"Taking Care of Business" A Personal Invitation by Mari Anne Andersen to FHM Schools
Hear from Mari Anne about the heart of FHM Schools and how you can benefit from participating:
Freedom House's Schools Course 201 & 202 start September 9th. Learn more about our courses:
Course 201 Info Course 202 Info- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.com
An Invitation from Mari Anne - Graduation Weekend 2017
A Special Invitation from Mari Anne Andersen
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Register now for this weekend's graduation celebration - Friday night (16th) & Saturday morning (17th).
FULL DETAILS & REGISTRATION
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.com
From Grave Clothes To White Robes - An Easter Prayer
From Grave Clothes to White Robes, an Easter Prayer by Mari Anne Andersen
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- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.com
From Grave Clothes to White Robes
He has risen
He has risen and His glorious Light, Love and Truth surrounds you with His wonderful, majestic covenantal promises. The resurrection has changed everything: from grave clothes to white robes of righteousness. The Resurrection has changed everything in our lives as sons and daughters of the Most High God.
The Incomparable Christ rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom WE have redemption (because of His sacrifice, resulting in) the forgiveness of our sins (and the cancellation of sins penalty).
- Colossians 1:13-14 (Amp)
What an astonishing and amazing rescue mission! Jesus apprehended death for His sons and daughters. Jesus the Nazarene, Jesus the Beloved Son, conquered, defeated, and triumphed over death—the grave could not hold him, death could not conquer Him. He rose up on the third day. This is overwhelming news of joy that we are dressed with clothes of salvation and draped in a robe of righteousness. The resurrection secured our victory over death and lifted us up from the grave into glory with Christ and we sit with Him in the heavenly realms. The resurrection changed everything: from grave clothes to white robes of righteousness.
In victory
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Resurrected One, declared heaven’s triumph and victory over the power of sin and death. This is our blessed assurance that we can have forgiveness from all our sins and that the cross was heaven’s triumph and victory. It was also Satan’s defeat, so the grave clothes of sin and death, isolation and loneliness, despair and shame were forever demolished. The Eternal One changed everything for us and it tells the world that the kingdom of God is ruled by the only true King of kings and Lord of lords.
For He is the first and the last, and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore.
- Revelation 1:17-18
The resurrection changed everything: from grave clothes to white robes.
Our Father, the giver of life, raised Jesus from the dead to certify and guarantee our forgiveness, to unchain us from the bondage of sin, and to deliver us from its power of death and hell. The risen Redeemer now guarantees that we are forgiven and free to reign and rule here and in the life to come wearing righteous robes of our justification and sanctification full of life, purity, dignity, hope, and fellowship. Now every sin and all its shame and pain are forever gone because they are buried in an empty tomb—the grave of God’s forgetfulness. He remembers our sin no more. Jesus, our Risen Savior, is alive. The resurrection changed everything: from the grave clothes to the white robes of righteousness.
That blessed assurance of Jesus’ resurrection can transform our lives in every way and in everyday. We can live empowered, sanctioned, and enabled lives because His love is upon us and He has delivered us and set us on high. He positions Himself as a strong tower from our enemies and He shelters us with songs of deliverance. Being His sons and daughters, God has sent forth the Spirit of His resurrected Son, Jesus, into our hearts to strengthen us, to help and uphold us with His right Hand of righteousness. We have God’s Spirit inside of us. The resurrection changed everything: from the grave clothes to the robes of righteousness.
This is good news
My friends, such good news! The resurrected Jesus, changed everything for us so we can be certain of a future of hope here and now as well of a future in heaven for all eternity dressed in white robes of righteousness:
they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
- Revelation 3:4b
He is saying to you, my friends,
“Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
- Matthew 25:34
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.
- Luke 12:32
You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you
- Luke 22:28-29
But just as it is written (in Scripture) Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him (who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed).
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
And [I pray] that the eyes of your heart [the very center and core of your being] may be enlightened [flooded with light by the Holy Spirit], so that you will know and cherish the hope [the divine guarantee, the confident expectation] to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints (God’s people).
