An Exceptional Journey!

 Fathomless oceans of love, for which there are no shores, pursues you relentlessly; a limitless love, a boundless love, an outrageous love, a prodigal love to sink in! 

How great is the Love the Father has lavished upon us, that we should be called the children of God...1John 3:1

Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace of God. For if justification, righteousness, acquittal from guilt, comes through observing the ritual of the Law, then Christ, the Messiah, died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. His death was then wholly superfluous...Galatians 2:21 

So, if grace is just God's unmerited favor, it seems we cannot fall from it; for we surely cannot earn it. I find that grace is more God's ability, in and through me, infusing me with His love and strength, that I simply come to enJoy through childlikeness, a heart of humility!  

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In putting everything under their feet, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 

But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what He suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. 

So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters...Hebrews 2:8-11

Glorious, simply glorious....brilliant, simply brilliant! 

The King has come and we carry His Glory within these earthen vessels, for all the world to see! The Spirit of the Lord is upon us and He has anointed us to set the captives free, seeing them recover and healed. We are His children and the work of His hands, and exist because of Him; we have been given a precious treasure to carry into all the world.

Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 5:15, Luke 4:18, Luke 11:36, 

Acts 17:28, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1John 4:17 

I Was There 

Upon my back a King did ride,

With palms upon our path.

I carried Him, my will aside

To face their faithless wrath.

I stood afar to watch the scene

A God, A King, A Man.

Who walked His path with face serene,

Fulfilling Father's plan.

With love and joy submitted, He 

A willing sacrifice.

That the Father's sons you might be,

Because He paid the price.

A lowly ass though I may be,

My part I served with pride.

I bore the one who set you free,

He came, He saved and died.

But death it has no lasting sting,

In truth the Savior lives. 

Beloved Son and Heavenly King,

To Him all praises give. 

By Bill Fisher

This Blood's For You ~ This Love's For You!

Reflecting on Love, beyond comprehension,

Absolute, perfect Love, gave me redemption.

I deserve to be punished and even to die,

Yet I'm passed over for blood that does not lie.

This blood is for me and this blood is for you,

Accept the price He paid, making all things new!

By Deborah Fisher

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Father, thank you for loving me so much, that you sent your only Son, who you deeply love, to rescue me, purchasing my freedom. And though you knew the final outcome of resurrection, you endured the severe pain, suffering and rejection, along with Your Son. 

Father, You observed innocence, become guilt and shame instead; so that I can now approach you as if I am innocent because of the actions of Jesus! 

I am truly grateful to you Jesus for enduring such abuse for me and I am overwhelmed with your goodness and your strength! 

I accept and receive this love into my heart; and I am swallowed up in your love for me! 

Thank you for this gracious gift and for reconciling me to Father; paying the debt I could not pay; restoring all things back to Father's original intent.  You made the way for us to be a family once again! 

Deborah and Bill Fisher ~ HotPursuitMin@aol.com 

Free To Be Me Or Not!

  It's often about what hinders us....living with or without a hardened heart! 

During my life's journey, I've wondered what was around the bend and I'd come to a fork in the road.  A decision had to be made in what direction I was to take.  And like most of us, my upbringing often influenced these decisions! 

 What I have come to know, that has changed everything, is that I received the love I was made for, made to enjoy, by my Father, Abba Father! And, I am still receiving this love; for He is loving me now! I am loved, and loved extravagantly! In fact, we all are being loved: Father’s love pours out upon all flesh, all day, every day, by Holy Spirit! Whether we have deficits of a Mother's Love or a Father's Love, Holy Spirit pours both into us. This love accepts us, affirms us and builds us up. It has nothing to do with what we have done or not done; we cannot earn it. Father simply loves us because we are His very own; created in His image and likeness, and predestined for greatness as His children, through the acceptance of His love and His Way, made through 'the' Door,
 Jesus, 'the' Beloved Son!  
 Anything different than that is a lie and blocks the natural growth Father intends for us. There are many who do not know this because He has been misrepresented by those who do not know Him. 
The creator of the universe just happens to be our Dad and His Son, Jesus is our elder brother! 
God is Our Father, our Loving Father! 

 

 The problem is that we were not all brought up in this reality, in a loving atmosphere; nor were our parents.  One of the things we do for self-protection is to put up a wall, which closes our heart to people and situations and we shut down. And sometimes, we blame others or lie to others because it hurts too much. This starts, even at a young age, with cutting off our parents.  This makes it difficult for us to receive from them and others in authority, as well as those close to us.  Our heart becomes closed, calloused, stuffing the pain down inside as we avoid certain people and situations. Our hearts become as stone. 
The defense mechanism to a hard heart is to close up and pretend it does not hurt.  Yet some day, we explode, because we were not made to hold it in. His plan for us is to cast down our cares and burdens, giving them to Him, for He cares for us.  

 Because of a closed and calloused heart, from these hurts and pains, people are hindered in their relationships with one another. 

