Sustain me

SteveO has not been feeling very strong as of late and when he is down he always turns to Psalms. When you read the 12 verse please lift SteveO up in prayer. We have total victory in Christ and the knowledge of that has to put joy in our hearts and NOTHING can take that away!

Psalm 51:10-12 (New International Version)

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Close to His heart

Is this a great mental picture for us to cling to? The Lord carries us close to His heart! Wow, thank You!!

Isaiah 40:10-11 (New International Version)

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

Things wear out BUT God doesn't

When SteveO called me to give me his blog for today and he gave me the Scripture that God led him to I was excited to see the exact words as I tend to be a paraphrasing person. As always, God revealed that His word is alive and vital to all of us today. A reminder that He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We will all wear out. SteveO, I know, feels this...., lives this, much more than most of us do. I often wonder what the world would be like, what all of our relationships would be like if we realized that we could "wear out" at any moment...., in other words, live like Jesus is coming back any minute. Scripture tells us that's how we should live...., so why don't we.

Thanks again to You Lord for sharing this with SteveO who then shares it with us, help us to do the same with everyone you put us in front of.

Hebrews 1:10-12 (New International Version)

He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end."

Water of Life....., It's Free!

SteveO visited a doctor that looked at the implant he has that is supposed reduce and/or eliminate seizures. With the cancer returning the implant, which had been working fairly well, has not been very effective. Nothing major was decided but more information needs to be gathered, i.e. more tests - MRI, etc. Please continue to pray for SteveO and his family - The Great News is that God loves them way more than we can think or imagine and He is their Rock!

From the Lord to SteveO in his quiet time we get Revelation 22:17


The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

We can all have that water of life. That free gift comes to us through Jesus. Take it, be happy, thank Him and then get to know Him!!

Got Wisdom?

If we are following the Lord then He will refine our character. Like fire refines silver God refines our character through trials and if we lean on Him not our own understanding then we will experience new and deeper wisdom and through Him we can do what we know is right. Life is a gift from God, we need to rejoice in it and realize it is not to be taken for granted.

Thanks Lord, for reminding us of that through SteveO!

Psalm 66:10-12 (New International Version)

For you, O God, tested us;
you refined us like silver.

You brought us into prison
and laid burdens on our backs.

You let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and water,
but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Pray on and Focus!

Please keep praying for SteveO. As you may know, (check archives), SteveO is a very close friend of mine who's cancer in his brain returned after 14 years. I had asked SteveO to share his quiet times with the Lord as the blog for Total Victory Ministries prior to his recent battle. Through his stay in the hospital, through his tests, through his diagnosis, through his paralysis SteveO has not missed giving me a call to share his quiet times with the Lord.

SteveO is still experiencing several painful seizures almost daily. He has a small business that is suffering because he is in pain and his paralysis seems to have gotten worse. He is concerned for his wife and son and taking care of the house, etc. All the things most of us deal with but with the ugly twist of brain cancer.

SteveO has told me that when he is feeling overwhelmed and down he turns to the Psalms and God reveals that He is big enough to hear our true hearts, our real aches, pains, frustrations, disappointments and concerns AND He is big enough to not judge but truly listen. He wants us to turn to Him and if we focus on Him, I mean really focus then by the end of our list of tough stuff we realize that our list has turned into praise to Him for all of the love that He has for us. That no matter the twist and turn we are in, He is there. No matter how unfair something may seem or unjust, He is there. If we focus on Him, I mean really focus we will know He is love and love never fails!

From the Lord to SteveO to us....here you go.

Psalm 63

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Is He well pleased with you?

Do you realize if we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior then we are truly sons of God. Wouldn't you want to hear that God loves you and is well pleased with you? Because of Jesus, His death on the cross and His resurrection we are seen by the Lord witout blemish...., REJOICE in that and know you are LOVED!

Matthew 3:16-17 (New International Version)


As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Freedom

Rejoice in our freedom. Thank You Lord!

