Romans 8:8 tells us those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Powerful reminder to me this morning, as it is the very heart of where my LORD and SAVIOUR have held me the past several weeks. “Carol, you can not please me in your flesh. Do not worry what the world thinks.”
Kind of cool to see this on the scale this morning and share with my husband. Last night was a breakthrough for us in ways that I will not write about. Prayer is powerful, period. When prayer is answered in the spirit. it is a different type of ecstasy. It is a different type of beauty and peace. It all belongs to Him. Praise God, indeed!
This morning, we listened together to The Blessing and Numbers 6:24-26 just engraved itself onto my heart, over and over. Generations have been a huge theme the past few months. Thank you, Lord, for morning submission and revelation. Please, Father God, if it is your will, please bring both of my children back to your path. My heart breaks for them and yet I know your timing will always be superior. I do trust you to bring them back if it is your will. Please help me let go if it is not. I know I can no longer bow down to their fears or anything else.
You are ever-present in my life. What you nudged me to text my son about obtaining employment yesterday did create conflict. While I do not deny that pinch of conflict, I praise you for the PEACE you gave me in my heart in those moments of his conflict. Your word tells us we don’t eat if we are not willing to work. (2 THESS 3:10) I stand on YOUR word and YOUR direction for our lives. No mistake that passage goes on to say to never tire of doing what is good.
This morning was highly productive and blessed because you are with me now. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you more than words could ever express.
So much to share and document and feeling a bit “buzzed” with the Holy Spirit.
Futina brought me two poinsettias. She is still in grievous pain over her circumstances. I told her she can’t pay for anything from our store until her circumstances change “in a month or so”. She asked how I knew that and I told her I did not know anything in my own power. But, I trust what the Holy Spirit puts on my tongue. She then told me I was the third person in less than a week to state it as fact. We reached agreement through more prayer shared between the two of us.
Miss Eli came in from Rock and Roll Sushi. Her demeanor reminds me of my daughter in many ways. Boldly shared the miracle healing of 8/20/24 and she did not flinch or appear disgusted by hearing about God’s miracle healing. I had just shared it with Next Gen Contractor still at the shop and shared with her for context. I believe it was a seed planted. Thank you, Lord.
Somber Sully from Charlotte visited for the first time. Sadly, two weeks here and his wife and two babies (nearly one and 3) are remaining in Charlotte for “separation therapy”. He welcomed a zero nic device to his other our purchases, accepted encouragement about it well and was very open to me keeping them in our prayers.
Sean Box visited. He just moved here from Memphis. Fantastic Godversation about how he is reigniting his passion for the LORD at present. His girlfriend is named ELAINE. We chatted until 8:45 and we close at 8! When the Holy Spirit is active and palpable, it is impossible to pay attention to a clock.
Thank you, Lord, for this entire day and all you did in it for me, through me and with me. I am grateful and I love you.
Lord, it’s 6:36. Thank you for all you have placed in my path today, virtually or physically. Special thanks for answering Marks prayer this morning to send in less people with higher sales numbers. The first three sales all were about 400. No doubt it was you. We praised you, Jehovah-Jireh, together.
You know it makes me giddy to hear that “uplifting sound” in his spirit. Thank you, too, for Rachel’s passionate heart regarding your law. Thank you for every encounter I experienced with Jesus today.
Starting the day as we did, I am not surprised I was pulled over for a much-deserved speeding ticket. Thank you for Officer Mangrum’s kindness when I told him I was praising and failed to pay attention. My fault. He did not write me a ticket. Thank you, Jesus.
Miss Olivia was the first Godversation today. She was wearing a shirt for Chappel Roan. I spoke kind and positive words of encouragement without getting preachy. Then she told me she desperately needed it and I hugged her. Ultimately, her mother is heavy into an evangelical movement and speaking harsh words about various groups and pushing Trump as an idol of sorts. It felt good to just pour out love to her.
I shared the true gospel to the best of my ability and told her that I am sorry she is struggling with the example she has in her life.
Connor shared about Cheyenne. He didn’t want to date someone more than 100 miles away. She is just over 200. However, every important piece works together beautifully. He took it as a sign when learning she is to eventually inherit over 200 acres.
Miles visited with his grandmother. I congratulated him on his new job at Chick-Fil-A. I was nudged to “ooze respect” and did. Rather than rewrite all the details, Paige called me from her home in Waco, TX, to convey gratitude for how I engaged with her son. The Godversation was extended and ended with me giving her my personal cell phone number.
