As a child, I thought about God when I looked at a statue of Jesus in our home or when our family went to church each Sunday. As a result of my teaching and my experiences, I came to the conclusion I knew all I needed to know about God, so I didn't give Him much thought. When I was married, I was content with a husband who provided a comfortable home and the blessings of two daughters.

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Then God intervened.

 

As I sat in church one Sunday, my eyes rose, I looked at Jesus on the cross, and the Lord spoke to me. The words “Why did He have to die” came from Him and went directly to my heart. That was the first time I heard God's voice, but it would not be the last.

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Things started to happen, not because of my efforts but because God put me in places where He taught me how to receive from Him. Our neighbor invited me to church. Some very special women showed me how to start a relationship with Jesus. One woman invited me to a Bible study. Another witnessed to me about healing while we were on vacation. These experiences led me to want to learn more deeply about Jesus.

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Soon afterward, God spoke to me about healing. He led me to learn all I could about healing of the body and the soul.  At one of the conferences I attended, I received the most precious gift from God. It was a new name. God first said “I am changing your name to Teri Joy.” He then He said I would go through trials.

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He would reveal several trials from my past and He knew there would be new trials as well. He showed me childhood traumas, and unhealthy personal decisions that needed to be healed. He knew I had inherited diseases. He knew we would experience several major betrayals. He knew I was going to need Him. I was going to need His love and His Holy Spirit's "dunamis" power to heal. He also gave me the joy that comes from trusting His love and faithfulness through difficult times, and the joy that comes from knowing He had the final word at the cross.

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God has also given me many years of ministry praying for and guiding women. Many feel a need for a mother figure in their lives, so I've become a second mom to some. Many have very broken hearts. Jesus healed all who came to Him.

 

He continues to show me what true joy is. He is true joy; He has provided a faithful husband, two daughters, their loving husbands, and seven marvelous grandchildren. Our family has a great hope and future.

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And He has given me the opportunity to share God’s promises by ministering to many women. In these devotionals, written originally for the women I pray with, I am now sharing Him with you. Everything God taught me about Himself over the past 35 years I am passing on to you, my beloved.

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I pray that, as you read God’s Word and wait for Him to speak to you, He will move you from where you are to a place of deeper intimacy with Him - the living God: Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.

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Blessings to all,​​

Teri Joy