Forgotten Fathers

THE FORGOTTEN FATHERS

the man that married your mom and gave up his "right to do what I want to" life to make sure you had your daily needs met :  food, sleep, shampoo,  a new hair dryer, a ride to your friends house in terrible weather, money for the new dress for homecoming or prom every year,  money for a new skateboard; he told you that you HAD to work you thought he was being mean he was teaching you moral values and integrity; he checked on you to make sure that you did your homework when your mom told him that she couldn't do it;
he served as the "go- between" with you and your mom when you became a teenager and the little rebel in you came out:  he listened to endless stories of how "unfair" people & the world is; sat up for hours with you after working for hours making a mathematical board as a visual education tool to help you "get math"; 
the man who encouraged you to be different & welcome adventure through looking and living in God's will and creation; taught you not to be afraid of the dark;   the one who said, let's make the drive a part of the vacation!;  the one who got mad when life didn't go the way he planned for all of you because he only wanted the best for you and he told you so; 
the one who helped or sometimes did your laundry to make sure you felt prepared for the next day; 
the one who loves your mom and therefore loved you and stuck it out through thick and thin, insults and injuries, money and no money;

He's the one who sits in the background and doesn't fight for front row title of "Dad" in your life; 

you may not ever see it, however,  you need to know,  he cries when you are hurting and prays for you everyday;
he waits for your call on his birthday and each and every Fathers Day.
The world calls him "stepfather" :
God calls him "mine"

God sent him into your life to be your blessing.

If you have a man in your life that the world may title as Step Father, I pray he is a man of God like the one described above,if so,
know the plans God has for you are Good & go beyond your greatest imagination.  Although your life may not have been what you thought it should be, don't waste your days blaming others and living life with regrets,  live first looking above to your Heavenly Father with a heart of thankfulness, that will make it easier to look forward with happiness & hope and live knowing you are loved.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the Godly Stepfathers, bless them.  I also ask that you Bless all the children who have experienced divorce or death of a parent.  Open their eyes and hearts to see you & Fill them with your love, hope & joy. 
I love you Lord, Deborah

Live it, Preach it, Teach it

My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ get your cup of coffee;

I attached below something I received  from a friend and mentor. Knowledge is power. 

I pray you read it and allow God to prick your heart with the truth & your eyes will be opened.

It's never to late to make up your mind to live, preach & teach a pure life for God and not man.

Do you want a revival?  True, God given revival will happen in your own heart.  It begins with your faithfulness to God & His Word.

Live it, preach it, teach it...... remember....it's not you, it's the Holy Spirit, because of Jesus Christ, who forgives, heals, fills and gives power to those who are "willing". 
 
I believe what God says in His Word, do you?  You say "yeah sure I do", but, do you believe it.... really?   

As the leaders , true leaders called by God, through Jesus Christ, begin to Live, Preach & Teach truth is when you will see our homes, marriages, communities & churches transform before our very eyes!

Stop building churches and parking lots and start rebuilding lives  with love, kindness, concern and begin healing hearts with compassion, truth and mercy.

Acts 17:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁰ “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. ³¹ For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”

amen!
  

1 Corinthians 2:4-5   New Living Translation (NLT)

^"4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. ⁵ I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. "

Sending much love, 
Deb Ives

.       May the Lord fill our churches with faithful mothers.

THE MAGNIFYING GLASS

I was honored with the love and support of so many of you that attended the "Dinner For Life & Song For Your Heart” the Annual Benefit Dinner for HFS on Thursday night.

10-11-12.  Great team work done by the volunteers and board.

 I'm always amazed at what God does,  let alone that He let’s us witness it.

 We witnessed the Spirit move powerfully.  He pricked hearts.   

 He brought new friends as well as those that continue to be faithful to this ministry. I am excited to get to know everyone better.

 I believe God was honored and thus we are blessed.  

Thank you again for making the commitment with us as we look to God and His Spirit to enable us to Isaiah 61:3-4 through Heartfelt Family Services.   It's exciting to move forward!

I pray you experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life today.

We love you Lord and praise you today for who You are....amen.....deborah

I would like to share this with you:

FASTING & THE MAGNIFYING GLASS:

When I held the magnifying glass up to an object, I could see details that I couldn’t possibly see with the normal vision. For me, one of the benefits of fasting is it allows you to see God in a much closer way. It doesn’t make Him any bigger than He already is, but it enlarges your view, allowing you to see things about Him that you might not normally see.

