Remnant’s Roar

Jesus is the Answer, He is Hope

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

[Photo via http://www.wallpoper.com]

Look up, my child…

No matter what obstacle you are facing or what pit you’ve found yourself in, Jesus is the solution to every problem of every situation you will ever encounter. You may be drowning in a sea of sins, but know, Jesus is the life preserver that will rescue you. You may be handcuffed in chains of addiction, but know, Jesus is the key that will deliver you from any bondage. You may sinking deep into depression, but know, Jesus is the joy that will lift you from the quicksand.

JESUS IS SAVIOR. JESUS IS DELIVERER.
JESUS IS HEALER. JESUS IS HOPE.

There is never any situation He cannot rescue you from. You’ve never gone so far that His arm cannot reach you. You’ve never sinned so much that His love and mercy doesn’t cover you. He yearns for you to call out to Him. Perhaps the only words you can muster right now are, “Help me, God!“

But know, that’s enough.

You don’t have to clean yourself up first, delete your explicit song list, or flush your drugs down the toilet. He doesn’t require you to first buy a Bible or even attend church. You don’t have to fold your hands or kneel in prayer to be heard. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, cry out to Him. The only sacrifice He desires is a broken spirit and a contrite heart.

I’m not writing this thinking I’m better than you. I’m writing this as a plea that you turn to Jesus in your time of need. Believe me when I say, I know what it’s like to be in the pit, to feel like there’s no way out. I want to share with you something I wrote in my journal when I was going through hard times. I hope it will minister to you.

I’m in the pit. All I see is the blue sky above. Can’t look at the dirt walls around me or the dirt floor beneath. Must keep my eyes on the blue sky. It gives me hope.

Wait! What’s that I see? There’s a hand reaching in to rescue me. My Savior! I grab on desperately to that extended hand and look intently at the pierced wound on that hand.

It’s bleeding. The hand begins pulling me slowly, ever so slowly, out of the pit. The hand keeps bleeding. I notice the blood begins pouring out over me as I cling to the hand. The blood pours out till it covers me completely.

All I see now is the blood, the hand, and the blue sky. But I trust that the hand of my Savior will keep pulling me out of the pit and place my feet on solid ground again.

The blue sky is getting bigger.

I just came from a funeral this weekend of someone I’ve loved dearly. I close my eyes and see that young girl she used to be… blonde hair glistening in the sunlight, laughing and carefree. She was the one who introduced me to christian music, back in the days of Petra and DC Talk. I can remember us jumping on the trampoline and listening to songs like ‘Heaven Bound‘ and ‘This Means War.’ I attribute her for sparking my early walk with Jesus.

But the truth is, even while we were singing, there was a war on her soul. The enemy hated her beauty and her freedom and her light. So in high pursuit, he surrounded her with people that would try to steal that from her. People who used and abused her. People who spoke death and destruction over her instead of words of life. I wish I could say she didn’t listen to them, but she did. And she fell.

Twenty years in and out of jail and drug rehab, her wayward lifestyle finally took its toll. There’s just no pretty way to say it. It was hard to see her lying in a casket. A beautiful life. Stolen. I cling to the hope that she made it right with God in those last moments and I believe I will see her again in heaven.

Hope. Without it, we would all go crazy.

I’ll say it again and I’ll keep saying it until the day I die – JESUS IS HOPE!

So, in her honor, I want to give you Jesus. Just like she gave me.

God sees us – each one on us – in our time of need. Deep in despair, overcome by our sins, and living a life of bondage, God sees us in our filth and still loves us so much. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior to a dying world. Even though we are so flawed, Jesus lived perfectly for us. Even though we are the ones deserving to die in judgement of our sins, Jesus died in our place. And as proof that His sacrifice on the cross was enough, He rose from the grave tearing the veil separating us from God in two.

He paid the price, our ransom, so we can have freedom. All we have to do is believe and allow the truth of Jesus to penetrate our hearts. The truth will set us free! Jesus is all we need! Jesus is the answer!

If you wish to accept His love and redemption, please pray this prayer right now. Pray it wherever you are, just as you are.

“Be gracious to me, Oh God, according to Thy lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Thy compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned,
And done what is evil in Thy sight…
Purify me with hyssop and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.
Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Thy presence,
And do not take Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. — Psalm 51:1-4, 7-12

Nothing separates us from the love of God. His love never fails.

If you’ve prayed this prayer, does this mean you will never fail again? No, it doesn’t. But it does mean that you have an advocate. There is a war for your soul, but Jesus is in your court fighting for you. So if you sin, let Him pick you up, dust you off, and once again set your feet on solid ground. Listen to truth. Cancel out the lies of the enemy. Seek the face of Jesus. Pray. Read the word of God. Surround yourself with other believers. We are all in this together. Know that you are not alone.

Dear Reader, I believe in you! If you’ve prayed this prayer or if you are struggling and would like me to pray for you, please let me know. I’d love to encourage you in the Lord! He is our all in all!!!

In Loving Memory of Alicia Roehrs, 8/13/78 – 10/20/15

Confess Your Sins Before Your Sins Find You Out!

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

(Photo via Google Images)

My heart is very grieved from the information coming out regarding Josh Duggar’s involvement with a website that helps people have affairs, and also the thousands of others exposed from the recent website’s hack. It seems we constantly hear of scandal after scandal being exposed one right after another from politician to movie star to evangelist. The devastation for those involved and their families is heartbreaking.

