Mary's Blog

I am the “bread of life”

drakeford — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:39:17 +0000

Early on after being called out a lot of things were beginning to happen in my life. The fourth Friday of each month we celebrated Agape service. This was a very special love feast. All the ministers of the church participated in this service. We used a whole loaf of bread during the celebration. The senior pastor would start first by breaking a small piece from the bread. He would say before handling it to another, “I’m a part of you and you are a part of me.”. The bread would get passed around to the entire congregation that way. This was in preparation for the LORD supper on Sunday.

We had a neighbor(Luciano) who worked at a restaurant in Georgetown as a night manager. We had become good friends with him. My husband used to work at nights also. One night there appeared a large plastic bags of bread (whole loaves) on our porch. My husband put this bag in the kitchen.

Bread

When I came down for work the next morning there in the center of the kitchen floor was this large bag of bread. I was overwhelmed by the spirit of GOD when I saw it. I cried out to the LORD about it. He said, “I am the bread of Life.” I accepted this and was fine with it. I knew HE had spoken the truth. When I saw Luciano I inquired about the bread. He explained the bread was left over after closing the restaurant He decided to share them since it was good fresh bread. This continued for a long time. GOD used Luciana to offer the bread for the service plus bless so many seniors as well.

I would wrap the bread individually and take to church for the senior members there.

Foil wrapped to give to seniors

They were so grateful to receive the bread. One time I still had some loaves in the bag but my husband put it in the basement. I didn’t realize it until I went there to wash clothes. There inside the bag was three molded loaves of bread. GOD began to show how I let it rot. I began to cry saying I will never let that happen again. I had a very sensitive spirit to the LORD.

The last time we got bread was a large amount. I could remember the last time because it was on my granddaughters sixteenth birthday. She was going to take her driving test but failed it. She cried all the way home. She was in the gifted and talent program at school. She had never failed anything before. We had to stop on the way home to buy another package of foil. When we got home we finished wrapping all the loaves of bread. It was so many I decided to line them on the steps to take the picture and count them.

26 loaves of bread wrapped in foil

Walking with GOD, through the scriptures

drakeford — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:45:12 +0000

I was called out from this world in 1992. I was told to write but wasn’t used to the voice of GOD so I didn’t. I was minding my business when GOD began calling me. It is a process so I didn’t understand what was happening at the time. The first thing HE did was to get my attention so I could be led by HIM. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I love to walk and meditate on the LORD while listening to praise and worship music. I had already been led to join Integrity music club. They would send me two CD’s each month to listen/buy or send back. I never sent any back because it was the word of GOD. I purchased all the ones they sent and have been blessed. Praise and worship music is the voice of GOD. The lyrics are all from the scripture. GOD was doing a work in me because I have loved music since I was a child. I went to sleep each night listening to music from the bed side radio. GOD is a spirit and during this process GOD was having me create bookmarks etc. This music put me in GOD’s presence.

Yearly diaries

I didn’t begin to write until about three years later. GOD was doing so many things in my life and I realized why HE wanted me to write. I decided to share some of the pictures of my diaries I have kept.

Front cover

I stopped making the notebooks in 2003. They were taking up too much space on my shelf.

Another cover of my diaries

I have the digital copies however. I plan to write a book if Christ hasn’t returned by then. Jesus said, everything hidden will be revealed before HE comes back. Things are certainly being revealed.

Inside view of one page

Spirit of Revelation

drakeford — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:26:35 +0000

Paul Wilbur and Asher Intrater were both at our church on sunday. One of my favorite songs is “Days of Elijah”. Paul wrote this songs more than 10 years ago. Him singing it today was special because today it is so true. These are truly the day of Elijah, Moses, David and Daniel. Being here was a confirmation from the LORD. The Media is coming under fire from so many fronts. Too many half-truths being aired as facts these days. As people of GOD, (Holy spirit filled and led …by HIS spirit) we must have discernment. Paul gave us some revelation on what the media’ reported last week. Jesus warned us about these times we live in. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher so we must listen to HIM. Paul was the worship leader and GOD always gives you words of truth/wisdom as well. It was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship with him again.

Asher teaching

Asher preached the message, “Spirit of Revelation.” Asher taught a wonderful message on the spirit of revelation. He explained what it means and how GOD gives it to us. He stressed that the spirit realm is more real than the physical. He explained this as well. Everything in the physical is pulled from the spiritual. He just blessed me so much because I understood everything he was saying. From time to time I had to stand and give him a shout.

Spirit of Revelation

He stressed two words, see and not see. The physical we can see but the spiritual realm you need the Spirit of Christ to see. HE gives you eyes to see the unseen. In other words you must be (born again). He used the scriptures to confirm this:

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John

God revealed to me it is time for me to begin revealing some of the things HE had led me to write about in my diaries.

Friends from Israel returning

drakeford — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:32:17 +0000

I am very excited both Paul Wilbur and Asher Intrater will be at Immanuel’s this coming Sunday(June 6th).