- Ephesians 1:18 (Amp)
HE HAS RISEN AND HIS RESURRECTION CHANGED EVERYTHING!
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.com
Morning Prayers of Praise
Morning Prayers of Praise by Mari Anne Andersen
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- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.com
The Father’s Love for You (Prayer for Today)
Prayer for Today by Mari Anne Andersen
It’s a brand new day filled with the Father’s overflowing love for you. Experience His new mercies of love and strength accompanying you throughout this day.
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22-24 God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.Lamentations 3:22-24, The Message (MSG)
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne Andersen with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
"Shall We Dance"
Shall we Dance reminds me of a very significant and life-changing time for me 41 years ago (wow)! 1976 was a time when Rocky became a hit, when Robert De Niro famously said, “ You talkin to me?,” and Jimmy Carter was on the cover of Time magazine as Man of the Year. Apple Computer was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and the first computer was sold for $666.66 (interesting). VHS was released and the ink-jet printer was invented. My have we come a long way!
That year on New Year’s Eve 1976, I was watching the classic Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in Shall We Dance, (one of their many movies that night). I remember how in sync they were as a team dancing. Every step, every beat, and every movement was something of beauty and harmony. Their partnership and trust was very obvious and evident along with their enjoyment of dancing right into our hearts (or at least mine). As they danced they mirrored each other’s steps, they knew when to lead and when to follow, and they knew the beat and rhythm, making it look effortless and painless, as well as allowing the other person to look good. Ginger Rogers once said, “We weren’t born Siamese twins, but sometimes you’d think we were.”
For Astaire and Rogers dancing wasn’t just about the right steps or music; it was the perfect combination of moving with your heart, hearing the melodies in your spirit and releasing yourself to risk the steps in motion and, of course, intentionally positioning yourself to learn, grow, and develop. Their dance routines where truly a work of art in motion; they swept across the dance floor with such elegance, grace, and beauty. It was once said by Martha Graham, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
Crossroads
So getting back to 1976, New Year Eve’s the turning point in my life, at 17 years old I wanted something different in my life, something more and something substantially real. I was at a crossroads in my life, desperately needing more meaning and truth. As 12 o’clock midnight approached, I remember getting two champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne. At the stroke of midnight I raised my glass to the Lord, and invited Him to be my date that night and the rest of my life. That New Year’s Eve night I felt the Heavenly Father offering His Hand to me and asking – “Shall We Dance?” From that night forward, I have been in the Father’s arms learning the music of His love, learning and leaning in His ways of surrender and trust, and hearing the rhythm and tempo of His Truth.
Throughout these years there have been many trials and errors, many clumsy steps, mishaps and even at times, feeling awkward and out of step. The Holy Spirit wanted to lead me one way and I wanted to go the other way. Metaphorically speaking there have been sore muscles, many stubbed toes and many tears, feelings of wanting to give-up because the pain seemed unbearable, and feelings of awkwardness in my own skin. I didn’t know my ability and capability yet in the Lord; I didn’t recognize my true self—who the Lord made me to be with my identity and individuality. I wanted to find my own unique and distinctive style and personality according to God’s original design. I so desired to cultivate a renewed mind awakened by His truth according to how He sees me.
The Dance of Life
As I continued to grow and heal, I felt it was becoming easier to surrender and trust my Dancing Partner—My Heavenly Father. Consequently, through the Holy Spirit’s guidance His ways of truth and love were giving me new movements to dance in life, a reservoir of hope, which ignited my little mustard seed of faith to truly grasp the reality of the indwelling Christ. It was thrilling and exhilarating as I danced with the Heavenly Father because I didn’t focus on missed steps, mistakes, or off beats; however, I started to feel the rhythm of His music of His heart towards me.