This may seem like a Hollywood syndrome, but I believe this hits closer to home than we may realize. If we only knew what goes on behind closed doors, we’d be shocked.

BUT GOD KNOWS.

We cannot hide anything from God. He sees every sin done in the dark and He will bring it into the light.

The word of God says,

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.” –Matthew 10:26

And also,

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” –Numbers 32:23

This is true for every sin. You tell a lie, you will be found out. You commit adultery, you will be found out. You cheat the government out of paying taxes, you will be found out. You harbor anger and hatred, you will be found out.

The truth is we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) And if we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

What if instead of hiding from our sin and hoping it will not be exposed, we bring it into the light ourselves?

WOW! That’s not a popular way of thinking!

Why? Because it’s human nature to hide. Sinners are lovers of darkness. What is the first thing Adam and Eve did when they committed the very first sin? THEY HID.

“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’

And he said, ‘I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.'” –Genesis 3:8-10

Or maybe we LIE ABOUT OUR SIN like Cain did after he murdered his brother Abel.

“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ And he said, ‘I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?'” –Genesis 4:9

Or maybe we dig our hole deeper and COMMIT MORE SIN IN ORDER TO COVER UP THE FIRST sin like David did after he committed adultery with Bathsheba.

“Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon.” –2 Samuel 12:9

When we hide, lie, and continue to sin we are living in darkness and, ultimately, are serving the father of lies. We shackle ourselves in chains and submit ourselves to the enemy. We deny God’s plan for our lives and live in bondage. Sentenced to death.

BUT THERE IS A WAY TO FREEDOM!

I love what Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” Keep in mind, Paul was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor against the kingdom of God. But praise God for His grace and mercy that when we repent and turn to God, our sins are wiped away and times of refreshing come from being in the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19) Not only did Paul receive forgiveness for his transgressions, but God used Paul mightily in building His early church!

So, overturn the plans of the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy you! Confess your sins to the Lord and get right with him today before it’s too late. Today is the day of salvation! Tomorrow is promised to no one! The truth will set you FREE!!!

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” –1 John 1:9

“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” –Proverbs 28:13

The power of confession loosens the stronghold of sin over us. Confessing and repenting of our sins activates the blood of Jesus over us and separates us from our sin. We become a new creature and we are no longer identified by our sin!

No longer are we called an alcoholic, gambler, murderer, lier, adulterer, fornicator, hater, blasphemer. But we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ! We become a child of God the Father! Old things have passed away! All things become new and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

It’s also important to find a trustworthy friend, maybe your spouse or a pastor, and bring your confession to them as well. Confessing your sins to God brings salvation, but confessing your sins to a friend brings accountability. (Please note, this is crucial and unavoidable if your sin is against another person, such as breaking marital covenant. If this is the case, Christian counseling is vital not only for the healing of your marriage, but also the healing of your body.) There are many scriptures to support confessing your sins to another:

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” –James 5:16

“Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices.” –Acts 19:18

“If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” –Matthew 5:24

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” –Hebrews 12:1

So, in summary,

  • Expose all lies and every deed done in the dark.
  • Walk in the light as He is in the light.
  • And surround yourselves with a great cloud of witnesses who will lift you up in times of need and keep you accountable in times of temptation.

I’ll leave you with a little song God gave me. May this become your prayer…

Expose, light up the darkness
Expose, light up the darkness
Expose light up the darkness.
Reveal! Heal!
Heal! Reveal!
EXPOSE!!!

If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. —
1 John 1:7

Three Strands of Cord

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

(Photo via Fotothing)

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor… And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
–Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

***

Three strands of cord are brought together
Each of a different color.
They wrap around until they are one
Soul sister and soul brother.

And then three more strands unite
With a bond not quickly separated.
Link by link and knot to knot,
A pattern is created.

I take a step back to see the big picture
And much to my surprise;
A fisherman’s net has been formed
Right before my very eyes!

As deep calls unto deep
We walk upon the water.
The voice of God says, “Let down your nets.
Trust me for I am your Father.”

With faith we hear and obey
Our hearts burning from within.
Each strand of the net has been called
To be a fisher of men.

–Michelle Halloran

***

“…from now on you will be fishers of men… they left everything and followed Him.” –Luke 5:1-11

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” –Mark 1:17

Love Won!

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment
(Photo via webneel.com)

(Photo via webneel.com)

My God is a God of promise and I am a child of promise. The promise comes by faith. Upon the consummation of the ages, my Lord established a blood covenant with me. It is a covenant of redemption – of eternal inheritance. But it did not come cheaply…

***

I was born. A perfect son. A child of promise. My father googled and awed over me. I brought such joy to my father’s heart. He loved me and I loved him.

As a young child, I looked like my father. Everyone saw the resemblance. It was an innocence. Purity. Trust. I had a child-like faith knowing my father would never leave me or forsake me.

I grew in stature and in favor with my father. His delight was in me and mine in him. He helped me see the beauty in creation. I loved picking beautiful yellow flowers from a nearby field and bringing them to him. I waited eagerly for his reaction and was overjoyed when he cherished them like a pristine rose (although I knew they were only weeds).

One day, on an outing to pick flowers for my father, I met some other kids my age. I was shy at first, but they looked nice enough so I ventured closer. I offered a meek wave to get their attention and said, “Hi.” Simple enough.

