“The Control Connection and Lack of Accountability” - Those Who Reverence and Fear The Lord Are Stable, Predictable and Trustworthy

By Mary Lindow
 
I welcome you to today's podcast and look forward to sharing this message with you! 
I told you in my last podcast that had some things on my heart that we're concerning me as well as just observing some of the trajectory of things going on, I guess we could call it “largely in the Body of Christ”, as well as the Lord allowing exposures and allowing things to be brought to light when others choose to not fear and revere the Lord.  When they have no real understanding of how long he gives us before we are allowed to have that brought to light.
 
In Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 it says,
(This is the key scripture I’m using to address part of this message.)
“Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm,
and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.
For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him.”
 
BEING TESTED, STRETCHED, AND RESTRAINED.
It’s in all of our lives as believers, we face times and settings where there is a feeling of being pulled and tested, stretched and restrained.
Often, during these excruciating events, those who avoid personal character development tend to give unrestrained advice, spiritualized platitudes, and often, trumped up words of “so-called” prophetic inspiration to help us not suffer so much!
 
As we begin to see the Lord's plan in all of this we also come to understand that if we are not first hearing His voice, His heart, His word in the matters that are straining us, nothing any man or woman says can bring the ultimate light of clarity and release!
 
WE HAVE WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL.
We all face seasons of change that correspond much like the four seasons we observe yearly.
Nothing is more surprising than to have an interruption of what we anticipate to be what is "normal" for an earthly expectation, in one of those seasons.
When a sudden ice storm blows in unexpected in the late spring and encrusts the tender blooms on fruit trees and garden plants, we are devastated by the loss of not only the blooms, but also the fruit it could have produced. It appears as if there has been a cruel storm, sent to cause crop failure.
 
UPHEAVAL. LOSS. DISAPPOINTMENT. 
For many listening to or reading this message, you feel as if you have experienced a "Crop failure", perhaps several, and just can’t take one more aching disappointment. 
Many hearts have passed their tender agonies on to me on paper, in emails and through the telephone.
 
ANGUISH HAS ITS OWN PERFUME
I have also heard the whispers of the voices of darkness try to entice, with wearisome words of worry, paranoia and doubting!
"Give up!" they say! 
“What good is this time of shaking doing?"
"What possible good can come out of believing that there is something occurring that will bring a fresh and healthy  move of God’s goodness, when all seems to have stalled or strained?"
 
In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul lists the works of the 'flesh' (“sinful nature”).  
In the middle he mentions “idolatry, sorcery” (NKJV) or “idolatry and witchcraft” (NIV).
 
THE CONTROL CONNECTION!
This is our fallen, rebellious, sinful nature. And if not brutally dealt with - this insidious root can deceive even the Christian believer if he of she is not transparent before God and is in humble, healthy and mature relational accountability to other members in the Body of Christ! 
(Not easy to do…but healthy!)
But real godly accountability must be vulnerable at all times, wise in listening to advice, and not selective about what things WE want to be accountable for or not. 
 
“Delicatessen Accountability” is not going to bless your life, 
and it will frustrate your family and friends to tears.
 
 
HUMILITY HAS NO PROBLEM EXPOSING ITSELF.
It’s a natural outpouring of what is in the heart of a true follower when put under the pressure of the test of exposure.
 
NOTICE IN THE BOOK OF ACTS THAT SOME BELIEVERS 
OPENLY CONFESSED THEIR SINS TO ONE ANOTHER!
 
Acts 19:18 says, 
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.”
 
AND AGAIN IN THE BOOK OF JAMES,
ALL BELIEVERS ARE URGED TO CONFESS THEIR SINS 
HUMBLY TO ONE ANOTHER, AND ALLOW THEM 
TO BE PRAYED FOR AND HEALED OF HIDDEN WRONGDOING!
 
James 5:16 says,
“Therefore confess your sins to each other,
and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
 
 
So! What’s The Definition of ACCOUNTABILITY? 
Accountability - noun
responsibility." 
Liability, answerability
:  the quality or state of being accountable; 
especially,  an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
 
THIS NATURE OF THE FLESH OFTEN MANIFESTS ITSELF,
 EVEN IN INFANCY, IN EFFORTS TO CONTROL OTHER PEOPLE! 
We feel secure if we can control others.
Then they do not threaten us! 
They do what WE want!
 
 
GOD, ON THE OTHER HAND…
…NEVER SEEKS TO CONTROL US.
He respects the free will He has given to each of us, although He does hold us responsible for how we use that freedom.
 
THERE ARE THREE WAYS THE DESIRE TO CONTROL OTHERS EXPRESSES ITSELF:
 
☑ MANIPULATION
☑ INTIMIDATION
☑ DOMINATION
 
THE GOAL IS DOMINATION!
People who recognize that they are weaker than those they seek to control, tend to manipulate.
Those who feel stronger tend to intimidate. 
But the end purpose is the same: 
TO DOMINATE - 
meaning….
… To control others and get them to do what we want.
 
MANY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS PORTRAY THIS.
Husbands intimidate their wives by fits of rage or actual violence.
Wives manipulate their husbands by tears and hurt feelings, and often making them feel guilty for their shortcomings. 
Parents frequently intimidate or manipulate their children. 
But, alternatively, children can become extremely good at manipulating their parents.
 
ONE MAIN TOOL OF MANIPULATION …
… IS GUILT.
Once we learn to recognize the desire to control others as an evil, manipulative force, we will see it at work in many different areas.
 
ONCE WE RECOGNIZE THESE DEVICES ARE 
DISGUISES OF REBELLION, WE REALIZE 
THAT IN OUR CONTEMPORARY AND POST MODERN CULTURE
 WE ARE BEING EXPOSED CONTINUALLY TO ITS PRESSURE! 
 
 
This sure gives new meaning to Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that says,  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers”. 
People who are in the habit of using manipulation or intimidation to control others will be taken over by a deceitful spirit masquerading itself in many cloaked forms, often shifting it's present behavior or mask, in order to influence others to THEIR  WAY way of thinking. 
This is still a form of evil. 
After that they will be unable to relate to anyone apart from these tactics.
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” -Proverbs 28:13
 
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you,  And did not cover up my wrongdoing.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "- And you forgave the guilt of my sin.”  Selah. -Psalm 32:5
 
 
EVERY PERSON MUST MEET THE CONDITIONS FOR BEING SET FREE
Psalm 38:18 says
“I confess my wrongdoing;
I am troubled by my sin.”
 
ON ONE SIDE, THE PERSON EXERCISING CONTROL MUST REPENT AND RENOUNCE HIS OR HER DESIRE TO CONTROL.
ON THE OTHER SIDE, THE PERSON BEING CONTROLLED MUST REPENT OF SUBMITTING TO SUCH CONTROL.
(This does not mean necessarily a separation from the relationship… but a healthy detaching from 'being controlled' as the relationship functions. 
Fear is at work underneath this structure… fear of man…etc.)
 
FEAR OF MAN. What IS That?
It is obvious that we must fear God rather than man. If we fear man more than God, we will displease God most of the time, because man's ways are usually opposite of God's.
 
THE WORD "FEAR" MEANS TO "TREMBLE".
The fear of man may be evident by someone being overly fashion-conscious, needing to be noticed for their trendy appearance. Other forms of having the fear of man is being easily embarrassed (even when doing right), being quick to defend ourselves (with lies, if need be), the telling of grandiose or constant lies and deceptions to gain honor from others, by pretending to understand when we don't, by giving compliments which we don't mean, by pretending to agree when we should disagree, by avoiding giving criticisms and warnings even when necessary.
AND, here’s a big one.
Gaslighting or planting suspicious seeds about someone else in order to appear more credible or spiritual to peers. 
Oh the insidious nature of the flesh! 
 
OBVIOUSLY, A MAN-FEARER WILL NOT ONLY DISPLEASE GOD, 
BUT WILL ALSO ULTIMATELY BE CONSIDERED TOTALLY UNSTABLE AND UNTRUSTWORTHY BY OTHERS - BECAUSE HE OR SHE WILL CHANGE THEIR MIND AS SOON AS THEY FACE SOMEONE ELSE.
 
In other words, the "honor" that they receive is only a momentary acknowledgement for "convenience" provided by their man-pleasing deed. 
➡️ Man-fearers are "used" and then despised. ⬅️
Besides…
…WHO KNOWS WHEN A "MAN-FEARER" MAY TURN AGAINST YOU, AND "SLAY" YOU, SO THEY CAN OBTAIN HONOR FROM OTHER MEN OR WOMEN?
 
Look at the way politicians cave in under pressure due to the fear of man and loosing face in front of the “Big MONEY OR INFLUENCER People”!
EVEN if a man-fearer was loved by another, he or she is not loved, but actually his/her “pretended-self” is the "one" that is loved.
 
WHAT GOOD IS HAVING FEAR OF GOD AT WORK IN OUR LIVES? 
PROVERBS 9: 10 says,
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom"
 
The word 'fear" means to "reverence".
One who fears God is more concerned about what God thinks than what men think. (ACTS 4:19) 
The result of this fear, this reverence is a single-minded obedience to God's Word, and a single-minded aim to glorify God! 
 
A GOD-FEARER IS WILLING TO SUFFER SHAME AND PAIN RATHER THAN TO DISOBEY GOD.
(Like Daniel and his friends did. Read DANIEL 3).
 
 
THE FEAR OF GOD IS:
THE RESULT OF LOVING HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US!
Fearing Him because He is constantly watching us, 
and 
Expecting from Him alone, all our present and eternal rewards. 
 
Since man's ways are usually opposite to God's, there will be a continuous struggle in us whether to honor God or man.
 
The fear of God is pretty evident in many instances by practicing a godly carefulness regarding being "In fashion and trendy ", having a slowness to be embarrassed before men, speaking that will not only compliment but  will also warn (in a gracious and loving manner, Romans 10:18), having a quickness to defend God's honor, and a quickness to admit your own mistakes. Having a cautiousness to accept lavish and public compliments, and having a quickness to give the glory to God in a humble manner.
 
SOMEONE  WHO FEARS GOD IS STABLE, PREDICTABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY 
He or she will simply obey God's Word and will not change their mind because of man's faces or “undertones of condescension.”
 
FRIENDS! 
WE MUST STOP JUST "ACTING" SPIRITUAL!
WE MUST "BE" SPIRITUAL.
We must stop concentrating on the outside and start concentrating on the inside.
Management experts say that there is no formula for success but God says:
"Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, 
so that you may flourish in all that you do"
(DEU. 29:9).
 
In the midst of these strains and attempts to distract comes a clear undeniable "Divine Tension" that pulls and stretches the heart of the humbled believer.
It calls simply, firmly, and does not lack a depth of confidence and direction.
This “Presence” causes a clash with all that seems to be "the way of man" and will not relent.
 
THE EARTH IS IN TURMOIL!
It doesn't take much to understand that the earth is in upheaval, rivalry, and chaos wherever we look. There is a tangible and penetrating "tension" in the events we are seeing unfold every day. 
Parallel to this explosion of pure evil and lulling to sleep of many, there is a Divine Course being laid out for those who have come to the end of themselves.
 
 
ETERNITY IS IN THE SIGHTS OF THOSE LOOKING TO A KINGDOM YET UNSEEN!
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been preparing a bride. 
This is done only through the shaping tools of heavenly choice.
The chisel and hammer have been at times brutal and unflinching, yet when the soft hand of The Almighty begins to apply the oil of polishing, 
He does it with His own hand as well.
He makes it beautiful in His own timing, even though the “Divine Tension” seems as if it might cause us to "snap" under the pressure of His hand, smoothing away the roughness of our thoughts and soul's intentions.
 
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says,
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
Yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
 
HEARING, REFINING,  and HEEDING
These three words can be hard to listen to at times. 
The King of all Glory is training those who have been thrust on the altar of fire to hear from Him as one who strains to catch the song of a bird in distant meadow.
It takes the "spiritual ear" and training it to identify even the slightest note or sound, however distant, and to learn to silence the sounds and voices of distraction until the "honing in" on the sound, the glorious sound of peace, finally directs and sustains us with all that we hear.
And then, having drunk deeply of the Voice of the Beloved and Divine Counselor, quickly, without the mental filing way of instructions, or the weighing of how much it might cost, we move and heed His mapping out of plans for this appointed time.
 
Isaiah speaks so clearly about those who desire to honor God fully and who see the world in need of the telling of the good and beautiful truth of the sacrifice that Jesus was for their redemption.
 
 
As I read this passage in closing,
I would encourage you to speak it as if it was your very own words. Speak them before the Lord and own them, take them to heart and allow him to use you more beautifully and purposefully in the days ahead, more than ever before.
 
Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,Because the LORD has anointed me
To preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim freedom for the captives
And release from darkness for the prisoners,
 
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
And the day of vengeance of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
 
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion
To bestow on them a crown of beauty
Instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness
Instead of mourning, 
And a garment of praise Instead of a spirit of despair.
 
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
A planting of the LORD
For the display of his splendor.”
 
Wow! These are such beautiful words! 
I just love reading the words of God and speaking them out loud. 
Speaking these words to remind myself that this is the voice of the ONE who created me, the voice of the Savior who died for me, and the power of the comforter, the Holy Spirit, the advocate. The one who comes alongside to help!
These are the Beloved Ones, and the ones who have loved me and they function in a unit of such glorified deity that I stand in awe that they acknowledge that I am loved and wanted and valuable enough that a life was spilled and spent, that I might have eternity! 
 
I thank you for listening today and I ask the Holy Spirit to speak these words clearly to you and that you would ponder and let them move deeply within you in these days where there is just so much noise and so many good and “not so good” podcasts to listen to. 
Sometimes  you just feel like you get hooked on listening to certain threads or certain themes, and I have found myself needing to pull back a little bit and just be quiet, just be still!
 
You know friends, the greatest gift to a believer is peace in the presence of God, and then rest comes from that. 
 
I encourage you to maybe share this podcast with someone else who needs to hear it!
Good bye for now!
 
Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete podcast source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You!
Copyright  2026
"THE ADVOCATE OF HOPE "
~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
https://marylindow.podbean.com/
 
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HUMILITY vs. PRIDE - AND THE SPIRITUAL FORCES THAT RAGE AGAINST THE SOUL

 
By Mary Lindow
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
But with humility comes wisdom.”
-Proverbs 11:2
 
WHEN THE SOUL GOES THROUGH HUMBLING EXPERIENCES
We all know that there are times when the soul goes through humbling experiences.
Perhaps in the past you had strength, calm, security and confidence, and then all of that suddenly gets stripped and your soul sees itself and it's true state of desperate need. 
If you are alert you will recognize that the Lord is opening our eyes to secret pride. That internal thinking that all of our achievement is of our own doing and not purely a gift from above.
Yes, these times come so it will never occur to us again that we are stronger in spirit than anyone else! If we look up on any other person as weaker, it is only because we have not been taken through the purging fire of God completely. Perhaps this is what's happening to someone we know, and it's no business of ours to preen our feathers of “goodness” while they are being refined and challenged. On the other side of that coin, God wants for us to have an open and humble spirit, realizing that if we were in their position we may not handle the circumstances as well, and might actually do worse!
 
THIS HUMBLING PROCESS IS IN GOD’S HANDS
It is his way of raising in your heart, a new love for all of mankind.
In the past you may have judged others either for their pride, or for being in personal difficulties. 
Even worse, you may have seen others who are lukewarm or weak in their faith and compared it with your own strong devotion and enthusiasm for God.
God is merciful and he shows us all of our own places of emptiness.
Allowing us to go through humbling experiences is how He knocks this out of the seat of our own “judgment” which is His seat alone! He wants us to keep our eyes on our own response to what we know He wants us to do, so that we remain in a place of simple obedience to Him.
 
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy one understands." -Proverbs 9:10
  
WE ARE ON A HUMBLE SPIRITUAL ROAD
David stood in the presence of wicked men (Samuel chapter 16:5-6 and 9-10) and there he was wondering why the Lord put up with their evil behavior while he was going through such anguish in his own life!
But he still prayed and said, 
“I will watch my ways so I may not sin with my tongue.
I will keep my mouth shut as if it were tied with ropes, while the sinful are near me.” –Psalm 39:1
 
When David finally saw how limited and small that his own viewpoint was, he continued to say,
“I remained silent and I wasn't about to open my mouth because you Lord are the one who allowed this!”
 
This is a humble condition much like David's that the Lord will bring our souls to as we are on this humble, spiritual road, 
He says to you and I that He longs to help you to be submitted to His hand alone, obedient to His voice alone!  We are not to resist Him!
 We are not really serving Him and our brothers and sisters if we've taken the high seat above them.
When the Lord begins to work this way of tenderness in our hearts we must listen to what He says no matter what or WHOM He allows to bring the message through. In the past, arrogance has been the measuring stick where many would only receive teaching and correction, from someone THEY thought was worthy to DARE speak to them! 
Those days are over.
“If you have jealousy in your heart and fight to have many things, do not be proud of it.  Do not lie against the truth." -James 3:14
 
WE MUST CLEARLY SEE THAT CORRUPTION CAN RAPIDLY OCCUR IN ANY PERSON OR ANY GROUP, ORGANIZED, RELAXED, OR OTHERWISE,when the tendency to think that they have arrived at a new or deeper revelation about something more so than others who perhaps express the Lord's voice differently.
 
ARROGANCE IS THE ASSUMPTION THAT I, INDIVIDUALLY,
OR SOME GROUP THAT I AM A PART OF, COLLECTIVELY,
IS SOMEHOW SUPERIOR TO SOMEONE ELSE OR
SOME OTHER GROUP OF PEOPLE.
 
AT THE HEART OF ARROGANCE IS SELF-CENTEREDNESS.
And, self-centeredness is the foundation of human sin. I believe any serious attempt at self-examination by an honest person will reveal that we humans are sinful and flawed beyond measure.
Paul writes, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand…Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death?”
 
WE ARE CONSUMED BY SELF.
And every time we arrogantly place our own needs before others we are enslaved by sin.
 
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE INSTEAD OF IN THAT ARROGANT MODE?
WHAT IS THE ANTIDOTE?
 
How about the words of Jesus? What did he say?
"Everyone who exalts himself (for example, "Aren't I great? Aren't I right? Don't I always have the best opinion?") will be humbled.
 
But, he who humbles himself (for example, "This is my opinion but it may not be right. I don't have a corner on the market of truth.")
will be exalted."
 
THE LORD IS NOT SPEEDING UP THE DELIVERY OF ANY "FRESH THING" IN THE EARTH IN ORDER TO GET US TO HIS PURPOSES QUICKLY.
No. He is testing the hearts of men and women everywhere, looking for humility, selflessness, and honor, for those who although not perfect, have also served and pointed the way to salvation for many years previously.
 
THE LORD IS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE INDIVIDUAL
WHO SHOUTS THAT "CHANGE IS NEEDED"
OR THAT "CHANGE IS COMING" AND THEN
SLASHES AND BURNS ANYTHING
THAT DOESN'T EMBRACE THEIR VERSION OF IT.
 
 
THE LORD IS INTERESTED IN THE EVIDENCE OF HUMILITY AND THE EVIDENCE OF GRACE.
These key character issues attract the pure and simple Presence of the Lord. Blessed are the PURE in heart...for they shall see God.
Until the Body of Christ that has been through many difficult and shattering events, rids itself of bitter and venomous words against one another and accepts that each one like sheep have gone astray and turned to what pleased them at the moment, there will be little evidence of much harvest .
 
THE LOST AND CONFUSED WORLD OUT THERE WATCHES CHRISTIANS TEAR EACH OTHER TO SHREDS DAILY AND WONDERS WHY WE ARE ASKING THEM TO JOIN US!
Remember Christ’s two great commandments—love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself.
 
SELF-CENTEREDNESS IS THE REVERSAL OF THE GREAT COMMANDMENT. Self-centeredness means to place ourselves first, in effect proclaiming our own form of self-government (not needing or wanting the advice or insight of others), therefore our neighbors become an afterthought, and God becomes simply a convenience to be considered only when it’s helpful to us.
It is evident even in our language that self-centeredness is woven into the fabric of the human experience.
 
THE ONE TRUE SACRIFICIAL MODEL TOLD US THAT HE WOULD SEND THE VERY SPIRIT OF GOD IN ORDER TO CONVICT ALL PEOPLE OF SIN, TO COMFORT, TO GUIDE, AND TO SET THEM FREE.
 Indeed. The very evidence of a redemptive type of life, is in one who washes the feet of his/her brothers and his/her enemies in an act of cleansing the dirt from the road of life off of the pathway to the Truth.
May we truly hear the sound of the unmistakable heartbeat of a redemptive model rising up in clear resounding purity, personal transparency, and in the covering of the multitude of sins by speaking and meditating only on those things that are noble, just, pure, and of a good report.
 
AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS NATIONS, THE ANTIDOTE TO ARROGANCE AND SELF-CENTEREDNESS IS A HEAVY DOSE OF HUMILITY. That is; a profound willingness to recognize the value, and respect the dignity of every human life. And, furthermore, a humble heart calls us to seek and serve Christ in ALL persons by giving of ourselves willingly for the welfare of other people.
 