However, when our heart becomes numb, not only are we shutting down our heart to any bad experiences, we are also closed to receive experiences that are good!  


This type of person is what some may call a 'stuffer.' This of course is not meant to label them; it is just a way to describe the action. Sometimes, it becomes difficult for them to face people and issues; and often times the much needed communication is avoided, which creates even more problems.  Other characteristics of a 'stuffer' are little or no show of compassion, no display of heartfelt tears when they are going through a painful time, or even showing excitement or sounds of joy. In fact, healthy emotions are often not visible at all. There is insensitivity to the Spirit and lack of discernment as well as not recognizing God's presence.  There is  often  a difficulty staying engaged in a conversation and hearing clearly, even from God. An insensitive heart is often one that has become closed, hardened as stone, calloused and indifferent with the hurts and pains of this world. This can cause our heart to fear and we become dull of hearing and lose our way.   


When any of us push down emotions, stuffing them deep inside and hold back and harden our heart, we are unable to show any healthy emotions and concern for others around us. It is unhealthy for our physical body too; we become tired and ill.  
(See the post titled: You Were Made For Love)  Expressing emotions in an appropriate way and at the right time, helps to heal our heart and our brain, both spiritually and physically.  When we do not take appropriate action, we are hindered in our relationships with others and with God. These actions also identify more with an orphan, rather than a son/daughter to our earthly parents and to our Heavenly Father. 


The hearts of people are hardened and their ears cannot hear and they have closed their eyes. Acts 28:27

 In the corporate world, people with stony hearts tend to make good leaders, because they do not show emotions and they deal only with the head….not the heart. They do not allow themselves to look like they do not have it all together. 
Big boys don’t cry you know...ha!  And women best not show their emotions before the world! Showing emotions seem quite foolish to those who have closed their heart. 


Well, Jesus made us alive and He is very much alive with emotions and He communicates His heart into our heart.  He loves, laughs, cries, gets angry and shows great delight and zeal. He is moved with compassion to feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, deliver the demon possessed, heal the sick and raise the dead.  And...He wants to do this through us today! 
In 1 John 4:17, we are told to be just like Him, in this world! 

 Unless we become as a little child, we cannot process emotion properly. 
Children are naturally very open with their emotions; emotions of excitement, anger, joy and other emotions. Most children have not yet experienced the hurts inflicted by people in their lives, or the feeling of abandonment, abuse and hate and etc.  They are quick to forgive and to trust. To become as a little child, we must first humble our heart, opening our heart first to our Father and forgive. Jesus is acquainted with our grief and aware of all we are going through. 


Father is ever present with us to help us and to guide us by the Spirit! He has given us everything for life and godliness. Father longs to be a Father to all of us!   

Once a heart is broken before God, the heart is open to receive from God, to feel again.
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Pray this prayer, from your heart:
 Father, I ask that you break my heart for what breaks your heart, that I may have a heart of compassion like You and feel again. I surrender any hurts to you. I no longer cut myself off from my parents or others and forgive them. They simply were not able to give to me what they did not have. You are my protection and You will guide me in how to communicate my feelings in a healthy way. I know you are the Father to the fatherless and I ask you to fill every empty and hurt place with Your healing presence and form in me that which is Your plan for me and for my good. 
Thank you Jesus for making the way for us to be a family again! Amen! 

Several scripture references  for  the heart and a calloused heart:

Proverbs 23:7 As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. 

Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.

Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it. 

Psalm 119:70 Isaiah 6:10, Zechariah 7:11 Their hearts are calloused and unfeeling. 

Matthew 13:15 and Luke 21:34 Do not let your hearts be dulled by carousing, drunkenness, and worries of this life. 

Acts 28:27 For the hearts of these people are hardened and their ears cannot hear and they have closed their eyes.

Some other related scriptures:
Matthew 18:3-4 Unless you change and become as little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever takes the lowly position of a child is the greatest. 

Matthew 21:12 Jesus turned over the tables in the temple.

John 1:13 Children not born of human descent, but children of God.

John 11:35-36 He wept; see how He loved them.
Romans 5:5 God's love has been poured out into our hearts through Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:30 He predestined, called and justified us.
Ephesians 1:5 He predestined us to be adopted as His own through Jesus
2 Peter 1-2 He gave us everything related for life and godliness.
1 John 4:17 As He is so are we, in this world. 


(A few other scriptures that show the emotions Jesus had: Matthew 9:2, Mark 3:5. 6:56, 8:33, 10:21, Luke  7:31-35, 38,45, 19:41-44, John 4:6, 15:11, Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 5-7)

Deborah Fisher, HotPursuitMin@aol.com

Father's Blessings Upon You!

Blessings of a Father and Mother: Simple, yet so powerful and defining; and often times withheld!

 Blessings are simply faith-filled, encouraging words, actions and touch that flow through us into others to validate, affirm and guide them into their destiny.  Father God desires to heal wounds and fulfill every love need caused from within the womb, to this day. Blessings are a part of that. 