The oldest looked my way and immediately started laughing. I glanced behind me to see what was so funny, but saw nothing. I shifted my weight starting to feel uncomfortable. Then the taunting began.

“What are you wearing?” they shouted hysterically. “Are those sandals?”

I looked down at my feet. These were shoes my father bought me. I always wore them because I liked the way they felt.

Another one of the kids chimed in, “And look at your hair. No one wears their hair like that!”

My hands instinctively went to my head where luscious locks of golden curls grew. This was the hair I was born with. My father adored my hair, but suddenly I was beginning to hate it.

I felt such shame. Why was I so different from these other kids? Immediately, I wanted to run. I knew I should have ran straight home to my father. He’d know what to do. But my legs wouldn’t go that way.

I ran into the woods on the other side of the hill to hide. No one would see me there. I ran and ran from the cruel laughs of the taunting, mean kids. I ran so far my feet began to hurt as bad as my heart. Winded, I pulled up to a tree to catch my breath.

I wasn’t sure which was going to burst first. My lungs or my heart. But it was my eyes bursting into tears that won. I cried harder than I had just ran until not a tear was left in me. I was empty. Spent. And looking around I realized… lost.

Then I heard something. My ears perked up, listening. Yes, I heard it again. It was the sound of kids playing. At first, I was scared. I did not want another encounter like the one I just had. But as I continued to listen I became curious. I’ll tiptoe a little closer and just take a peek, I thought to myself. They won’t even know I’m there.

And so I crept a little closer. Bit by bit. It dawned on me that the closer I got to these kids, the more comfortable I felt. They weren’t like those mean kids at all. They were just having fun. Lots of it, too!

They were playing a game. Peering through the bushes it looked like they took turns tagging each other saying, “You’re it!”

Oh what fun! Suddenly, I had a huge desire to be “it”! No longer caring about what anyone thought of my sandals or my hair, I leaped out from behind the bushes. No longer hiding they saw me. They immediately ran to me and began hugging me.

Initially, I felt very self-conscious and very awkward. I remembered the comforts of my father’s house, but I stifled the child inside of me. It was time to let it go. These kids were different somehow, unlike the mean kids. They accepted me and I longed for them to love me. And love me they did.

I was terrified. It was nothing like the love from my father. He was always so gentle and selfless. Never imposing or impatient. What I experienced was a jealous love. A love never satisfied, but always wanting more. “Tag! You’re it!” And then when I gave in to them, I was no longer “it” and they moved on to the next kid.

In the end, this hurt worse than the hurt I felt by the taunting, mean kids. I felt I was in an ocean being tossed by the waves to and fro. I’m not sure how I kept my head afloat, but I did. I’m also not sure how long I remained in this condition. So long I was becoming numb.

After a while, I learned how to ride the waves. It became fun and I started to see why the others loved it so much. Sure I crashed all the time, but I just found another wave and got back up again. My father became a distant memory. I was enjoying this joyride!

Until one day I got hurt. Really. Bad. I had found a love to replace my father’s. Still, it was different from his unconditional love, but I found comfort in it nevertheless. They let me be “it” for a really long time. It hurt terribly when they decided not to play tag anymore. I was all alone. Days went by while I searched for love. Weeks followed. Then months. Without love, real or counterfeit, I was empty.

It was in this empty void that my mind uncovered a memory hidden long ago. It had been lost just like I had become that fateful day in the woods. It was a memory of my father singing to me as a child.

“You are a child of promise,
You are the one that I love.
So come to me child of promise
And receive kisses from above.”

I remembered those days of being comfortable in my own skin. Of being safe. Of not being someone that I’m not. The more I pondered that memory, other memories began flooding my mind. I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that I had to get back to my father’s house. I just had to!

It was as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. As if guided by a force I could not see, in an instant I knew how to get back home. And I ran!

I literally had run no more than a few feet until I heard a voice calling, “Son! Son, where are you? Come to me, Son!”

Those last words, spoken in such anguish, echoed through the woods bouncing from tree to tree until it struck my heart like a knife. It broke me straight to the core and there I lay shattered on the ground. I was not worthy to be his son. No, a good father deserves a good son and there was nothing good left in me.

Sadness overwhelmed me. I had hurt myself, but mostly I had hurt my father. I lay face down on the ground crying and saying the only words I could. “I’m sorry. Father, I’m so sorry.”

Then a voice, that same voice, my father’s voice, spoke. Interrupting my repetitious repentance. Slowly, I lifted my head and I could see my father’s shoes right before me. It cannot be! Raising myself and my gaze, I saw the signet ring upon his finger. Continuing upward, I saw his favorite purple robe. Then I saw his face.

His eyes pierced with love – true love – and I immediately hung my head in shame. I was not worthy of my father and he knew that. Then I noticed him reaching toward me. But his hand stopped midair as if something blocked him from going further.

Alarmed and desperate for his touch I reached for him. My hand stopped too with a thud and then I realized why. There was a barrier between us. I had put it there. It was my sin.

Devastated, I screamed and beat my chest. I pulled at my hair. Then dropped to my knees. In torment, I pounded the ground. In frustration, I pounded the invisible barrier. It didn’t budge. I crumbled. Defeated.

Looking at my father, I saw the agony in eyes. Separated by my sin, but not from his love. I knew in that moment nothing could separate me from his love.

