Blessings For A New Year

 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people said, "Amen!" and praised the LORD. 1Ch 16:36

In response to the Word of God, I bless this new year of my life! 

Rather than dwelling on the past, I press on towards the mark of the high calling of Christ.

I am not a failure, but I am more than a conqueror in Him.

I have been redeemed from the curse of the law.

In Christ I am an inheritor of the blessing!

I declare that I shall receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Because I obey the Lord and submit to His rule,

I shall be blessed in the city, blessed in the country;

All that is conceived in me and birthed from me shall be blessed;

All that I put my hands to shall be blessed;

I shall be blessed coming in and going out.

Christ is being formed in me, and He is my hope of glory!

I shall be fruitful and multiply;

I shall take dominion over all the territory the Lord has given me.

I shall walk in the counsel of God rather than the counsel of the ungodly.

When I am persecuted or reviled, I will bless.

The words of life shall be on my tongue, and I will eat its fruits.

In Christ I am blessed, and my year is blessed!

My times are in His hands, and I put my full trust in Him.

I am saved by the Lord, by the shield of His help,

and by the sword of His majesty.

My enemies submit to me, and I shall tread down their high places.

I dedicate my life this year to the Lord for the Kingdom of God,

And it shall be filled with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Those who I come in contact with will be blessed

by the indwelling presence of the Lord, so that He will be glorified.

Genesis 1:28, 12:3; Deuteronomy 28:3-6, 33:29; 1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 1:1, 31:15; Proverbs 18:21; Romans 5:17, 8:37, 14:17; Galatians 3:13-14, 4:19; Philippians 3:13-14; Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:3

Photo by Karen Gladys Henry, copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.

The Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:222-25 NKJV

Jesus Christ is a fruitful vine.  His Spirit lives in me, therefore I will bear fruit as I abide in Him and follow His lead.  I am pressing closer today to Him, paying attention to every opportunity to grow in character.  I am God's child and His nature is in me.  I am growing in the nature and character of my spiritual heritage.  If I'm patient and keep hanging onto that vine, I will bear fruit that will feed others and glorify the Lord.

If My People

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Clean

I have a High Priest who is able to save me to the uttermost! I go to the Father whenever I need help resisting sin or temptation, because Jesus has made the way for me and is always there to help me. Not only am I forgiven and cleansed, but He is changing me from the inside out. I have a clean heart because I open my heart to Him, and I ask Him to reveal and purge my iniquities. My spirit is renewed because I have asked Him, and He desires truth in the inward parts. He is creating in me an undivided heart to serve Him and obey Him. I seek His Kingdom with my whole heart and with a steadfast spirit that He has renewed in me. It is the Father's good pleasure to give me the Kingdom, and it is my good pleasure to seek diligently for it.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"? Proverbs 20:9
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

"Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32

"Clean" is a photomontage by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Artwork and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Washed

Hallelujah! I am cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and by His Word! I am so grateful that I am forgiven, washed and free from a sin-conscious mind. My sins have been cast as far from Him as the east is from the west, cast into the sea of forgetfulness to be remembered no more. I will not allow the enemy to throw me into confusion, doubt and condemnation because of past failures and shortcomings. I thank my Lord that He is my righteousness, and that He is leading me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. The Holy Spirit brings conviction when I need it, and He leads me into all truth. So I can relax and be free from shame. Hallelujah!

"He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. " Micah 7:19

Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 20:9; John 15:3; Revelations 7:14, 19:8,14; Isaiah 1:18, 43:25; Ezekiel 16:4-14; Hebrews 8:12, 10:2; I John 1:7; Ephesians 5:26; Psalm 103:12; Philippians 3:13; Romans 8:1

"Washed" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Artwork and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Forgiveness

I have been forgiven so much throughout my life, Lord Jesus, and I love You so very, very much for forgiving me. I owe my whole existence to You. Thanksgiving wells up in me as I meditate on all Your tender mercies. How could I do anything but forgive those who sin against me? I release every one who has ever injured me, for You have commanded it, and it is my duty. Even when my heart is broken, I come before You and spill out all my love to You in worship. I lift up in prayer all those who have hurt me and I ask you to bless them with Your presence, that they might be healed. I can lose nothing by pouring myself out to You, as I am totally Yours anyway. All I can be, then, is more filled up with You.

