Category Archives: Fear

What If ?

02 Monday Jul 2018

Posted by in #HolySpirit, Christianity, Emotions, Fear, God, Grace, Healing, Jesus, Blood of Jesus, New Covenant, redemption, The Bible, Tracy Gatewood, Tracy Gatewood Prayer, Transformational Leadership, Wisdom

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Canva RunnerJames 4:14 AMP  “Yet you do not know (the least thing) about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life?  You are (really) but a wisp of vapor (puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears (into thin air). ”

What if we were chosen by God to live at an appointed time, supplied with designer DNA given everything necessary to fulfill a very specific purpose on the earth and even formed “pre-packaged” with essential nutrients of spiritual gifts and talents needed for others?  Consider that you were truly born for one reason: just to be given the opportunity to participate in an ongoing Olympics as a Spiritual Athlete. Your Olympic performance – more commonly known as LIFE – allows for God your maker to watch you develop, train and execute this spiritual athleticism on the Earth.

Even further – that the sole reason you were even knitted and then birthed into the world was to allow for the opportunity to have an eternal relationship with God because quite obviously without ever being born – you could never live – eternally. God Himself desired that you be with Him in Heaven.

Hello Mr. Mist and Ms. Vapor: You are given the brief chance to display your gifts and talents to and for God to the best of your ability for one primary purpose – to insure the name of His Son’s renown and to advance God’s kingdom.  #thatisall

Well (you might say) I am 43 years old and did not know this – my training has not yet begun,  I do not even know where to start! Why is God so cruel as to set me up for such a high stakes game I was unaware I was even playing ? Mr. Mist, this is why you are reading this post. Lace up your Converse and start those wind sprints. (Pray for wisdom and understanding of your purpose asking God to give you an abundance of clues that reveal your purpose.)    Change your diet and consecrate your life. ( Purchase a bible version that you understand. Feed on the word daily. Spend time daily with God. )  Identify mature mentors that are where you would like to be spiritually.  (Find a strong bible based church with a pastor that teaches Jesus and the full gospel. Volunteer for Christ centered initiatives that truly impact people)  For then,  you will be on the practice field in no time! Hallelujah!  #GoFightWin

II Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive (His pay) according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing.]”

So God not only allows you the opportunity to live in Heaven with Him // FOREVER //  because (please remember) He wants you there – while on earth He gives you the chance (and ability) to run this race earning medals and trophies along the way to be exchanged for eternal rewards handed to you by Christ Himself.  It is unclear if these “rewards” are physical or simply greater responsibilities in Heaven. Certainly the ‘Greatest Reward’ will be living in Heaven itself.

So back to James 4:14 “what is the nature of your life” aside from being “just a vapor”?  What does this word “nature” mean? Nature is personality, make up, character, temperament, identity.  The nature of God is one of the most difficult things to explain, but we do know He is: holy, love, just, divine, sovereign, righteous – the following is an in depth article on the nature of God:

Click to access god.pdf

How does your nature affect your ability to become a Spiritual Athlete? Are there hindering roadblocks in your life? Potholes, water hazards, high prevailing winds? Your nature can be changed through your committed relationship with Christ and a sincere desire to run His race, unshackled, and not your own. Then You Will Be Free.

Tracy L Gatewood
Sacred Ramblings 2018  All Rights Reserved
What If?

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Why You Should Give to the Poor

01 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by in #HolySpirit, #Proverbs, America, Christianity, Disasters, Emotions, Fear, God, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Mercy, The Bible, the Spirit, TracyLGatewood, Wisdom

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The Poor 2

Deuteronomy 15:10-11 AMP 
You shall give to him freely, without begrudging it; because of this the Lord will bless you in all your work and in all you undertake. For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall  open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy and to the poor in your land.
Written by Moses in the Deuteronomium, or the Second Law Giving, as told to the Israelites.

Have you ever been truly poor?  I have. While in that place of poverty, I understood with great certainty that I should not have been there however no matter how hard I tried to find a job, absolutely nothing would come together. A B.A. degree with honors from an esteemed college did not help, intellect and a good resume was of no assistance, a professional appearance did not move the needle, diligence in networking and seeking came to no avail.  It was a desperately lonely season that dragged on. A survey held in 2010 determined that 1 in 7 Americans are poor (14.8% and 46.7 million).

But at the age of 50, after several years of living in extreme financial lack, I decided to stop allowing life to work against me and grabbing it by the collar, forced it to come into alignment with my prayers for financial safety. Being completely broke with no prospects of employment had taken me down a dark and dangerous road of traumatic depression and total desperation.

Honestly, memory has not erased the cruel remarks and behaviors received from “good people” that either thought my situation was fabricated or simply judged harshly with no action or compassion. Slanderous remarks swirled all around like fiery darts that pierced and ripped my soul. That season tried and tested me on every conceivable level  – almost to complete breakdown – however the experience of living in the pure hell of daily survival mode sensitized me to the plight of the poor.