THE LORD SAYS,
"Do not let a wise man brag about how wise he is. Do not let a strong man boast about how strong he is. Do not let  a rich person brag about how rich he is.
But here is what the one who brags should boast about. He should brag that he has understanding and knows me. I want him to know that I am the Lord.
No matter what I do on earth, I am always kind, fair and right. And I take delight in that," announces the Lord.
JEREMIAH 9:23-24 (New International Reader's Version)
 
 
WE MUST HAVE EARS THAT ARE OPEN TO HIS VOICE ALONE
 We can enjoy the extreme value of knowing that we must be under the direction of our matchless Lord. 
Remember that He may use anyone, however unpleasing to the eye, unintelligent, or, not so affluent! When you see they may be able to teach you and direct you on your way, it is because of the attraction and Divine beauty they have in their lives from honoring the Lord.
It’s that they are truly humble, not simply by saying it - but by literally BEING humble.
 
 HEEDING ANOTHER VOICE OF PROMISE AND PROMOTION?
 The Lord has impressed me to share that some have heeded "another voice", one who would put them up, on the pinnacle of the world and promise them all power and wealth if they but, “just bow down”. The Lord wants you to know, (although I tremble at even delivering this), that many have already bent one knee downward to hopefully obtain a bit of blessing from “both sides.”
Get up and RUN from deception and self-indulgence, blatant lying, and entitlement!
You can be sure that using people or spiritual metaphors or “things” just for what you can get out of them—the typical indicators of idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the Kingdom of Christ.
 You have been taken in and spoiled by religious and deceptive smooth talk. The Lord is furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but who really want nothing to do with Him. You have groped your way through that murk once, but no longer.
You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain.
 
GOD OFTEN MOVES AMONG THE OUTCASTS
 -Isaiah 66:2 says,
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the LORD.
These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”  
 
You've probably never been stuck on a deserted island, but you may know pretty well how it feels.
In a world of bad relationships and superficial relationships and broken relationships, a lot of people know the feeling of being emotionally cast aside, abandoned, and maybe even discarded.
Because of some of what you've been through, you may feel like you're the outcast.
 Your days on that island may be almost over. In fact, it could be that all your failed or frustrating relationships have actually been preparing you to experience the central relationships you were being equipped and prepared for.
Anyone who has ever felt like an emotional outcast needs to hear the fabulous promise of Jesus Christ in this word from the Word of God. 
 
Jesus says to all those who belong to Him, 
"I will not leave you as orphans. I WILL come to you.” 
-John 14:18
 
This is the same Savior, who says, 
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” -Hebrews. 13:5
 
He's the One, who promised, 
"The one that comes to me, I will certainly not cast out."
-John 6:37
 
 
AND FROM NOW ON, THAT PROMISE OF JESUS CAN BE ALL ABOUT YOU! "THE ONE THAT COMES TO ME, I WILL CERTAINLY NOT CAST OUT."
  
THE LORD WOULD SAY THESE WORDS TO YOU AND I 
“You now understand the pain of betrayal, losses so great that you can no longer talk about them.
You have ached in such agonizing despair that at times you have begged me to let you die.
Friends have turned and chosen to see you through blinded eyes of their own making and have refused to help you to find your footing again, thinking they are doing you a service by letting you grovel and weep in painful loss and sorrow.
They have competed for gain to their own egos and have self promoted at the expense of exchanging deeper relationships for ego stroking. 
You have been reduced in the past season to identify with those who were forced to make bricks for Pharaoh without straw.
I too was a man of sorrows and endured the shame in order to be formed, shaped, and made ready for the moment of redemption.
And so shall it be with you.
Redemption from the losses will come to those who choose obedience over pleasure,  serving others over being the served one, and letting go of the dreams of greatness you cling too, no longer using my name or gifts as a calling card.
  
THE CALL OF THE MOMENT IS THIS! 
“Let the follies of your dim visions fall away”, says the Spirit of God!
“I have a more perfect way that I am forming in you and for you. 
I have caused you to cease from striving, from worrying, and from being anxious. 
You now rest up again my chest, waiting, trusting, wanting only ME.
You have become kinder, a better listener, a more trusted confidant.
I can work well with those attributes. 
Just Watch Me.
I WILL Open the Way of Hope and Shine Light on the pathway for those who have ceased from manipulating the moment.”
 
SEARED OR FERVENT
 In ~ 1 Timothy 4 it says,
“The spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith
and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
 
SUCH TEACHINGS COME THROUGH HYPOCRITICAL LIARS, 
WHOSE CONSCIENCES HAVE BEEN SEARED AS WITH A HOT IRON.”
 
To have a seared or calloused conscience means to cause something to wither.
To make (someone's conscience, heart, or feelings), insensitive.
 
Without the willingness of heart to fall upon the rock of God’s word, allowing every strength and support of ours to be fully broken, the wicked heart of mankind will continue to allow the searing patterns of indifference and insensitivity to affect their choices and will permeate more and more of the moral and sacred places of society.
 
I have been impressed to warn believers that the increase of sexual lures and smutty language has begun to pay a toll much larger than they realize. 
 
WE ARE TO BE MATURE AND SOLEMN 
 Huge numbers of people are being brought to ruin because they are not thinking; thoughtlessly causing hurt or inconvenience to others is the devastation of thousands, and many a precious soul has been shattered through carelessness. 
 
The Lord is asking you and I to "consider our ways," and return to a walk with The Still Small Voice and begin a familiarity with him yet again. With conviction, it would be the most rewarding relationship you could fall into!
"But since we belong to the day, let us be sober."
-1 Thessalonians 5:8
 
PRAYER AND THANKFULNESS 
 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
-Colossians 4:2
 
As I finish these insights, I will share the last  challenging impressions that the Lord clearly impressed me with.
 
“Each day, upon waking, where does your heart and mind wander to?
 Is it the plans and lists of things you must accomplish for the day?
 Is it the meal you are about to eat? 
Is it worry and the bracing yourself for another grinding day of dealing with the pressures of life?
Return to those early awakening moments where you and I share in the dialog of My plans for you.
Each day you have to live and to give, you have been given the opportunity to impact someone and to do a kindness or act of training for another.
 
Where has your thankful heart wandered?
Without it, behaviors and moods of bitterness and drudgery will manifest and sour even the brightest flower of hope.
 
Return to the heart of the issue and clean away the rusty decay of grindstone thinking.
Each day can be a fresh adventure into Kingdom purposes or, a continual repeating of a dreary existence. 
Choose ever so wisely.”
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably,  with reverence and awe.”
~Hebrews 12:28
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed
As long as the complete message, website and podcast
 information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You! Copyright © 2025
 
" THE MESSENGER " Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
PODCAST
 
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"SOS" - LIFE - DISTRESS ABUSE AND PERSECUTION

 
By Mary Lindow 
 
WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT WORLD and therefore, have the “effects and affects” of that corruption ever influencing, ever tainting and ever wooing the flesh. 
Let’s look at the definition of a key word I am going to use in this crucial message. Plumbline: a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope and that is used especially to see if something (such as a wall) is perfectly vertical or in alignment)  
 
A plumbline is a simple but accurate tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical or upright. The Lord also used, and uses, a "plumbline," His Word, to determine how upright His people truly are in His sight.
How upright they think they are, or how upright they proclaim themselves to be, means nothing to God.
 "Behold, I WILL set a plumbline in the midst of My people".  -Amos 7:7 
 
A PLUMBLINE SET OUT BY THE HAND OF GOD IS ONE THAT WE CAN ANCHOR OUR HEARTS TO. 
It will always, always, ALWAYS, direct us to the truth in a matter; even if it requires pain, loss, persecution and perhaps death in areas we feel we may well have rights to. 
It will also be a shield, a balm, a comfort and a teacher to those who will yield to the directive positioning of the Master. 
 “I will make justice the measuring line 
and righteousness the plumbline.” 
-Isaiah 28:17 
 
I am by far not an expert on the subject of plumblines and righteousness, so take what I say in the light of one who at time gropes like a child in the dark, ever reaching for the hand of the ONE to lead me into a safe place filled with His Hope, His Mercy, His Light and Life.
 
LIFE – DISTRESS - AND PERSECUTION 
I have found that in my life, distress and persecution do not feel like God’s care being poured out on me. My heart is not immediately drawn to thanksgiving and gratefulness for the faithfulness of God on display as I cling to the battered pieces that look like potential “rafts” of hope, only to find out that many of them have gaping holes or slow leaks in them. 
Rather, it feels like yet another hurt is being permanently woven into my tattered and war-torn soul. It seems as if another mound of questions are piling up and just waiting for an answer and a true solid REAL anchor of hope. 
 
A Courageous, brilliant, humble servant of God and fellow female Counselor and minister of the Gospel has deeply impressed me and my approach to caring for and ministering to others. She spoke the following words boldly regarding pain, abuse, and the suffering of traumatic events.
Quoting Dr. Langberg,
"In the midst of the trauma and suffering I have also seen the work of the Redeemer. He fills his people with his life and in ordinary ways, little by little; they bring his hope and healing to a ruined world. Traumatized and caregiver alike are transformed. He works both ways as they bend together to bring his redemption to the ravages of evil. I know this to be true for he has done so in me.
I have learned many lessons over the years. I have listened to countless tragedies. Of one thing I am certain: unless we are gripped by the truths of the Cross of Christ in our own hearts and lives, the hope and power of the Cross will not pass from us to others. We cannot give what we do not have.  May love and obedience to the Son of Man so govern our personal lives that he can through us bring his life to this ruined planet." (End of quote)
 
I CAN REALLY CONNECT TO THE WRITER OF PSALM 42 
He said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” It’s at those very times that the words of the Savior are so important. When we are down and in turmoil. 
But, how do we connect the dots between what we know is true about God’s faithfulness and what our hearts feel? When flipped and flung around by the waves, weary from crying and when no answer seems at hand, what IS the answer? 
When my circumstances show many foes and tyrants rising up against me and my heart is prone to wander and fear, what hope is there of peace? 
When my feelings start controlling my thoughts, how can I rest in God’s promises? 
 
AT THIS POINT… I HEAR THE “GASPS”,  (and perhaps shocked comments of a few who are amazed that someone who "appears" to walk so fervently and intimately with the Lord) would have such difficulties! 
Well! Guess what?
I do struggle, I do hurt, and yes I do doubt when I have been side swiped or “rammed” by skilled cons and those who, although may have the appearance of godliness and offered friendship or fellowship, end up having private and evil agendas behind their well placed and planned schemes.
And boy oh boy! Those skilled players know the wicked art of wounding the heart and causing people to reel in pain! 
 
BUT, THERE IS ONE WHO FULLY SEES IT ALL 
The main skill in the issue of dealing with life as a spiritual person, is to know how to handle yourself when things not only crush and grind your heart, but what to do with the anguish and toll of their aftermath. 
We have to get ourselves into a place where we hear clearly again. 
We need have to address ourselves, preach to ourselves, and ask questions about ourselves. 
We must say to our soul: "Why are you cast down –Why are you so anxious and lacking in peace?" 
We must urge ourselves, and say ‘Hope in God’ – instead of remaining in this paralyzed, aching state!” 
 
AND THEN WE MUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER
We must go on to remind ourselves just “Who" God is, and what God is, and what God has done, and what God has promised that he Himself said that He would do. 
Having done that we can stand up and sing out strongly, defying the torment of the soul, and resist other people’s wicked tongues and arrogance, and refuse to go along with the devil and the whole world, and say: ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” 
 
The hope and promise of the fairness of God’s justice when dealing with the hurtful things and presumptions of others gives me the confidence to know that God will never turn away from me in my need. No matter how they seem to prosper in the short term, wicked men and women will ultimately pay for their sins, in this life or the next. Jesus died to meet my greatest hardships and sorrows for me, and I need to preach this to myself every day.
 
His power is greater than my weariness and suffering. 
The comforting and instruction that comes from simply running to feed upon His word instead of the toxic poison of the replaying of trauma reminds me that what Jesus has done is strong enough for my soul to rejoice in and to be set into a place where it can rest and regroup, gaining a healthy perspective about what to give out to others and what is simply…
…. To be enjoyed by the Lord Himself. 
 
THE NATURAL IMPULSES OF MANKIND ARE SINFUL AND DECEITFUL! 
Human willpower alone will never be able to change this. 
We need God's help to truly change our hearts. 
REMEMBER. You cannot change the heart of anyone else either. 
If you try to, you will feel the bite of stinging venom or be laughed out of a room. Only the power of the conviction of the Holy Spirit can permeate and get around the jam-packed hardhearted egos of the self sufficient and bitter. 
Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is deceitful in all things and is even beyond cure!
 
We must be cautious and wise in reproving and warning such types of people about their bad behaviors and wicked actions where there seems to be no appearance or hope of change and where there is danger of experiencing great and heart wrecking retaliation and slander. 
 
THESE TYPES TRAMPLE THE WARNINGS AND URGING FOR REPENTANCE  and humbling of the heart under their feet, and turn again and slash at you, despising the warnings that are “tearfully and fearfully” given, and often hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds. 
 
"Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. 
Don't throw your pearls to pigs! 
They will trample the pearls, 
then turn and attack you.” 
-Matthew 7:6 
 
“GIVE ME THE FACTS MA’AM JUST THE FACTS”
I remember that phrase from a TV show called “Dragnet”. The detective would not allow the details of the case to be skewed by any assumptions or pontificating from those he interviewed. He stoically and firmly demanded only the facts. 
 
And so, here are the “facts” about the heart of a good man or woman.
1.) The good man or woman:
 Brings good things out of the good stored up in his/her heart.
 
And the facts about an evil man or woman. 
2.) The evil man/woman,
 Brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his/her heart.
For out of the overflow of his or her heart his or her mouth speaks. 
-Luke 6:45 
 
THE FRAILTY, BRIEFNESS, AND INSECURITY OF LIFE 
The frailty, briefness, and insecurity of life should hold down the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all of our projects and boasting about future greatness and bragging rights! We are always to depend on the will and leading of God. 
 
OUR TIMES ARE NOT IN OUR OWN HANDS, BUT ARE INSTEAD IN THE TIMING OF GOD. Our heads may be filled with cares and plans for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Divine intervention often throws our plans into bewilderment. All we have in mind, and all we do, should be with a humble and deep dependence on God.
It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of trendy “latest happening” things and prospective projects, and it will bring great disappointment and will prove destructive to relationships and meaningful help to others in the end. 
 
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. 
These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” 
-1 John 2:16
 
LISTEN KINDLY - BEFORE SPEAKING YOUR THOUGHTS 
People don't need a lecture on the meaning of suffering or to have a barrage of scriptures “machine-gunned” at them as a reprimand for sharing their moment of grief or struggle! (Especially when their hearts are breaking, weary of the battle and if they are fatigued.)
Job could have done without some of the self-righteous answers that came from his “well-meaning” friends. All of the answers could have even been true, but Job didn't need to hear any of them. 
He needed their love, not their value judgments. 
In fact, it appears as if God judged THEM for trying to offer simple solutions to things that were beyond their comprehension. They had never walked in the loss he was in anguish over. 
 
WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY WE HAVE A MAJOR CHOICE TO MAKE
How will we respond? We can feel sorry for ourselves (and understandably so, for a while), become bitter and cynical, get drawn into a war of words, or even become mixed up in a major conflict.
On the other hand, we can take our suffering to the cross and allow our pain to draw us into a deeper place of understanding of what Jesus went though in his sufferings.
This does not remove the pain, but does help us to know what to do with our hurt. 
 
THIS IS THE 'FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS (Philippians 3:10), one of the gateways to closeness with God and the release of his power in our lives. The weight of heartbreak shared with a loving friend cuts it in half. When the burden is shared with many friends, we can cope with almost anything.
We never feel more revitalized than when a friend loves us enough to walk with us in our pain. Not lecture us. 
 
The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth: 
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God". -1 Corinthians 1.3-4 
 
SOMETIMES GOD GETS INVOLVED WITH DIRECT MIRACLES, 
Giving supernatural strength to those in need. But for the most part, he depends on us, his people, to do his work in the world. We love each other, work for healing, and suffer with those who suffer. 
The next time you see a friend who is suffering, Jesus may just invite you to be the warm embrace! We comfort each other with the comfort we have received in Christ. And when we do, we become the Body of Christ and he receives the glory! 
 
THE BIBLE IS CLEAR! 
We are to bear one another's burdens. 
We are to comfort others as Christ has given comfort to us. 
Your hard time becomes my hard time. 
We join hands in the journey. 
When you succeed, I succeed. 
When you suffer, I suffer. But we do it together. We share it together. 
And we do it, not so much in our wisdom or our words, but in our availability, our understanding, and through our presence. 
 
THAT'S WHAT FELLOWSHIP IS ALL ABOUT! 
But not “bland” fellowship.
It is CHRISTIAN fellowship. It is the business of burden bearing.
Authentic CHRISTIAN fellowship says that when you need me . . . I'll be there.
Support in suffering is at the core of what it means to share life together in Christ. The word for "comfort” is the same root word as the name Jesus used to describe one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Paraclete). “I will be a comforter, one who comes alongside to give help.” And so as God comes alongside you, now you are able to come alongside another. As the Comforter is at work within you, so you also can be of comfort to those around you. 
 
WE ARE CALLED TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. 
To mourn with those who mourn.
To be a follower of Jesus means to come alongside people who are hurting and find ways to help them walk even through the valley of the shadow of death. We are called to do this, as the word of God and care of God is shared with the intention of stirring, plowing up hardened hearts, creating a place for repentance and challenging saints to hope again.  I know and believe that as we learn again as believers, to care, to truly listen and to hope fully again, that the sweet and heavy weight of HIS Glory will be made known and will manifest in unfettered and uncontrolled waves of worship and spontaneous adoration of the King of Heaven. 
 
MY FRIENDS IN CHRIST…
…LISTEN TO THESE NEXT WORDS I SHARE WITH YOU VERY CAREFULLY.
Toleration of sin, pretense, and crookedness do not reveal the character of God, even if they bear his name. 
Arrogance is never godly. 
Covering up sin is never godly. 
Abuse of power is never godly. 
Shepherds who feed on sheep are abusive. 
Leadership that preserves and protects the system, rather than the people, turns the house of God into a safe place for predators.
Exposure brings hope, because it brings the cancer to the light. 
To hide sin by cover-up or silent complicity is spiritual abuse.
 
HE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE WANTS
Let's focus on bowing low and seeking His heart and plans in what matters to Him.
Indeed, HE is the Plumbline.
Jesus demonstrated in the flesh what a human being is to be like who bears God's image. He pursued the vulnerable, protected the little ones, and poured out compassion on the least of these.
Any dismissal of abuse, any baptizing of evil, any cover-up or denial is nothing like Him. 
Any discarding of the least of these or trampling of the vulnerable is an assault on God Himself—no matter the spiritual words used as an excuse.
 
AGAIN, I will share another phenomenal insight from Dr. LANGBERG regarding this matter.
She said these words in an article;
“You see, this Jesus had a passion for redeeming. 
For those who have been abused, and are suffering from its debilitating aftereffects, listen hard. 
There is hope for you-hope for healing and transformation. I know;
I come to you from the frontlines and have seen it happen countless times.
It takes courage, hard work, and there is no quick fix.
Such redemption was Jesus' master passion.
This God came to seek and redeem what has been lost. We must acknowledge and tell the truth about these things.
Great damage is being done to God’s sheep, in his name. 
He weeps over such leaders and the sheep they harm.
Be watchful. 
Recognize coercive and manipulative behavior.
 
CALL IT BY ITS RIGHT NAME WHEN SOMEONE IN POWER USES SPIRITUAL WORDS AND IDEAS TO SILENCE, CONTROL, AND INTIMIDATE. 
Be discerning about those who hold power—including yourself. 
Do not be deceived. 
May we, with Daniel, call out to God:
“O Lord, hear! O Lord forgive. O Lord listen and act.
For your own sake do not delay, because your church and your people are called by your name” (Dan. 9:19).
 
SO FRIEND. WHAT HAVE YOU LOST? 
Your voice?
The truth, drowned out by lies? 
Your life and its vibrancy, its strength, its giftedness? 
Your hope? 
God has said He is making all things new... and that includes you.
Devastation is, bit by bit, redeem-able. I know. I have had a front-row seat to God's redemptive power in my life, and for the record, one of the people He has done redemptive work in, is me.
My work with victims in ministry as well as teaching in schools has revealed to me who God is. Evil can be transformed in the life in which it occurred. That work is also redemptive in the one who walks alongside the broken vessel. Evil is then twice crushed.
May the Church of Jesus Christ repent of her pursuit of human externals and bend down, listen, and walk alongside trauma, abuse, racism, hatred, and a blind eye as did her Lord.  In doing so, we will bring joy to the heart of the Father. 
 
I’D LIKE YOU TO PRAY WITH ME BECAUSE RIGHT NOW,
I am sure that this touched several hearts, and maybe even made some fear come into some of you who are hiding things or who have abused others, and it’s time to come clean. 
It’s time to get the help that you need. 
 
So, I’d like to pray with all of you listening today.  I ask you to stop and be still.  Position your heart before the Lord as we bring this to him.
 