After participating in a multiple of fasts, I believe these are the most compelling reasons for fasting:

1.    Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition.

2.    Fasting helps form a separation between what you want and what you need.

3.    Fasting stirs a hunger in your spirit that goes deeper than temporary hunger for food.

4.    Assignments are revealed through fasting.

5.    Fasting prepares you for what is ahead.

6.    Fasting requires faith.

7.    There is usually a spiritual objective to be accomplished.

8.    Fasting can restore the loss of the “first love” and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.

9.    Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God.

10.  Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your life.

In Matthew 6, Jesus says, “When you fast, don’t put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They make their faces look sad to show people they are fasting. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then people will not know that you are fasting, but your Father, whom you cannot see, will see you. Your Father sees what is done in secret, and he will reward you.”

Fasting possesses great power. If practiced with the right intention, it creates an intimacy with God and definitely allows you to see Him in a closer way.

I would love to hear your thoughts on fasting.

RIGHTEOUS HATRED

I want to share this with you today: Righteous Hatred   “The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace” (Proverbs 13:5). There is a righteous hatred that rejects what is false. It might be false words, bogus behavior, a counterfeit countenance, a phony friendship, or deceptive dealings. The discernment of the spirit-filled believer rises up to defend integrity. You can’t sit still to shenanigans when you know an agreed-upon code of ethics has been violated. So, how are we to respond to lies and liars? We first look in the mirror, making sure we are honest in our dealings and accurate with our words. Jesus said, “How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:4). I am required to remove all self-deception before I can clearly see sin in my brother. Self-evaluation precedes confronting false conduct. Furthermore, our heavenly Father expresses holy hatred over what is false. “There are six things the LORD hates…haughty eyes, a lying tongue…a heart that devises wicked schemes” (Proverbs 6:16-18). Because the Almighty abhors artificial acts, we must ask ourselves:  “Do I take sin seriously, or do I casually flirt with it?” Loose lips and sometimes closed lips lead to lies and deceit that bring shame and embarrassment. Avoid lies and liars, and you will live in peaceful content. “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Lastly, in your business, ministry, and testimony remove all appearance of fraud and falsehood. Free yourself from image management with full disclosure and transparency. Create a culture that exposes any hint of conflict of interest. Lies examined under light melt away. Hate dishonesty; reward honesty. Honesty is the only policy for the people of God. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25). Prayer:  Dear Lord, what areas of my life, work & ministry need to grow in honesty and forthrightness?    I love you....... Deborah Related Readings: Judges 16:11; Psalm 119:163; Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8

September 28, 2012  Deborah Ives

James 4:1-3  Amplified Bible (AMP)

4 "What leads to strife (discord and feuds) and how do conflicts (quarrels and fightings) originate among you? Do they not arise from your sensual desires that are ever warring in your bodily members?

² You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask.

³ [Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures."

"Oh my Lord God, I praise you this morning Father, it's because of you that I do not have to be like anyone else or like any other ministry.  You have and are growing and developing this minsitry to model after your desires and not mans.  It's tough sometimes Lord, because many men don't think that women hear from you, but in your word you clearly have told me personally & tell us (women) who believe in you and your ressurection, to go tell that YOU are ALIVE and have Risen!  I thank you, because you have healed me for your glory!  I thank you because You have told me who I am and I believe you Lord, not man.   I believe you have gone before me and what You have called me to do this very day you ordained long ago.  Thank you for Bill, for his love and support in these trying times.  Thank you that he answered you when you called him, thank you for filing him with your Spirit.  We praise you all day long for your provisions.  If you see fit, I will continue to move forward in this battle with no fear. I believe you will take care of the enemy.   
I love you Lord....Deborah ...amen"
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September 27, 2012  Deborah Ives

Through this outreach, Heartfelt Family Services, I have been privileged to see God change people and their households. 

I believe, He even wants to change the hearts of His people who are in the church buildings.