We are called – yes even commanded – to help the poor.  References to serving the poor are consistent throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Paul writing while in Galatia, Galatians 2:10 AMP  They (the Galatians)  only (made one stipulation) that we were to remember the poor which very thing I was also eager to do.

Paul knew the Truth regarding poverty – that a person is reckoned righteous and in right standing with God through faith and reliance on Jesus Christ therefore has the spirit of God within them; The One Who possesses the blueprint – the tactical plan – that can spring the release from poverty.  The Spirit of God knows the will of God and God’s will is for each to understand they are no longer under the Curse that was broken by His Son’s sacrifice.

Poverty is a Curse
Galatians 13:3 Christ purchased our freedom, redeeming us from the curse of the law (and its condemnation) by (Himself) becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified): [Deut. 21:23 ]

The book of #Proverbs has a number of verses that describe what to do – and not do – pertaining to the poor:

Proverbs 12:13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor will cry out himself and not be heard.
Proverbs 17:5  Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he who is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent or go unpunished.  (Reproach defined means to criticize, disapprove, rebuke ) 
Proverbs 29:27 He who gives to the poor will not want but he who hides his eyes from their want will have many a curse.

So why are we not more open to giving to the poor, while not giving under compulsion or with reluctance?  I believe it is fear that our finances will not hold but God’s word states something very different:

II Corinthians 9:8-9  And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [ possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. ] As it is written, He (the benevolent person) scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!

We are exhorted to remember God’s work when He provides increase so as to establish His covenant upon the earth which includes helping those in need.

Newsflash: GOD WORKS THROUGH PEOPLE

Deuteronomy 8:18 But you shall earnestly remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives the power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers as it is this day.

I ask that as God provides wealth, that you remember that it solely comes from Him to establish His Covenant upon the earth. This Covenant is what He gave to you through Abraham who is the channel of blessing and then to Abraham’s son Isaac and then onto Jacob and so on.  Genesis 12:2-3  And I will bless those who bless you (who confer prosperity or happiness upon you) and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed (and by you they will bless themselves).

Jesus Christ has formed a New Covenant with God through His sacrifice. This Covenant flows from the Abrahamic covenant but is superior in that it is forged by the efficacious flow of the Supreme Blood and perfect body of Christ and is also superior as it empowers the Holy Spirit (the spirit of God) to live within to provide all things necessary to walk out your life of faith.  // G I V E //

#Poverty   #Giving   #Faith    #Favor   #Christ   #Christianity   #Generous  #Generousity  #Righteousness   #AidingthePoor #HelpingtheNeedy   #Proverbs  #Philanthropy
Tracy L Gatewood
All Rights Reserved  2018

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I Pray for You A Doorway of Grace – For God to Establish the Work of Your Hands

02 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in #HolySpirit, Careers, Emotions, Fear, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jerusalem, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Prayer, redemption, Tracy Gatewood, Tracy Gatewood Prayer, TracyLGatewood, Wisdom

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Cover: Doorways of Grace; Photo Cred. Allison P. Adams

This is a prayer series for the opening of Doorways of Grace for my readers in 2018;  praying into specific topics in this the Year of the Open Door, Hebrew Year 5778. You can follow this prayer series and my blog at http://www.sacredramblings.com


I Pray For You This Year  –

that a Doorway of Grace will open in 2018, which brings peace in your career. You will find the appropriate place in your current organization or for a door to swing toward a better opportunity. You will transition to a place of abundant provision that embraces your unique Holy Spirit deposited skills, gifts and talents. I pray for a special welcoming place where you will be surrounded with like – minded people with whom you compliment.

That the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord will confirm and establish the work of your hands.  That you will prosper in the land and gain promotion and influence within your organization and throughout your community. That the skill and excellence in your craft will bring you before leaders, kings, authorities in high places.

When you pray prayers of protection for Israel and Jerusalem and have understanding of the desire of God for its peace and prosperity (Psalm 122), He, too, will prosper you. The Blessing of God on your life will be evident as you walk in happiness, prosperity and admired by many.

That you learn to see Jesus Christ high above every circumstance, in the mountains and in the valleys, and that you train your mind to instinctively default to Him in faith and with expectancy, until He activates His covenant of supply and protection. That you will earnestly remember the Lord your God daily as He provides, as He is the One that gives the power to get wealth so that His covenant may be established by and through you upon the Earth.

Through forces of Uncommon Favor, I pray for God to swing wide a door that gently delivers you with joyful clapping and singing into the field of your expertise, and into His hearts desire for you. Through prayer and intimacy with Him for you to have no fear and accept the signs of seasons ending and welcome new possibilities consistent with His design for your life.   AMEN  (So be it)

Psalm 90:17 AMP And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands – yes the work of our hands, confirm and establish it.

