As I sit and reflect on the goodness of God, I must admit that it makes me sad to see so many friends and family members that do not appear joyful. JOY is so different than happiness. Happiness is based on your circumstances, in other words, what is happening in your life. While joy is based and rooted in Jesus and the goodness of God the Father. I will admit that I have felt sadness during this Christmas season. My dad passed away January 29th of this year, and my mom also went on to be with our Lord on July 4th. Knowing that neither of them would be here for the Christmas season was sad for me and my family. But that is NOT where I choose to stay! I have determined that nothing can or will separate me from God’s love and goodness (Romans 8:38). If you are struggling with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, or despair, give it to God and ask Him to heal your heart. He will take it and replace it with joy. Realign your focus! Here are a few scriptures that I have found helpful during tough times.
Isaiah 26:3 ” You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in You. (NKJ)
James 1:18 “He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.” (NLT)
Colossians 1:22 “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (NLT)
Ephesians 2:8-10 “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a GIFT from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good thing he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)
Psalm 23-“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (KJV)
As youth pastors, my husband and I have encouraged our teens to dig into God’s Word and hide it deep in their hearts. When storms and trials come along, it is the only true north! Many times, God has reminded me of scriptures that I learned as a child or teen. These scriptures not only brought me comfort, but they also reminded me that the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to guide us into truth and help us make decisions based on God’s Word; and not just our emotions or what feels good at the time.
On this Christmas Day 2023, I want to leave you with the bundle of JOY that was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger found in Luke 2: 1-20; Matthew 1:18-25; and Matthew 2. “At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great JOY to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’ (Luke 2:1-14 NLT)
Most Christian music lovers have heard Brandon Lake’s song, “Gratitude.” If you have not heard it, then go look it up. Not only does it contain beautiful lyrics, it also has a melody and anointing that humbles us before the Lord. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I challenge us all to humble ourselves before the King of Kings. I ask that we all exam our hearts and ask God to reveal any thing that is not acceptable in His sight. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom and righteous living tips. Regular self-examination of our own hearts is one of them. It helps guard against “familiarity” and continuing in the “old” so we can embrace the new. God will speak to us when we get still and listen (Psalm 46:10). He wants to bring the Bride into intimate relationship, so we can transcend to the next level spiritually. BUT that will not happen until we are obedient in the season we are in now. My current season is FULL of servant leadership and humbling myself before the Lord. Like Isaiah, I just say, “Here am I, Lord send me” (Isaiah 6:8). With that, I have to be willing and ready to do just that. I want to shout this from the rooftop…THE ONLY TREASURES THAT WILL REMAIN ARE THE ACTS OF LOVE AND KINDNESS THAT WE DO HERE FOR GOD’S GLORY! That means we do not brag about the things we are doing for the Lord, or even about spiritual gifts that God has given us. Jesus said, if you tell everyone about what you are doing for God, then you have already received your reward here on earth. Matt. 6:1-Be very careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by men; otherwise you will have no reward prepared and awaiting for you with your Father who is in heaven. (Amplified Bible)
In closing, I ask that we all:
(1) Examine our hearts and ask God to purify and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. For only God knows the intent of man’s heart. (Psalm 19:12, Jeremiah 20:12, Proverbs 21:2)
(2) Humble ourselves before the Lord. Like Isaiah, tell the Lord, “Here I am your willing servant to do whatever it is to accomplish your will today.” (James 4:6-10, I Peter 5:5-6)
(3) Be grateful! We live in a world full of modern comforts. Living in a home with AC/Heat and the internet is a luxury that many third world countries only dream to have. Remember, the Israelites grumbled and complained, so a 4 year journey took them 40 years and most of them did not see the promised land of Canaan. Instead of listening to negative thoughts, media, or people that speak the problem, let’s make an intentional effort to speak the solution and feed upon God’s Word. Speak life, liberty, and love. We have all of those and MORE in Christ.
II Corinthians 4:7 “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (NLT)
The picture above is me when I was in the middle of my battle with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. I am smiling, but to be honest, God told me if I did not take at least one picture of myself bald and stripped of makeup, I would regret it. Many days during my 5 days a week of Chemotherapy and chemo pills (8 months), bone marrow biopsies, and spinal taps to send the chemo medicine to my brain, my husband and I had to completely trust God. Now I am in complete remission, (healed by God), and I am glad that I took this picture. It is a testament to myself and others that my identity is NOT in the way I look on the outside, but who Jesus Christ is on the inside of me. This picture is raw and real. That is what I desire to be to others…the hands, feet, and heart (compassion) of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This blog will be short and to the point. We are God’s children if we have repented and accepted Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins. We are like the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. When we come to our Heavenly Father, all of heaven celebrates! Hell lost another one…I AM FREE! (I love that song!) Freedom in Christ and living under his blessings is something this world cannot offer. Satan can only offer pleasure for a short time, then a person will feel empty inside. We all are born with a need to know our Creator. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the Garden of Eden until Satan deceived them (Genesis 3). Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us all back into the arms of our loving Heavenly Father.
