Any Seat is the Best Seat in the House of the Lord

One Sunday afternoon, I watched the Periscope of a pastor I had never seen before. Every word of his message was powerful and ministered to me greatly. It was just what I needed, when I needed it. From time to time, the person who was recording the scope panned the sanctuary. I noticed there were about nine people sitting in the first two pews. But the three pews in the back of the church were packed. And there were seven or eight rows of empty pews between the front and the back. I got so distracted by these empty pews that I decided it would be best to listen to the sermon and not watch it.

The presence of God was truly in that sanctuary. By the time the pastor was coming to the close of his message, everyone was standing and praising the Lord. And people came to the altar for prayer.

I dare not reason why the physical distance in that particular congregation was so pronounced. But I think about those "back of the church" seats I occupied throughout my Christian walk. Here are a few reasons why I sat in the back:

-- Before I accepted the Lord in my life and couldn't say no to invitations from friends.

-- So I could tip out at will for other appointments.

-- To be seen clocking in and out.

-- Whenever I yielded to sin, felt guilty and/or unworthy to be in the house of God.

-- When I was bound with depression.

-- Mad at God for not fixing my stuff on my schedule.

One time I sat so far in the back of the church that my seat was in my car in the parking lot. But the day came when I changed my mind about the need to occupy the back seat. I was a new Christian dealing with an emotional challenge and had skipped church for a few weeks. I was nursing and rehearsing that episode with a lack of faith. Then when I felt some conviction and decided to go to church, I sat on the last row, end seat. I figured I could tip out after I felt I had fulfilled my Christian duty and due diligence of "forsaking not the assembling with other believers." But the presence of the Lord hung in the sanctuary long after praise and worship. So much so that I can't even remember the pastor's message. I experienced a constant, overwhelming joy and all I could do was weep and thank God for touching my heart. I couldn't wait until there was an altar call to seal the deliverance.

Now I will sit in the last pew, last seat in the sanctuary if I HAVE to. But I like to sit as close to the altar as possible. I pray that in the future, the people in that Periscope, the members of that body of believers, will honor the shepherd of the house by sitting closer as he delivers the Word of the Lord to them. But I know that when the Spirit of the Lord is in the house of God, He fills every inch of the room. God won't force you to receive Him, or praise and worship Him. People can purposefully sit in the back seat, last row, whatever, and put on a spiritual haz-mat suit if they want to. But when you are willing to receive from Him, He can touch and heal you of whatever, whenever and wherever you are.

"For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.
I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
Psalm 84:10

Cry of the Heart and Soul -- A Spiritual Anniversary

Today is my spiritual anniversary!! Twenty-two years ago on this date, August 5th, I said YES to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. He has shown me each and everyday that I made the right decision and He has always and will forever be my King and Most High God. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

To follow is an excerpt from my book "Pray What God Says" where I shared the testimony of my acceptance of Jesus Christ into my life. Of all the testimonies I have, this is the greatest.

*****

Years ago, before accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of my life, I considered myself a decent person. Although I acknowledged God, I did not serve Him by reading or studying the scriptures, prayer or attending church. I thought I had everything that was essential for a good and happy lifestyle. But I had issues that troubled my mind and heart as well. With God excluded from my life, unfruitful decisions made solutions to my problems elusive. I resigned to accepting and responding to lingering challenges the way I thought best.

But God heard the cry of my heart when no one else was listening, and where no one else was looking. He reconnected me with a friend in a wonderful way. My best friend Cheryl sowed 13 years of obedient and dedicated evangelistic ministry into my life. She planted the seed of the Word in every conversation and watered it by taking me to church services, conferences, her family gatherings, and most important, intercession for me in her prayer closet. I believe that when the Lord heard my cry for something new, He heard and honored the cries of Cheryl’s heart to see me saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Throughout those 13 years I had many opportunities to accept an altar call but I refused, holding on to the notion that eventually, I could fix me all by myself. In retrospect, arrogance and stubbornness had been a barrier to my deliverance from the problems in my life.

