Barbara's Blog

I heard this song (Gaither Vocal Band) while watching Charles Stanley and tonight I found the video and lyrics. I played it over and over and have made it my song to Jesus as well. Let it be your song too. Enjoy!

GBY! Barbara

 - This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

Like the prodigal son who decided to walk away from his family, we too have a free will. When we make the decision to commit to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we gain both responsibility as well as great liability. The responsibility involves being a witness to the love of Jesus, following His Word and doing what the Lord tells us to do. It is a disciplined life; like it or not. The liability occurs when we walk away from God. Those who do walk away decide to live their lives for themselves or to be free from restraint. But why? Sometimes it's anger or even an unforgiving spirit. Ask a woman who is experiencing divorce or a homeowner who feels cheated by the current housing market.

When someone walks away from God they begin to think differently then personal desires, deception, wrong decisions and finally departing from God occur.  A wandering and wondering spirit takes hold. It's important to understand that God doesn't give us a totally free will -- only He has that. God gives us a limited free will to pick and choose.  And when we choose incorrectly He will allow heartache to enter our life and most certainly bring situations that are unpleasant to deal with. Sometimes there are emotional or physical repercussions which create pain and painful memories. Sad but true, the scars from sin can last a lifetime.

Always remind yourself that living for Jesus Christ brings life both here and in eternity. When you walk away from God you will be in want for everything so.. don't do it.  I would rather live a "dangerous" life in Christ knowing that I'm protected by Him than live for myself while waiting for a life changing time bomb to explode at any moment. God will forgive your sins and if you're saved and living in rebellion He will change your life too. Trust Him.

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

The one aspect of my life in Christ that I cherish the most is peace. When the Lord "fashioned me in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13), He did so with the intent of this provision for peace. But I had a part to play in achieving it. I like the way the International Standard version puts it in James 3:18 "And a harvest of righteousness is grown from the seed of peace planted by peacemakers."

Peace is good for our soul and our physical well-being. Staying peaceful reduces stress and keeps us anxiety-free. I don't know about you but I safeguard my peace by careful discernment of events, people or things that attempt to alter it.  But how do we get to living a life of peace? ... by learning to maintain peace in three important relationships: with God, with our fellow man, and with ourselves. We maintain peace with God by believing and trusting Him. We maintain peace with our fellow man by not allowing strife to be a part of our relationships with other people. We maintain peace with ourselves by refusing to live in guilt or condemnation thus recognizing that God is greater than all of our sins.

This kind of peace doesn't come through drugs, alcohol, sex, wealth, or entertainment. It is a supernatural (not worldly) peace that is a gift of God (John 14:27). The spiritual fruit of peace results from being justified by faith (Romans 5:1). and loving God's law. (Psalm 119:165) This is a peace that surpasses all human understanding, and it keeps your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

The next time you feel your peace is fleeting remember that first it is a gift from God then place righteous living (biblically sound choices) on your daily to-do list. Sow peace in the lives of others too. There are many varieties of mustard but only one peace that comes from God -- that which "surpasses all understanding"

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

It's been said to me before that 'GRACE' is God's Riches At Christ's Expense yet how many of us have failed to really grasp what this means?  When I remind myself that He is the creator of heaven and earth or when I consider His greatness and power or that He can speak into being any situation or circumstance I am always left amazed.

This past weekend I had the absolute priviledge to move into a new space that quite honestly I had my eye on for almost 1 1/2 years. This beautiful new construction was meant for me I would tell myself as I reminded God each time I walked by. One morning in April I received a call form the landlord who offered it to me. Of course I jumped on it however, I prayed first. "If it is Your will Lord, please make a way where there seems to be no way" -- my only assurance that the Lord wanted me to have this place. To make a long story short, He made a way.  Not only did the landlord give me the entire month of May to physically move my belongings, but also unobstructed access and permission to paint and decorate as a please. Given that my lease starts today and that I was not charged any amount of rent for the entire month of May I am amazed by His gift of grace. Oh, one more thing. I told the Lord I needed $4,000 before I moved. Amazed again, both my short sale listing and another property sold and settled by the last week in May ... amazing grace how sweet the sound!