Luke 7:47-48; John 20:23; Colossians 2:13; Psalm 85:2; Matthew 6:12-15; Luke 23:34; Matthew 18:21-35

Psa 86:5
For You, Lord, [are] good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

The artwork "Forgiveness" is a montage of my photos, by Karen Gladys Henry ©2009.

Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry ©2009. All Rights Reserved.

Submitted to Love

Love dwells in me. Love never fails. I rejoice in every opportunity to become completed in love.

God is Love. God dwells in me by His Spirit. Every time I submit myself to Love and walk in the Spirit, I choose to become more like Him. His Love is changing me into His likeness.

I confess these things over myself, for this is my destiny, to become like Him in His Love:

When I submit to Love, I suffer long and am kind;

When I submit to Love, I do not envy; I do not parade myself, I am not puffed up;

When I submit to Love, I do not behave rudely,

When I submit to Love, I do not seek my own, I am not provoked, I think no evil;

When I submit to Love, I do not rejoice in iniquity, but I rejoice in the truth;

When I submit to Love, I bear all things, I believe all things, I hope all things, I endure all things.

When I submit to Love, I do not fail, for Love never fails.

When I am reviled, I do not revile in return. When I suffer, I do not threaten, but I commit myself to Him who judges righteously. Rather when I am reviled, I bless; when I am persecuted I endure. I submit myself to Love and follow His example.

I love Him because He first loved me. I submit to Christ who is Love, for because of His perfect Love, I am saved from fear; I am becoming an ambassador of His Kingdom of Love.

I Corinthians 13:4-8; I Peter 2:23; I Corinthians 4:12; I John 4:10-21

The artwork "Love Never Fails" is a montage of my photos and hand calligraphy done on the computer. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Quietness and Confidence

In returning and rest I shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be my strength. The work of righteousness in me will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. Lord Jesus, You are my righteousness. I will let Your cross be my yoke. I will rest in You.

Isaiah 30:15, 32:17; Romans 5:17; Philippians 1:11; Matthew 11:18-30

"Morning Meditation" is my own photo: by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry All Rights Reserved.

Supercharged!

This is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it. I say to my soul, rejoice, for the Lord your God has given you the victory! I say to my body, rejoice, for the Lord your God is your health, your life, your energy. I will fear the Lord and depart from evil: it will be health to my flesh and strength to all my bones.

The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me and is quickening my mortal body, giving me life and vitality. I will press through every distraction that crowds me until I have touched His garment and His power goes out from Him to me.

By Jesus stripes I was healed, and I am healed now as I receive His Word by faith. I rejoice in His healing power, His willingness to heal me, and in the reality of my healing. I will rejoice until it is manifested in my natural body. I rejoice because all His promises are "yes" and "amen" in Christ Jesus.

I rejoice because God's mighty power is working in me. His strength is completed in my weakness. I can walk in His strength. I am well able to carry out every duty set before me today, with joy and thanksgiving.

I rejoice because as I press in to know Him I will be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. He enables me to walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him; I am becoming fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. I am strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, so that I can serve Him with all patience and longsuffering with joy.

I give thanks to the Father who has qualified me to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered me from the power of darkness and conveyed me into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! I am supercharged.

Proverbs 3:7-8; Philippians 4:4; Romans 8:11; Luke 8:46; Ephesians 1:19, 3:20, 6:10; Colossians 1:9-13, 28-29; II Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 53:5; I Peter 2:24

Zec 2:10 "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," says the LORD.

1Pe 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory

"Supercharged" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for dancer photo credit.

Victorious Warrior

I purpose it in my heart today to be the spiritual warrior God has called me to be. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus my Lord! He is the victorious, mighty warrior called Faithful and True, and I am also faithful and true because He lives in me. I hate evil and love good, because I have the fear of the Lord.

Out of His mouth comes the sharp two-edged Sword with which He conquers all of His enemies. His powerful Word is in me, therefore I also have the power to defeat all of my enemies with the sword of the Spirit. Jesus has given me authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt me. I rejoice that my name is written in His book.