Prayer 
God, I ask in Jesus' name, that you comfort, strengthen and encourage all who are hurting deeply right now and are going through so much pain and heartache. 
Don't allow them to give up in the heat of the battle. 
Let them feel your arms wrapping around them and your love overflowing and filling them up. Lord, I will pray often and I know that you will hear my voice, even when I speak to You in my silent thoughts. 
To You, I am crying out and my prayers are now before You. 
Father, I give to You my problems, I do not want them. 
Father, please restore them to You. I know that you have compassion for your children. Father, show them your ways and teach them your paths. Lead them in your truth and teach them you are the God of our salvation and on you we will wait. 
Protect them from the evils of this life and guide them through all of their days. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer Father and for considering and for having compassion on all who hear and read these words, and all who hurt, in this troubled world we live in. 
Keep them in the center of Your love. 
In Jesus’ Name~ Amen 
 
I KNOW THAT THIS WAS MOST LIKELY A DIFFICULT AND PROBABLY PAINFUL PODCAST FOR SOME OF YOU,  BUT IT’S A FREEING PODCAST.
It brings out into the light the reality that we need to speak up when we see harm being done and we need to get help when we have been harmed so that the stopping of the sorrow when the grief in the trauma can begin and a new pathway can be created in our lives. 
 
I look forward to sharing my next podcast with you! I do want to thank those you are so kind and so gracious. 
I have a few very faithful individuals who do support and partner with me to produce these podcasts and I want to let you know I’m always amazed at how many places these go to, because I don’t really do a lot of promoting!
They just get picked up by other podcast groups and it goes out all across the world, so somewhere in this, the Holy Spirit is using it to glorify the name of Jesus, and for that I am so grateful that he would find something in me that is worthy of sharing.
So, thank you again to those of you who help me.
 
I look forward to being with all of you again and in the meantime, stand firm, call upon the name of the Lord, and tell the truth, in Jesus name. 
Goodbye for now!
 
Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete article, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You Copyright © "2025 " -  
"THE MESSENGER  - The Advocate of Hope"
~ Mary Lindow 
www.marylindow.com
https://marylindow.podbean.com
Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful
And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts
and Audio Messages.
THANK YOU!
Please go to PAYPAL to donate
or support this blog:
Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of:
paypal.me/mlindow    
mary lindow
@mlindow
Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries Inc.
Or
You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to:
His Beloved Ministries INC
PO Box 1253
Eastlake CO 80614

"WOLVES IN THE PULPIT" - Laura Lynn Thompson Interviewing Mary Lindow

"WOLVES IN THE PULPIT"
Laura Lynn Thompson Interviewing Mary Lindow
 
God sees beyond outward appearances 
and focuses on the heart and intentions 
of individuals, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7
 "For the Lord sees not as man sees; 
man looks on the outward appearance, 
but the Lord looks on the heart." 
 
This emphasizes the importance of 
inner qualities over external traits.
 
Hello there Brothers and Sisters! 
Today’s podcast is a little bit different. 
I’m going to be sharing with you a link that you can click on in the picture above in the podcast. 
LINK:➡️  Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson And Guest Mary Lindow "WOLVES IN THE PULPIT"
I was asked and had the privilege to be on a Christian broadcasting program on YouTube with Laura Lynn Tyler Thompson out of Canada.
Laura Lynn has been a really wonderful blessing to the Body of Christ for years. She was a CBN host in Canada for many years, did other broadcasting work, and she has had the courage after having known of the Daystar network coverup of the abuse of a child from staff members, Laura Lynn was one of the first people to step back and say, “I will no longer broadcast my show on the program as long as the cover-up remains, and that the abuse allegations have not been properly vetted and handled.”
She now has her own program and has been interviewing people from across the world, as well as having a lot of interviews behind the scenes with victims of abuse, victims who have been SA'd or harmed in the church, and by other predators in ministry organizations. 
Laura Lynn received hundreds of phone calls from people wanting to tell their stories, and on this current program she asked me to be a guest/interviewee. 
We talked about wolves in the pulpit.
I looked at it from the angle of having been a woman in ministry for many years and the unfortunate accounts of inappropriate actions taken towards me as a woman. Also, we discussed current events of many cases taking place in the church and broadly across many denominations of unbelievable stories of abuse taking place that are now in major court cases.
 I also discussed biblically and from a Christian counselor‘s viewpoint:
What this looks like 
How we address it
How we help people 
and 
What we do when we find out there has been a tragic and heinous expression of harm done to children, to women, to young boys.
 
So! Without further explanation, I’m going to go ahead and let that program be something you can click on and look at.
 
(Click this link to go directly to the recorded version of the show. )
Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson And Guest Mary Lindow "WOLVES IN THE PULPIT"
 
I am not able to put an audio version of this on my program due to the fact that Laura Lynn has copyright laws and I want to respect that this is a copyrighted program. 
 
If you will click the link, it will take you immediately over to the program and I think you will enjoy this and you will learn some things.
 
Laura Lynn is a fierce advocate to protect people in the church from not only just abuse that can happen in a sexual  nature, but also spiritual abuse and all kinds of harm that can come to place when we have wolves in the pulpit, or, when we have predators in our children’s ministries.
 
So! Without further explanation, I ask you to go ahead and click that link and I hope to have it up on my website. It should be underneath my podcasts.
My website is at www. Marylindow.com. 
I want to let you know I was not in anyway compensated to do this interview. 
This was to give voice to the victims who have been abused.
 
I love you all and I thank those of you that I have graciously supporting me! I couldn’t do what I do without you. 
I know that the Lord will bless you for your kindness towards me! 
 
So without further ado, I say goodbye and I look forward to the next podcast!  But! Please click the link to go listen to this very important and Informative Video program.
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomedprovided that complete message, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You!
Copyright 2025  "THE MESSENGER" - The Advocate Of Hope  ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
PODCAST LINK
Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts, Inspirational Videos and Audio Messages.
THANK YOU!
Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: 
Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: 
paypal.me/mlindow    (His Beloved Ministries Inc.) 
Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: 
His Beloved Ministries INC 
PO Box 1253 
Eastlake CO 80614 
United States
THANK YOU!
⇪
Would you like to know more about Steve and Mary Lindow? 
Click the picture.

"Creation Groans - We Groan - The Holy Spirit Groans" - Why Waiting Is Sometimes Painful

Creation Groans – We Groan – The Holy Spirit Groans 
“Why Waiting Is Sometimes Painful”
 
By Mary Lindow
 
WELCOME TO THIS PODCAST EPISODE! 
As I promised, I had told you I was going to share a few podcasts and share a few wonderful stories and experiences that I have had where the Lord has divinely protected, orchestrated and guided my life and my husband Steve’s life. 
It’s been a very interesting and intriguing journey, and at times very perilous and not at all fun when it comes to the persecution side of things. 
 
For some reason, there are individuals who preach a gospel that say to the masses that follow them, “Everything is going to be rosy! Everything is going to be fully prosperous financially, and you’re going to be perfectly healthy every day of your life. Every single day of your life is one big, happy party!”
Well, for sure, this is not biblical foundational truth when you hear these things. 
 
If you examine the scriptures, you will see that there was a tremendous amount of persecution and much sorrow for strong believers, even some having to be driven into living into caves due to persecution! The apostle Paul speaks about learning how to abase and to abound, meaning, he learned how to function and adjust whether he had plenty or whether he had little. But, he continued to serve Christ and continued no matter how difficult the persecution became, to get back up, even after he was stoned one time and they left him for dead. He got back up and marched back into the city, met up with some dear friends, went to the next city and preached again! 
(Acts 14:19-21)
 
This Podcast Is Going To Discuss The Current Groaning Of Creation, 
Our Own Groaning And The Longing For God To Finally Complete 
The Fullness Of Things So That Christ Can Return, And Of Course 
The Holy Spirit Makes Groaning And Utterances Too Deep 
For Our Own Words, Travailing Through Us As We Pray.
 
Romans 8:26-27 tells us this! 
It says:
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
 
ALL THREE OF THESE TYPES OF GROANING ARE TAKING PLACE RIGHT NOW.  It’s no secret if you know Steve and I that we have gone through a very difficult season starting a few months before the COVID-19 virus swept our world. With that taking place, we had the loss of our counseling Offices, our dear friend and team counselor/colleague and key supervisor, who carried the doctoral licensure for our Counseling Center died from Covid19. 
Adding to the difficulty, ministry invitations to teach and speak also came to a screeching standstill because people couldn’t travel and churches were suffering financially or were uncomfortable holding services.
 
WHAT IS ONE TO DO WHEN IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE EXPERIENCING THE LIFE OF JOB OR JOSEPH OF THE OLD TESTAMENT? Certainly it’s not wise to pretend that everything is “perky and wonderful” and then lie to people when they too were suffering. 
No! We groaned and we wept and we encouraged and we prayed and prayed!  And then prayed some more with others who were suffering and going through the groanings of trauma and loss.
For the most part (and I’m truthfully speaking), I’m telling the partial story because the long version of the personal costs and deeper details would take entirely too long to share. I’m sharing openly and a bit vulnerably for a reason though! 
 
We personally had parents locked down in nursing homes over a thousand miles away that we could not get to and one of them died after being abused in that nursing home. Oh yes, we had police and investigators and detectives and even the state of Illinois health board investigating, but by the time they caught up with the perpetrators and those that had dropped my precious 90+ year-old mother-in-law on the front-side of her head, onto a hard wooden bedside table, and then onto the floor where they had stopped using fall mats (because no one was permitted to come into the nursing home to check during lockdowns), her bones were fractured as well as previously from another fall we didn’t know about, until the x-ray team was sent in, garbed up, to run a scan on her. She was also suffering from dementia so it was frantic and frightening for her. 
 
Deep Anguish. Deep Groaning!  The damage had been done and shortly after all of the fees and fines were placed upon this nursing facility, they placed her in a Covid-19 wing, and she died. 
Alone. 
We couldn’t bury her. 
We had one hour to make a decision what to do with her tired little body.  
 
The Glimmer Of Good News was that my father-in-law, who was in an assisted living facility a few blocks away, lived a little longer. He only got to see his wife one time in 18 months and that was through an acrylic panel. No hugging, no touching. 
When he became more frail and tired, Covid restrictions were just then being lifted. 
 
STEVE WAS PROMPTED BY THE LORD to fly to Illinois to see his father because he knew his time to go to heaven was near.  A very dear friend that is like a close family member, graciously offered to cover Steve’s flight expenses and partial hotel stay.
Steve had two days of being at the hospital with Steve’s father while he was being refitted with a new pacemaker, and being treated for an infection from sitting too long and alone in his assisted living apartment. He had been moved to a new, fresh, clean, assisted living facility, where one of our nieces was the new head administrator. Everything seemed so peaceful and wonderful! Steve’s dad was delighted to be getting such wonderful attention and care. 
Steve hugged him good night and said; “I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast Dad! Sleep well.” 
 
At 8:30 the next morning, Steve received a phone call…
… From our niece, and his Dad had fallen into her arms when she went to check on him that morning. He had told her he felt a little dizzy, and then passed into heaven. 
 
God’s Timing Was In The Details. 
There was joy that Steve could go see his Father, there was joy in the new accommodations and “sense of safety” with the Covid restrictions being lifted, and then there was sudden sorrow, groaning, grief, and loss. Steve’s parents had made plans to be buried next to each other, but it was impossible, since Steve‘s mother had to be cremated due to burial restrictions during the thick darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
A BEAUTIFUL THING TOOK PLACE AMIDST THE DEEPEST SORROW. 
Our United States military allows you to place the urn of a deceased spouse into the arms of the other deceased family member, if they were former military.  Steve’s dad was a World War II veteran. Steve’s Mother’s urn was placed in the arms of Steve’s dad, her husband, and they were buried together. An additional blessing was that because Steve was there, he was able to officiate his father’s funeral. It was a full honors military funeral.
 
The Majority Of People Don’t Like To Hear About Hardship From Other People. Especially people in ministry, missionary work, prison ministries, those who rescue trafficked children or those in care giving careers.  There is a “subtle suspicion” that suddenly causes people to pull back and pretend they don’t see the struggle or suffering taking place when they’re used to someone “appearing to look like they have it all together” or who have been some kind of a bright shining hope to them at one time in their lives, or are a ministry, or helper that they once looked up to. 
 
YOU SEE, THE PROBLEM WITH MOST OF US IS,
WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE PAIN, SUFFERING,
AND THE GRIEF OF OTHERS.
 
We Don’t Like To Face The Reality
That We May Be Called Upon 
To Help Those That Are Groaning.
 
 
Just Recently, Steve And I Were Again Facing A Bit Of Difficulty because he had an injury take place when he was working at a local Home Depot in a part-time job where everybody in each department take turns working at the customer services register. Steve being the kind of guy that he is, never slacks off in his work. He leaned over into a shopping cart because there was no one else younger or stronger nearby to help, and lifted out a 60-pound bag of dry cement to scan the price. Steve is 76years old. He is very healthy, very strong, but the lifting of the heavy object caused bulging discs in his lower back and he was in absolutely excruciating pain, thus, started a long recovery. 
 
He Is Actually Doing Really Well Now, and we are so grateful for the prayers and the wonderful chiropractor and doctor that we have, who are both Christians and are 100% committed to working towards better health without surgeries. During this time of Steve having to be home and not working and going to physical therapy, we were both also still doing part-time counseling. Steve gradually had the strength to work on installing and fixing a small appliance in our home. 
 
STEVE ALWAYS, WEARS HIS WEDDING BAND ON HIS LEFT HAND. 
He loves that wedding band! 
Sometimes we set our wedding bands on our kitchen windowsill close to each other so that we can see them next to each other and feel the “cozy joy and love” of knowing we are forever each other’s true love. 
When we were first married, we had picked out our wedding bands, and Steve’s was white gold with a gold center band running through it, with a few lovely diamonds embedded in it. It’s a very special lifetime treasure, which we hope to pass on to one of our grandchildren one day. 
 
Steve Had Taken His Ring Off And He Set It In A Strange, Not Normal Place. 
I had been cleaning house and I noticed his ring sitting in an unusual place. 
I thought to myself that I had better leave it there because he might remember where he put it and might want to put it back on. 
About three days later, he told me he could not find his ring. He couldn’t remember where he put it and I went to look for it in the location that I had last seen it. 
It was gone. 
 
Now Here’s Where It Gets Interesting! 
Steve had a little tin up on his bookcase in his office area. It was an old Altoid mint tin. In it, he keeps a cloth tape measure, rolled up very tightly, a couple coins, and I think he has some paper clips in there. But that’s where he usually takes his ring off and usually puts it in the tin, or next to it every night. He had gone in and looked and took that bookcase apart, and yet, the ring was not to be seen. 
I had gone in and looked from top to bottom as well, looked behind his desk with a flashlight, you name it, and I was searching everywhere! I even looked in his sock drawer to see if the ring had somehow fallen in there, but we could not find it. 
 
WE WERE GREATLY DISCOURAGED, HEARTSICK, SADDENED. 
Yes, it was another time groaning, another disappointment another loss, and although it may seem to be materialistic to some, this was something emotional. It was a bond between us both, that when we took our vows we put those rings on each other‘s hands looking firmly in each other’s eyes saying, “till death do us part”. 
 
You don’t want to replace something like that.
It has history. 
It has memories. 
It has weight to it. 
 
One week passed. 
Two weeks passed. 
Three weeks passed. 
We still could not find it. 
 
I Even Took My Vacuum Cleaner Bag Out And Put A Mask On and poked through it’s contents with a pencil into every single dusty section to see if maybe it had gotten suctioned up into the bag. Nope, it wasn’t in there.
I finally decided I was going to share it in the Kingdom Prayer rooms on Faith United Network’s Christian media site. I’m part of a team of prayer warriors there that pray for people from everywhere, and we fervently pray for, “everything”. Several people decided they were going to get busy praying with us and I basically said that our hearts are broken. 
It’s been something that we just were in anguish over.
 
ONE AFTERNOON I WENT TO LAY DOWN ON OUR BED TO REST. 
The next day was Father’s Day. 
As I lay there I asked the Lord if he would please by his grace, by his mercy, guide me to that ring, show me where it was. I spoke to the Lord saying to him that it would be such an indicator of great love for Steve to find that ring for Father’s Day. It would mean so much to know that the Father cared about even the slightest detail of our lives. 
I Just Could Not Sleep During That Nap After Praying And Crying A Little Bit. So, I got up and something prompted me to go back into Steve‘s office and look in that mint tin, one more time. 
 
Now remember…
Steve had looked in there and I had looked in there thoroughly.  
As I took the tin down and held it closer to my line of sight, at first I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!  Right there, perfectly placed like an egg in the middle of a nest, right in the middle of the wound up cloth measuring tape, perfectly wrapped around it, was Steve’s ring, sitting in the center of it. If we missed seeing it, then we missed it! But I know, and Steve knows that we both had looked in that location several times to no avail.  If the Lord in his kindness and his goodness decided to make sure that the ring was put in a place and then prompted me to go look one more time, I’m going to receive it in childlike faith that he cared so much that let us know. 
 
THE HEAVENLY FATHER CARES ABOUT THE VERY SMALLEST OF THINGS!
Now, some may say, “This is foolishness! Why would God care so much about a ring, and why would he possibly move it or have you see it in a different way?” 
 
There’s Another Interesting Happening In The Scripture.
The floating ax head is a story from 2 Kings 6:1-7, where the prophet Elisha helps a man who lost a borrowed ax head in the water. Elisha performs a miracle by making the iron ax head, float to the surface, demonstrating God's care for even small concerns in our lives.
 
There’s Also A Story Of The Woman Who Had Lost One Of Her Ten Silver Coins.  When she swept her house and looked everywhere for it and when she found it, she went outside and all of her neighbors rejoiced with her. (Luke 15:8-10)   
I WAS SO EXCITED that I’d been prompted to go look specifically in the location of Steve’s ring!  I put it on my finger and walked out and smiled at Steve and I said, “Guess what? Happy Father’s Day!”  He was so delighted and we both cried a little bit, then and then stopped and gave God huge thanks, and then of course I immediately went and shared with the prayer group that the ring had been found! Yippee! There was genuine delight and genuine rejoicing!
 
Dear Believer! 
God IS In The Smallest Of Details. 
He’s In The Little Things That Matter. 
 
RIGHT NOW WE ARE EXPERIENCING UNPRECEDENTED DEVASTATIONS, HATRED, AND TURMOIL IN THE WORLD. Some say that things may be getting better, but maybe in another location it’s becoming more difficult. 
 
THE EARTH IS GROANING!
We are aching and groaning and questioning! 
We are crying out to God saying, 
“What is going on? What more can we do? How can we pray? 
Why are so many suffering? 
Why are the answers not coming? 
Why is it taking so long? 
Why do I have to wait for the answer?”
 
Friends, Inside Of All Of Us, The Holy Spirit Is Groaning. 
That is the urging for us to pray, to cry out and weep before God with groaning too deep for even our own words.
The needs of God‘s people, and the cry for God’s intervention is as urgent in our days as it was in the time of Isaiah. I’m concerned that we may have forgotten the proper concept of what the so-called Christian life is in the sight of God.
Honestly, unless God comes down as “when the melting fire burns to make his name known to his adversaries”, our efforts to stop these unrelenting attacks are pretty much fruitless. That’s from Isaiah 64:2 
 
LOOK AT THE PICTURE OF MANY IN PUBLIC MINISTRY RIGHT NOW! 
How much of it presented in the wisdom of man, applauding the talent, the charisma and the physical appearance? And yet how little of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s genuine power.
THE BIBLE DOESN’T HIDE BROKENNESS. 
It doesn’t tie up pain up in a neat little package. What it does is, it shows us the kind of hope that enters into our suffering. 
A hope that weeps, a hope that groans.  
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 
 
The Hebrew Word For “Near” Doesn’t Mean Help Is On Its Way. 
No! It’s a much more in its potent meaning! It means “present” -right now. Close enough for you to feel God’s breath while he speaks in your ear that. He is there. 
The Word “Crushed” Is Also Strong Word.  
When you’re crushed, you feel ground down, shattered, and at times you cannot lift your head. 
Friends! God doesn’t despise you or ignore you when you’re crushed. 
Actually, he moves TOWARDS you. 
He definitely doesn’t say, “get up and stop your sniveling”, first! 
Instead he says, “I will reach down and help you.” He did this through sharing, sending his son Jesus Christ. 
Love came down to us… 
 
DC Robertson In His 30 Day Devotional Book Titled “Hope For The Broken” Made Very Powerful Statements. I Will Share A Few With You. 
 “Hope doesn’t start when the storm passes. It starts when you realize you are not alone in the storm.  This is a place where the real journey of Hope begins, not in the removal or the resolution of our pain, but in the nearness of God TO us while we are IN pain. 
That’s what sets biblical hope apart from motivational thinking. 
It’s not about finding the silver lining. It’s about finding the savior in the dark.”
 
FRIENDS. THE CHURCH IN A BROADER SENSE, 
IS SUFFERING GREATLY BY HER OWN HANDS. 
Self harm, whether it’s by individuals or institutions, without a doubt involves defective thinking that is a side effect of self-deception. 
 
Many Of Us Are Grieved And Groan At The Devastation In The Church That Happens When Victims Are Silenced And When Abusers Are Protected. So often, Power is abused and truth is hidden from those considered by the deceivers as “the less powerful” in the body of Christ. His bride is still struggling with being unwell and too often is found to be “unsafe”. 
 
DR. DIANE LANGBERG HAS SO MANY GOOD STATEMENTS TO SAY ABOUT THESE THINGS. 
RECENTLY, I READ THIS EXCERPT FROM ONE OF HER POSTS. 
“It’s extremely important to remember that all power is given to us. The power that is operating in someone’s position, they’re gifting, their knowledge or verbal ability, or their spiritual authority has one source. All of that power comes from Christ. He said to us all power is given to ME in heaven and on earth, it’s not ours! It’s his and it’s to be used in humility and in alignment with his word and his character. 
He who had all power never used it to feed off of a vulnerable person or to increase his stature or to protect himself. Any power that we have is his and is to be used to bless others with his grace and truth.”
Christian psychologist Diane Langberg is a deeply intelligent and humble woman who has arbitrated among war torn countries, advocating for healing and preaching Christ through loving actions and helping reconciliation take place. She makes very potent yet honest assessments regarding the condition of many of the houses of worship being exposed today. 
 