Galatians 4:22-26 (New International Version)

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born in the ordinary way; but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a promise.

These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.

Save yourself and others

Boy, if we would all watch our life and doctrine closely and persevere in them we would be saving ourself and others. They seem like just words but we must know that these words are from the Lord of all creation and they are meant to strengthen, encourage, teach and reveal His unconditional love for us so we will love Him and praise Him and rejoice in our relationship with Him. Then we would want to share Him and thus save others!

Timothy 4:12-16 (New International Version)

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Do you forgive?

SteveO's voice sounded full of life when he left me the message about this blog. Wow, if Christ could forgive me then how can I not forgive others. Sometimes it is not easy but if it was easy anybody could do it..........., remember it is not us but through Christ that we can do all things!

Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (New International Version)


Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

SEX

Thanks God, for reminding SteveO to share this with us today.

In our world today you can be just about anywhere and see headlines about sex, you can watch nearly any television show and see and/or hear something about sex, you can tune in to most radio stations and they will be talking about or referencing something about sex, log on to the web and you will see and/or be directed to something about sex. Satan loves to use the tool of sex to tempt, capture, divide, conquer and kill God's creation.

Total Victory Today is ours in Jesus.

Here's the real deal. If you understand who Jesus is and say you are a follower of His then you had better know His word to us about sex. But, remember He created it. A gift from God for 2 people that He brings together as one is marriage and the wedding gift is that physical union. That gift should not be trivialized, it should be revered because if we know Jesus, His Holy Spirit is in us guiding and directing through this life and to paradise after....., probably shouldn't grafitti the temple if you want the owner to know that you love Him.


1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

He is coming...are you on board?

SteveO knows we can only have peace through Jesus and he wants us to pray for each other that we would all be blameless at the coming of Jesus. If we don't know Jesus then we won't be with Him upon His return and if you haven't a clue about what that means then read the Bible, email us, talk to someone that does because it is a matter of life and death!

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (New International Version)


 23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Do you know peace?

So my friend SteveO who is in charge of this blog is an interesting guy. You can actually go into the archives of this blog to learn more about him. Total Victory Ministries asked to SteveO to share his quiet time with the Lord through this blog or anything he felt the Lord puts on his heart. For those that won't check out the archives, I will tell you that SteveO is battling the cancer that has returned to his brain and he experiences paralysis, seizures and other unpleasant things BUT he knows the peace of God which truly transcends all understanding... and he knows, shares and exemplifies that God guards our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

Here is SteveO's blog from God to him to us.........Go God!!

Philippians 4:4-7 (New International Version)



4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Sacrifices. We need to think about them!

This email has been going around and SteveO felt it should be his blog. When it comes down to it the only sacrifices that have been made for our freedom are that of the military of this nation and our Savior Jesus Christ! So read on and really pray on for those serving our nation in the armed forces. God bless you all!!

Hi Everyone,

It's been put on my heart lately, may by this is my Blog for tomorrow?

I Love You Guys
Steve

To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Wear Red on Friday's

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support "Red
Fridays."
>
> Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference.
While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people
behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and
witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
>
> Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their
camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost
everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
>
> When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being
applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only
red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our
troops and their families.
>
> Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these
young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for
us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
>
> Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country
or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7
years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said
"hi."
>
> The little girl then asked him if he would give something to
her daddy for her.
>
> The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22
himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.
Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him
the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
>
> The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name
was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and
had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much
her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
>
> When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her
situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then
one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie.
They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
>
> After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked
back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, "I spoke to your
daddy and he told me to give this to you." He then hugged this little
girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished
by saying "your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than
anything and he is
> coming home very soon."
>
> The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as
the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I
was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
>
> As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate,
people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked
around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young
soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss
to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
>
> We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their
families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the
day, it's good to be an American.
>
> RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people
wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops
used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and
are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
>
> We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no
liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to
recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.
>
> Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops
with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and
every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message
that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar
will wear something red.
>
> By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States
on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the
bleachers.
>
> If every one of us who loves this country will share this
with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long
before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the
once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more
than the media lets on.
>
> The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to
make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.
>
> Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by
example; and wear something red every Friday.
>
> >
> WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
> THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- MAY GOD HELP
AMERICA TO BE ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.
>
> HAVE A GREAT D

His compassions NEVER Fail!