Listen folks, God's grace isn't something we need to figure out or strive for. When we are obedient to His Word and do our best to live according to His standards, it comes supernaturally. Trust me, I fail in the "obedient" subject more than I care to admit. But remember, God knows our hearts and He understands our humanness. His grace is sufficient and should never be taken for granted or used as an excuse to sin rather we should develop a grateful heart toward Him for this most awesome gift of grace.

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

My thermostat is probably the most versatile item in my house because it allows me to maintain a constant environment effortlessly with the touch of a finger. Unlike a thermometer that changes constantly a thermostat keeps things steady.

When I speak with women who are experiencing challenges it is amazing how some change their attitude and words even their countenance to reflect their circumstances. There are also others who go with the flow of life's ups and downs and like a see-saw, they hold on while riding the highs and lows without falling off.

If you're like me, I smile at the risk of being suspended a few feet in the air without the stability of having my feet on the ground -- (every Realtor knows what I'm saying here) because I know, based on God's Word, that my feet will once again touch back down and I'll walk away from the ride feeling exhilarated and confident.

Ask yourself where you are when challenges come your way. Do you change with the trial or do you remain sure through faith that your trials won't change you.  Every child of God has the assurance of our Creator that He will never leave us nor forsake us.  When we place our full trust in Him, (Proverbs 3:4-5) He is faithful to carry us through.

God bless you!!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at this website link.

Friends:

I know this is lengthy but oh, so good!  Receive it and be encouraged by it then pass it along to anyone the Lord lays on your heart. Blessings!

In Christ,

Barbara R.

"Live each day as though it were your last, and SMILE!... God loves you!"

http://barbararies.activerain...com

www.hope2007.org

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I AM DOING A NEW THING 

"Behold, I will do a new thing,
      Now it shall spring forth;
      Shall you not know it?
      I will even make a road in the wilderness
      And rivers in the desert.
       ²⁰ The beast of the field will honor Me,
      The jackals and the ostriches,
      Because I give waters in the wilderness
      And rivers in the desert,
      To give drink to My people, My chosen.
       ²¹ This people I have formed for Myself;
      They shall declare My praise."  Isaiah 43:19-21

 -- The Lord spoke this next scripture to me in 2002 when I was experiencing divorce and before I was set out in ministry.

 "But when you pray go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."  Matthew 6:6

        -- MY Glorious Beloved, have I not said I AM doing a new thing?  Haven't I chosen you for such a time as this?  So many concentrating on circumstances set against them, annoyances, distractions, but still; do you not understand this is not an attack on you; it's an attack on ME?  Satan has had a field day wreaking havoc, even amidst MY own.  He has had his day of stealing, killing and destroying.  You must understand that this is the only way the one who seeks to walk as a roaring lion can even begin to hope to get to Me and that is through you, the very ones who hold on to ME.  Why are you so surprised in what is happening, whether in your own circumstances or of that in world events?  Why do you spend so much of your time in seeking your own wisdom?  Haven't I said to come to ME for My Wisdom?  This is where you should be at every opportunity, especially at the present time, secluded with ME for such a time as this.

Most have not understood the road you have been walking, for I had called you to a deeper walk with ME.  Many have sought to please people, but I have said "Please ME."  The cost has been high but you made the decision that in order to please Me and for your own well being and ultimately the well being of others you had to say yes to MY call.  Although much is still unclear of what this all entails, you know that at the appropriate time, I would bring forth 'in clarity', for I always come through and many times at the last moment.  I AM obligated to fulfill MY promises to you, and I will place the mantle upon you for MY purposes for a lost and dying world.  But you must dwell with ME in the secret place, this is very imperative at this moment in time. For those who have not yet heeded this call, you must come now!  You will be freed of even things you have not seen that you needed free of and you will be given much more than what your mind can conceive.

You have endured the trials and the fires, the heartaches and pain, throughout your life. Do not believe that I have not seen all the pain you have had to endure for ME, you have endured much for MY sake and you are about to see ME bringing forth waves of rain to fall upon you.  These rains will refresh the spirit, soul and body.  MY peace shall overtake you.  You have been in the wilderness for such a long time, I will fill you to overflowing and the wilderness will be as the desert, and the parched places will turn into full bloom and these rains will bring you into your destiny.

