Needless Casualties of War

NEEDLESS CASUALTIES OF WAR
By John Paul Jackson
Insight by Maylia Trahan (April 2006)

As I reflect on all the insight John Paul Jackson revealed in his book “Needless Casualties of War” I believe it is by far one of the most profound insights I have ever read. This book has reminded me to always keep my focus on God. Yes, as many times we will be aware of the schemes of evil one, we should never turn our focus to him. John Paul Jackson states “When we pay too much attention to evil spirits, we end up paying homage to the strength of the demonic powers rather than to the power of Jesus. While we should engage in many forms of spiritual warfare, we should not be tempted to become so caught up in it that Satan and his hosts subtly become a greater focus than God. Satan would willingly lose every battle to us, so long as he could successfully steal the attention that belongs to God. Whenever we spend more time addressing anything or anyone other than God, our priorities are out of order and Satan receives greater attention. Thereby, he accomplishes his goal.” Our great commission is to share the Good News of Christ. It is a great commission and what I realized is that you don’t even have to know exactly what demonic spirit is operating in a person’s life, just to put a name to it. The Light is the only thing that removes the darkness. We should spend our time shedding the Light.

John Paul Jackson reinforces what I believe God showed me during a pivotal point in my life about deliverance. As God spoke these words “Deliverance will sweep across the land” to me, I became very nervous and was crying. For what I had seen in my experience of deliverance was not a pleasing sight. What I initially pictured in my mind was casting out demons and the like, which revolved around darkness. Then I remembered a scripture that said “be careful lest you cast out a demon and it return seven fold”. But as I inquired more of the Lord, I believe He gave me the key and that key is repentance. What I saw was when we repent “our sins are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered again”, which would be total deliverance. John Paul Jackson talks about the power of repentance in a person and even in civil leaders. Therefore when leading someone to Christ, there must be a point in that persons life that not only do they acknowledge that God is God, but they repent for the sins and turn away, bringing the cleansing power of Jesus.

We have been given all authority. “When we ask in Jesus name, power is at our disposal to advance God’s Kingdom”. I find this really exciting. Sometimes we walk around, wandering aimless as if we have no power or authority. Our authority is in Christ. He has given us authority to build the Kingdom of Heaven. We were chosen for this task, but we have to choose to humbly submit every area of our life to God.

When the Lights Go Out

WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT
By Graham Cooke
Insight and Revelation by Maylia G. Trahan (March 2006)

“When the Lights Go Out” is primarily a book about God’s ways of connecting with us through an intimate relationship. Graham talks about the manifestation of God’s presence as being the overflow from the hiddenness. He describes these two principles as “manifestation is about experiencing all that God is doing. Hiddenness is about possessing the things of God through His Word by faith. During times of hiddenness, you must learn to rely on the promises that God has made to you through the Bible.”

Through reading this book and reflecting on the lives of all the great men and women of God it is evident that they all share one thing in common, a secret place with God, where intimacy is the key that unlocks all other doors. Through intimacy is where we learn how to be obedient, and “obedience is the hinge that swings the door”.

I am learning that in most cases my perspective is what needs to change, not my circumstances. The way I view my circumstances determines the outcome. In order to have the right perspective I must spend time in the presence of God, becoming intimately acquainted with everything there is to know about his character. When I do this, it develops my character and I become more like Christ everyday. I love the insight Graham gives that “Every experience of God’s manifestation in our lives is a bonus. I am choosing to live my life in hiddenness, so that when God’s manifestation comes, it’s a bonus. I want to live in that place of constantly yielding inwardly to find the presence of God – the place that, even in the eye of the storm, is one of tranquility, of peace and of rest. In such a place, rest becomes a weapon against the enemy.” This short paragraph sums it up for me. I have chosen to adopt this for my life. The consistency of being in the hidden place with God, there is nothing else quite like it. The times of manifestation and blessing are definitely important, to know that God is working in and around me, but to be in a constant mode of surrender leads to the greatest power and authority available – the power and fire of God. In this secret place the scriptures begin to take on a whole new meaning. To look in the mirror and see only the reflection of Christ is an awesome revelation – this is what I want.