God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! And so now I'll start over with you and build you up again, dear virgin Israel. You'll resume your singing, grabbing tambourines and joining the dance. …” (Jeremiah 31:3b-4 The Message)
As the Dance of Life continued, I felt the Holy Spirit’s compassion, His non-judgmental corrections, and His ability to be sincerely patient and encouraging. I was beginning to learn my own unique style and was learning who I was with and in the Holy Spirit as my Instructor, Teacher, and Tutor. The Dance of Life was starting to become more enjoyable, more familiar to me and the gift of Christ gave me greater dimensions of grace and defined my individual value. The Dance of Life was always moving but the transitioning became smoother and easier to accept new steps, new rhythms which lead into new expressions of creativity. I also began learning the art of being flexible (I’m still learning this) and bendable so when the Teacher gives me instructions or directions and tells me to rethink or redo something, I can restfully yield to the fact He has my best interest at heart. I dared to risk new adventures of the Dance because I am safe in the arms of His love.
Will You Take This Dance?
My question to you, do you want to dance a new Dance with your Heavenly Father? Do you desire to be held in His arms of love, His arms of strength and safety? Do you long for enjoyment in this Dance of Life? Please know my dear friend, He’s inviting you to Dance with Him, He is presenting Himself to you and He is saying, “Shall We Dance the Dance of Life together?” Don’t hold back; don’t be afraid to step out with your Heavenly Father, for you will be pleasantly surprised with how comfortable you will fit in His arms. He longs to romance you with His love, His joy, His strength, and His leading. He is wanting to introduce to you a brand new way of living life and it’s through the Dance of His Spirit, because His love kindles faith and faith opens the horizon to explore love’s mystery; it’s the work of the Holy Spirit to guide, to lead us to the top, and then move aside to let us see the tremendous beauty of who we are in Him. His Divine intimacy is what we are all longing for—The romance of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I leave you with this scripture which sums it up beautifully:
From the Shadows to the Substance
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given.
You received Jesus Christ, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught.
School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.
- Colossians 2:6-7, MSG
A Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the very moment when you called me to follow You. You called me by Your grace into a whole new sphere of living. Help me Lord to realize this new sphere isn’t a new place to live BUT a new WAY to live. Help me Lord, to join You in this Dance of Life, trusting, surrendering and celebrating life with You. Father, let me praise Your name in dance. Father, strike up the band of Heaven and let us make great music and harmony together on this side of eternity.
In Jesus Name. Amen!
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne Andersen with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
The Empire Strikes Back: May the True Force be with You in 2017
May the Force be with you...
...as we enter into a new galaxy in 2017. The Force of goodness that pursues and runs after truth, wisdom and honesty. The Force of goodness that promotes peace, justice, and godliness. The Force of goodness which releases insight, virtue, and common sense in which glory will accompany us on the road of righteousness and right standing. The Force who created all things. The Force that surrounds us and binds all the galaxies together.
As I was praying and seeking God’s word for 2017, I immediately heard the Lord say, “The Empire Strikes Back.” Now I need to explain that I have never seen any of the Star Wars movies! I’m almost 60 years old and have never been intrigued or interested in watching any of these movies. However, being that the Lord spoke this word to me (much to my opposition to sci-fi) I realized that I needed to watch The Empire Strikes Back. Many of you know, Star Wars is about the epic battle of good versus evil using lightsabers and laserblasters, as well as training in the way of the Jedi, with Luke Skywalker. In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke goes in search of the best of the best, Master Yoda, for his training
Luke encounters the Master Yoda and Luke is trying to use the Force to raise his Starfighter, (Luke’s ship) which he does at first, but then fails. Luke states, “I can’t believe it.” Yoda replies, “That is why you fail.” “I can’t. It’s too big. Hear Yoda’s response: “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm. Hmph! And well you should not for my ally is the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us, binds us. You must feel the Force around you – here, between you and me, the tree, the rock, everywhere! Yes! Even between land and the ship. As Luke walks away, he says, “You want the impossible” – “I don’t …I don’t believe.”
Very interesting because what Yoda is saying is how important belief is for action. When Luke didn’t believe he could raise his ship, he indeed could not. When Yoda did believe, he could! Luke doubted, and as a result failed. This comes right down to “faith vs. doubt” and how it affects our ability to do incredible things for God.
Let’s see what Jesus has to say in Matthew 17:19-20:
“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not drive it out?" And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” (NASB)
If it is God’s will – then nothing will be impossible for you (Luke 1:37).
