Marilyn Hickey

Marilyn Hickey

Prepare Your Heart

“And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.” (II Chronicles 12:14 NKJV)

It takes daily preparation to achieve an established heart.  We must pray daily and renew our minds in God’s Word so we will be spiritually in tune with our Father’s will, Jesus’ will, and the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Many times, we become involved in sin because we have not spiritually prepared ourselves to meet the day.  It is good to seek God early.  Sometimes people find it very difficult to “seek God early.”  Morning is often a time when our minds are fuzzy.  It seems easier to do anything except spending some concentrated time with the Lord.  But when we try to “meet the Lord,” He will, in turn, help us “meet the day.”

When God helps us to go out to “meet the day,” we’re prepared for good, not evil.  We, thereby, have brought the supernatural into our day long before we have encountered anything else.  Learn to see the Lord early.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Truly it is good to seek You early in the day; thank You that we have a way to prepare our hearts.  In preparing our hearts, we are kept free from evil.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-03-30T12:45:00-06:00June 28th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Daily remember that God will take every situation you give to Him and turn it to your good. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-03-30T12:30:52-06:00June 24th, 2021|

Proverbs 21:5

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.  (Proverbs 21:5 NLT)

2021-03-30T10:11:34-06:00June 22nd, 2021|

God’s Praise is the Sweetest Sound of All

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.  The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

(Zephaniah 3:16-17 NKJV)

One day, all of the faithful will be gathered in one place, and the Mighty One will be in our midst.  We will shout the victory!  We will rejoice and be glad with all our hearts.

And God will sing back to us.  He too will rejoice — over us!

What an awesome sound that will be — a duet between the Creator and His creation.

2021-03-30T10:07:01-06:00June 21st, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Don’t allow your circumstances to determine your spiritual state. Take control of the situation with praise and worship. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-03-30T08:21:39-06:00June 17th, 2021|

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. –(Matthew 5:6 ESV)

2021-03-30T08:02:00-06:00June 15th, 2021|

Choose a Clear Direction!

“You enlarge my path under me; so my feet did not slip.” – (II Samuel 22:37 NKJV)

When we walk as the Lord leads us, we will not stumble because He leads in a very clear direction.  Although we may feel that we lack the natural ability to walk where He leads, He will endow us with the spiritual ability to do it.

One time I was a guest speaker at a large convention.  One of the other guests was an outstanding preacher whom I had admired for years.  When he said that he could hardly wait to hear me, fear stuck!

I thought, “Dear Lord, if he stays to hear me, I’ll faint on the spot.  Let him receive an emergency call; get him out of here!”

I was overwhelmed by insecurity.  The Lord encouraged me.  He reminded me that my presentation alone wouldn’t impress anyone, but that the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit would inspire the people.

In my fear I had seen a lack of ability in myself, rather than God’s sufficiency.  I repented quickly, dismissed the fear, and asked for God’s anointing on my message.  God’s anointing was especially sweet that morning, and I gave Him all praise for it.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us today to be led by Your Spirit and not by our flesh.  Help us to know that wherever You guide us, You will also enable us.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-03-30T07:56:02-06:00June 14th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God has given us the authority to bring every thought into submission in the Word of God. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-03-30T07:30:20-06:00June 10th, 2021|

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. – (3 John 1:2 ESV)

2021-03-29T12:28:06-06:00June 8th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Do you allow Jesus to enter into your difficult situations?  Or do you carry the burden on your own shoulders? ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-06-07T08:34:46-06:00June 7th, 2021|

Praising God Brings Favor

They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God.  People in general liked what they saw.  Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.  –(Acts 2:46-47 The Message)

This passage from Acts describes the daily lives of the first believers.  It is a life marked by simple acts — worshiping, taking meals together, and praising God.

Amazingly, these simple acts put the early Christians in a favorable light, and every day their number grew.

Living a simple life of prayer and praise may be the most powerful thing we can do to reach the world with the good news.