I study the Word with diligence, and the Spirit of truth brings all things to my remembrance, so I have the word of wisdom I need at the time it is needed. My tongue is loosed from bonds of fear and timidity. I refuse to allow a religious spirit, false humility or apathy to steal my voice. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

God is Love, and I yield myself to Him, to be led by the Spirit of truth. Therefore, when I speak to people, I open my mouth with wisdom, and on my tongue is the law of kindness. I speak forth the truth in love. My enemies are not people, but demonic beings of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places. I determine to be gentle with people and ruthless against the spiritual enemy. However, I will not rail or rant or join the devil in his own game of accusation and slander: rather I will say "the Lord rebuke you," and "it is written. . . "

I come before the throne of grace and favor, boldly, seeking first His Kingdom. I know my Father loves me and it is His good pleasure to give me the Kingdom. He is restoring dominion in my life. I inquire of the Lord, submitting to Him and receiving His strategies. In His hand I become a flaming arrow against the evil of our times. Praise the Lord!

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate." Proverbs 8:13

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matthew 5:44

Amos 5:15; Deuteronomy 32:35, 41; Psalm 119:163, 149:6; Proverbs 31:26; I Corinthians 13: ; Ephesians 4:15, 6:12; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16, 19:11; Zechariah 3:2; Jude 1:9; Luke 10: 17-20; Psalm 7:9-13, 127:4

"Rise Up You Warriors and You Watchmen On the Wall" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credits.

Mastered by Truth

I cannot master truth, instead I must allow Truth to master me.

I submit to you, Jesus, for you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are my Lord and I shall have no other master.

Your Word holds the universe together, therefore it holds me together. I set myself to agree with Your Word and the Spirit of Truth, for anything else would be self-destruction and foolishness.

God, You are the Rock, Your work is perfect; all Your ways are justice; You are righteous and upright, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. You are a God of truth, and You desire truth in the inward parts. I am submitting to Your truth and Truth is forming Your character in me.

I come before Your throne of grace, Father, that I might turn from my inquities and understand Your truth. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. I hide Your word in my heart so that I might not sin against You.

I partake of Your word~ it is the milk and solid food that nourishes me. Your Word is becoming part of me, and this incarnate Word of Truth is changing me from glory to glory. I am being filled up with your Truth and the favor that comes with it.

I am gaining a more intimate knowledge of Truth from day to day. Truth is gaining the pre-eminence in me; Truth is rising up in me and I am taking authority over all the works of the devil, casting them down. When the devil comes to tempt and deceive, Truth comes out of my mouth like a two-edged sword to destroy every lie. I am taking every lying thought captive and punishing it with truth, after I have obeyed Truth.

I love Truth, and I am becoming more and more open to Him and transparent to others, for darkness, lies, deception and masking are all giving way to the clarity of Truth; therefore I am becoming more free each day from the tyranny of the world, the flesh and the devil. The Spirit of Truth lives in me, and comes along side to help me walk in the knowledge and understanding of the truth.

I worship God in Spirit and Truth, and Truth inhabits my praises. I am set apart by Truth, separated from darkness by His sword of Truth. I dwell in the City of Truth with all those who love Truth and are mastered by Truth. This heavenly City ~ full of truth, love and unity~ is shining more and more brightly and will draw all nations into it until the glory of God covers the earth.

Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 32:4; I Kings 17:21-24; Psalms 25:5, 51:6, 119:11; Daniel 9:13; Hebrews 1:3; John 1:14; John 3:21; John 4:23-24; John 14:6, 17; John 15:26, 16:13; Romans 2:8; Ephesians 4:15, 5:9, 6:14; I Peter 1:22; Zechariah 8:3

"Mastered by Truth" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry All Rights Reserved.

Breakthrough

"Do not be discouraged! Your breakthrough is assured. Have I not promised it to you? Remember the way you felt when you started this painting? You were depressed, and you began painting the depression. You painted the desolation, coldness, isolation and loneliness that you felt then, and I surprised you by breaking through with a vision of my glory. You saw me touch the waters of your life, and the ripples began then. You knew me as the Lion, and trusted Me as that from a distance. But because you knew Me, you began to move towards me, and towards the promise of living in the light and beauty of My Kingdom.

You have been walking on that water ever since, keeping your eyes on Me most of the time, and most of the time feeling that you knew where you were going because you could see. Now you are feeling frightened: partly because you are getting closer to the Lion, and now you can feel Me but you cannot see Me, and partly because the ripples have turned into large waves, and there are dark storm clouds all around.