Tracy L Gatewood
2018 All Rights Reserved  Doorways of Grace
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Observations From A Soul Dive

24 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by in #HolySpirit, Armor of God, Blood of Jesus, Christianity, Emotions, Fear, God, Gospel of Grace, Healing and the Armor of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus, Blood of Jesus, New Covenant, redemption, New Covenant, Prayer, Salvation, soul, the Spirit, Tracy Gatewood, Tracy Gatewood Alabama, Tracy Gatewood Prayer, TracyLGatewood, Wisdom

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Duck DivingThe study and understanding of the soul; the mind, will and emotions needs a fresh look. How we calibrate our souls to the rhythm of the Spirit and away from the insanity of the world determines the trajectory of the success of life. How do we get and stay happy? This is a deep dive into the issue of soul management –  an expedition into how to intentionally acquire and maintain a still and quiet soul.

The following is an excerpt from a booklet by George Muller, who directed until his death in 1898, the Ashley Down orphanage, Bristol England.

“It has pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, the benefit of which I have not lost, for more than fourteen years. The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not how much I might serve the Lord, or how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself  as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.
Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as a habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed myself in the morning. Now, I saw that the important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word of God, and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed, and that thus, by means of the Word of God, while meditating on it, my heart might be brought into experiential communion with the Lord.”  ……….
–  George Muller 1805-1898,  Soul Nourishment First

George Muller, a man that depended totally on donations to feed and educate thousands of children, positioned himself daily by first being strengthened by the Word of God, so that he might get his soul into a “happy state”. He then relied on meditation to bring his heart into communion with God – he did these two things before engaging in prayer. This was eye opening and confirming at the same time. There are certainly mornings where my mind will not quiet into a state of rest, distracting me from focusing on prayer and hearing from the Lord. Muller’s order of   1) Reading the Word  2) Meditation on the Word  3) Prayer – steadied his soul first before launching out into the spirit depths of his morning prayer.

The Ashley Downs Orphanage in Bristol England served over 10,000 orphans in Muller’s lifetime while also establishing 117 schools, mostly educating orphans. George Muller opened orphanages to prove to the world that God not only hears prayer but answers prayer.The Autobiography of George Muller, Amazon.

Settling the mind, and emotions into a state of rest must become an intentional act

The Lord Jesus bequeathed to all that believe in Him the Gift of Peace – John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My [own] Peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid, [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]

Ephesians 6 also makes reference to peace:  vs15And having shod your feet in preparation (to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and readiness produced by the good news) of the Gospel of Peace. 

This verse implies an intention on the part of the Believer, that they should be #StableandFixed and in total awareness of  the Gospel. The Amplified frames the Gospel as the “Gospel of Peace.”

Yet there is even one more mechanism for the acquisition of peace. This very Peace that is guaranteed through the Blood of Jesus still available and direct deposited into the soul, Special Delivery, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This is a peace that erupts from the inside out, pressing away the ‘screaming critters’ of fear, condemnation, hopelessness, rejection, shame and effects of traumatic incidences. It is only His ministry that quiets the soul, and can apprehend and supernaturally route-out thoughts, ideas and suggestions that arrive like nuclear warheads into the mind, derailing the will and emotions creating distraction and at times, destruction.

Holy Spirit is given to us as our internal healer and power supply while living on earth yet He is the most underutilized and least understood of the Godhead.

In managing our own souls, our very first duty is the recognition and identification of strong negative emotions. These “hinges” have the  ability to swing wide a portal into the soul from the enemy. The following hinges are what release unwanted and involuntary –  Thoughts, Ideas and Suggestions.

1) Protracted Fear
2) Unforgiveness
3) Resentment
4) Anger/ Rage / Hatred
5) Trauma
6) Rebellion
7) Envy / Jealousy
8) Shame

Thought, idea and suggestion warheads are preceded by allowing one of these 8 hinges to swing. We have a responsibility to keep our emotions in check but as mere mortals – all of us swing a hinge from time to time. Our first duty is to identify the hinge for what it is and then allow the Holy Spirit to Clorox the soul from the offending spirit(s). We can verbally and spiritually place the Helmet of Salvation  (ref: Ephesians 6) on our heads through the Holy Spirit which will deflect emotional darts – the word ‘salvation‘ (Greek) is all encompassing and means deliverance, wholeness, restoration, preservation , safety.

How does this work ?

Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement (needful to obtain peace) and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole. ”

The word ‘Chastise’ in the Hebrew can mean to scourge (mastigoo) and punish (physically). The following passage is spoken by Pilate –

Luke 23:14-16 AMP  And said to them, You brought this Man before me as One Who was perverting and misleading and turning away and corrupting the people; and behold, after examining Him before you, I have not found any offense (crime or guilt) in this Man in regard to your accusations against Him; 15 No, nor indeed did Herod, for he sent Him back to me; behold, He has done nothing deserving of death. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and deliver Him amended (reformed, taught His lesson) and release Him. 17 For it was necessary for him to release to them one prisoner at the Feast. 18 But they all raised a deep cry saying, Away with this Man! Release to us Barabbas! 19 He was a man who had been thrown into prison for raising a riot in the city, and for murder. 20 Once more Pilate called to them, wishing to release Jesus; 21 But they keep shouting out, Crucify Him, crucify Him! 22 A third time he said to them, Why? What wrong has he done? I have found (no offense or crime or guilt) in Him nothing deserving of death; I will therefore chastise Him (in order to teach Him better) and release Him.

In this case, clearly the meaning of Chastise was violent, not merely a verbal chiding like warning a child, but a punishment that drew blood – and in this case ALOT of blood. Jesus was so violently beaten,  He was unrecognizable.

The Blood and the Spirit are One and Inseparable. There are two primary places in scripture that reference that the blood of Jesus flowed from His head; the Garden of Gethsemane and when He wore that crown of thorns on the day of His crucifixion. The blood that He shed from His head purchased for us His peace for our minds. His blood releases the Spirit. The Blood is what allows the key of access to the soul and the Spirit is Who can turn the key to control the soul.

When we 1) acknowledge and affirm the sacrifice of Jesus  2) enlist the partnership of the Holy Spirit, inviting Him to apprehend every spirit that is not from the spirit of God from our mind 3) Focus on Jesus, standing in victory,  in His completed work for our lives 4) And lastly – because it has worked for me and others so many times however should not exalt itself over the focus on Jesus –  personally take authority over these “hinges”, rebuking and binding them in the spirit – WE ARE FREE. We walk liberated and we walk in freedom through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit and because of the finished work of Christ Jesus.

Tracy L Gatewood
Sacred Ramblings – 2017 All Rights Reserved
All scripture from Amplified version.

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Discerning the Will of God

12 Sunday Nov 2017

Posted by in #HolySpirit, America, Christianity, Disasters, Emotions, Fear, God, Gospel of Grace, Grace, Jesus Christ, Nation, New Covenant

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The phrase “the will of God” most frequently appears tied to a strategy to find God’s will and purpose in life. There is another reference to His will and that is of observing it, discerning His hand in times and seasons while trusting He is behind the scenes working from His own blueprint and specifications. Oftentimes God’s will comes as a counter-intuitive movement, springing forth from the mysteries of the heart and the mind of the Father, impossible to predict.

God’s actions frequently defy our own religious thinking and law – based assumptions: do good, get good – do bad, get bad. Although there are civil laws that must guide our governments,  this do good get good formula is no longer the way of God in the era of the sixth dispensation in which we now live, the Dispensation of Grace. Grace is dispensed as a gift from God, unable to be earned, worked for or performed. Grace is undeserved, unmerited favor. This word in Hebrew is Chen, and in Greek means Charis or literally favour.  When used in reference to God, it is the benevolent action of Him stooping down to us in His kindness to reach us in our need, and convey upon us a benefit. His grace has been termed ‘unmerited favour’ but it is more than an attitude of favour or mercy. His mercy is an expression of His compassion toward us, but His grace is an extension of benevolence translated into action that releases His enabling power into our lives. **

[ The greatest example of Charis or Grace from God is the gift of His Son, Christ Jesus – the Love of the Father is infinite and immutable and His presence is with us in every time of need. ]

We cannot know or comprehend the ways of God, but we can make every effort to be aware of the times and seasons, praying for discernment and for the recognition of signs and patterns that provide assurances of what is His will. Daniel praised God for giving him insight and understanding which was delivered through a dream – Daniel 2:21-23 

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
21 And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
22 He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.

23 “I thank You and praise You,
O God of my fathers;
You have given me wisdom and might,
And have now made known to me what we asked of You,
For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

When seeking to understand the will or direction of God,  watch for His clues. These clues are unable to be discerned through the usual ‘operating system’ of the soul  (mind, will, emotions). Discerning requires the removal of the glasses of regular reason and the placing on of spiritual-lenses.  When viewing from the stands, watch for the supernatural plays or the highly unusual to unfold.  Eventually the smoke clears and the direction becomes obvious, “Hey this is it – this is the direction, follow Me here.” Here are several clues :

1) God’s chosen person, organization or direction has strikingly different platforms or approaches running parallel to opposing themes that appear to be in the majority
2) The person or organization, or city, nation, etc that is involved as a choice of God’s will is almost always subjected to great, even unnatural resistance, and far greater resistance experienced by anyone else. Despite the resistance, doors open to allow God’s direction to prevail through each fire.
3) God’s knows the heart, He can discern the heart of a person – no matter their past mistakes and behavior. It is not unusual for God to make a choice that others do not see or understand.
4) Extreme circumstances can unfold as a pre-cursor to a great wave of favour and as introduction to a breakthrough.