2021-03-29T12:23:00-06:00June 7th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Faith will remove you from natural circumstance and put you into supernatural circumstances that will boggle the natural mind. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-03-29T12:03:00-06:00June 3rd, 2021|

Luke 16:10

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.  – (Luke 16:10 NASB)

2021-03-29T11:44:28-06:00June 1st, 2021|

Turn it Over to God

Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  (James 4:7 NKJV)

How many times have you quoted the verse, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”?  But we cannot resist the devil if we don’t submit to God first.  When we find ourselves in difficult situations, we must look first at ourselves in difficult situations, we must look first at ourselves and ask, “Have I submitted to God in this area of my life, this situation, or this circumstance?”  Once we have truly submitted to God, we then have the power to resist the devil.  Resist the devil and watch him run!

Sometimes when we are caught in the middle of a difficult situation, our worldly instincts tell us that we must rely on worldly instincts tell us that we must rely on worldly understanding and worldly solutions.  We try to analyze the problem, instead of immediately turning it over to God.

Always check your circumstances.  Do it in this order:  submit to God, resist the devil, and watch him flee.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You today that we are not ignorant of the devil’s devices.  We see him for who he is and what he is doing.  We submit ourselves to You for this day in every circumstance.  And we resist the devil with God’s power that is within us.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-03-29T11:34:31-06:00May 31st, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

To think forward in faith, keep your focus on God’s plan for you and your family ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-22T09:56:48-07:00May 27th, 2021|

John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – (John 14:26 NKJV)

2021-02-22T09:43:32-07:00May 25th, 2021|

We Are Never Alone

Jesus’ disciples slowly began to realize that dealing with fear was going to be an important part of their lives as His followers.  The more time they spent with Him, the more evident it became that He would not always be with them and that it might not be either popular or safe to identify with Him.  Persecution, an unappealing thought, was a frightening possibility.  Jesus tried to help them prepare for what lay ahead and remember that they would not be alone.

No matter how alone we may feel or how frightening a situation we find ourselves in, we can take courage in the fact that Jesus is always with us; we are never alone.

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV).

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  (John 14:18 NKJV)

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

2021-02-22T09:36:53-07:00May 24th, 2021|

Isaiah 40:31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. – (Isaiah 40:31 RSV)

2021-02-22T08:37:09-07:00May 18th, 2021|

Victory in Every Situation

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” –(James 5:16a NKJV)

There is a small and unusual “hook” in this scripture.  Not only are we to confess our faults “one to another,” but we are to pray “one for another”—that WE might be healed.  God is saying that, by praying for someone else, YOU can be healed!

Here again we see the law of sowing and reaping.  Do you need healing?  Then pray for someone else who needs healing, and watch God heal you.  As you sow healing, you reap healing.

The idea that we should confess our faults to one another is not aimed at squeezing confessions out of people, but rather God wants our faith to be released.  If we have unconfessed sin, our faith is hindered.  God does not want our faith hindered in any area of our lives.

Here is God’s beautiful formula:  if you need healing, confess your faults one to another.  Then pray for someone who needs healing, and expect to be healed yourself.  It will work for whatever need you have.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You today for the power and wisdom of Your Word that works in our bodies and minds.

In Jesus’s Name,

2021-02-22T08:28:29-07:00May 17th, 2021|

Isaiah 58:8

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. – (Isaiah 58:8 RSV)

2021-02-22T07:47:43-07:00May 11th, 2021|

Use Setbacks as Seeds

When a setback changes the landscape of your life, trust God to bring new life into the situation.

Put everything — yourself, your family, and the crisis — in God’s hands.

Don’t run from the challenge; adjust to and learn from it.

Look for signs of life springing up in the hard soil and realize that, if you will maximize every opportunity to learn and grow, the trial will become the seed of new growth.

In the end, a bad situation can produce a magnificent harvest.

What harvest are you believing for?

