God goes to extreme measures to make Himself known to us…if we pay attention. Many people are so busy with life and can get caught up in the world system to the place of ignoring God until there is a crisis of some kind. America cried out to God after 9/11/2001 and now has tried to shove Him out. 

Salvation is a free gift to us, but it was not free for God. He sent His Son to redeem all mankind. After we accept, believe, and confess…then we move to the choice of picking up our cross and following Jesus. There is a high cost of following Christ. It’s vital to develop an intimate relationship with Him, to hear His Voice at the slightest whisper at the door our heart. It’s for the saving of lives. 

We are greatly helped by meditation in the face of human pursuits, temptations, and in the midst of people vying for our attention. The enemy will use good things to keep us from spending time in God’s Word. Meditation leads us to fix our eyes on the Lord and helps us tune out distractions…even if for only a few minutes each day. It’s vital to our spiritual growth and health to spend time with the Lord. 

Focusing on what we are reading in the Bible brings clarity when we enter into prayer. God will speak a particular passage or verse that leads us in the right direction. Make the choice to meditate on God’s Word so you can see how God is speaking to you. His Word is alive and active. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the diving of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (New Heart English Bible). 

When the Holy Spirit illuminates a problem, pray specifically. Don’t fall for the trap of talking about the problems–pray the answer found in God’s Word..it’s always redemption, restoration and reconciliation. 

The Bible says, “The entrance of your words give light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). “The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion: rule you…” (Psalm 110:2). 

Think about this for a minute…Adam and Eve, the ones who saw God the clearest, had no instructions on warfare, as their dominion irritated and repulsed the enemy in the same way light drives out darkness without a fight. When the light comes on, the darkness will fall away. Believe me, you cannot afford to react to darkness…you must choose to respond through obeying the Father God. That is how Jesus lived…and we must learn to do the same. Remember, all of our actions come from one of two basic emotions–love or fear. We know Jesus did everything out of love. 

We were created in God’s image–for intimacy. It is when we realize the high cost of salvation that was paid, our role here on earth to walk in God’s love, that we move to the position of prayer and extending hope to a lost and hurting world around us. 

Elevate Jesus..not the problems. Come to the table He has prepared for us….and move into sweeter fellowship and intimacy with Jesus. it will change your personal life, your marriage, and family relationships. David wrote these words, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). We have a place of intimacy with God–and it is in front of His enemies. 

The stage is set…the cost of the gift has been paid. Choose to walk in love and allow God’s light to shine so brightly that the darkness falls away…and people find hope through a personal relationship and encounter with Jesus. It’s the most awesome faith adventure you will ever experience…knowing Jesus is for you! 

Deborah Starczewski

Books by Deborah Starczewski:

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)…

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www. starministriesinc.com and other distributors.

Jesus cursed the fig tree and it withered up—which represented the Spirit of Religion that blinded Israel. Once Jesus gave His life on the Cross and judged Satan, the Church grew expediently. (Fig tree account is in Matthew 21 and Mark 11). Jesus cursed (judged) the tree. Thank GOD Jesus judged Satan, and as believers, we win in the Courts of Heaven. God is our Judge. He has the final say.

But be reminded, don’t be like Satan and be the accuser, one who betrays people, or withholds information that could set someone free. Don’t look for something to blast someone out about. Satan entered the heart of Judas and he betrayed the Son of God. Jesus said it would have been better that Judas was not born.

In the natural, when anyone steps out to take territory from the enemy, the accuser looks for something to accuse. He will study your past—and can move in the hearts of people who are walking in darkness to be used as an accuser themselves. He can even work through believers. 

For example, when a person steps out to run for any political office—Satan begins to operate through people to study their past, to look for something or someone to accuse to damage that person. Satan attacks anything and anyone who is Kingdom minded and taking territory from him. 

We must learn to attack sin and systems. Good people can get into office and have right heart attitudes, but get caught up in the system. It’s not too late for the CHURCH to arise and stand against the enemy. We must unite together in prayer and walk in God’s love. I have often heard that the church is the only army that attacks her own. 