I’D ABSOLUTELY SAY FRIENDS
THAT THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF GROANING GOING ON
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT GROANS AS HE SEES
THE DECEPTION AND THE HARM BEING DONE!
 
Here are Diane’s words;
“Where do we who serve a holy God, full of grace and truth, find justification for protecting a place where he desires to dwell, when that place is full of sin and harm done to his lambs? When this is done, we have failed to meet even the requirements of the law of the land, which calls the abuse of children and spouses criminal.
Jesus cleansed the temple twice. His people did not listen. The spiritual leaders of the people failed to obey him. The desecration of God‘s house and his people were scathingly denounced by both Jeremiah and Jesus. 
We who are the people of God, who worship in his sanctuary, need to pay heed and listen! 
Our God would have his refuge be holy, like he is holy. And in Matthew, after Jesus cleansed the temple the second time, he gave us a clear view of his ability to restore God‘s house to its true calling, giving us a picture of what that restoration looks like! 
After the cleansing, the wounded and the sick came in and he healed them. And the little ones came into the temple and sang praises to our God.
When the people of God expose deeds of darkness and the wolves in our midst that commit them, the wounded are healed, and the children sing. It is then that we will know the sanctuary of our God is indeed a holy dwelling for our Lord’s Holy Spirit and a safe harbor for his lambs. 
One of the measurements of our faithfulness to God is in the way that we conduct ourselves in relationship to our fellow humans.
A second measure of our faithfulness to God is in the stamping out and the calling out of sins that harm humanity. 
When these conditions are met, we as his people then live out the character of a holy and loving God and do this in front of the afflicted and needy while a watching world observes. 
It’s when we chase out the darkness and we address the corruption and provide a true sanctuary of safety, that we once again become a holy and a safe place.”
 (Excerpt From the Book “In Our Lives First” - Meditations For Counselors. Volume 2) 
 
DIANE’S WORDS HAVE A DEEP CONVICTING MESSAGE! 
Holy Spirit groaning most definitely takes place as you digest and pray over her words. 
The truth can cut deep into our denial of things.  The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus, and he told his disciples that he would send another, which would be the Holy Spirit who would convict the world of sin.
 
Conviction Causes Us To Groan As The Holy Spirit Groans,
Seeing The Condition Our Own Souls And The Souls
Of The Present Day Deceivers Of Our Current Day.
 
CREATION GROANS!
Romans 8:22-23 so deeply expresses this “groaning of all creation and longing” as we wait upon God, waiting for him to transform every aspect of our lives as individual temples of the Holy Spirit and to transform his church, making his bride spotless and without blemishes or malice.
22 “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together as if in the pains of childbirth until now. 
23 And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body at the resurrection].”
 
FRIENDS, THE WAITING IS SOMETIMES PAINFUL.
The groaning of the whole of creation describes the state of suffering and dissatisfaction with everything we have today! 
Look at how the earthquakes and the tragic floods and heartbreak of their aftermath, the fires burning in the West and the winds are groaning in the Earth right now!
We know - we feel - deep down inside that something is wrong!  Our anxiety and frustration is our inward groaning.
 
SO WHAT’S TO BE DONE? 
THERE’S ONLY ONE THING.
We wait upon God.  
We must cry with a cry that never rests! We say to him, “Oh that you would open the heavens and come down, that the mountains might flow down with your presence!” That’s Isaiah 64 verse 1. 
We must desire, groan in prayer and believe, and we must ask and expect that God would show us Unseen, Unknown things. 
 
Jeremiah 33:3 says,
“Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.”
 
IF HE CAN SHOW ME IN MY SIMPLE MINDED HEART CRY, exactly where my husband‘s wedding ring had been misplaced, or where it had been lost and he had in fact, placed it where I could find it, can he not show us great and mighty things that we know nothing about?
 
Oh Weary Listener!  
We must put our trust in a God who men absolutely don’t know exactly how he goes about preparing acts of great grace and compassion for them! 
 
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE 
WAITING FOR HIM TO FREE YOU, 
TO VINDICATE YOU AND OTHERS 
FROM GROSS LOSSES AND HARM, 
KNOW THAT THIS WONDER WORKING, 
MIRACLE DOING GOD, 
CAN SURPASS ALL OF OUR EXPECTATIONS.  
 
It Must Be The Only One True God Who We Put Our Trust In. 
Yes! Let us as God’s people prepare him room in our hearts to wait on a God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above, what any of us could ask or think. 
That’s Ephesians chapter 3 vs. 20.
 
Let’s join ourselves together as his chosen ones who cry day and night to him for things that men have not seen! He is able to arise and to make his people a name filled with praise and humble adoration in the Earth!
 
Isaiah 38 verse 18 says, 
“The Lord will wait, that he may be gracious to you, 
Blessed are all those that wait for him.”
 
 
In Closing Out This Podcast, 
I’d Like To Say Lovingly But Clearly,  
We Must Take Time To Develop 
This Much Needed Element Of Our Christian Walk. 
 
 
I Echo Andrew Murray, Who Often Talks About How Little We Wait Upon God. We get too much secondhand teaching and spiritual information from the teachings of men. Now, that teaching may have great value, even like the spiritual information, John the Baptist sent his disciples away with, but he sent them to the living Christ. If the teaching leads us to God himself, then it’s good teaching. But what our lives need is more of God. 
Anyone who wants to learn the beauty of waiting on God would do himself or herself a great favor to remember the lesson from Isaiah chapter 7 verse 4. It says to take heed and be quiet. “It’s good that a man quietly waits.” 
 
Friends, Take Time To Be Separated From All Of Your Friends, All Your Duties And Cares, And Even Your Joys. Take Time To Be Still And Quiet Before God. It’s when we look to the Lord and we wait for the God of our salvation that God will hear us and answer us in the most perfect and loving way.  
Micah 7:7. 
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
 
LET’S PRAY TOGETHER 
Loving Father, I pray that You would teach me how to prayerfully and patiently wait on You, and to come to a true understanding of what it really means to wait on the Lord. Help us to be still before you, to listen to Your voice through Your Word and to abide in You.
Keep us from fretting and worry, but rather let us learn more of You. 
Draw us closer to Yourself and keep us from presumptuous thoughts, but rather teach us humility of heart, knowing that Your desire for all Your children is that we do justly, love mercy and walk humbly before You.
And in all things, I pray that as we learn to wait on You and go deeper into Your Word of truth, that in all things we would bring glory to Your name. 
In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen.
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"DISCERNMENT vs. SUSPICION" - Telling The Truth About Abuse and Wolves In Leadership Positions

 
By Mary Lindow 
 
I’m going to make a few statements about this podcast before I begin.
I hope I am not required by Lord to make many podcasts like this one, but I will obey him if he does ask me to do so!  To even things out a little bit, my next few podcasts are going to be sharing about some magnificent and overwhelming experiences that I have had in meeting First Native Chiefs throughout the United States and Canada.
All of these events were orchestrated by the Lord in order for us to meet. The things that I learned from these godly individuals who love Jesus, but understand the strongholds in our cities, our nations and upon our lands, has been absolutely Life-changing. I hope to share at least two podcasts telling you these stories and experiences that glorify Jesus, and show the power of his supernatural ability to get us to the places we need to go without ever having to push our way in or manipulate anything.
 
Now let’s begin today’s crucial podcast.
We are in a time when many people are seeing much evil take place, not only in our nation, not only in large and small corporations, but in church organizations and organizations that claim to bear the name of Christ on their letterheads.
 
One of the greatest deceptions taking place is that people are being told to NOT “discuss”/not to tell the truth about the abuses that are taking place in some of these organizations.
With the multitude of public exposures that is taking place right now all over social media regarding unconscionable and difficult happenings, I have been agonizingly yet strongly prompted by the Holy Spirit, to share my thoughts and the experiences that I have had in walking other people out of dark places, because of the harm done to them in some of these institutions.
 
I do this with a heavy heart, and yet I must take courage and be obedient in order to be an “Advocate of Hope” for those who feel that they cannot speak out for fear of being threatened or ridiculed, letting them know that there are others who will champion and stand with  them by calling “wolfish abuse” what it is, instead of sweeping it under any kind of Church Carpet, Corporate Carpet, or Institutional Carpet.
 
I am by far, not the perfect believer by any means!
I’ve had some wonderful mentors and training from others in ministry as well as in the counseling arena who have been strong and good people of discernment.
When something inside of you is alerted or feels really uncomfortable, or even just the thought of, “there’s something not right about that” pops in, that’s a built-in radar God gives us.
Now, if someone’s judging someone because they don’t like that they’re loud, or seem to be "too meek, obese, skinny, or speak a truth that they aren’t comfortable with or don’t have wisdom about", then that’s where all the speculating and suspicion move in.
 
Being set free from critical behavior and suspicion takes a willingness to admit that we don’t trust anybody, or, that we think we have an exclusive lead on how God speaks all the time.
 
I certainly need the accountability friends in my life
who speak truth to me firmly and regularly!
 
The soul loves to put itself in its own place of authority and override discernment, humility,and often the need to prove that our opinion matters. Honestly, keeping a heart pure and clean before the Lord every day, (and that’s truly not just an easy thing), but pursuing him with the right heart, keeps that place where we hear from him very sharpened and aware!
Studying his word, digging into what it really means, provides a depth and place of resource to go to, to check whether our heart is in accordance with his word or if we’re making up our own ideas about things.
It’s so easy to let other people think or speak for us, or their opinions, being strong, driving a message to us that says we should probably do what they say. This is where we get into trouble!
 
We are supposed to question or “test” things
and not just take everything hook, line, and sinker!
 
In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 it tells us,
“Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise prophecies,
BUT, test everything; hold fast to what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.”
 
Friends! Evil can be deceptive and cunning!
The word of God has an omnipotent power that cuts through all of the fog of self-deception and definitely pontificating! Many people quote the scripture and use it to their benefit when they want to self promote or appear to be somewhat spiritual. This is where discernment has to come in!!!
 
If something feels wrong, if something is spiritually off key, is not in alignment with what Jesus said or what the scriptures speak, then discernment has to come in to play.
 
The road gets narrower as you walk your Christian journey with Jesus, and you absolutely will be called many names because of the stance of wanting to be more like him, and more detached from the volumes of worldly knowledge.
Wisdom isn’t easily gained!  But, it’s so worth it when you get a little nugget that lasts for eternity.
 
Suspicion vs. Discernment.
I’ve seen this destroy and have been painfully more than a few times, a recipient of ugly and ruthless “suspicious” judgments.
Suspicion destroys relationships.
It destroys lives.
It listens to hearsay rather than God’s inward warnings.
Suspicion can feed a self satisfaction (which is actually pride) when our choices to put others in a lesser and suspicious light, even sabotaging them, justifies our own agendas.
 
When we are constantly suspicious of the motives of others, we drive people away that could be a great blessings to us. (They may even walk with a bit of a limp due to the battles and hard fought victories they’ve fought throughout their lives.)
Check your life today.
Are you discerning, or merely suspicious?
The problem is, sometimes we label suspicion with the pious name of “discernment” and think we're being super spiritual.
It’s so important to learn the difference between discernment and suspicion!  
 
The difference is quite simple.
Discernment comes from God and will recognize evil for what it is.
Suspicion come from or soul and will imagine evil when there is none.
If you see genuine compassion, kindness, mercy, accountability, humility and a forgiving nature in someone, you are seeing a surrendered soul.  
 
Not many want to talk about how hard spiritual growth and dying to ourselves, our opinions our interpretations is.
It's not a one time thing, it's every day.
It's remaining quiet when we want to speak.
It's trusting God's timing when we would, rather control.
It's doing it God's way when it doesn't make sense to us.
It’s quietly walking away from what might “appear to be a lucrative or more publicly promoting opportunity” when you know there are political or spiritually abusive environments involved.
 
We don’t get a lot of accolades or crowns here on earth for that kind of brave but necessary decision. But in heaven, when we do behold the face of the one who literally bled out for us, and he says, “Well done, so well done my good and faithful servant! Enter into my rest!” Oh my goodness, how absolutely all of the hardship and persecution will melt away in that moment, and the joy that is unspeakable and has yet to be fully understood, will be complete in our lives.
 
It is necessary in life to learn from those
who have more wisdom and experience,
because they can help us see things that we don't notice.
 
Even though modern culture tells us that we should “live our own truth and do whatever we think is best”, it’s this type of thinking that leads us into trouble. This is why Scripture tells us not to be wise in our own eyes.
 
True wisdom comes from fearing God. This means we should have a high regard for God's Word and His instructions to us. He knows all things, including, what is best for us.
We can also gain wisdom from other people. When we can learn from the mistakes and experiences of others, we're better equipped to not make the same mistakes. However, if you think you're the only one who knows best, you are bound to repeat the same errors.
 
There’s a huge amount of exposure taking place in pulpits, Ministry organizations, Christian Media Corporations, Governments, Christian Universities and Bible Schools...
...Right now.
 
Of course, we all know the Lord is doing a lot of the exposing and dealing with painful and shocking events that have or, are currently occurring, or are being investigated.
 
Why is he doing this? Because he will not allow these kinds of charades, criminal acts or hiding of sexual misconductsto NOT be caught.
Sadly many individuals who are sitting in church pulpits or are serving in ministry environments such as youth ministries, children’s church, Young adult groups and more, are often made uncomfortable by things they see taking place with some of the staff members.
The big question now is do you dare say anything?
 
If you see a male individual in a place of authority as a teacher, a pastor, any kind of youth worker anywhere, being over familiar with females, and by that I mean, resting their hand on their back too often with letting it linger, standing too closely to them in their personal space, spending time alone with them in their office etc. with doors shut and no visible way to see anything taking place. These are red flags!
A little bit of investigating and watching and taking notes is appropriate. Always document things that you see that make you feel there is something wrong going on and always date it. But be honest, not suspicious and don’t exaggerate or embellish. If necessary, take pictures. These are now used as evidence in court cases.
 
Another example!
If you would happen to know that there was a youth minister who sexually approached or interfered with a child or a young adult, and it was hidden and “dealt with” in an internal investigation among elders or leaders of a church or youth organization, club or scouting group, but was never reported, and this individual was then packed up and sent off to another state to minister or workelsewhere, they have basically turned this person into a repeat offender. These things must be reported to the police!
 
Here’s the hard thing.
We sure hope that we could go to people like elders or other leaders in the church if we see something taking place and know that deception is involvedand that others are covering it up.
If there has ever been a question that you have seen or a child has reported to you, that a young adult has reported to you or a teenager has reported to you that something inappropriate, whether it was conversation, whether it was physical touch, whether it was a threat that took place, you must go to the police.
 
Taking it to the pastor or taking it to the leadership "feels" like a good idea. But when there’s a wolf in the crowd, when there are wolves in leadership positions, we don’t take time to try to defend ourselves against wolves or predators. 
 
If you know, for a fact that these things have taken place, you must document and you must protect the children. You must protect the young developing adults. And, you must protect the future generations that would be affected if this perpetrator is permitted to be allowed to continue to remain in any organization, and not have appropriate legal consequences take place.
 
There are many who are holding positions in churches that are hiding inappropriate events of their own, within their own staff, or within their own organization, who value their building, their notoriety and their income, more than they value protecting the sheep or telling the truth.
 
Some people do not believe this is true! They think that surely the Holy Spirit would be exposing these things if they were really happening!
Well, my friends, the Holy Spirit uses practical human beings who are aware and have cultivated discernment and see that there is something very wrong and very out of order going on, and these human beings must be bold, courageous, and speak out like the prophet Nathan spoke to King David when he was having a long-term affair with Bathsheba and murdered his own military leader in order to cover his own manipulative and adulterous behavior.
There were terrible, painful consequences that took place because of what David did. Yet God in his mercy when David repented, restored David’s relationship back to himself.
But if forever changed David, and there were things that he was no longer permitted to partake in because of his wickedness.
But God did not shun him.
God corrected him.
 
Here are a few basic recommendations I’d like to share as a Pastoral counselor (and as a minister myself), with those who are in some form of ministry.
It’s not wise for men to counsel Women alone, but if necessary they must have a glass window where another safe office or staff member can see into the room. I have seen too many people get enmeshed emotionally with intimate counseling and I have historical documents that sadly indicate where several ministers who fantasized or planned or, actually have run off with people they were counseling for marriage difficulties! They have devastated marriages, families and churches because they crossed a line and blew clear past healthy boundaries, and safety protocols for counseling.
 
I also strongly recommend that men are not often alone in an office setting or ministry facility with women, especially if single, because they’re vulnerable women, because the table can turn two ways. The woman can become needy or manipulative and play on the affections or the emotions of a tender, kind hearted man, and then turn around and accuse them of some kind of inappropriate actions.
Men in buildings alone with women who are married and it’s late at night with a woman who is beautiful and lovely, or even sweet and precious, can create a sense of desire in a man whois tired of the grind of life, maybe hard work, might be having some strain at home, and in a few moments of weakness, begins to pursue an emotional affair, talking too openly, sharing too openly, and it can quickly lead to other kinds of affection, emotional bonding and inappropriate touching.
 
I know some of this sounds pretty heavy, and we as believers just don’t want to have to hear about the horrible, dark things that could possibly take place! We so want to believe the best in everyone and we want to be merciful and forgiving!
But, with the recent rash and exposure of well-known names, seemingly appearing holy and virtuous, many well protected individuals are now being exposed in multiple areas and in multiple environments, for hiding harm done to children, harm done to staff, and then using spiritual gifts or “spiritual pedigrees” to justify that they were just “tired or weak in the moment” and that they thought they’d handle it in house privately!
 
Well, to speak bluntly and boldly,
this fakery and denial is just all hogwash
when the gaslighting and lying starts!
 
 
We have to call it what it is!
It’s called spiritual abuse (SA) or clergy sexual abuse. (CSA) .
 
Returning to my original introduction regarding the need for discernment versus suspicion, we have to be very wise and make sure that our hearts are right as we begin to walk out these very difficult times of exposure as well as needing to be vocal.
 
There are victims among us who have not said anything for years about the things that took place in back rooms or offices or church buildings, camps or cars. For some reason, people run to suspicion and say, “Why are you now just beginning to talk about this? Why did you wait so long? What do you want out of this?”  
 
In legal terms when someone speaks out immediately about sexual abuse or harm done,the term is called “Outcry”.
They “cry out”, they “tell”.
 
When someone takes awhile to be able to process abuse, especially children (male, and female!) or young vulnerable teenagers or women who have been abused in the past, and have been threatened to remain silent or paid off to be quiet, and are easily preyed upon by those who are able to spot vulnerability, it takes them longer, and healthy unpacking and dialog frees them to tell. This must be tenderly and wisely handled with a skilled CHRISTIAN trauma counselor who works in these areas of sexual, church or cult abuse, or child abuse.
 
The term for this, when someone takes so long or doesn’t remember everything that happened (because they’ve been threatened and they have shut it out), this is called “Delayed Outcry.”
 
With the proper counseling and the proper police reporting involved, then there becomes an investigation or a forensic investigation that listens to and  reviews documents, the stories or events, does the investigating, looks at any kind of proof which could be documents, notes, texts, emails, pictures, clothing, the location or rooms these things happened in. Then, they begin to question and cross examine those who are being accused.
 
Yes! There have been people who have lied and set others up for something they never did. Or, they lured people into getting them to be involved in nefarious behaviors, use of drugs, alcohol, inappropriate touching, looking at unsafe objects, videos or pictures, and then turn around and use it to project onto that individual in order to hide their own very Addictive sicknesses.
 
Here’s the Honest Deal.
When there are wolves operating the pulpits, we don’t say, “well they were once a really nice sheep so we have to be nice to them!” A wolf is a wolf! A wolf puts on a mask like a sheep and can appear saintly and beautiful and tell sad, well oiled stories about themselves to make themselves look like they’re repentant over something “small” that they may struggle over and then everyone feels like, “what a lovely, humble soul!”
They can con, they can cry, they can preach, they can look compassionate. They can talk a good line, they can be very convincing.
But, if they have been predators, touching children, often touching women, touching men, plagiarizing, mishandling funds for their own purposes and lavish living...
…These are wolves.
 
We have to call them for what they are. They thrive on building their egos and are very convincing in order build their own empires, claiming that it was the Lord giving them all the blessings.  
 
2 Corinthians 11:13-14 addresses this so strongly!
“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light!”
 
Friends, Discernment is at an all-time low
and the Lord is bringing it to the forefront.
 
The Spirit of God is saying to you and saying to me, “cultivate develop and train yourself to be discerning and to test everything!”
This means school boards, politicians, those in the pulpit, those in other ministries and any other position of authority.
Some of the slickest and most well promoted people are often those of who have charming, manipulative narcissistic traits and harm many in their wake.
 
The posture of power, inflated titles, fake tears, swiftly changing of trends and movements that claim it’s “THE thing” God is doing, are lures to draw crowds, train people to trust the speakers to hear from God for them ( but not fully train the audience to discern and judge.)
 