I asked my husband, Rachel and Joyce to join me in praying for Miles. They also asked we pray for Paige’s peace and joy in any circumstance. Lord, it thrills my heart when my husband prays with me. Thank you for him.
Miss Maddie visited and shared she will be moving to the Ozarks. Thank you for letting me encourage her with all the changes she is facing.
Jeremy- grateful for a restroom not being held back from him. Simple kindness matters.
Miss Anika shared about Tyler and we had a lovely conversation.
Big Gee- wanting a hug and praising God for it. 💜✝️💜
Zion returned and we enjoyed a high-spirited Godversation. I loved hearing him talk about how his pastor laid out the election. Forget the candidate. Look at the Bible and look at the agenda. There is the answer! Looking forward to meeting Miss Savannah and Navy Reign, their baby girl. As he travels for the funeral of his godmother and murdered friend, please protect him, Lord. I believe you have big plans for him.
I acknowledge you in ALL GOOD and this gloriously beautiful and productive day at the shop. I moved shelves, reorganized and cleaned out some old dust bunnies. It feels otherworldly to do everything, every little thing, as if I am doing for Jesus himself. Thank you, Father God, for an abundantly blessed day. I love you.
Instead of writing it out, screen shots are acceptable.
I shared my prayer for Rachel immediately after posting it. I had to get cleaned up to be in public. I went to our shop to sign the HELOC around 1:30, as I needed to deposit a check for our Elevated Table order.
As if this wasn’t enough, I received more confirmation from Sweet Sabrina’s husband, Stately Scott. lol. “Great Scott’s” will forever make me smile to remember what God did in our little shop. Blessing him was so fun because it lit up his face in a new way. .
Teacher Kelly and I prayed together for parents and kids and the entire world to stand ON THE ROCK💜✝️💜
Mighty Melissa visited and brought me a coffee cup, Summer Berry Lotion and some cookies. She is the young lady with four boys I took to Carmen’s Taqueria two Sundays ago. I don’t think I am supposed to share any of her personal business in a way it could point back to her. So, I will not post the photo I took during her visit. It’s not even of our faces, but our feet. Thank you, Lord, I will not forget our feet.
Given what the Lord has taught me through “Famous Amos”, the cookies she gave me are perfect. I don’t eat a lot of processed food, but these tasted like manna from heaven to me.
The way the Holy Spirit was moving was palpable. I ultimately knew she needed to give that cup and lotion as a gift to Miss Annette. Much later, she confirmed it was true. For Melissa to straight up ask certain questions and the way the Holy Spirit directs words is overwhelmingly beautiful.
For the Godversation to be at a GOOD STOPPING POINT so I could encourage her to get to the 6pm NA Meeting was PERFECT. Only His Timing is that perfect, never mine.
My husband texted that the dinner I was expecting is not possible. He knows the Oszczakiewicz in me is much like my earthly daddy’s use to be. Don’t tell me we are having BLT’s and prepare a filet mignon! interesting how the scrip got flipped with this morning’s prayer post being confirmed in several ways.
Because Mark knew I was up in the wee hours , I knew he would need encouragement that I was not “lost in time”. I was getting instruction for about twelve hours on Sunday, while he was away with friends at the lake. Monday was an exhausting day and today is Election Day.
Mark knows my relationship with Jesus is more important to me than my relationship with him. It can create issues if I fail to meet earthly obligations given to me from God. There is a balance to growing intentionally, especially with our spouse. We have to both grow closer to God to become closer to each other.
Jubilant Julie and Miss Verona , both from Egypt, visited. Oh, Lord, how they loved the Mervat story! Julie had gone to get her wallet and Verena told me , “God did that “. They are both Christians and they told me they attend church at St.Verena in Nolensville. I’m googled and only see St. Verena Coptic Church on Edmondson Pike.
Verena told me will be open for years to come. They called me CUTE in various ways. I see what you did there, you gave me a proper “night cap”.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the rest, whatever the hours it was delivered. Feasts, please! I would starve without your WORD. I would be lost without your law, precepts and direction. You ARE my “GPS” , Jesus, as you are God’s Perfect Son.