My father spoke, this time with authority and determination. “I know what I must do. I will be back with the keys so you may enter my house again!”

“Where are you going?” I cried. But before I finished the question, he was gone. A letter sealed with his signet ring fell at my feet. I quickly grabbed the letter and sat down right there to read it.

Dear Son, my child of promise,

I love you. Nothing you’ve ever done and nothing you could ever do can separate you from my love. I long to hold you in my arms and take you into my house.

But your hands are defiled and your iniquities have made a separation between you and me. Your feet have ran to evil on crooked paths and there was no justice to be found.

For if I leave you in your sins, you will surely die. Your enemy will come and devour you. Therefore, I must go and take your place. I will give my life so you can have your’s. No greater love can I give you, but to lay down my life. For you.

Your Redeemer, Your Father

I read those words and I looked at my stained hands. I’m the one who deserves death. He who knows no sin is taking my place. He is rendering himself an offering for my own guilt.

I wanted to die and I collapsed, stricken by my own grief.

Lying on the ground as though dead, a light began to shine. It continued to get brighter and brighter when its brilliance woke me from my deep slumber. I heard a boom like a mighty peal of thunder saying, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Arise, my son, for your light has come!”

I squinted through the light finding a different world. It was like being born a second time. A new beginning! I felt renewed! Restored, just as if I’d never sinned! The barrier had been torn. From top to bottom.

My father gently took my outreached arms and I noticed scars on each of his hands. Somehow I knew he had those because of me. He pulled me to my feet, enveloping me in a warm embrace. Rejoicing, we held each other tightly. When we pulled away, my father gave me his signet ring and he placed his favorite robe upon my shoulders.

“Instead of your shame,” he said, “you will have a double portion. For this day, I sought you out. I redeemed you from your sin and my kingdom is your inheritance. For this day, love has won!”

Smiling with a peace indescribable, I vowed then and there to bask in that love for all of eternity!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this narrative, but it’s more than just a story. For God so loved YOU that He gave His only Son so that when you believe in Him, you will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is turn. Turn from your sin and repent. He will run to you and take you as His own son or daughter. He will clothe you in His righteousness and remember your sin no longer. Old things pass away and all things become new! There’s no greater love than that of our heavenly Father!

Also, I encourage you to check out these amazing videos/songs from Youtube. If the story didn’t touch your heart, these songs will!

What is Your Purpose?

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

The world searches aimlessly to discover the meaning and purpose of life, while God proclaims to His people,

“I have created you to love and to be loved! It was by love that I formed you. It was by love that I sent my Son that you might be saved. It was by love that I sent the Holy Spirit to give you direction and power. And it is for love that I am returning for my Bride!

The world searches aimlessly for love in all the wrong places. It is for love of money that your priorities are out of order. It is for love of yourself that you fall into the sinful, lustful desires and temptations of man. It is for love of entertainment that society becomes lazy… and crazy!

But you will never be satisfied until you discover the Perfect Love that I have to offer. Perfect love casts away all fear. Perfect love washes away iniquities. Perfect love never fails.

I will never fail you. You are my beloved!”

I pray that we would all open our hearts to our heavenly Father’s perfect love for us. We need to come out of the shadows and bask in the warmth of His love. His love thaws every cold heart.

Like rain, our Father showers His love down upon us. Yet, so many are hiding under umbrellas and are not receiving the cleansing His perfect love brings. His love is water to a thirsty soul. His love will bring life to dry bones. 

We have constructed walls around us in order to shield ourselves from the hurts of this world. These walls have been there so long, we’ve grown accustomed to them. And because of these walls, we don’t let anyone close. Not even God. 

Well, the thing of it is, God knows the hearts of man. No matter how much we try to shield ourselves by hiding in the shadows, under umbrellas and behind walls, He knows. And He loves us anyway. No matter how much we distance ourselves, He loves us. Nothing can separate us from His love. No height. No depth. No sin. No shame.

Lord, may we tear down our walls and walk in the light so we can soak up Your love for us. May we open ourselves up to You!

Our Father is relentless in His pursuit for us. May we stop running from Him and let Him catch us! His love heals all our brokenness! His love brings freedom from our past! His love gives us purpose! Because when we experience His love, we cannot contain it! We will share His love with everyone we meet and we will lavish our love right back to our Savior!

Now that’s what we were created for!

From a Benchwarmer to an Overcomer… It’s the Final Countdown!

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

(Photo via Google Images)

Down to the last quarter, it’s a tight game. Your heart races as your eyes follow the basketball up and down the court. You pull your focus away just long enough to glance at the time clock. Oh my! It’s getting close. So close! The countdown on the clock has accelerated; we’re in a time crunch! It’s time to give it all we’ve got!

It’s the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Truth versus deception. Light versus darkness. The opposition is fierce. They are menacing giants, cunning and full of trickery. Pure evil, they execute foul after foul. To say they are aggressive is putting it mildly. They are violent!

But there you are. Safe on the bench. After all, you’re just happy to be part of the team. To feel the camaraderie. To belong to a worthy cause. I know your palms are sweating and your pulse is skyrocketing watching there on the sidelines. But what are you afraid of? Really? That the bench might get cold?

Come on, now! Now is the time! Come off your bench and step into your destiny! Shake off the fear trying to entangle you! Shake off that spirit of timidity holding you back! Be courageous!