My cry has been that of Moses, “Lord, unless you are going don’t take us from here”. I have seen the continued love that God pours out on my life with unfailing measure. I am excited to know that God never gets tired of me and enjoys every moment of everyday with me. When all is said and done I hope that the inheritance I leave for my family and friends is that I was a woman after the heart of God and that I was his heart to all around. His presence I have found in the hiddenness, and Graham is right the manifestation is just a bonus.

God Revealed

God Revealed
By Graham Cooke
Insight and Revelation by Maylia Trahan (March 2006)

In the book “God Revealed”, I was given extensive insight and understanding of some things the Lord has put in my heart. “Who do you say I am?” is what it revolves around. In fact, the whole world revolves around that one question. As Graham Cooke unfolds the way to find out who God is and who we are, it will take upgrading our relationship with God.

Graham states “The favor is available to every single one of us. It’s favor to understand God, to go to a deeper level in Him and to upgrade our vision and image of who God is for us.” I like this concept, “who God is for us”, this is so true. I believe that every Christian would tell you that God is the Messiah, the I AM, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the beginning and the end, the savior, but take it a step further and ask “Who do you say God is?” this answer would probably be different for every person you meet. Who I say God is will be a perspective that would define the ways God has chosen to reveal himself to me. This is so creative, unique, and inspiring about God. The answers all lead to the same gate but there are many roads traveled to the gates, because of our choices, circumstances, and God’s individual provision for each and every one of us. To know and understand that my God has set me apart is really exciting.

Another revelation that I found extremely intriguing and pondered about the question “Who do you say I am?” is why was Christ asking Peter and the others this anyway. Did Christ need to hear it confirmed? Did He not know who He was? Was it to see if Peter and the other disciples could pass the test? No, ultimately it was so God could give them revelation – for Jesus even replies, “that it was revealed to him by the spirit.” The other concept is that Jesus knew who he was no one had to tell him. Even from a young boy, Mary never told Jesus who he was, it seems like he just knew. Wow, that is a whole big picture, if we choose to listen, the Father will just tell us who he is and who we are.

Now, “Who do you say I am?” takes on a new meaning. It’s all about relationships, but every time God answers this question in a new way it is an immediate promotion or an upgrade as Graham says. When God reveals himself in specific ways to me, there is no one, anywhere that can convince me that God is not who He showed me through that revelation. As Graham Cooke describes “Maturing Christians make the choice to stay in the flow of God’s love. They would rather die than step out from under it” – this is the place I have found myself – lovesick for my God. With everything that is within me I love to hear my Jesus say “Maylia, I AM the I AM.”

Consecrate yourself to be Holy

THE LORD SAID CONSECRATE YOURSELF TO BE HOLY (2004)

Many of these words are used throughout scripture as a guide to tell us what action we need to take for our families to consecrate and fully commit ourselves to the Lord.
Scriptures about consecrate:
Exodus 13:2 Leviticus 20:7 Exodus 29:43
1 Timothy 4:5 Joshua 3:5
Joshua 3:5
NIV
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
Living
Then Joshua told the people to perform the purification ceremony for themselves. “For tomorrow the Lord will do a great miracle.”

Definitions from Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
Consecrated – to make or declare sacred; to devote solemnly to a purpose.

Dwell – abide, to live as a resident, reside

Abide – stay, bide, linger, cling, stick, live
Syn. – continue, carry through, endure, last, persist
Ant. – depart

Hallow – to make holy or set apart for holy use, to respect greatly.

Intimate – belonging to or characterizing one’s deepest nature; marked by very close association, contact, or familiarity; marked by a warm friendship developing through long association.
Devoted, indwelling, interior, inner, inherent, or familiar.

Inherent – Quality of a thing’s inmost being, being a part, element.