Rest assured—GOD HIMSELF judges all. He wants the church (the ecclesia) to step out in her God-given authority as the Body of Christ—soon to be His Bride at His return—and make decrees against the spirits operating behind the scenes. 

You might be asking…how do I do that? First, repent from any sin in your own life (wrong thoughts, deeds, actions). Repent for all wrong heart attitudes and motives. Repent for your family bloodline and history of sin—unknown and known. Repent for all negative confessions about yourself or someone else. Repent for not forgiving yourself—because if you are born-again, the enemy will try to heap shame and condemnation on you because of your past. If you are born-again, you are BLOOD BOUGHT by THE LAMB—JESUS CHRIST. There is great power in the Blood of Jesus. The same resurrection power that raised Jesus up lives inside you as a believer. 

The Blood of Jesus answers every accusation from the Courts of Heaven. God Himself has the final say. Don’t fall for the trap of coming alongside anyone who purports to be a Christian but destroys the Body of Christ.

We must arise as the army of Christ. Don’t turn on one another and be used by Satan. Stand strong, pray for one another, love one another—realizing that every single person on the planet is like Barabbas…the one that was freed instead of Jesus.  That is a picture of our redemption in the natural.

I don’t know what you’re walking through—but I pray GOD will give you such tenacity and boldness to find your five smooth stones to face the giants in your life. Run toward the enemy knowing the GOD of all creation is with you. Pray, worship, inquire of the Lord, obey Him…Pursue the enemy, and without fail, you shall recover all. (1 Samuel 30:8). 

God is with us! 

Love,

Deborah 

BOOKS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT:

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…a modern day resurrection story—

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)

Available on Amazon, www.starministriesinc.com and other on-line distributors. Can order in bookstores as well.

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:21). 

It’s important to heed warnings from God. It’s like driving your car down the road, seeing a sign that says “Detour,” “One Way,” “Curve Ahead,” and heeding the signs to avoid getting into an unsafe situation. It’s the same in our walk with God. 

God sends signs and warnings along our path in life as well. If you will heed the warnings, you will be able to safely remain on course. Always follow peace in your heart and you will be going in the right direction. 

Always listen to God—obey the leading of His Holy Spirit. Only God can be counted on to never fail you. If you have failed to heed a warning or several from God, there is still hope. Take time to read 1 John 1:9. 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When trouble starts in life, too often people listen to the wrong people—the naysayers. Don’t listen to the “What if’s” from other people. Keep your trust in God, your focus on Him, and seek the LORD for His direction…even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Don’t react—stay calm—stay in peace—and wait on the Lord. Trust Him! 

“As for you, be calm and cool and steady” (1 Timothy 4:5). 

With God, all things are possible. In 2012, the LORD allowed me to see the stop sign above on the corner of Vail Avenue and Randolph Road in Charlotte. It was in a time of great need–my husband was in the hospital at Mercy. God raised him from death, healed him from two strokes, and walked with us through his two open heart surgeries. God was faithful then and He is still faithful today. If you need encouragement, take time to read A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat) …available on Amazon, www.starministriesinc.com, xulon.com and other book distributors. It will give you increased faith to believe God for anything. Make sure to pray the confession prayer inside the book. Always read God’s Word…abide In Christ through prayer and study. It will change your life forever. 

God bless you and stop worrying. God is in control. I don’t know what you’re walking through, but God is with you. He is full of mercy and grace and brings justice to all. The Blood of Jesus covers you–the Blood answers from the Mercy Seat in Heaven–as believers in Christ, we are seated with Him in heavenly places–and we win in the Courts of Heaven. 

HIS LOVE and mine, 

Deborah Starczewski 

BOOKS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed And Know  Your Purpose)…a great in-depth book on God’s plan for your life and moving forward after heart-wrenching experiences. You can move from drama to destiny by turning to Jesus. A great read for couples and those seeking to get married. 

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…the amazing ways the LORD led will keep you turning the pages and give you a glimpse of the amazing love of Father God. A must read for all. A modern day resurrection story. 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)…a must read for all.