2021-02-22T07:39:49-07:00May 10th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Pray in faith, never  quitting—use your God-given authority to send the devil packing. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-15T08:06:54-07:00May 6th, 2021|

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. – (Psalm 28:7 RSV)

2021-02-15T07:51:48-07:00May 4th, 2021|

Jesus Reigns in Us at ALL Times

For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a NKJV)

Several years ago, God opened a door for me to preach in Nigeria.  I knew that men and women would travel many miles from other countries to that convention.  So, I cried out to God for the greatest anointing that I had ever experienced.

Sometimes we may think that God anoints us only in teaching and preaching.  But God’s anointing is available in every situation we encounter.

On the conclusion of our first service, a young woman passed by me.  I knew immediately that she needed ministry.  I confronted her, and she briefly revealed her difficult home situation.  We agreed in prayer for a miracle in her life.

Days later she presented me with a beautifully beaded bracelet.  It was as though the Lord said to me, “Your ministry to this woman will bear fruit in Africa.  When you look at this bracelet, it will remind you of My work in her life.”

Sometimes our greatest ministry takes place on the sidelines.  Remember, Jesus reigns in us at ALL times.  We live, move, and have our being in Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that we live, move, and have our being in Jesus.  He is guiding and directing every aspect of our lives.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

2021-02-15T07:40:38-07:00May 3rd, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Expectation brings you to a place of continually believing and speaking the Word of God. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-08T10:15:44-07:00April 29th, 2021|

1 Corinthians 13:5

Love does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. – (I Corinthians 13:5 NLT)

 

2021-02-08T10:04:46-07:00April 27th, 2021|

A Pattern of Blessing

Remember, it is never too late to initiate a pattern of blessing.  It begins with a decision, and it happens in a moment of time.  We are empowered by God’s grace to initiate blessing.

Hear this, because it can transform your life:  we are not doomed to live chaotic, fear-filled lives.  We are not victims; we are victors, people of great value bought with the precious blood of the Lamb.

Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So, don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT).

We must speak these words over our lives because the truth of God always nullifies the threats, taunts, and traumatizing words of the devil.  Decide and affirm often:

  • In our home, we choose a gentle tone of voice and godly words to bring encouragement to others and promote a sense of safety and security.
  • Our children speak lovingly, never taunting one another.
  • We praise and encourage our children, balancing constructive criticism with affirmation.
  • Our discipline is based in love and understanding; we do not attempt to change our children’s behavior by issuing threats.
2021-02-08T09:47:27-07:00April 26th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

As you plant the seed of God’s Word in the hearts of you and your family and allow the Holy Spirit to water, the iniquities of the past will be consumed by the Word of God, thus enabling your family to inherit and pass on generational blessings. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-08T09:36:40-07:00April 22nd, 2021|

Acts 2:33

Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. – (Acts 2:33 ESV)

2021-02-08T09:26:00-07:00April 20th, 2021|

Victory in Every Situation

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  (I Peter 4:10 NKJV)

Manifold means “many folds.”  If we fold a piece of fabric and then unfold it, section by section, we would see, in each section, a different part of the pattern—until the whole piece of fabric was unfolded and the complete pattern revealed.

Peter spoke of “manifold temptations” in I Peter 1:6, while I Peter 4:10 speaks of “manifold grace.”  Grace will take care of temptation.  There are different portions of grace of various sizes of temptation.  If you hold up your hand, you will see that you little finger is smaller than your middle finger.  Likewise, there are different sizes of temptations.  Your little finger could represent small temptations, and your middle finger could be tall temptations.

Now look at your other hand, and see it as God’s manifold grace.  He has a little amount of grace to go with a little temptation, and so on.  God has provided just the right amount of grace to match the size of any temptation that we face.  I’m so glad that God has made a way for us to come through every temptation victoriously.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us today to look for the grace to match our temptation.  Thank You that You have given us a way to have victory in every situation.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-02-08T09:13:51-07:00April 19th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

When we decide to obey God, we never know where He will take us, and we cannot begin to imagine the wonderful things He will do. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-08T08:47:35-07:00April 15th, 2021|

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:4 ESV)

2021-02-08T08:35:14-07:00April 13th, 2021|

Living in Abundance

Jesus tells us how-to live-in abundance — we are to take everything He has given us and maximize its potential by putting it to work for good — He promises, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance” (Matthew 25:29 NLT).