A new thing is upon you, the season is now fast approaching when I will place a mantle and special dispensation upon MY chosen ones; a time where the revealed word will turn into manifestation.  You are in covenant with ME and at the moment too many are walking in discouragement, despair and depression.  Am I a man that I can lie?  NO! What I promised you will come to fruition.  Is it not written when a seed is sown, the enemy seeks to rob the revelation that I gave to you, via the cares of the world?  At this moment, I AM present and ready to put your concerns at rest, but you must enter the inner chamber and be in deep communion with ME.  I have asked this of you before, many have said yes, have obeyed my command but I seek all of you to come!  COME NOW, there is no time for delay!

 I AM watching over MY Word to perform it and I will bring to pass that which I imparted. At times the revelation I imparted to you, the expectancy of it coming forth, is what made every day worth living, adding purpose to your life. Although you have waited so long and nothing happened as you thought it would or at the time you thought it should - and satan shouted into your inner being "fool!" with the natural fighting the supernatural, still you hung on to ME, with sometimes the last strength left in you.  MY glorious beloved, I AM closing the gap. No longer will the gap between the spoken word and manifestation survive.

 I AM birthing within you a new love for your Father, your God. Just as I placed a birthing in Sarah, at an impossible time, so I AM placing with you a new love in what seems an impossible time. You shall see ME and you will know 'MY LOVE'. You say in your heart "I already know you God" but I say to you, this love will surpass anything you have ever known or thought you knew and it will increase your faith and increase your hope as you place yourself in MY mighty arms. I say again, it is very imperative at this critical juncture of time to be in the inner chamber with ME, this is where you will find safety, this is where you will see any remaining bondages broken, true repentance given and it's where clarity shall come forth.                                                                    

Behold, My Beloved, Behold Who I AM, behold ME... Do not give any place to the enemy when he strikes, but say "Behold My God, Behold My God." Do not allow the enemy to steal your joy and BEHOLD YOUR GOD. In all things give thanks according to My Word. Beloved, I AM a Mighty God, I can do ALL things! I have chosen you and I will use you to deliver MY people.  Inquire of ME.... inquire of Me and I will deliver you that you may go forth

I have called you for MY purposes. If I would forsake you, I would be forsaking Myself and that I cannot do. You have a call and a purpose and it is all OF ME - I have prepared the way and devised the plan, a plan designed by ME and it cannot fail. For many of you the enemy has tried to stop it by taking you out, but you have stood strong. Now, he can only "try" to foil MY plans but they are MY PLANS, all mine and they cannot fail. So prepare to follow where I AM leading you and I promise you will not be disappointed or ashamed.  Not by might, nor by power but by MY Spirit saith the Lord. I AM moving by MY Spirit. It cannot fail as MY Spirit is in control and is moving in a mighty way on your behalf.

Keep the Sword of the Spirit close to you always as it will be your direction and guide throughout the times to come. It will satisfy all longings and continue to uplift you as I need 'built up sons and daughters to go forth In MY Name.  Move by MY Spirit, stay by MY Spirit and be directed by MY Spirit. Do not say I cannot do the work but say: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me! I am the vessel in HIS hands! I am the vessel that HE has emptied - emptied of self and filled with HIM.  I am the vessel that has been emptied of the things of the world and filled with the things of God.  I am the vessel ready to reflect HIS Glory.  I am ready to walk HIS walk and I am the vessel who will go where HE leads.  I am ready."

After surviving experiencing motherhood for 25 years, I used to think this state of being a mother would lead me to a state institution... seriously! (only a mother can understand this) 

But as we all know, the blessing of children is in fact, the most wonderful gift that God gives to women.  I also believe that motherhood is a ministry -- one in which mothers have a tremendous responsibility and opportunity to shape the lives of their children.  They set the standard of excellence in the home through example (or should), provide unconditional, unfailing love (or should), and shape the world around their children to become wonderful human beings (or should). When I think about ministry, one word comes to mind, SERVICE.  But what about the Ministry Of Motherhood? 

From a Believer's perspective, motherhood allows us to give our whole hearts to another person built upon the foundation of love for a lifetime.  We find ways to make character building a daily part of life and we teach our children in the same manner that the Lord taught His disciples; one-on-one.  As a single mother, I took upon myself the responsibility to make my home Christ-centered teaching diligently, both of my children to follow Christ.  Have there been difficulties along the way, of course!  But in ministry it is a continual calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus -- one that never gives up believing that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

When God calls, He equips and being a mother is a deep and personal calling on a woman's life to walk full time in the Ministry Of Motherhood.