Sanctuary - a consecrated place, a place for worship, a place of refuge and protection.

Pure – unmixed with any other matter, sheer, absolute; free from what weakens or pollutes.

Heart – one’s innermost being.

Hedge – a means of protection.

Devote – to set apart for a special purpose, dedicate; to give up to wholly

Sanctify – to make holy: consecrate; to free from sin.

Sanctity – Godliness

Study 2 Chronicles 20
Tracing Jehoshaphat’s steps through battle by verse

3 Jehoshaphat was determined to beg for help from the Lord.
He announced that the people should go without food for a time, in penitence and Intercession (prayer) before God. (This was a time of fasting and prayer)
6 Corporate prayer
12 Admitted they didn’t know what to do. (Humility, humbling himself)
15 Recognized the battle belonged to God
17 With God no fight was necessary
“Take your places; stand quietly, and see the incredible rescue operation God will perform for you.” (You will stand in amazement)
18 Fell on his face worshipping the Lord and the people did the same.
20 Believe in the Lord your God (not having any doubt or questioning God) and you shall have success.
21 Praising and thanking the Lord in sanctified garments (they even consecrated their clothes).
25 Came away loaded with money, garments, and jewels – it took them 3 days to cart away.
26 4th day – gathered in the Valley of Blessing and praised the Lord.
27 God gave rest and quiet/ Gave credit to the Lord because he fought the battle.

As we look as Jehoshaphat’s steps we see that he consecrated everything to the Lord. Success came because he humbled himself, and believed that only God could win this battle. He listened to the instruction of the Lord and no battle was necessary. The other armies killed one another. He gave all the Glory to God.



Prayer for the Family:
Lord, I pray that today my family would have a pure heart. That each person (by name) _________________________________________________________would have a heart that you would want to dwell in. We invite you into our home to live here with us. We want our home to be a sanctuary, a place where you want to dwell. We choose to put no other before you, consecrating ourselves totally to you and only you. I believe that you have great plans for us and admit that I cannot and will not do things my own way. I know that your ways are marvelous. Lord, place a hedge of protection around us. Lord, I ask that everything (husband) sets his hands to would be blessed, because he does seek first your kingdom. I thank you for ____________________________________________(all names of family members). I pray that each of us would serve you all the days of our life, that we would be a blessing to each other and to everyone we come in contact with. AMEN!

Stand Firm

A Living Word/ Rhema from God, our Father
from the journal of Maylia Trahan
Recorded 3:00 am 6-27-04

I hear the Lord: More, More
The men of God will see me more clearly. I am moving them into some places that are un-chartered for most of them. They will have many questions. And many things that seemed certain to this point will change. I will give new territories. They have prayed as Jabez, that their territories would be expanded- but the mind cannot even imagine the expansion I have set up. Never before have I had a group/ a multitude of men who have sought me the way your husbands do. You may not even recognize them as they see the reveal of my hand upon them.
Ladies stand firm and see what I will do. Trust that he is in my will and the gates of hell will not prevail against him. Many of you have encountered, as wives, some of the biggest attacks against yourselves. Know that this was a scheme the enemy was trying to use to bring down My men. Instead you have risen and awakened at the sound of my voice. During this time I call you ladies to delight in me and to be a delight to me. Trust me, be the encourager to these men. Even you don't know my plans for them. You will have to trust me. Do not be deceived by thinking that your security and comfort are being taken away. Everyone will see that it is me and not them. Remember that every knee will bow at the name of my son, Jesus, and in His name every evil will have to bow.


What do I do with an encouraging word like this?
1. Do not just tuck it away!
2. It is significant and should be prayed through and use it as fuel for your prayers.
3. As a wife and a mother you can fill in your Husband’s name and Son(s) name.
4. Believe God, even if you can’t see it!
(Lord, although I can’t see what you are doing with my husband, I believe your word and that you are working in him – Agree with God)

For Me or Against Me?