Paul explains abundance more specifically in terms of sowing and reaping, giving and receiving:

Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV)

Can you see how the power of blessing operates?  Cheerful giving produces harvest, meets needs, generates grace, and increases our ability to perform good works.  Imagine how your quality of life and the quality of your family’s lives are transformed when God makes all grace abound to you!

2023-03-02T14:07:23-07:00April 12th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God has given us the authority to bring every thought into submission to the Word of God. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-02-08T07:55:03-07:00April 8th, 2021|

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – (Matthew 5:9)

2021-02-08T07:39:49-07:00April 6th, 2021|

Spend Time on Your Inward & Spiritual Beauty

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30)

This world puts a great deal of emphasis on our exterior appearance and very little emphasis on the “hidden man of the heart.”

This outward emphasis on looks can be particularly crippling to women.  Not only is a woman judged and valued today for her beauty and attractive appearance, but also there has been an equally strong emphasis on youth—far beyond what is normal.  Thus, many women go on extensive, and possibly damaging diets, or even seek the service of plastic surgeons.

Think how much more valuable it would be to spend the amount of time on one’s inward and spiritual beauty!

Some of the women who are beautifully used in God’s kingdom are not OUTWARDLY glamorous.  But these women are outstanding in their INWARD beauty.

It’s great to LOOK attractive.  But it’s even greater to BE good.  God’s goodness—His soul prosperity—is extended to those who seek His kingdom and righteousness first.  Which is first in your life?  The way you look or the way God looks IN you?

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You today for the great work that You are performing in our hearts and lives.  We are daily being conformed to the image of Your Son.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-02-08T07:30:04-07:00April 5th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God uses people in our lives for specific reasons in the process of unfolding His purposes. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-01-04T08:20:43-07:00April 1st, 2021|

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.  –(Proverbs 13:12 NASB)

2021-01-04T07:55:39-07:00March 30th, 2021|

God Loves Generous Hearts

Give, and it will be given to you:  good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use it, it will be measured back to you.  (Luke 6:38 NKJV)

We sometimes limit this verse in the church to refer only to the giving and receiving of money or material goods.  In truth, Jesus was referring to all acts that flow from a generous heart:

  • If you give of your time to the church or to those who need your help, your giving will return to you, perhaps in the form of increased productivity in your own endeavors.
  • If you are a loving person, always friendly and quick to encourage other, you will receive more love than you gave out.
  • If you are diligent and always do your best for your employer, you will receive favor and promotion in return.
  • If you pour guidance, wisdom, and love into your children, you will receive the joy of watching them develop and grow strong, do good works, and raise healthy families of their own.

If you truly want to be in the full flow of God’s giving and receiving, give generously.  God loves a generous heart.

2021-01-04T08:29:13-07:00March 29th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God can heal any rift in a relationship if we fight for what God wants us to have. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-01-03T12:51:11-07:00March 25th, 2021|

Psalm 139:23

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts.  (Psalm 139:23 NASB)

2021-01-03T12:29:24-07:00March 23rd, 2021|

The Most Powerful Cleansing Agent

“Blows that hurt cleanse away evil” (Proverbs 20:30a NKJV)

Some people worry about the black and blue marks of a bruise, but these marks are actually symptomatic of the healing process.  The blue is the rich oxygen of the arterial blood that brings in new supplies and healing materials of the body’s “first aid” kit.  Then red venal blood carries out the damaged cells, refuse, and waste products.

Have you ever realized that Jesus’ blood also has a twofold healing purpose?  It cleanses us of sin and waste, and it also brings the freshness of His love into our lives.

Christ’s blood is one of the most powerful cleansing agents known to mankind!  His blood does more that whitewash our hearts—it purifies them from the inside out.  Christ’s precious blood purifies our hearts so completely that we become temples of God.