Do not be afraid to keep walking simply because you cannot see. If you were leading yourself, that would be the blind leading the blind. But I am leading you. You must learn to trust Me even when you cannot see. Your heart can see Me, but your mind's eye has not been trained to see what is coming. You have no words, no pictures, no sounds to describe something you have never seen or imagined, therefore you are unable to visualize. This is good, because now you are ready to receive My vision. Stay close to My presence and the sound of My voice, even if all you hear is a growl or a sigh, and you don't understand the words. I will guide you with My eye.

Do not fall into the temptation to despair when I show you things about yourself that must be brought to death. Have I ever left you that way? All you must do is remain in a position of humility and submission. I am doing a work, and I show you what was so that you can rejoice in My work when I am finished.

I am bringing you into your destiny, and the breakthrough you seek is something you cannot accomplish by trying or striving. I am the Master of Breakthroughs. I own them, and they serve me. You cannot make a breakthrough happen, you can only refrain from running backwards while My work is going on. I am changing you and your capacity to see, know, discern, receive, understand, and operate in a Realm in which you have never been, except in your dreams and in your imagination.

You cannot walk in My Lands with fear or pride, for they would devour you. You want to walk in My Lands, so let go of fear and pride. Leave them behind. Let them sink in the water. I am making that possible. I am making the impossible possible in you. Do not doubt. Do not despair. Do not be discouraged. I AM able. I AM willing. I AM!"

received on April 25, 2007

"Breakthrough" is an acrylic/mixed media painting by Karen Gladys Henry © 2007. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Bouquet of Blessings

Greet this day with a joyful shout all you lands of my heart! I will serve the Lord with gladness! I come before His presence with singing! I know that it is God who made me, and I am His person, His sheep. I belong to Him. He is my Good Shepherd and my King. His pasture is green, and He directs and guides me with love.

I enter His beautiful gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I express my thanks to you for all your tender mercies, which are everlasting. You are so very good, my Lord, therefore I bless your name. Your truth endures to all generations! I loose your truth on all the people in my family, on all those in my sphere of influence, that thanksgiving and praise may abound towards You. I choose to be a blessing to You today by spreading the fragrance of your love.

I desire not to come before You empty-handed, so I arrange a bouquet of thanksgiving to offer you. I call to mind all the multitude of your blessings, the answered prayers, the provisions, the people in my life small and great, the freedoms I enjoy, the ways in which You have spoken to me and touched my life. With each blessing I recall, I speak my thanks to you. Each is a flower for this bouquet. The fragrance of thanksgiving rises and clears out all the bad odors of passivity, discontent, grumbling, complaining, negativity and unbelief.

I stir up my faith with thanking You for all You have done for me and for all that You are. I appreciate You more each day-- Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit-- and I again bless your name. I lift this bouquet of blessings as a wave offering of thanksgiving to you. My heart dances with joy and my body responds with lightness of step.

God, You are good, good, good, and I thank you again today for Your great salvation!

Psalm 100; Exodus 34:20; Romans 1:21; Colossians 3:15; Psalm 97:12; Psalm 107:8; I Thessalonians 1:2, 5:18; Song of Solomon 1:3; II Corinthians 2:14-15; Revelation 4:9, 11:17

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place." II Cor. 2:14

"For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God." II Cor. 4:15

"Flowers Say I Love You" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credits.

Open Heaven

I declare today that I have an open heaven! I position myself by faith to hear everything that the Lord has to say to me or show me today. The same door, Jesus Christ, is standing open for me that was open for John, and the same voice like a trumpet is saying to me personally, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." I respond to this call and I say, "Yes, Lord, I will come up there!" I will walk in Your heavenly realm, I will dwell in Your presence.

I declare today that the Spirit of wisdom, revelation and understanding is enlightening me and transforming me into the image of Christ. I love His word, and I incline my ear to hear His voice.

I ask, without doubt or wavering, for the wisdom I need for this day, and I know that I will receive it, for He has promised and I am not double-minded.

God has given me everything I need for life and godliness. I give all diligence to add to my faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. I go after these things, and they are mine! Because of this, I am fruitful in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. I am not blind or short-sighted, for my eye is single (good) and full of light, focused on Christ and His heavenly kingdom.