Thank you in advance for a smooth closing today on the HELOC for the obstacles YOU are removing through your past provision. The “He Is Loving Our Community” message comforts me, as we have opened our business on the Sabbath for eleven years. I trust you will make it clear IF our business hours are to change. Thank you for showing me the “reel” of the brothers and sisters who visit on Saturday. Our business is named Community because YOU gave us that WORD when we prayed about the business. You are honored every day in our business, perhaps more so on the seventh day.
Oh, yes, I see how you put the law in my non-Jewish heart. You drew me closer and closer to make it known in my heart that I am YOURS. It makes perfect sense to desire my life to look more like Jesus’ perfect example. You do not expect us to be perfect. You literally gave all your children a living, breathing example. You know the pain in my heart for those who deny your TRUTH.
What a clear answer. Praise Yah! When we encounter hearts of stone, we are to remember what you shared through Ezekiel. Those unwilling to engage in healthy discourse are not truly humbled and taught by your WORD AND SPIRIT They misapply the WORD without your SPIRIT.
Yes, the world would change for YOUR BETTER if every child woke up each day in a spirit of true submission to YOUR WILL. Sit in the bed or get on your knees…anytime, anywhere. Raise our hands to you and humbly praise you for the day before and pray for the day we face. COMPLETE SUBMISSION ensures we contend for our faith as you directed and clarified through Jude.
Thank you, Lord, for titling this post. Thank you for the bajillion things which rushed my heart as I greeted my day with you.
Oh, Yah, keep bringing your soldiers to my view!!! Let us armor up and march in unity. This is KEY.
Thank you for encouraging me to hang two different metals and remember YOUR WORD and your prophets and what you have taught me about dross and everything else. Thank you for reminding me yesterday, as I drove to my daughter’s earthly home. I love the armor you have given us. Okay, okay, I do love EVERYTHING about you that I know. I love what I didn’t know as well …love learning the HIDDEN THINGS.
Talk about CUTE 🤣🤣🤣. Yes, I see YOU are driving the perceptions of others when they have Godversations with me. When children are TRULY being CUTE, our hearts soften. You make me CUTE because that is what softens their heart to be open to truth. Thanks for helping me understand.
Sanctification is beautiful to you and confusing to the corrupted world. I hear you. I am listening.
Hanging in my car since March 2024
I have zero clue why you have brought me, of all people, so close to you. I am beyond humbled. Yes, you are WITH ME and FOR ME. How could I NOT shout that praise from every proverbial rooftop!!!
I love you with all I am and will ever be. Thank you for “sacred bowls” and how you are weaving it all together at this precise time.
Overwhelmed in the best of ways, YOUR WAY, Jesus, is the only way that is LIT! .
Father God, I know you heard my massive list of prayers this morning. I know you have Radical Rachel in your palm. You clearly love her radical love for You, Your WORD and Jesus. I FELT the TINGLING and the POWER you so graciously give all who seek you.
I love her so much! Your word has burned in my soul to pray without ceasing. I know it’s only been hour, but as I close for now, I beg again for your angels to surround and protect her with the Job and her family reconciliation. Please remove the obstacles for her and may it be YOUR WILL. If that is not your will, may you bring Rachel a word to guide her. In this moment, it very much feels like the answer will be made clear sooner than later. Still, I will pray, as I promised YOU and Rachel I would. Bring the rain and open the floodgates, please, for Rachel. As I stand in this gap and lift her to you, you know this same prayer applies to others. I trust you completely and offer this humble prayer in complete submission. May it be so, in the name of Jesus and every drop of blood He shed for us on the cross. Amen.
First, Sister Margie and the young man from Chattanooga. I mentioned them at the end of the last post.
Margie shared about her extensive travel challenges and joys of seeing her son, James Ezra, married after raising adult children. He has a 13 YO son at home and I found my self praying for little Ezra James, as his name is reversed. Praying for him to see God’s faithfulness. Giggling inside because “James, James and James” sounding like “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” from the Brady Bunch.
Miss Summer visited and immediately told me I was cute today. That particular word keeps being used by many who do not know me to describe me. I was inspired to share the silliness of last Sunday at my daughter’s apartment.
Sweet Summer shared a pinch more and the Holy Spirit moved me to give her Divisible by One, Exterminate the Hate and the poems in “the stack”. She feels irredeemable (her word) and whatever it was that came out of my mouth was used to persuade her otherwise. Praise God! Oh, Jehova Jireh! The Lord WILL provide💜✝️💜
Brother Wyoming Kurt visited for third time in six days. Huge Godversation and he was vulnerable in sharing his PTSD from Desert Storm. He was proud to share his Airborne tattoo on his calf.
