This morning I woke up to a text from my friend, Annica. Annica didn’t know that the Facebook posts I have boosted to the UK have received many violent and obscene curses from atheists living there.
(If you would like to see what I am writing about, go to The Pool Ministries’ Facebook page and scroll down to the post Judging Bites Back. I have been deleting the nastiest comments since then).
Because of this, I have been grieving over the UK, and—honestly—curses hurt. They are meant to hurt. But I put it all away, because what can I do?
The blessing she sent was a reminder from the Lord that He doesn’t put away my sorrows. He sees my tears and is concerned about my hurts. That it is personal with Him.
Your sorrows and joys are also very personal to Him.
I pray over you that the Lord will show you just how important you are to Him; that He will prove to you that He is with you and He is for you. That He cares about your children and your children’s children. That He is giving you hope and a future.
Please listen to the blessing Annica sent to me. I pray you are also blessed and encouraged.
Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18
The best way to contact me is by email at thepool@thepoolministries.org.
If you would rather call, you must leave a message and I will call you back. I am happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry over the phone, but because of robo calls we do not answer the landline.
That number is 205.556.4555, country code 01. Remember to leave a message.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations.
My newest book, The Quiet Heart: A Foundational Guide to Inner Healing an Deliverance, is on sale as an eBook at Smashwords through May 31, 2020.
Here is what readers are saying about The Quiet Heart.
This book has been a life changer for me. It has opened my eyes to how God designed me and how sin has distorted that design. The book showed me how to get back on track spiritually through prayer, being in touch with my spirit, and the Holy Spirit. Having a quiet heart is priceless. Pamela
Even if you have been a Christian for years, The Quiet Heart reveals Biblical truths that you have most likely never heard from a pastor. If you are not a Christian, this book will lead you into an understanding of what can await you if you give your heart to Christ. This is not a book of opinion. Every point that the author makes is referenced to Scripture, book, chapter and verse. These Biblical truths are nothing new, but to most Christians they will be, because for various reasons it is rare to hear them preached or even talked about. The Quiet Heart will teach you how to have your spirit and soul work in harmony, and bring you closer to the Father as you walk with him. Joe
This book is wonderful. Because becoming a Christian doesn’t mean your life will automatically become perfect. We struggle – with circumstances, with God, and with ourselves. With our perceptions and thoughts. With cycles of behavior we don’t like, but can’t seem to shake. This book explains why and outlines steps you can take to break free from the cycle. And most importantly, it explains the ways that God communicates with you, so you can hear what He has for you when you ask the questions that weigh on your heart. Heather
This book has given me the knowledge and tools I need to help me be free from self-criticism. It also pointed out that the reason for wrong in the world is because of the fall, not because of me. James
Click the link below to purchase The Quiet Heart at a very low we-are-all-tired-of-being-quarantined sale price! (The sale price is only good at Smashwords).
Since the start of this Covid-19 quarantine, I’ve watched my fellow ministers post lots of relevant and encouraging responses to this situation. And I have wondered if I should write something relevant, encouraging and responsive. Then I’ve put a pillow over my head and tried to go back to sleep.
I have a case of the Quarantine Blues. Is my faith shaken by the virus and collapse of the economy? Not particularly. And let’s be honest. What can I speak into this mess that hasn’t been said? From end-of-the-world predictions to everything is going to be alright, it’s all being said.
But I do have some musings to share – honest and not very spiritualized – I admit it up front.
1. I’m bored. It is a confusing boredom because just a few days ago, my husband and I commented on how little we enjoyed leaving our home. Now that we are not supposed to leave our home (the same home that we enjoy so much), we are bored and can’t wait to escape.
2. I’m confused. Why is my small city with only 0 – 5 cases of Covid-19 in ICU with less than 20 in hospital totally shut down like we are NYC? Scratching my head.
3. I’m worried. Not so much about my family’s financial security, but about people like the owner of the small restaurant my son works at part-time. Over 50% of profit goes to salaries. All of his employees are out of work. Will my intellectually challenged son have a job when this is over? Will the restaurant go out of business? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find safe and suitable employment for the intellectually challenged?
4. I’m scared. In my head I think the risk is very low given how my city does life. We are not packed together. Public transportation isn’t much of a thing here. But what if I’m wrong? What if we are all going to die a horrible death!!!!
