LAM Newsletter, November 2001

The Meeting Place

The "Meeting Place" is a new church that we began on Oct. 21st, 2001. We meet in the River Pines Town Hall in River Pines, CA. Services start at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday morning.

The first meeting was so wonderful. Some of my dear friends came up from Sacramento to be of supportive and also participate in the service. My friend Karen Thompson helped lead worship and Gwen Esponiza added the touch of hospitality to the meeting. Since this was our first meeting, we wanted it to have a celebration following so provided many goodies to share with the congregation.

Among them two teenage boys attended. One of them after services told me something I was really blessed by. He said that he has gone to many churches in the last few years, but he never understood what the preacher was saying but that he understood everything that I said. He wants to come back. The other boy is from Sacramento too and wants to attend regularly, he is in the process of hitching a ride to be a part of this church. It's wonderful to see the youth interested in attending church.

We hope you find the time to attend if you are not already attending a church, and share in the blessings God has in store for this church. I believe it's a ministry where we will help others and touch the community with the Love of God and the truth of the gospel.

We have had four meetings so far and attendance has remained about the same, different people attending each Sunday at times. It's been wonderful and I see God's anointing there as many comment after services how everything that was said was what they needed to hear. The prayer of this ministry is that people don't get a bunch of theology but they get what they need to help them live their every day lives.

Come and join us if you can, if you need further information, please contact us at (530) 620-2712 or at P.O. Box 165, Mt. Aukum, CA 95656.

PERSONAL REVELATION
By Linda Lange

"A Sink full of Dirty Dishes"

So what's so "spiritual" about that? I know that God works with us where we live - and many of us live in the kitchen taking care of the family. I believe God ministers where we live, and it's in those things we learn how to find peace, joy, contentment, build better relationships, and so on. It's where God molds us and makes us into what He wants us to be.

It's not that He will only use that which is "spiritual" to help us grow up, but in the every day rustic life we live.

The phrase I am talking about here is that many people are out trying to do the work of God, casting out devils and so forth, but don't have "authority over a sink full of dirty dishes yet."

We have to get our house in order first. Timothy in the bible talks about that and it is still true today. Many have broken relationships with their spouses, children, and parents. Perhaps some are never home because they are out ministering to others so the home front is falling apart. Perhaps the house is never cleaned! We need to take care of "where we live" FIRST before going out doing a bunch of stuff.

I've shared in a previous newsletter that having a good foundation at home is the most important thing to living with stability in our lives as Christians and fulfilling the call on our lives that produce results.

Then the Lord showed me another insight on this phrase. One night I came home pretty late from work, really tired, not feeling like much of anything and just wanting to relax. Well, the first thing I saw were "those dirty dishes". I thought, "I better do these now". I heard the Lord say to me, "You are free to do them or not to do them, YOU can have authority over those dirty dishes, don't let them have authority over you."

Wow, what a burden was lifted. As I looked upon my life, I do keep my house up and take care of things at the home front, but I also don't get into bondage and guilt if I let things go for a day or two. It's very freeing!

I learned that anything that has control over me is NOT of God!

FEATURE article

I visited a woman a couple of week ago who has Lou Garret's disease. A friend of mine met me there and we visited her. She was at this time bed-ridden and unable to talk well so she wrote on a little chalk-board. She is very alert, writes very nicely and clear, but her motor skills are locking up.

I don't understand that disease, but God does. So we began talking about her relationship with God. She has read Pastor Wright's book, "A More Excellent way" and believes she has addressed the issues in her life. As I began talking with her, I did discover she had some painful memories she didn't want to talk about. So, we just visited a little while longer and prayed with her. She loves the Lord and has a good attitude! She is an amazing woman. Not only that, she's an author who writes children's books - pending publications.

She gave me a poem she wrote and I would like to share it with you.

