Currents – GIVING GOD A VOICE

Peace by Beth Fredricksen

By Beth Fredricksen | May 23, 2024 | Comments 2 comments

As I was talking to the Lord one day I asked Him for a word. The word He put in my mind was “peace.” I said, “Lord, how does that look?”

I realized I was experiencing some grief over Tom’s death, even after seven years. I was feeling alone as a widow in the midst of the craziness going on in the world. It was exacerbated by some physical pain in my body. Chronic pain can be a distraction to carrying out simple daily life activities.

My best friend was gone. The person with whom I had a lifetime, personal relationship. We could talk about anything. Going from “till death do you part” in wedding vows at the age of 19 to “I don’t love you” at 25 years of marriage to feeling like a bride at 53 years finally understanding the word “cherished.”

He revealed that “peace” is a choice. You can be in a peaceful setting and still be in chaos in you’re mind. You can be in a peaceful setting and listen to the birds or watch the wind blowing gently through the trees and be at peace, but in either case it’s still a choice.

You can be in the midst of a storm, as Jesus and the disciples experienced when they were crossing the Sea of Galilee in an open boat. Jesus stood up and said, “Be quiet; be still!” They were amazed.

External effects of the storm brought chaos and fear to the disciples. They were acquainted with the destructive consequences of that kind of storm over water. It usually did not produce a good outcome.

Chaos in the elements has to stop because you have more power than that physical storm does. The same holds true for the storm of chaotic, fearful, negative thoughts that you dwell on or allow to control you.

Jesus knew from where His authority came. He had a personal, intimate relationship with Holy Spirit. He knew His given authority was to give Holy Spirit permissoin to release His power through Him. They were like minded with one accord. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We have been given the same opportunity to experience a relationship with Holy Spirit who comes with power. When we choose to abide in that place of peace, we come with power and authority given to us that has more power than any darkness or chaos.

We are the representatives who have the power and authority to declare the “good news”. To participate with Holy Spirit as He releases His power over the captives and uses us to declare them free through us.

[2 Cor. 5:20 NKJ Version] “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”

As I spent time with the Lord asking ” How does peace look?”, I saw a picture in my mind of a child sitting on the floor playing with blocks. A child can have fun playing on the floor with blocks when he knows he’s safe. He’s at peace . He has no concern for food or being protected from the outside elements. He trusts in his parents or caregiver, to keep him safe without even consciously thinking about it. It’s been his experience in that place.

I was in a ministry zoom call recently and it was a great call. We were talking about the goodness of God and what he was doing. I had a picture of being in the “Throne Room” on the floor playing with blocks.

It was a surprise because I’ve never thought of the “Throne Room” in that way. I could hear the worship, I knew there was dancing around with everyone rejoicing, praising and honoring God. I could hear, in a part of my mind, the zoom call — giving God glory. I had the awareness that as God was listening to His children having a “family call”, He was smiling. They were in His “Throne Room”, His presence, and He was delighted.

A few days later I saw myself in the “Throne Room”again on the floor and I still had that same sense of praise, worship and dancing. I was in the sweet, awesome, reverential presence of God.

As I was sitting there just looking up in peace, with my blocks in front of me, I was enjoying being in that place. I looked up to my right and saw a fearsome looking angel with fire in his eyes. I still felt the peace and love of God. What came to me was that the fire in the eyes of the angel (not sure if it was Michael or one of his Warriors, also called the Host) represented the *”glory of God” but it also represented the awe and **”terror of God.”

What I felt being revealed to me was this is the terror that will be unleashed on the earth that people aren’t expecting. I heard the Father reaching out in assurance, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

I am not alone.

NOTE:

*According to Teen Challenge, when the glory of God is upon you, you experience salvation, separation from sin, and the presence of God. You may also feel a sense of awe and reverence, guidance, direction, healing, and restoration, both physically and spiritually. You may also feel peace and joy, knowing that you are in the presence of the Almighty.

**In Genesis 35:5, the Bible says, “As they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob”. This passage shows how God rewards Jacob’s repentance with a supernatural terror that falls on the cities around him. The terror prevents the people of the cities from pursuing Jacob’s company.

I share this to encourage you to go before the Lord yourself and ask the questions on your heart:

How does this _____ look?