When Jesus was confronted with the wrong-doings of the Pharisees, he warned them, “You are clean on the outside, but your hearts are like the insides of tombs—filled with death.”  What do you want to be?  A tomb of death or a temple of God?

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You today for the life of Jesus that flows through us.  We thank You for the dealings of Your Spirit to remove the garbage from our lives; and we thank You for Jesus’ love that brings us freshness.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2021-01-03T12:24:19-07:00March 22nd, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God’s word is like medicine.  When you take His word, you are taking in health.  ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-01-03T12:06:59-07:00March 18th, 2021|

Psalm 41:12

As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in Your presence forever.  Psalm 41:12 (NKJV)

2021-01-03T11:51:33-07:00March 16th, 2021|

Developing a Prayer Life

And God heard the voice of the lad.  Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar?  Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.  Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”  (Genesis 21:17-18 NKJV)

Poor Hagar, the water was about to run out, and she knew death would not be far away.  She couldn’t bear to see her only child die, so she left him under a bush and sat off in the distance, not wanting to witness the inevitable.

But Ishmael had grown up in Abraham’s household.  Ishmael prayed.  God heard, and an angel was assigned to minister to the family.

One of the most important things Christians need to teach their children is how to pray.  Of course, you want to continue to pray for them, but let them develop a prayer life of their own.

I never miss an opportunity to pray with others, especially unbelievers.  When the time comes that they feel the need to call out to God, I want them to feel comfortable turning to Him in prayer.

Do you need the ministry of angels in your current situation?

2021-01-03T11:43:22-07:00March 15th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

When you become a born-again believer, something very special happened to you; you received your birthright as a joint-heir of God with Jesus Christ. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-12-27T12:40:25-07:00March 11th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

You can stand in the gap and use your faith for a sick person who doesn’t have the necessary faith. ~Marilyn Hickey

2021-12-13T07:40:16-07:00March 10th, 2021|

Deuteronomy 31:6

So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you.  (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

2020-12-27T12:25:35-07:00March 9th, 2021|

Lead Me to the Rock

“When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I”  – (Psalm 61:2b NKJV)

When my husband, Wally, was a child, his sister Shirley was burned severely in an accident.  She died a few days later.  Shirley had been the “baby” of the family, and she was very much adored.  My husband’s father became very bitter, and he spoke harshly against the Lord.

But one day Wally’s mother said to her husband “Albert, we cannot afford to be bitter against the Lord.  We need Him too much right now.”

I believe with all my heart that it was the devil who destroyed Shirley’s life.  But she’s in heaven today, and we cannot let the devil destroy us, too, with bitterness down here.  Bitterness is a poison that can seep into all parts of your body and soul.  It can taint the way you view life and the way that you live your life.  Bitterness can multiply and feed upon itself until it overwhelms everything else.

Don’t let bitterness overwhelm you.  Go to the Rock that is higher than you, and let Him remove any bitterness in your situation.

Father,

We thank You that when we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, Your Holy Spirit will lead us to the Rock, Jesus Christ.

In His Name we pray,

Amen.

2020-12-27T12:20:07-07:00March 8th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Your faith can surpass all circumstances because it protects all those who wear and bear it. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-12-27T12:06:51-07:00March 4th, 2021|

1 Peter 1:2

According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:  May Grace and Peace be multiplied to you.  – (1 Peter 1:2 ESV)

2020-12-27T11:54:44-07:00March 2nd, 2021|

God Is Planning a Family Reunion

The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  But the father said to his servants, “Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate” – (Luke 15:21-23 NIV)

The story of the lost son is one of the most beloved in the Scriptures.  God is in the business of bringing families together.  Every day parents are fighting over custody of their children.  In many instances’ children must be forcibly taken from abusive situations or from parents who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.  Other families are torn apart by strife, bitterness, and jealously.