New in 2017
With that being said, this is what I sense the Father is saying as we all enter a “New Galaxy—a New Sphere, in 2017—no longer just routine as usual.” No, indeed it’s a year of embarking into new ways of thinking, new ways of investing time, money, and energy. It’s a new year of moving into new places that will cause you to depend heavily and mightily on the true Force—The Master Creator, Father God, and Comforter, His Holy Spirit—in leading you into new galaxies and new frontiers. There will be no “random” connections, only “divine” realities, no “intruding” invaders but friendly interveners.
Moreover, this year is going to be a year that will release a new enlightenment in your walk with the Lord. Revelations will be released in quantum and dramatic ways, great challenges with great encounters in order for us to enter into new “galaxies” which will shift your territories. Father is saying this is the year, the time to learn, grow, and seek out intentionally and purposefully in being trained by the best of the best—the Master—The Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is encouraging YOU to accept your destiny, to discover your ultimate fate, which will center on the importance of choosing allegiances and loyalties in the only one true God. Seek out His wisdom, His Spirit for it’s His wisdom and Spirit that is calling out to you.
This is Wisdom calling out and asking YOU to listen carefully:
“Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34 Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35 For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 8:32-35 NIV)
Where is your allegiance?
We need to ask ourselves: Where does my allegiance and loyalty lie? Does my allegiance lie in my own understandings? Does it lie with the Republicans or Democrats? Does my allegiance lie with my bank account or my job? Does it lie in some false worldly Force? If it does lie with any of those, then for sure you will have doubt just like Luke Skywalker did.
Being it’s a New Year, and in some ways a new country with new political leaders, we are all at a new crossing in our life. We all stand at the brink of a fresh life, ready to start new beginnings in 2017, not just following the same old routines. Or are we standing at the ruins of life, knowing we have to start over? For some we are ready to build or perhaps to rebuild. But where do we start with a new beginning, with building, or rebuilding? Someone has to be there to assist us in putting it all together in 2017, in the right order, in the right way, at the right time, in the right direction or else a year from now we will end up back at the same spot!
Just as Yoda was there to assist and guide Luke, there is one that is waiting, ready, and willing to assist you in this new galaxy in 2017 - THE HOLY SPIRIT! He is THE ONLY One who can empower, enable, enlighten, endow, enforce, enlarge, enhance, emancipate, and enrich YOU and YOUR life with divine wisdom and biblical blueprints in living in this New Year and in your mission in the New Galaxy in 2017. We all have new missions and adventures to explore and to step into. There will be major choices and decisions that you will need to take action on. You will not have the luxury of waiting and pondering; you will need to know what the Spirit is saying then and there. God has commissioned you and you have a mission with which to interact. Our allegiance and loyalty must lie with Him.
However, tensions will come as they did with Luke, who felt he was strong enough to defeat the enemy when he met him. If there is hatred, bitterness, resentments, envy, or pride lurking and lingering in your heart, you will move into areas alone as Luke did. Luke’s own battle grows within himself as he flirts with the “dark side” and escaping responsibility in the name of good. Thus, Luke became the very enemy he sought to destroy. Luke is no longer just a hero seeking to thwart evil; he is in danger of becoming evil himself.
The Spirit of Wisdom
Father is saying: Stop flirting with your pet sins, stop rehearsing your pain, stop enjoying your pity parties, and stop endangering yourself and those around you. Open your eyes so you can step into the Light. Drop your laserblasters—your self-protections—and pick up the sword of truth, the Word of God, and see what Wisdom says from the Spirit of the Living God. Read, listen, and study His blueprints and as you do that, your life will result in a beautifully built life, and not just a scrap heap of so many warped days and weathered years.
Father God’s Spirit of Wisdom is saying:
“I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity;
Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street.
The Fear-of-God means hating Evil,
whose ways I hate with a passion—
pride and arrogance and crooked talk.
Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics;
I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out.
With my help, leaders rule,
and lawmakers legislate fairly;
With my help, governors govern,
along with all in legitimate authority.