 There are many today, who have never received a blessing from their father or mother; even among families, who live under the same roof. And then there are those who have never known their parents.  No matter the situation, Father is the Father to the fatherless...Psalm 68:5 And if our parents give us up, He will be a Father to us...Psalm 27:10

 Words have creative power, both positive and negative, especially when spoken by those in positions of authority. Though God places men and women in these positions, man’s nature, without God, can cause harm. When this happens, we can choose to forgive them, honor God, bless them, and proclaim His goodness upon them. This choice can turn the situation around, and then the blessings will flow.  As we read in the life of Joseph, God meant it all for good! (Genesis 37-50) This principle of forgiveness is effective in all positions of authority, whether it is in business, parental, spiritual or governmental. The blessings of God will fall on the just and the unjust. He calls us to be encouragers not accusers, affirming us by His love and drawing us to Himself; He is drawing us and leading us into righteousness.

 Jewish families know the importance of the blessing. Every week, blessings are spoken over the sons and daughters at every Shabbat service; that’s 52 times a year. Also, a ceremony called a Bar Mitzvah is held when the male child is 13 years of age; the father speaks blessings over the child, validating him for who he is in God. It is no accident that reports show that among all the criminals incarcerated nationwide, less than one percent of male prisoners are of Jewish heritage. Also, some of our greatest inventions are from Israel, such as the cell phone! When God is with us, who can be against us; so proclaiming the blessing of the Lord over our families, churches, cities and nations carries His reward. One flicker of light in a pitch-dark cave dispels the darkness!! The blessing of God can carry more power than the curse; His blessing is for a thousand generations and the curse for only four!

 In the Webster's dictionary, to bless means to invoke divine favor on, to bestow happiness, prosperity or good things of all kinds; to make a pronouncement holy; to consecrate, to glorify for the benefits received, to extol for excellence. A blessing is a prayer or solemn wish imploring happiness upon another; a benediction or blessing; the act of pronouncing a benediction or blessing; that which promotes prosperity and welfare.  In the Hebrew language, to bless is Barak – To kneel by implication to bless God as an act of adoration, to praise, salute, thanks, a posture of reverence.
And a blessing is Berakah – Benediction (an act of invoking a blessing).

Imparting of a Blessing

 Blessings are imparted in various ways; whether through touch, spoken or written, they carry the power to cause great success and declare life to the one receiving the blessing.  Throughout the day, speaking words of encouragement and even our actions toward another are blessings.  Loving affirmation and acceptance of a life imparts hope and has the power to send one off with the assurance to fulfill one's destiny, despite opposition.  Even the compassion and warmth of a loving embrace can bring life to the sick. The atmosphere can change around us by our words and cause a negative attitude to turn positive! 

 There is power in agreement.  Agreeing with God about someone is powerful. Our opinion of another or even about our own self is not as important as God’s opinion.  How we see an individual, a people, a city, a church, or a nation can bring transformation and for good!  Getting behind someone with commitment and affirming the positive can turn around a bad situation.

Exercise faith towards yourself, your family, your church, your pastor and other leaders, your city, and your nation. His mercies are new every morning, and great is His faithfulness.  

Proclaim His Word Over Your Life And Family!

 Through the authority of God, call forth those things that might not be, till they are!!  We have to see it before we see it, or we will never see it!! Call forth the promises of God concerning families, prophecies given, and the history of families, cities, and nations.  Check the background of ethnic groups in families and cities and nations and call the redemptive plan of God and bestow honor on each one. Call forth the heritage of the church either by denomination, area, or people. Call the blessings of revival to come forth over the region in which you live, declaring His purpose to be fulfilled and the redemptive gift of God to come and declare the prophecies to manifest for all. The meaning of the names of family members and cities are very significant. Call forth and declare the prophetic purposes of those names and their characteristics to be fulfilled.

 Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; who crowns you with loving-kindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like an eagle. Psalms 103:1 – 5

Imparting a Blessing

 It is by the spirit that blessings are given and by the spirit, they are received in faith. When imparting a blessing, there is no set application.  Anointing oil can be applied during the time of pronouncing blessings as well as laying on of hands. Neither one is required, but suggested.  Blessings can be pronounced over an individual, group, over the phone or written in a letter, spoken out, as done in prayer.  However, please note that blessings are not prayers or counseling; they are declarations, loving affirmations.

 Receiving a blessing can remove burdens, break curses, and propel someone into the future.  A total realignment and transformation can take place!  For this reason, don’t let anything keep you from your blessing; seek after that which is yours!

  When imparting blessings: Use their first name, make eye contact when possible, speaking in gentle tones, as Holy Spirit guides you and use gentle, appropriate and endearing  touch and hugs.

 (The representation of a male and female is suggested when embraces are given.)