Is your family whole, or are you longing for the day when every member will be present at the family reunion?  Is there a son or daughter who seems to have dropped out of sight, as far as your family is concerned?  Why not make a covenant with the Lord to pray each day for the next year for that family member to be reconciled?  God is able to send His holy angels or human messengers along that person’s path with just the right words to turn his or her heart toward home.  The Lord used an angel to bring Peter and Cornelius together, and He can do the same to bring your family together.

And don’t forget, every reunion means a celebration!

2020-12-27T11:44:57-07:00March 1st, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Generational blessing does not deal in sufficiency, but in overflow, to another person, another generation, another culture, another time and place. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-12-07T07:44:00-07:00February 25th, 2021|

Exodus 20:6

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. – (Exodus 20:6 NLT)

2020-12-07T07:30:31-07:00February 23rd, 2021|

The Word Produces Good Seed

“He makes peace in your borders, and fills you with the finest wheat” – (Psalm 147:14 NKJV)

God will give us an abundance of revelation knowledge—the good seed out of His Word.  As an adult, I received some of my best advice on studying the Bible from…a TEENAGER!

When our church was small, I was the leader of our teens.  One young man had a tremendous hunger to study God’s Word.  He showed me a small indexed notebook where he wrote the scriptures according to topics.  Whenever people had questions about healing, he would immediately refer to that category.  Many times, he would also jot down special revelations that the Holy Spirit gave him.

At that time, I also taught a small home Bible study.  Sometimes I did not have specific answers to questions.  But with a small indexed notebook such as my student’s, I began keeping scriptures and applying them to specific situations where needed.

I now have many such notebooks on alphabetized topics, Bible characters, and even whole books of the Bible—all supplemented with revelation knowledge.  It is a valuable reference resource that I use to teach the Bible.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to be consistent and stable in our study of Your Word.  Then You will be consistent and stable in giving us revelation knowledge.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2020-12-07T07:21:31-07:00February 22nd, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

The Holy Spirit quickens the Word that is in you, brings it to life, and then brings forth the fruit. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-12-01T09:49:40-07:00February 18th, 2021|

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – (Philippians 4:13 NLT)

2020-12-01T09:36:01-07:00February 16th, 2021|

Never Stop Believing

Moses was forty years old when he stood up for who he was a Hebrew man; his actions resulted in his exile.

Moses was eighty years old before he came face-to-face with God at the burning bush, where he decided to follow wherever God might lead him and do whatever God might ask of him.

By faith Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and toward their land of promise.

Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed, very likely did not live to see Moses become the man of faith who led Israel out of its bondage in Egypt.

But that’s real faith—they did not see and then believe.

They believed for what they had not yet seen, and they never stopped believing.

What are you believing for?

2020-12-01T09:29:57-07:00February 15th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

If you are bitter against someone, you can’t afford it.  It’s going to cost you your blessing.  And it can cost your children’s blessing too.  ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-12-01T09:14:26-07:00February 11th, 2021|

Build Up or Tear Down

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.” (James 1:26 NKJV)

One day the Lord spoke strongly to me about my tongue.  He told me that I had begun to listen to bits and pieces of gossip about people and then repeated it.  I had developed a critical attitude.  Instead of praying for these people, I was talking about them.

God directed me to scripture in Ezekiel that says the Lord was looking for a man/woman to stand in the gap of the hedge.  God chastised me for becoming a “gap finder,” rather than a “gap stander.”  Then He reminded me about some people with whom I had been very angry.  These people had gossiped and said untrue things about the ministry.  God said, “You reap what you sow.  You have gossiped about others; now others are talking about you.”

I repented deeply and asked the Lord to help me daily with my tongue.  The sins of the tongue are among the most serious that we commit.  The tongue can build up or tear down.  It is so important to ask God for help in bridling our own tongues.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us guard our mouths today.  Check us if we begin to talk or criticize.  Remind us that when we sow gossip or criticism, we also will reap it.  We cannot afford such an expensive harvest.