Philippians 4:13

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

I will celebrate my birthday this coming Saturday and unlike my oldest son who claims he can remember when he was in my womb (no kidding!), today during my time with the Lord, I thought about the reason why I was created.  Having lived 50 years on this earth, the answer as to why The Father made me came quite effortlessly.

Opening my bible I went to Psalm 20:4.  I noticed this verse was dated last year in 2008 when He first spoke these words to me.

"May the Lord grant you according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your purpose." Psalm 20:4 NKJV

I pondered, what is my heart's desire and my purpose? I concluded my heart's desire is my purpose.  My desire (to love God, to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, and to be His friend) is my purpose (the reason why I was created).  To love God speaks of intimacy. To worship God is to praise Him for who He is and to be His friend is to commit myself to relationship with Him.  My statement as to why I was created therefore is:

"The reason I was created is to be His friend; to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (The Word) and to have a committed and enduring relationship with Him.  Not a casual encounter but an intimate involvement, a romantic pursuit and a complete and total abiding trust in Him knowing that He loves me."  Barbara Ries

  -- Perhaps you might want to think of the same question.  Why were you created by God?  I would enjoy reading your responses so please post them here so that may be an encouragement to others. 

GBY!  Barbara :)

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

Living with kids can be challenging especially as a single parent. Yet challenging is probably an understated word, more like treacherous at times especially in those golden moments when it's a toss up between watching the newest Hanna Montana episode, Man vs. Wild or Flip This House.  Regardless, one universal word comes to mind when I think of my space -- exhausting.  Thank goodness my space has become His space; that abiding shelter of His Presence where peace and rest are found in abundance.  My choice to live with God in His space relinquishes the demands of time and energy once committed to others and places this in proper proportion equivalent to my love for Him. It is the gift I chose to give myself. His space requires only one thing; that I make Him my priority.  It is simply beautiful; a place where I lay my head at night and cry when I feel alone.  His space brings me comfort in the darkness and late night hour when He awakens me to pray for someone. It is my table where I prepare for what lies ahead and listen loudly for His footsteps which signal He is home. His space is my place of intimacy and romance where He serenades me with verse and chorus sung sweetly from the lips of Jesus. He asks of nothing but gives me everything, like the aroma of a glorious meal so that I might be "filled with every good thing in  Christ Jesus."  Perhaps it is time to change your address and move in to His neighborhood -- "the secret place" of His Presence.

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org

The Bibles tells us in Jeremiah 29:11,"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NKJV  Our clients all have plans when it comes to their real estate goals.  Some are experiencing foreclosure, divorce, death of a spouse or illness and must sell their homes.  Compound this with the current market and it truly is an arena for the Lord to show Himself as our strong and mighty tower.  But what about God's plans?  I work largely with clients who are experiencing life challenges.  Compound this with the associated stress of a real estate transaction and it can become an unflavorful recipe for short tempers and unkind words.  Knowing God's love helps us to approach these situations in a better way.  How?  Well, I'm glad you asked!  If God knows the end from the beginning, and if one is willing to let Him have His way in the mix, then most assuredly, plans will prosper [move forth, succeed].  Real estate really is a wonderful place for ministry.  Think about it.  It is the perfect atmosphere for love to prevail.  Greed can be replaced by giving of oneself sacrificially, self-promotion can be erased with humbleness and selfishness can be overcome when we "do all things as unto the Lord."  This industry can be a brutal not-so-nice animal, but it doesn't have to be that way.  Believers can choose to let God's love prevail in practical ways. For instance; try listening more attentively and speaking less critically, extend kindness and patience when feeling taken for granted, and do your best to understand knowing that a compassionate heart mimics that of The Father.  Above all else, let love be your guide for it is the only thing that will endure to the end.

1Corinthians 13, Jeremiah 29:11

"Love covers everything and makes room for anything." Barbara Ries 

GBY!  Barbara

- This biog is an extension of HOPE Ministry and "The Secret Place" -- if it has sown a blessing in your life please consider sowing back to the ministry at the website link below.

www.hope2007.org