I love those who love me;
those who look for me find me.
Wealth and Glory accompany me—
also substantial Honor and a Good Name.
My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary;
the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.
You can find me on Righteous Road—that’s where I walk—
at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
Handing out life to those who love me,
filling their arms with life—armloads of life!” (Proverbs 8:12-21 MSG)
Father God’s Spirit of Wisdom is a Master Worker shaping something beautiful in your life out of raw materials day by day. Day after day the Spirit of the Living God is joyfully applauding and affirming you to place your faith and trust in His Company and to delight and celebrate in His truths and ways. This is the year that the Holy Spirit wants you to strategically and purposefully abandon yourself into His ways, into His heart and life, so you will know and see that life is not an awful problem filled with doubt and uncertainty but a playful adventure to be lived with Him—the Master Worker and Creator.
Please pray with me:
Father God, Master Creator, and Giver of truth, I thank You that you didn’t leave me alone to sort out things in my life without instructions or without someone to come alongside to help me put everything together. Sweet Holy Spirit, I embrace more of You in my every waking and sleeping moments and thank You for all the ways You help me turn the blueprints for my life into a beautiful well-built building, sturdy and strong and sure.
Thank You, Holy Spirit, that I am a work in progress and that You are overseeing all the ins and outs of my life from every minor detail to every major one in every stage and step. You, Holy Spirit, are my firm foundation, and I can rest in You because You have my very best in Your hands for 2017. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You are the TRUE and ONE and ONLY Force that is with me leading me and guiding me into all good things in this New Year.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne Andersen with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
Trumpets, Pitchers and Torches
Do you have a situation in life that you desperately need to see victory? Do you feel you're fumbling around in the darkness longing to know all will be well? Do you feel impoverished emotionally, physically, spiritually or financially? That the enemy has the upper hand in your life that things are swarming around you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, dear friends, I pray that through the power of His Spirit, He will place in your hand a TRUMPET, a PITCHER and a TORCH.
---
For Gideon and the Israelites (Judges 6 - 8) their hour was dark and desperate, and it was a time when the enemy was ruling over them. Their country was continually invaded for seven long years: their land was literally stripped bare of crops and animals. They were overwhelmed by an enemy too great for them to defeat. Granted, the Israelites had problems with sin and their stubborn, stiff-necked ways. They were only reaping what they had sown, continuously living in a state of distress because they did not want to adhere, submit or surrender to their only true God - they did it their way and the results was bearing very bad fruit.
Gideon was hiding in a dark winepress, feeling fear and always looking over his shoulder, threshing wheat in secret to protect it and himself from the Midiantes. How has the enemy kept you in the dark winepress of your life through sinful self-protections? Do you feel you have places in your life that you are a coward or compromising truth by hiding?
The love of our Father God came to Gideon even in his state of cowardice.
The Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of (fearless) courage." And Gideon said to him, "O sir, if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works?" The Lord turned to him, and said, "Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?" Gideon said to Him, "Oh, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? I am poor and I am the least in my father's house."
- Judges 6:12-15 (emphasis added)
This actually reminds me of Moses when God appeared to him on Mount Sinai and said to him, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let my people go." Moses refused 4 times because feelings of fear, unbelief, and insignificance, as well asThis actually reminds me of Moses when God appeared to him on Mount Sinai and said to him, "Go to Pharaoh and tell him to let my people go." Moses refused 4 times because feelings of fear, unbelief, and insignificance, as well as feeling "dumb." He said, "O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words. For I am slow of speech, and have a heavy and awkward tongue." Ex. 4:10
How many of us refuse God, His encounters as well as His love and power to defeat the enemies of our lives, because we feel insignificant, unimportant or full of shame?
May we take up our trumpet, pitcher and torch to defeat the enemy in those areas where he has stolen from us and improvised us. RISE UP YOU MIGHTY VALIANT WARRIOR - and know that "I will surely be with YOU, and YOU shall smite the enemy down as one man."
That is good news - because God is calling you to enlist into His army and it only takes one - YOU, to respond to His call.