While he was preparing to leave pick up his autistic grandson from school, Miss Amber arrived. She has a little nugget of faith. She is an introvert but spoke so sweetly of Wyoming Kurt.
Humbled to learn so much of her story today. She is working two jobs while her partner and his kids rely on her to do what their earthly father will not. He has not worked for over six months. How I long to tell her about Haggai and rebuilding the temple…”get to work” was on my heart. I was directed to be still and listen. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching the petulant child in me obedience!
When the Holy Spirit takes over my tongue, it is always a lesson for me. Usually, it is meant for others, as well. However, there is always something for me to learn. In this case, what Mark shared last night about getting his dad to eat food was applicable to encouraging her husband to see the circumstances through his children’s eyes. He is not a person of faith from what I understand, so therefore, an example he could relate to his own life. I may not be writing where others can understand, but this is what I need to write to remember and honor the moment.
Ultimately, Amber needs to see sacrificial love, agape love, from her partner. I boldly told her that I would be praying for Shawn to be nudged into action. Despite having a tough season of circumstances at our business, I asked if I could bless her day and give her the Orange Mango and GoMax. She was beyond moved by the Holy Spirit, despite the fact she credited me. When the spirit nudges me to bless others, it’s fun to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you, God, for my husband who demonstrates sacrificial love 💜✝️💜
Luxe Joe came in and immediately commented on my countenance. I couldn’t stop smiling. We had a wonderful conversation where I believe the Holy Spirit was working, as well. Joe said he has always been so comfortable in our space and he was a loyal person, regardless, but he loved our store. Some part of me needed to be reminded of our loyal customers. Mark was reminded thru Lebanon Couple and I was personally told by Joe. Thank you, Lord, for another type of generous double portion.
Texas Brenda just left. What a radiant smile! She is visiting her sick 94 (3?) YO Mom and sister. She was thrilled to learn why her disposable was not ideal for her and more. We did enjoy a blessed Godversation. At one point, we both said, “Thank you. God!”
Father God, I know all good things and good knowledge come from you. Thank you for sharpening the discernment tool in my spiritual toolbox. Thank you for blessing us so outrageously today. UNITY. AGAPE. I am listening. You are Holy, Holy, Holy and I love you. I am completely yours.
(Prayer break)
Note: we have done more business at BOTH shops in five hours than we have done on our “good” days in ten hours.
Wowza! Just as I sat down to thank God for the phenomenal day thus far, Miss Angel W calls the shop. She has been visiting our other location for months. Today, of all days, she calls to check in with me. A product was lost in shipment the past two weeks. Well, one of those box a arrived just before she called. In that one box was what she was seeking. it was the sweetest way to tell her “God loves you so much!”
It was such a bubbly Godversation. She had seen me down in my back and she asked me how I was feeling. How awesome the Holy Spirit immediately put the 8/20/24 miracle healing into an explanation she could accept. Sharing Sweet Futina and that healing with her and Brother Leon was so fun! he immediately said “Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah! just received confirmation from Summer.
Dustin and Steve visiting today was special. I had Cousin Nathalie on my heart. Dustin works for a lab and Steve at First Watch. They have been legally married eleven years. Dustin has a giant cross tattooed on his right forearm. Just noting the image for posterity because it will remind me what we discussed. We are all more similar than we are different. For example, I joked with Steve about having a younger husband. When His Timing changes our conversations to Godversation, it will be interesting to see how much God has grown me from today.
Golden Timothy visited next. I could feel a weight on him but he was on the phone. We did not have a chance to talk. I quietly went to get his Golden Tobacco juice. Notable to me, he ordered half the size he typically does. This is small for many people, but it always draws my attention. Whatever “it” may be, something is impacting finances when established habits are changed. He ordered a 60 ml bottle instead of his normal 120.
When Timothy paid, it was with a ladies debit card. I asked if it was his wife’s and he said it was his aunts. He was still on the phone and conversation was limited for efficiency. I asked him to please wait one minute.
I went to the lab and poured another 60 ml. I brought it out and just handed it to him. He told me I did not have to do that. I told him his cross speaks to me differently and sacrificial love has been a residing theme of my last week.