Ok. Enough of that.
Yesterday, Jay (my son) and I were returning from a grocery run to a packed-out Winn Dixie which was out of steaks! Can you imagine? The meat people are out of steaks, but I digress. Jay kept asking and asking and asking when he is going back to work and _if_ he is going back to work.
I wasn’t having my best day. (See list above). So, I told him to please stop — just stop with the questions about this stupid virus. He fell silent, then he popped up with this: The Lord just said: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
Jay loves going to church on Sunday. He has friends there, the kindest of Christians who love and accept him, so he misses church deeply. To fill that void, he has asked us to read the Easter story together in the evenings. So this Holy Week, we have gathered as a family to worship, read the story and share communion. First time ever that Jay has been willing to participate in family worship.
And games! He is willing to play simple games with me. Because of his handicap, he has shied away from competitive games. Turns out he is a ruthless Uno player.
And there are things that I do not miss about our old way of life.
1. The pace. I realize this isn’t true for those who are essential workers (Who the heck isn’t essential? Someone has to pay the bills!) But I go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning without that anxious push to accomplish something. That’s nice. I needed a break without knowing I needed a break.
2. The traffic. My daughter moved from her condo into a house in the midst of this and needed our help. She lives in Atlanta where the traffic is terrifying. Not this trip. Nice and quiet.
3. The neighbors Disappearing into the work place, coming home and disappearing into our houses is the norm around here. But now my neighbors are working in their yards and taking walks. Jay and I enjoy waving and greeting these people as we wander around outside. It’s as if our neighborhood has been populated with humans for the first time.
Hey. I do have something spiritual to take away from this: I’m ready for Jesus to return. I’m not just saying I’m saved and thus ready to die. I’m saying that I have pondered the second coming, and I’m ready for God to wrap up this age of suffering.
I couldn’t say that before. There was always a smidgen of fear, a worry about my people, an attachment to this world that sounded an alarm whenever I considered the return of Christ. I can now say that I don’t feel that way anymore.
Sure. There is some fear of the unknown, but I’m ready whenever You are, Lord.
Maranatha! Come soon, sweet Jesus.
Hugs, Susan
Buy my book! And review it on Amazon or Smashwords! Reviews help so much.
Email the Pool at thepool@thepoolministries.org. If you would rather, you may call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, you must leave a message. We will call you back.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations.
The launch of my new book, The Quiet Heart: A Foundational Guide to Inner Healing and Deliverance, has bumped into roadblock after roadblock until I became very discouraged. Then … now … during this peculiar time when we are staying at home as much as possible, tiptoeing around each other in the grocery aisles and spending our nights wrestling with fear and uncertainty, it is ready to go.
I am in awe of God’s timing. Has there ever been a better time to address the issues lurking about in our hearts? Trust and abandonment issues. Hurts and unrelenting thoughts. Habits and bondages that we limp along with every day, but in these days feel overwhelming.
It is a good time to heal and move forward with God.
Just click on the link to my website and purchase The Quiet Heart. It is available in print and in all the digital formats including Kindle. A preview is available on Amazon and Smashwords. Links are provided on the website.
Read the book prayerfully and apply the strategic tools within its pages. Your heart, your soul, your spirit and your mind will thank you.
If you have questions or need prayer support, we are here and happy to answer your emails and arrange for telephone appointments.
Never before have we, as a community, needed a quiet heart.
Love from the Lord,
Susan
The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good … Luke 6:45
Email the Pool at thepool@thepoolministries.org. If you would rather, you may call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, you must leave a message. We will call you back.
A few days ago I woke up to the Lord advising me to change my approach to praying for truth and integrity in the media. Here is what He suggested. I believe that the more of us using this strategy, the better the results will be, so please join me.
First, let me establish that we, as His followers, have been ordered by Jesus to operate with and under His authority (Matthew 28:18-20). Confronting and removing demons is part of that authority (see Mark 3 and 6). In Revelation 5:10, we are named priests and kings who are to rule and reign with Him in the earth.
In Hebrews 1:14, angels are described as ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”
Let’s go to the strategy.