 The blessings that follow, from a Father and a Mother, can be pronounced individually or combined. They are meant to release you into your destiny; and it is never too late to do so. Father loves you with an everlasting love...He is the perfect Father...He will never leave you or forsake you!

 

Blessings of Both a Father and Mother ~ God Himself, is both Father and Mother to Us 

 The events of childhood can shape our future in many ways, by the environment we live in and by the words spoken over us, by those who cared for us. Even in the best environment, words and actions can also be misunderstood. If in your childhood you did not receive the blessing of your father or mother, we, as a Father and Mother, now pronounce a blessing over you, on behalf of the Father and Mother you may or may not have known. Read these words aloud and receive them into the depths of your being; as if we were there with you. 

 First, together, we cancel the effects of trauma and every negative word spoken over you, in Jesus name.  We are sorry for not accepting you just the way God made you. We are sorry for not spending more time with you and taking you places with us; for not listening more attentively to you, not helping you with homework, or spending time with you by playing indoor or outdoor games, and for not taking you shopping with us. We spent more time with our friends, ignoring you. We are sorry for the times you longed to be rocked in our arms and we didn’t do it and we pushed you away whenever you wanted a hug or a kiss from us. We are sorry for not being as tender and loving, as we could have towards each other or towards you. Sometimes, our job and what we were doing was more important and we were not there for you. Even our bad habits and behavior hurt you more than we were willing to admit. At times, these habits caused us to neglect you and the family; and made you feel more like an orphan than a son/daughter in Father’s house. At times, we were selfish and we are sorry for not apologizing sooner, please forgive us. We are sorry for the many times we did not tell you what a good job you did. We did not tell you, ‘I love you’ enough and that we are glad that you are our child. Please know that you are loved, you are wanted, and you are affirmed.

 Father God, we ask that you fill every longing that our absence caused and remove the pain and hurt caused by our actions. We thank you for going deep within, healing every wound and filling every longing with you. Thank you for being the father to the fatherless. You are truly the perfect Father. 

 Together, we now, bless all your days with righteousness, peace and joy.

We bless you with wealth to assist you in carrying out the purposes of your life.

We bless you with self-worth that you may walk in the knowledge of the glory of your creation.

We bless you with self-confidence to counteract all the negatives received in life.

We bless you with spiritual insight that you may lead others in the paths of righteousness.

We bless you with compassion that you may show mercy as mercy has been shown to you.

We bless you with knowledge so that you may teach others.

We bless you with the gift of love that you may cherish others as God cherishes you.

We bless you with the spirit of purity that you may walk holy and clean before others.

We bless you with the knowledge of your heritage both natural and spiritual.

We bless you with trust that you might accept others as they are.

We bless you with the ability to forgive so that you may receive forgiveness.

We bless you with the sense of family that you will never be lonely.

We bless you with the eternal knowledge that you have your greatest reward ahead of you.

We bless you with the revelation knowledge of your Heavenly Father’s love for you.

We bless you with a heart of a good son/daughter.

We bless you with great success in all you put your hands to do.

We bless you with caring friends and good business sense.

We bless you with integrity and a nurturing and compassionate heart of honor.

We bless you with an obedient, merciful, humble and loving heart.

We bless you with courage, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of His presence.

We bless you with spiritual insight and an understanding of His ways.

We bless you with a long and healthy life.

We bless you with a tender spirit and an understanding nature.

We bless you with a loving and considerate spouse and healthy, obedient children.

We bless you with wisdom, discernment and patience in training your children.

We bless you with the desire and delight to seek Him first.

We bless you with the greatest of achievements, to become little, that He might be ‘Big’ in your life.

We speak to the destiny of God inside of you, that the purposes of God will be fulfilled in your life.

May you be quick to forgive and slow to anger.

May you know Father God is with you wherever you go.

May your life be a delight to others as they are drawn to God within you.

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The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace... Numbers 6: 24-26

  

ãCopyright 2005-2011 Hot Pursuit Ministries Intl, Written Permission Required and Taken from Blessings, Instruction and Impartation, Hot Pursuit Ministries Intl. Deborah and Bill Fisher, ÔKingdom Creations

 The drawing above, is by Young Min Park, and used by permission.

Infused With Overwhelming Joy!

JOY: Jesus Overwhelming You! Joy was defined this way for me, by Holy Spirit, many years ago; almost two decades ago!

(Religion Section of the Newspaper, Deborah Overcome With Laughter~1993)

  I believe it was so that I would not only be strengthened but also receive understanding of JOY for the times ahead! 

Joy is very much misunderstood, including within the church; the most unlikely place; for in Him is fullness of Joy!  This is the one place Joy is actually defined for us, through Jesus; for He is the Joy to the World!  

 So, for one who has spent hours laughing, in Joyful bliss, it is time to share, in my own words, what’s going on, and from my perspective; as I have been asked many times and I am now compelled to do so!  In brief, Joy is a radical force against the adversary, a refreshing, healing balm and God’s cleansing agent for us; getting us out of our minds, into our heart, and into His!   