Questions, Questions, and more questions....
I have been asking the Lord for quite some time about the body of Christ. Why is there division? Who causes division? What is going on? If we are all in this together for one purpose, Kingdom Purpose and Fulfillment, why do we act like we are on separate teams and feel like we have to choose sides? Why do we devour our Christian brothers and sisters? If we can't love our own family, how can we love the ones that need to be reached with the Good News?

A Wake Up Call:
A body is one entity, Christ is one! If I am not for Christ, I am against Him. If I am not for my family and friends, I am against them. If I am not for the body of Christ, I am against the Body. Will I join in as the enemy devours all of God's people, sit back and watch(it's not my battle),or will I get on the battle ground and fight for the Kingdom - with prayer, intercession, and the word of God(fighting not only my battles but the Lord's and for the future generations)? Who's forces have I joined? There is only one side to choose and that is to be on the winning team - Jesus's!! I am asking that we support our brothers and sisters in Christ (They are not our enemies-"our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers and principalities".

Am I for Christ or against him? With holy fear and fire I am for Christ!!!

Who's Will?
Just because others are doing things different than the way I go about helping to fulfill the work of God's kingdom does it mean that they are not hearing from God? Absolutely not, it is part of the uniqueness and creativity of God's amazing work. I love to see how many way's God will use to reach the nations. I know that my mind can not conceive what only the spirit knows. If I can not conceive what God has said he will do in my life, with everything that is within me, I can not imagine what he will do on a scale of nations and the entire body of Christ. However, I will ask with all my heart that "Not my will be done, but thy will be done - Lord Jesus!" If I believe that the Lord will do everything He says he will do, then I choose to act by faith and not doubt or unbelief. Doubt and unbelief will keep me out of the promises of God.

Do I hear God's voice?
Is there anyone seeking the Lord for my life more than I am? Probably not.
If we feel like we can hear for others lives better than they can, we should re-think the ways of God - God speaks to his children. (Question: Am I hearing God for my own life, if I am not - then how could I hear for another person's life or for my city or nation?) My Father desires a relationship with me therefore He will speak to me. He will often use others to confirm something He has already told me, which would be an encouragement that I hear my Father's voice and I obey it. So often my flesh would want to judge another's actions, methods, vision, motives, etc. This is not a Godly principle - in fact the bible says "take the plank out of my own eye before I try to take a speck out of someone else's" Matthew 7.

This is a beckoning for repentance:
Lord, please forgive me for every time I have not stood with the ones who are on your side. Forgive the body and bring forth repentance through fasting and prayer, for you are sure to answer us. That your people would consecrate themselves fully and totally to you, Jesus. That all areas of my heart be cleansed for you. Lord, I pray that I would spend my time seeking your face for my life, that I would hear your voice and obey it. I have to be radically surrendered to you.

Well, every time the Lord shows me something, even when it is a call to repent, I always feel encouraged and excited. The Lord disciplines his sons and daughters, because He loves us.

In Him (Eph. 1:13)
maylia

"Why not NOW?"

"Why not NOW?"
"Why not NOW?"
"Why not NOW?"
"A YEAR OF JUBILEE!"

I repeat with a voice "A year of Jubilee?"

It is time for a celebration and a restoration. This year marks for a restoration year. In 1956 I was pouring out my spirit on my church, and churches all around near and far shut me out.

To think that the church is all about you, Christ Jesus and your bride shut you out. This brings tears to my eyes.