Below are a few scriptures that speak of our valuable in the eyes of our Heavenly Father:
Psalm 139:13-14 “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it!” (NLT)
Romans 8:15-17 “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as his own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father’. For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. (NLT)
Matthew 13: 44-46 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of Great Value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (NLT- Words of Jesus-We are a pearl of great value to our Heavenly Father.)
Ephesians 1:4-6 “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him Great Pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” (NLT)
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)
Luke 11:9-13 “And so I tell you, KEEP on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. KEEP on seeking, and you will find. KEEP on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You fathers-if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” (NLT)
When I was moved out of ICU into a regular hospital room, I was alone and praying. I was asking God to heal my weak and very sick body. The Holy Spirit overwhelmed me and said, “If you ask for a fish, will I give you a snake?” I did not even remember where that scripture was in the Bible, but I had memorized it at one time in my life. I knew at that very moment that I did not have to beg for my healing, that my good, good Father would provide it because it was for my healing that Jesus took the stripes on his back and suffered an agonizing, humiliating, and excruciating death. Every thing that I needed to endure that season was already paid for by my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am writing this to tell every one who takes the time to read it; that EVERY THING we need is found in Jesus Christ. It takes our faith to activate it. Our faith is built up and exercised by reading and meditating on the Word of God. Since I had a firm foundation of the Word and I knew who I was in Christ, this storm in my life did not destroy my faith in God. My husband and I have a stronger marriage built on God’s goodness and love toward us. We do not view my season of cancer as something we “just had to endure”. But rather an opportunity to place our complete trust in Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord will Provide). He provided for us not only with my healing, but also financially in miraculous ways. If you need someone to agree with you in prayer for healing, spiritual strength, financial miracles, or for lost loved ones, feel free to email me or Bill, or leave a message in the comments.
My husband, Bill Tate, was honored to speak last Sunday at Word Fellowship/Without Walls Ministries (WF/WWM). Many have asked him to share his Powerpoint, but I felt it would be easier and reach more people to post it here in our Blog.
A. What brings you Joy?
B. Where does your Joy come from?
Joy is part our birthright of being born again. A Christian without joy is missing some of the point of existence and should seek to remedy the situation.
1.True Joy comes from the presence of God.
(Psalms 16:8-11 NKJV) I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. {9} Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. {10} For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. {11} You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
2. Joy is a characteristic of God’s Love from His Holy Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22-25 NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. {24} And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. {25} If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Live in the spirit – private spiritual life.
Walk in the spirit – public life…What you do in private will effect what you do in public.
The seeds of the fruit are planted when we are born again, it’s up to us to develop them.
(Acts 13:52 NKJV) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(Psalms 89:15-17 NKJV) Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance. {16} In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. {17} For You are the glory of their strength, And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
3. The Joy of my Salvation
Our faith in God’s salvation is a constant reason for joy and thanksgiving, no matter what temporary situation we are in. The knowledge of our salvation sets us free from the past, gives us faith for the present, and a glorious hope for the future. Hope for the future gives joy, and faith for the present gives peace.
(Romans 15:13 NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
#1 “May the God of hope…”
God is the God of hope. No matter what the circumstances, there is always hope in God and in his ways and his promises. For the Christian, hope is not some wistful dreaming, it is faith and assurance that the God who is who he says he is will always be faithful and true to his nature. Our hope comes from God who is “the God of hope.”
#2 “…fill you with all joy…”
Our joy is from God. It is not the glee of momentary pleasure. It is a happiness that runs deeply through every fiber of our being. Our joy is the joy of the big picture that motivates all our action, service, and worship. It is the acknowledgment that we are made for joy as divine image-bearers of the joyful God of the universe, saved by the blood of the joyful Son of God.
(Psalm 45:7)7You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
In the following scriptures, you will see we are to rejoice! To rejoice means to:
To feel joyful; be delighted.
To feel joyful about (something).
To fill with joy; gladden.
(Romans 5:1-5 NKJV) Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, {2} through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and REJOICE in hope of the glory of God. {3} And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; {4} and perseverance, character; and character, hope. {5} Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(Romans 5:8-11 NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. {9} Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. {10} For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. {11} And not only that, but we also REJOICE in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
(Psalms 35:9) And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall REJOICE in His salvation.
(Psalms 70:4 NIV) But may all who seek you REJOICE and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”
(Isaiah 12:2-4 NKJV) Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’” {3} Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. {4} And in that day you will say: “Praise the LORD, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.
(Isaiah 61:10 NKJV) I will greatly REJOICE in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
(Luke 10:19-20 NKJV) “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. {20} “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
4. The Joy of the Lord is upon me:
When we do the things that please God we can experience His joy. When God’s love is manifested in us, and is revealed through us touching others, we share in His Joy. One of the greatest Joys I get to experience is when I’m ministering to someone and the love of the Father overflows from me onto them,
And all of a sudden you see the transference of what you know to be real become real to them.