What does this ______ mean?

What do I need to do?

Do you know the intimate, unconditional love of God?

Do you know that He will do what He says — that He will keep His word?

That with that relationship, you, too, can sit on the floor of His Throne Room and play with your blocks?

He is waiting.

BIRTHDAYS COME and GO

By Beth Fredricksen | February 14, 2024 | Comments 14 comments

Has anyone ever noticed that birthdays come around once a year? If you have noticed, and are reading this, that’s actually a good thing because it means that you’re still alive. The challenging thing is you’re a year older.

My great-granddaughter just turned 3 years old. She doesn’t know what lays ahead and doesn’t know how to prepare or brace herself for what she may encounter. Each year for her is fresh and new with an innocence and wonder of new things, some pleasant and some maybe not so pleasant.

Her world is her kingdom and she rules. Well, maybe tries to rule! Her mom and dad, may not always agree with her kingdom demands. She will hear wisdom and receive correction from them as they guide her through life’s challenges, but resilience will come through her own experience.

As I approached my birthday this year (Feb. 14), God brought back an experience that I want to share. Almost 40 years ago, I was going to turn 39. I was having a hard time with it. I knew 40 was right around the corner. Somehow turning 40 didn’t seem to bother me as much as 39. Go figure!

As I’m struggling with the reality of aging, in my my mind I hear: “In your 20s you thought you knew everything; in your 30s you’ve been up and down; your 40s will bring stability; your 50s will bring maturity; and, your 60s will bring wisdom.” I said, “Hot dog, let’s go for it!”

I figured God had assured me I’d at least reach 70. But then I heard “crickets” [God wasn’t sharing more]. What happens after that Lord?

As one decade was coming to an end, my husband and I sold our home after 45 years in one place. We lived with a friend for a few months as we waited for God’s direction.

We purchased a beautiful Motor Home with travel in mind. Tom decided he wasn’t ready to retire so we lived in the area for another year and ended up buying a home in the Mother Lode area of California.

We parked it on the property and lived in it for three years while our 1939 home was being renovated. We moved in and 10 months later my husband of 53 years dies after a brief illness. My dreams of traveling and ministering together were shattered. My best friend was gone.

After Tom died, the Lord spoke to my heart that “the best is yet to come.” How does that look? I don’t know, but GOD IS ABSOLUTELY GOOD.

Working my way through this current decade has brought many emotional, spiritual and physical changes. I believe each was and is a needed part of my growth to move forward with my life as a widow. With a new decade in sight, I believe it is a time to continue preparing for God’s promise — “The best is yet to come.”

What decade of life are you currently in – teens, 20s, 30s, 40s . . .?

Do you have a vision for the next decade? Are you open to any unexpected changes or plans?

I am learning that the wisdom I have gained through life’s challenges needs to be shared with those who come after me. I still need the wisdom and council of those who have gone before me. The best part is knowing that I can learn from both.

Suddenly – the Damascus Road

By Beth Fredricksen | July 19, 2023

When Saul was on the road to Damascus, “. . . ‘suddenly’ a light from heaven flashed around him; he fell to the ground, and heard a voice. . . . ” Acts 9:1-18

Saul’s entire life changed with that “suddenly” as he had a personal encounter with the risen Christ. It included forgiveness; physical healing; transformation of his heart and mind; name change; and new direction in his life.

He received healing for blindness; forgiveness from Jesus and the Christians he was persecuting; faced rejection from his fellow friends and Jewish leaders; dealt with any personal guilt from his actions; imprisonment, beatings, stoning, and eventually death. In the process, he became Paul one of the greatest apostles to the gentiles and author of many letters in the New Testament.

Have you ever experienced a “suddenly” that stopped you and effected your destination or journey in life?

Three years ago, I “suddenly” lost all power in my car and barely made it to the left side of the busy highway. Stranded, broken down in an unsafe location, on a hot day, God stepped in and directed every step. I had been in, and stayed in, an attitude of praise and it kept fear from entering. Something, that affected me spiritually and emotionally, happened before I left home. I was on my way to a weekend of ministry and chose to stay in an attitude of praise and gratitude. My testimony of that event is on my website “www.givinggodavoice.com” under “Breakdown” in Beth’s Corner.