 It is interesting to note, that there have been more articles on ‘Joy’ in these past few years, than all of the past 20 years combined.  I have copied and filed many of these spiritual and medical findings; some documented by several reputable universities and learned men and women. As of late, I have also noticed that there are many articles on Love, Father and on sonship too; but for now, Joy takes precedence; though you will find that these subjects coincide. In other words, one can be synonymous with the other or lead you to the other.

Joy In The Morning/Mourning!

 Joy comes in the morning/mourning, whichever way it’s spelled, it really can and it does!  Our youngest of twelve grandchildren, another granddaughter, was born on the very same day that a very dear friend graduated from this life on earth to life in heaven. Our granddaughter was born 3 hours before the passing of our dear friend, Delores, who we still miss very much.

When selecting a middle name before the birth, ‘Joy’ is the name our son, William and his wife, Shannon, were both quite certain about;  and, a very fitting name, after all these years…Ha!  Her first name, ‘Bella,’ was decided a couple of days after birth; ‘Bella,’ meaning beautiful.  ‘Beautiful Joy’ is a great name and expression for all ages to proclaim and throughout this world, don’t you think?  

Joy to the World, a great song, a prophetic expression for us personally and a declaration as well!  My point: ‘Joy’ preceded the mourning by three hours!

An Encounter, Not To Be Denied!

 That same day, I had an encounter with God, my Father, never to be forgotten!  I broke forth into laughter and drunkenness in the Spirit, as He revealed many things to me concerning death and life; some, still inexpressible.  Throughout that day and since, when I ponder it, I find myself there, in that glorious place once again!  

 Another significant truth, in all of this, is that He wants us to have Joy in the midst of mourning, in the midst of difficult situations that we are facing, just as, ‘He endured the cross with great Joy.’  However, we, as a people, even His own people, are still ignorant of these things; and living more in knowledge and without understanding.  This causes us to fall short of the dimensions of glory we are called to live in everyday, yet we cry out to Him for more, from service to service, conference to conference, prayer time to prayer time.  A bit weird, huh? (Romans 5:3-5 Amplified)

 I am finding that beginning on the landing strip, of the previous day or previous life, in the One who has gone before us, is far more glorious a life, in which to live!  In Him, Who is love, by love, for love, from love and through love, all things consist.  (Col. 1:17)  

 ‘Joy’ takes you to those heights and depths, more than any other.  For Joy is the purest evidence of these heights, depths, lengths, and breadths of love.  (Ephesians 3:14-21)  In Him who is Love, we live and move and have our being, for we are His offspring! (Acts 17:28)  It is important to also know your identity, as His son or daughter, realized more and more as you are with Him!  Freedom exists in Love.  See, I told you they coincide together!  Sons have more fun and the enemy does not want us to live as sons, as a family: a triumphant union!

 Orphans or orphaned hearts simply compare, compete, lack trust, vie for attention, feel threatened by one another, steal from each other, don’t work well with others or with churches, ministries, or in business. They build themselves up, not each other, and boast of their works, not His!  Sound familiar?  Sadly, it’s too familiar!

 Yet, Joy comes in the morning!  He is the author of the new day, new beginnings, the hope of our salvation, and the hope of glory.  (Col. 1:27) He resides within me and you; He is the head, we, the body, the hope of glory for a lost and dying world.  

As revealed in these drawings by Maidena Young, ‘The Light’ lives within the broken vessels/cracked pots, shining into the darkness, through the cracked and broken places, from which He saved us.  The light shines even brighter as we look to Him as our source, in the trials we face. 

The trials, sufferings and often relationships in our lives create in us the character of Christ, just as they did in Joseph, in Daniel, in David, in Paul and in so many others! Those living in the world, also see the Light to find their way through the darkness!  They, in the world, are watching, how we live out our lives, in the midst of chaos, loving one another, with the same love, in which He loves us!

Joy is more than an emotion, released by faith, from the confidence we have in Him; and this confidence grows through every trial.  Joy strengthens us, empowering us to live deeper in love, in Him.  It makes no sense to our natural mind!  It is humbling, especially when others are sad and miserable and you are laughing; a very opposing stance!  

Joy is very much misunderstood! In fact, recently I was told that my laughing frightened some people at church: In actuality, better said, what was frightened. Joy will reveal the presence of a work done in darkness, a fear, a bondage! Joy causes derision in the camp of the enemy, and works on your behalf! (Psalm 2:1-4) Joy is refreshing and freedom; God’s cleansing agent for us, getting us out of our mind, into our heart, into His.  Joy has little to do with what is taking place now; it has everything to do with what has taken place in Him.  Joy is not about my works, but His works: it is finished!  Joy now, gives Him the glory for what He has done for us!  Victory is ours in Him! 