When rain falls on dirt it turns into mud, you are then walking in the mud, if you don't take the steps to come in and wash the mud off of your feet or shoes, it hardens. Yes, it can still come off, but it crumbles off, in broken pieces and it takes longer to come clean. Who knows whose carpet you have dirtied by walking through their house with the hardened mud on you falling off everywhere you go.
I'm allowing the Lord to wash my feet. If I have to walk through a mud puddle to get where He is leading me, I believe He will always be there to cleanse my feet quickly, before it hardens. He wouldn't want my broken peices of mud, that I've allowed to harden, to fall on anyones clean carpet. amen..Deb Ives

I received this this morning and I agree with it:
When you are part of a well-functioning team, you are working with people who share your goals and mission. You recognize the importance of everyone's role. You also make personal sacrifices, but they are worth it. You know the team's results can be bigger than anything you could tackle on your own.

"Praising you my Lord God, for all blessings and all trials. Todays Freedom feels great! thank you Lord, just thank you.  I love you, your daughter........ deborah"

 

 

"Fruition"

As the End of summer is near I look forward to September, crisp fresh air to breath, beautiful colors to behold,  new opportunities, new Bible Studies & new changes in our lives that God has in store.

I am completely humbled and weep with gratitude to witness  how mighty our Lord is. 
He has brought dreams, visions & passions, that He gave to me years ago to fruition.
( I like to think it's a special mission he has called me to do so others will see him)...... perhaps others doubted things I spoke of were truly from God, I hold no offense to them, as I realize I am no woman of any spiritual means or education, no big credentials here,  to speak of.   I just love Jesus, that's all.  I believe He loves me, because His Word, The Bible tells me so. I believe He loves you.  Simple.  I long for simplicity, don't you?  I love the honest truth. Not a mans perspective or thoughts,  but Gods Honest truth spoken, unafraid. I actually search for places that are simple,  filled with honest truth, with no hidden motives, secrets or projections.  The Holy Spirit gives discernment to those who belong to him. For that I am grateful.  I'm sure you probably already know that. 
So, back to "fruition".

Definition:

FRUITION:  noun

1. a pleasure obtained from using or possessing something; enjoyment
2. the bearing of fruit
3. a coming to fulfillment; realization: a book that is the fruition of years of research

This season at HFS God continued to bring many women and families to us who are looking for direction, help and sometimes just a friend.  I don't get to choose who comes or how many come to HFS.  I just know we have to be ready in and out of season.  Actually, that lesson for me, or that beginning of the ministry began in 1996 in the New River area of Michigan, (that's near Grindstone and Port Austin) A couple of years later the Lord lead me to Pigeon/Elkton, Michigan.  That's where I learned about the true power of prayer and how it comes through personal surrender and then revival comes.  (yes, men and women) That was through Pastor Reggie at Elkton Missionary Church and a faithful servant of the Lord, Sherry Helmuth.  My confusion from previous false teachings and offenses diminished, and ultimately disappeared. The power of the Holy Spirit revealed.  Amazement and passion to follow Jesus hit me hard and has never left me.   My eyes were opened and understanding came, yes, change was possible for everyone and we had the instruction book all along, wow!  Let's read it, apply it and by the way, can we go while we are doing that?   Let's go unafraid...God said, "yes".

The vision, or as I like to say "mission" given to me 16 years ago is now producing fruit and that fruit is reproducing fruit! amen!
One of those ways is with continuing Discipleship & Mentoring with "You-niquely Woman".
The kick-off retreat on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron  2 weeks ago, were more than satisfying. I must share this with you, do you remember the old song... "Bind us Together Lord, Bind us Together..." that was the theme song, most unexpected and yet each woman so deeply blessed.  Only the Lord could have done it.
I had been looking and waiting on the Lord since 2005 for the appropriate time to begin this teaching.  Where and how,  I thought I would bring this teaching to the "city"... was not His way, but the time is now, His timing is here.  It went beautifully and God is raising women to lead and head ministries through Heartfelt Family Services.  We are ready.

What is "You-niquely Woman"? It is a 12 month Journey to Developing Spiritual Effectiveness for Women. They are Leading Ladies. God is equipping women to serve Him through His Word and Holy Spirit for all of life's issues. Strong enough for a man but made for a woman. 
These women have made a heart commitment to live and lead where they are.... God's Way. 
They have New Life as described in
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new"  

We are women of faith: some of us work out of home as professionals and some serve in church, schools, ministries, communities and some are stay at home moms, however, we are all homemakers.   The Lord has called, and 7 women answered to this divine appointment.
We meet monthly for 1 year with in depth teaching and relationship requirements.
We know God has called us to love the lost, hurting and lonely.
Thank you for keeping us in prayer as we journey this training.