In Jesus’s Name,

2020-12-01T08:07:41-07:00February 8th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Faith will remove you from natural circumstances and put you into supernatural circumstances that will boggle the natural mind. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-11-30T08:37:03-07:00February 4th, 2021|

1 Peter 3:8

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit. – (1 Peter 3:8 NASB)

2020-11-30T08:10:45-07:00February 2nd, 2021|

Be Prepared to Face the Lions

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!  My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (Daniel 6:21-22 NKJV)

Angels are sent to believers to take care of the lions in our lives.  Sometimes we want God to protect us in a time of crisis, but until we repent of sin, we shouldn’t expect supernatural protection.  We can’t live a life of sin and the complain about the lack of supernatural deliverance in our lives.  Daniel was confident of God’s protection because Daniel was in a right relationship with his heavenly Father.

Let me give you a list of things to do NOW to prepare for any future overnight stay in the lion’s den:

  1. Read your Bible before you arrive in the lions’ den.
  2. Have a disciplined prayer time before the lions line up at your door.
  3. Keep your focus on the Word of God during a crisis.
  4. Keep an excellent spirit at all times.
  5. Have faith that the Word will work for you.
  6. Look to God for deliverance.
  7. Give God the glory for your deliverance.
2020-11-30T08:02:22-07:00February 1st, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

We can spoil the devil’s stronghold in our households by binding him in the name of Jesus, by telling him that he can’t do those awful things to our house or to the generation that follows. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-11-10T07:49:55-07:00January 28th, 2021|

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. – (Psalm 147:3 NKJV)

2020-11-10T07:37:55-07:00January 26th, 2021|

How to Receive Your Benefits!

“So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Faith does come by hearing God’ Word.  But many people hear God’s Word and don’t believe it, so they don’t get its benefits.

Do you remember Rahab (Joshua 6)?  She, along with all of Jericho’s inhabitants, had heard about the God of Hebrews.  The people of Jericho all heard the same report; but Rahab alone heard AND BELIEVED.  Not only did she believe in her heart, but she confessed it with her mouth and acted out her faith by hiding the Israelites spies.

Because of Rahab’s willingness to believe what she had heard, she was rewarded beyond her wildest imagination.  When the rest of Jericho was destroyed, the walls of Rahab’s dwelling remained standing—as a testimony to her belief in God’s Word.

We can hear God’s Word continually, but until we believe what we hear and then act on it, it is not profitable to us.

When you hear the Word, don’t just casually receive it in your mind.  Meditate on it.  Accept it and receive it as a special message from God to you.  Then use it to benefit your life.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to mix our faith with Your Word, to take Your Word and use it in our lives, and to know that it is Your personal message to us.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2020-11-10T07:32:56-07:00January 25th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

Faith is a pleasure to God.  If you extend your faith to believe God’s Word for a specific need, God will reward your faith with the full extend of His pleasure. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-11-10T07:10:50-07:00January 21st, 2021|

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of His wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of His might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts, boast of this that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. – (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV)

2020-11-09T12:07:46-07:00January 19th, 2021|

Four “I Wills” for the Dark Night

And I said, “This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the Lord; surely, I will remember Your wonders of old.  I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.  (Psalm 77:10-12 NKJV)

Like the psalmist, you may be in the middle of a “night” of grief and sorrows, and you may be thinking, “Has His mercy ceased forever (Psalm 77:8)?”  When that happens to you or someone you know, turn to Psalm 77 and contemplate the four “I wills” of verses 10-12:

  • I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.
  • I will remember the works of the LORD.
  • I will remember Your wonders of old.
  • I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.

These four steps will lead you to God.  Great comfort and hope can come from meditating on God’s great provision for our lives.

2020-11-09T11:50:44-07:00January 18th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

When we decide to obey God, we never know where He will take us, and we cannot begin to imagine the wonderful things He will do. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-11-09T09:31:20-07:00January 14th, 2021|

John 15:11

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.  Yes, your joy will overflow! – (John 15:11 NLT)

2020-11-03T11:55:23-07:00January 12th, 2021|

You Can’t Look Backward and Forward at the Same Time

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” – (Philippians 3:13 NKJV)

Once we forget the past, we can then reach forth to the things that are ahead.  If we continue to remember the past, it will press against our “present” and keep us from the future that God has for us.  We can’t look backward and forward at the same time.