Oh the wretched and unbelievably twisted things I have heard behind the doors of Pastoral counseling!
Oh the ugly and extremely uncomfortable things I’ve witnessed in Green rooms before live “Christian” broadcasts.
Oh the unbelievably huge complex and disgusting competition that goes on among ministries and Christian organizations, when monetary policies are used as a way to enrich those at the top.
 
If There’s Anything I’d Scream From the Rooftops Today
It Would Be,
“Cultivate and Learn Discernment!”  
Be sober! Be wise!
Be accountable!”  
Oh Lord Jesus! Mature your people. Teach them to hear your voice. 
 
I would like to share a statement from a wonderful man of God who is a seasoned Husband, Father, Pastor, Speaker, and Author.
His name is Tim Challies.
He shares these very potent and deep words.
 
“With discernment comes division.  
A person who seeks to be discerning must be willing to suffer the effects of this division.
It will divide not only the believer from the unbeliever, but it may even divide a discerning believer from one who is undiscerning.
It will separate the mature from the immature and the naïve from the prudent.”
 
SO well said!
 
In my closing out of this podcast today, I would like to share a few potent words from Dr. Diane Langberg who has worked in multicultural and many international settings were abuse and tragedy of every kind, (those imagined and those that you cannot imagine that have taken place).
She works as a specialist among those who have been traumatized by Church abuse in its many forms. She is a wise Senior woman who I greatly admire and have learned much from.
As I share her statements in closing, allow them to speak to the deeper part of you where the Lord is developing discernment and greater awareness.
 
Diane says,
“Many of us have confused the church system with Jesus Christ; they are not the same.
There are wolves among the sheep, tares among the wheat.
Jesus called humans that looked good on the outside, white-washed tombs full of stink. My work has taught me that many poor sheep have followed a blind guide, a gifted wolf, and landed in a pit.
No so-called Christian system is truly God’s work unless it “fleshes out” his character. Toleration of sin, pretense, and crookedness do not reveal the character of God, even if they bear his name.
Arrogance is never godly.
Covering up sin is never godly.
Abuse of power is never godly.
Shepherds who feed on sheep are abusive.
Leadership that preserves and protects the system, rather than the people, turns the house of God into a safe place for predators.
Those who come to feed on God himself then find themselves being the main course instead.
 
We have failed to protect leaders from their own bondage to self-deception and sin. Exposure brings hope, for it brings the cancer to the light.
To hide sin by cover-up or silent complicity is spiritual abuse.
It is a failure to love the perpetrator. Demise of a system—even a spiritual system—is not the worst that can happen!
We must acknowledge and tell the truth about these things.
Great damage is being done to God’s sheep, in his name.
He weeps over such leaders and the sheep they harm.
Be watchful.
Recognize coercive and manipulative behavior.
Call it by its right name when someone in power uses spiritual words and ideas to silence, control, and intimidate.
Be discerning about those who hold power—including yourself.
Do not be deceived. 
May we, with Daniel, call out to God: “O Lord, hear! O Lord forgive. O Lord listen and act. For your own sake do not delay, because your church and your people are called by your name.”(Dan. 9:19).
Source:  https://erlc.com/resource/when-the-sheep-are-preyed-upon/
 
Finally, I would like to say these words.
Trauma can leave people feeling shattered and alone.
But through our faith, we discover that God’s love is unwavering and His healing touch can mend even the deepest wounds.
 
Let’s remember that we are not defined by our pain,
But by the Grace that lifts us up,
and leads us toward restoration.
 
If you find yourself carrying the weight of trauma, know that you are not alone on this journey.
For those of you who may be trembling with fear or who have experienced any kind of abuse.
For those of you, how are trembling and fear, because you know you have done something and have hidden it from others or have protected others who you know have done harmful, evil things, the word of God says to confess your faults to one another to confess your sins so that you may be clean, freed, and that you may be forgiven.
To those of you who have been abused, don’t be afraid to find a safe, godly, skilled trauma counselor who will be able to help you be freed from the prisons of shame, control, and intimidation within, so that you can walk in the light of grace and freedom and know that your Father in heaven has rescued you from those that harm.
To help you in your journey, I have included a link where you can quickly locate or begin to research a Christian counselor who is skilled and able to help you with whatever specific area that you may need to have help with.
https://tinyurl.com/5h4zfc9u
 
Let's pray together before we end this time together.
Heavenly Father,
May everyone who knows your mercy keep putting their trust in you, for they can count on you for help no matter what.
O Lord, you will never, no, never, neglect those who come to you."
-Psalms 9:10
Heavenly Father, in the face of fear and uncertainty, I call upon your strength to fill those who are listening to, or who are reading this message, fill them with courage.
When the wounds of traumatic experiences seem too deep to overcome, remind them that you are the ever-present help in times of trouble.
Grant them the bravery to face their fears head-on, knowing that you go in front of them, leading them into a future, free from the shackles of the past.
Thank you for being our fortress and our deliverer. With you by their side, They will not be afraid. Amen.
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed,
as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link
and information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You!
"2025"
"THE MESSENGER"  -  Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.marylindow.podbean.com
 
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A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE - When God Says "GO"!

 
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE – When God Says “GO”!
By Mary Lindow
 
This Podcast is going to be focusing on what I would call
“A Miracle on Christmas Eve!”
 
Steve And I Had Just About Been Married About A Year and had been through a complete reorganization of his business due to a partner, having not reported properly on the business financial books. Shortly after we were married, we found this all out and we were saddled with the debt of the business and the business was shuttered and the friendship was shattered.  
 
STEVE REOPENED HIS OWN INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY BUSINESS ON A LITERAL SHOESTRING. I was teaching piano and voice lessons and directing a church choir.
 
In October Steve had been asked to totally remodel a local restaurant as well as create matching themed Christmas decor. I had worked in a floral shop for years as a young high school girl and had done many wreaths as well as large swags of things for commercial decorations. I helped Steve begin to build and construct the pieces that went together for all of the items we were going to install. Once it was all prepared and ready, the owner was so grateful and so in love with all the work, she asked us to also do Christmas swags and decor for the Bar and eating area in the bar. This was a few days before Christmas and she had decided she wanted more festive decor in the bar since many parties were to take place for Christmas and up to New Years Day.
So, we gathered materials and created that and installed it.
 
WE WERE NOT ANTICIPATING THAT EXTRA BLESSING FINANCIALLY and we received a $400 check, (which was a lot at that time.) As we began to pray about a Christmas offering, we wanted to do something to honor the Lord at Christmas and help others. A friend of ours whom we had met and had had wonderful prayer meetings with two other schoolteachers in East St. Louis, Missouri, had shared in a prayer meeting about a family in need. At that time, the Bloods and the Crips gangs were very heavily active and there was a tremendous amount of racial tension in East Saint Louis. We were always very careful when driving through the area to not get off on the wrong ramp because often there was a lot of car theft and harm done to people who didn’t know or belong to that area. But, there were times that we would travel down with a group of our friends, both black and white, to a house where a woman by the name of sister Lucy, who had a Doctorate in education, would hold ladies teas and prayer gatherings. We would worship and pray, and intercede and study the word fervently among both black-and-white women who were either highly educated or women who cleaned homes for a living. It didn’t matter! We loved being with each other, and we loved the presence of the Lord. So, when sister Margaret Wren our friend from East St. Louis, who was also a teacher, told us there was a family in desperate need of clothing and food that she knew of and that the mother who was in her early 60s had been holding all of the children and grandchildren together in her home.
 
THIS DEAR WOMAN WAS SCHEDULED TO GO IN FOR OPEN-HEART SURGERY ON CHRISTMAS EVE. Margaret told us there was going to be limited food and of course they weren’t expecting anything for Christmas. Steve and I knew that we were going to end up making what we considered a very significant personal sacrifice instead of doing things we needed to do to broaden our business and also to take care of a few things we needed to handle as well in our home. Yet, the Holy Spirit was persistent. The extra job came in unexpectedly. We knew that $400 was to be used specifically to help this family.
 
WE BEGAN TO TELL OUR SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW WHO LIVED NEXT-DOOR TO US AND A FEW OTHER FAMILIES BEGAN TO GET EXCITED TO HELP. Steve and I went to the local grocery store and filled carts with warm blankets, hams, cereals, fruits, vegetables, different kinds of meat and canned goods, and had the joy of a lifetime like we had won the “Supermarket Sweepstakes!”
 
WE WERE GOING TO GO DELIVER ALL OF THIS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AFTERNOON BEFORE THE DEAR SISTER WAS GOING TO GO AND HAVE HER SURGERY THAT EVENING. Everyone congregated at our little cottage home and we could not believe how many people put together beautiful things for this family! My sister-in-law Judi had put together stacks of beautiful clothing and little outfits for children that her children were no longer fitting into because we had said there were children needing clothing. They also found a giant 6-foot long stocking and filled it with candy, fruit, and nuts.
Another lovely couple had a giant Christmas turkey on a platter with all kinds of onions and celery and carrots with the stuffing ready to go so they could put it in the oven when we got there.
 
THERE WERE BOXES OF DIAPERS, FORMULA, AND SACKS OF GROCERIES FROM SO MANY PEOPLE! Many who also had large families! We really didn’t know how many we were going to be helping! We just knew that there was a large family in need, and there were children were involved. Several married couples lived in the same house with the mother and the poverty was substantial.
 
WE MADE A CARAVAN OF FOUR CARS TO TRAVEL INTO EAST ST. LOUIS and Margaret Wren met us on a side street as we entered to go towards this family‘s house. We parked the cars outside, and there was a young man standing outside who did live in the home, who told us he would watch our cars for us. We told him that we didn’t think it would be a problem and he smiled at us shyly and he’s told us it was very important to have someone from the neighborhood watching your cars. We thanked him and went up the steps to a house that was sturdy but in much needed repair.
 
WE STOOD ON THE PORCH AND RANG THE DOORBELL. The door opened and there was the most precious older woman standing there in her coat and hat with a purse on her arm. She told us she was waiting for us to come before she made her journey to the hospital. As we began to walk in with box after box, package after package, grocery sack after grocery sack of items, the room began to fill with people coming from upstairs just standing there, staring at us in wonder and shock.
 
AS I LOOKED INTO THE KITCHEN AREA, THE ONLY HEAT IN THE HOUSE WAS THE GAS STOVE WITH ALL FOUR BURNERS FLAMING AND THE OVEN DOOR WAS OPEN. Lying over on a vinyl couch was a little infant, beautiful, baby boy dressed only in a T-shirt and a diaper, and the house was chilly.
 
Our hearts were breaking to see how little they had, and yet the love among them was evident and of course, the mother/ grandmother was introducing us all with great pride to her children and their spouses. Two of the little boys saw the big fluffy blankets that we bought. We had stacked things over on a makeshift couch that was really just a twin bed with a covering over it, and these little boys grabbed the blankets and ran upstairs to their rooms.
 
TO SAY IT WAS HUMBLING IS MINIMIZING HOW LITTLE THESE DEAR PEOPLE HAD. We were not there to give out of any sense of benevolence, but out of love.
 
We Began To Talk To Their Children And Coo Over The Babies,
And The Tension In The Room Began To Melt As They Began To See,
That We Were Just People Who Came To Love And Bless Them.
 
Because they knew Margaret Wren, they knew we were safe people and that we were kind people. We knew they were safe people and kind people.
 
NOW HERE’S WHERE THE BEAUTIFUL MIRACLE PART BEGINS TO TAKE PLACE! Steve asked if we might be able to pray for this dear woman heading into surgery that night. She was the one holding the family together and I think pretty much financially as well. She was covering what it cost to pay for the house and just basic comforts. Although several other others did have jobs, it just was not going to be enough with her being incapacitated.
 
SHE SMILED BROADLY, AND SHE SAID, “I AM BELIEVING THAT GOD WILL HEAL ME AND THAT I WILL COME OUT OF THIS WITH A NEW HEART. That I will mend quickly! I trust in Jesus!” Some of her older children were rolling their eyes at her or had an attitude of just accepting that “this was the way their mother always was”, but there was not necessarily disrespect, just a lot of disbelief. Yet, they all joined the large circle we formed to pray.
 
STEVE BEGAN TO PRAY.
He prayed and blessed the family and thanked the Lord for the privilege of meeting every one of them. He asked the Heavenly Father if he would come and show himself to be kind and real to each and every one of them and provide for them and open up new jobs for them. He then laid hands on this dear lady, as did several others who were with us, and he anointed her with oil and prayed that the Lord would touch her body and astound the doctors, asking that there would not nearly be as much damage done to her heart as originally thought.
 
We All Felt This Unusual Warm Presence Gently Surround
All Of Us As We Were Standing There.
Everyone Was Aware Of The Sweetness Of God’s Presence.
 
WHEN STEVE GOT DONE PRAYING, WE ALL HUGGED EVERYONE.
Some of it was awkward, some of it was genuine and warm, and the dear lady said, "I need to be on my way, they’ll be waiting for me at the hospital." We said Merry Christmas to everyone and went outside where the young man was still watching our cars and of course, he had seen us take in all of the items. He was smiling a big smile and gave each of us a hug and said, “Thank you all so much. You have no idea how much this means to our children.” Many of us smiled and said, “We do understand because some of us came from big families and have been through hard times in the past, so we’re so glad to be able to share!”
 
ON OUR WAY HOME STEVE AND I JUST SAT THERE QUIETLY basking in the joy of knowing that God sent us to a difficult place and a potentially dangerous place, and that the enemy would want us to think that we were doing something foolish or dangerous, but instead, we were sent to love people who were in need. We were given the privilege of watching joy take place in their home, as well as seeing their beautiful children, and then praying for the dear lady who was going to have the heart surgery.
 
WE WENT TO STEVE’S PARENTS HOUSE and sat there with Christmas music playing and good food everywhere and said, “we’ve already had our Christmas” We just had the most beautiful moment and it just seemed like everything else paled compared to what we had had the honor of partaking in. It was about a 35-minute drive from Steve’s parents house to ours and we went home and prepared for bed.
 
CHRISTMAS MORNING, (THE NEXT MORNING), WE HAD GOTTEN UP AND WE WERE PREPARING SOME COFFEE AND WERE GOING TO OPEN OUR SMALL GIFTS TO EACH OTHER WHEN THE PHONE RANG. When we answered it, Margaret Wren was on the phone and she was laughing and praising God. We said, “What’s going on Margaret? What’s got you so fired up on Christmas morning to call us! Aren’t you with your family?”
Margaret said, “WELL!! I WAS getting ready to celebrate with my family, but I got a phone call from our dear sister who went into surgery last night …
…And as they were examining her last evening and did a final scan, the doctor was extremely puzzled. They decided to do some exploratory surgery before fully opening her up to make sure that everything was necessary.
Upon further examination with laparoscopy, the doctor was absolutely stunned and flummoxed that this woman’s heart was in perfect condition! There was no scar tissue. There was no evidence of heart attack or stroke anywhere in her body. Her blood pressure had gone into a normal rhythm and she was breathing with ease. They ran more tests and didn’t know what to do with her so they sent her home. 
 
WE WERE STUNNED, JOYFULLY PRAISING GOD AND LAUGHING AT THE FACT THE DOCTOR’S DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH HER! We told Margaret we would split calling everybody up with her to let everyone know, and each time we called and told someone the rejoicing increased!
 
After the phone calls, Steve and I sat and talked about what an absolute moment it must’ve been for her children to have her walk through that door and smile at them and say, “Look what the Lord has done. He gave me the best Christmas ever! He gave me a new heart!” All of those young adults and grandchildren who stood in that room, doubtful that God cared about them very much, but knew that their grandmother or their mother loved them and gave everything for them in order for them to have comfort and shelter. Yet, she stood there bravely and courageously saying she was believing God for a new heart. (I think the Lord gave a few other people a new heart that day as well!)
 
WATCHING PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT FROM YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD or even from your own culture, praying for your mother, bringing gifts and treasures much like the Wiseman brought, filled with abundance because of Jesus to celebrate Christmas, created an open door for God to work a miracle and change an entire family’s focus to see that he not only cares for them, but that he loves them.
 
NO CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, NO TINSEL,
NO BEAUTIFULLY WRAPPED GIFT HELD INTEREST FOR STEVE AND I THAT CHRISTMAS. We sat on our little couch and held hands and wept and praised God for the extra income that we had been given through the unexpected extra job. Even though we had suffered great losses and had been saddled with the business debt, we knew that we had obeyed the Lord being a part of the blessing of watching God unite many people who gave their little bits, which created a tremendous amount to bless another family in need. To see joy on those dear faces and learn of the miracle that took place was more than we could handle!
 
Every Christmas we recount the story. We remember the years where there was hardship and yet God always came through. That dear woman lived into her late 80s and although we never saw her or the family again, we occasionally would hear from sister Margaret about the advances that had taken a place in the family. How the grandchildren were doing. We knew that we had been a small, tiny part of validating that they were worthy of love and care.
 
WHAT IS IT RIGHT NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH IN ABUNDANCE?
What is it that you have in your home?
Maybe you have a box of new tennis shoes that you don’t really like or a pair of dress shoes.
Maybe you have jeans or clothing that you can’t fit into, or, they’re too big and they’re just hanging in your closet.
Maybe you have an extra $20 or $50 where you could go buy bags of fruit loaves of bread, a few blocks of cheese.
 
When you put these things together and you ask around, you will find a family in need. A family worthy of love, going through a difficult time.
In that moment when you choose to go and be the hands of Christ extended, not only will he empower you with his Holy Spirit, but he gives you the opportunity to offer prayer for the deeper needs that they may have.
 
Perhaps In The Next Few Days You Will Be Called Upon
To Do Something That Starts Out As Simply A Loving Act Of
Giving Of Sustenance And Warmth That Will Turn Into
A Miraculous And Beautiful Testimony.
 
We live in a world in a time we’re hoarding has become something others applaud, holding our “earthly stuff” close to us, and becoming cynical when others suffer or others are going through difficult times.
 
IF YOU HAVE WEALTH, IF YOU HAVE ABUNDANCE OR IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE,  and there is even the slightest hint of condescension or looking down on anyone else who suffers or seems to have cycles of loss, Check your heart!
You have been blessed in abundance, to help others in abundance.
That is the biblical approach to wealth.
 
We don’t store up and hoard for ourselves in order to impress others as believers.
We don’t flaunt and act extravagant in front of others in order to appear superior.
We humble ourselves, we give sacrificially, and we go to hard places, we go to difficult places, perhaps to families who have no interest in Christ, but we become light in their darkness and plant seeds.
 
THERE ARE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS NEARBY WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW, THAT NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE SEEN AND LOVED. Even the smallest thing, a plate of cookies or a basket of fruit taken to a woman who has been recently widowed, can cause her loneliness and fears to be calmed.
 
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO PRAY WITH THOSE THAT YOU GO TO CHECK IN ON. They may say no, they don’t want to be prayed for, and you can lovingly say, “that’s fine. I will pray quietly for you at home.” But never be afraid to offer to pray for them in the moment.
This Is What Jesus Would Do.
 
Ask the Holy Spirit right now what is it that you have been blessed with.
Ask if you are supposed to share a part of that blessing.
Ask if there’s something sacrificial that you can do to help bless others who serve. Those who bless others who care take.
 Bless others who seem to be givers and others think they have an endless supply, when in fact; they too need to be loved and seen.
 
THE COMING OF CHRIST WAS A GIFT OF IMMEASURABLE GRACE.
God gave his entire wealth to mankind so that this gift would give us back access to the Father himself. He gave the very best that heaven could offer. That is why Christmas is such a potent time, because it is to be about the giving, the light, and the celebrating of this immeasurable gift.
 
When We Step Out Into Difficult And Hard Places And Sacrifice,
Remember,
God Is With Us! Emmanuel!
 
Matthew 1:23 Tells us
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM IMMANUEL,” which translated, means, “GOD WITH US.”
 
THE NAME OF JESUS THE MESSIAH, “GOD WITH US”
MANIFESTS IN NOT ONLY THE MIRACULOUS,
BUT HE HEALS AND BREAKS DOWN BARRIERS. 
 
May your celebration of the King of Kings who was sent to earth as a tiny, vulnerable baby, be filled with a deeper understanding of the price that was paid for our lives.
 
Of course we know this is not actually the accurate date or celebration for Jesus’ birthday, but we must never minimize the fact that the world is aware of what we are celebrating! Something of great power and a great comfort. It has a depth and a meaning that many are still seeking to understand.
 
Let us use every opportunity to its fullest to tell of the wonders of his love!
 
Have A Miraculous And Beautiful Christmas Season My Friends!
God Is With Us.
We Are Not Alone!
 
I will say goodbye for now until my next podcast!
I bless you all in the mighty name of the Savior of mankind, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, GOD WITH US.
 
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You! 2024
"THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.marylindow.podbean.com
 
If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:
 
Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of: 
► Personal Checks ► Business Checks
► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks
To: 
 
His Beloved Ministries Inc. 
PO Box 1253
Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA 
 
Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with
Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow 
Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc. 
 
ALL gifts are tax-deductible under
His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.
 
We are financially accountable and have been in
full compliance since
1985
THANK YOU!
 

VIDEOS AND INSPIRATION FOR TOUGH TIMES

 
Hello dear friends and those of you that listen to my podcast! 
This is a new presentation that I have created and the podcast is going to send you over to links that you can see there in the site that are going to introduce you to four (4) new, small, video presentations that I have been working on producing in order to use these as ways to encourage those who have an interest in the Lord, or those who are fearful, those who need to pray for our nation and more! 
 