SteveO experienced 3 sizeable seizures last night. I hate that! Please praise the Lord in all circumstances and pray with us that the Lord will take away pain and heal SteveO!

Here's the quiet time of SteveO with the Lord.....AMEN!

Lamentations 3:22-23

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

I've got the power!

It is now Monday, July 9 and here is SteveO's blog from his quiet time with the Lord. This is God's word to SteveO to all of us...., it should rock our personal world and the entire world! If we start living and behaving the way we talk there would be a very noticeable, worldwide, difference.

If we are scared to share what a love relationship with Jesus is and how He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and how we do, indeed, have total victory in Him then we are being deceived by evil. God's word is true and He never lies so it is clear that we have been given a spirit of power, self discipline and love so let's go out and knock em' ALIVE for Jesus! 2 Timothy 1:7-11

7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

What's it cost?

We need to learn to receive the eternal encouragement and good hope and know that Jesus is there to strengthen us in every good deed and word. SteveO is always encouraging and when you stop and think about it..., we should all be that way. What does encouragement cost us to give? That would be NOTHING! It costs us nothing to give and those receiving are blessed. Let's follow the example of Jesus and encourage any and everyone around us!!

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Endurance and Encouragement

SteveO was back in church with us for the first time in a long while. He actually had a seizure during the beginning of the service and I got a front row seat at seeing the arms, legs, hands and love of Jesus when two of my best friends (a happily married, awesome couple) laid hands on SteveO and prayed over him with others around them praying too. Then as the seizure subsided, coincidentally (don't think so) the pastor acknowledged that SteveO was back and asked him to say a few words. SteveO said that despite all of the illness and its twists and turns he is leaning on The Rock, Jesus! Wow, what a servant, please pray on for SteveO!!

SteveO is a vital member of our church which is going through some "refining" and in his quiet time with the Lord he was reminded of
Romans 15:5-6

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God gives endurance and encouragement and anything other than that is Not from Him but the enemy. DO NOT let evil trick you into anything less than Total Victory in Jesus!

Got hunger or thirst?

Have you ever had that feeling of "What in the world am I really here for?" We go to work, school or play and we fulfill a need to earn income, learn or to have fun and relax, but something is always missing. Kind of like still wanting a little something more after dinner cause you are still hungry. Or after downing a can of soda you need some water cause your thirst is still there.

SteveO was reminded that it is Jesus who feeds us everything. He is our Provider, He is our Purpose, He is our Sustainer, He is our Maker, He is our Redeemer, He is our Friend, He is our Hope, He is our Savior, He is EVERYTHING. If we truly are in a love relationship with Jesus then we know Him to be all that He says..., we can trust Him and we can rejoice in the total victory we have in Him!

The Bible is God-breathed, the Word is alive and no one can prove it wrong....BECAUSE it is the Truth. Check it out for your self, SteveO did and does and here's what he was told today....

John 6:35

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."

He alone is THE ROCK!

If you recall SteveO shared with us that when he is down, he turns to the psalms. If evil is trying to decieve you into thinking that you are not worthy and you need to be shaking in your boots about what is going to happen next then follow SteveO's wisdom and seek the Lord first and try the psalms. Here is the one SteveO turned to last night around 11pm after spending a quiet 4th with his wife!

Just so you know the last word in this Scripture passage is "Selah" which translated means "SO BE IT or AMEN!"

Psalm 62:5-8

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God [a] ;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

SteveO rocks

SteveO's call came in around 7am yesterday with this. Sorry for the delay in posting. Is Jesus the Way? Yes!!