I am hidden in Christ and stand with Him on the holy mountain; therefore I hear the Father say, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." My life glorifies Him because I relinquish trying to glorify myself. I lay everything down for the exceeding treasure of having Him.

The day is dawning and the morning star is rising in my heart.

http://www.blueletterbible.org/

Revelation 4:1-2; John 10:9; Ephesians 1:17-19; II Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 119: 11, 18, 36, 97; Psalm 17:6; Proverbs 4:20; James 1: 5-8; II Peter 1: 2-4; 5-9; Luke 11: 34 [see KJV also]; Colossians 3:3; II Peter 1: 17-19; Philippians 3:8

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." II Corinthians 4:7

All Scripture is NKJV unless noted.

"An Open Heaven" is a photo montage by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

I'm Related To God

Wow! I wake up to Father's voice calling me to come up beside Him and talk with Him. He wants me to know Him! My Father is pleased with me because I believe that He IS, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. I make it my priority to diligently seek Him today. I feel drawn to Him by His unconditional love for me. Nothing can separate me from His love.

I have God's nature in me because I am born of the Spirit. It is my nature to desire Him and to love Him. It is my nature to excel in faith and to want to please Him. It is my nature to respond to His love with obedience. It is easy and natural to hear His voice and talk with Him.

I love Him because He first loved me. I am tuning in to His heart of love and learning to be led by the Spirit, for that is the natural way for me to live now that I am His child.

I am imitating my Father as a dear child, and He loves this. The more I watch Him and let Him teach me His ways, the easier it gets for me to be like Him. I am growing to be more like Him day by day, for that is exactly what Father wants me to be.

I'm related to God! I'm a heavenly being! I am enjoying Father's company throughout the day, and He's enjoying mine. I give Him joy, and the joy of the Lord is my strength! I will be about my Father's business.

Hebrews 11:6; Romans 8:38-39; Ephesians 5:1; Romans 8:6, 14; Hosea 1:10; John 3: 5-8; Luke 17:21; Luke 1:35; Psalm 25:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Luke 2:49

"I Am Your Child" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Rivers of Life

Rivers of living water flow out of my heart because I believe in you, Jesus. The "zoe" life of God is flowing through me, driving off the death and destruction that I inherited genetically through Adam. I have new genetics now! As a child of God, I was born into life! I have the privilege, favor and grace of God to walk in new life because You live in me by Your Spirit and Truth.

Jesus, Lamb of God, You took my sickness, my infirmities, my death and nailed them to the cross; then You took them down to hell where they belonged! Thank You that You rose again, and that You invite me to participate in Your victorious resurrection!

I release those rivers of living water from deep within. They are watering my body and my soul, and quenching my thirst. They are washing out the toxins that build up in my body from the stresses of sojourning in the world. I am being refreshed and renewed!

Through heartfelt confession of the Word, thanksgiving, praise and worship, I release the life of God that dwells in me, and I enter His presence and dwell in Him, Who is life everlasting. I loose the health and vitality that resides in my spirit to fill my body and drive away everything that doesn't belong. I am energized by His life and power, and His grace is sufficient for me this day. My cup overflows with these rivers of living water, and flow to others to refresh them as well. Praise the Lord!

John 7:38; Genesis 2: 7-15; Genesis 5:1-3; Romans 5:14; I Corinthians 15:22, 45; Jeremiah 2:3; John 4: 10-11; Romans 8:11; Colossians 1: 11-13; John 10:10; Psalms 46:4; Revelations 22:1

"ZOE" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credits.

"Ephphatha"

As Jesus said to the deaf man with the speech impediment, I say to my soul, my mind, my heart, and my spiritual ears "Ephphatha"~ "be opened!"

I declare that I have an open mind and heart to receive the Word and to believe it, and that I have been given the measure of faith to act upon it. I declare by faith that Jesus' Word is working to open my spiritual ears to a greater level, so that I can hear what the Spirit is saying to me personally, and to the Church.

I declare that my tongue is loosed to speak forth clearly that which is established in my heart, the truth. I declare that I have the Spirit of wisdom, revelation and understanding and that He operates freely in my life, and I am cooperating with Him as I embrace the love of the truth.