One of our founding scripture says (Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV) “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; {2} To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, {3} To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
These are the things that God has called us to do, and these are the things that as Christians we are anointed to do. The same anointing that was on Christ is on us and in us. We are to bring the good news of the gospel, to heal the brokenhearted, to set people free from bondage, to comfort those who mourn, and to bring the oil of joy, (the Holy Spirit), to replace despair so that the people can put on the garment of praise to God. All these things delight and glorify God. The glory of God is the manifestation and revelation of His Love to all people.
(John 15:4-12 NKJV) “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. {5} “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. {6} “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. {7} “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. {8} “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. {9} “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. {10} “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. {11} “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. {12} “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
This parable can be tied in with what I read earlier in Galatians 5:22-25
Jesus teaches us how to maintain a constant and full amount of His Joy. When we stay focused on Christ and our relationship with Him, abiding in Him, we bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the fruit of God’s Love, (the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). When others see God’s fruit in our lives they will see and taste that God is good. As we abide in Christ His will becomes our will, and His words become our words, so that we can ask what we will and it shall be done, causing God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
(Nehemiah 8:10 and 12 NKJV) Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
12 So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them.
On October 8, Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law of Moses and would read it to the assembly. As the people celebrated God, they would share with those in need the joy of the Lord came upon them.
5. How can we lose our Joy?
We lose joy by grieving the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is grieved when we no longer submit humbly in obedience to God’s will, and when we restrict God’s Love from flowing through us to touch others. When this happens we become separated from our source of Love, Joy, and Peace, the Holy Spirit.
Some things that can cause the Holy Spirit to be grieved are being unthankful, corrupt communication, and reacting in anger, which is wounded pride.
(Ephesians 4:26-32 NKJV)26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
When we grieve the Holy Spirit, we should have the heart of David…
(Psalm 51:10-12 ESV)10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
6. Joy in Tribulation
Jesus says in (John 16:33 NKJV) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
(Psalms 30:2-5 NKJV) O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. {3} O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. {4} Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. {5} For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
(James 1:2-4 NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, {3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. {4} But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
7. Are you Delighting in God, Are you Enjoying God
When we delight ourselves in God, He becomes the desire of our heart, He becomes our reward, and in His presence there is fullness of joy.
(Psalms 37:4-6 NKJV) Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. {5} Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. {6} He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.
Delight is the Hebrew word ‘anag, aw-nag’; it means to be soft or pliable. So we delight in God by humbling ourselves before Him, by resting in Him, by relaxing in His control of our lives just as an infant rest in His parent’s arms.
(Psalms 37:23-24 NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. {24} Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
(Isaiah 29:19 NKJV) The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.
(Habakkuk 3:17-19 NKJV) Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls; {18} Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. {19} The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
God Speed! May we all be filled and refilled with the JOY of the Lord in everything we do. May it bring ALL glory to God.
It is ever so fitting that God would allow mom to leave this world and be promoted to paradise on Independence Day. While our whole country was celebrating with family gathering, food, fun, and fireworks, my mom was entering into her eternal rest and peace. Now my family has a MUCH greater reason to celebrate the 4th of July. We will honor and celebrate her every 4th of July. It is a symbol of her complete healing and independence from the cares and pain of this world.
The Three Ss of SUE
1) Strong-Many times my mom experienced critical injuries and illnesses, but God would see her through to recover and carry on. It was about 8 years ago, when she was mowing the grass on a steep hill and the lawnmower fell over on her and trapped her. She laid in the yard for about 3 hours before David came home to find her there. She was airlifted to the hospital with a broken leg bone and a few bumps and bruises.. but she Recovered! Although, David did forbid her to ever get on the lawnmower again. About 15 years ago, Mom’s gallbladder was so infected that it began to link into her body! Dr. Bailey told me that it was really bad! But against all odds…she survived that too. She endured so much…even until the end. I know that she was in a lot more pain than she would tell any of us. All of her children inherited this strength too.
2) Stubborn-I must also say that all four of us inherited this trait from her too. All of our spouses can attest to that! After the lawnmower accident, I bought mom a lanyard with a cell phone case to wear so she had her phone with her at all times; but especially outside. Well, that idea went over like a lead balloon! That lanyard laid on the end table in the living room! Even when she did have her cell phone close by, she was notorious for hitting the Silence button. So when we called, she wouldn’t hear it. We would call David! Thank God that he seemed to always answer! Many times, David would go get her cell phone and I would call it and it would not ring. I would talk him through how to turn the ringer back on. But of course, mom would say, “I didn’t do that.” “How did that happen?” I am sure my two sisters and all her grands and some of her great grands can tell their own stories about my mom and her tenacity. I think that is a better word for it.