These are just enough to get people to relax, calm down, and listen and pray! And! They are there to encourage YOU! 
 
They are there to share. 
They are there to bring visual context and audio context to things that people are struggling with right now, so if you want to head on over to those and just click the pictures below, click any picture for something that you have interest or,  listen to each of these! 
 
Of course you can watch and listen, and you can copy the links and embed them. 
Send them in emails and share them! 
That’s what this is about! 
 
The Lord said to go out into all of the world and preach the good news, the Gospel, and that means the good news of Jesus Christ, that he is here to help us and to keep us from being afraid!
 
If we are afraid we can come to him. 
He teaches us how to pray and how not to be anxious, and teaches us how to stand strong under the shadow of his wing!
 
You know, I have four consistent supporters, and I bless you! 
I’ve told you that if things would begin to increase just a little bit I would be able to create some videos, and so I had another $150 come in an offering and of course, I have to pay to park these projects somewhere. You can’t just create them. You have to park them on a site that processes, stores and compresses video. 
So! THANK YOU to that individual (you know who you are) for helping me, because this is also preaching the gospel!
 
Now folks!
Just ⬇️SCROLL DOWN ⬇️
and CLICK one or two of those different videos 
and enjoy the beautiful music, the beautiful graphics, 
the words, the voiceover 
and 
I hope they encourage you today!
 
Have a wonderful, wonderful, day
and be blessed in knowing that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
 
➡️ My website also is available to watch and listen to these videos 
if you just prefer to go watch them all in one location! ⬅️
 
You can go to 
www.marylindow.com 
Click the word VIDEO in the menu bar! 
 
What To Do In A World Filled With Fear?
⬆️ (CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH VIDEO)
Be encouraged and be fired up with this 1 min 50 second video about standing strong in a sea of lies and deception! Most people are feeling the shift and tension of world events increasing daily and lies are becoming a national phenomenon! Standing for truth doesn’t come easy. People might consider us hopelessly old-school, blind, or call us fools. But in reality, to stand on and advocate for truth is one of the most loving things we can do—because it actually calls people to live in line with reality, and to warn them away from building on falsehoods that sooner or later, will crumble beneath them.
 
PRAYER: It’s More Than Words
⬆️(CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH VIDEO)
The Spirit of God desires not only that we seek Him but that we actually find Him! The humbling of our soul and learning to pray - these are not simply spiritual disciplines or mechanical things we do for the sake of revival. They are heart preparations. The invitation from the Lord to seek His face is not to be taken lightly;  in fact, it is a lifestyle!
 
Prayer For God’s Defense
⬆️(CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH VIDEO)
When you feel the pressures of life and injustice surrounding you,
where do you turn for help, for comfort, for hope?
 
⬆️(CLICK PICTURE TO WATCH VIDEO)
Anxiety And Fear Have An Antidote
Whether we are mourning, or fearful, at a loss or are experiencing grief,
HOPE has a name…
 
Thank you, and I’ll talk to you soon!
Goodbye for now.
Mary Lindow 
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You! 2024
"THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.marylindow.podbean.com
 
If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website, podcast, and Video production costs,
or desire to bless her service in ministry with
Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:
 
Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of: 
► Personal Checks ► Business Checks
► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks
To: 
 
His Beloved Ministries Inc. 
PO Box 1253
Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA 
 
Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with
 
Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow 
Under the name of - His Beloved Ministries Inc. 
 
ALL gifts are tax-deductible under
His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.
We are financially accountable
and have been in full compliance since 1985.
Thank You!
 

"TRAUMATIC TIMES AND TRUTH TELLERS"

By Mary Lindow
 
Today’s podcast is going to be discussing a subject that a lot of people avoid because they honestly just don’t know how to approach it or, they are afraid to approach it.
Somehow people think that people like myself who have been serving in ministry to the Body of Christ for many, many years, and who are called by the Lord to operate or flow in a prophetic ministry as well, do this 40 hours a week. And, of course, people do expect you to be on call and ready to deliver a clear and concise word from the Lord, without considering the fact that you are not just simply a prophet or a teacher/minister, but you are also a human being who lives and breathes and moves and feels.
 
BEING IN MINISTRY ON ANY LEVEL IS NOT FOR THE WEAK OF HEART and truly should not be something to be considered or pursued by those who are looking for a platform for fame or to hold power over others. It is a call to hear the voice of the Lord, to study his word and to always be ready to give a good report of what he has promised or what he is requiring of his people.
So having said that, I am echoing the words and most likely also the thoughts of many disappointed and disillusioned believers right now.
I read a wonderful devotional last week from the Bible app. and it so resonated with where things are right now in our world.
It said, 
“If we are paying attention, we will see a lot of “off” around us. I bet you have noticed things that appeared unjust. Cracks in the façade that show injustice is real.
People hurt. Bullies winning.
The right action is left undone or the wrong action brings harm.
When we pay attention, we have to acknowledge this world is gut-wrenchingly broken.”
 
Many of us will read a description of mistreatment and nod along from experience, memories bringing a fire to our chest. Others hear words about injustice, and it all feels distant. The deep desire to downplay evil stirs, perhaps even subconsciously.
Reading Habakkuk beckons us to acknowledge a foundational principle God reveals through Old Testament prophets—you have to see the evil. We must look around at what is happening in the world and see it for what it is.”
 
THE BIBLE PAINTS THE PROPHETS AS THOSE WHO JOLT US AWAKE AND FORCE US TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT SUCH THINGS.
 
They are the watchmen signaling with waving arms, often to people wanting to look away.
“Look up and see the evil done against others”, the prophets said.
See the impact of your own choices on the vulnerable.
See the disobedience of God’s people.
 
GOD SEES THE WAYS WE’VE GOTTEN THINGS SUPER WRONG FRIENDS, and he’s coming to do something about it.
Get ready. We might not be paying attention, but he is.
 
It would be easy for some of us—and beneficial at times—to look away from the wrong done around us. We much prefer the aesthetics that way. Yet, there are consequences to indifference. We should not be surprised by discipline from the Lord if we choose not to pay attention to the discrepancy between our community’s actions and God’s righteous standard, just as the prophets warned in Israel.
 
FOR OVER 16 YEARS STEVE AND I HAVE ALSO BEEN INVOLVED AS PASTORAL COUNSELORS. Now, some individuals say that all pastors can give pastoral counseling to people. It’s a little different than that. Some people go to school and study psychology, which is the study of the mind, and how to understand the psyche of people and help them. This is a secular approach, and there have been good results and helping people resolve conflicts and often mental illness issues as well as addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s problems and more.
 
Pastoral counseling is where the Bible is the foundation, the Scriptures are the foundation of what you use as a basis to advise and counsel and hopefully help restore people. You also do have to take study courses and apply different techniques in counseling that assist you in being able to assess and discern, as well as understand some issues of mental health in order to be integral in your approach. Steve and I were supervised for over 15 years by a doctor of psychology, who was a strong believer, and we both took courses from different Christian counseling associations and college courses in order to broaden our ability to help people. We also had a brick-and-mortar counseling group with a dear friend, our friend who was the doctor of psychology and the practice supervisor for three years in our local area.
 
WE SAW THE LORD TRANSFORM, marriages, families, young people, and drug addicts, as well as dealing with many abused believers who had come out of almost cult-like, churches, or who were involved in environments and churches where they could not talk about abuse going on with the staff. Many in ministry callings came to us to share their hearts and gained helpful counsel as well.
 
LITERALLY A FEW WEEKS BEFORE COVID LOCKDOWNS BEGAN, our landlord who was also a believer let us know that he was going to sell his portion of the medical unit building that we were renting from him, and the Lord had begun to speak to Steve and I about the timing of where we were supposed to head into more private work as pastoral counselors and as mentors within that same timeframe. The state of Colorado had begun to dictate what licensed counselors were permitted to address, absolutely mandating that they were not permitted to talk about any kind of therapy, that assisted those with “different sexual lifestyles” if they wanted to be transformed or helped.
 
Steve and I strictly operate as Ordained ministers so we do not have to bow our knee to the dictates of a corrupt government licensure program.  We still have to follow confidentiality laws as well as report any kind of devastating child abuse that we may hear in our counseling sessions, but it is all done ethically and legally, and with grace. When the lockdowns began the majority of our work took place over the phone or occasional zoom sessions. With great sadness our dear sister and friend and Counseling Center Supervisor Dr. Muskie, passed into heaven, due to complications with WuhanCovid19.
 
When You Counsel People, The Number One Thing
That Needs To Be Absolutely Evident Is That You Are Willing
To NOT Look At Everyone From A Lens Of What YOU Know,
But Rather From The Lens Of God’s Compassion, As Well As
Leaning In To The Discernment Of The Holy Spirit.
 
The majority of the people I work with are women who have been in abusive environments with either husbands, abusive parents or/siblings and with people in ministry environments (and I’m telling you there are many sexual predators who prey upon women right in church buildings!) as well as working with professional women who are pressured by men and women in their work environments.
 
There are also a lot of women who are very sensual, who get attention by teasing men hoping to cause them to fall. It’s a real deal! And they don’t just go after pastors. They will go after any man in a local body or church or work environment to get the attention that they hunger for when they missed out on being parented properly, or if they feel that something sensual makes them get the attention they need to feel loved. This often happens when there has been sexual abuse in their lives.
 
Pastoral counseling is based on getting to the root of the problem according to what the word of God says, and for a believer the importance of it is that we are willing to face the root cause of what causes us to be traumatized, bitter, secretive, or lie.
 
ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO COUNSEL IS A PERSON WITH AN EXTREMELY HARD, WOUNDED HEART, OR WHO IS EMBITTERED. No matter how much you try to show them the way and soften the pathway for them with the grace of God, there is often a back lash that always has a reason to explain why they are hurt, why they are hard, and why they choose to stay stuck in a hard place.
In Matthew 13:15 Jesus says:
“For the heart of this people has become hard,
With their ears they scarcely hear,
And they have closed their eyes,
Otherwise they would see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”
 
It is a humbling thing to admit that you are stuck or that you are in a hard place, or that you are dominant and mean and cruel to people because you are bitter over tough life circumstances that have happened to you, and so you put up a wall to protect yourself.
 
I have met Christians who justify the fact that they can bully and name call and yes, often swear at other people when they think they are trying to help them or advise them. They often get angry when they are confronted about their bad bullying behavior towards their children. If you ever hear a believer say something like “my child is a jerk”, or “you’re a little brat”, or “stop whining and get up or I’m going to give you something to cry about”, you can tell that there’s verbal abuse going on in their home.
 
Verbal abuse isn’t just cussing at someone although it is verbal abuse for sure! Verbal abuse is considered shaming, humiliating, paralyzing, and dominating over someone else verbally to the point that they are caused to emotionally shut down in fear. Unfortunately, I hear in the confines and confidential pouring out of hearts in my counseling sessions many who have been yelled at with scripture verses and shamed over not being perfect and obedient to God.  This is called spiritual abuse.
 
Picking out specific Bible verses, and using them as a battering ram, or a knife that stabs into the heart of someone to get them to “obey" or to get them to “submit”, is absolutely vicious behavior and it is abusive. There’s no godly virtue in posturing to be a big shot, or to appear to be the person who can control a room with snarky snide remarks or a bunch of advice that everyone is forced to listen to.
 
This is called "insolent pride" in the Bible, and we always take that biblical view, but in the natural if you were studying a psychological viewpoint, this is called narcissism.
 
Proverbs 21:24 states
“Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, 

He who acts with insolent pride
 
 
INSOLENT PRIDE CREATES A SCOFFING, ARROGANT “KNOW IT ALL” ENVIRONMENT, where there is no ability to ever address the deep-rooted issue of control and abuse in a human being and how they use it towards others to posture. The need for power and control becomes “out of control”! But underneath that simmering rage there is someone who needs to keep everything tightly organized and under their thumb in order that no one finds about out the secret part of them that is either weak, wounded, or has done something they should not do to harm others.
 
WHY AM I SHARING THIS?
Well, we are living in a time where narcissism is actually applauded and stroked as a point of near genius! Insolent pride and verbal domination have become the way of communication in most social media groups.  And, unfortunately it takes place in a lot of texting where people can say cruel or snarky things behind the protection of a telephone screen and slander others in one mass social media post or text! But to say it face-to-face and see the pain in someone’s face by the words they’ve spoken is a different thing isn’t it? And the other party suddenly being painted as a “rotten person” never gets a chance to tell the side of their story that may actually be the truth.
 
Every day we come across people who need to hear a kind word, who need to be lead to a place where they can get help or truth, or just simply be treated with a level of empathy.  And, every day we come across people who may be predators, verbal abusers, spiritual abusers, and have no conscience about how they treat people.
 
IT IS ABSOLUTELY TIME FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST AGAIN TO READDRESS THE ISSUE, FOR THE NEED FOR EXTREME DISCERNMENT. Everything that the enemy could throw at us and our children is on full display right now, and if we dumb down safety and sexuality, safety and what our children watch on television or other tech devices, safety and what WE as adults watch, we simply embrace the narrative of the world, and we move away from scriptural goodness into a place that pollutes the ability to have good discernment.
 
When we don’t allow accountability to come into our lives, whether it be with a good and wise counselor, or with a group of trusted friends who are not going to take your information and spread it far and wide, we leave ourselves open to a secretive fantasy world, or a secret world of torment.
 
What do you do when you’re anxious or sad or depressed or fearful over the way your husband treats you or the way your wife beats you down verbally?
 
What do you do when you are at a stalemate because a spouse refuses to forgive or move forward into hearing the truth about some of the things they have done to get locked into bad behavior and resentment?
 
What do you do when you have a child that suddenly has become addicted to video games and it’s moved up into their adult life and they have no friends because their world is all in front of a screen?
 
What do you do when you know that a minister or a member of a staff in a church or a CEO of your corporation is secretly sexually preying upon individuals in their offices, and you could lose your job, because you know?
 
THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT ARE HARD TO ADDRESS,
BUT MUST BE ADDRESSED!
 
The world is feeling a tremendous amount of being unsettled right now by the great upset of realizing how easy it is to be controlled by a few tyrants, and yet people will cower and go about in denial, instead of learning how to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
 
I have worked with many brave women, who have prayed and fasted and done everything they possibly can to help work on their marriages, but their spouses have chosen to hunker down and gaslight and punish. No matter what approach is taken they become more verbally violent and are determined to blame everyone else.
 
Is this easy to talk about? Absolutely not!
But when you are scripturally based not only as a minister, but also as a pastoral counselor, you must bring truth into the light and help people become free from abusive environments and often “self abusive” environments.  You must above all have confidentiality and trust level that they know will not be breached. Most pastoral counselors work on a sliding scale fee in order to keep their rates low for those who are working hard, sometimes two and three jobs, or a wife who has limited income because her husband tightly holds the reins of the finances.
 
WHEN YOU’RE A PASTORAL COUNSELOR, IT IS DONE OUT OF THE PASSION FOR CHRIST and therefore money and income are not the foremost driving purpose for your work. But, there must be an investment and a fee from those who are in counseling, or people tend to not take it seriously.
It needs to be considered per individual and what they are capable of handling. I often tell people their counseling is much more important than the two or three times weekly custom cup of coffee at their local coffee shop, or perhaps snacks in their afternoon candy bar routine. It really isn’t a sacrifice when you start doing the work to get yourself whole and healthy.
It becomes a lifetime investment.
 
Pastoral counseling is definitely a calling and not to be simply a moneymaker. However, many individuals still expect hours and hours of free counseling time, and rarely invest much into changing their lives if there isn’t some kind of financial accountability for them. Of course if you attend a local church and there is a counseling pastor on staff, that’s what they are there for! If you regularly go to that fellowship and support them, usually there is an option or opportunity for you to see a counselor on staff for no fee. But having experienced some of this in the past, I also know that people tend to jump from counselor to counselor or, Pastor to Pastor if they don’t want to deal with the root cause of their problems, and it can cause friction in a local body if there’s not respect for the position and the role the pastoral counselor is assigned to, by the Lord. Basically they want someone to justify what they are doing, and their bad behaviors.
 
I URGE YOU TO ASK THE LORD TO WALK THE CORRIDORS OF YOUR HEART. Are there things in your life that you dominate and hold over others as scriptural and “legalistic absolutes” and they have become nearly abusive because you refuse to listen to someone else’s heart on the matter?
 
One thing that I have often observed is that people become very hard and hardened because they want to win an argument, or something that has helped and changed them, becomes a law for them to use against others.
 
Now, before others think I’m going to lighten my approach to the Bible, understand this. The word of God is perfect and enlightens the soul. It brings truth to a matter and it does not waver.
 
Of course, there are absolutes in the Scriptures that God will not deviate from no matter how many people try to dilute or maneuver around them. But if we use a hammer and verbal abuse and shame and scripture to “scorch people” in order to prove a point, or to advise them then we are also biblically unsound and abusive.
 
FIRST CORINTHIANS INSTRUCTS US SO CLEARLY THAT LOVE IS WHAT?
It is patient.
It is kind.
It is not boastful, it is not arrogant, and it is not self-serving.
 
When the Lord said, come to me, all of you who are heavy, laden, weighed down and burdened, and I will give you rest, he meant that, because he knows we get heavy laden and burdened and weighed down, either by our own destructive behaviors and sins, or by the destructive behaviors and actions and sins of others.
 
There is also nothing more painful than when someone is in pain or sorrowful or going through a great loss or trauma, and another individual shouts, “get over it, move on”, or cracks jokes about the person in pain.
 
Yes, you will be around people who are chronically in pain or depressed, and it takes patience. It takes guidance, and it takes kindness to either help direct them to help, or gently tell them that you are not the person that is able to help them at this time, but that you will stop and pray for them right now. 
You see, it takes humility.
 
Although there is a lot of reading material produced that uses the term “tough love” and a lot of books about boundaries that we can study, remember, if you’re coming from a scriptural perspective the ultimate goal of God is a Redemptive moment or a restoration if possible.
 
BOUNDARIES ARE NOT TO BE HUGE CEMENT WALLS WITH BARBED WIRE AT THE TOP BLOCKING OUT EVEN THE SUN.
 
Boundaries as a believer are there for when there is a conflict or a disagreement or a different viewpoint with another person. It’s a  "time out" to go and think about it, to pray about it, check your own heart and see if there’s something that would bring about a form of reconciliation.  And then, you try to come together and discuss the issue.
You can agree to disagree and not banish people!
 
Imagine how much Jesus disagrees with a lot of how we behave and yet he doesn’t banish us! He continues to wait for us to come out of our corners of hiding or corners of denial, and meet him again in dialogue until light comes and hope and help, bring a different perspective on our pathway of life.
 
I have worked with people through phone counseling sessions from many different places in the United States, and I have seen them grieve and open up and trust me with the deepest of their painful sorrows and things that are unbelievably sometimes even unbearable to mention. Slowly, but surely, a foundation of nurture and truth combined begins to chip away at the lie that they have believed and feel viewed as something no longer valuable or useful, or that they are worthy of value and are not to be abused!
 
For instance, if a young girl has been used and trafficked by a parent for most of their childhood and up into their high school years, once they awaken to this later in life, there is no way that anyone can accuse them of “choosing” to not face it!
 
There comes a time where the light of God shines brightly on the pain and the sorrow, and they need to be led out into a place where they can express the grief, the anguish and the huge loss of childhood innocence, and yet be brought to a safe place before the face of God, through strategic dialog, planning, or behavioral changes. Gently addressing the people that they affiliate, with until they see the light and the kindness of God. Until they can see themselves as the original creation God had planned them to be.
 
NOW, DON’T GET ME WRONG.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE WHEN THE LORD OPENS DOORS FOR ME TO SPEAK AND MINISTER, and if so called to, I to do operate in the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom when I am involved in these environments.  It is hard work to study and prepare in prayer for when you are assigned these opportunities to speak and minister publicly. But, this behind-the-scenes work of mentoring and pastorally, biblically guide people with counsel, is one of the hardest things that I think I’ve ever done, and yet the most joyful and rewarding when you see the lights come on and the light enter and the chains of the enemy become literal paper and fall away. The person finds the joy and laughter and finds that God has a glorious plan for them.
 
Sometimes it can be a rather rapid process, but the majority of times it is a steady, consistent work, until they find their wings and fly. Every time I work with someone I think about how long it takes for Jesus to help us to find our way, and he often narrows the path of our relationships and friendships in order for us to not only be safe, but to also be on a pathway that is not crowded by those who choose to not do the work that God is asking them to do, in order to be transformed.
 
If we look at the parable where the seed falls on the ground, there are those who will stay stony hearted and will not take in water. They will not receive nourishment. They choose not to grow, and the sad thing is that their seed is pecked up on my other predators.
 
I CAN TELL YOU HONESTLY THAT ALL OF THE PROPHETIC WORDS SPOKEN OVER YOUR LIFE DO NOT CHANGE
THE HARD WORK IT TAKES TO GET YOUR LIFE ON A PATH WHERE THEY CAN COME TO PASS.
 
The Lord is so good to give us future promises, but with those there’s a requirement for action.
Don’t wait until things are so bad and you have a minefield of heartache and debris left in your wake that you have to now clean up.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the help that you need, and find someone whom you can work with and feel safe with, and get on with allowing God to create a new clean heart and renew a right spirit within you.
 
If you have addictions to pornography or addictions to drugs or any other thing that causes you to feel driven towards it, the Lord wants to offer you freedom and restore you to a place of peace and no longer walking in fear.
 