The Lord showed me that much of the body of Christ—myself included—has interpreted Ephesians 2:2 to mean that the enemy owns the airways. This is NOT so! All of creation belongs to our Lord, including the atmosphere.
1. If you have simply accepted that the enemy owns the airways and media, then repent like this:
Father God, Creator of all things, forgive me and my ancestors for believing the lie that the enemy owns the airways and the media. You are the legal owner of all things because You created them and because our Lord Jesus Christ made right what was lost in the fall.
2. Next, as a priest and king, an heir of salvation operating under the authority of Christ, command the enemy:
Therefore, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command all demonic entities to stop using the media as a mouthpiece. It is forbidden.
3. Now instruct your angels:
Angels, punish all demonic entities using the media as a mouthpiece until they obey my command.
4. Repeat as often as it comes to mind or until you get a release. It’s time to take back what belongs to the Kingdom of God.
This strategy is worth unleashing against the demonic forces inhabiting arts and entertainment. I think many of us have accepted that the arts belong to the devil. Let me be clear. NOTHING belongs to the devil.
Use the above strategy to recapture arts and entertainment as well as the media. Just change the language.
God bless you and email me if you want. I love hearing from you.
Susan
Please call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org. We will call you back.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations.
Please call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org. We will call you back.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations.
Yes! I do know that the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil most likely wasn’t an apple. Ok. We’ve got that out of the way.
Most discussion about the first sin centers on Eve being deceived by the devil. She told God that she was deceived and the New Testament records that she was deceived (Genesis 3:13 & 1 Timothy 2:14). And no. This is not about whether men are more important than women. Sheesh. This article is fraught with pitfalls. We will sidestep the pitfalls and forge ahead to my subject.
Which is—ta da—Adam’s sin which was the sin of going along to get along. A sin that I recently participated in myself. Here is what happened. A new friend offered me snacks that she had prepared just for me and that I didn’t want because I wasn’t hungry and have been on a pretty strict diet for years. BUT because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings, I ignored the “don’t do it” coming from both the Lord and my own spirit and I ate. Apples were not involved
From that time forward, I struggled with staying true to my diet. Eating spiraled out of control. Shame and the pounds piled on. What had happened? I had no clue, until I gave up on getting an answer directly from God and enlisted the support of my friends. Sometimes we need our friends.
And no. This article isn’t about overeating. Our relationship with food is exceedingly and extremely and extraordinarily defiled because it was involved in the first sin. You can recognize this because those who eat right are proud and those who don’t eat right are ashamed. Pride and Shame. So, let’s move away from that and back to Adam’s sin and my sin.
My friends and I prayed together at the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and the Lord showed us that when I had chosen to eat food that I didn’t want—knowing that it was wrong for me and knowing that God didn’t want me to—I stepped out of agreement with the Lord. In other words, I feared another human more than God AND I valued that human relationship more than my relationship with God. I was acting like Adam
There are consequences when we make these kinds of decisions. For example, I lost control over my food choices and shame crept into my thought life along with lots of confusion.
Repentance is such a powerful weapon. Once I had some understanding and language for how I had gotten off track, I repented. And control over my eating choices is slowly being restored.
Is there something in your life that you can’t get a handle on? Ask the Lord if you have chosen to follow a human instead of Him. See what He says. And remember that repentance is your friend.
Hugs and blessings,
Susan
Book Update! My new book is available in print and hopefully will be available as an eBook across all digital platforms by next week. I will send details and links and all that stuff soon.
We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations. You can donate at http://www.thepoolministries.org
Shout Out to Dr. Alexander Sinu MD who posted about this in his blog: DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully).
I lifted this information on forgiveness from the website Human Performance Psychology because it is so interesting from a medical standpoint. You can read the entire article here:
Just click or paste the link into your browser bar, scroll down to Free Downloads and click Multifaceted Cross (pdf) to download the article.
Here is an excerpt from Why Forgiveness is So Important from the website Human Performance Psychology.
“An astonishing example of the power of forgiveness can be found in the practice of burn surgeon Dabney Ewin. His patients would enter the ER ‘all burned up’ both inside and out, writes Megan Feldman Bettencourt in her new book Triumph of the Heart: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World.