"Through my window
As I look out on the scene
I've seen the passing seasons
And a part of it I've been
A winter's rest the tree cam through
Then slowly wakened to the spring
It's tiny buds uncurled themselves
To feel the warmth the sun did bring
Then dancing in the happy breeze
My tree seemed to sing a thankful praise,
And while I watched from my little room
Summer moved on in all her ways
While I can not join is as I used to do
With precious family and faithful friends
I think of all the times when I was able to

So when the chill again is in the air
And clouds and rain will fill the sky
The leaves will turn their golden hue
Then freely fall or float and sail on high
And I will watch all safe and warm
As my days are filled with love and care
With those dear ones who meet my needs
And there is much we still can share
So when the days are bright or gray
I'm blest with treasures from above
Through my window I see more than I can say."

We don't understand why some people get healed and others don't, but it's not ours to always know those things because God wants us to trust what He is doing in our lives. In speaking with her, she loves the Lord so very much and her attitude is very positive - even in the midst of her conflict! I believe God will give her the grace and mercy to 'endure' and will heal if He decides it's in her best interest!

TOM's TIDBITS:

"The Test is NOT the Test"

A month ago I was taking a state exam for promotion opportunities within my Department and had some amazing things happen through all that.

As I said earlier, God meets us where we are living and helps us grow in Him through all kinds of daily situations, this was no different.

When I got to the location to take the exam my x-husband was giving the exam. First I was shocked he was there and what were my chances of having him conduct the one test I'm taking that day? We said our pleasantries, as we don't harbor any hate toward each other, and I took the test. I was a bit nervous of him being there than taking the test, but I did manage to get through it.

The second thing that happened through this was that I didn't pass! When I got the news in the mail I said, "Oh well", and went on my way. This was on a Friday and had all weekend to think about it, and I did! I thought I was OK with it and just kept my confidence in God, but then the "what will they think" thoughts came to mind over that whole weekend! What will the people at work think who took it too and passed? Will they think I'm stupid? Some may say, "figures"? Was I going to be embarrassed? Well, it wasn't long until that thinking was "taken captive" by the Word of God. The scriptures say to "Cast down all imaginations and bring it under captive of the Lord" so that's what I decided to do. It wasn't easy because the "unknown" is hard to comprehend but God knew that unknown and He knew I wouldn't pass the state test. So with that, I rested in Him and was restored to joy. One thing I do recall is that I wasn't as upset and embarrassed as I thought I would be, that tells me I've grown in that area from a year or so ago because I probably would have cried and been really embarrassed to go back to work! Then I recall something I learned not too long ago, "The degree that you are embarrassed is the degree you have pride", so I was embarrassed a little so I didn't have far to fall on this one. I do see I have a way to go, but farther along than a year ago!

I told Tom what happened and he said, "The test is not the test". In other words, the test I literally took wasn't the test, it was how was I going to respond BECAUSE of the test? I believe I passed that test, I know not perfectly, but I do know I passed the "attitude" test.

No one at worked questioned me on the exam nor did I offer any information, only to a few at my office whom I trusted.

A week or so went by and I was driving to work. I was praising God and the issue of the state test came up. I began thanking God for allowing me to FAIL it! I was so pleased to see that it was from my heart! The word says to be thankful in everything, good and bad, so I was being thankful. Moments after I thanked him for this, He spoke and said, "You know why you didn't pass the test don't you?" I said, "no". He said, "Because you would have gone around the office to people you knew who took the test and said, "Hey did you pass the test? Oh you did? That's great. Hey, did you pass the test? Ahhh.. you didn't, well, better luck next time and so on." I thought about that for a minute and began to laugh, agreeing with God quickly. Then He said, "I have closed a door for you but am opening a GARAGE DOOR". I was feeling so full of God's love right then and enjoying visiting with Him on the way to work. He then added, "And by the way, no State exam will keep me from promoting you." Wow, what encouragement I received directly from the "throne" of grace! What peace was in me, and my faith was strengthened.