I call out to my bride, restore your purity. Celebrate the spirit I have put within you, you do not have a spirit of fear. Restoring the hearts of the children back to their fathers and mothers and restoring all of my children's hearts back to me. It is the call, the Spirit of Elijah. Call forth for the double portion anointing. Do not hold back and do not withhold. I call forth for restitution in your finances. Many have sought measures to attain false blessings, these are things I wanted to give to you freely. A counterfeit to my provision, get your finances in order for this is a new day. Marriages will bring back the place of intimacy. Restoring the covenant of that intimate place of my union. Calling back the health of the body of Christ to fully function, wholeness, clean, and fit. This is something like calling forth a "Fresh Fire of Freedom". Many have never known this freedom that today I am releasing. NOW, you will have to contend and fight for this freedom and liberty. Do not shrink back, do not be afraid, I am with you, I am your God. You have the power and authority in the name of my son, Jesus, to tread on snakes and scorpions and every evil thing. It is your heart I am asking for. A pure repentant heart. Rid yourself of all unrighteousness then the "Sun of Righteousness will shine forth with Healing in its Wings". My Bride, I await thee. In the preparations of the wedding feast, I will bring forth sounds of music that have never been heard, art and works of thy hands that will send trembling throughout the earth, dancing and rejoicing that can move mountains, a mighty army that will fight with faith. Arise, take your places, and watch the amazing rescue operation I will perform. I will follow through on my part, now this will require action and obedience on your part. I will bring in a harvest that no man can fathom. Keep my ways, commands, and principles (all of them) and I will bless you and the fruit of your womb. This shall be a year of Jubilee for my bride!!!

"A year of Jubilee," Oh Yes!!!!
WHY NOT NOW?


Recorded by: Maylia G.Trahan 1-5-2006 @ 5:00p.m.
note: red - Jesus silver-My voice

Bible Truths:
2 Kings 2
("Elijah" To call forth a double portion of Elijah's spirit is to call forth the spirit of God. Elijah had the Holy Spirit)
Leviticus 25 (Year of Jubilee) and Leviticus 26
Isaiah 61
Dueteronomy 28

A Kiss From Jesus

Jesus is the maker of the kiss. What does a kiss represent? Intimacy and love would be my response. I have a wonderful, anointed, spirit-filled, friend - ROZ. She is always talking about these little kisses from God. Well, since my last entry on my blog, I have had many changes in my life. The conference ended up being all about intimacy with Jesus. Divinely enough the painting was named by before I ever even arrived at the conference - "Captivating Love". Jude and I sold our home and moved into an apartment. We felt this was what the Lord had impressed on our hearts for this season. About a year ago the Lord spoke to me in my quiet time and said that He was going to position us at the Gates of the City. I really did not know what that meant, but I responded as I knew how, Let your will be done. Hurricane Katrina has brought the availability for apartments to a bare minimum. Well, we did get an apartment and are living right at the gates to our city. Now once we got here I continued anointing the place and went about designing a place that could be a sanctuary for our family. We looked out the window (a lake view) and the lake is filled with egrets(long white birds). The kiss was - back in April I painted a picture of 2 egrets "Bayou Love Birds" and the Lord had given me the scripture Deuteronomy 28 Blessings for Obedience. Well I wrote that scripture on the back and Deut.28:8 reference on the front, but replied to the Lord - I don't really know how this scripture ties in. Well, now I know. It was a kiss!! In the spirit a kiss represents a promise. I actually had prophetically painted the place the Lord had predestined for us to be. I am choosing to believe the promises He has impressed upon my heart and I pray that you also would take him at his word. He has really be encouraging me this year about the power of the written and the spoken word and what it does in the heavenly realm when it is written. I believe it might even be a key to unlocking some of the doors not only in my life but in others. When promises of God are put into words and written it is like activating or unlocking the things the Lord has predestined for those around you. The same is true of speaking ill will over someone - it not only unlocks a door in their life, but in yours. So, point is make it a key of unlocking someone's God given destiny. Let your keys be that of blessings.

