attempting to "win" against another team, business, person, you study the competition. You find their weakness, you recognize their strengths. How can you win over Evil if you don't understand the True source? The simple answer is you Can't!

When you realize who Jesus is and what He represents, you also begin to understand who the enemy truly is. Once you accept Christ as your Savior, you must accept Satan for who he is. It is foolish to think him nothing. Satan has been around for a VERY long time. He has had time to practice on countless beings. There is only one person on earth that defeated him and that is Jesus. Jesus Christ, our Savior, already won the battle for us. For daily protection we Must put on our armor each and every day as described in The book of Ephesians. I warn you though, even with dressing daily for the battle, Satan is scheming and looking for a crack in your armor. Don't grow weary for he never grows weary. On top of this you must alert your brothers and sisters. You must spread the good news. You must sound the warning. You are commended to Go forth and make disciples of All nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I only have one question for you, "Are You Ready to Answer the Call?"

Father, I pray my fellow brothers and sisters hear the call and answer. I pray more of my fellow brothers and sisters that dream of one day working for you, simply start right where they are. I pray we all seek your wisdom. I pray we become excellent students, who in turn, with Love, share what we learn from you Father. I pray we get bolder and brighter. I pray the lost seek the Light.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Wendy, Mom of Many

On a side note, when you see all caps in a New Testament Book, it is a direct quote from a book in the Old Testament.

On a bigger side note, many argue over who Jesus really was. I did a walk through the gospels based on Luke as he goes chronologically in order with his gospel where I attend fellowship on Sunday. It was the most exciting, eye opening, undeniable truths study I have done to date. I, myself cannot recite all the messianic miracles Jesus fulfilled or where they are located, but I did take the time to find an article that lays it all out for you. If you are curious to discover the truth for yourself. Here is the link: http://lbcc.org/files/2012/03/prophesies_yeshua_fulfilled-1.pdf


©Wendy Glidden 2013