I got to work, feeling so refreshed and on my chair was an award certificate. It said, "Linda Lange's Superior Accomplishment Award" which was for LEADING a successful team.

I was so astonished! The blessings just began, and I know it's because my attitude was right in being THANKFUL in even my failures because a thankful heart RECEIVES the blessings. A heart that is sad, confused, angered, fearful, doubtful are unable to receive anything. James 1 says that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways." By keeping our mind on what is "truth" we will obtain the promises of God.

So what Tom said was true! It wasn't the Test that was the test; it was the test of how I would respond TO the test that was the test. Would I have a THANKFUL heart in the midst of turmoil or would I become angry, doubt God's love for me, etc. I see now that I DID pass the test after all!

Comments from readers:

I want to share a few comments that have been shared with me from individuals who have been reading our Website at www.mindsync.com/lam.

I have been meaning to tell you how WONDERFUL!!!! the website is. I could hardly believe my eyes and all that the site included. Sooooo beautiful, peaceful and packed with information. I am continually amazed with how much talent the Lord has poured in you. We know he gifted you before you were placed in your mother's womb. So, since we know God has done that for all of his children, I should say that I'm so in awe with how you have allowed Him to stir the gifts within you and how you act on them to produce His will -- W.O.W. In my private writings and notes during my devotionals, W.O.W. means "Women of War" and that's exactly what you are, a mighty woman of war! Mighty through God to the tearing down of enemy strongholds.

This next comment is in the light of the recent attack on America.

Thank you for your fantastic web site, it has so much wonderful information. Would it be possible to get the newsletter e mailed to us in Australia????

Also could you please send me information on the monthly tapes and a book & seminar tapes available. Our prayers are certainly going to the country of America, especially New York and Washington.

Here in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: many tears have been shed and today was like a day of mourning for this tragedy.

A visit with the President of the United States!

I received an email from a friend of mine I think would be very encouraging to you, so I wanted to share it with you. This visit took place on the Thursday after the attack on America.

Max Lucado, the author, was invited (along with several other famous preachers) to have lunch at the White House with President Bush. As the ministers sat down to lunch and waited for President Bush to appear, Max said that he was expecting GW to walk in the room looking tired, serious, and depressed. When the President came in Max said he looked totally the opposite of tired; he was energetic, joyful, and very focused on his talk with the ministers.

Max asked President Bush how he could see so calm and peaceful in the midst of all the tragedy. The president's reply was, "I'm feeling stronger now than I've ever been in my life. And the reason is because every person in America is praying for me. When I stay on my knees, that's when I have power."

The ministers then asked the President how he would like them to pray for him, and how their congregations back home should be praying. President Bush asked, first, for clarity of mind so that he could make wise decisions, and then he asked that we pray specifically for his wife and two daughters, as he is very concerned about their safety."

It appears we have a President who has a heart toward God. Let's all remember to lift his name up in prayer - he needs our prayers now more than on Sept. 11th to continue protecting his family and for him to make sound decisions.

A scripture that comes to mind is, "When a good king is in rule, the people rejoice." So let us rejoice and be thankful for our President - remember, being thankful will pour out upon you blessings!

Disease of the month

Parkinson's Disease

Let me quote what Pastor Wright has to say about this disease - the comes from his book called, "A More Excellent Way."

"We have enough insight on this disease initially and spiritually to give me the faith to move ahead in actual ministry now. The only way we know that we're going to get this one is to get involved an start applying the principles that we see, and see if God will honor that insight and give healing.

In New York State, there is a family of three generations with Parkinson's disease. tow brothers have already died, and in the three generations they all have Parkinson's.

I'm a member of the Parkinson's Foundation of America because I'm tapping to what they're doing. Current research is pointing at a deficiency of dopamine as the cause. When we have either under or over-secretion of various neurotransmitters, I have always found either a genetic or spiritual component that's behind it. Either way, it has a spiritual root. I consider Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and autism to be spiritually rooted disease.