My son called. That entire Godversation was beautiful to me. My son demonstrated great wisdom in some scheduling choices with his dad and how he interacts with his coaches. Lord, thank you for sending Miss Bella to be a Saint. Thank you for preparing her via her Nurse Mom to be empathetic toward GA coaches. Thank you for my wonderful son and his sweet heart describing Bella’s mom, Kim. Praise and more praise. Never enough! I told my son I had specific prayers for him last Monday and he just confirmed many of them were answered. Specific opportunities were added and specific obstacles subtracted. Between that and Morgan currently reading The Five People you meet in Heaven …I believe all those prayers will be answered in His Timing. 💜✝️💜
A new customer entered and typically I would immediately get off the phone. His name is Beaux. Not today, Satan! The answer was to let him know I was sorry for being on the phone, it was not my habit. I explained we had been struggling to get time on the phone with my son. Blake told me to put the phone down and he could wait the one minute it would take.
Shaggy Beaux is endearing in spirit. He told me “No! I think it is so CUTE how you want to talk to him. It is precious. Yessir, I see what you did there!
Sweet Summer returned after she ended work at five. She returned the stack of old writings to me and was truly impacted by the day. She hugged me three times. She said I was a Godsend. We shared more between us. I shared my Godroom post today with her. I prayed over her one near the table over specific issues and again before she left, right at the front door. Since she knew what was on this post today, she knew my day began praying at that very door.
Yes, Lord, the door is wide open.
Spunky Samantha shared her story. Her husband of 19 years left her last year. She had used grandfathers inheritance to pay off their family home. She must now refinance and give her husband half the equity. She is strong in her faith at Life Point Riverdale. Before knowing she had such deep faith, I shared the “ Seek Sunshine” story. We enjoyed a beautiful Godversation. She changed before my eyes from “down and out” to “smiling with light in her eyes”. I know what I saw was the Holy Spirit nudging her heart to accept unconditional love from me, a stranger.
Couldn’t let her pay for that purchase. When God is blessing us like there is no tomorrow, I trust that nudge implicitly.
What an interesting month it has been with how God has used music to both clarify and amplify certain messages to me. This morning, I was listening to Brandon Lake sing “That’s Who I Praise”. Since he has several songs with praise in the title, it’s the one which begins, “I wanna dance like David, I wanna faith like Paul’s, I wanna sing like Silas tearing down the prison walls.” I was just praising whole-heartedly on the drive to work and by the time he gets to a line about ” I wanna gift like Mary, I wanna break my vase,” tears flooded.
It was a powerful and power-filled moment. It was like Jesus was sitting in the passenger seat just talking to me about the various people I have met and prayed with over the past month. Kerwin, Keisha, Shimmy, Starr, Terri and more. Even going to dinner with our friends last night was an opportunity to share God’s love and “My Gigi”. In that one moment, the Holy Spirit assured me in countless ways, I am pouring out like Jesus and NOT Carol. It was the moment which said I would acknowledge it in writing this morning, before I do any other task. Nothing is more important than sharing what God has done, is doing and will do.
Thank you, Lord. The doors you open for me ALL bring be closer to you. When I am poured completely out, you fill me again to overflowing. I could never thank you enough for all your promises and provision. Isa 63:7 Col 1:17 Gal 6:9. Please keep drawing me so close I feel that extra lobe in my lungs. In Jesus beautiful name, I ask only for your will to be done. I am yours. Amen.
Arriving to the shop, it felt even more special. Why? Of all the devotionals in the world, the one at our shop talks about holding little sheep. We literally had this exact conversation last night about Terri and Jason visiting a place called Hold a Baby Lamb in Ireland. Naturally, I had to snap a photo of it and share with our dinner buddies before flipping the Bible open to 2 Chronicles 6:13, “For He is good and HIs mercy endures forever.” Yes and amen. Thank you, Lord.
Yesterday was Friday, May 24,2024. In a twist, Mark and I agreed to split the weekend where I would be off all day for him to be off all day today. I spent the day in Deuteronomy, Chapters 4-17. I am recognizing the recent posts are a bit jumbled. However, there is so much being pushed through floodgates, I consider it a blessing to get anything cemented in my brain/heart. Still on my heart is the conversation with Katrina about Solomon. Solomon is not in Deuteronomy. However, I promised Katrina I was going to invest extra time studying Solomon and the African connection.