One of the most powerful accounts in scripture of the grace of God is illustrated in the account of Moses. Moses, who’s name means ‘drawn out’ , was born into the family of Hebrew slaves. The King of Egypt ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill the Hebrew sons at birth. The Hebrew midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt ordered. (Exodus 1:18)  Moses’ mother who had seen he was beautiful, hid him for 3 months then placed Moses in a basket in the river to be found by another in order to save him.  Moses floated over to Pharaoh’s daughter who was bathing in the river. She reached for Moses and fell in love, taking Moses out of the water and raising him as a prince in the court of Egypt.

After becoming a grown man, he came upon an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. Enraged,  Moses murdered the Egyptian and then buried the body.  A man mentioned that he was aware of the murder, and Pharaoh shortly after learning, demanded that Moses life be taken. Moses fled as a fugitive, to the land of Midian where he was taken in by a tribe. From here – the story of Moses’  life takes a dramatic turn:

EXODUS 3: 1 -13 AMP
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the back and to the west of the wilderness and came to Horeb or Sinai, the mountain of God. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush and he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, yet was not consumed.
And Moses said, “I will not turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. And when the Lord  saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said,” “Moses! Moses! And he said, “Here am I.”  God said, “Do not come near, put your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground.” Also He said “I am the God of your Father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”  And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
And the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters and oppressors; for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand and power of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a land good and large, a land flowing with milk and honey  (a land of plenty) – to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzitte, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Now behold the cry of the Israelites have come to Me, and I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore I will send you to Pharoah, that you may bring forth My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”
And Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelite’s out of Egypt?” God said, “Surely, I will be with you; and this shall be the sign to you that I have sent you; when you have brought the people out of Egypt; you shall serve God on this mountain. (Sinai)”

In one of the most stunning acts of grace, mercy and favour ever recorded in Biblical history,  Moses – a murderer and a fugitive – experienced a visitation from God Who Himself asked Moses to be the Deliverer of the Nation of Israel! “Surely I will be with you” states God to Moses who had executed one of the greatest of sins, taking the life of another.  How then can any single unrighteous man or woman attain promotion? It is because God looks at the heart. Despite sins and unrighteous acts – God’s grace still offers promotion and opportunity to the worst and to the least.

Recently I have pondered  how “Dis-grace” could truly be a word. To be a “disgrace” means that you have been extracted from Grace, or there is a reversing force removing a person from grace. There is no such word in the Kingdom of God.  If that existed,  grace itself,  could never exist. The very essence of grace is that it will always be extended for the repentant as an undeserved gift offered for unrighteous acts whose debt has been paid by the perfect and righteous blood of Jesus Christ.

Tracy Gatewood
Sacred Ramblings – All Rights Reserved

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Discerning the Will of God is the 60th published post on Sacred Ramblings!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Spirit of Peace

23 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by in #HolySpirit, Emotions, Fear, Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Mercy, peace, Prayer, Prayer University, the Spirit

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I once heard Andrew Wommack say in a broadcast that ‘Peace is an emotion’.  I had always thought of peace as a state of being or a lack of emotion or even state of rest, never having considered peace to be like other emotional responses to adverse circumstances such as fear, shame, trauma, etc. As white is the absence of all color, peace, to me, has always been simply the absence of negative emotion. This week, I decided to do a word study on peace because let’s face it – peace is a big deal.  I am glad to say that we, as Believers, can stand confidently, #stableandfixed victoriously rooted in the soil of peace.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.“

In this verse Jesus is telling us that 1) We now own our peace because it is being given as a gift from Him – the Amplified actually uses the word bequeath which is property given after death  2) We have been given the identical state of peace that Jesus Himself is able to access and 3) It was being given by Him through a different vehicle unlike any other way peace could be delivered and achieved for us on the earth.

So what is Peace and how is it possible to attain peace since we have been given its title deed? Jesus mentioned peace to the disciples multiple times near the end of His life on earth. Peace in the Hebrew (Old Testament) means ‘Shalom’, which is a rich Jewish word with multiple meanings; completeness, wholeness, soundness, prosperity,  quietness, contentedness. Peace in the Greek (New Testament) is similar: tranquility, felicity, safety, fearing nothing from God, content. Spiritual Peace in the Amplified is defined as peace with God, harmony, unity, and living in an undisturbed state.

The very first words that Jesus said to the disciples when He returned to them following His crucifixion were ‘Peace to you!’ [John 20:19] He repeated that phrase again [John 20:21] moments before He breathed the Holy Spirit into them declaring “Receive the Holy Spirit!” Eight days later Jesus returned to be with His disciples and again His first words were ‘Peace to you!” [John 20:26].  Jesus found it important to proclaim, ‘Peace to you’ multiple times in a short span of days.