Don’t you know who you are? You were chosen! A huge ransom was paid to have you on the team! A price more than the Cavaliers pay Lebron James, man!

Ignore the opposition’s chants of ‘you can’t‘ and ‘you won’t.’ They are just afraid that you will! Show them what you are made of! You are an overcomer! Blessed and highly favored! The head and not the tail! Above and not beneath! More than a conqueror!

Light always overtakes darkness! Truth always shatters deception! The victory is yours, but you’ve got to get in the game!

Your team needs you! They are suffering violence! And it’s time for the violent to take it back by force!  Rise up and make the opposition tremble in fear! Unleash the lion of Judah that is within you! LET THEM HEAR YOU ROAR!!!

Now… get out there!

And having summoned His twelve disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness… These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “And as you go, preach, saying ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give… Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”  –Matthew 10

Ready or Not, Here I Come!

/ Michelle Halloran / 2 Comments

(Photo via http://www.jnesbit.com)

“… that He might present the Church to Himself a glorious bride, without spot or wrinkle or any other defect, but to be holy and unblemished. …” –Ephesians 5:27

I had a dream recently where I was preaching in front of many people in a church. I was preaching about Jesus returning for His Church. His Bride. I was preaching with such fervor, I remember spit spewing from my mouth. I was asking the congregates how they would react – what they would do – if Jesus Christ, Himself, walked through those doors. And I pointed to the doors in the back of the church.

Without waiting for an answer, I quickly replied, “This is what would happen!” Lo and behold, the doors began to open. I watched breathlessly as Jesus, my Lord, entered into the church.

His gaze immediately captured me. I am the one He is after! I am His Bride!

He walked down the center aisle, never removing His gaze. His eyes blazed with passion. Whether captivated by those eyes or weakened from His presence or both, I stood unmoving. Although every fiber in my being yearned to run to Him. Yet, I watched… and waited for Him to come to me. For me.

Suddenly, in the next blink of my eye, I am within His reach. His arms envelop me and he swings me into a dance. An elegant ballroom dance. A lovely song begins to sing over me. In the hidden locket of my memory, I recognize the song.

It’s the song from Sleeping Beauty.

‘I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream. I know you the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. And I know its true that visions are seldom all they seem. But if I know you, I know what you’ll do. You’ll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.

Once upon a night, I dreamed we’d be together. In love forever. Once upon a night, I was wishing for a never, a never ending. Once upon a night. Once upon a time. Once upon a wish. Once upon a dream.’

Wow! What a prophetic picture of the Bride of Christ!

She’s found proclaiming the gospel, preparing the way for the Lord’s return. The cry of the Bride echoes throughout the land awakening those who have ears to hear from their slumber. She is adorned with her jewels, clothed in garments of salvation, and arrayed in a robe of His righteousness. [Isaiah 61:10]

Her lamp is trimmed and her oil is ready. [Matthew 25] She watches and waits for her Lord’s return as a watchman on the wall. And the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” [Revelation 22:17]

For in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, heaven will open and behold, a white horse, and He who sits upon it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness He will judge. [1 Corinthians 15:52, Revelation 19:11]

Those not prepared – those who have forsaken the Lord and pursued their own pleasures – will beg, “Lord, lord, open up for us,” when the door to the wedding feast closes with a thud.

But He will answer and say, “Truly I say to you, I do not know you.”

His attention quickly returns to His Bride. The True Church. No longer is she called Forsaken or Desolate, but He gives her a new name. Sought out. [Isaiah 62] She was faithful and He sought her out. Rescuing her from death. She will reign with Him forever and ever.

***

Perhaps the life we are living is like a dream…

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” — 1 Corinthians 13:12

…and just like the song from Sleeping Beauty, we know Jesus and He knows us. We know Him because we walk with Him. We talk with Him. We come before Him with nothing hidden, making ourselves known. And He reveals Himself to us. He speaks to us through His Word. He directs us through His Holy Spirit.

When we wake from this dream and see Him face to face, He will take us in His arms and sing this song over us.

“I know you. I walked with you once upon a dream…”

Do you know Jesus? Are you walking with Him, hand in hand, through this moment in eternity we call life? Will He find you faithful? Or will He find you defiled with other lovers?

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” –2 Timothy 3:1-5

If you are wasting your life on things that will perish, it’s not too late to give your life to Jesus. The things of this world grow dim in the light of His glory. This is my prayer for you…

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” — Ephesians 1:17-19

And for those of you who are already believers…

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” — 2 Timothy 4:1-2

***

Boy, am I looking forward to that dance! Find me faithful, Lord!!!

(Please share this message of love and truth with those God has entrusted you with. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Let us proclaim the kingdom of God together!)

Eating from the Hand of God and Enjoying the Fruit of our Labor

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment

(Photo via Google Images)

This is a follow-up from last week’s ‘Divinely Different, Uniquely You’ post. If you missed that article, I will sum it up in three words, “WE ARE BEAUTIFUL!” We are beautiful because we were created by the hand of a perfect God. When we find our identity in Jesus, we strive to look like him. Not like the model on the cover of a magazine. When our focus is on Jesus and not ourselves, we become secure in who we are and our gaze turns upward and outward rather than downward and inward. Ultimately, we cannot fulfill the second commandment, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” if we don’t first love ourselves. So we are exchanging body shaming for Spirit glorifying! Amen, amen! This post will concentrate on taking authority over our bodies and walking in divine health. As a child of God, we are redeemed from the curse of sin we were born under and Jesus has given us the keys to walking in freedom from sickness and disease. The Bible has many things to say about this, so without further ado, let’s dive in!