3) Sympathetic- Sue Holden did NOT meet a stranger. The last couple years, I have helped her and David with doctor’s visits and hospital procedures; while waiting in lobbies, parking lots, Walmart, WHEREVER she went, she would encounter people to talk to and share some of her love and wisdom. She loved to brag about her grandkids and great grandkids, but she listened to others too. She was sympathetic to others hardships and pain. She would then talk to me about how we could help them or ways our society could be a better place for us all. The last procedure that David had in Birmingham stands out in my mind. I drove them there the night before, so we stayed in a hotel close to the hospital. Mom was concerned about us sleeping in the same hotel room with David because he snores. I assured her that I would be fine. David, being the sweetheart that he always is, bought some Breathe Right nose strips to help. They must have worked because mom and I slept well. The next day, during his procedure, she spoke to anyone that sat down close to her. I remember going out to the car for something, and when I got back, she was laughing and talking with a different man. Oh how we all are going to miss that laugh! To know Sue Holden was to love her; because she definitely loved others.
Before I move on…I must also mention the other three Ss that Sue adored. 1-Sun; 2- Sand; and 3-SPEED! Those three probably do not need any elaboration!
My favorite memory as a child with my mom was her driving down “Roller Coaster Hills” way too fast! I was about 4 years old and I would sit in the floorboard with my hands over my head and cry out, “Mama, you are going to kill us!” I am sure she really was NOT driving that fast, but at 4 years old it felt like she was. She enjoyed every second of it too. Fast cars and traveling were two things that mom LOVED! Mustangs were her favorite. She owned a shiny, red one and she was a little dangerous in it. Evan, Brayden, and Cadence had a memorable day in that red Mustang with their Memaw. They were headed back to her house on Hwy 72 when an officer pulled them over. When she rolled down her tinted window, the officer just laughed because he was NOT expecting to see a great grandma. Mom said, all three of the boys were saying, “Memaw we are going to go to jail!” She didn’t even get a ticket. For mom’s 70th birthday, I wrote a letter to a radio station that was giving away two tickets to the Daytona 500 Race. She loved to watch NASCAR and she had never been. My letter was chosen and off she and I went! She was like a kid on Christmas morning. She had a track pass to go on the track to meet drivers and crew members and see the cars up close. We had so much FUN! I don’t even remember who won, but I am sure she does.
My mom LOVED beach trips. But you better book a hotel or condo ON the beach or she won’t be going! She absolutely loved to sit out on the balcony and feel the seabreeze and that is just so much better when you can see the beach! She and David also loved to go to the Smokey Mountains. Well, as most of you know Sue Holden just like to GO! The car ride was part of the fun for her. She loved taking in the sight and talking to total strangers along the way. One very special trip south that just she and I took was in January 2022. In the middle of winter off we went to the North West Florida Women’s Encounter. There she experienced God’s overwhelming love and forgiveness! God heals some wounds in me and her both there. Those memories and what God did in both our lives there are priceless!
My mom’s life speaks of extravagant love, forgiveness (which she freely gave), and restoration. God restored so much in my mom’s life and gave her 77 years of goodness! The way we can all honor Sue Holden is to forgive freely and love boldly.
Above ALL, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (I Peter 4:8 NIV)
Written by Teresa (Scott) Tate (Sue Holden’s youngest daughter)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And BE SURE of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
When Jesus was in the wilderness and experienced temptation after temptation from Satan for 40 days (Matthew 4), it was ALL necessary so that HE, the spotless and sinless Lamb of God would win back ALL authority on earth. We, being human, are not suitable sacrifices! Only one that was without sin, would be worthy to redeem us back to our Heavenly Father. By the application of Christ’s atoning BLOOD and getting God’s Word in our hearts, we can walk in the same power and authority! When we speak things that are contrary to the Word of God, or do not speak of Christ’s power and authority, it is displeasing to God. Jesus said in John 14:30-31, “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has NO power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.” God is saying, “Walk in the power and authority that my Son took back from Satan and FREELY gives you!”
That brings us to the question, “How do we walk in the power and authority that Jesus left us?” Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, “No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God.” Since Satan knew that Jesus had not eaten for 40 days, he thought he knew how to tempt Jesus. BUT Jesus knew the Word! We must know the Word and operate in the power of God’s Word in order to walk in authority over the enemy. The more of God’s Word we get in our hearts, the more we look like and act like Jesus. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Word of God is more valuable than Elon Musk’s bank account (I stole that line that from Kirk Cameron). To be more and more like Jesus should be EVERY Christian’s first priority! Too many professing Christians are not walking in power and authority over the tricks and distractions of the devil! RISE UP and confess what the Word says about God’s people! Let’s be the Ekklesia and walk in the same authority and power that Jesus Christ walked in while He was on this earth! (Matt. 10:5-42 Jesus sent out the disciples with these instructions).
Authority Over the 7 Mountains
Throughout the gospels there are recordings of Jesus’ power to heal and take authority over demons. Jesus also repeatedly told people that sought out healing and deliverance that it was given to each according to their faith (Matt. 9:22, Matt. 9:29, Matt. 15:28, and so many more). God rewards the act of faith. Faith is believing what the Word of God says even when everything in this physical realm is contrary to it. When I was in a coma and doctors were not giving my husband and family much hope in my recovery, my husband, church, and family chose to believe that God would restore my health! While I was still in a coma, the Holy Spirit revealed to me and my husband that I would LIVE and not die because I had more assignments to complete for HIM here on earth. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things UNSEEN (Hebrews 11:1). Even though we do not see it in the physical realm yet; we still believed what God said! Taking back authority from the enemy over ALL Seven Mountains of Influence is essential in overcoming the discouragements and distractions of this life.