On August 5, 1992, Cheryl needed to pick up some documents from an evangelist in Moreno Valley so I agreed to accompany her so she could use the Express lane. As we stepped into Evangelist Prosperity’s living room, I immediately felt very hot. It was as if someone was pouring hot liquid on my head. Although the air conditioner was on in her home, I rationalized that my body was adjusting to coming in from the very warm temperature outside. So I sat quietly to cool off. After a few minutes Evangelist Prosperity glanced at me and asked if I was saved. I said, “No.” Then she asked if I wanted to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Without hesitation I replied, “Yes. Sure why not?”

As the three of us joined hands and Evangelist Prosperity began to pray for me, I felt the heat on my head intensify to what seemed like a thick liquid pouring from my head and neck, down to my feet. My heart raced, my legs felt too limp to stand. I thought I was having a heart attack or some other physical malady. I tried to tell them to call 911 but I couldn’t speak English. With tears streaming down my face, peace and joy enveloped my very being and my lips stammered in tongues for nearly an hour.

Cheryl fell to her knees weeping and praising the Lord because she was able to witness the fruit of her labor from the prayers, and the planting and watering of the Word into my life. To some it would seem that I had a radical conversion experience. But I would never trade it for anything else because that experience has kept me believing, knowing and trusting that God is real and He loves me.

In my introduction to this book [Pray What God Says], I reflected on the peace and joy I experienced when I first heard about Jesus Christ from Aunt Bessie. But when I decided to accept Him as my Lord and Saviour in 1992, that same peace and joy embraced me but in a greater measure. I am fully persuaded that God’s plan and purpose for my life is greater than I or anyone else could have fashioned it.

Since that day, I have learned that as you commit your life to Jesus Christ and receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, there is a divine enablement to begin, build and establish a relationship with God. It is only through a relationship with Him, through learning the scriptures and prayer, that you will be able to live a regenerated life. This is a life that can be conformed and transformed daily to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

When my heart was crying out, I was not aware that it was directed toward God. There is a cry of our heart and it is of a hungry, thirsty spirit man crying out to his Creator. Even in death, the word says that the spirit of man returns to the Creator, our God. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. --Ecclesiastes 12:7.

If we consistently allow the cry of our heart be directed toward the Lord, we are better able to submit our soul (mind, will and emotions) to His spirit. We have to allow ourselves to be subject to, in daily reliance upon, and in compliance with God and His holy scriptures. Commitment to desiring our thoughts and behavior to be in consistent alignment with the Holy Spirit will yield a lifestyle led by a spirit man that is in deference to holiness and righteousness. This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. --Galatians 5:16.

God created and enables our hearts to cry out to Him: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. --Galatians 4:6.

Christine Brooks Martin, author

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2014

The "Que Sera Sera" for Those Who Are His

The other night while watching TV, there was a commercial for a new, upcoming series about heinous acts or intentions between married couples. I don't plan to watch it but they used a song I remember from my childhood. Although sampled and sung by someone else for the advertisement, it was Doris Day's classic, called "Que Sera Sera." That's French for what will be, will be. For a great amount of time in my life, I lived loosely by the premise of that song... getting what I could get, as fast as I could get it and trying to have as much fun as possible while Que Sera Sera happened.

I concede that "what will be, will be" is true because the Word does say in Romans 11:33-36 -- "Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back. For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen."

But when the day came that I had a wonderful, memorable encounter with the Word of God and His Presence, then that changed the course of my life. No longer relevant and true was another line in the song that said, "The future's not ours to see." That is because I became an engrafted beneficiary of the covenant promises of God found in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. We have a Father who gives bountifully, pressed down, shaken together and running over to His children.

As a child of the King, I no longer have to walk in darkness regarding my future. His Word says in Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)-- "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

Even if life and its challenges confront me, I can rest in His Word that says in Romans 8:28 (NLT)--"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

When you learn and know that each day you can be kept in and by the Kingdom God with the enabling assistance of the Holy Spirit, you can "Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God."-- Proverbs 2:3-5 (NLT)

Your Que Sera Sera can and will be orchestrated by the Lord Most High with the willing and yielded participation of your mind, body, soul and spirit.