This is from Hebews 1:8-9

8But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy."[a]

There is always hope!

Spoke to SteveO around 11:30pm and he sounded really good. Told me his day started rough but was feeling much improved..., please keep praying for SteveO's healing.

In other news a group of about 50 people just returned to Fallbrook from a camp for high schoolers and they are on fire for the Lord. Please pray they carry that mountain top experience around with them and share it down here with all of us!

SteveO felt the Lord lead him to Revelation 1:4-6 which is an introduction but boy is it powerful!


4John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

There is total victory in the One who is, and who was, and who is to come...., if you don't have that hope and assurance please ask for it today!

SteveO email

GOD WANTED ME TO TELL YOU
Everything that is going wrong in your life today shall be well with you this year. No matter how much your enemies or the devil try this year, "they will not" succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. All your agonies will be diverted and Total Victory and prosperity will be incoming in abundance. Today God has confirmed the end of your sufferings, sorrows, and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down.
I knocked at heaven's door this morning, God asked me... My child! What can I do for you? And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message"... God smiled and answered... Request granted.

Hi Greg,

This was sent from my brother! I know that this is an email
going around. I tailored towards Total Victory.

I Love you,
Steve

SteveO thoughts

Not from the Holy Scriptures but from a devotional that SteveO feels he needs to share with us today.

God the Holy Spirit, lives with us, within His people to gently but firmly goad us back to the right direction when we've gotten off track. A life committed to walking with God will produce in us a sensitivity and conscientousness to His will.

In all things, at all times, in all ways God is there. What is your foundation for life?

They will try but the Lamb wins!

What do you think about when you are laying in bed? If it is in the morning is your first thought about the agenda for the day or lunches that need to be made or if it is in the evening are your thoughts of things that did not get accompished?

If you had a brain tumor that had been removed 14 years ago and you just found out that the cancer is back what would you think about when you are laying in bed? He is not perfect, he gets frustrated, irritated and a bit down sometimes but SteveO is a man who thinks about God first when he lays in bed.

SteveO will tell you that thinking about God first in all circumstances has a way of ordering things in ways we can't explain. He is there to listen to our complaints, our pains, concerns and desires BUT He is also there to listen to our praises and love for Him. Focusing our thoughts on Him first will always lead us to praise as His Son was crucified for our sins and He defeated death so we can have, know and share total victory.

SteveO was led by the Holy Spirit of God to read Revelation 17:14. Wow, are you His called, chosen and faithful follower? You can know the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, just ask!

14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

Real Treasure

When the seizures strike SteveO tries to go to sleep. His rest is incosistent but his dedication to visiting with the Lord each day is not. SteveO wants to make sure he shares with you all the awesome things God reminds and teaches him about. SteveO knows victory..., praise God!

Another visit in Proverbs with the Lord, Proverbs 24:3-4

3 By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures.

The wisdom is the Lord, He is the foundation. Understanding it is not about us but a love-relationship with Him is understanding. The knowledge of what He has done for us and the Holy Spirit living in us are truly rare and beautiful treasures that can never be taken away!

We don't know why SteveO has to endure this illness but we do know that God loves him more than we do and we do know we have total victory through His Son!

SteveO and the Lord hung out and they reviewed Proverbs 3:5-10.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

It is not about our own understanding. When we get over ourselves and focus on Him we will experience the Life!

Are you giving thought?

SteveO has had some rough nights lately. He is still experiencing seizures due to his brain tumor and pressure headaches as a result of the recent "gamma-knife" procedure. He is a tough man and when he tells someone his pain level is at 9.5 out of 10 he is really hurting. Please continue to ask the Lord for peace and healing for SteveO.

His quiet time with the Lord led him to Proverbs 14:15

15 A simple man believes anything,
but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

As we give thought to our steps we need to know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God doesn't need us to think up something to do for Him. He wants us to love Him and listen and follow Him.