The Seven Mountains of Influence
As a former teacher, I remember teaching students the acronym for remembering the colors of the rainbow. ROY G. BIV (RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, BLUE, INDIGO, and VIOLET). Each color represents one of the seven mountains of influence. If you would like an in-depth study of this principle, please go to the following link: rumble.com/v2iyagk-johnny-enlow-unfiltered-episode-55 Johnny Enlow has a website called Restore7.org. Lance Wallnau wrote a book, The Seven Mountain Mandate (video clips are on youtube). Basically, this mandate is for ALL Christians to take back authority from the devil on every mountain of influence. For the Ekklesia to operate in power, we must correct the “narrative”. We cannot lose because the sacrificial Lamb has already purchased our victory! We, like the Israelites, must BE STRONG and COURAGEOUS! (Exodus 3 & Numbers 13 & 14).
Before I breakdown the areas of influence of each mountain, I want to refer to Revelation 5:11-12 “And I (John)beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands (wow); saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.“ The sacrificial Lamb of God (Jesus) is the ONLY ONE worthy to receive the praise and open the scroll with the seven seals. If you count all the praises bestowed upon Jesus by the angels and elders, it totals seven! Johnny Enlow received a revelation from God that when the church takes back ALL authority from ALL seven mountains, then all seven of these praises will be completed through the BRIDE (the church) that HE died to purchase and reconcile back to our Heavenly Father.
RED-Mountain of Media–God is our Communicator! When we, the BRIDE listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd via the Holy Spirit; we will walk in LOVE and UNITY! In turn, we will be a BLESSING to this fallen world. The world will be attracted to the true body of believers because of God’s blessings and the anointing on our lives. This will ONLY come from obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and walking in alignment with God’s Word.
ORANGE-Mountain of Family-God is our Father! There is power and strength in the Blood (family, bloodline)! When we get in God’s Word and grasp how much HE truly loves us, then we will operate as Sons and Daughters of the Most High God! Our strength will be completely in HIM. John 15:1 says that in order for us to bear good fruit, we must abide in the vine (Jesus). Jesus instructs us to ONLY do or say what pleases the Heavenly Father. Everything we do and say as Christians should bring honor and glory to God the Father. In order to take back this mountain of influence, the church MUST grasp that God is a Good, Good Father! The church must operate out of HIS STRENGTH and LOVE, and NEVER out of compulsion, obligation, or religious duty. Alignment in the family also has to be taken back. The identity of both male and female and the family are under constant attack by the enemy! Godly alignment in the family unit comes when the husband/father is respected and functions as the spiritual head of the wife and children. The wife/mother is loved and honored as Christ loves the church. Lastly, the children are nurtured and loved as true blessings from God. They are taught Godly principles by both parents. If you want to learn more about Godly Alignment, I wrote a blog about that too.
YELLOW-Mountain of Arts & Entertainment-God is the Creator of ALL things! When we, as the body of believers, rise up and take dominion and authority over this mountain; God is revealed as the Creator of everything that is Good! God is Good! From Him comes everything that is perfect, lovely, and good (James 1:17). If there were ever a time when the church needs to rise up against evil and immortality, IT IS NOW! For such a time as this, we were born and exist (Esther 4:14). For evil to prevail, it only takes good Godly men and women to remain silent! Esther told the Jews to ARISE! CHURCH, we must ARISE! If we are ashamed to speak of Jesus and the truth that is in the Word of God, then He will be ashamed of us before our Heavenly Father (Luke 9:26). In rising up and taking our rightful place on this mountain, it brings GLORY to God and restores HIM as the Creator of ALL Good Things!
GREEN-Mountain of Economy–God is our Provider! It is NOT God’s desire or plan for us as Christians to live in LACK. I believe that God provides everything we need to complete our assignments here on earth and take good care of our families. I have experienced financial hardships even as a Spirit-filled Christian. But I also believe that through those times, I learned to completely rely on God as my provider! He would put people in my path to bless me and humble me. Pride and self-sufficiency are NOT pleasing to God! Those two things were BIG in me that God had to kill. Now, my husband and I give freely, help freely, and TRUST God to provide for everything we need. I believe that when we ALL get out of self-reliance and turn completely to God reliance, we will see more divine provisions! I know that my Heavenly Father loves to surprise me with His unexpected provisions. My pastor tells of a time when a bird flew into his backyard and dropped a hundred-dollar bill! If Jesus provided for Peter’s taxes with a coin in a fish’s mouth, then I believe that our God, Jehovah-Jirah, can and will provide for me! Nothing is too difficult for HIM! When we, as the Ekklesia, live in the abundant provisions of God, it will attract the world! We will rise up and be able to bless others with the surplus of His provisions. That was the original plan for God’s people; to be a blessing to ALL nations! The RICHES that are limitless in the spirit realm will manifest in the physical realm when we believe and receive!