Eating from the Hand of God

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.” –Genesis 2:16-17

Have you ever wondered why the very first sin was committed by an act of eating? To be honest, I had not until now. But now that I do consider it, I wonder if it may have been because man must eat in order to survive. Eating cannot be avoided. It is true. There are other functions a man’s body must do for survival. Breathing, eliminating wastes, and all those other autonomic functions we learned about in school. However, these things we do involuntarily. Yet, we must actively eat and drink to live. Food cannot be avoided and, unlike plants, we do not obtain our fuel through photosynthesis. God made food for us to cultivate, savor, and enjoy. Of course, too much of a good thing is not a good thing! Back to Adam and Eve, I imagine the only thing available to drink was water. Perhaps they drank from the river flowing out of Eden. [Genesis 2:10] But there were many choices of food to eat.

“And out of the ground the Lord caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” –Genesis 2:9

There were many trees to eat from and only one forbidden fruit to avoid. In the Garden of Eden, what Adam and Eve choose to eat was a matter of life and death. From then until now, I’m not sure much has changed in that respect.

Choices

Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded by luring images and tantalizing aromas of enticing cuisine. (Just typing this description is making my mouth water!) Commercials, billboards, break rooms. Food courts, food networks, food apps. Healthy foods, junk foods. Organic foods, GMO-foods.

How much of our lives is spent planning meals, going to grocery stores, cooking, and eating? Not to mention, when we aren’t doing these things, we are more than likely thinking about food. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about! I usually think about what I’m having for lunch while I’m still eating breakfast!

And how many of us have waited for a half hour or more at a restaurant waiting for our place at the table to become available? And have you ever watched people at a buffet? They (I mean, we) act like animals pushing others out of our way to get to the trough!

Has food become an idol for us? I wonder…

Throughout the Bible, God gives us numerous instruction about our food. After God blessed Noah and his sons and established His covenant of the rainbow, God instructed them, “Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant.” [Genesis 9:3]

We have many choices.

  • Psalm 25:12 says, “He will instruct him in the way he should choose.”
  • Psalm 104:27-28 says, “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things.”

The world’s method tells us to ask ourselves, “Do I really need a snack right now?” So, this method is okay because it gives us pause before we dive into a bag of potato chips. But, personally, this doesn’t help me too much. When I have a craving for chocolate and ask myself if I really need that, I’m going to say, “Yes!” That’s about like a heroin addict coming off their high asking themselves if they really need to shoot up again. Of course, they are going to give in to their cravings and addictions. So, what would happen if we started looking to God for instruction on what to eat and when to eat it? I believe, rather than asking ourselves this question, we should ask God. Just this one simple redirection of a question, changes the focus from us and our needs to God and what He wants for us. By doing this, we also change from relying on our own willpower to say no to the cookies to walking in self-control by the strength of Jesus Christ living within us. Now, we are more than conquerors! We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!!! This is how we can obtain ultimate freedom over food addictions! Something Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutrisystem can’t provide. I’m not saying these methods cannot work. They very well may. But you’re bound to counting points, weighing and measuring, and eating packaged foods. Where’s the freedom in that!?! God’s plan is for us to walk in diving health. When we heed His instructions, we have freedom! Let us eat from the hand of God!

Enjoying the Fruit of our Labor

All the experts say being healthy is eighty percent diet and twenty percent physical activity.  So, I won’t spend as much time on this section. However, God made our bodies to move!

“For in Him we live and move and exist.” –Act 17:28

Our heavenly Father wants us to be active and not lazy!

“He who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.” –Proverbs 18:9

This scripture tells us laziness brings destruction. Laziness destroys the body, the very temple of God. The Word also tells us we reap what we sow, so if we give nothing, we gain nothing.

We must start somewhere. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t lift a 10 pound weight, start with a 5 pound weight. Our physical labor is not in vain. We will see the fruit of our labor when we work hard with purpose!

“Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” –1 Corinthians 15:58

“I run in such a way as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave.” –1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Our bodies are so much stronger than we give them credit. As my trainer says, “Our minds give out much sooner than our bodies do.” Let us push ourselves a little harder every day. Let us change up our routines every now and then and try new things.

And let us remember to rest. Exodus 34:21 says, “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest.” This gives our bodies time to heal and revive to do it all over again.

I have faith in Jesus Christ inside of you! You can do it! Work diligently as unto the Lord! He is your strength, your endurance, your willpower! He is the giver of health to those who seek Him and persevere!

And God says, “Your body was created perfectly. You simply have to take authority over it. What is your body made of? The dust of the earth. What have I given you authority over? All the earth.

Take authority over your body. Command your body to digest, absorb, and eliminate your food properly. And take authority over the tormenting demon whispering lies in your ear that you cannot make changes to get healthy!

Just as I formed the earth, allow Jesus to be formed fully in you. Get the world’s method out of you. Don’t live off the world’s knowledge, but rather live solely off the Word of God. For He is the Bread of Life!

Just as the Spirit of God moved over the deep waters, so I will cause your food to move through your body and digest properly. Just as I separated the light from darkness, the good from the evil, so I will separate the healthy nutrients causing them to be absorbed, from the unhealthy components causing them to be eliminated.