According to internet returns, Bathsheba was 8 years and 8 months of age when she gave birth to Solomon in the Bible. Immediately, that did not settle well in my spirit. Clearly, that would mean her first child with King David that died was born when she was 6 or 7 years of age. King David said she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, not child. It isn’t resting on me easy and needs to be further explored. Another source states she was born in 1010 BC and had Solomon around 985 BC. That would have made her 25 at the time of his birth. While I am certain this will involve more studying in the future, this entire thread gives excellent points to ponder.
Moving forward, Solomon’s son with Makeda, Queen of Sheba, was Menelik I. He was born around 1000 BC and reigned as the Ethiopian Emperor for roughly 25 years. The dates are varied, but various sources specify birth at 954-982 BC, thus the origin of the Royal Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia. Fascinating to me, the man had no legitimate children but recognized three children by women who were not his wives.
It’s strange to me the history books and internet state Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 4th Century. Why? Because the internet also states the Royal Solomonic Dynasty was founded in 1270 and lasted until 1974. Over 700 years in current time because the original ruler in the dynasty claimed to be born of the Solomonic line. Regardless, this is not the place to discuss the differences in Ethiopian time versus Gregorian or Julian Time. Ethiopia is significant.
Admittedly, I am distracted a pinch because I just looked up countless variations for how time is marked. My birth year of 1968 has the exact same calendar as 1996 and 2024. I am thinking of why 1996 is so relevant on my spiritual path, as well. Given Katrina’s extensive knowledge of the stars and planets, I am curious to get her feedback. Interesting sidenote to me, Menelik II (1844-1913) was born Sahle Mariam but took the name Menelik II because Menelik I was a legendary son of Solomon. Menelik II actually ate pages from the Bible when he did not feel well. Of course, this reminds me of “Brother Zeke” in Ezekial 3.
Statista tells me there is no calendar past the Assyrians.
Closing for today, I will share Mr. Jamal was just in the shop. Our Godversation was enlightening and at one point he mentioned Ethiopia. I immediately pointed to my laptop and asked if he wanted to see the last words I had touched. I turned my computer to face toward him and the cursor was still after the sentence about Ethiopia being significant. If that was not enough of a God Move, Futina walked in and brought me flowers! Jamal got to learn about my favorite woman “at the well”.
Time is truly a man-made construct. Only God times things the way He did today!
Thank you, God. For all of it. For everything under the sun and your son. I love you.
Yesterday, we returned to TN from worshipping at Brandon Lake’s Tear off the Roof Tour in Charleston, SC on 5/5/2024. It was the quickest trip we have ever planned or taken. Leaving my glorious 55th year behind in January, my heart’s desire was to worship at a Brandon Lake event. His music very much marked all of 2023 for me, including the miracle 10/17/23. We prayed about it and agreed to go to Charleston, SC, to celebrate my 1/21/2024 birthday, my ninth baptism birthday (5/3/15) and our 9th wedding anniversary (5/10/15) in advance. Praise God for healing my blood pressure issues of February, March and April, in His Timing! (Isa 55)
After a spiritual warfare grenade thrown by a certain pastor last week, I am exponentially grateful we sacrificed some things in our normal budget to obtain floor seats. Heck, we were even blessed in the City Market buying that brick washed red Charleston cap. The sweet vendor told me I was “meant to have that cap” at a 33% discount! We met up with an old friend of mine who is four months pregnant with her second child. She will be fifty in July and the baby girl will be born in late October/Early November. Blessings upon blessings!
We cut the visit a pinch short to ensure we made it over to the Credit One arena on time. The Holy Spirit was present in a palpable way; it felt like Jesus was holding my hand most of the evening. It did not surprise me Brandon Lake opened with “Praise You Anywhere” and ended with “Praise”. From beginning to the end of his set, Brandon Lake led authentic, gospel-based worship. Of all the Christian artists I have ever experienced in person, I do not recall a single one used more by God to move me closer to Him. I thank God for the soundtrack he has given to my faith, including Brandon Lake.
After Doe’s opening set, there was an extended call to sponsor World Vision children in need. Lake was on stage at 8:02 pm. Roughly 40 minutes into the show, Brother Brandon joked about being too sweaty to put on his Coat of Many Colors. He shared the story behind his coat before placing it on his sons. In doing so, Lake spoke of the double portion of Spirit and anointing his father prayed over him and how he prays for his three boys to receive the same.