I declare with boldness to the Church, the Body of Christ, that which is the will of Father, that all our spiritual ears and hearts be open to the full revelation of the Truth of the gospel of the Kingdom of Christ, and that we all speak forth that truth as one voice.

Be open!

Mark 7:32-37; Luke 24:45; Zechariah 7:11; Luke 8:8; Revelations 2:7; Ephesians 1:17-18; Matthew 16:19; Romans 12:3; I Corinthians 1:10; II Thessalonians 2:10

"Opened" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

Dwelling In The Secret Place

I dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High, living securely in Him, and I am actively remaining under the shadow of the Almighty. The LORD is my refuge and my fortress; His Name is my strong tower. He alone is My God, and I trust in Him. I do not trust in any man-made or self-made things to protect me, nor do I trust in any other gods to keep me safe.

Without a doubt, the Lord is constantly delivering me from any kind of deception or trap, from the enemies that seek to kill and devour me; He is keeping me safe from the perilous pestilence that lurks in the darkness. He always covers me with His feathers, and under His wings I take my refuge at all times; His truth is my shield of faith to quench all the lies of the evil one.

I will not be afraid of that which tries to terrorize me in the night, nor of the invisible flaming arrows that the accuser tries to hit me with, nor of any kind of destroying plague or pandemic illness that walks in darkness, nor of any kind of destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at my side, and ten thousand at my right hand; but it shall not come near me or near my household. Only with my eyes shall I look, and see the reward of the wicked.

Because I have made the LORD, who is my refuge, the Most High, my dwelling place, no evil shall befall me, nor shall any plague come near my dwelling; for He has given His angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways. In their hands they shall hold me up and protect me, to keep me from even being injured by accident. I shall tread upon the lion and the cobra; the young lion and the serpent I shall trample underfoot, because He has placed all demonic beings under His feet.

Oh, Lord you say about me, "Because you have set your love upon Me, therefore I will deliver you; I will set you on high, because you know My name. You shall call upon Me, and I will answer you; I Am with you in trouble; I will deliver you and honor you. With long life I will satisfy you, and show you My salvation."

I receive what You have spoken over me Lord, and I thank You for your constant warnings, protection, deliverance, honor and favor. I will not just be glad of this protection for myself, but I will try to convince those around me to run into the Secret Place as well, for it is still Today, the day of salvation. I pray for all those who have hardened their hearts~ or because of ignorance, foolishness or deception have placed themselves outside of Your protection~ that they may run to You for safety.

Psalm 91; Proverbs 18:10; Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 18:9; Hebrews 3:6-19

"Midnight Garden" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2007. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credits (my photo of the Cummer Garden).

Walk With Me

"Walk with Me Today, in the Heavenly lands. I have things to show you, things to tell you that you have not known. Leave the frenzied world to fend for itself, and come with Me to a place of peace, to a place of revelation.

"I am calling you up to a higher plane of living, where time and demands of the world are irrelevant compared to the seasons of the Spirit. You desire to know the times and seasons, therefore you must walk in the realm of eternity. There you will have the perspective of Heaven.

"Confusion and perplexity are the order of the day in this age of Man, but in the order of Heaven, there is no confusion or perplexity. What you need to know now will be shown you from the perspective of Heaven, and the mysteries that seem perplexing will be unraveled by understanding.

"Though you labor and sojourn in the valley, you must not take on the attitude, outlook and atmosphere of the valley. You must dwell in the Heavenlies and carry the attitude, outlook and atmosphere of My realm down into the valley. For this is why you have been positioned there, to bring My Kingdom to the earth.

"You are a stranger and a pilgrim walking among desperate people in a desperate land. But do not despair of being alone, for there are many other pilgrims who traverse between Heaven and earth. I will send them to you, or lead you to them, for mutual encouragement. Receive from one another and be strengthened. Do not go about looking for such affirmation as I will send, for I will send it when it is most needed. Look to Me, your Provider, for My provision is complete for all your needs. You will have no lack, body, soul or spirit, for I Am the Good Shepherd, and I will wipe all tears from your eyes.