The Lord tells us that He puts our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.  I’m glad He didn’t say north from south because then we would meet our sins again!  If you start walking south, eventually you’ll reach the south pole, and then you’ll be going north.  North and south can meet each other, but east and west can never meet!  There is no east or west pole.

When God forgives us of our sins, He forgets them.  He never meets them again, and He doesn’t intend for us to meet them either.  Therefore, we leave the past sins behind and look for the future glory.

Don’t let yourself be burdened down with the memory and guilt of past sins.  Christ shed His blood on the cross so that we might no longer be bowed under the weight of all our sins.  Hand them to Him!

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You today that we can forget the past.  It cannot exercise power over our present or future.  We reach forth for the things that You have for us today.

2020-11-03T11:44:00-07:00January 11th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

God will remove the poverty of your heart and soul and bestow His riches there. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-11-03T10:08:54-07:00January 7th, 2021|

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. –(Romans 13:8 NKJV)

2020-10-27T08:24:40-06:00January 5th, 2021|

Worship in Spirit and Truth

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” –(John 4:23-24 NKJV)

God has such tremendous blessings for each one of us who love Him, but we need to stay in the right position to receive them.  We need to stay under the downpour of His unlimited blessing.

Being in position to receive from God is directly tied to worshiping Him.

The Bible says we are each called to worship God in spirit and in truth.  In other words, we worship God in our hearts (spirit) and in our actions (truth).

We are called to love God with our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.  We do this by giving thanks and praise to God.

We are also called to love our neighbors as ourselves, which we can do in practical real-world ways.

What are some ways you can love your neighbor?

2023-02-02T12:19:14-07:00January 4th, 2021|

Moments with Marilyn

You have a heritage of blessing from your heavenly Father; speak it over yourself and your children. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-10-21T09:55:31-06:00December 31st, 2020|

Ephesians 3:12

In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.-(Ephesians 3:12 ESV)

2020-10-21T09:53:57-06:00December 29th, 2020|

To Live in Prayer is to Live in Power

“Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” -(Psalm 55:17 NKJV)

It is not unusual for a man, who is committed to prayer, to pray morning, noon, and night.  Daniel made a commitment to pray morning, noon, and night.  In fact, Daniel enemies could only find one fault with him: his extensive prayer life.  That’s really something when the only fault that your enemy can find is your prayer life!  I wonder how many of our enemies could find that “fault” with us?  But such dedication to prayer also brings forth men like Daniel—and David, who wrote Psalm 55:17.  They were mighty and powerful in God.

Sometimes Christians will complain, “I just don’t have time for a lot of prayer.”  Only the devil doesn’t “have time” for prayer.  A dedicated believer will MAKE TIME FOR PRAYER.  Jesus always made time for prayer with His heavenly Father—even in the midst of horrendous crises, such as His impending crucifixion and death.

To live in prayer is to live in power.  Set aside special times—morning, noon, and night—for your prayer life, and watch your circumstances change!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today let us emphasize prayer in our own personal lives.  We must not look to other people to pray for us.  We are committed to a consistent, personal prayer life.  We look to You to guide us.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

2020-10-21T09:52:49-06:00December 28th, 2020|

Moments with Marilyn

Bloodline may be fixed from generation to generation, but a family can change in character and in the way it serves God. ~Marilyn Hickey

2020-10-21T08:58:38-06:00December 24th, 2020|

Wednesday in the Word – Good Shepherd

Join Marilyn Hickey every Wednesday as she will share a special scripture with you! On today’s Wednesdays in the Word, Marilyn shares encouragement from Psalm 23:1.

2020-10-21T08:57:56-06:00December 23rd, 2020|

John 3:16

For God so love the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. -(John 3:16 ESV)

2020-10-21T08:52:39-06:00December 22nd, 2020|
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