But why? Jesus had clearly given His disciples ownership of His peace prior to His crucifixion and then returned to them giving it over and over again. If one has been bequeathed a gift and knows it – why would the Gift-giver continue to present the gift multiple times? I believe that by Jesus releasing His peace – it was the same force that occurred when the storm was blowing when He said ‘Peace be Still’ – and then the wind died. In the same way, ‘Peace to you’, released His peace into the disciples, taking authority over any spirit that was not peaceful in that atmosphere. Here is why that can happen – Peace is a Spirit and we have dominion over every spirit on the earth.

Following 17 years of experiencing highly concentrated training sessions in the Holy Spirit’s Life Boot Camp, I have learned a few 18K gold truths, most of them through …. well let’s just say nothing associated with ease:  1) God is the source of everything. Period.  2) Holy Spirit is the best ‘Mind Manager’ ever devised (Physical Manager, too)  3) Jesus is all supply – lack of faith (fear) turns off His supply flow  4) It is only faith in Jesus that pleases God  5) A thorough knowledge of Who Jesus Christ truly is and an acceptance of the infinite, immutable love of God,  (understanding that He is always working on our behalf no matter what ) are the two most stabilizing forces that exist for any individual. 6) The work of Jesus is complete, finished. There were and have been many weeks in the Boot Camp I had to fight hard for what felt like elusive peace.

When Jesus stated in John 14:27, ‘Not as the world gives do I give to you ‘ – this was a sure word that His peace was arriving via [very] Special Delivery. Enter the Holy Spirit. There is no more crucial relationship for an individual than with the Spirit of Jesus. Holy Spirit is THE internal Comforter, Advocate, Counselor, Teacher, Helper assigned by Jesus to manage the Control Panel of our peace. I have previously written about the different roles of the Godhead but in the New Covenant, the Grace Covenant – we are charged to live led by the Spirit.  In today’s post,  I will detail one tangible, practical application to tackle torment and unrighteous thoughts that will provide relief by partnering with the Holy Spirit.  This is tried, tested and truly works.

Hebrews 10:22  Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere hearts) in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith, having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.  Hebrews 12:23-35   and to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to God, who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect [bringing them to their final glory], 24 and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant [uniting God and man], and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance].

Just as blood was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat for the cleansing and forgiveness of sin on the Ark of the Covenant,  the sprinkling of blood on our minds has the same impact on unrighteous thoughts. Blood is the currency of Heaven. Blood is required for the remission of sin by God. The blood of Jesus is efficacious, flowing continually to cleanse from all unrighteousness.  When you call on Holy Spirit to sprinkle the blood of Jesus on your own mind as a cleansing agent from unrighteous thoughts; fear, shame, trauma, abusive memories, anger, anxiety, depression, rage, hatred, unforgiveness – He, as the Spirit of Jesus, will purify your mind from all torment and unrighteousness. The blood delivered by the Administrator of the New Covenant, The Spirit, ushers in the spirit of Peace.

When I pray for another person against depression, anxiety or any emotional turmoil – I direct a person to focus on Jesus and the crown of thorns that paid for our mental freedom. Then I bind up those spirits of fear, torment, despair, anger and anything else the Holy Spirit brings to my attention to release from this prison. [Only a Christian that reveres, understands and respects the holiness of the blood of Jesus should attempt these prayers.]  To Be Continued –

If you move forward to partner with Holy Spirit for your recovery from the attacks of emotional turmoil, I am very interested in your circumstances. Please leave a comment or let me know how I can pray for you.

#StableandFixed  #Jesus  #Emotions  #Healing

Tracy L Gatewood
#TheWriterWhomJesusLoves
Twitter @TracyLGatewood
Facebook: Tracy Gatewood Writer Teacher
Amazon Author: Doorways of Grace: My Uncommon Journey to Healing, Wholeness and Meeting Jesus
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#TeachersAreLeaders

 

 

 

We Are Not Given A Spirit of Fear

04 Sunday Jun 2017

Posted by in Blood of Jesus, Disasters, Emotions, Fear, Healing, Jesus, Mercy, New Covenant, the Spirit, Tracy Gatewood, Tracy Gatewood Prayer, TracyLGatewood

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CanvaFearlGirlBest
[Author’s Note: I have studied physical and emotional healing for 20 years and the Lord continues to deliver new ah-ha’s!  The effects of extreme negative emotions on the body, in particular fear, are undeniable. This article addresses “inherited” generational physical conditions. This will be new information for many of you. ]

II Timothy 1:7 AMP   For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven, cringing and fawning fear), but [ He has given us a spirit ] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. [ The 2nd letter of Paul to Timothy written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. ]

In preparation of writing this article, I found these public definitions helpful :

Timidity – a lack of courage or confidence.