Just as I named the heavens and the earth, the land and the seas, Adam and Eve, allow me to name the foods you are to eat. Eat from the hand of Jesus. He is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Taste and see that He is good! You will be satisfied!

Just as the word of God is alive and active, so you shall be active. Just as I yielded seed which bears fruit, so you will begin to see the fruit of your labor/exercise. I will make you strong and mighty because you are in the Lord and the Lord is in you.

Just as I granted Adam and Eve ruler over all the earth, so you will be ruler over your body. No longer will the enemy have authority over your body! I will replace those negative thoughts with whispers of my love for you. I will replace the images the enemy used to haunt your mind with images of how I see you.

You are beautifully pleasing to me.”

Divinely Different, Uniquely You

/ Michelle Halloran / Leave a comment
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(My Beautiful Sisters from Fitness with Faith)

It’s officially that time of the year again. In case you didn’t know… it’s SWIMSUIT SEASON! Now, my family and I absolutely love the water! I grew up near a lake and I practically lived on a boat or jet ski all summer. My boys, ages twelve and six, are no different. There’s just something so relaxing and joyful about being near water!

This Memorial Day weekend kickstarted our summer and we spent a couple days poolside. Yes, I’m in heaven! Yes, I go out to the pool wearing the most modest swimsuit possible and a pair of shorts! Yes, I’m also the one toting my Bible as my reading material along with my journal for note taking! I’m sure some may think I’m crazy, but that’s ok.

However, there is something not ok. As I was watching my boys toss ball with their friends in the pool, I noticed all these other women prancing around with beautiful bodies in bikinis and I’m like, ‘How do they do it? I work out and eat healthy, but I surely don’t look like that!‘

I know… I really should have kept my nose in my Bible!

Instead I’m comparing myself to everyone else and I start body shaming myself.

I’m being transparent here. I have struggled with freedom over body image in the past (as I’m sure many women have) and I felt that vice trying to pull me back to that old nature. Let me tell you – body shaming ourselves is not healthy! Comparing ourselves to others is not healthy!

This navel-gazing, as a friend of mine calls it, robs us of the freedom to be who God created us to be! It conforms us to the the identity of the world, stealing us from the identity God established within us in our mother’s wombs! Navel-gazing keeps our eyes pointed downward and inward when our eyes should be upward and outward.

Magazines and media impose images on us of what we should look like – even convincing us what happiness looks like. We play these images over and over in our minds like a stuck record player and the groove they etch in our brains keeps getting deeper and deeper.

But God tells us that He created our bodies perfectly! After all, we are made in His image! So, I let the Word of God tell me who I am. My identity comes from Jesus Christ and this is what He tells me…

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? [1 Corinthians 3:16] For the temple of God is holy and that is what you are. The very hairs of your head are all numbered. [Matthew 10:30] Your head crowns you like Carmel, and the flowing locks of your head are like purple threads. The King is captivated by your tresses. [Song of Solomon 7:5]

I have created you in Our image, according to Our likeness. [Genesis 1:26] But the enemy has come to steal, kill, and destroy – all as a result of sin. Whereas, I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full. [John 10:10]

And because of your confession brought to Me with a repentant heart, I – Your Creator and He who formed you – say, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are Mine. [Isaiah 43:1]

Jesus Christ, My Son, has redeemed you from the curse. [Galations 3:13] The curse of sin from generations ago. You were born under that curse.

But I am a curse breaker, a covenant redeemer, and a life giver to the desolate places!

I have created and all the elements for your restoration back to the image of Eve in the Garden of innocence are available for your beckoning. So beckon them, “Come!” Beckon them, “Create!” Beckon them, “Form!”

I see the future and I see a crown of glory upon your head! Your body emits the glory of the Son, the radiance of the King! All who see will be amazed. The power of God will not be denied, but it will be proclaimed to all who look upon you. For they will see my glory and my honor upon your head. [1 Corinthians 11:15] My covering.

You will stand as a picture of my Bride. Pure. Spotless. Redeemed. Restored. Radiant. Without blemish. Exuberant. Beautiful in the original intent of the word!”

Wow! I can’t even imagine the beauty of Eve, but I bet she was captivating! You know, I’ve never seen an ugly baby or a child that wasn’t absolutely adorable. It’s the beauty of innocence.

Sin is ugly. When God’s children come under the blood of Jesus, He restores us to innocence. Purity. He bestows His radiant glory on us.

Our goals should not be to look like the woman on the cover of a magazine, but rather to look like Jesus. 

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. God says to you,

“Behold! Child of God, you are beautiful!”

First, God wants us to walk in freedom with a positive body image and confidence of our identity in Jesus Christ. Then God wants us to be healthy. Stay tuned for another post written for those of you who would like to take authority over your body and improve your health the biblical way.

If you want to be sure not to miss the next post, please click the link in the sidebar to follow by email.

If this message was for nobody else, I receive it for myself. But I hope you’ve been blessed too and are one step closer to walking in His identity. He loves you and I do too! God bless!

There is a Ripple in the Clouds! Come Catch the Vision of Heaven!

/ Michelle Halloran / 1 Comment

(Photo via Pinterest)

I had the most glorious dream last night! It was so sacred, it took me a while to even share with my husband. But from it, I believe God has given me a message to share with you today. So, here goes! I pray it ministers to you!