"Walk with Me, then, on the path of Life. I Am your open door to the Heavenly realm. Nothing is hindering you from a breakthrough into an experience of magnificent proportions, except for your own common experience of life, and the fear of leaving it behind. Recall all your experiences with Me in which I have required trust and have rewarded you with Heavenly riches. Draw upon these and upon My Word, strengthen your resolve, and follow Me."

"Walk with Me, then."

Received from the Lord on April 17, 2007

"Light on a Woodland Path (Pastel Version)" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credit (texture).

Today I Choose Life

Today I choose Life because He is my Life.
I choose unity instead of strife.
Today I choose to shine my light,
To make His word my greatest delight.
His Kingdom first I choose to seek:
Words of wisdom I will speak.
I pick up my cross, the weight of glory–
I choose to live the gospel story.

Today I choose to trust and not falter.
Because Jesus’ blood is on the altar,
I choose to dwell in Him, not the past.
I’m a new creation, I’m free at last!
Today I choose to stand and not waver,
Because I have His grace and favor.
I choose the Truth. I won’t listen to lies
No matter what the devil’s disguise;
I will not give in to distractions.
I will put my faith into actions.
Today I choose to stand and fight,
To let my weakness be filled with His might.
I’m a child of the Light, and child of the King–
In Him I will overcome in everything!

Today I choose to walk in the Spirit
To obey His voice because I can hear it.
I will speak to the mountain, cast it into the sea–
His blessings are breaking through to me.
I choose to rest in Him and not worry–
Into His presence I will hurry
With an attitude of worship: I will hear His heart.
His clarity and passion He will impart.

To do His will is my greatest pleasure–
The reverent fear of the Lord is my treasure.
In Him I have everything I need–
I choose His riches, not lack or greed..

Today I will put my love into song,
To praise Him and thank Him all day long.
I am filled with joy in His love for me.
Today I choose Life because He chose me!

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" Deuteronomy 30: 19

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1:4

"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" Ephesians 1:17

"in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." Ephesians 3:12

"that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him." Colossians 1:10

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us., being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" Romans 8:37

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." John 15:16

"Revelation #11" is a photo composite by Karen Gladys Henry © 2007. Art and blog entry (the poem "Today I Choose Life") by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved. See title link for stock photo credits.

God's Phone Number

I'm blessed, blessed, blessed because my Abba, Daddy gave me His phone number and said I can call Him up any time I want to! I know He loves me because He makes Himself available to me 24/7. He's never too busy to listen to me, talk with me, help me, comfort me and even discipline me. I joyfully receive His discipline because that reminds me that I am for sure His child, and that He cares for me. I will make a special effort today to spend time with Him and tell Him how much I love Him. I will obey Him quickly, because that is the best way to tell Him "I love You." And I will be certain to call His number up many times just so I can hear His voice. Daddy's number: Jeremiah 33:3

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

"For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:6

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Galatians 4:6

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10

"Luscious Morning Light" is a photo by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

The Father Wants Me

I rejoice this day because I am wanted! I am desired! I know this because no one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws them. That means that Father wanted me!! I belong to Him because He created me, and because He bought me with an expensive price! Then He birthed me into His eternal family by His Holy Spirit because I said "yes". Now I am part of Him. He wants me and calls me and chooses me. I wake up in the morning hearing Him calling to me and I respond with joy, because I want Him too. No matter who chooses to reject me, I know I am loved and chosen by Him. He holds me always in His heart. Whoever knows the Father's heart will also love me, so I will never be alone. I will seek to know the Father's heart today so that I will walk in His love towards others in the hours ahead.

John 15: 16, 19; I Corinthians 6:20; 7:23

"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:44

"Cattails in the Morning Light" is a photo (with textures) by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.

The Right To Become

God has given me the right to become a child of God because I have received Him and believe in His name, in Jesus His Son! God is my Father! I am His child and He loves me! I humbly enter the Kingdom as a little child because He draws me to Himself with His love. I fully trust in my Father God and I am growing daily in an awareness of how much He loves me. I am growing up to be like Jesus, my big brother. I am so very thankful that He has allowed me to be part of His great family!

John 1:2; Matthew 18: 2-5;

"for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God." John 16:27

The artwork "Spring Dance #3" is a combination photo composite and digital painting by Karen Gladys Henry © 2008. Art and blog entry by Karen Gladys Henry © 2009. All Rights Reserved.