Pre-requisite: You must have completed & finished well, "To The Heart of the Matter" through HFS.


MORE THOUGHTS FROM DEB.....................With that being said, August 2012 marks the 7th year of living in the "city" as The Lord lead my husband and I back to the Detroit area.  We came "without knowing", only willing through obedience to the Lord calling us.  Obedience sometimes causes suffering in our lives, not just for us but for those around us, for His sake.  Then, at His special time, He reveals to us that He wants those around us to grow and learn and sometimes to leave us and to go & serve Him without knowing. 
Sometimes we push them out of the boat, close our eyes and then pray.
Sometimes they jump out of the boat and realize they can't swim, so they look for someone else to throw them a life ring.
Sometimes they leave too early with sweet kisses, and the Lord gently leads them back.
Sometimes the timing is perfect, and they leave and multiply and are fruitful!

Thank you Lord, You are always right on time. 
I would like to say, it's all worth it.  Thank you for showing me just enough to keep me, thank you for growing my faith in you.  Where you are is where I want to be.  Where you go, I'll go.  I love you Lord, thank you for loving me and providing all our needs as we serve.  In the name of sweet Jesus....amen.......deborah

Revelation 1:1-3 (NKJV)

1" The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, ² who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. ³ Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near."

WWW.HEARTFELTFAMILYSERVICES.COM

Monday

Heartfelt Family Services counsels and mentors women for various reasons, one of those reasons is for those who have experienced abortion.  I want to talk to you a little bit about that today.

I am the one who receives those calls from women who are scared, confused, angry and devasted.  Some want to just "TALK" , but they need so much more.  They pour out their hearts over the phone and never want to meet for fear of something or another.  Those have made a mark on my heart,  while I have no face to connect to that tone, that attitude, that fearful voice that I spent so much time with on
the phone. I take them to the Father in Heaven, God.
 ......while others have a pulling inside of them that has drawn them to me or the phone number of HFS with statements like "I'm not sure why...but....somethings not right inside of me..I'm so sad" also I've heard many times "I know I'm supposed to talk to you how soon can I come to your office?"

You might think that I get used to all of those calls and all of those crying for some direction, but the truth is I never do.  My heart crys with them and I am grateful that the Holy Spirit reminds me to come to Him.  He has given me the greatest blessings I could ever imagine, His waiting for me to come to Him, to cry out to Him, to tell Him about each and every woman and child that is searching, yes, the Lord waits for me and I stop many activities and business in life to spend with Him.  It's the greatest love story, I am loved.

HFS is listed on Option Line:  National Helpline and many other "lines".  I received this and wanted to share it with you.  This is daily business for those of us on the front lines of  Heartfelt Family Services Aftercare.
***
A recent caller, crying, had taken the RU-486 abortion drug and was holding her baby in her hands. She didn’t want to throw the baby in the trash can so she had her sister hold it for awhile. Our phone consultant prayed with her and asked her to give her baby back to God, then encouraged her to give her baby a proper burial. The caller said, “They didn’t tell me it was a baby.”

This madness must end.

Nehemiah 1:4-6  "Then the King said to me, "What do you request?"  So I prayed to the God of Heaven.   And I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my father's tombs, that I may rebuild it."

Will you partner with us? There is little time for fundraising,  however, the Lord conitnues to bring those who need help.  Please DONATE ONLINE: www.heartfeltfamilyservices.com

National Helpline reports:  In the last 3 months, 21 callers have taken the RU-486 abortion drug. Jan-March 352 callers, Shared Gospel 112 times, 41 abortion minded, 14 babies saved from abortion!

Heartfelt Family Services Reports: Over the last 3 months, 136 phone calls.....6 callers have taken the RU-486 abortion drug.  WE shared our PURITY Program with one young man and woman.
7 women are registered and are actively in the To The Heart of the Matter;Mentoring Program to change their lives. 
8 have come to HFS for "aftercare" from an abortion. 
We now have a waiting list for September for Mentoring Programs.   Some are registered for leadership training, some for aftercare and some are looking for clear or new direction in their life.  We share the Gospel with EACH person.
We are honored and a privileged people that God uses us.

Thank you for listening.  I pray you are blessed as you keep your eyes o Jesus.

Deborah