BLUE-Mountain of Religion-God is Our Redeemer! When we focus on God as our redeemer, it should produce HONOR and a sense of awe! To think about God turning his head away from Jesus while he was suffering on the Cross just breaks my heart as a mother. At that moment, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This was necessary so that Jesus would experience all the hurts and sorrows that mankind will ever face. He bore all of us sorrows, transgressions, and iniquities (Isaiah 53:4-5). Jesus was our substitute for our sins. He took on the punishment due us and paid the penalty for our sins, the penalty of death (Romans 6:23). Therefore, we can be forgiven and have peace with God (Romans 5:1). If you are a parent, then you know that seeing your child suffer or be in pain is far more painful than any pain or suffering that you go through. It grieved God the Father so much that HE had to turn away and allow the pain and suffering in order to reconcile us. When we, as the body of believers, rise up and comprehend the GREAT price that was paid for our REDEMPTION, then we will begin to walk in authority over the discouraging thoughts, feelings of unworthiness, and doubting our true purpose and calling in the Kingdom of God! Christ took on mortality to purchase our immortality! (2 Corinthians 15:53-57). When our confidence is in Christ as our Redeemer and our security is in the finished work at Calvary, then we will bring HONOR to God the Father.
INDIGO-Mountain of Education–God is Our Teacher! ONLY God through the revelation and guidance of the Holy Spirit can give us true WISDOM and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 14:16-17, John 14:26). Jesus sent us the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling and power of the Holy Spirit is a promise from Jesus to ALL believers. We need the Holy Spirit’s comfort, guidance, peace, and revelation as we read the Word! The Holy Spirit can be whatever you need exactly when you need Him. This has rung true in my life time and time again. As an education/teacher myself for over 20 years, I have seen the education system on a downward spiral. The subjects and skills that are taught; especially in high school, are not helping students gain employment or life skills. I believe that our society today is being “dumbed down” by technology. We all depend on our Smartphone to remember phone numbers, get directions, and do math. If we never expect or train children to learn and remember basic life skills, then we are crippling them. We only gain true WISDOM and revelation (hidden manna) from the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is our Greatest Teacher.
VIOLET-Mountain of Government-God is Our KING! This mountain stands tall and firm on the POWER and authority of Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity). God is our judge, and HE will serve justice for all of the works we have done here on earth. Authority means delegated power! That power is given to us through the Sacrificial Lamb. It is NOT power that we can work up in our own strength, but it’s freely given to all believers who ask and seek HIM. The key here is we must BELIEVE! Without faith, it is impossible to please God; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). In order to experience power from on high, we must seek Him and believe that He desires to do great works through us. Jesus said to the disciples, “Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12). Jesus is saying that since there are NO boundaries to the working of the Holy Spirit, then we will do even greater works! Think about that. There are no boundaries in the spirit realm! The Holy Spirit can bring the glory and power of God anywhere at the same time evidenced by miracles, signs, and wonders! NOW that is ultimate POWER and authority! Jesus was mocked and called the KING of KINGS before He was crucified. But we WILL rule and reign as co-heirs with Christ as Kings and Priests. If you do some research on the duties of priests back in the Old Testament, some of their duties were to keep all the commandments and religious practices in order for sins to be rolled away (ministry of reconciliation). These old covenant practices continued until a worthy, blameless, and spotless sacrifice was given up for ALL. His name is Jesus Christ! Through His Blood we have POWER to rule and reign as kings and priests. In taking our rightful position in Christ as kings and priests, we are helping bring the Kingdom of God down to the earth (Matthew 6:10).
Ekklesia, the church of the Living God, it is time that we RISE and SHINE! It is time for us to take ALL authority and power back from the devil. However, we must stand as a united force. The enemy has distracted us and divided us with denominational names and minor disagreements for too long! When I was in the ICU in a coma, the nurses and doctors did not care what denominational name was on a pastor’s name tag; all they cared about was if he/she carried the authority and power to speak to sickness and disease and tell it to GO in the mighty name of Jesus. In the name and by the blood of Jesus, we have ALL the power we need to align with God’s Plan and help bring the Kingdom of God down to the earth! Winning souls is only half the equation. The other half of the equation is for us to take back authority and rule and reign as kings and priests here on the earth! The Full Gospel is not only the Good News of Jesus Christ, but it is also God’s capabilities in every aspect of the believers’ lives to bring blessings, abundance, power, authority, and dominion over all the attacks of the devil.
Revelation 12:11 (NLT)-“And they defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.”
Amy Rylander-Prophetic Artist
The key scripture above is so powerful! It reveals how we can begin to overcome the tricks and attacks of the devil. As we testify of God’s goodness and provision in our lives, it really ticks the devil off! Testifying of God’s goodness in our lives coupled with the all-powerful BLOOD of the Lamb applied to every situation is the ultimate weapon against the devil. The last part of this verse is also important; and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. For the born-again believer in Jesus Christ, this means that fear cannot keep you bound and afraid anymore…NOT even of death. We can live as overcomers because Jesus has already paid the price on the Cross for us. Jesus fulfilled ALL requirements of the Law for us. Paul writes in Acts 20:24 (NLT)- “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus-the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful GRACE of God.”