This “suddenly” effected my life in so many areas as I heard God say, “You are important enough to Me to shut down an entire freeway!” A CHP officer had stopped all traffic so he could push me across five lanes from one side of the freeway to the other side. Learning to live without a car for several months, it shifted my experiential journey with the Lord. I became totally dependent upon Him to meet my everyday physical needs. It gave me the opportunity to encounter a deeper level of trust and intimacy with Him.

Has there been a “suddenly” in your life?

Was it life changing? Was there a positive or negative outcome? Did it lead you into a deeper level of trust or intimacy with the Lord or did it cause you to become angry with Him or others (including yourself)?

Let me know how I can pray for you or pray the words below:

Father, I experienced a “suddenly” in my life and didn’t know how to handle it. I give my confusion (and possibly anger) to you and ask that you reveal what I need to see. Was it an attack or assignment from the enemy to stop me from fulfilling something you asked me to do? Was it inattentiveness to your voice and failure to hear your warning? Was it outright rebellion on my part due to my own agenda for my life?

You promised that you would work things together for my good. There is now therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, so I repent and receive your forgiveness. I ask you to turn it around for Your good that you will be glorified. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Suddenly – Day of Pentecost – (SEE VIDEO AT THE END)

By Beth Fredricksen | July 8, 2023

Acts 2:1-4: “And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And “suddenly” there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”

The “suddenly” happened as a result of their obedience to what Jesus told them to do before He left them. Acts1:1-8

What has God asked of you that could produce a “suddenly” in your life?

Have you been listening? Has He been speaking to you about what you need to do to prepare for a “suddenly”?

Will it happen just like the day of Pentecost when the world was turned upside down forever?

Are you, like the disciples, waiting to receive the promise of “hope” and “change”? Have you gotten discouraged with false hope? Seeing nothing change? A sense of dread or hopelessness?

Do you think the disciples had their doubts and fears surrounded by all the persecution and uncertainties around them? Jesus had just been crucified. All the miracles and experiences they had with Him were over. The excitement of watching people healed, the quiet times He shared with them – over. The teaching and spiritual environment they felt when they were with Him – over.

After He had risen He appeared to them, but then left. Why couldn’t He stay and things go on like they had before? Why did He have to go? He brought comfort to them by being with them. It was like “old times”.

Before Jesus left to go to the Father, He commanded them to stay in Jerusalem and WAIT for the promise of the Father. Waiting is the hardest thing to do. Sometimes it seems like forever. How would that look? What was going to happen? Would He come back again and they would resume their life with Him as though He had never left? The unknown; the uncertainty. Oh, it would probably be a little different. After all, everyone knew He had been crucified, but they could handle that because He would be with them again.

Are you prepared for a “suddenly”? If not, then pray:

Father, I have lost hope. I can’t see what You are doing. It seems like nothing will change.

I stand with Your word that You are faithful and true – ABSOLUTELY GOOD. You are a God of justice and nothing is hidden that will not be revealed.

Open my eyes, Lord, to see with Your eyes and hear with Your ears. Let me be ready to respond to a “suddenly” with positive expectation and without fear.

Do whatever you need to do in my heart to prepare me to accept (without judgment), love (unconditionally), pray (with authority given to me), and disciple those you send to me. Teach me, Lord.

When the “suddenly” happens, they will come! Are you ready?

Scroll down and play video.

Suddenly

By Beth Fredricksen | July 4, 2023

God has been speaking to me about the word “suddenly.” It is when something happens abruptly, quickly, unexpectedly and without warning. How would you react to a “suddenly” in your life?

I’m sure most people experience a “suddenly” at sometime in their life – accident, unexpected death of someone they know, a financial gift they didn’t expect, reconciliation with a friend or family member, etc.

Can you remember how you reacted in that moment? Did you give thanks to God as you experienced that emotion or event? Did you recall, through your personal experience with Him, that He is faithful? Did it produce good fruit in your life? Are you suffering any trauma from that “suddenly”?

Father, I pray for anyone reading this BLOG who has experienced an unpleasant “suddenly” in their life that created trauma. I ask You to go back to that moment with them and show them where You were with them at that moment and how You were present with them in their experience. Let them see with Your eyes and understand with Your heart.