I missed Paul Wilbur the last time he performed here. It is exciting this time because Paul Wilbur will be the worship leader. He is an Integrity music recording artist and founder of Wilbur Ministries. I was first called out in the early 90′s. GOD used Integrity music to minister to me through praise and worship CD’s. I have about five of his recordings. Paul and his team travel throughout the United States and the world sharing the love of God through Yeshua the Messiahwilburministries.com

Asher Intrater and his wife Betty are the directors of Revive Israel Ministries, dedicated to revival in Israel. Asher is one of the founders of Tikkun Ministries International with Daniel Juster and Eitan Shishkoff. Asher and Betty also serve as Pastors of congregation Ahavat Yeshua (Love of Jesus) Reviveisrael.org. Asher was last here on October 18th. This was my first time actually meeting him in person. He preached the message and I was truly blessed. He will once again preach the message while Paul Wilbur ushers us into GOD’s presence through song. I receive his weekly newsletter every Sunday and it is a blessing to me. I am grateful to GOD for his servants.

Please join us in welcoming long time Immanuel’s friends and covenant brothers, Paul Wilbur and Asher Intrater for a special time of worship and impartation from the Lord regarding His purposes for Israel and the nations in this hour! You won’t be sorry you came! I simply can’t wait until Sunday comes. This will be a double portion of blessings

Immanuel’s Church
Sunday June 6th @ 8:30AM and 11 AM

16819 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20905
301-989-4673
immanuels.org

Holy month of May

drakeford — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 04:39:54 +0000

I had no idea just how special the month of May is. Wonderful footprints of the hand of GOD filled this month. I knew it was going to be a special month for my church family at Immanuel’s. However GOD had some surprises for me to cause me to say it is a most holy month. Pastor Charles Schmitt taught on some very important lessons on salvation.

Sunday May 2 “An Exam…A Test.”
Sunday May 9th was “Who is Jesus?”
Sunday May 16th was ” An Extreme Makeover“
Sunday May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday was “Adopted into the Family of God!”
Sunday May 30th, “The Four Soils”

This month was an exciting month for me. The fourth Sunday, Pentecost Sunday my Sunday to work as a Royal Guard. I work on the second and fourth Sunday. The worship part is so wonderful that I get into GOD presence right away. I decided to put my camera inside my purse for when something happens where I would be able to take a few pictures. God is always faithful and HE had me put my camera there for HIS purpose. I had carried my camera in my purse a few weeks. Pentecost Sunday was the fourth sunday and I was on duty that sunday. I never know where I will be posted until I am given my assignment. I was given the balcony that morning to train with one of the men. As the choir and dancers were rehearsing I remembered my camera in my purse. I realized GOD had set this up because that was the very first time I had ever been in the balcony. I had a great view of the church and dancers. I decided before service started and while they were rehearing to take some pictures.

I was so overjoyed to be able to take some pictures on Pentecost Sunday.

When service started I was still able to take a few pictures.

This just blessed me so much because GOD knew I wanted to. During service when I am not on duty I am consumed with worship. The last thing on my mind is taking pictures.

The reason I say May is a holy month is because so many special ministries celebrate their more than 25 years in ministry in this month. GOD is the god of details. TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), Jews for Jesus, Immanuel’s and others whose anniversary is the month of May. It will have a special meaning for me from now on.

Curses and Blessings

drakeford — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:43:38 +0000

The Spirit of the Lord is moving over the face of the earth. There are so many things happening today. These are exciting times and the worst of times. I have learned in my walk with GOD that HIS WORD is true. I wanted to write again before this month is over. On April the 5th in my” through the bible” reading it was Deuteronomy 28. This is the chapter on curses and blessings. The last time I remember having to remind people of this was during the sniper attacks with John Muhammad here in Silver Spring. Our school was near the site of one of the victims. There was a lot going on at school during this time. Teachers were coming to me crying. Teachers had to be strong for the students but they would come crying to me. The morning the man from the Human Resources came to speak to the teacher was the day the LORD had me speak his word from Deuteronomy 28. It was very difficult for me because I had a captive audience. I got blocked in from all the teacher and had no way out. I had to deliver the message from the LORD. I had to share what the LORD put in my mouth to say.

Once again after everything that is happening today, the LORD is still speaking. Unfortunately, it seems we’re not listening. GOD is longsuffering (meaning HE puts up with our disobedience as long as HE can). I believe this season is the time for curses or blessings. This is harvest season and souls are ripe. These souls are ripe that the LORD is looking for. These souls are not found within churches. These are the lost sheep that Jesus wants us to go looking for. We can find them out in the community/marketplaces. This is the same place JESUS found them.

I pray for the church here in the West. Jesus said, “When HE comes back will HE find faith on the earth”. The faith that many people have today is faith in their credentials, gifts, etc. Our faith is in Christ and Christ alone.