Behold, God, my salvation!  I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation.  Therefore with Joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation.  (Isaiah 12:2-3)  Note: it does not say with sorrow, worry, or increased knowledge, or fret, fear, works or mourning, with Joy!  

 Ask yourself: Is it time to flush out that rusty well?!! Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers, rivers of living water, enough to drink.  (John 7:38)

 Our body is made mostly of water, up to 98% (depending on our size and age); it must have it to live….cells must have water for growth.  Joy is the emotion and fruit required to produce life giving water, for ourselves; a built in oasis, in which we drink and others can draw from.  It must flow through us and from us…cleansing the inward parts.  Often, we ‘plug it up’ ourselves and let others join in the process.  

Light is sown for the uncompromisingly righteous and strewn along their pathway and Joy for the upright in heart, the irrepressible Joy which comes from the consciousness of His favor and protection. (Psalm 97:11 Amplified)  Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people; Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. (The Message)

And be not grieved or depressed, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold! Stand confident in the JOY of your salvation, with songs of deliverance. (Nehemiah 8:10 Amplified) 

 So how do we attain this place of communion, of Joy?  The scriptures seem clear enough…our right standing with Him and with each other around us, His creations, is the start.  A decision must be made to love our brother, who we do see, and having grace one for another.  The kingdom of God is not meat or drink, but righteousness (right relationship), peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

Joy is the result of being out of me and in Him…knowing and trusting that He has it all under control and it’s not up to me!  We tend to do everything but surrender…it is humbling to let go, to lose control!  Yet, this is true freedom.  Freedom is not how much money is in our pockets, written on our pay checks, in our bank accounts, our retirement, our 401K, our benefits, our position/title or our worldly goods!  If we are not willing to let go of the stuff, the stuff has us.  Let us remember the rich young ruler, Jesus speaks about in the Bible.  He could not give up his earthly goods to inherit the kingdom of God.  How about you? (Luke 18:18-23)

 Joy is a place of acceptance in the beloved, of love, rest, trust, confidence, strength, safety, protection, favor, wisdom, adoration, victory; despite any outside condition and especially despite any outside condition. Whereby happiness is based on the outside condition! 
 Joy is the highest form of warfare and place of victory than is worship or praise or prayer and intercession; it is the evidence of true worship and praise. In fact, it is intercession!  

Joy is the evidence of love received!  It confounds the enemy and puts him into derision and often makes no sense to the natural mind.  In fact, God will offend our mind to get to our heart.  Joy creates havoc in the natural mind and creates an open heaven for God’s kingdom on earth.  Joy disarms and dismantles the enemy, clearing the way, for victory; and your victory!

 Laughter is only one sign of Joyful rest and evidence of Joy within.  Laughter increases our immune system, relieving stress and brings healing to our physical body and our mental state and increases spiritual discernment and wisdom; out of us and into Him.  Laughter does us good like a medicine and a cheery mind, works healing!  (Proverbs 17:22 Amp) 

I received a healing through laughing for twenty minutes and I kept the healing through simply deciding with my will, to laugh and keeping positive, encouraging, worry-free and joyful thoughts, in my mind throughout that day. 

 So, have a dose! 
Warning: It has been my experience that prolonged drinking in His presence will result in Joyous outbursts, followed by the addictive behavior of soul-winning!  So enJOY! Enter in! Laugh Until It Hurts!  And enJOY the One who loves you most!

Laugh at destruction and famine, neither shall you be afraid. (Job 5:22 - Amplified)

And do not for a moment be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents or adversaries, for such constancy and fearlessness, will be a clear sign, proof and seal to them of their impending destruction but a sure token and evidence of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God! (Philippians 1:28 - Amplified)  

 Moreover let us also be full of Joy now, let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing the pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.  And endurance develops maturity of character, approved faith and tried integrity.  And character of this sort produces the habit of Joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 Amplified)

 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of Joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." (Psalm 126:2)

 In His presence is fullness of Joy and at His right hand are pleasures forever more. We are at His right hand and He takes pleasure in us, He delights Himself in us…Yippee! (Psalm 16:11)

Joy is from a verb ‘gil’ or ‘gul,’ to go in a circle, with excited dancing, and rejoicing; express exuberance, exultation rising above circumstances; embrace the highest emotion of God’s character. Hebrew words to spring, leap, shout, express light of His Glory! JOY unspeakable and full of glory!

Sometimes JOY cannot be explained, expressed or understood….just enJoy! And be Loved…Beloved!

There are four levels of joy related to the Jewish holiday, Sukkot, Tabernacles.  It is the most joyous holiday of the year; corresponding to the four letters of God's Essential Name, Havayah.  (Reference:  Four Levels of Joy at www.inner.org  Sukkot: Four Levels of Joy)
There is a response of joy from each letter of His name: the joy of drawing water, springing up, as a fountain, the joy of protection, both physically and spiritually, the joy of activating the emotions of the heart with love and unity, and the joy of the harvest, with a natural joy of the farmer reaping the bounty, that God has showered upon him, enlivening all nature!