The Israelites were saved from their oppression when they cried out to the one true God for help. God gave very specific instructions to fight this overwhelming enemy and it came down to just 300 men, all just carrying a trumpet, pitcher and torch - that's all it took - oh - and one more thing of importance - OBEDIENCE.
A trumpet is used to herald important news - to warn of impending danger. Sound your trumpet and let it be heard all through the enemy's camp that you are coming to take back your land, to take back what the enemy has stolen. This is the trumpet of decision to deal with our problems.
The pitcher was to create a great distraction, to be smashed and pulverized into many pieces - all were to do it at the same time creating great waves of thunder to accomplish confusion in the camp. What do you need to smash into pieces? What habitual structure do you have that needs to be pulverized? feeling "dumb." He said, "O Lord, I am not eloquent or a man of words. For I am slow of speech, and have a heavy and awkward tongue." Ex. 4:10
The torch represented His Light – to be personified into the darkness of sin and evil. With the torch of light in our hands we are no longer hidden in the dark places of our shame, pain, and sin. Father God will help us as we hold the torch to overcome our weakness. For in Him there is NO darkness.
And then as in Judges 7:12, what the men did was, “they each STOOD in their place.” God is saying to each of us, “Do not back away, do not sit down but stand, remain, and maintain in YOUR position to face your enemy, your giant.” Be pro-active in His army and YOU can see your deliverance at hand.
Gideon and his men stood blowing their trumpets, dropping their pitchers, waving their torches and shouting, “The sword for the Lord!”
---
My prayer for each one of us is that we can rise up like Gideon and encounter our Lord, that we will be filled with courage, having ears to hear the Lord, even if it is seemingly ridiculous, to have a fearless heart to advance into those areas of our lives that keep us in poverty. Grab hold of your trumpet, pitcher and torch and let’s go.
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne Andersen with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
Promises, Promises That’s All I Ever Get…and Then Came Christmas!
What comes to your mind or heart when you hear the word “promises?” Have you ever had a promise made to you that was never kept or have you ever made a promise that was impossible to keep and to fulfill? Of course, you and I both have experienced broken promises on both ends of the promise. That’s why, famous country pop turned gospel singer, Lynn Anderson’s song back in 1968 was such a hit: Promises, promises, that's all I ever get, that's all I ever get. Promises, promises, that's all I get. All you gave me since the day we met. You break my heart in two again I'll bet. But promises, promises, that's all I ever get, that's all I ever get. We’ve all been let down in life, and we’ve let other people down, too.
AND then comes Christmas! Do you know that there are very specific Christmas promises that God made for us? Let’s look at some of these glorious and wondrous Christmas promises that He made just for you and me. The Mighty God has pledged troth, vowed and made a covenant for you and for me—our Christmas promises! He always, always keeps His promises.
For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders.” Just think—Yahweh would raise up a child, a newborn no less, to deliver his people to establish peace, justice, and righteousness! Now that is a promise to behold! “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This child would become a man Who would fulfill the promise of these four amazing names, which express the essential character of this new, coming King and what He will do for me and for you.
- The Promise of a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR: The child will be a wise Counselor, the divine Counselor that will guide, counsel, and direct His people in times of distress and anguish. This Wonderful Counselor loves His people enough to become involved in their everyday lives and situations no matter how small or no matter how big. How many of us need a Wonderful Counselor in this season of our lives? How many of us need hope for our future, directions into our Promised Land, and His Blessed Assurance of His abiding Presence? Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)
- The Promise of a MIGHTY GOD: He is filled with Godly power to lead faithfully. His power will protect us against the fiery darts of Satan and even our own foolish minds. Our Mighty God has the power to preserve when strength fails, when promises aren’t kept, when all seems too overwhelming or too impossible. Further, He will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) The Mighty God has the power to provide, power to heal, the power to deliver, and the power to release freedom. Isn’t this the kind of leader we are looking for and hoping for in today’s world but can never truly find outside of our great, Mighty God?