Movement of God (3)

drakeford — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:43:15 +0000

My mission field was the school system. When I left I knew GOD had something else for me to do. I never know what until HE begins to use me. I now know it is in the medical community. Since retiring from the school system I had lots of problems with arthritis. It runs in my family and now it has found me.

The arthritis is in my back neck and hips. My right hip is really bad but the x-ray shows the left is worst than the right. My left knee feels like it is giving out at times. However my right hip feels like it is bone to bone. I have developed a permanent limp because of it. It hurts to walk but I do walk the dog. My dog has been a blessing to me.

: Hi, I love my new home!

It causes me to take my mind off of the pain. What Satan uses for evil, GOD is using for good. On March 17th it was a beautiful day so I decided I would try to walk some. I was able to walk about 30 minutes. Before my hip problems I used to walk an hour everyday. I love to walk and miss it so. At 3:10PM I had to meet with my OBGYN for my annual Pap test. I could hardly walk when she saw me going into the exam room. She asked me about my problem. I began to tell her about it and the Spirit of GOD came upon me. I began to cry(compassion of Christ) as I was telling her my story. Whenever this happens I have to explain how GOD is using me. She began to cry as well. I apologized to her saying it was the Jesus in me that has that effect on people. I shared with her about Jesus and how HE was using me. She had compassion on me too. She said I didn’t have to suffer like that. She would send her nurse in to give me a pain shot in my hip. She said it would kick in within the hour but it would only last a day. I was grateful to her. I gave the nurse who took my vital signs and her a bookmark. GOD has never used me to witness at the medical centers but that has changed. I have a feeling HE is coming back sooner than we think. HE is using me to witness to people everywhere I go.

When I left and was driving home I meditated on how GOD is now sending me to the different specialist. He is using my health problems to witness to them. I know HIS ways are not our ways. I can’t walk like I love too, and have a limp but GOD is getting the glory and that’s what counts anyway.

GOD is moving and doing marvelous things through those saints who are available and willing. I have learned to just submit to HIS will. HE determines how HE wants to use us. Submission is hard for many people. How HE chooses to use us is not how we would like to be used.

Movement of God (2)

drakeford — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:17:26 +0000

GOD is using me to move among the health field. My referral in the Rheumatology office was on February 19th. The LORD had me witness to the nurse who took my vital signs. I shared bookmarks and other materials with her. She referred me to Radiology to have my hip x-rayed. The LORD had me to witness and share two bookmarks with the three women behind the desk. This time HE had me give all three two bookmarks each. I told them I would give them two only if they promised to share one with someone who doesn’t know the LORD. I told them too many christians are afraid to witness. I told them the bookmarks will help because GOD will speak to their heart once they read it. All we have to do is our part and GOD will do the rest.

I walked away to have my x-ray and they had gone to my web site to look at the other bookmarks. I asked them to share it with their church and pastors because JESUS is coming back and it might be sooner than we think.

I walked away thanking GOD for allowing me to witness for HIM. It’s a blessing for me knowing I am fulfilling HIS will.

Acts 1:8: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Movement of God

drakeford — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:36:21 +0000

We are living in a season of the awesome movement of GOD. On January 12th I had to drive to the National Rehabilitation Center in Washington, DC. I had never been there before. The first receptionist I saw directed me to the second floor. The receptionist was on the phone and I could tell she was upset. The Spirit of GOD told me to give her one of my bookmarks. While she was still on the phone I removed a bookmark from my purse. I waited for her to finish her conversation. I handed her the bookmarks. She read it and began to cry. She got up from her desk to get some tissue and try to get herself composed. She apologized to me and shared some problems she was having. She said she was just talking to her girl friend on the phone. She had just told her she needed a sign from the LORD. My bookmarks was the sign she needed. I told her I understood completely. I responded, GOD is awesome! That is why GOD led me to give you the bookmarks. I told her HE is alway on time but we never know when or how HE will work.

I gave her a big hug and told her everything will be fine. As I was walking to my appointment I was so grateful being a blessing to others.

Living by Faith

drakeford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:42:25 +0000

“He went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8)

In the Old Testament, a person’s relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person’s life. Abraham exhibited this kind of separation. He allowed God to move him from his country and family to a place he knew not. To be separated does not always mean to literally be separated from family and friends, who do not have a personal relationship with God. However it does mean to separate ourselves mentally and morally from their viewpoints. (Luke 14:6).

Living a life of faith means never knowing where you .
It means loving and knowing the One leading.
It is a life of faith, not of understanding and reason.
A life of knowing Him who calls us to go.
Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a relationship with a Person (Jesus Christ)

The biggest trap people fall into today is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world. When we read the scriptures, we will find just the opposite.

The greatest stage in the life of faith is the attainment of character. We go through many changes in this process. Trials and tribulations are a major part of the process. Grapes can’t become wine or juice until they are squeezed .

excerpts from “My Utmost for His Highest” devotional