As they lay in agony, enraged at themselves or someone else for their wretched injuries, Ewin spoke to them more like a therapist than a doctor: ‘You can still pursue damages through an attorney. You’re entitled to be angry, but for now I’m asking you to abandon your entitlement and let it go, to direct your energy toward healing, and turn this over to God or nature or whoever you worship. When you know at a feeling level that you’re letting it go, raise your hand. Then I’d shut up, they’d raise their hand, and I’d know that skin graft was gonna take.
‘Over many decades of treating burns, Ewin discovered that the attitude of his patients greatly impacted their healing.
‘With someone who’s real angry, we’d put three or four skin grafts on, but his body would reject them.’
For this surgeon, helping his patients forgive was step one.”
Hugs and blessings, Susan
Please call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org.
We will call you back.
If The Pool is a blessing to you, please consider blessing The Pool with your prayers and donations.
I have long held the opinion that the ever-popular teaching about finding your destiny and/or calling is flat-out wrong and even dangerous. Now, let me clarify. It isn’t that I believe people don’t have destinies or callings. I think that pursuing a calling or destiny is where we go wrong. Remember this common Christian warning: The enemy only needs to get you off a little bit. When we pursue destiny or calling or even purpose, we are off that little bit. Here is why.
The word “destiny” isn’t in the Bible (that I can find). The word “calling” appears to mean being called by God to Himself; not called to a ministry or to perform some great feat. More like your mother calling you to come in for supper.
So, my understanding is that pursuits of callings and destinies are a diversion from our pursuit of the Lord. It is a little bit off. Jesus told us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then, and only then, are the other things added to us by God.
So, if I’m not here to be important and accomplish great things, why am I here? I think all of us are here for this reason: To Learn to Follow Jesus Every Single Day No Matter What and No Matter the Cost.
Along that path, we may achieve a purpose or realize a destiny. Our dreams may come true. But as soon as we make those things the reason we roll out of bed, we are on the wrong path. How many times have I seen wounded people (that includes us all) desperately clinging to the hope of someday realizing a far-off destiny that will heal all their hurts and fulfill all their dreams? Too many times.
When I was a new Christian, I remember longing to be in ministry so that I would feel worthwhile. I longed for a destiny that would make me important, admired and acceptable in the eyes of my fellow fallen man. (And—to be completely honest—safe from the unkindness of my fellow fallen man).
I have learned that the admiration of people is thrilling for about 5 minutes, then the craving for more sets in. It doesn’t satisfy. Nothing within a malfunctioning heart is ever healed by gaining the admiration of fallen humanity.
Please consider laying down your desire for a destiny or calling. Instead, deliberately take up your cross and follow Him. Just do that every day for the rest of your life.
What is taking up your cross? In this case, it is laying down your pursuit of any destiny beyond following Jesus (Luke 9:23). Because there is only one way to safely and meaningfully navigate the fall. There is only one way that will ultimately fulfill and satisfy us completely (John 14:6).
When you do lay down your hopes and ambitions, you will never be disappointed if things don’t work out. Why? Because you are following Jesus through the good times and the bad. That is your calling, your destiny and purpose. That is the fulfillment of your hopes and dreams.
We are not here to be famous, important or even to write books (that’s for me). We are not here to get married, have a family or become wealthy. We are not here to be pastors or prophets. We are here to follow Him. Only that, and it is more than enough.
This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3
Blessings and hugs, Susan
To contact the ministry, please cal 205.556.4555 and leave a message.We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org. We will call you back.
When I was in grad school, I was housed in a dorm reserved for graduate students and students with families. This meant that I met lots of international students, including a Nigerian family. I don’t remember their family name (Don’t judge. It was a long time ago). But I do remember what the husband’s name meant when translated into English. Here’s the translation: My Friend Has Taught Me A Lesson. According to the husband, his father named him that because a friend he had loaned money never paid him back. Well … My God Has Taught Me A Lesson.
I’m not supposed to drink soft drinks, but I like them, especially Co-Colas as they are called here in the deep South USA. I recently shook off my Co-Cola addiction and have been Coke free for months. Then I backslid. Drank a Coke and therein lies my lesson. But first the back story.