The dream began with me gazing into the clouds. It was a beautiful evening. My husband and children were there along with a few other people whom I didn’t recognize, but somehow I knew them in the dream.

Something in the clouds had caught our attention. The clouds had taken on the formation of ripples. There were several of them, and just like a ripple from a drop of water in a pool, each one began with a central focal point surrounded by a ripple effect. It was so captivating and intriguing.

We all desired to go the place directly underneath this portrait of beauty in the sky. It was getting dark by this time and the journey to our destination was going to be a long one. I looked down at my two boys and realized we couldn’t make the venture that night. I told the others to go on ahead and we would catch up with them in the morning. And so they began the great expedition that we would start the next day.

And boy, were we anxious to get started! At the first gleam of dawn, we were up and loaded in our car. Just like the night before, the ripples were still high in the sky. Our time had come and our journey began.

My husband drove the car through what appeared to be a metro-like area. We were heading toward a huge building that may have been a courthouse. Regardless, I knew we were on a main street with a lot of traffic.

Then suddenly, like a flash of lightning, my whole family was transported directly to the place of our destination beneath the ripples in the sky. The scenery before us was spectacular! A transparent curtain that rippled like the clouds above us was unveiling another world in front of us. It looked like a place fairy tales are made.

It was breathtaking. Astonishing. Majestic. Glorious.

At the splendor of it all, I placed my hand over my mouth in amazement. God’s presence fell over me like a heavy blanket. I dropped to my knees and began crying. A heavenly language came out of my mouth and at the same time I felt like I was communicating the magnificent array with my husband in my native tongue.

The colors were absolutely brilliant. It was a field of green with a gently rolling landscape. Remarkable trees, flowers that would blow your imagination, and a sparkling crystal clear stream.

I was immediately drawn to the water. Not able to muster the strength to stand, I crawled on my hands and knees to the water’s edge. All the while, crying and speaking in my heavenly language.

Floating on the water was a luscious fruit and I desperately desired it. It grew on a leafy vine. Bright red and tender. Bigger than a cherry. Smaller than an apple. It was the best tasting, juiciest fruit I’ve ever eaten!

And as quickly as we were transported there, I was transported back home. Back to my daily routine; still holding the fruit I retrieved from the water.

At that point, I came across a lady I see almost everyday and I shared my fruit with her. She devoured it hungrily and her eyes grew large with delight. Then a great rejoicing broke out. The place filled with singing and dancing. Such joy invaded the atmosphere!

A beautiful young maiden dancing merrily with her fiancé caught my attention. I say ‘maiden’ because the setting appeared to be in the 1800’s. Kind of ‘Gone with the Wind’ -ish. As I watched intently, I discovered this dark-haired beauty was mute. She had never been able to speak her love to her betrothed. While she was dancing, I saw her gaze turned toward another woman dancing in the room.

The mute girl had a vision, and I saw it clearly. In the vision, the other woman laid her hands over the young girl’s throat and prayed a simple prayer to Jesus for her healing. The vision ended and, without hesitation, the mute maiden rushed to the woman, motioning her to pray.

Proceeding precisely how the vision played out, the woman prayed for the mute girl and she was healed. She had received her voice.

Laughter erupted from vocal cords that had never uttered a sound! She ran to her fiancé’s side and began exclaiming words of adoration, love, and devotion to him. I witnessed such intense emotion in her face. Such tenderness in her words. Such love in her voice. It was a sweet, sweet sound.

And then I woke up…

I firmly believe God gave me a vision of heaven last night in my dream. Just a glimpse of His glory. A taste of His splendor. A touch of His majesty. The water represented the living water that never runs dry. The fruit was the fruit of the Spirit. The mute maiden signified the Church, the Bride of Christ, and the other woman, the Holy Spirit who is healing the voice of the Church. And of course, the fiancé is the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, who is soon and very soon returning for His Church.

I pray that we would all catch the vision of heaven. All it takes is a glimpse, a taste, a touch… and we are transformed forever. When we catch the vision of heaven, we are drawn into the secret place of the Most High. What God gives us freely in this place, He wants us to give freely to the people He places in our lives – He gives us all a sphere of influence.

The fruit of the Spirit that He cultivates within us in the Holy of Holies is meant to be shared so others can taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Then they will be drawn to their own secret place of the Most High, desiring to eat from the hand of Jesus themselves!

The Holy Spirit is awakening His church from its slumber. He’s turning lullabies into battle cries! The voice that has been muted by the enemy is beginning to proclaim her love for the Bridegroom! The voice of the Bride will resound in the heavens and all who hear it will feel the vibration of its power!

God is releasing drops of His glory among people who are seeking His face. One drop ripples. Then another drop ripples. Followed by two or three more ripples. There is coming a reverberating ripple of God’s glory throughout the entire earth!

Oh, what revival would break out if each one of us would take our eyes off ourselves and seek the face of Jesus. Oh, that we would all catch the vision of heaven. Partaking the fruit of Jesus and sharing it with others. All while edifying the name of Jesus with our unified voice. When He is lifted up, He will draw all men.

This ripple of revival will pulsate throughout the whole earth!!! Behold, the Bridegroom is coming! People get ready!

(We each have a sphere of influence. If you have been encouraged by this post, please consider sharing with yours! May the ripple of revival begin in each one of us! Thank you and God Bless!!!)