Fear – a painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed;  fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon which the thought of future evil is likely to befall us. Fear is the passion of our nature which excites us to provide for our security, on the approach of evil. [ Definition from the KJV Bible ]

It is interesting that Fear as defined is more related to apprehension or expectation of evil  rather than the actual occurrence.  The damage of Fear occurs more in the build-up to the unknown and in the unexpected  where it blooms, builds, breeds and then bleeds. It is in this breeding that Fear seeps from the mind into the soul and then into the physical body.  Fear is the Red Carpet on which every single negative emotional spirit confidently strides into the realm of a person’s soul. Fear is the devil’s key that turns, unlocks then swings wide open the door into the soul of a person that buys into its effects.

The conditions that stem from fear, anxiety and stress are numerous.   [ The spiritual root cause of stress is fear; a lack of trust, and unbelief. ]  The following are just a few conditions that are medically proven to have a spiritual root cause based in a spirit of  fear:  angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, mitral valve prolapse, all number of cardiovascular issues, coronary artery disease,  strokes  (also related to anger and rage), IBS, Colitis.  < ref.  A More Excellent Way,  Dr. Henry Wright  >   The roots of fear and condemnation are typically at the base of practically every disease.

Emotional damage from specific external circumstances are detrimental to the human body:  the after effects from  abuse, shame, trauma, rejection, and abandonment are the most damaging to the human mind and soul, requiring immediate healing attention before their effects take root and flow through the body. Typically the damage comes from protracted, or consistent occurrences of  these negative emotions ( fear, abuse, shaming, trauma, rejection and abandonment). Exposure to these extreme occurrences must be dealt with through spiritual means;  spirits must be dealt with by The Spirit.

There are numerous references to evil spirits, foul and unclean spirits in scripture. The following are found in the New Testament –

Matthew 10:1 AMP  And Jesus summoned to Him  His twelve disciples and gave them power and authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out, and to cure all kinds of disease and all kinds of weakness and infirmity.
< Example of an unclean spirit today would be an STD  >

 We have authority and dominion over our own bodies, our emotions and our physical well being.

The Jews thought even Jesus was possessed by a demon ( which was a very bad move on their part ) – and recognized spirits and demons as harbingers of disease and mental illness: John 8:48 AMP  The Jews answered Him, Are we not right when we say You are a Samaritan and that You have a demon (that you are under the power of an evil spirit)?

Referring to actions of the Apostles – Acts 5:16 AMP  And the people gathered also from the towns and hamlets around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled with foul spirits, and they were all cured.

Acts 8:7 AMP  For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health.

These same evil, foul and unclean spirits are alive and moving with great intentionality on the earth today. Medical science has now simply given them a sophisticated name. If a person is not delivered from a spirit – that spirit can remain in them throughout life. What happens in the next generation to the child of that parent that comes into the same disease, condition or infirmity ? What we call “inherited”,  typically was simply legal access opened by a spirit of fear or traumatic event, a spirit that should have never gained entrance in the first place.

Scenario:  Your parent goes through a traumatic occurrence; divorce, car accident, extended job loss with no income, etc. There is tremendous fear, trauma and possibly shame and if divorce is involved then rejection. This parent then develops cancer. This parent then develops fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. This parent then suffers a stroke. Whatever the scenario – from that point forward – in the history of the child, it is assumed that they have an inherited “chip” for the disease that the parent developed due to their bodies response to an extreme emotional circumstance. They are now in fact considered predisposed to a disease, because an emotional spirit gained access causing a disease, infirmity or condition due to an extreme event that was not managed or delivered.

Do you see how important it is when Jesus exhorted us to ‘ Fear Not ‘?  What diseases are in your family line ?   Are you aware of the history leading to the onset of the disease ?

We do not have to live at the mercy of our ancestors emotions or external occurrences that opened doors to disease nor our own emotional wounds that turn into physical conditions.  As Christians we have been gifted with the Great Stabilizer,  the Son of God, Christ Jesus. When we walk in knowledge of Who He is and What He has done – it has an immediate affect on our bodies.

The following are focus points for all who believe –

1) Deep understanding of the authentic, infinite and immutable love of God and that His heart is always turned toward you – the royal law of love: Matthew 22:37-40  2) The Finished Work of Jesus through His sacrifice  3) A thorough knowledge of the New Covenant benefits, those promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in Genesis 4) When walking through seasons of lack, an unbending focus on Jesus who is ALL SUPPLY  5) Recognition of the advocacy and the leading of the Holy Spirit  6) Knowledge that a lack of faith will block the flow of the favor of God and the understanding of the law of faith; Romans 3:27-28

Proverbs 1:32-33
For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them and the
careless ease of the (self-confident) fools shall destroy them

But whoso hearkens to me [ wisdom] shall dwell securely and in
confident trust and shall be quiet, without fear or dread of evil.