Christine Brooks Martin

www.praywhatgodsays.weebly.com

Areli MediaWorks  |  2014

Prayer to Overcome Negativity

When I am Negative 

Lord God, I repent for thinking or saying things that oppose what your scriptures say is the truth. Your word has declared who you are and who I am when I abide in you. I belong to you and I am your son/daughter. I am filled with your Holy Spirit. You have not given me a spirit to be afraid or timid. By your spirit I am strong, loving and self-disciplined. I understand that there are natural and spiritual challenges in the world but I take heart that I have your peace. In the midst of trials, tribulation or sorrow, I have the assurance that you have already overcome what confronts me. I already have victory over any circumstance because the Holy Spirit lives in me. Your spirit is greater than any spirit that is in the world.

You lift burdens from my thoughts, motives and intentions. You break every yoke of bondage from my shoulders. No weapon turned against me will succeed. Every voice raised in accusation against me is silenced. I enjoy the benefits you have extended to me as a servant of the Lord. I am vindicated from unrighteous judgment. I am justified, found not guilty, because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Negative words do not proceed out of my mouth because my thoughts are renewed by your truth. I know in whom I live, move and have my very being.

I have the enabling ability to exercise authority over every challenge and challenger. My life is protected by your power. The word of God is my weapon to remove any stronghold of human reasoning that opposes God. I rest in the knowledge that you can end every mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual captivity. Your word destroys false and unrighteous arguments. Rebellious thoughts are captured and realigned to the obedience of the truth and Jesus Christ. Evil and negative thoughts are replaced by faith in you. My victory is through faith in the promises of your word and causes me to inherit your blessings. Thank you for being my God and I am your son/daughter.

From the prayerbook "He That Healeth Thee" 

by Christine Brooks Martin 

Areli MediaWorks | 2014

Some Mountains

No one is exempt from challenges. When we are confronted with circumstances that hinder progress or success in life, health and well-being, those challenges are often referred to as mountains. Many obstacles may appear unsurmountable and cause us to fear and/or resign to hopelessness. But we can take comfort in Mark 11:23 that says, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith."

I have experienced favorable results many times by declaring this scripture over my life. But there have been instances where I wondered about the mountains that didn't move. Proverbs 3:6 says "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

When you seek God's direction, you will find there are some mountains that have to be climbed. These are challenges you must endure. For instance, you may have to learn new tasks to keep your job. Or if you become ill, you have to treat your body differently, and experience therapies to achieve physical and emotional healing and wholeness. As you learn how to navigate, ascend and descend this mountain it becomes a testimony to share with or help another person. 2Corinthians 12:9 -- "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

God might tell you to go around some mountains. A company I worked for in the early 70s had job openings in a technical classification. I was a secretary and the new jobs preferred applicants with education or skills and experience in the technical field. I really wanted to do something new and increase my income but was told I wasn't even qualified to apply. So I enrolled in a technical school taking a certificate course in the evenings in basic electronics. I was the only female in the class and I was often challenged by the course, instructor and classmates, but that didn't deter me. Upon completion, I added my certificate to the job application. A few weeks later, I was promoted and worked as a technician for many years with that company. Isaiah 30:21-- "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

There are some mountains that demand that you turn around and go the opposite direction. God and experience with trying to traverse this mountain will show you that trying to align yourself with some people, places, events, and associations will lead to ungodly soul-ties, toxic relationships, violence, addictions even sin and death. Psalm 18:17 -- "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me."

Some mountains are not yours, meaning they are not your assignment. These mountains may be far beyond your spiritual maturity and you are not to challenge or contend with them. Be still, cover yourself with prayer, praise and worship the Lord and watch what He will do. 2Chronicles 20:15--"And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Titus 3:9 --"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."

As long as we prayerfully consider the challenges, the mountains that beset us, God will give us an answer for what we must do about them. James 1:5 --"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

1John 5:14-15--"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

A Relentless Cry

A few days ago, I was watching a video recording of one of my favorite ministers. In the middle of the sermon, a baby began to cry relentlessly for two or three minutes. I will admit that for a few moments I was a bit annoyed. A wondered, like some in the pews, why the parent didn't take the baby out to another area. I got a little distracted from the sermon and had to replay the portion where the baby was crying. But then I got distracted again. This time it was from my own thoughts. When babies cry it is because they want something. They cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, uncomfortable, sick or just want attention. They will cry until the need is met.