This sounds too simple, but I want to encourage you today that the message of the gospel is simple. Mankind wants to complicate it and make it more about what we do (works). I believe that when we fall in love with our Savior and our loving Heavenly Father, then we will WANT to hear HIS voice and be obedient to whatever HE calls us to do to build HIS Kingdom here on earth (John 10:27). Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons and daughters of God.” When we listen for God’s voice and are obedient to do what He is asking us to do, then we are His children. This makes me so FULL of JOY and fulfillment! My whole life I have sought to please my earthly father, but to know HOW to please my Heavenly Father…that is monumental!
I John 5:1-5 (NLT) says, “Everyone that believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children IF we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are NOT burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this Victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? ONLY those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.”
I want to close with the tools we all need to fight spiritual battles. They are found in Ephesians 6. Of course, I am not going to quote the whole chapter here, but I do encourage you to read the entire book of Ephesians. Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-12 (NLT)- “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are NOT fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
I love Katy Nichole’s new song titled, “God is in this Story!” If you haven’t heard it, then go look her up on YouTube. She is an anointed singer, songwriter, and woman of great Faith! If God knows the number of hairs on our heads, (and He has recounted mine often in the last 18 months) then I know that he cares about every detail of our lives! As I sit here typing this, God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is confirming this in me by overwhelming me with His unconditional LOVE! Let Him wash over you today with His unconditional love and unmerited FAVOR! Our pastor often describes it as “warm honey”. There is NOTHING in this world that compares to being in the presence of God, hearing His voice, and feeling His love! The exciting part is that it is freely available to ALL through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God knows what we need even before we can think of it or ask Him. Wow! Just ponder that for a moment. Just today, I was procrastinating paying my medical insurance premium. Since my COBRA plan coverage expired February 1, I cannot be covered under COBRA anymore. In order to keep my medical insurance, I had to pay 50% more. It is about $230 more per month! For some people that isn’t a lot of money, but for me and Bill, we are truly learning how to depend on God for every need. So, this morning, I went online to pay my medical premium. After lunch, I went to the mailbox and found a check from AFLAC for $227 for claims I filed over 9 months ago! WOW! Our Heavenly Father definitely knows what we have need of and when we need it. If your earthly father wants to provide everything you have need of, how MUCH MORE does your Heavenly Father. My earthly father recently passed on from this world to heaven, and I have been thinking a lot more about how much we all are truly loved by our Heavenly Father. In Luke chapter 11, the disciples are asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus tells them a story of a man who needs three loaves of bread since he has an unexpected friend show up at his house. Jesus says that the neighbor did not shut the door and leave his friend empty handed but rather, he shared with him whatever he had. Luke 11:9-13 says, “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how MUCH MORE will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Words of Jesus).
I must also add that this very verse (Luke 11:11) came to my remembrance while I was lying in a hospital bed fighting leukemia. My Heavenly Father whispered to me, “You are asking for healing, and it is yours; already paid.” That healing power is available to everyone! The blood of the Lamb of God and the stripes that He took to purchase our healing will NEVER lose their power!
I have written chapters of my life without God’s provision, guidance, love, and favor. However, I have seen God use even those times and lessons learned during those seasons to help others. Our loving and merciful God doesn’t waste anything that we go through. He promises that if we surrender our will to HIS will that everything can work together for good! (Rom. 8:28; Gen. 50:20). The seasons and chapters written with God and in His favor and forgiveness are SO much richer and sweeter than I could have EVER imagined. I encourage you to live every moment in HIS love and favor. Seek HIM while HE still can be found!
December 20, 2020 My dad gave me away at mine and Bill’s wedding.
The greatest way I can give honor to my dad today is to speak of his loving and kind ways. I remember a neighbor who came to our house almost every Friday because he knew my dad was off work on Fridays. He was an “odd bird” as some would say, but dad spent time with him. He let him help with odd jobs around the house and just made him feel accepted and loved. I am sure that Uncle Mitch knows the man of whom I am referring. As a child, these are the acts of genuine kindness that I remember.
Also, on those Fridays that he was off work. He would take my sister, Stephanie on long bike rides all over Greenhill in her baby seat. I was a teenager then, but I remember what a loving and proud dad he was, and Stephanie remembers these special adventures. These bike rides became their Friday routine. They continued until she couldn’t fit in that baby seat anymore.
Not only did Dad love and nurture us siblings, but he also helped raise grandchildren. His first grandson, Jason was the apple of his eye. I remember dad taking Jason out to the burn pile where he burned our garbage and Jason stepped on a hot, melting milk jar and burnt his big toe. I remember daddy carrying Jason into the house, telling us, “He ouched his big toe. Poor little thing!” I felt the gentleness and kindness in my dad always in everything he said and did.