#stableandfixed


Tracy Gatewood
Sacred Ramblings  All Rights Reserved 2018

Sharing Link:  We Are Not Given A Spirit of Fear    http://wp.me/p1zoxs-1VW
Twitter  @TracyLGatewood
Facebook: Tracy Gatewood Writer Teacher
Amazon Author: Doorways of Grace, My UnCommon Journey to Healing, Wholeness and Meeting Jesus –

Related: Jesus the Bishop of Our Souls        http://wp.me/p1zoxs-vq
Related: Healing and the Armor of God      http://wp.me/p1zoxs-tg

Psalm 91 AMP

29 Monday May 2017

Posted by in Christianity, Disasters, Emotions, Fear, God, Jesus, Nation, Prayer, the Spirit

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CherubsandWoman
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty.
[ Whose power no foe can withstand.]
I will say of the Lord, His is my Refuge and my Fortress, My God;
on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust! 
For (then) He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and the
deadly pestilence.
(Then) He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge;  His truth and His faithfulness are a shield
and a buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the
evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction
and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand but
none shall come near you, only a spectator shall you be, yourself inaccessible
in the Secret Place of the Most High as you witness the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your
dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity
come near your tent.
For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend 
and preserve you in all of your ways [of obedience and service].
They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone,
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent shall
you trample underfoot.

Because he has set His love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on
high, because he knows and understands my name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness – trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no never].
He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,  I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Prayers of Grace – Day Five

12 Monday Sep 2016

Posted by in Blood of Jesus, Christianity, Fear, Gospel of Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Prayer, redemption, the Spirit, Tracy Gatewood, Tracy Gatewood Prayer, TracyLGatewood

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Whitedove

Heavenly Father,

I praise you and thank you for this day. Your Spirit is my true Advocate, my Teacher and the One that leads and guides me into all good things. Your Spirit is the one true compass and true Oracle. Your Spirit is the one that releases favor.  I am grateful for the relationships and divine appointments that you have allowed to intersect with me and encounter during this season. Your ways are perfect, O Lord,  as are your times and seasons.

Because I walk righteously and speak uprightly – I do not seek to oppress nor defraud, nor do I seek bribes and I shut my eyes to evil – you will set my feet high upon the heights,  while rewarding me, when needed,  with a fortress hidden among the rocks. You will provide my bread of prosperity and my water will be sure.

As I place the Helmet of Salvation and hope on my head to guard my mind, I have a confident expectation of good for every situation, praising you for my wholeness, restoration, financial protection and deliverance from all evil. I ask for the undelayed manifestation of every blessing given to Abraham as a joint heir of his covenant with you which has been purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ my Lord.

I am consumed with the cross of Christ and have been crucified in Christ therefore I am always set above and I am never beneath. I have dominion over every evil thing.

Prayers of Grace –
Tracy Gatewood

Twitter:  @TracyLGatewood
FB: Tracy Gatewood Christian Writer and Teacher
Author: Doorways of Grace,  available on Amazon

Prayers of Grace – Day 3

07 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by in #HolySpirit, Fear, Uncategorized

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Whitedove

Almighty God –

I am comforted in knowing that you are always with me – going before me, carrying a lantern of hope to light my path. When my soul becomes fearful, I direct my gaze unto Jesus and remind myself that I am your Beloved and that you are the One that can be trusted.   Jesus is the embodiment of your love for me.

I hate Fear and understand that protracted fear gives my mind entrance to the enemy.  I take my authority over the spirit of fear binding it and commanding it to leave my mind in the name of Jesus and by the blood of Jesus.  Fear has no right to any place within my mind, body or my environment and will not be allowed to trespass.  I pray for a sprinkling of the holy blood of Jesus over my mind to cleanse it from all fearful and unrighteous thoughts.  As an act of my will, I forgive every person that has harmed  me (Name them) or is harming me  (Name them)  and the action of forgiveness will shut the door to tormenting thoughts. Lord, forgive ME of my fear of man – or any  unfounded fear that keeps me from your assignment on my life.

When  I dwell in your Secret Place I can remain stable and fixed under your Shadow. You are my Rock and my Refuge. You are my Strength and an impenetrable Shield. Whom shall I fear ? I will be a protected spectator kept safely in the Secret Place and will witness the reward of attempts of wickedness towards me.

Father,  I pray that you will shine the light on the places that I respond with Fear so that I can learn to turn and trust. Grow my roots of faith to become more firmly planted and established  in your Son.

Prayers of Grace –
Tracy Gatewood

Twitter:  @TracyLGatewood
Author:  Doorways of Grace, Available on Amazon
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Facebook:  Tracy Gatewood Christian Writer and Teacher