I have been ministering off and on with three different women who have husbands addicted to behaviors that—when it comes right down to it—release the ladies from their marriage covenants. Of the three, only one is moving on; one is enabling the behavior (in the name of Jesus); and the other is waffling around. As things have dragged along with no apparent progress, I have become exasperated. Ok. Enough back story.
After drinking—and thoroughly enjoying my Co-Cola and the subsequent buzz—I forgot about it, other than noticing that I was visiting the toilet an awful lot. Then I went to bed and my bladder started to howl. That’s when I realized that I might not ought to drink Cokes because I might be allergic to something in them. Simultaneously, I was CRAVING a Coke.
So, on the one hand, my bladder was begging me to repent and on the other hand my whatever it is that craves was alternating between demanding I drink more Coke and grieving that an allergy might mean never having another Coke. Nowhere in the midst of that conflict did the horrible consequences—that I was experiencing at that VERY moment—have any power to affect my craving.
Here is the lesson, and it’s straight from the mouth of Lord Jesus. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1). The Greek word translated judge is krino which means to judge with condemnation. It’s the attitude that I would never be that stupid because I am better than you.
Well. Take a look at Stupid here, because I was intensely craving what was causing me extreme misery. Consequences were not a deterrent.
So, it all boils down to this. It is by the grace of God ONLY that I am not caught in the traps that my people are struggling in. It sure isn’t because I have better sense than anyone else.
As soon as the Lord made it clear, I repented for my condemning attitude toward others—those with relationship addictions as well as other addictions. Hallelujah! My craving stopped, my bladder settled down and I went to sleep.
Jesus warned us. He said if we judge with condemnation that we would be judged. How are we judged? We do the same things we judge other people for doing. Oh. It may look a bit different. But an addiction is an addiction. A hurtful behavior is a hurtful behavior.
Let’s face it. We have all judged. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Let’s ask the Lord to open our eyes to how we have judged, and when He does, let’s be quick to repent.
Let’s pray:
Father God, Maker of heaven and earth, I ask you to keep me safe from making condemning judgments (krino). Open my eyes to any past judgments I have made; to any current judging I am doing, and protect me from making future condemning judgments.
I repent right now for ever believing that I am better than anyone else. For thinking that I would never fall into the traps that have caught other people. It is ONLY by Your grace that I am free. Thank you for setting me free and thank you for keeping me free.
Please call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org. We will call you back.
To what may I compare our current world situation?
Some years ago, my friend Janie and I landed at the Birmingham International Airport—about an hour’s drive from my home—returning from a ministry trip to Sweden. It was night and we were tired from the very long flight.
We collected our baggage and my car, and began the drive home along a busy interstate highway. As we traveled, a motorcyclist zoomed around us, traveling well over the speed limit. We all were speeding along, to be honest, but he left us behind, weaving recklessly between vehicles. A short time later, we passed him, or what was left of him, a smear on the interstate, chunks of wreckage strewn along the road. The sight was like a slap in my face.
Shaking from the tangible shock that lingered in the atmosphere, I cried out to my friend, “Janie! He wrecked! I think he’s dead!”
Rather than joining me in my distress, she smiled calmly and said, “Let’s pray in the spirit.” And she proceeded to do so, praying in her prayer language.
But but but …” I stuttered.“Just pray,” she urged. So I did, pushing past my reluctance to focus on something other than the horror my eyes had seen. As I joined her in prayer, the presence of heaven came down, wrapping us in a peaceful serenity that cannot be described, only experienced.
Yesterday, I found myself focused on the uncertainties—the “what could happen ifs.” I didn’t think to simply pray in my prayer language. I wrestled with my fears instead. When it finally occurred to me that I could pray with my spirit instead of trying to figure it out with my mind, I did pray and the wisdom of God broke through the constant static of this present darkness. His peace surrounded me. I was able to relax.
My point is this: Our world looks a lot like that motorcycle wreck. It’s difficult not to focus on the horror. But the Lord is calling us to focus on Him instead. Let’s pray for a move of God like never before. And let’s fix our eyes on the Lord like never before.
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 1 Corinthians 14:15
Blessings and hugs, Susan
Please call 205.556.4555 and leave a message. We are happy to answer questions or schedule prayer ministry, but because of robo calls, we ask that you leave a message or schedule a call time by emailing thepool@thepoolministries.org. We will call you back.