The greatest counselor that we can have is the Holy Spirit; the scripture says the Holy Spirit is a counselor.
Now, many people say, “Well!  I can hear from the Lord for myself, and I will let the Holy Spirit counsel me!”
The problem with that statement is that if we are already in trouble, or we are hiding something, or we have been abused and beat down, we can often dismiss the deep inner voice of the Lord telling us that we need to talk to others and be accountable and get help. Often the Holy Spirit will gently say to someone,  “Go talk to so-and-so or go talk to your pastor or go talk to a counselor or a close friend, who is wise”. Yet pride or fear keeps us paralyzed and afraid to move forward.
 
EVERYONE SOMEWHERE IN THEIR FAMILY OR IN THEIR LIFE EXPERIENCES HURT, AND PAIN AND TRAUMA. Unfortunately, this is the nature of fallen man and the Earth is riddled with devastation because of it. But in John 10:10, Jesus himself said, “I have come that you might have life to the fullest!” He said that you MIGHT have life to the fullest! And the first part of that verse is, “but Satan comes to rob to steal to kill and destroy”. This is what happens to people in life when they are abused and traumatized! 
 
Jesus offers a hand to us saying come to me all of you, who are very weary and heavy laden, heavy burdened, and I will give you rest so that you might have life to the fullest.
 
One of the simplest ways you can find help is to simply look in your area for a Christian counselor, and you can even ask for specifics and details. Those who are really dedicated to the call of God as pastoral counselors spend as much time in prayer and preparation before there counseling session, as they do IN the counseling session.
 
The word of God ultimately has the answers that we need, and the pathway that will guide us out of darkness into the light.
 
I AM IMPRESSED TO SHARE THIS PODCAST SPECIFICALLY
BECAUSE I KNOW THERE ARE THOSE OF YOU
THAT ARE LISTENING WHO ARE CRYING OUT FOR GOD
TO SHOW YOU WHERE TO GO OR WHAT TO DO ABOUT
SOME OF THE SITUATIONS YOU FIND YOURSELF IN.
 
He wants you to know it is not wrong to seek help and that counseling is not of the devil!
 
After all the scripture in Isaiah calls, Jesus, The Mighty Counselor! And again he speaks of the Holy Spirit as being our advocate, or one of our counselors, because they are in themselves three in one with the Father. But, the Lord gives the spirit of counsel and wisdom, and insight to those who are called to help others out of dark places.
 
Don’t hesitate!
Call someone, research someone in your area, or if you have a pastor or individual who is skilled in your church to help you deal with the specific kind of trauma upset you are dealing with, make an appointment and step forward. Not all pastors are skilled or qualified to help people who have been through traumatic sexual abuse issues, or who are dealing with parents who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. But, they can certainly pray with you and help also to direct you to the proper resource.
 
JESUS WANTS US TO FIND A PLACE OF PEACE AND REST IN HIM. His ultimate is to bring us peace and to draw us close to him.
 
If there’s anyone who has ever shamed you by telling you that, seeing a counselor is weak or shows that you don’t trust the Lord, just understand that that individual is also hiding something, or is extremely bound up in the fear of being led astray.
 
Some counselors are not a good fit and so you go to a different one! There have been times when I have worked with individuals and I have to lovingly let them know that I am not a good fit for their situation, or it becomes overlapped into situations where there needs to be another specialist who can better help them walk out an area where they’re stuck, and they need a Focused, Skilled individual to help them unpack, and unburden the deep pain that they are in.
 
THE SCRIPTURE SAYS HE WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED.
My prayer for those that are listening today is that you will open your heart to the Lord in prayer and ask him to help you to take the steps forward that you might need to deal with whatever it is that you are suffering over.
 
If you have been verbally abused by bullies in the church or those that may even say that they have some form of counseling skill, but they verbally abuse or shame or use harsh language in order to shock you, this was not the way God planned it. Try again!
 
Step forward one more time and ask the Lord to open the door for you to the right counselor. He will do it, and he will help you be free from pain, the hiding of abuse as a child, the difficulty of dealing with addicted or angry adult children, and those that are prodigal parents, or prodigal children.
 
Jesus has a plan and helping us to hand things over to him in his care when we’ve done all that we know we can possibly do, and we have apologized or repented for actions on our part.
 
Remember, nothing is impossible with God.
I have seen him turn situations around that seemed absolutely impossible! He can help us to stand firm in our faith and not hide in order to be people pleasers, or to cower under the pressure of abusive treatment.
 
OUR NATURAL HUMAN RESPONSE TO SHAME IS TO HIDE.
We hide from each other and hide from God.
This has been the case since Creation. The Bible describes how the first human beings responded to God when they had sinned and were ashamed:  “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Genesis 3:8).
 
FRIENDS, HIDING KEEPS US FROM HEALING.
Let’s all aim to be a compassionate, courageous community of believers. A community in which we support each other as we choose healing over hiding.
Let’s support each other as we ask God to grow, to change and heal us.
 
Let Me Lift You Up To The Father In Prayer Right Now:
Father, I thank you for those that are listening to this podcast today. I know it’s not an easy one and certainly not as stimulating and supernatural or as exciting as some, but it IS a supernatural work that you do when you bring us to a place of releasing pain and telling the truth about what has happened to us, or where we have done something to harm someone else.
 
Lord, I know you’re doing a great cleansing work and that you are starting with the body of Christ, bringing your judgment and your truth, and your light.
 
Lord, you said the days are coming when we will worship you in spirit and in truth. Lord, we can’t fully worship you when we’re not truthful with you, if we’re hiding and if we’re cloaking, so I pray that anyone listening today. Father anyone who is afraid. I pray that you tell them that fear is holding them back and that you would guide them literally by the hand and direct them to the proper counselor, to someone who has the wisdom to help unlock the pain, the history, the stories and the trauma that has happened to them, in war, in family, in abuse in school or a job. With an abusive Pastor, with an abusive Sunday school teacher.
 
The list goes on and on and you know every one of these events.
So Father I ask that those that are hearing this message will take courage. You will GIVE them the courage to step out and ask for help and I know you will do it.
 
You will help them if they will simply step out, and I thank you for hearing this prayer from my heart for them, in Jesus name.
 
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included.
Thank You! 2024
"THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.marylindow.podbean.com
 
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THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD WILL BE DEMONSTRATED WHEN WE WALK AND PRAY

By Mary Lindow
In this podcast I am going to share two interesting supernatural events that took place in regards to “prayer walking” in two different locations.
If you will remember the story of the battle at Jericho, Joshua and the people who marched around that fortified city, you will know that prayer walking and praise have a potent affect!
We would often have groups of people walk among our community near where our church facility was and they would simply pray quietly for the neighborhoods they were walking in. Often there would be people out in their yards or sitting on their front porches, and they would stop to visit with them, simply asking if there were something they could pray about with them, and would state that they had no agenda other than just a walk through the neighborhood and to pray. 
Out of that came great moments where peoples live were being touched, and changed! These individuals would often end up coming to church where they could be loved on, discipled and find family in Christ to help them grow, or to help them through difficult times.
We knew one pastor who had everybody gather one Sunday during the service, and then he gave packets of scripture verses and candy bars to groups of them or whoever was there, and said, “Today’s service is concluded! Here’s a block map for you to go walk and pray and greet your neighbors around the church!”
Imagine the shock of the people that they had to leave their comfortable church building and go out and actually be praying for their neighbors physically, and look for opportunities to help them!
The next Sunday, the building was so packed the people couldn’t believe it! People had asked for help and asked for prayer, because someone dared to reach out to them.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN GOD WILL STRATEGICALLY
SEND GROUPS OF PEOPLE
TO PRAY THROUGHOUT
THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS, THEIR CITIES,
AND, THEIR STATES.
It’s during these times when we focus on praying that the God brings about not only a change in our hearts, but he also begins to see that the land is being blessed by his people, rather than being cursed by the wicked.
 
WE ARE IN A TIME WHERE GOD IS CALLING HIS BODY TO BE ACTIVE, and he is literally thrusting them out of the upper room experiences that they’ve been dwelling in for a long time, and sending them out into the streets to preach the gospel in love and act in kindness and in listening.
 
Hey! The world is frightened right now!
People are terrified at what they see
coming against them from the
encroaching communist regimes.
They don’t know what to do!
 
AND SO, HUGE PRAYER INITIATIVES
ARE EXPLODING EVERYWHERE!
 
But the one thing that we must not be afraid of is this to go out of the church building and walk our neighborhoods and pray, because this is us in action out in the highways and byways, compelling people to come in, simply by being available.
There are times you may meet no one while you’re walking and praying but you continue to listen to the Holy Spirit! He may have you stop gently in front of someone’s home and then show you something that you need to pray about for that individual or that family.
You just quietly pray as you walk and bless, or pray however the Holy Spirit leads you for that home.
This is faith in action, and it is above all, love in action!
 
SO NOW, FOR THE TWO SPECIFIC INTERESTING
PRAYER WAKING EXPERIENCES THAT I HAVE HAD
THAT I’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU!
Here we go!
Steve and I took a team of women from across the United States, to Mundolsheim, France a city not far from well-known Strasbourg, France. We were working with another wonderful French ministry team, “Le Olivier” called, “The Olive Branch” in English, and we were preparing to have a multi-national women’s conference. We had built a wonderful relationship with the key leaders, Christine and Michele and we had arrived with the team of women who came from all across the United States and who paid their own way to come. Many of them were Pastoral, Counselors, Ministers, intercessors, missionaries, and also strong Christian businesswomen.
 
AS WE MET AND BEGAN TO PRAY AND PREPARE for the days ahead when the conference would take place, we had a map of the city the conference was being held in on a poster board and pointed out to individual different places we would like to have everyone go walk and pray, in the community where we were going to be having the conference.
AT THE TIME, FRANCE HAD
MORE RESTRICTIVE RULES ABOUT
RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS AND CHURCH PRACTICES THAN CHINA.
 
WE HAD FAVOR WITH THE CITY MAYOR.
He was a strong Lutheran who had a love for Jesus, so he did everything he could to secure the large meeting hall for us, and the team that helped us from the City Hall were lovely people.
As we assigned different city location areas for groups of people participating in the conference as leaders or helpers, we asked them to take their Bibles and to go in groups of three or four, to begin to walk and pray for the village of Mundolshiem.
 
This region is a very difficult place to plow in, especially when it comes to anything that might have the power of the Holy Spirit flowing.
We had women coming in from Brussels, France, Germany, Romania, Croatia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and we also found out we had individuals who were led by the Lord to the conference who were from Iraq. This all was a result of the Lord having everyone prepare in prayer for months ahead.
 
THE TEAMS OF THREE AND FOUR INDIVIDUALS BEGAN TO SPREAD OUT throughout the village/city of Mundolsheim. Everyone knew that because there was a language barrier, we would not be able to talk with very many people since we did not have enough French interpreters. So, people went with the intent simply to pray and to bless this city.
We asked the Lord to use us to bring peace and joy, and also to discern, how to pray.
 
During the prayer walk, one group was specifically really feeling strong to pray and intercede for salvation among the young people, and asked the Lord to please show them how to pray, and to please give them an indicator that they were on the right track into what they felt they were being called to pray about. 
 
SUDDENLY THEY BEGAN TO HEAR MUSIC DOWN THE STREET ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY. (In France they still do open the shutters in the upper level of their homes to let air pass through!)
The closer they got, they recognized the worship song that was very popular during that time. As they approached where they could hear the music more clearly, there in the window, with his back to the window was a young man playing the guitar and worshiping the Lord in French, singing, “I will glorify the King of Kings! I will glorify the Lamb!”
 He had no idea that this group of individuals was now standing down in the front of his house lifting their hands and praising God with him!  When he finished his song, they began to clap and he turned around!
 
HE SAW THEM PRAISING GOD AND HE JOINED IN WITH THEM, clapping his hands and rejoicing, that even though none of them could understand each other, the common bond was, that they knew they belonged to each other because of Jesus!
Everyone tried to sign language with him and he spoke a little bit of English so they told him about the conference. He was so excited to hear about it! Even though the conference was for women during the day, night sessions were opened to men.
 
THIS WAS A CLEAR INDICATOR THAT THE LORD HAD DIRECTED
THESE INDIVIDUALS TO PRAY FOR THE YOUTH IN THAT CITY!
 
And, as they walked the streets and interceded, the Lord gave them a prophetic indicator that there were those in the city that were young people, called to impact that city through worship!
EVERY GROUP THAT WENT OUT TO WALK
HAD SOME KIND OF INTERESTING EVENT TAKE PLACE
OR AN INDICATION OF HOW TO PRAY.
 
God wastes nothing when we dedicate ourselves to his purposes! Not every time you prayer walk will there be something supernatural or spectacular take place in the natural, but what will take place in our heart, is that we shed fear and what we think people will think about us and we simply and quietly go serve our communities. Above all of that we serve the Lord by praying for those around us, as the word of God tells to us to do.
THE SCRIPTURE TELLS US TO PRAY
FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY AND TO PRAY
FOR OUR CITIES, AND FOR THOSE
THAT ARE OUR LEADERS.
 
I know of groups of people who have taken time to go walk around their local city buildings very quietly without fanfare or trying to draw attention and simply prayed for all the leaders, the police force, the fire department and all those others who serve in their city communities.
 
NOW, MY NEXT STORY ABOUT PRAYER WALKING IS VERY RELEVANT
FOR WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW.
 
I urge you to listen carefully,
because I believe that there will be another attempt
to put a complete lockdown on the United States
with another forced pandemic or a “forced fear” about a pandemic.
 
I urge you to be very wise and discerning about listening to the encroaching fear mongering, and continual threats against your freedoms.
 
IT IS FOR THIS THAT CHRIST DIED TO SET US FREE, AND NOT TO TREMBLE UNDER THE HAND OF TYRANNY. We are never to hide our faith under a bushel basket, or hide what we believe in order to protect ourselves from opinion.
 
IT IS WHEN WE OBEY THE LORD IN THE DARKEST TIMES,
THAT THE GREATEST POWER,
AND THE GREATEST STRENGTH COMES.
 
IN MARCH 2020, WE WERE AT PEAK LOCKDOWNS HERE IN COLORADO. People were so afraid of each other that even neighbors would mask and rush to their cars and not even wave at each other as if perhaps this diabolical biological weapon, would somehow be further released in a wave or in a friendly greeting.
 
OUR TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE MID TO LOW 50S ON A MONDAY THAT SEEMED TO BE EXTREMELY BLEAK. Everywhere we turned people were in fear, and the newscasts were nonstop bombardment of fear, control, and banter.
I was in our guest room, which is also my prayer room, just pondering everything and quite weary of the noise, knowing that this was not going to get better quickly.
I was looking over a bunch of scriptures that I was going to pray over my city as well as pray for our neighbors, and I was strongly urged by the Holy Spirit to put on a warm coat, warm clothing and gloves, and take a walk around my neighborhood.
I was to take those scripture verses with me on my piece of paper and simply and quietly walk all of the blocks and pray those scriptures and speak peace over my neighborhood. So, I got bundled up and I told my husband Steve that I was going to go prayer walk.
I did not put a mask on.
I was not going to walk in fear.
 
Block after block, I was simply walking and praying and, listening closely to the Holy Spirit as to how I was to pray the scripture verses I read that were spoken out quietly.
As I was coming down one street there was also a looped, small cul-de-sac, and so I took a left-hand turn and began to walk around the cul-de-sac.
As I was coming around the edge of the cul-de-sac, coming back towards the street just being quiet, reading my prayers and scriptures, I noticed that there were three young women standing outside the front of their house on the lawn drinking large cans of beer, and being generally rowdy and laughing.
I didn’t pay much attention to it because I was busy praying.
 
SUDDENLY THEY STOPPED, AND ALL OF THEM CAME TO THE EDGE OF THE SIDEWALK AND STARED AT ME as I was approaching to go down the other side of the street across the street from them!
ALL AT ONCE THEY BEGAN CUSSING AND SWEARING AT ME, laughing maniacally, and then one woman in a very guttural maniacal voice began to yell,
“We’re going to spit on you!
We’re going to give you Covid!
What are you doing out here?
We’re going to spit on you we’re going to breathe on you.
Cooooooooviiiiid is coming for you!”
 
THEY WERE LAUGHING AND SCREECHING AND SPITTING OUT INTO THE STREET!  At this point, I had stopped just to stare at them and realized that I was seeing a full force of mocking and harassing spirits coming my direction, in complete demonic manifestation!
Hmm…  Apparently quiet prayer walking for your neighborhood really upsets the Demonic strongholds!
 
I did not give them any attention and as I was walking forward, and I looked up into the sky above the house where they were, the day was overcast and had gloomy pockets of clouds so the sun was not showing for the majority the time I was walking.
 
SUDDENLY, UP OVER THE TOP OF THE HOUSE THE SUN BROKE FORTH and I was just beginning to pray in tongues asking the Lord to please keep me safe as I passed by them, because I really didn’t want them coming over to the street to engage with me if they were either drunk or fully manifesting demonic activity!
Again, as I looked up over the top of the house, suddenly the sun burst forth behind this formation in the sky, and there in the sky was a giant cloud, CLEARLY shaped like an eagle.
It’s pretty obvious from the picture in my introduction, since I did have my phone with me and I was able to snap it.
I had just gotten done praying for the United States of America when I was coming around the cul-de-sac, asking the Lord to protect our nation, and was led by the Spirit of God to pray regarding a need for protection in the skies, and protection over our nation.
In Isaiah 40:31, God compares His care for His people, to that of a mother eagle who spreads her wings to cover her young and carry them away from danger.
I was crying out in prayer for our nation like a Mother would for a child in grave danger!
AS I SAW THAT HUGE CLOUD ABOVE ME, I STOPPED AND STARED, AND OF COURSE GOT MY PHONE OUT AND TOOK THE PICTURE. I think the women thought i was getting ready to take a picture of them, because they began to really act up!
But as I stood there and stared in the sky, they too turn around and looked. I continued on my way and did not engage with them so I can’t honestly tell you what they thought of that formation in the sky, but I can tell you it was so obvious that no one could’ve missed it.
I went around the corner and passed where they were, and they seemed to withdraw and go back into the lawn area as if something was subduing them.
As I turned down another block, and was pondering what I had just seen, the sun then went back behind the clouds and the shape was gone.
 
I BEGAN TO PRAY IN TONGUES, PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT AS THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDED ME.
Several times I was praying, I would speak out in English the word, “It’s a coup it’s a coup! Pray against the coup!” So then I would I began to speak scriptures about God exposing every evil thing that is hidden in the darkness and to bring it into the light.
I was praying so intensely in the spirit for the next 15 minutes I vaguely remember walking a couple blocks and I was at this point, walking pretty quickly and purposefully.
 
AS I CAME AROUND ANOTHER BLOCK, THERE WAS A YOUNG MAN AND HIS WIFE GETTING OUT OF THEIR PICK UP TRUCK WITH A BABY, and they had masks on. I was walking more down the middle of the street because it was a quiet neighborhood street, and as I walked by them I smiled at them and waved and I said, “I hope you’re OK! Have a peaceful afternoon, don’t be afraid.”  The young man turned around and stopped and looked at me like a deer in the headlights. And then he said, “Thank you so much. I appreciate that so much!”
All it took was one kind word, one risk to engage,
and someone stopped and felt that love
and felt that connection.
 
I HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE PRESENCE OF GOD FLOWS OUT OF US like the virtue flowed out of Jesus for the woman who had the issue of blood. He said he felt virtue leave him when she touched the hem of his garment.
 
WHEN WE ARE BUSY OUT AND ABOUT PRAYER WALKING,
BEING CARRIERS OF THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST,
BRINGING PRAYER INTO DARK PLACES,
WE ARE EMANATING A LIGHT THAT WE MAY NOT SEE,
BUT IT IMPACTS THOSE AROUND US.
 
Obviously the demonic forces in my neighborhood didn’t like that I was out praying and breaking strongholds of fear and critical judgment against each other in our neighborhood!
So what did the evil darkness tried to do try turn around and threaten me,actually it gave itself away! The enemy let me know exactly that he knew I was out praying for my neighborhood and that he was going to threaten me with spit or Covid!
Needless to say, I knew I was on to something!
You do not need to have some large ministry or some affiliation with a group to go prayer walk! You as a single, individual believer can walk in all the authority you need to go walk in the power of Christ and pray for your neighborhood!
 
MANY PEOPLE SAY, “I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN!”
So, I’m going to give you some simple, easy guidelines.
Don’t make it difficult!
As you walk and pray, the Holy Spirit will guide you!
Here are a few instructions and guidelines on how to prayer walk and, WHY to prayer walk!
 
WHAT IS PRAYER WALKING?
First of all it’s following the example that Jesus gave us in Luke 10 try to go out in twos if possible.
In Ezekiel 22 verses 30 through 31 it shows us that we are we’re standing in the gap for people by praying for people! Standing there in prayer for them between heaven and their lives.
Then in Luke 10:19 it says, Jesus gave us authority over the enemy, so as we pray, we begin to stand firm against the strongholds in our neighborhoods or cities. In Matthew 18:14 it states that we have to seek God‘s guidance in whom we approach when we are prayer walking.
WHEN YOU GET READY TO PRAYER WALK,
THE FIRST THING TO DO IS TO SET
AN INTENTION FOR YOUR WALK.
 