As a child, I remember our well running dry almost every summer. My dad never got upset or cussed about anything bad happening. He simply sought a solution for the problem. The solution was always to send my brother, Rodney down in a bucket to dig the well deeper. God always blessed us when we found a deeper supply of water! Yes, it was inconvenient, but OH the lessons that my dad taught me in the waiting. As my pastor often says…”That’s a nugget!”
It’s in the waiting that we often see the hand of God. I saw and knew the hand of God was on me and my dad as we both fought cancer at the same time. I received a sweet message from one of the infusion nurses at CCI in Florence expressing their love and prayers through this difficult time. But I know that my dad is at peace and that he will experience NO more pain. He is eating from the Table in heaven, and nothing tastes bitter. I have experienced this perfect peace and love that God will give you during great pain and suffering. I was surrounded and overwhelmed by God’s light and love while in a coma for 6 days at the onset of APL (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia). I will admit that at times I want to go back to that peaceful place. God spoke to my spirit while I was in the coma that I was not in heaven and that I was NOT going to die. That sustained me through the next 8 months of chemo and procedures. You see sometimes it is in the waiting. I am celebrating my healing here on earth, but my dad received his ultimate healing by going on to heaven.
I want to share with you a little more about summers on Scott hill. Since we grew up without air-conditioning, it was an anticipated and almost daily activity during the hot summer months to load up in the back of the truck; dogs too and go to the creek. Blue Water creek was a favorite. Daddy always had a bar of soap in the truck. I remember climbing up the tree by the creek and jumping in. I recall at least a couple of times being so excited about cooling off that I jumped off the tree with my glasses on. I remember my daddy getting a little upset with me about that because everyone knows that diving for a pair of eyeglasses and finding them in a muddy creek is almost impossible. BUT God is a God that hears our prayers. As a 10-year-old girl, I cried out to God and asked HIM that when we go back to swim the next day for Him to help me find my glasses. God proved himself faithful through my cousin, Barry. The first time he jumped in and dove down deep, he came back up holding my glasses! Now that will build your faith!
I remember visiting someone in the hospital one day when I was a little girl. As my dad was backing out to leave, he hit a little sports car that was not visible in his rearview mirror. He did not have to think about it or hesitate. He got out of the car and left his name and phone number on the windshield of the car. Doing the right thing was ingrained in my dad. I can stand here and say, I never remember my dad NOT doing the right thing. I never remember my dad operating in selfish ways. I never remember my dad smoking, drinking, cussing, or treating anyone with anything but love and respect. Oh that every child could say that about their dad. People that know me, know that my kind heart is an extension of both my daddy’s heart and my Heavenly Father’s heart.
I want to close with a few scriptures:
Matthew 19:19-“Honor your father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Exodus 20:12 –“Honor your father and your mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
Isaiah 40:31- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
I Corinthians 13: 4-8 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. ONLY LOVE will last forever!
Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” (ESV)
Amy Rylander-Prophetic Artist
As we close the chapter of our lives titled 2022, I want to take a moment and share some important principles that God has laid on mine and Bill’s hearts. I also want to share one dream that God gave me back in March 2020.
Significance of the Artwork
I just finished reading Dr. Patti Amsden’s book, Portals. If you have not read this book, then I highly recommend that you order it on Amazon and read it! From her book, she defines portals as points where Heaven and earth converge. At portals, believers experience the phenomenon of Heaven released into the earth (p. 8, Portals). However, an acceptable altar sacrifice had to be made in order for that heaven to be released into the earth. The artwork above conveys this principle so clearly! The ladder, I believe, represents portals and the access we have to an open heaven through Jesus. The blood represents the ultimate sacrifice that He made to reconcile us back to God our Heavenly Father. The crown of thrones, I believe, represents the pain, agony, and mockery that Jesus suffered to pay the price for our sins and our healing from infirmities. The coals represent us as surrendered vessels that are offered up and completely surrendered on the altar. The fire represents the Holy Spirit that should burn in us and through us purifying us. As Christians, we should depend on the Holy Spirt to lead and guide us into all truth (John 14:26).
Dream of the Ten Virgins & A New Season for the Church
After a period of fasting and praying, God began to give me dreams and discernment about the remnant church. At the time of this dream, schools, churches, and many other organizations that connect people to people were being shut down because of COVID-19. I was awakened several times with severe stomach pains. These were so severe that I curled up in a tight ball and cried out to God for relief. Having given birth to three children, they felt very much like labor pains. When the pains subsided, I did fall back asleep. As I slept, I dreamed about what this meant. God whispered to me, “You are travailing with labor pains for the church. I am birthing a new season in My Church-true believers that are listening to my voice. He that has ears (spiritual ears), let him hear what the Spirit is saying. Just like the ten virgins, only five were waiting and ready for the Groom to return! Be filled anew with oil! Watch and be ready! For the Bridegroom will come like a thief in the night” (Matthew 25:1-13). (Teresa Tate 3-31-2020)
Happy New Year! May God bless you and keep you may His face shine upon you. Now and forever more. May you be blessed in your coming and going. God Speed!
TateandTateGodSpeed 