 With joy shall you draw from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)  The shear consciousness of His favor, protection and delight, bring me to irrepressible joy. (Psalm 97:11) Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133:1) And, over all these virtues, walk in love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14)  Endeavor to keep the bond of peace in the unity of the Spirit (Jews and Gentiles were among the Ephesians gathering together.) (Ephesians 4:3)  Those who plant in tears will harvest with plants of joy!  (Psalm 126:5) Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. (John 4:36) How blessed are the people who know the Joyful sound! Oh Lord, they walk in the light of Your countenance, in Your name they rejoice all the day, and by Your righteousness, they are exalted! (Psalm 89:15-16)

A few benefits of Joy:  Increases antibodies in saliva that combats upper respiratory infections, secretes an enzyme that protects the stomach from forming ulcers, conditions the abdominal muscles, relaxes muscles throughout the body, aids in reducing symptoms of neuralgia and rheumatism, changes perspective, has positive benefits on mental functions, reduces blood pressure and heart-rate, helps the body fight infection, increasing the immune system, releases endorphins which provide natural pain relief, tightens stomach muscles, helps move nutrients and oxygen to body tissues, removes the effects of toxic thoughts in the brain for the healing process to take place in us mentally, emotionally, and physically, AND, it makes you feel good!

Taken From Draft, Relentless Pursuit, Compelled By Love© Written by Deborah C. Fisher, Hot Pursuit Ministries International, Published by Kingdom Creations™2008-2011 

Child-Likeness ~ The Power of Weakness

In our strength, it is difficult to find God's love; but in our weakness, Father's love finds us! ~ Ed Piorek

His love makes us feel safe and secure, the little girl and little boy inside of us is awakened and set free!  He reaches into the deepest part and we feel all good inside! There is never a day or time, He does not outrageously love us!

Matthew 18:1-4…He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 Jesus knew how to get people's attention and shocked people when He taught them to pray to God with the words, Our Father, in heaven….Our Abba, Daddy, Papa. This is intimate and personal and denotes family...Yahweh is our Father, our loving Father and we are His children!

 As His love continues to pour into us, we will find that innocence is being restored, creativity and Joyful hope rises within us, as if children once again.

 Little children are naturally trusting, Joyful, dependent, fearless and not afraid to ask for anything, they are humble and willingly share their possessions; they are generous, playful, adventurous, sincere, innocent, energetic, restful through storms, full of imagination, risk takers, imitators of parents, persistent, free  yet know their limitations and have great needs.

  Children never expect 'No' as an answer when they ask repeatedly for the toy they see or the outfit they want! They have no problem asking for whatever they want from Mom and Dad; there is never a cost that is too high to pay.  Money and time is never a matter to consider, for Mom and Dad will get it for them!

 Just like Jesus, a son has a child-like heart and comes before Father unafraid. If you look back at last month’s post, you will find the comparison list of the most common traits of a son vs. orphan. This list reveals even more traits of those with a child-like heart, opposed to those who live in fear of tomorrow.

 He is our loving Father, He created us in His image and likeness.  We look like our Dad, our Father, our Abba! Jesus is the exact representation of Him and Jesus is not only our Savior, the Son of God, the soon coming King, He is also our Elder Brother. We are a family of covenant believers; families sticking together!

 The adversary, satan, does not want us to have understanding of this and live this affirming, loving life of victory, for it will bring devastation to the kingdom of darkness. Satan knows there is power in weakness, in child-likeness…for then Father will be our strength. He tried this same thing on Jesus, tempting Jesus in the wilderness, promising Jesus the kingdoms of this world, basically, to give up His sonship! He tempted Jesus in the position he held as Son with Father; to get Jesus to operate as an orphan, independently, through emotions such as pride and performance, tempting Jesus to deny His rightful place as Son.  
We, too, are sons of God, who inherit the kingdom, through our Elder Brother, Jesus! We are not orphans, dutiful servants who earn their position and fight our way in the ranks. Jesus earned it for us and we must simply yield and abide in the Love made for us to live in and to enjoy. The battle is not ours but the Lord’s; and He has given us authority to wield the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, through love, in the face of fear, along our life's journey.  

Though Father gave us emotions, they need not rule us.  Emotions are to direct us in various ways, such as the emotion of compassion for someone with no food, or clothing or an illness, or the loss of a loved one, or those hurting in some way. 
The emotion of anger is from God; but how we handle that anger is the key.  I have often had anger about a situation as well as having compassion.  As a son, I ask Father to define for me the source of the anger and what to do with it. Sometimes the compassion I feel directs me to pray and other times I pray as well as fill the need through the resource He reveals to me.  

 Healed emotions are controlled emotions. Meekness is controlled emotions that are given to the One who can heal them; as we are positioned in rest. And just as children inherit the kingdom, so do the meek inherit the earth! Father is the source for every need and we are the conduit to fill the need. When we lose the lower life, we gain the higher life as sons to Father, Who is all we need!
 It is also important to honor and esteem others higher than ourselves and believe the best and most in every man, no matter what is going on.  All are made in His image and likeness and Jesus paid the price for every life. 