There are multiple possibilities as to why you’re going to take a walk and pray.
 
First of all think about praying for your community.
Pay attention to the details around you.
What do you see that needs your prayer?
There may be a home on the street that looks impoverished or perhaps it looks like it might even possibly be a location where there is crime taking place.
Explore a question situation with God!
Ask God to help you discover truth!
 
ASK THE LORD WHAT IS HE WANTING YOU TO SEE, then if you’re meditating on a passage or a verse of scripture like psalms, as you walk keep referring to the piece of scripture that helps you meditate on the word, and speak the word as you’re praying. That’s why I take notes with me. Just a little piece of paper with scriptures so I know that I am praying the word of God over my neighborhood.
 
Simply enjoy being in the presence of God and in nature. It’s wonderful! Enjoy the beauty around you and the Divine presence of God.
I would recommend to pray before you start walking and also be open to God’s leading in this time of walking. If you see people on your walk, you can say hi! If you happen to strike up a conversation, feel free to ask them if they have anything you could pray for.
 
WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR WALK just as you’re coming home, give thanks to God for this time that you’ve had praying for your city and tell him how much you love your neighborhood and that you want these people to feel the love of God.
I call this “Prayer walking made easy”.
 
When Steve and I were pastoring or when we knew that there was a situation going on in our community we looked to partner with God, or in a new area, we’d start by prayer walking the streets to prepare our hearts for the harvest.
We see throughout the Bible that God calls people to walk the land and as we do, this physical act becomes a spiritual one!
 
In Genesis 3:17 it says,
“Go walk through the length and breadth of the land for I am giving it to you!”
 
WOW! I like that one!
 
Joshua 13 says,
“I will give you every place that your foot touches as promised to Moses”, so prayer walking helps is to really see the area and its people through God‘s eyes.
 
WE CAN HEAR WHAT GOD IS SAYING, and get an understanding of how the Holy Spirit might want to engage the people who live there, and when we pray or walk, all our senses become part of our prayer as sights, smells and sounds prompts our discussion with God.
Understand that prayer walking is not about standing on a street corner praying out loud and preaching! It’s a time of learning, listening. and importantly, intercession on behalf of the people that we want to reach. It’s very important that we know how to pray when we’re prayer walking, so ideally if you can find a friend to walk with you. It’s nice to have someone to be in agreement with while you’re walking.
Each of you can pray and take turns to just walk the streets of your neighborhood silently. praying for each person, each house, and praying for specific needs if you know them or, just pray for God‘s truth and blessings for each person.
 
PRAYER WALKING SHOULD BE LOW PROFILE. You don’t need to carry a huge Bible, pray out loud, or tell everybody what you’re doing.
Just quietly pray as you walk.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN PEOPLE ARE REALLY FORGETTING
THAT WE CAN PRAYER WALK FOR THE SCHOOLS
THAT CHILDREN ARE GOING TO!
 
What do we pray for?  We pray for the coaches and teachers, the bus drivers, the traffic directors, the cafeteria staff, front office staff, the school nurse, security personnel, especially pray for the superintendents of the schools right now!
We definitely need to see a move of God among school boards!
 
We need to pray for arts teachers and school counselors who need wisdom in assessing the needs of children and pray that they are not forcing harmful narratives on them.
We need to pray for classroom teachers that they use efficient time management and creative planning and love the children and teach them well, not indoctrinate them!
Special education teachers need prayers so very much, and we need to pray for new students.
 
The big thing to pray for in schools is for bullies.
When I taught school, the bullies would even bully the teachers! This is a stronghold that comes against teachers! It comes against tenderhearted students or young students coming into the schools.
BULLIES USE A STRONGHOLD
OF CONTROL AND SHAME!
 
We need prayer for specific care above all during this time where we have so much child abduction, taking place, definitely praying for children who walk to school, that they would make wise decisions and be alert to cars and people and Safety.
I encourage you to pray specifically with the names of teachers if you know them and be sure to include prayers of thanks.
 
WE BEGIN TO PRAISE GOD
AS WE SEE CHANGE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS
TAKING PLACE DUE TO PRAYER.
 
 
Now!
I WILL GIVE YOU A SPECIFIC STORY AS I FINISH THIS PODCAST.
We had a family that lived across the street in one of the homes near us who lived there many years and they had one young daughter. I’ll say her name is “J” because I don’t want to give her name away. She was a darling little girl, but there was tension between Mom and Dad.
Eventually, Mom and Dad moved out and the house became a rental to some lovely people that lived there.
Now understand, every now and then this couple would come over to check on their house/property, and their little girl would be there. As she grew up she always came across the street to talk to us because she enjoyed visiting with Steve and I and our boys, and then as our boys got older and left home, she would still come over and we would always visit with her.
She knew that we were ministers or pastors at one time, but we never pushed anything on her. We simply showed her love and always gave her cookies at Christmas.
 
FAST-FORWARD, 15 YEARS.
Suddenly her dad and mom have been divorced for years and her dad has decided to let her live in the home by herself as a single adult. Who are the first people that she decides to come over and talk to?  You guessed it! Steve and I!
More and more she would come across the street or we would meet her at the edge of the sidewalk and just chat about lawn mowing, the weather, and, she got a new puppy.
 
ON A SPRING EVENING THIS YEAR, I invited her to come over for coffee and sit on the front porch to enjoy the beautiful evening. We were going to come inside, but her new puppy wanted to run around out in the front yard area so we sat on the area instead.
Slowly, but surely she began to tell me her story.
What heartache she had experience through her parents divorce. What she had just recently gone through with the Covid pandemic, and having to bury both of her grandparents, because her mother had a complete breakdown.
 
This young woman is just now 21 years old.
We sat there and I talked and laughed with her and let her share her deep, innermost sorrows and fears. I held her in my arms as she began to weep and cry out of despair and feeling so lost knowing that her Dad was going to soon remarry, and she was being rejected and belittled by the new woman in his life and her daughters.
This lead me to be able to gently task her is she had ever thought about asking God to show himself to her? Have you ever said, “If you’re real, please let me know who you are.” She has had plenty of counseling from a secular counselor, she has relatives who come from a cultish spiritual background, and have tried to force it on her.
So, when I told her that she can ask God to show himself to her, that he loves her and that he can handle her anger, that he could handle her asking him this, it was like an entire new world for her!
She went home, smiling and happy and hugged me again, and again.
 
We have waved as she drives by. She’s come over and talks on the lawn.
A few times we’ve given her some baked goods or fresh vegetables from our garden, and we’ve left it alone.
 
BUT, SHE CONTINUES TO GRAVITATE BACK TOWARDS OUR HOME BECAUSE SHE FEELS SOMETHING. She had told me she felt so safe and calm when she was around me. I told her that’s the kindness of God that you’re feeling, and his peace. (She wasn’t sure about that. She thought maybe it was just because we were nice people!)
I’m looking forward to the next time that I can have Miss “J” over to our home and love her, and continue to plant seeds into her heart. Every Thursday night when we have our prayer gathering we pray for Miss “J”.
Sometimes I’ll just stretch my hand out towards her house when I’m looking through the window blinds and pray for her.
Maybe you’ll join me in praying for Miss “J” as well?
 
I feel the Holy Spirit would have me to say to many of you
who are reading or listening to this and have been asking the Lord,
“What part can I do?
What can I do to change anything?
Everything is so dark and frightening
and I’m at my wits end!”
 
I CAN TELL YOU THIS!
There are people tonight who will lose their homes due to the mounting cost of living.
There are people tonight who have their children who will not talk to them, because they are Christians and the children despise their parents.
I can tell you tonight that there are many people who are weeping and crying, because they have no one to tell about how close they are to losing everything.
I can tell you in my life it’s become very tight on many levels. Being a pastoral counselor we keep our fees low so that we CAN help people, but when people are choosing between groceries and gasoline and a house payment that everything is skyrocketing in expense, the first thing they tend to do, is just stop coming for counseling. So, that drastically affects my way of living too!
 
Churches are feeling the pinch because people are not able to give as freely or as generously. This then shuts down opportunities and the opportunities of other to go and speak and minister in different places because the church needs to pay their utilities before they pay for a guest minister! Yes! I’m feeling it just like everybody else is!
 
IF you’re NOT feeling it.
If you have everything in a good place in your life and you have plenty of financial security, then be a blessing to someone who isn’t.
 
HELP OTHERS! PRAY FOR THEM!
Pray for those in your neighborhood who look worn down, those who have yards that perhaps are not as well tended to anymore because they’re working two and three jobs. You may even volunteer to mow their lawn just to show love and compassion!
 
BELIEVERS! DEAR ONES!
Let us not love merely in theory with words or with giving lip service to compassion, but in action and in truth, in practice and in sincerity, because practical acts of love are more than words.  - I John 3:18
 
One of the greatest things that we  can possibly ever do,
is to go and walk and pray for our neighbors, our cities,
our states, our nations.
 
GOD HAS CALLED US TO BE A PEOPLE OF PRAYER and I encourage you to go march around your city and speak against the strongholds that are trying to destroy your children’s education, destroy your freedoms, and to take away your ability to function!
THE LORD WANTS THE WALLS OF JERICHO
AROUND YOUR NATION TO COME DOWN,
BUT HE CALLS UPON HIS PEOPLE
TO OBEY HIM AND DO THAT KIND OF
LABOR OF LOVE BY PRAYING.
 
In fact, let’s pray right now!
Heavenly Father!
I come to you in the name of Jesus and I thank you Lord Jesus that prayer walking is a desire of your heart. Not only is it good for our spiritual health, but it’s also good for our heart muscle as we walk!
I thank you that you will use this message to stir people to realize that sitting around and just waiting for something to happen isn’t fruitful.
Lord as we get up and move, I ask that you help us to be discerning and open to the things of your spirit, and Lord if a manifestation takes place or an opportunity to pray for someone happens, help us to record it and write it down to remember the things that you have done!
Lord I am so grateful that someone recorded the story of the road to Emmaus when you walked with the two disciples. You were walking and talking and sharing with them, and out of that came the great amazement that they realized it was you speaking to them!
Father, I bless every person listening to me today, and I speak peace over their storm, in the name of Jesus.
I see that your word says no weapon that is being formed against them will utterly prosper against them, that you will come and rescue the desperate and the destitute, and the fearful.
Father break off any shame, or any sense of great humiliation for being in struggles or difficulty right now.
Break off the shame of being embarrassed because things are tight or uncomfortable financially for many Lord!
I ask that you show each individual that you are a loving God and that you provide even at the very last moment. Lord I ask that you would open up generosity in the hearts of people in your body to care for one another like they did in the book of Acts.
Train your people to be people of battle, train their feet to walk and to march in prayer and prepare us Lord Jesus for the harvest that will come across the globe.
We ask for your loving face and mercy to flow throughout our neighborhoods and we ask this because we love you Father.
I ask this in the mighty, glorious name, the name of Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Great Redeemer, Yeshua.
AMEN.
 
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS PODCAST !
I would sure love to hear from some of you if you decide to go out and do some prayer walking and perhaps have some exciting events take place!
I’m convinced that this will happen for you, because I’ve seen it happen over and over again!
 
I Bless You Today in the Name of Jesus!
I want to thank those of you who have been so gracious to help in assisting me produce, publishing and storing these podcasts! 
I thank you all for your kindness and your notes and emails that come to me as well as your prayer requests. I don’t just look past them!
I’d like to let you that know I can’t comment on some of your comments posted on my podcast site or blog, because in order to comment I have to pay for an extended premium account and I’m not going to do that just to be able to make comments!
Please know that I read and see everything you say and it so encourages me!
I want to thank you for today’s time spent together
and I look forward to our next podcast.
 
Please visit my website at www.marylindow.com to listen to more podcasts and read about all the Lord is doing! 
Goodbye for now!
 
Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, Website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included.
 
Thank You! 2023
"THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
www.marylindow.podbean.com
 
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“HANGING ON FOR DEAR LIFE” - The Lord Is The Friend Of Those Who Are In Despair - A Prophetic Teaching

FOR THOSE USING A COMPUTER PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO ACCESS THE AUDIO PLAYER 
AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM
MARY:
Dear Readers,
Again, I would
lovingly encourage you to please choose to listen to this message in the free
audio/podcast form since it was taught and shared in a conference where the
Holy Spirit enhanced the message, as well as giving a prophetic dream to one of
the Pastors the night before this service.
 A supernatural confirmation about what the
Lord was about to have me teach was expressed in the dream and the Lord gave
the Pastor a song to sing in the dream as well which further confirmed the message!You will be
tremendously blessed when you hear him (risk) and sing this song at the
beginning of this conference session.
 
A Prophetic
Teaching
“HANGING ON FOR DEAR LIFE”
The Lord Is The Friend Of Those Who Are In Despair
 
By Mary LindowSo, I went with
him,
And when we were
climbing the rocky steps up the cliffs…
…My beloved
shepherd said to me,
"Oh my dove, while you are there
in
the seclusion of the clefts in the solid rock,
in
the sheltered and secret place of the cliff.
 
Let
me see your face. Let me hear your voice.
For your voice is
sweet. And your face is
lovely.”
 ~Song of Solomon 2:
14 
I
am starting this message with a few references from portions of the book,  
“Free To Be You:
Living From Your God-Given Design”
This was written by a precious, humble and brilliant woman by the name of Sylvia Gunther. You can
find more reading and devotionals on her website,
The Father’s Business
 
ALL
OF US HAVE DREAMS IN OUR HEARTS that
seem too wild or unachievable. To pursue them could mean great gain, but it
could mean great loss and pain.
So.
Much
like a rushing river whose power cannot be fully harnessed, we build walls to
contain it, often without even knowing we are building them. We go through life
bumping up against things, like the expectations of others, fear, and rejection
that lead us to quietly start laying
bricks, just a few at time, until one day we wake up and realize we have walled
ourselves off from our own heart. We are no longer living out of our true
selves.
But
like all walls built by man to contain what they cannot control, the levee
breaks. The wall crumbles.
 
The Creator, the
loving Artist who was so intricately involved in knitting you together in your mother's womb, is longing for you to discover
the masterpiece of you.
 
He
desires for you to discover the joy of living out of everything he has put in
you for life and godliness. This journey requires you to take the time to take
an honest look at your story. It will require peeling back some layers to get
beyond what you do to why you do what you do.
 
TRUE
FREEDOM IS WAITING when
you cease striving to fit into everyone else's box or stop trying to make
everyone fit into your box for them, and become exactly who God designed you to
be — a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of art.
 
THE
PEOPLE AROUND US SHAPE US ALL.
How
has that affected you? How would you be different if you
were assured of complete freedom and affirmation to be who you really are?
To
answer these questions we have to look at a few levels, such as family,
friends, church, and community — levels of expectations, behaviors that we have
learned either by force or in order to please others, and what we’ve been
taught to value.
Under
all these layers of expectation, there lays the true you.The Master Artist
knew the precise colors, tones, and brush strokes he wanted to use when he
painted the canvas of you.
Some
of us have allowed others to paint over that creation with their own agenda of
who they need us to be. Vivid colors have been dampened and hidden.
Here
is the glorious news!
The
original canvas is still there, and God delights to strip away all that was
not in his plan and wants to restore the beauty of you.
 
THE
MASTER ARTIST SMILED ON THE DAY YOU WERE CREATED.He
dances and rejoices over you with singing, wooing you to join him on a wild voyage
of discovery.
Will
you accept his invitation? Are you ready to take an honest look at your own
life to discover your true heart?
IMAGINE
THIS!
There
you are, struggling and hanging on for dear life, trying to find a toehold or
finger hold to grip and hang onto on a steep climb. The sun is beating down on
you and your ropes are fraying.
 
LIFE
IS SEEMINGLY GETTING HARDER,
the
world around you is swirling and shouting out bad news about terrorist plots
and Ebola outbreaks, your job is not producing any sense of delight, there are
fights in the family, fights in the church, you are tired, thirsty, beat down
and afraid…
…
And you don’t dare look down for fear of falling, failing or perhaps giving in
to gravitational pull and just letting go.
You
are sweaty; you are exhausted, and feel as if you have little to offer.
 
AND
THEN THE VOICE OF THE ONE...
...Climbing
not too far away from you, dares to say:
“Oh my dear! While
you are hanging there in the clefts and toeholds of these rocks, let me give
you a bit of shade, a shelter here under a cliff.
Let me see your
face! LET ME LOOK AT YOU!
Let me hear your
voice, I WANT YOU TO TALK TO ME!  For
your voice is sweet to ME and your face is so lovely right now.”
 
As
you hang there…
…Stunned
at these words coming at you during this desperate attempt to climb to higher
ground and to find rest and safety, you are shocked, doubtful and almost angry!
 
“YOU
HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING LORD!
NOW?
HERE?
“I
am a desperate, weary, exhausted mess!”
This
is the HONEST cry of a person who is in the midst of adversity that threatens
to sweep them away.  
The
reasons for broken heartedness are more numerous than I have time or space
to address.
My
intention is to show you that the Lord is the friend of those in despair.
 
THE
LORD IS YOUR REFUGE DURING THIS TIME.
Do not be mislead into believing another human
can address the healing needs of your soul, for only THE LORD can see the
extent of the damage that has been done to you, and only He can truly heal your
broken heart.
Continue
to SPEAK OUT-LOUD to this companion on the CLIFF! Bring Him your wailings and
suffering. I suggest you do so verbally, in the privacy of your room or a place
you go to pray.
Many
people are fearful of letting God see all that is going on within them as they
wrestle and hurt. They think that God does not want to hear their moaning and
that God will not understand their pain. 
They
fear that to allow God to see all the emotions churning within them would cause
God to be angry with them. They might look UGLY in their current desperate
state. THAT THEY ARE WRETCHED UNBELIEVERS!
 
HE
SAYS THIS TO YOU AND I TODAY!
“Be not afraid to let
me see you.
To let me hear your
voice — Your prayers and praises.
Your hopes, your
sorrows.
 For sweet is your voice to ME.
You are Perfection in My Eyes.”
 
And
then at the hardest place, where you are sweaty, barely able to hold on much
longer Jesus relieves us from such discouraging thoughts.
In
the holes of craggy and broken rocks, which resemble stairs, He, the one climbing
alone with us speaks.
 
LET
ME SEE YOU! FACE TO FACE!
Don’t be afraid or
ashamed to look at me! Come boldly into my presence, and LET ME KNOW YOU, AND
YOU – ME!
Sweet is YOUR
voice, and YOUR face is comely; (no – It does not say HOMELY)!  Your face is lovely! YOU as an individual person
are accepted by me, and are pleasant in my sight.
I
know that we don't see Him as He really is all the time. There are times we’d
rather run from Him rather than run “to” Him.
I
think there are times I see Him as pointing fingers at me for my sins, rather
than standing with open arms in love.
If
we saw Jesus as He really is, I think we would be more likely to run to Him.
 
I
ALSO WONDER IF WE ARE JUST SOMETIMES AFRAID TO BE DESPERATE FOR JESUS.
To
be desperate for Him means that we would have to face our brokenness.
To
see and admit our need for healing.
We
would have to admit we are in need.
That
we got off course.
That
we are hanging on a rocky place and we are getting scared and weary of the
exhaustion.
And
we are all often, these things! We
do need Jesus!
Of
course we will be reminded, often by others who are masking pain and doubt, that
desperation isn't attractive.
 DESPERATE
PEOPLE AREN'T PRETTY.
But
this is who Jesus came for. He came for those who could acknowledge that they can't
do life well on their own and for those who are empty and want the fullness
that Jesus offers.
We
must relinquish our unattractiveness and ugliness and be willing to run to
Jesus!
It
doesn't come easy either! Accepting the fact that we have bought the lies others
have spoken over us is not easy!
 
DO
YOU KNOW WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE WHEN GOD CALLS YOUR NAME? 
Can
you hear the tone in which He says your name?
Do
you know what it feels like? 
Do
you feel the brush of heaven’s breath coming near your very soul? 
Do
you feel the warmth of it all?
 
AS
HE CALLS EACH OF OUR NAMES, HE MAY SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. 
Sometimes,
many times - as a matter of fact, He reminds me, “Let go of the past.  There is nothing there for you.  Go
forward.  Do not pause in the road I’ve laid before you and look back for
onemoment!”
 
Close
your eyes today and “hear” his voice as He speaks softly.  Listen with
your heart.  Close out all the sounds.  The ticking time, the
screaming laundry or dishes, the buzz of your phone demanding that you respond. 
Climb
up under a shaded spot  - under his
shadow, Right at His feet and soak in His presence on purpose.  Not by
accident. 
 
LOOK
AT HIM FACE TO FACE ON PURPOSE TODAY AND HE WILL MEET YOU THERE.
Listen
to what He tells us in His word - at this very moment.Isaiah 43:1-3 Read
it out loud.   Insert your name
But
now,  _____(insert your name)
The
LORD who created and formed you says:
“Do
not be afraid, for I have rescued you.
I
have called you by name; you are mine. 
When
you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.
When
you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!
When
you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up.
The
flames will not consume you. 
For
I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One,
Your
Savior.
LOOK
AT HIM! LET HIM HEAR YOUR VOICE!
HE
LOVES TO BE WITH US!
HE
LOVES TO SPEND TIME WITH US!
As
you do this openly and humbly, your own heart and life will be restored. 
But
you must listen when He calls your name…
…
And ANSWER.
Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed as long as the complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright © 2015 "The Messenger " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.comwww.globalprayerrooms.com