I have seen quite a few clips/shorts of Brandon Lake. Never had I heard him refer to a double portion. It certainly isn’t the first time the Holy Spirit has returned a Word back to me through another person. In that moment, I knew exactly why the Spirit had me write out “One Response” to the aforementioned pastor BEFORE leaving Nashville. It was the nudge to include a reference to 2 Kings 2:9-14 and a double portion of a different variety. Such a blinding bright light of a Godwink in the middle of the show!
Truly, I love how the Holy Spirit moves…including through music and the internet. I somehow ended up here after looking up Brandon Lake’s earlier music. How perfect! Brandon Lake wrote a song with Matt Redman, Brian Johnson, and Phil Wickham and called “We Praise You” on Redmond’s Let There Be Wonder compilation four years ago. The same Matt Redman the pastor praised while denouncing Brandon Lake’s song, Gratitude. The pastor wrote, “Lake is connected with Bethel Church …and along with their music labels promote questionable teaching all the time.” I suppose it depends on how one defines “connected.” Still, I rebuke such statements, as God will judge me or condemn every useless word, including mine.
I didn’t find or know this song before writing “One Response”, so I am including it here for posterity. Yes, Brandon Lake has collaborated with Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, Hillsong, Maverick City Music and more. I emphatically deny that all music from them should be silenced under the presumption of “bad theology”.
I assume ALL GOOD in any person is from God, as I believe all GOOD and GOOD KNOWLEDGE come from God. I have also experienced God through some secular music. I respect churches being intentional about how they lead worship and which songs they choose. However, blindly banning any group of artists and reading the devil into all their songs surely borders on blasphemy.
Praise can be a weapon to silence the enemy!
Roughly a year later, this is Elevation Worship with Maverick City and Brandon Lake. This video was posted three years ago and as of today, 3.3M views:
Forward another year, Lake’s Gratitude was used on The Chosen. 33 million views to this version alone. I believe God has used this song to sew countless seeds among those 33 million views. Brandon Lake can’t convert people to follow Jesus in his own power. However, there is no denying God’s hand on this song and, I believe, on Mr. Lake, himself. Lord, thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do. You have the master list 🙂 Today, I humbly ask all those who come to Jesus through his ministry grow to full maturity in their faith. In Jesus sweet name, Amen.
Today is Wednesday, May 1, 2024. There is part of me which feels like March and April went by extra slow, yet they also feel like a hyper-quick blur. Until I have clearer understanding of WHY time was warped during the “BPP” aka Blood Pressure Palooza, I am trusting He is going to get me there in His Timing. He always has and always will.
This morning, I had a follow up appointment to get new bloodwork completed. Getting up extra early for a doctor appointment, I didn’t have the time to study or linger in God’s Word. Arriving at work, I planned to study some similar themes in Psalms and Isaiah. They have been on my mind since last Thursday.
Before diving in, I stopped to read the daily devotion in One Minute with God (for Women). No shocker, it was about RENEWAL! What a wonderful question to ask God. How MORE or DIFFERENTLY can God renew me? Immeasurably more, no doubt.
Items Left in the Study lists problems with Brandon Lake’s song, Gratitude in October 2023. I agree with the scripture quoted and other elements of praise and worship to be considered. Furthermore, I agree with the pastor, “You see, we are to walk in obedience to God. A life of obedience, that is what is fit for a king. His servants pouring out their lives in service for Him.” Under the “about us” section, Pastor Isaac details his personal testimony and calling to be a pastor. “God showed me how to love the unlovable…” and how to view others through God’s eyes. My spirit was unsettled. Why?
Where I disagree is in the fact this website has other follow up posts declaring why they no longer use “NAR” aka Bethel/Elevation music. Pastor Isaac with Bedford Alliance Church makes several statements which cause my heart to hurt. Blanket statements like, ” I am not surprised by the bad theology in this song because Brandon Lake is connected with Bethel Church in Redding, CA and Bethel Church along with their music labels promote questionable teaching all the time.”
I must stand in the gap and pray for him and other false teachers to have the truth revealed to him. I felt no love in his words. All of Gods children are called to lead with love. I am not saying that pastor or any other doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus. I do not question what is between them and God.
What I am saying is when MY SPIRIT recoils, it is like a red flag warning me the person does need prayer. Feeling the weight of another’s “woe” will drive me to my knees in obedience.
My God Room 