2023 FALL NEWSLETTER

It is not common for me to begin a newsletter by quoting what someone else wrote, but this is a very timely and short article that I read this morning by Smith Wigglesworth.
 
“The only bird that dares to peck an eagle is the crow. He sits on his back and bites his neck; however, the eagle does not respond nor fight with the crow. It does not spend time nor energy on the crow. It just opens its wings and begins to rise higher in the heavens. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe, and then the crow just falls due to lack of oxygen.”
 
Learn from the eagle and don’t fight the crows. Just keep ascending.
 
We are living in an hour where many crows would love to bite our necks. They may come in the form of distractions from people close to us, weariness, unexpected mishaps, and perhaps even hopelessness.
 
Recently I experienced several mishaps that in hindsight could have been serious, if not deadly. One was a tumble off an escalator in Brazil, and the other was a truck that ran us off the road. I did not view these as demonic attacks (or a bite on the neck from a crow). I had the opportunity situations Lord in deep gratitude for angelic protection, and I had to look deeply to find wisdom and insight in the situations. I needed heaven’s view, so ascension was the answer. I am still human, and after the initial shock of these mishaps and some bruises, I had to regroup and see the reality of His divine plan, His divine Wisdom, and the need for reevaluation.
 
I heard it said recently from a leader that we never know the power of God until we face conflict or trials. I learned that life can take a swift and sudden turn without warning despite being prophetic. This is where we see the beauty of who He really is. He is forever our Great Shepherd.
 
As this is the year of Psalm 23, I personally experienced a few pivotal verses becoming a NOW reality. 
 
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” He provided sudden help in each situation through others’ immediate intercession.
 
“He makes me lie down in green pastures.” The Lord had me in hiding for 6 months.
 
“He restores my soul.” He was healing my heart this year from some grief and disappointment.
 
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. You are with me!” I always felt His presence, and my two close calls were only shadows.
 
“He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”  I had His word and promises to feast on.
 
“He anoints my head with oil.”  A shepherd pours oil on the sheep’s head to keep the bugs away!
 
“Goodness and mercy surely follow life!”  I am stronger and more grateful than ever!
 
Perspective is everything in this hour. Though gross darkness is over the earth, we are becoming brighter lights. Climb higher. Ignore the crows. We are needed in this hour. We need each other and we will even more in the days ahead. But the Great Shepherd tends to, herds, feeds, and guards His flock.
 
Look at your life this past year in light of Psalm 23. You will be amazed at what you will discover. 
 
Much love,
 
Ruth