Say with me, “I forgive anyone who may have been associated with my experience (and quite possibly yourself). I release all trauma that I experienced at that moment in time and ask Father that Your Holy Spirit remove any painful emotions that may be trapped in my body and soul from that experience. I now receive Your peace and healing. In Jesus Name!”

I will be sharing some events that have happened in my life due to a “suddenly.”

Praising the Lord and giving thanks always, will be the best remedy for staying in the “present” to a “suddenly” that comes your way.

Take a couple of minutes to bless the Lord. You don’t have to use these suggestions; use your own words to speak praises to the Lord.

“I break agreement with every negative word I’ve heard, accepted and repeated. I now declare and decree:” [Include others by name, if possible, as an act of faith – speaking those things that are not as though they are.]

Psalm 145:1-3: “We (use family names, neighbors, city, state, country, world) will extol You, our God, our King; and we will bless Your name forever and ever.

Today we bless You and we praise Your name forever and ever. Great are you Lord, and highly to be praised; and Your greatness is unsearchable.”

Watch “Secretariat — “It’s Who You Are” Music Video” on YouTube

By Beth Fredricksen | April 4, 2022

RUN YOUR RACE

https://youtu.be/xjJ0J1bQ76A

A couple of years ago, we were doing a spiritual exercise with Agape Freedom Fighters. We were asked to think about “What horse represents who you are and how you see yourself?”

The first name that came to me was “Hildago”. Hildago was the movie about a wild mustang that was captured and trained by a rugged cowboy, Frank Hopkins – played by Viggo Mortensen. An affluent Sheik, played by Omar Sharif, challenges the notoriety of Frank Hopkins and invites him and his horse to participate in a 3,000 mile race in the Middle East.

Frank accepted the challenge and went to the Arabian Peninsula to run against top thoroughbreds and the best riders in the world. During the race, he is faced with several attempts to slow him down and potentially to kill him. It portrays a courageous horse and rider facing danger, requiring endurance and perseverance to eventually end up winning the race.

Click on the website below to see the short movie trailer for Hildago. Hit back arrow to return to the BLOG.

https://m.imdb.com/video/vi3772645657?playlistId =tt0317648?ref_=e.xt_shr_lnkhttps://m.imdb.com/video/vi3772645657?playlistId=tt0317648?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

In my mind, when I saw a picture of “Hildago”, I saw a horse that persevered against all odds. Never giving up when it would have been easy. He won his race. That seemed to represent how I felt about myself. Somehow now at the latter days of my life, after Tom’s passing in May of 2017, I was at the end of my race. My dreams of ministering with my husband no longer possible.

As I was meditating on this, quietly Holy Spirit said, “That’s who you saw yourself and that’s how you lived. You were born to be ‘Secretariat’.”

Yes, my season had changed. My circumstances different. My paint pallet now fresh with new color choices and a fresh canvas. Oh the possibilities. How do I begin? What does that mean?

I was recently prompted by Holy Spirit to view the movie Secretariat again and cried as I saw myself with the “heart of a champion” — a daughter of the God of the universe, King of Glory. Important enough that He would shut down an entire highway to keep me safe when my car broke down on the freeway in June of 2021. Loved enough to provide a new car, new opportunities for ministry, deeper intimacy with Him and new levels of trust, blessings and miracles. The key words spoken by the father to his daughter when she presented the horse to him was — “let him run his race.”

God is pouring out His glory on the earth in a “fresh” way.

Are you ready to “run your race” and see what God has for you?

Are you stuck in an old mindset of who you think you are because of changed circumstances?

Have you lost your dreams or desires that God has put in your heart because you have not seen them come to pass yet?

Are you ready to give any false beliefs over to God? What is it that God wants to give you in exchange?

Ask the Lord Jesus to stir His Holy Spirit afresh in you if you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Let Him stir the embers of your heart to receive His “glory.”

If you have never invited Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior, do it now!

“Jesus, I choose by an act of my will to receive all that you have done for me by taking my sin on the cross and paying the price for my salvation. I give you control of my life this day.”

Then for the best part, ask “Holy Spirit” to fill you and reveal Himself to you.

Run your race! Fulfill the destiny that God has for you. Give Him all you’ve got and don’t look back.

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Category: Currents