In the case of Parkinson's, my initial investigation indicates unresolved rejection, massive amounts of abandonment and rejection, and hope deferred. As a point to ponder, personal and family involvement and spiritual error may be implicated."

If you need help or ministry in this disease, please contact L.A.M. at (530) 620-2712. All ministry is free of charge and confidential.

Scripture of the Month

Hebrews 6:15

"So after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise."

This scripture was talking about Abraham waiting for the Lord to give him a son so that he would become the father of many nations. It looked humanly impossible for this to happen as Abraham was very hold, so was his wife, but Abraham waited and kept on believing and being patient in that time of waiting.

I wonder when we are waiting for something that we believe God has promised us if we wait with frustration, worry, confusion and doubt or with peace and trust? When we wait WITH peace and trust, we WILL obtain the promises.

Insight by Linda

Visit with a friend!

After Church this last Sunday I visited with a dear friend of mine. She drove in from San Andreas, CA to be with us for services. As we began talking, I shared with her something I got a revelation about. "I want to seek God more and know more about Him, because the more I know about Him, the more I get to believe, the more I believe, the more I'll receive."

See many individuals have stopped seeking God because they "think" they already "know" all about Him. Everyone, regardless of who we are, have room for improvement - some more than others, but never will we every "know" God completely while on this earth - there is always room to learn more and receive more.

Then my friend said to me, "Linda you are right! I think what else is there to know? I know a lot about God already. (And it's true, she was a minister's wife, conducted bible studies, studied under preachers all her life and gained a wealth of knowledge - but also pointed out to her that "knowledge puffs up"). But now realized that she doesn't know anything! She may know things in her head, but it's not manifesting in her life!

Many people are like my friend. We "know" lots of stuff, but we don't "live" that stuff we know! Why? Because it's not what we truly believe. We live what we believe. The saying goes, "We are what we think". If I think I'm not good, then I'll act accordingly. If I think I know everything, then I probably won't be able to learn anything new. You get the picture I'm sure.

I told her that Paul in the bible was very well educated - he knew more about those that wrote the laws but he resolved to say this, "I know nothing but Christ and Him crucified". He knew where the truth lied, in ONLY knowing God! He goes on to teaching people how to get to know Him More! Cause Paul knew the importance of getting more and more love, mercy, grace into our lives and that comes ONLY by getting to know God more.

Once we get a revelation where we are in our lives and confess and admit to our situation, then and only then will God be able to move on our behalf. The first step to becoming freer is to "recognize". Once we see our selves correctly, then God has something to work with.

How to Get In Touch With Us:

For information about the seminars, events, or personal ministry you can call (530) 620-2712, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. You may need to leave a message, but your call will be returned within 24 hours. Web site is www.mindsync.com/LAM, email is TruthFrees@Mindsync.com.

I will be happy to talk with you personally. I am never too busy to help!

BOOKS and other materials:

I would like to share a comment from a reader who just recently picked up a copy of "A Matter of the Mind".

"Thank you so much Linda for sending me a copy of your book. I received it several weeks ago and I'm now reading the chapter on fruits and evil roots.

So far the book has been a tremendous blessing to me as it has helped me to look deep within. Through reading, "A Matter of the Mind" truths about myself have been revealed.

Again, that you much. I pray that God continues to bless you for you benevolence and for your inspiring words of LIFE.

Book fees:

A Matter of the Mind: $15.00, A More Excellent Way: $25.00 How to be happy though married: $5.00 The Truth Shall Make You Free: $5.00

If you make a donation above the cost of the item, it is tax deductible. Please include $3.00 for mailing expenses. Please send check or money order to: Life Application Ministries, P.O. Box 165, Mt. Aukum, CA 95656. For more information on these books, please call the Life Application Ministries’ Office at (530) 620-2712.

Recipe of the Month!

Turkey Sloppy Joe's