Romans 8:15 says "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba Father." All of us were created to express the emotions of our soul and of our spirit with a "cry." That cry will demand a response from something or someone greater than ourselves. God, who is the source of our spirit hears every cry of the soul and spirit. He created us to communicate that cry to Him alone.

He has told us in His Word in Matthew 4:19 "But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also said as long as we abide in this earth we can ask for His kingdom alternatives to come on earth as it is in heaven.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. --Luke 12:22

We have permission to cry out relentlessly to God when we are hungry. He has promised to take care of us naturally because He is Jehovah-Jireh. He has promised to satiate us spiritually with the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of the bread of life... His scriptures. They instruct us with the principles to live this life on earth.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are thirsty. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to abide with us to quench our thirst for a comforter, helper and teacher.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we need our spiritual diapers changed. Through the Blood of Jesus, He has forgiven us, cleansed, sanctified, redeemed, and consecrated us to reveal His glory in us, on us and through us.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are in distress. He is a banner and shield for us, a defender, covering and a hedge of protection.

We have permission to cry out relentlessly when we are sick (physically and spiritually). He is Jehovah Raphe the healer of all manner of sickness, diseases, afflictions, and infirmities.

And best of all we have permission to cry out relentlessly to Him when we just want to be in His presence. He is an omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all power), omniscient (all knowing) God All Mighty.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. --John 15:7

So the next time you hear a baby cry relentlessly, don't be annoyed. Just smile and remember that you too, have permission to cry out relentlessly to the Lord.

"Little Book, Big Prayers" - Free eBooks

You can download a free copy of the new 4-book series "Little Book, Big Prayers"  ONLY at Smashwords.com.

 Between now and December 31, 2013 use the 100% OFF Coupons before checkout. As you add each book into the shopping cart, enter the coupon number then adjust the total. Feel free to share with family and friends.

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The "Little Book, Big Prayers" series along with my other prayer book titles are available at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBook stores.  

Visit the Pray What God Says website's bookstore for quick access to buy buttons for all retailers.

Christine Brooks Martin, author
Pray What God Says
Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith
He That Healeth Thee
Christine's Short-Shorts
Little Book, Big Prayers (4-book series)

Areli MediaWorks | 2013

When I Need to Trust

A prayer from the new prayerbook

"He That Healeth Thee"

Lord I pour out my heart to you because you are my refuge. You have not forsaken or abandoned me. You are my strength and shield so I trust you with all my heart. When you help me my heart is filled with joy. I am able to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. Each time I search for you, I find you and increase in the knowledge of who you are. You have kept my enemies from rejoicing when I have been overwhelmed. I am rescued from disgrace. My hope is in you when I pour out my complaints in your presence. As I place my trust in you Lord and do what is good, I live in safety and prosperity. At all times, I place my trust in you to combat fear. You protect and save me from destruction. Like an eagle you cover me with your feathers and shelter me under your wings. You are my God and I am devoted to you. I live to serve you only. Your faithful promises are my armor and protection. My confidence resides in knowing that you care for me.

I learn of your unfailing love each day as I am comforted by your Holy Spirit. Order my footsteps because I trust in the pathways you have designed for my life. I trust in you at all times and I do not depend on my own understanding. Those who listen to instruction will prosper. I follow your instructions and I prosper in every endeavor. I receive guidance and direction through your scriptures. I learn of your ways as I meditate upon you day and night. I listen for your council when I wait upon you in prayer. Those who trust the Lord will be joyful but the foolish chose their own way. So I chose the safety of wisdom and fearlessly trust you. You save me when I am weak. You are my strength and song, and you cause me to live victoriously.

Christine Brooks Martin, author

“Pray What God Says”

“Talk to God with Affirmations of Faith”

“He That Healeth Thee”

“Christine’s Short-Shorts”

Pray What God Says website

Amazon.com author page

Areli MediaWorks | 2013