Those who live around us or with us are His children too, who either do not know it or whose hearts are wounded and they are acting out from their pain, their ignorance of Him, or their culture or personality.  Learning to recognize this for ourselves and for others, to forgive from our heart, to receive love and be love to others is essential. And whether it does or not, we will have fulfilled our part, remained in faith, pleasing God; and we may even get to witness the result. He is God and He is faithful to do what we cannot! So let not our hearts be troubled! (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 5:5, Luke 9:24, 1Corinthians 13, Philippians 2:3-4)

 That does not mean we will not suffer through, for in this life there will be tribulation; He said to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world for us! In Him, we live and move and have our being, for we are His offspring! (John 14:1, 16:33, Acts 17:28)  

 In the second Santa movie, one scene was much like a present day parable; it took place in the school cafeteria:  All the adults, the principal, teachers and staff of the school had all gathered for a Christmas party, complete with decorations, party supplies, punch, cake and tasty morsels of food.  And though this was a party with music playing, no one was dancing or singing. 
Perhaps they showed up, because it was the dutiful thing to do. All those who were present at the party were standing around, speaking some small talk, without really engaging in conversation. It didn't look like they were having any fun and not smiling; they appeared to be quite bored and very miserable. 

The main character, who played the role of Santa, in this movie, was not dressed in a Santa suit. (It had not yet been disclosed that he was Santa. Of course I know that there is not a real Santa; though there was a man named St. Nick, who gave gifts to the poor.)  Anyway, the one playing the role of Santa jumped up onto the stage, where a Christmas tree appeared, all lit up, which got their attention. He was smiling, excited, and speaking cheerfully to them, and to no avail.  
However, when he started calling them out by name and giving each one a wrapped gift, they seemed astonished, for they did not know he even knew them.  Even when they were given their gift, they hesitated to receive it. And, as each one opened their gift, they found their favorite doll, game or toy from their childhood. Some gifts were what they always wanted and never got; and others received their most fun gift, they had as a child. They all began to play with the toys, with great excitement and with amazement that he knew what they liked the most. Some set on the floor as they played together, excited and smiling, just as they did when they were little children.  He had identified with their childhood memories that brought the most Joy! The little boy and little girl, was always inside, and now emerged from deep within! Free at last! 

Several points are evident: A party requires a lot of set up, hard work and completion for all to enjoy. (Jesus completed the work on the cross, so that we can live our life, celebrating what He did for us and for others to see!) 
And it is great fun with lots of joy and laughter, dancing and singing, cheerfulness, excitement in seeing one another, a child rips into a package right away with great anticipation, they do not hesitate.
When we come to know the One who loves us, Who knows our name, a celebration takes place within us! 
The world will know Him by our love for one another; in unity He commands the blessing, life forevermore!  

Every child loves a party! Daddy God loves a party! And Jesus made a way for us to live free, adventurous, joyful and clear from the distractions of this world. We have been given everything for life and godliness. 

Child-likeness is simply living as a son to a loving Father, who never ever gives us up and leaves us without support. He is the ever present Father, who is always with us, guiding us into all truth. Let’s enjoy the journey that has been given to us, open our heart and allow His love to melt every hindrance and every pain that has come against us, in this life. (Psalm 139:7-10, Hebrews 13:5)


There are not bad days, only days of grace to enjoy the journey or grace to endure the journey. ~ Graham Cooke

Romans 14:7 The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God like dearly loved children. 

Romans 10:11 Anyone who trusts in Him, will never be put to shame.

Romans 8:15-16 (NLT) So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family - calling Him "Father, dear Father." For His Holy Spirit tells us we are God's children. 

1Cor. 1:27-28…But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.

2Cor.12:7 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

Hebrews 4:9-11 Rest from work…enter into rest.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love Father lavishes upon us that we are called the children of God.

Matthew 11:28-29 (WEB) Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

John 7:37 If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 

Rev. 19:7-9 Jesus is making a feast for us! In eternity His followers, believers, will gather together at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

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Father, I thank you that you have always longed to be a Father to us. You are the perfect Father and both Father and Mother to us. You never meant for our parents or their parents to be perfect; for You are perfect. They gave to us all they had to give from what they were given and some gave very little and some were very hurt and only seemed to give us pain.  You are the Father to every fatherless place in our life and well able to restore in us, everything that was taken from us. We ask you to forgive us for rejecting our parents and spiritual leaders, even with all their faults, for we know not one of them is perfect. And we know that your grace is sufficient. 
Thank you for filling the voids created during these years and healing the pain and memories associated with that pain, bitterness, anger, shame and disappointments, in Jesus name. Amen!
By Deborah Fisher, Hot Pursuit Ministries International