- The Promise of an EVERLASTING FATHER: Our earthly fathers (including father-figures such as kings) live and reign for only a period of time, and then they are gone. This child will become a father whose reign will last forever. The promise of an Everlasting Father is one who loves us unconditionally, totally, and unreservedly, a Father who is always, permanently and constantly there. The Everlasting Father will usher in great joy, great love, and great hope as our Kingly Protector. Don’t we all need a Father like this since in most cases this Everlasting Father is so unlike our own, fallible father that we had growing up? Isn’t He like the true Father that we always have longed for? What a comforting promise!
- The Promise of a PRINCE OF PEACE: This Prince offers Peace, wonderful peace that rains into all the areas of our lives, our minds, and our hearts, that comes when all seemingly looks lost or destroyed in our circumstances and situations. His perfect peace is given to us as our Christmas Promise, as an anchor to hold onto when we are in fear, in distress, and tossed to and fro from pain, disappointment, betrayal, and broken promises. In Jesus Christ, we see eternity revealed. The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isn’t this Peace something—no SOMEONE—we are all longing for in this uncertain, tentative, and faltering world?
So you’re not getting empty promises this Christmas. You’re getting God’s faithful promise of a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peach in your life! Hold these Christmas promises near and dear to your heart, believing that these characteristics of our Savior Jesus Christ are YOUR Christmas Promises to unwrap and take great delight in. These are promises that you can definitely count on!
The promises that Jesus Christ has given to us at Freedom House are based upon this promised character of the Christ-Child who is born at Christmas:
- We counsel through the Wonderful Counselor’s guidance.
- We rely on the Mighty God who has the power to heal every area of our temporal lives.
- The Everlasting Father is the good daddy who will be with us forever.
- And through the Prince of Peace, we will know His quietness and confidence in our everyday lives.
Freedom House continues to operate under our specific mandates and promises that the Lord has released to us. We want to share a brief update with amazing outcomes of those promises in 2016:
- We are to Proclaim Liberty to those who are spiritually imprisoned, to heal the brokenhearted, and to comfort those who grieve:
He has extended our reach to minister to more hurting people in Chicagoland, but also in faraway places like, Dubai, Norway, Canada, England, Washington, New York, and California via Skype. - Through the promise of Releasing Destiny, we empower believers to go forth in their gifts and talents doing good works, which the heavenly Father prepared in advance for His sons and daughters:
28 students are in our Course 201 and 202 classes this School year and are indeed flourishing as they discover their God-given gifts, purpose, and design, which is the ultimate goal of prayer ministry. - The promise of Harvesting Humanity, which releases His children into being mature sons and daughters for the great-end time harvest as the Body of Christ taking its rightful place in the Kingdom is manifesting:
More people are stepping up into leadership roles: 7 Small Group Leaders and 3 Shadows in our Schools and 5 more Counselors on our website ready to do prayer counseling ministry.
We at Freedom House thank you for allowing us to fulfill these mandates and promises, which were given to us by Jesus Christ—the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. We are blessed by the privilege and honor we have as we hold your hearts close while walking through your healing and promises. Freedom House says thank you faithful friends, wounded warriors, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
As we approach the end of 2016, we humbly ask if you would donate a love gift to Freedom House that will help us to reach more people, to help us continue to fulfill our mandates and promises, and to release more of the captives that are hurt, empty, and in need of healing. We are living in challenging times financially so that Freedom House is being stretched in many directions while God our Father is doing great NEW things as well as DIFFERENT things.
We need your help, our brothers and sisters, to achieve what He is calling us to do. I would personally like to ask you to prayerfully consider blessing Freedom House this December with one of the biggest donations you have ever given, as we end 2016 and go into the New Year, 2017.
May God our Father bless you, heal you, and release you into YOUR fullness this coming New Year. May our Holy Spirit rekindle and refresh YOUR promises that you have been given for your life and for your loved ones. Remember: God loves to answer our prayers as well as seeing His promises being released through His matchless character revealed in Jesus’ coming at Christmas.
Merry Christmas and a Very Blessed New Year!
Thankfully and Prayerfully,
- Mari Anne Andersen
Write Mari Anne Andersen with any thoughts, questions or comments you may have: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net