It's all about the Glory of God

This weekend I have been asked to paint during the worship service at the Swiftfire conference held in Denham Springs, LA. I am pressing in to inquire what the Lord would have me to paint. He only reveals on a need to know basis. How relevant the "need to know basis" is in every area of my life. As I traveled to Breaux Brigde today to my print shop - "Impressions", the Lord reminded me of how he always comes through, when it's all about His Glory and LOVE being revealed. "He will never leave us and he will never forsake us"(Joshua1). As I inquire, I had to ask what is this conference, this painting, what are you all about Lord?? " Intimacy and Love with my people"-says the Lord to my heart. The Lord desires a realationship with us. It's about more than just being aquaintances. He wants us to know that we know that he loves us and that we love him - that nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father's Love. Lord, I pray that you change my heart and make me new today. Fill my heart with more of your love. Lord Jesus, pour out your love onto this canvas. To God be all the Glory. His Love is Captivating~!!!

Forgive Me Please, Daddy

Well it's 9:00 p.m. on October 9th. As I sit before the computer, I realize that there is something very important that I forgot today. My Daddy's Birthday. Now, would my Daddy George or my Heavenly Father ever forget my birthday, I don't think so. I love you so much Daddy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! And could you please find it in your heart to forgive your Baby Girl???

love
Maylia

A true heart of repentance

Lord, today I pray that you forgive me and your people of our sins, purify every persons heart. I want so badly to walk in righteousness as I know others do too. Forgive me for the times that I have had a complaining or ungrateful heart for what you have already done in my life.

As I was reading Numbers 14 yesterday and pondered those words:
Numbers 14:11 "How long will these people reject me? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?'

Are we so blinded by the spirit of deception that we can not even see or remember what he did for us. Even yesterday for that matter.

Jude and I were discussing repentance. I was expressing to him how I repent for others sins as an intercessor, that God would forgive his people "for they know not what they do". His question was: "Can we really repent for another's sin or is it just a self repentance? Or is it that you are actually praying for God to convict that person's heart of the sin they have fallen into?" Somehow God brought me to Numbers 14 through an article I was reading. In Numbers 14:17-20 Moses pleaded with God, asking him to forgive his people. So, If Moses can repent for God's people so can I. God did show mercy on them, because of Moses prayer. Yet they still died in the wilderness as punishment, which was the very thing they feared most. Why? They had become hard-hearted. So, I realized that an effective prayer might be one that would ask God to forgive his people, yet also convict each individuals heart of personal sin so they don't die in the wilderness. Soften the hearts that have become hard and bring them in right relationship with you, Lord Jesus. I ask you to join with me in asking for forgiveness. Please don't let any fear hold you captive and in the wilderness. "I know there are giants in the land, but we can take them. It is a land flowing with milk and honey. It is our promised land."

Is there some way just like the Israelites that keeps us wandering in the wilderness? The Israelites had a complaining problem and they were ungrateful for what God had already done. I want to be like Caleb and Joshua saying "We can take this land!"

Lord Jesus, I love you so much. Give me and my family and friends a heart that is so soft that you have the most intimate relationship with us. We praise you and thank you for what you have already done. Please Lord give us a true heart of repentance.

Seeking First

Got it done

I'm really excited about having this blog. I have just done something I believe I was suppose to do for quite a while now. It really feels good to have this project completed. Although, this is only one of the steps (baby steps). My 11 month old is trying to walk, I feel like I am learning to walk, just like my little Silas. I just recently started getting prints of the art work God is using me to do, as He has opened the door to take his work into the hands of others. I am in the process of getting an official website and having to make a decision of which piece of artwork will be used on cards and other material. That is a really hard choice - because every time the Lord completes one of these masterpieces I stand amazed at the work of His hands. It's really cool to see his glory unfold right in the midst of the storm. I know to some this may seem like menial tasks with everything that is going on in and around us, however it is always appropriate to praise Him for what he has already done. I am trying to get to the point where praise is my first response.

Stepping Out

I have just set up my blog and I am praying that God would only use these hands to convey his love to people. I am only doing this out of obedience. God has given me gifts that I could not possibly be worthy of, but because of his great love He desires to share the journey with us. I really only know at this point that He is taking me on a journey that I never planned. My heart and my cry is that I love the Lord Jesus and if there is any way I can be of use to Him that I am a willing vessel.